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Bradley takes a patient-centered approach

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Tim Bradley has been with Comfort 1 Hospice as executive director for about a year now, “and I’m enjoying every day of it,” he said.

A southwest Michigan native, he earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in leadership from Western Michigan University.

He spent 14 years as a middle school math and science teacher before switching gears to nursing, earning a registered nurse degree from Southwest Michigan College and a bachelor’s in nursing from Western Governors University.

He got his nursing start in surgery at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was also an Army National Guard medic for 13 years.

Bradley said his education has been “100%” useful to his work up to the present day.

“Education can only hep you prepare for the next challenge or the next task that you want to take on. You build on your experiences and take pieces from every place that you’ve been to get you where you are today,” he explained.

After taking some management positions in the Bronson Health Care System in Kalamazoo, Mich., he was ready to get back to working closely with people.

“I was kind of wanting to do something that I felt mattered

a little bit more,” he said. “ ... I still see patients. I get to manage people but I also get to be part of the strategic planning. So, it’s just a complete big picture view of everything that’s going on here. I think that allows me to relate better to my employees here, as well as the patients, because I’m seeing all sides of it,” he said.

Along with seeing patients, Bradley is responsible for education of staff, contract negotiations, keeping track of state requirements for hospice care and finances on a day-to-day basis. On Fridays, Bradley often brings his yellow lab, Luna, into the office.

When it comes to his staff, Bradley appreciates the fact Comfort 1 is physician owned, as the lack of corporate oversight lends him more freedom in who he hires.

“I’ve been able to hire the right kind of people and that’s more important to me than where they’ve worked, how long they’ve worked there, because we can teach the rest of it. You can’t teach someone to be a good person,” he said.

Bradley cites listening as a vital skill in hospice management.

“Whether it’s the patients or the families or the staff, they’re going to tell you what they need. As a leader in any position, your goal is to provide people with what they need,” he explained. “This is especially important when patients need adjustments made to their end

of life care.”

Obstacles arise when a patient needs something Comfort 1 can’t provide. Bradley related one example of a patient, who could have his intravenous nutrition or hospice care covered by Medicare, but not both.

“I had to share with the family that I wasn’t able to help them until they stopped the nutrition, because we’re just not allowed to. It’s too expensive for us to cover that and care for the man ... How you care for someone shouldn’t be controlled by how much you get reimbursed,” he stated. “That is one of the most disappointing things about American health care.”

However, Bradley is able to find the rewards in his work.

“The most gratifying thing is just knowing you’re there for the patient and the families. It’s never going to be all smiles, but if you can mix in comfort and love and compassion at a very difficult time, I guess you can go to bed with a full heart,” he concluded.

Hitting the sweet spot

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

I suppose our lives are like blank paper with an emptiness that needs filling in.

It will take a lot of years and a lot of work to get to the point of “you have been.”

But I’ve decided “I have been” about as far as I am going.

Physically, it would appear, my life is surely slowing.

But I find quality in my memories.

Now all I need are the words.

To tell my stories properly, I’ll need adjectives, nouns, and verbs.

But quantity should not be what we seek, as rabbits and mosquitoes might attest.

But finding value in the works of life should really be your daily quest.

The flower, the breeze, the sky, the trees.

A chance encounter of a pleasant kind.

For me I find this engages my soul, and my soul engages my mind.

And I think of my own blank slate.

That is pretty much all filled in,

But there is always a hint of a smile.

When I think of the long, strange trip it’s been.

MORALE BOOSTER Bradley’s yellow lab, Luna, is a regular visitor at the Comfort 1 office. Photo provided by Anastasia Koucouthakis.

TEAM EFFORT Executive Director Tim Bradley and Compliance Assistant Anastasia Koucouthakis are pictured working together in the Comfort 1 Hospice office. Bradley places emphasis on hiring “the right kind of people” to work on his team. “ ... We can teach the rest. You can’t teach someone to be a good person,” he said. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

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Questions

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Love for music not fading for Buckley

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

If you visited the Blueberry Festival in Marshall County you probably saw Ken Buckley performing on stage. At age 85, Buckley’s passion for music allows him to be in two different bands that performed at the Blueberry Festival.

“I know that music brings a lot of joy to people and sometimes it might take problems

away from them,” Buckley said. Buckley plays for the Marshall County Church Orchestra and also for the band Sentimental Journeys. Both with back-to-back performances on the Jefferson Stage on Friday, Aug. 29, at the Blueberry Festival.

Sentimental Journeys plays music from the 1940s and 1950s. Buckley likes the fact the two bands have their own genre of music but admits it

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can be tricky playing for the two given the contrast in style.

“The challenge of music in the orchestra is a lot different than the challenge with Sentimental Journeys,” Buckley said.

It’s no secret Buckley is the elder statesmen of both groups and he tries to help out younger musicians when he can. It’s not uncommon for a high schooler to be on the Marshall County Church Orchestra.

“There are people who have not played for that long and are not as familiar with their instrument as I am,” Buckley said. “People will ask me how to play certain notes.”

His instrument of choice is the tenor saxophone but he has also played the alto saxophone and the clarinet. Buckley is a crowd favorite when he performs a solo in the bands.

“I do a lot of the ad lib solos,” Buckley said. “You just have to create them on your own at the time. It’s just something I have learned to do.”

Buckley grew up in East Chicago and began playing music when he was in high school. He says his dad, helped encourage him with music as he played in band during his 20s and 30s. Buckley says his dad was known as the “Waltz King” locally. Buckley also took music lessons from a neighbor.

He got married but his wife passed away when Buckley was just 40 and had three kids. He took a break from music during that time. He would later remarry and his wife, Gerry, encouraged him to get back into music.

When he heard Sentimental Journeys perform for the first time he complimented the band and the lead singer. He was surprised when they asked if he would be interested in joining.

he has 12 grandchildren and a couple great-grandchildren. He has advice for those wanting to take their hobby of music to the next level.

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He worked as an electrical engineer but when he retired, he and his wife moved to Plymouth just less than 20 years ago.

His son, Ken Buckley Jr., would later join the band to and play drums.

Today, Buckley has five children who all married, and now

“You have to have a love for music,” Buckley said. “And there are many people in the orchestra who played an instrument in high school, see the group and get motivated to play an instrument again.”

A new milestone: 4,000 acres preserved

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has announced the achievement of a milestone in land preservation. Following the recent acquisition of the Big Eastern property in rural Starke County, Shirley Heinze Land Trust now protects more than 4,000 acres of land in northwestern Indiana.

“For over 60 years, the Lucas family has treasured and provided stewardship for this fascinating and bio-diverse sand country landscape,” said Marty Lucas, president of Big, Eastern, Incorporated, on behalf of the Lucas family.

“When we learned of the Next Level Conservation Trust program, we realized the time had come for us to pass the torch. To make perpetual preservation and management a reality, we enthusiastically agreed to facilitate the transition by offering a bargain sale to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.”

Preservation of the Big Eastern supports Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s strategic vision to expand geographically into Starke, Marshall, and

St. Joseph counties — none of which were previously being serviced by an Indiana land trust. The strategic vision to expand into these counties to preserve land creates new conservation areas and provides both outdoor recreation and engagement opportunities.

Funding for this endeavor was generously provided by the Next Level Conservation Trust, which is the largest single infusion of state dollars into conservation in the state’s history.

The program provides a match of funding to support the acquisition of land that is protected for conservation in perpetuity.

“Whether it’s through the Next Level Conservation Trust or the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, Hoosiers play a key role in helping us preserve land like this,” said Mark Becker, director of the Division of Land Acquisition at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “When Hoosiers choose the blue environment

license plate, they’re helping to forever protect land, like this in Starke County and across Indiana. We’re proud to work alongside Shirley Heinze Land Trust to protect Indiana’s natural heritage.”

The Big Eastern preserve encompasses over 425 acres of land, preserving black-oak dominated sand savanna, sand prairie, emergent marsh, riparian habitat and woodlands. Plans for the future management of the property include ongoing stewardship efforts to maintain its ecological health, with a focus on sustainable practices.

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy.

PLAYING THE CLASSICS — Ken Buckley plays his saxophone for the group Sentimental Journeys. Photo provided by Ken Buckley.

Free Community Active Aging, Wellness Resource Fair

By MALANA MAHER President and Founder Aging Connections of Michiana

A Free Community Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair will be held Sept. 18.

It will be held on the second floor of the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center of the Four Winds Hotel, which is located next to the Four Winds Casino, 3000 Prairie Ave., South Bend.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free parking and valet parking is available. There will be health screenings and resources, information to stay active and healthy, veterans resources, entertainment and raffle prizes with proceeds supporting The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center.

Interact with Local Resources

Attendees can speak with 90-plus aging resources to help them transition seamlessly through any phase of life. This is a “one-stop shopping” event for community members looking to connect with valuable local resources.

Come for resources and stay for the free entertainment.

Opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and include The Miller’s Vets Color Guard from The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center and the national anthem, performed by Dena Benham, director of customer experience, Hubbard Hill.

Additional performers are Forever Learning’s Solid Silver Dancers, Island Breeze Steel Drum, and Michael Jon DeHays, Imphormal Cello.

Four Winds Senior Day Perks are 25% off Edgewater, Timbers, The Buffet, and Kankakee Grille. Club members earn 100 points at Four Winds when they visit a kiosk between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to receive an $10 instant credit/free slot.

We look forward to our third annual event at the Four Winds Hotel’s Event Center. Last year was a lot of fun, and we had many great resources available for attendees. This year will be even better with 90-plus exhibitors offering veterans resources, aging information, health screenings, and raffle prizes, with proceeds supporting The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center, and great entertainment available all day.

Our organization provides professional and community education. Our members provide the continuum of aging resources. That means we are a resourcing organization. We connect individuals with the services and providers that best meet their current needs. So, we encourage everyone to attend this free event to discover ways we can help.

Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit group connecting people and organizations. We offer quality educational programs and community resources to support our aging population. Businesses can connect and share their services with those who need professional resources. By working together, we help each other, and our communities thrive. Aging Connections currently serves northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. For additional information, visit agingconnections.org.

COME FOR THE RESOURCES A Free Community Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair will be held Sept. 18 in South Bend.

Photo provided.

Seniors lunch and fellowship at REAL Services meal sites

Text and Photos

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

For over 50 years, REAL Services has offered a free lunch every weekday for those age 60 and up at sites around Northern Indiana.

Nutrition Manager Jarena Baker, in her office at REAL Services headquarters in South Bend, emphasized the program is not based on need or income.

“It’s about the food and the socialization,” she explained. “We have a lot of people that attend our program not because they need the food but because they want the connection. It’s a good reason to leave the house every day.”

Lunch is served 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each site has a director responsible for serving lunch, which is prepared fresh daily.

“The clients and the site directors really form a special relationship,” Baker noted.

While there is a suggested donation of $4.25 per meal, which goes directly back into the nutrition program, there are no required fees.

The program operates on a reservation basis, but clients don’t need to attend daily. REAL Services asks clients to call the site director if they can’t make it to lunch.

“We ask for two business days notice if possible ... If today’s Friday, we could get you scheduled on Tuesday. A lot of times people will give a whole month. They’ll call and say, ‘I want all these days in September,’ and then call to cancel if their plans change,” said Baker.

There are also volunteer opportunities available. Baker listed volunteer activities such as, “serving the meals, wiping down tables, keeping track of folks signing in. ... They can do up to the full site director’s job or as little as taking out the trash,” she said.

Monthly menus are listed online ahead of time. Baker named comfort foods like meatloaf and biscuits and gravy as client favorites. For updated menus and a complete list of meal sites, visit realservices. org, click on “Services,” followed by “Meals,” “Nutrition,” and “Senior Meal Sites.” Baker understands some

Q. What’s up for Senior Talk Michiana in September?

A. September’s guests include Malana Maher with information about the 2025 Active Aging and Wellness Fair, Thursday, September 18th, at the Four Winds Casino event center in South Bend. Also, Maggie “O” from The Owls Club comes to us with information on the club’s Open House scheduled for October 10th. Both of these ladies are returning and are very welcome guests to our podcast

As we mentioned last month, Senior Talk Michiana is now designated as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, allowing us to apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible donations. Please consider contributing and sharing this with your friends, enabling us to reach a larger percentage of the 260,000 seniors in Michiana and provide them with information about

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

roseandrose@comcast.net

may be hesitant about the application process.

“I would be worried they would ask to see a bunch of documentation, paperwork, income — we don’t ask for any of those things. (The application) is just that one sheet of paper,” she said. “Even sites that are in apartment buildings, you do not have to live there to eat with us, all our sites are open to the public. There are no barriers, the only qualification is age.”

There are already about 400 daily visitors to REAL Services’ 28 meal sites around five counties. Baker said there are plans to meet the growing need for socialization by starting another meal site at the Portage Commons Senior Center, 133 N. William St., South Bend.

“There’s always some kind of activity going on in there,” she mentioned. The opening is slated for mid to late September.

REAL Services will be hosting its annual fall dinner party Wednesday, Oct. 8. The event features local trivia, mocktails, an ice cream bar and live oldies music. Tickets are available for $6 at any nutrition site, up until Wednesday, Oct. 1. Guests

available services, organizations, and events. Sponsored by Aging Connections of Michiana, Senior Life Newspapers, and Goshen Home Medical, Senior Talk Michiana is specifically tailored for seniors, offering valuable information on services and organizations in Michiana. Listeners can access the podcast through free subscriptions available on Spotify and www.seniortalkmichiana.org. Episodes are also available at www.thomaslrose.com/ senior-talk.

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Senior Talk Michiana

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do need to be a nutrition site client to attend the party.

REAL Services also meets nutritional needs by participating in a farmers market voucher program for those 60 and up. An income-based program, those who apply can receive a $50 voucher to spend at participating vendors, and they don’t need to be a client to participate. A list of the participating vendors and a map of their locations is provided.

For more information or help signing up for programs, contact the nutrition office at (574) 284-7168 or nutrition@ realservices.org.

Meal Sites In

St. Joseph County

• 100 Center High Rise Apartments, 100 N. Center St., Mishawaka, (574) 259-1611.

• Battell Center, 904 N. Main St., Mishawaka, (574) 256-2325.

• Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship, 58362 Beech Road, Osceola, (574) 674-6503.

• 1ROOF Southeast Neighborhood Center, 405 E. Dubail Ave., South Bend, (574) 3818981.

• Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington, South Bend,

(574) 229-5911

• Fairington Apartments, 1220 E. Fairington Circle, South Bend, (574) 291-5597.

• Heritage Place at LaSalle Square, 3224 Ardmore Trail, South Bend, (574) 286-0916.

• Karl King Tower, 515 E. Monroe St. South Bend, (574) 232-4934.

• Sanctuary Trinity Tower, 316 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. N., South Bend, (574) 234-7278.

• The Legion, 302 Legion Drive, Walkerton, (574) 3341047.

Hospice Care

Q. How is Hospice Care personalized for each patient?

A. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals facing a life-limiting illness. While the core mission remains the same for every patient managing symptoms, easing discomfort, and offering emotional support, the approach is highly personalized to meet each person’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances.

The first step in personalization is individualized care planning. A hospice team typically made up of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical condition, emotional state, spiritual needs, and home environment. This information guides the creation of a care plan tailored to the patient’s specific symptoms, goals, and wishes.

Medical care is adapted to each patient’s condition. For example, one person may need advanced pain management for cancer, while another might require breathing treatments for end-stage lung disease. Medications, equipment, and treatments are carefully chosen to balance symptom relief with maintaining alertness and comfort.

Personalization also extends to emotional and spiritual support. Some patients draw strength from religious rituals, while others prefer secular counseling,

Tim Bradley, MA, BSN, RN Executive Director-Comfort1 Hospice

music therapy, or simply quiet companionship. The hospice team works closely with the patient and their family to honor these preferences, ensuring that care supports the whole person not just the illness.

Family involvement is another key factor. Hospice care includes education and guidance for loved ones, empowering them to participate in the patient’s comfort and care. This may mean training a spouse on medication administration, arranging respite care, or helping children understand and cope with the situation.

By focusing on what matters most to each individual whether it’s staying at home, enjoying favorite meals, or having certain people nearby hospice care becomes deeply personal. This tailored approach ensures that every patient’s final chapter is written with compassion, respect, and meaning.

HELPERS Site director Dorothy Laughman, left, and volunteer Doris Baker chat over coffee before serving lunch. Volunteers can do anything from cleaning to serving food, all the way up the site director’s job.

Tom Rose

South Bend Symphony opens its season

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 season and the June H. Edwards Mosaic Series with Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The performance takes place at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and will be conducted by Music Director Alastair Willis. Tickets for this concert, and the entire season, are now on

sale. Find out more information at southbendsymphony.org.

“We’re thrilled to open the season with a program that highlights the incredible artistry of our own musicians,” said Sarah Perschbacher, interim executive director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. “This concert not only celebrates timeless works by Bologne, Still and Mozart,

but also showcases the depth of talent within our orchestra. It’s a perfect start to an exciting season ahead.”

The performance opens with Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 in G major, an energetic work by the trailblazing 18th-century composer. Following this is William Grant Still’s “Mother and Child,” a bittersweet movement drawn from

South Bend Civic Theatre presents August Wilson’s ‘Seven Guitars’

The South Bend Civic Theatre will present August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” and is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

The fifth play in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, “Seven Guitars” is part elegy, part mystery, and all blues. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Wilson’s freewheeling comedy takes an intimate look at seven friends and the events leading up to the untimely death of an up-and-

Misdiagnosis can kill

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Estimates run wild in this case but anywhere from 40,000 to 250,000 people die each year from having their medical issues misdiagnosed by a medical professional.

These errors are not limited to rare diseases but are rife among the most common maladies, ranging from fractures to high blood pressure.

Errors in three major illness account for half of all the disabilities and deaths caused by diagnostic errors.

These are cancer, infections and vascular events, ranging from blood clots to stroke.

To help avoid such mistakes, learn to take care of yourself. Write down a timeline and symptoms of your condition when you meet with your doctor. As the patient, you’re the customer, so ask questions before you buy what you’re being told. Ask for a second opinion that will either confirm or correct the original diagnosis.

coming blues musician. Who or what killed Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton?

Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, this tale of star-crossed stardom, told in flashback, follows Floyd’s last days, as his determination for a better future slams against life’s harsh realities.

“Seven Guitars” includes depictions and language of racism, sexuality, physical violence, sexism, and death and is appropriate for those in high school and up. It’s directed by Tiana Mudzimurema.

Performances will take place in the Warner Studio, located at the South Bend Civic Theater, 403 N. Main St., downtown South Bend. Evening show times are at 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13.

Tickets are general admission, ranging in price from $35-$27 and can be purchased at sbct.org or by calling the box office at (574) 234-1112.

A pay-what-you-can preview performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4. Ticket link is https://ci.ovationtix.com/35243/ production/1228993.

A pre-show lecture is at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, in the civic’s main lobby. This event is free to ticket holding patrons.

“Seven Guitars” is sponsored by AEP Foundation + Indiana Michigan Power, Shein Trust, University of Notre Dame, African American Community Fund, First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, and Penske Truck Rental.

South Bend Latin Dance offers senior nights

South Bend Latin Dance offers dances every Wednesday to salsa, bachata and more at Ironhand Wine Bar, 1025 Northside Blvd., South Bend, or sometimes at the Armory, adjacent to the wine bar.

It has lots of events at other places throughout the year as well.

The dances are for all ages, but some senior dancers are regulars.

It also has a senior night the first Wednesday of every month, where those over 55 get in for half price.

It also has a regular Thursday dances in Elkhart.

For more information, visit facebook.com/SouthBendLatinDance, call (574) 876-7786 or email southbendlatindance@ gmail.com.

It’s easy! Simply find the ‘Labor Day Hard Hat’ on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, September 15, 2025. Brought To You By

206 S.

his suite for violin and piano, reimagined for orchestra.

Then South Bend Symphony musicians Aviva Hakanoglu, principal second violin, and Nicholas Jeffery, principal viola, take the lead as soloists in Mozart’s beloved “Sinfonia Concertante.”

“I absolutely love playing with the South Bend Symphony,” said Hakanoglu. “There is such a high level of musicianship and camaraderie that feels unique to this ensemble. It is an honor to have the opportunity to be featured as a soloist. Nick and I began our tenures with the symphony at the same time and have gotten to play together not only in the orchestra, but also in the Symphony-to-Go String Quintet. It is so easy and fun to play

together. Mozart’s ‘Sinfonia Concertante’ is also full of conversations with each other and the orchestra. It’s going to be a very special experience to make chamber music as soloists and with this beloved orchestra.”

“I am very excited to play this amazing piece with my friends and colleagues,” said Jeffery. “Mozart gave violists a real gift with this piece. I am looking forward to the performance.”

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s season sponsors are Jack M. Champaigne and Jordan Lexus of Mishawaka. Discounts, priority seating and other exclusive benefits are available to season subscribers. Subscribe at southbendsymphony.org or by phone at (574) 232-6343.

Goshen author releases new book

Goshen author Tom Rose has released a new book, “Dammit: A Book of Short Stories, Musings & Commentaries,” to make you laugh and cry.

The title of the book isn’t a philosophical masterpiece; it’s more like a loud shout in the library — unexpected, maybe a little scandalous, but oh so relatable! It captures those times when you’re ready to throw up your hands and yell, “Dammit!” In a world where everything seems to be a crime against humanity, this book is a reflection of life’s roller coaster.

Rose has authored other books, including “Balloon in a

Box: Coping with Grief” after the loss of his wife to breast cancer in 2019. Followed by a murder mystery, “The Secret is in the Pasta,” in 2023, and also the “Cooking Together” series of cookbooks with his wife and family. He has made over 170 speaking appearances with the “Balloon in a Box” book throughout the Midwest, and also hosts the weekly podcast Senior Talk Michiana, a nonprofit dedicated to providing senior information on services and events in Michiana

The “Dammit” book, along with his others, is available on Amazon, Fables Books in Goshen, and online at thomaslrose.com.

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UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

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The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra 20th Annual Hoosier Star vocal competition is Sept. 13, at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. It will feature the adult winners from the nine prior Hoosier Star competitions who will compete for the prestigious title “Hoosier Star of Stars” as well as a cash prize. The finalists will sing their winning songs, accompanied by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson.

The finalists are: Alyssa Atkinson, South Bend (2024 winner); Kelly Staton, Griffith (2023); Julia Thorn, Crown Point (2022); Jarynn Sampson, South Bend (2021); Alyse Flores, LaPorte (2020); Joe Stewart, Michigan City (2019); Mike Green, LaPorte (2018); Julia Campoli-Biek, South Bend (2017); and James Neary, LaPorte (2016).

The event also serves as a fundraiser for the LCSO; last year’s event raised nearly $50,000 for the symphony’s mission. There will be no auditions for Hoosier Star this year. Interested parties are encouraged to check the LCSO website in January 2026 for information about Hoosier Star 2026 auditions, which will take place in March 2026.

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September 14 is Hug and Hike with Your Hound Day. All patrons bringing their dogs to St. Patrick’s, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek and Bendix Woods County Parks on that day will have their gate fee waived and receive a special goodie bag for their pooch and want all dog owners to relax and enjoy the trails with their furry best friend. This program is sponsored in part by Pets Supplies Plus, South Bend. For more information, call (574) 277-4828.

—o—

A Fall Garden Party will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 21, at Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles Mich. Join in for food, fun and friendship. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens, visit an herbal tarot reader and capture a candid memory at the

photo booth. As they gather under the tent, you’ll find open seating and opportunities to mingle around cocktail tables, featuring remarks by Daniel J. Hinkley, local food and drink, online silent auction and live auction. This will be supporting Fernwood’s gardens, education and new Stumpery Project. Tickets are $100 each; purchase online by Sept. 7. —o—

Wild Ones South Bend is hosting its fall native plant

sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Pinhook Park in South Bend. Area nurseries and greenhouses will be selling perennial plants, shrubs and trees that thrive when planted in the fall. For more information, visit Wild Ones website at southbend.wildones.org.

—o—

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m.

Flying not the

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Fearful flyers have had a lot of time to think about when and whether or not to board another airliner.

Researchers report as many as one out of three people are either afraid or anxious about flying. Data also reveal one out of every four passengers aboard any flight is a white-knuckler.

A late colleague logged thousands of miles in his constant global search for top-grade material for his company, but he remembers none of them. The only way he could get himself to board a plane was to fortify

Mondays and Wednesdays, seated strength; 1 p.m. Mondays, a craft; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Melt; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Support Squad and Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, dominoes; 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba. Visit riverbendcancerservices.org or call (574) 287-4197.

only way to go

himself with booze so he could fall asleep immediately after he buckled himself in.

Airlines boast of their safety record, and rightly so. Flying ranks atop the list of travel methods for safety, speed and cost.

But senior travelers who can take their time to get around can shop for a cruise ship to transport them comfortably to and from Rio or Rome without having to be crowded into an uncomfortable seat in an uncomfortable metal tube.

Another maritime alternative is a freighter. While the quarters aren’t as luxurious as a mega-liner, they can be just

as comfortable at a third of the cost.

The COVID-19 shutdown and border closings gave everyone a new look at daily living and time to consider how they’re going to live the rest of their lives. Visiting friends and family climbed higher up the travel ladder and, since many of them are within these borders, driving can replace flying.

Flying may still be the quickest way to get you there, especially for faraway destinations. But it’s not stretching the truth when you say it’s not fun anymore.

Apartment Living

Peter Horvath sees his kids grow as Marian Knights

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

At this point it would be difficult to find someone else who is a bigger fan of the Mishawaka Marian Knights than Peter Horvath. Horvath has had four children go through the athletic programs at the school and it is the final sports season for his youngest.

“Our youngest son is a senior on the team this year. We’ve had three older children go through and graduate from Marian. We’ve been involved with the Marian football program for eight consecutive years now,” Horvath said.

Horvarth works in the business office at Marian and assist families with tuition and financial aide. His children attended the school because he and wife, Michelle, wanted them to go to Marian, not because he is faculty.

“It’s a happy coincidence that I’m there. Our kids would be going there regardless,” Horvarth said. “It’s a nice plus that I’m able to work there and see things on a first hand basis too.”

Horvath graduated from Saint Joseph High School in South Bend where he played football as his main sport.

Michelle graduated from Mishawaka where she won a state

championship with the school volleyball team.

When it came to find a school for their kids Mishawaka Marian was the school who came out on top.

“Geographically it made sense for Marian. We’ve been involved. We just absolutely love it. It’s become more of a home than Saint Joe,” Horvarth said.

What ultimately made Marian the place for their kids was the schools’ Catholic teaching and background. Proximity and class size were also contributing factors.

“Catholic education was important to us and really the academics, the spiritual life, the sense of family and the sense of community have been top notch for us,” Horvath said. “To know how important it is to have God and Jesus and faith at the center of your life. To always be striving in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s in the classroom or in the football field. Always be striving to do your best and to get to heaven.”

Their daughter, Michaela, played tennis and swimming. Their oldest son, Atticus, was on the football team and also played rugby. While with the Knights, Atticus and his team always went far in the postseason. The Knights were a game

away from reaching the state championship game in Indianapolis for three consecutive seasons.

“We were close several times against Chatard and Brebeuf. It would have been nice to have broken through and get to the state championship one of those times but we didn’t,” Horvath said. “Getting there was certainly a team highlight.”

Jackson Horvath competed in basketball and golf.

“He played basketball and had a great career. He was more of an outside shooter. He hit a game-winner against Penn his senior year. Anytime you can beat Penn it’s a good thing,” Horvath said.

Prescott Horvath also plays basketball and is a leader on the football team on the offensive line.

“Prescott has given us some highlights as well but we have a lot more to come his senior year,” Horvath said.

Though the long tenure of being a Mishawaka Marian team dad he is especially proud of the assistance Michelle provides as a Mishawaka Marian team mom.

“My wife, Michelle, she has been their cheerleader literally and figuratively. She’s really stepped up for all of the sports being involved in as far as being a team mom,” Horvath said. “She has just been a major supporter. A lot of their success is due to her for sure.”

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KNIGHTS OF THE FAMILY — Pictured from left are Prescott Horvath, Atticus Horvath, Michelle Horvath,Peter Horvath, Michaela Horvath and Jackson Horvath. All four children played sports at Mishawaka Marian. Photo provided by Peter Horvath.

Weber reflects on a lifetime of Jewish faith

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

“When I was 13, I was bar mitzvahed in this building” said Robert Weber from his seat in the library of Sinai Synagogue.

Weber is a South Bend native and ordained rabbi, who chose not lead a congregation after graduating from a New York rabbinical school in 1966.

“Some colleagues of mine who were in the school did internships in congregations, one of whom told me, ‘being a congregational rabbi is like herding cats.’ I’ve got one cat I can’t control, much less a congregation,” he joked.

For Weber, religious schooling did not hold many surprises, but did put his faith in “a broader context.”

His father was “Jewish by choice,” Weber said, converting after marrying his mother, who had been raised Orthodox.

Weber himself has been part

on occasion he would be called to say the blessings over the Torah, he could do that clear as a bell.”

After finishing school, Weber lived in Houston for 30 years and was “on and off” in his observance.

He later moved back to South Bend to take care of his parents as they aged. After they passed away, he started coming to Sinai in the mornings to say the kaddish prayer for them. Soon enough, it became a daily habit.

Now, he acts as a gabbai and assists with the daily prayers and services, some days in person and some days over Zoom. Part of his responsibility is calling congregants up to do readings.

Being a working musician for many years, including 17 as the bass player for area Irish music band, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Weber has broken rules on working, traveling and using electricity during Shabbat a

I am working the neighborhood

“We

By DICK WOLFSIE

here are many people in our neighwith diverse professions. pharmacists, experts and ple, among others. All of these individuals not only excelled in their respective fields but are also accomplished in other areas. For many retirees, this is a way to make the most of their newfound leisure time.

The other day, my neighbor, Steve, came over for a beer, and he noticed that we had a new door installed in our basement to create an additional bedroom. We still needed a craftsman to put what is called “mud” on the wall so we could paint over the screws that held the drywall in place. I felt sorry for Steve. Poor guy is a retired pharmacist and now has no prescriptions to fill, so I let him fill the holes in my wall. He was here every day for a week. I assume he was grateful, but he never really thanked me.

While this was going on, Mary Ellen had asked on Facebook if anyone knew a

good seamstress for a dress she wanted altered. Laura, also retired, called my wife and said she was very accomplished at this sort of thing and would be happy to do the sewing, Free of charge, of course. Mary Ellen was hesitant to accept this offer, but I insisted she do so. Laura has been very nice to us, so we felt we owed her this favor. We decided to let her do it. She deserved it.

So far, we have had no outof-pocket expenses, except for Steve, with whom I shared a case of Blue Moon. If my wall could get plastered, so could Steve and I.

The next day, our clothes dryer went on the fritz, so on my daily jog around the block, I told everyone I passed that the Wolfsies needed an appliance repairman. Tom, a retired automobile salesman from down the street, called and said it was probably just the heating element, and told me he could replace it. He enjoys tinkering. I knew he was desperately looking for something to occupy his time. Giving him the opportunity was the least I could do.

A couple of days later, Mary Ellen was grappling with an issue related to long-term care, which necessitated a conversation with our lawyer, who is paid by the hour. I once again began my trot around the neighborhood. To each person

I passed, I casually mentioned our dilemma. That night, I received a call from our neighbor, Dave, a healthcare expert, offering some complimentary advice. I figured he needed something else to keep him busy on the weekends. I let him help us.

Mary Ellen felt guilty about accepting yet another freebie, but I convinced her that this was a magnanimous gesture on our part, a way of helping our friends feel useful in their retirement.

Later that month, I let Eric fix a leaky pipe. I permitted Paul to tune up my lawn mower, and Rahul was offered the opportunity to put my computer back online.

How lucky those folks are to have me as a neighbor.

Travel economically

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

If you can’t visit with family or friends on your trip, look around for bed-and-breakfast facilities along the route you plan to take. Avoid the chain hotels and motels, which cost more and many have reportedly been exposed at being not too sanitary.

When you’re on the road, ask locals for directions and advice. Pop into a merchant’s store and ask them where they go for lunch or dinner. Look for a restaurant with a local menu and try the special of the day.

If you’re on a driving vacation, skirt the big cities. Should you want to get to downtown Los Angeles, Boston, New York or any big town, park in a suburban community and take a train or local transit into the business district.

DAILY PRAYERS Robert Weber shows a printed prayer in Sinai Synagogue’s chapel. An ordained rabbi, he chose not to lead his own congregation; however, he still acts as a gabbai and assists with the reading of the Torah at daily services. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

NUTSHELL

Blast to the Past! —

‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ changed Glen Campbell’s singing career

Glen Campbell

Kismet.

Another word for fate or destiny. If we’re lucky, kismet, should it enter our life, will be seen as something positive.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

As one of 12 kids, Glen Campbell was born in 1936 on an Arkansas farm with no electricity. When he was 4, one of his uncles gave him a $5 Sears guitar and taught him how to play it. Campbell took to the instrument easily and proved to be a most passionate prodigy.

At 14, he left school and moved with some of his brothers to Houston, where they found work installing insulation. But Glen kept on playing — at churches, at bars, on local radio outlets. In 1960, he moved to California and eventually became a top Hollywood session guitarist and vocalist, as the good-looking Campbell also possessed a warm-as-honey singing voice.

In the mid-1960s, he briefly toured as a Brian Wilson replacement after the Beach Boy leader battled drug problems. In time, Glen became a Capitol Records hitmaker and a TV celebrity with his “The Glen

Campbell Goodtime Hour.” He even landed a role in the John Wayne movie “True Grit.”

But as the years rolled on, Campbell gradually lost his luster. His TV show was axed, his name slipped off radio-station playlists, and nobody came forth with more movie roles. But Glen, who was still in his 30s by the mid-1970s, felt he still had much left to offer the world of entertainment.

One day in 1974, while driving in Los Angeles, he tuned into a country-music station and first heard the song that would change his dwindling career. “Rhinestone Cowboy” had been done by a New York singer/songwriter named Larry Weiss, who was striving for stardom with the original tune that he hoped would put his own name in lights. While nothing in Weiss’s song was anything that Glen could relate to — he had never been a struggling New York country hopeful — Campbell loved the song’s flow and the determination that dominated the narrative.

To Glen, “Rhinestone Cowboy” had the potential to herald a comeback, maybe even become his signature song if it ever became a hit cover disc under his own name.

He bought a cassette of Weiss’s album “Black and White Suite” and carried it with him during a three-week Australian tour. He claimed later that he listened to

“Rhinestone Cowboy” so often that, by the time he returned to America, he could whistle the darned song backwards. Once home, Glen charged into the office of Capitol Records executive Al Coury to tell him of the “discovery” he had made. But before Campbell could share Weiss creation’s creation with Coury, Al told the artist that he first wanted him to hear a tune that he felt had great potential for the one-time superstar. It was called “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Kismet?

Glen’s lavish version of “Rhinestone Cowboy” rocketed to Number One (his first-ever Hot 100 chart-topper) on both

the pop and country Billboard lists. Had that been random luck? Or maybe —maybe — something else.

CHANGED HIS CAREER Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” changed his dwindling career.

Photo from The Guardian.

Join Us for REAL Talk Practical Tips for Staying on Your Feet: Fall Prevention

Free presentations and community connections. Topics target those 60 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.

Sept. 10 | 11 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284 - 7189

Sept. 18 | 11 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

Sept. 26 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF(Lunch) (574) 284-7189

Sept. 30 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army of Elkhart (Lunch) (574) 284-7184

Reserve your spot by visiting realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/

Independence | Dignity | Strength

1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205

realservices.org Real Services, Inc. info@ info@realservices.org

Senior Fall Dinner Party

Mocktails, Trivia & Ice Cream Bar Doors Open at 4pm

Health Education Classes

Bingocize | Fridays: Aug 1-Oct 3 10 AM - 11 AM | Portage Commons

SAIL I Tues & Thurs: Starts Aug 5 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Portage Commons

WISE I Wednesdays: Sept 17-Oct 22 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM (CT) | Michigan City Senior Center

Pre-Registration Required, Call (574) 284 - 7189

An evening of Mocktails & Mingling, trivia, dinner, an ice cream sundae bar, and music!

Sept 11 | Kosciusko County | Atwood Community Building

Sept 17 | LaPorte County | DAV#23 Greetham Hall

Sept 24 | Marshall County | 1st United Church of Christ

Oct 1 | Elkhart County | Greencroft Goshen Community

Oct 8 | St Joe County | Grace United Methodist

The REAL Grille Food Truck

Sept 6 | Lerner on the Lawn | Kool & the Gang Concert

Sept 12 & 19 | Notre Dame Friday Night Rockne Bash

Sept 27 & 28 | Fushion Fest

Visit REAL Services Facebook for more updates

Better Age Initiative

REAL Services, your trusted Area Agency on Aging, is partnering with BetterAge to bring you a new way to take charge of your life—on your own terms.

Take a 7–10-minute assessment

Receive Your Personal Health and Well-Being Report. Get a customized Action Plan with guidance and resources you can use immediately.

Explore steps for growth and improvement

Your participation benefits both you and the broader community—locally and nationally.

Upcoming Events

3rd Annual Fall Festival

A day filled with fun for the whole family with music by Jake from Starheart. Free Entry.

September 10 | 11 AM - 2 PM 111 Sunnybrooke Ct. South Bend, IN

RSVP | (574) 232-4121

2025 Trivia Night

Hollywood red carpet themed evening of games, costume contest, prizes, and cash & card bar!

$20 | Per person

$150 | Table of 8

Oct 24 | 6 PM - 9 PM | Elks Lodge #235 3535 McKinley Ave., South Bend, IN

Scan to Register

How I Stay Strong

Stay strong, stay connected, stay protected

By KARLA “KJ” MAPES President/CEO REAL Services

These years, they’re mine and I plan to make the most of them.

I first started getting the flu vaccine when my mom had a stroke. She was high risk, and I needed to protect her. At the time, I got vaccinated for her. But now, with 60 on the horizon and a schedule that rarely slows down, I get vaccinated for me.

Between my work — supporting older adults every day — and my three pre-teen grandboys, who seem to have this Nonnie on speed dial, I don’t have time to be sidelined by respiratory illness. There’s too much I want to do, and too many people who count on me. That’s why I make staying healthy a priority. That’s how I stay strong.

As we age, viruses, like the flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses, can hit harder and linger longer. The good news

is that we have safe, effective vaccines — many designed specifically for older adults — that help prevent serious illness and long recoveries.

Each fall and winter, respiratory viruses surge. That’s why the CDC recommends these three key vaccines for adults 60 and older:

Flu vaccine: An annual essential to reduce complications and protect against hospital stays.

Booster for respiratory illness: Updated to fight emerging variants and refresh your immune response.

RSV vaccine: Now available for adults 60 plus, offering protection against a common respiratory virus that can become dangerous later in life.

There’s a lot of noise, opinions flying, misinformation online and more unsolicited advice than anyone needs. But I choose to trust the science, the data and the real-life results I see every day. Vaccines help people stay active, connected and in control of their health.

That’s not a trend; it’s a fact. At REAL Services, we’re making access easy. Whether you need help understanding what’s right for you, getting to an appointment or talking through your options, we’re here. Visit realservices.org/services/a2aa/vaccines or give us a

call, (574) 233-8205.

I stay vaccinated so I can keep doing what I love — leading meaningful programs, saying yes to travel and keeping up with three busy grandboys who always have a new idea up their sleeves. I hope you will, too. Getting sick at this stage of life doesn’t just mean a few

days of rest — it can mean missing out on what matters most.

Take care of yourself. Remind a friend. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor and stay ready for whatever comes next.

Stay strong, stay connected, stay protected. That’s how I stay strong.

What is probate and how you can avoid It

Few things are as traumatic as dealing with the death of a loved one. Just as we’re experiencing pain — legal issues hit us.

Insurance companies, reading the will, investments — suddenly it’s overwhelming. And perhaps the most difficult issue is probate. Probate? It’s crucial in tying up the deceased’s affairs. Preparing now for the possibility of probate early can lessen the emotional stress and strain on you and your

But it’s often not that simple. For one thing, there may not be a will. So, the court appoints an administrator and it’s the State of Indiana who decides how your estate will be distributed. You can’t assume that your spouse and children will automatically get everything or even an equal share.

Probate is lengthy and complex for folks not prepared for it.

No will? Many assets? You don’t have to be rich to en

By CLIFFORD J. RICE

will, there will be court costs and fees. If there’s no will or it’s being contested, costs can be higher. Costs can consume thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

• Lack of privacy — Probate court proceedings are public record.

in place effective during their lifetime.

• Trusts can avoid probate. If you set up a trust, all assets in the trust can pass to your loved ones probate-free. Trusts can include real estate and investment and bank accounts, as well as vehicles. A living trust can be an effective alternative to a will.

they may have a problem. The problem of time can add steeply to the costs. Expect probate to take from nine months to a year in court. Complex or contested estates

• Cost — Even with a valid

• Family squabbles — If a will is contested, heirs will have to go to court and retain lawyers. The probate judge appoints an administrator who meets with lawyers to see who has a valid claim. Problems cost time and money and may even go public.

How can you avoid this?

At Rice & Rice we focus on living trust-based estate planning because:

• Trusts afford the family privacy and control.

• Trusts allow individuals to put a solid disability plan

To find out more about how you can avoid probate and get your affairs in order, register to attend our estate planning/ Medicaid planning workshop at:

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Granger at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept.8; or Monday, Sept. 15. Reservations required; seating is limited! Call now: (800) 303-7423 or visit our website at riceandrice.com.

September MPHPL programs for adults

ka-Penn-Harris Public Library

September calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured by calling (574) 2595277. Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information

regarding events or to register.

Bittersweet Branch Events

Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. Enjoy an hour of bingo and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize. Registration required. Mishawaka Library Events Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Discuss this month’s book selection, “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. Books can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library. Registration required.

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Tara Kenjockety, a librarian at the University of Notre Dame, will talk about why accurate data and Indigenous self-representation are important. She will look at how incorrect historical stories and missing data can cause injustices. Learn how information is created, shared, and too often withheld.

STAY STRONG Karla Mapes encourages seniors to get vaccinated for respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and RSV. Photo provided by REAL Services.

Home loan has many variables

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Be it ever so humble, there are few investments better than your home.

In this ever-changing world, chances are you will not live in your home until your last breath.

A Stanford School of Medicine report indicated that eight out of 10 Americans would prefer to die at home.

Despite this, 60% die in acutecare hospitals, 20% in nursing homes and only 20% at home. A minority of dying patients use hospice care and even those are often referred to hospice only in

the last three to four weeks of their lives.

The abode you bought years ago is also an asset, so treat it as such. Besides being your palace, it can also be your pension.

It can be sold to pay for your retirement, whether it’s to a retirement community or summerall-year-round climate.

Couples can make plans and their own decisions or such moves can be forced upon them. For example, one may fall down the stairs and require a walker or wheelchair forcing the pair to move out of their two-story house or condo.

Without considering whatever may or may not happen, it’s wise

to investigate the opportunities offered by home ownership, especially when the mortgage is almost or fully paid for.

A reverse mortgage quickly surfaces as a possibility. This is a financial vehicle that allows you to borrow against the value of your house without having to repay the loan until you move out. There are many ins and outs of this package and the fees are hefty. Most financial gurus favor borrowing against the equity in your home or opening a traditional mortgage for the amount you feel you need rather than taking on a reverse mortgage.

A home-equity line of credit is

another possibility to explore if the amount of money you need isn’t massive. The interest rate on this type of loan is usually variable.

Before considering any financial transaction involving your home, discuss the pluses and minuses with your tax preparer, financial advisor and accountant.

The first question to ask yourself is why you want the money. If you don’t need it, forget it. If you want to take a cruise around the world, think hard about it. If you want to build an addition, do some arithmetic to see if the work adds value to the property. It’s not a good idea to put your

home at risk to pay credit-card debt or medical bills. Some financial advisors say it’s OK to pull cash out of your home to pay for long-term-care or for long-term-care insurance premiums, or to meet expenses required to stay living in your home.

If you’re considering selling your home, don’t be awed by what you think is a munificent offer and chuckle over the profit you can make. That money will have to be used to either buy another home, at a high price, or for the rising cost of living expenses over the final years of your life.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

Brickyard Fountainview Health Center

609 W. Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-2500 • brickyardhc.com

Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Long-Term, Respite Care, Pet Visitation Allowed. Non-Smoking Facility. Chronic Heart Failure & Wound Care Programs Offered. Medicare And/Or Medicaid Accepted.

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

54515 933 N., P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 287-1838 • www.holycrossvillage.com

Dujarie House, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

28070 CR 24 ., Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-6260 • www.hubbardhill.org

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill

Majestic Care of South Bend

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Morning View Assisted Living

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Compassionate and trained caregivers on staff 24-hours per day. Accepting Medicaid waiver. Secure units. Assistance with activities of daily living. Daily life enrichment activities. Nutritional and dietary support.

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka 820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com

Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com

Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

530 Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-4310 www.tanglewoodtraceseniorliving.com

Offering Retirement Villas, Independent and Licensed Assisted Living, Therapy Services, Respite Care, Social and Recreational Activities, Pets Welcome, Transportation, Beauty Shop and Spa Services Available.

303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.

Contact Marla Schroeder For More Details! 574-350-4488

1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2319 mschroeder@the-papers.com

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

AGING & HEALTH RESOURCES

REAL SERVICES, INC. 1151 South Michigan Street

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

Provides services to empower our community to live with independence, dignity, and strength. Call us to learn more.

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ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

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CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

HAMILTON GROVE

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SOUTHFIELD VILLAGE

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DAY CENTER

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Helping seniors live safely at home. PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

FOOT CARE

FOOT SOLUTIONS

323 Florence Ave., Granger, IN 46530 (574) 272-3668

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HEALTHCARE

HealthLinc

Multiple locations throughout Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke and St. Joe Counties (888) 580-1060

healthlincchc.org

Providing quality medical, dental, optical, behavioral health, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic and much more.

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COMFORT KEEPERS

6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123

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Providing Compassionate Senior Home Care & Home Assistance In Northern Indiana Region. Includes personal care, respite care, transitioning home care and more. Indiana Medicaid, VA Provider, long term insurance and private pay.

HOME INSTEAD

3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479

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HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME CARE SERVICES

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

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Nations Largest Privately Owned And Operated Home Care Agency. VA Provider. We Accept A Variety Of Payment Options. Call Today!

VISITING ANGELS OF MICHIANA 3840 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 323-6756

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Nonmedical services include: Customized Memory Care Program, Housekeeping, Transportation, Bathing, Dressing, Transferring, Companionship, Meals, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care. We are a VA Provider.“We’re Here for You — Always!”

HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY

NORACARE

1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992

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Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.

HOSPICE CARE

CARING COVE HOSPICE

3120 N. Home St. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-3017

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We’re here to help by providing personalized exceptional hospice care. Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Laporte counties.

HOSPICE CARE

Comfort 1 Hospice

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Our homegrown team of local health care providers offer comfort and compassion to those with life-limiting illnesses in our community. We Can Help!

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PARADIGM HEALTH

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MEDICAL CLINIC

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By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349

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Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

MEMORY CARE

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LIFTING HEARTS HOME CARE

Fort Wayne, IN 46819 (260) 705-4115

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Our mission is simple: to provide compassionate, personalized care that enables seniors and individuals to live independently at home. Through a patient-centered approach and tailored services, we ensure the unique needs of each client are met with dignity and respect.

Ron Popeil’s ‘gift of blab’

In the late 1940s, Ron Popeil began pitching his inventor father’s kitchen gadget at a downtown Chicago flea market.

boon to one’s kitchen routine, and that, as revolutionary as it was, it was amazingly easy to operate.

By RANDAL C. HILL

Every weekend, Ron would arrive early and prepare mounds of potatoes, onions, cabbages and carrots.

To the crowds that gathered, he enthusiastically told how his manually operated gizmo could rapidly and easily slice, dice and chop the various vegetables that Popeil had at hand. He worked from 6 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon and often took in as much as $500 a day.

He was 13 years old.

After his high school years, he worked the area full-time, securing a spot in the busy downtown Woolworth’s and often earning as much as the store’s manager. Always good to himself, Ron wore the finest clothes when off the job, dined at the best restaurants, and sported a flashy Rolex on his wrist.

Impossibly handsome, he was blessed with thick dark hair, blue-green eyes and a mouth that was always upturned in a warm and welcoming smile. But Popeil’s presentations were strictly about the simple, inexpensive and indispensable manual food processor he was demonstrating.

Every word of his well-honed promotion counted. Ron maintained that his device had to be explained to customers three or four times, with a different twist each time. To him, the demonstrator needed to show the customer exactly how the widget worked, how it was a

The most important part of the sales talk was the “turn.” That’s when Popeil seamlessly switched from explainer to businessman. Those in the crowd before him who surged forward opened their wallets, handed him their money, and left with their item. To those who hesitated, Ron would often say something like, “Wait! There’s something else I want to show you.” With slight variations, the pitch would begin anew, and Popeil would always be able to pocket a few more dollars.

In the early 1950s, television offered a whole new arena for Ron Popeil. He could now reach thousands — maybe hundreds of thousands — of potential customers, and the Veg-O-Matic (and later, the similar ChopO-Matic) were ideal gadgets to offer on TV.

In 1964, Ron and a friend — both still in their 20s — started a company called Ronco. With television ads, the camera could focus exclusively on the gizmo and thus compel viewers to pay attention to the product being offered. In creating inexpensive 30-minute Ronco TV ads to run late at night, Popeil invented what we now call the infomercial.

Over the decades, the Ronco catalog grew and grew. The 1970s alone brought the Pocket Fisherman, the Miracle Broom, and the Inside the Egg Shell Scrambler. Later would come such gadgets as the Smokeless Ashtray and the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ Oven.

In 2005, Ron sold Ronco for $55 million— around $90 million in today’s cash. Not bad for a man who could make people smile as they opened their wallets to him.

WANTED: ANTIQUES

Negotiate the sticker price

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

It’s taken the current financial spiral to yank our attention onto the price of ordinary things around us we buy every day, from a gallon of gasoline to a slice of pizza. A feeling of helplessness seems to have dropped around us as we either dig deeper into our credit-card debt or decide to bypass the purchase.

There is a way you can save a few bucks on your shopping trips. It goes under several names — negotiate, haggle, and make a lower bid are just a few.

But the simple way is just ask.

Many vendors, major and minor, offer discounts to veterans and to seniors. But you usually have to ask. In many cases, such as seasonal close-out sales, shops will accept a price lower than advertised.

This is not as easy in major chains such as Target and Safeway and Home Depot, but if you ask for the store manager, you can deal directly with him or her.

Recently, a relative was lounging around a jewelry store

while his wife had a dental appointment. Several items had luxurious price tags but there were a few “deals” in one corner counter. A wrist watch caught his eye so, to pass the time and since he didn’t have a wrist watch at the time, he asked to take a closer look at it.

The sales clerk told him it was the last of a particular lot and that was why it was so cheap. The sale price was $140. That ended the conversation.

He thanked the clerk and put it back, sauntered around the store a bit more and then walked out. Seconds out of the door, the clerk called after him and asked how much he’d pay for the watch. My neighbor blurted out, “I have $100 in my pocket.” The clerk asked him to wait a minute and came back to tell him her manager would take it.

He bought the watch and, checking its costs online when he got home, his watch was e-tailing at more than $300.

Acting like he didn’t want it cut his price without even haggling.

A nettlesome cost these days is the monthly cable-internet

bill, which can top $200 a month if you opt for multi-cable service and high-speed internet service.

If you feel you’d like to lower the cost of your existing service, call and tell them you want to cancel your subscription. You’re likely to be connected with a company representative whose job is to keep customers and has all the latest promotional programs and fees at his or her fingertips.

Rather than complain about the lack of service for the price you’re paying, be nice. Point out you really appreciate what you’re getting but just can’t afford it on your income and budget.

You don’t have to accept the first offer. You might point out that you’re a senior and will have to shop around for a plan you can afford. And if you find one, you’d like to sign up for a long-term program so you don’t have to interrupt you service every few months.

PHOTO BY JEFFREY FITERMAN FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

History Museum opens exhibit on legendary football icon Knute Rockne

The History Museum in South Bend has unveiled a major new exhibit, “Rockne: Life and Legacy,” which is open through May 31, 2026.

This once-in-a-lifetime showcase honors the enduring legacy of Knute Rockne, one of college football’s most iconic figures and the legendary coach, who catapulted Notre Dame into the national spotlight.

The exhibit will feature the most significant collection of Rockne artifacts ever assembled for public view. Visitors will journey through Rockne’s life — from his childhood in Norway and early years in Chicago, to his transformative role at the University of Notre Dame and his sudden,

tragic death in a 1931 plane crash.

“Knute Rockne wasn’t just a coach; he was a cultural figure who revolutionized the game and brought Notre Dame onto the national stage,” said Brian Harding, executive director of The History Museum. “This exhibition will allow fans and history buffs alike to explore his remarkable life through rare artifacts, photographs, and immersive storytelling.”

Exhibit Highlights

“Rockne: Life and Legacy” will display an extraordinary collection of personal and historical items, including:

Rockne’s 1924 coaching contract, leading to the first national championship Jan.

The

Museum in

1, 1925.

The whistle Rockne used and the iconic sweatshirt he wore in practice.

The cuff links Rockne wore in the tragic crash, which claimed his life, and pieces from the actual aircraft, a Fokker F-10.

Original programs, photos, and game tickets from the Rockne era.

The famed “Four Horsemen” newspaper article by Grantland Rice.

A restored 1933 “Rockne 10” automobile, considered the finest surviving example in the world.

Artifacts tied to Rockne’s players and team memorabilia.

Artifacts are on loan from the University of Notre Dame Archives, College Football Hall of Fame, Studebaker National Museum, members of

Rockne’s family, and private collectors across the nation.

Interactive Programming

In conjunction with the exhibit, The History Museum will present a dynamic lineup of public programs:

“Rockne: The Legend Lives On,” a new podcast hosted by football historian, Alex Painter, exploring Rockne’s life, influence, and legacy.

Rockne speakers series, featuring nationally-recognized authors and historians, including Jim Lefebvre (Coach for a Nation), Ivan Maisel (ESPN, Sports Illustrated), and Charles Lamb and Elizabeth Hogan (Sept. 3), Notre Dame archivists and authors of “Fighting Irish Football: Photographs from the Archives.”

Special events and book signings.

A tour of South Bend landmarks, play readings, panel discussions, and radio/TV appearances are planned.

Perhaps the best quote as to why The History Museum returns to the subject of Knute Rockne (for the first time in 20 years) comes from the former president of the Studebaker Corporation, A.R. Erskine, who in 1931 also served as president of the University of Notre Dame’s board of trustees.

Erskine described the legendary coach as “... a great citizen who brought fame to South Bend, a great teacher who did so much to establish the general popularity of Notre Dame, and more tenderly, by the great multitude of his friends everywhere. His death is indeed a tragedy, but at least we have the inspiration of his work and his example.”

LEGEND

History

South Bend has unveiled a major new exhibit, “Rockne: Life and Legacy,” which is open through May 31, 2026. Photo provided by the museum.

Funk and frivolity cavort in Key West

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN

Mature Life Features

Bocce is popular here because, we were told, “You can play bocce with one hand and hold a drink in the other.”

Welcome to Key West.

It’s a state of mind more than a city; a way of life more than a place to live. Turn a corner or pass a restaurant and strands of guitar riffs tumble into your ear drums. Or it could be a rooster crowing. They’re everywhere.

Many houses bear a plaque dating to the 1800s. Old Town, the largest predominantly wooden-housed historic district in the country, features almost 3,000 structures and deserves a truth-in-advertising award. A sign near Duval Street, the town’s epicenter, reads: “On this site in 1897, nothing happened.”

Renovated cigar factories share space with Victorian mansions laced with gingerbread trimming. Upscale art galleries are tucked next to tacky T-shirt shops. Fashion, funk and frivolity define the town.

Art, shlock and whimsy co-exist on the same bar stools, many of which claim that Ernest Hemingway, the most famous Key West resident, occupied it at one time or other. His home is one of the most visited sites in the city. The tiny second-story studio in which he wrote remains exactly as he left it. Photos, books and furnishings reflect his life there of more than a decade in the 1930s. Stuffed heads of animals he shot on safari adorn the

walls. Almost as famous as the author was his beloved six-toed cat, Snowball, whose dozens of descendants still prowl the premises.

Another notable but very different personality also lived here, but only in the winter.

Harry S Truman’s (yes, S without a period is his middle name) Little White House has its own colorful history wrapped in tales of lively poker games and “loud Hawaiian shirt” contests the 33rd president enjoyed with staff and guests. It’s also rumored he insisted on downing an early morning “shot of bourbon followed by a large glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice,” allegedly on the advice of his doctor.

Hemingway, an ardent imbiber himself, would most certainly have approved of his

neighbor’s breakfast ritual, which might have made both welcome visitors at Schooner Wharf, which boasts the earliest Happy Hour in town. It begins at 7:30 a.m. The theory is you can’t actually drink all day if you don’t start early.

While Hemingway hunted game and Truman hunted humor, Mel Fisher hunted treasure. His museum houses them for the visiting public.

The fortune hunter spent 16 years hunting the wrecks of Spanish galleons that sank off the coast of Key West. The $450 million treasure includes more than 40 tons of gold and silver as well as emeralds, Chinese porcelain and other precious artifacts.

Just as fascinating as the exhibits is the story of his search for the valuable cache.

Along with these three attractions for which Key West is most famous are the enchanting Botanical Gardens, Oldest Wooden House with its original furnishings, artifacts and island history dating back to 1829, and Tennessee Williams’ small cottage housing insight into another literary giant.

My favorite, the Shipwreck

allows you to relive the lives of wreckers — those brave souls who saved people and ships careening off the dangerous reefs surrounding the island as well as the greedy pirates who pillaged the lost treasures. For a time, that

city per capita in the United States.

When you get hungry, you can stop by Blue Heaven where Hemingway, an amateur boxing aficionado, refereed matches.

Plug heating and cooling leaks

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Anytime is a good time to check around the house for ways to reduce your utility bill. Start in your kitchen. Open the refrigerator door and close it on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the refrigerator seal is not tight enough and needs replacing to keep the cold air from slipping out.

If your air conditioning is provided by separate units, place them in shaded areas

to lower your air conditioning cost. Build roof extensions or install awnings over them if necessary.

Clean or replace the air filters once a month when they’re in use. If you have permanent filters, flush them out monthly with the garden hose.

If your hot water heater doesn’t have an insulating jacket, get one at your nearest home-improvement store. They’re easy and simple to install and can slash your heating bill.

SHIPWRECK MUSEUM Shipwreck Museum draws visitors in Key West, Fla. Photos by Victor Block, Mature Life Features.

Treasure Museum,

enterprise made the tiny island the richest

Memory Care

Social Security supports rural communities

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American. Millions count on us — retirees, people no longer able to work due to disability, dependents, and survivors. As a member of the Rural Partners Network, we want to continue reaching out to rural communities.

We make it easy for you to access our programs and services. Our website offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits.

Visit ssa.gov/applyonline to learn how to apply for:

Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits — You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months.

Disability Benefits — Our

No such thing as a stupid question when you invest

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Betting on the Super Bowl is easier than gambling on the stock market, points out the Babson-United Investment Report. To begin with, there are only two teams and one of them is sure to be a winner.

Rather than toss the dice against the vagaries of the various markets that contain thousands of stocks, the newsletter suggests you investigate before buying anything. After all, you wouldn’t go out and buy an automobile and then bring it home to check out its performance. And make sure your information is from a reliable source, not a chatroom.

Shy away from securities offered on the telephone or by e-mail and deal only with a securities firm that you know or one recommended by a person who is familiar with the investment industry.

You might ask your tax preparer, attorney, or accountant for a referral.

Beware of promises of quick and too-good-to-be-true profits

as well as any high-pressure tactics by the sales people or visible in the literature. Be sure you understand the extent of the possibility of risk of loss as well as the prospect of gain.

Get all the facts and support them with more research. Don’t buy on tips or rumors. Again, you wouldn’t rush out and buy an automobile just because a neighbor said you can’t afford not to buy one at the bargain price being offered at the moment.

When dealing with a securities salesperson, ask to see his or her Securities Commission licenses as well as information about themselves and their company.

If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask them to clarify it. Ask them to write it down so you can consult with someone who does.

Don’t be afraid of asking a stupid question. You’re only being stupid if you don’t ask a question about something you don’t understand. Especially if you intend to spend or invest any money on the matter.

When choosing rehabilitative care to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, be sure to go for the

HOSPITAL OF NORTHERN INDIANA has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Stroke Rehabilitation, which recognizes our dedication to achieving better outcomes for our patients who have suﬀered a stroke. For more information on our services, call 574.243.7727

disability program pays benefits to workers who are insured and certain family members. This means that they worked long enough — and recently enough — and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings.

Supplemental Security Income — SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, or people 65 or older, who have low income and resources. After you begin your application online, we will review the information you submit and contact you by mail or phone if we have questions.

Medicare — Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older or have a disability or end-stage renal disease. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits and not covered under an employer group health plan, you may want to consider applying for Medicare 3 months before turning age 65.

Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs — Extra Help assists with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug coverage for people with limited income and resources. Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp.

Rural community leaders should encourage others to sign up for a personal my Social Security account at ssa. gov/myaccount. With a person-

al my Social Security account, they can request a replacement Social Security card, verify earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters. If they are not able to use our online services, they can speak with a representative by calling our National toll-free number at (800) 772-1213, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If an office visit is required, we can make

an appointment. In addition, our automated phone services are available 24 hours a day, so they may not need to wait for a representative. Learn more at ssa.gov/ agency/contact/phone.html. We remain committed to helping maintain the well-being of the people we serve — including those in rural areas. Please share this information with others in your local community.

Travel

Korean War Monument —

Unique, meaningful, emotional

Veterans of the “forgotten war,” their families and friends will find the Korean War Monument at the Veterans National Memorial and Shrine on O’Day Road, Fort Wayne, to be both moving and emotional. In fact, it’s probably the most unique monument on the property. It was dedicated two years ago on Veterans Day to recognize those who fought in that conflict and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s located just east of the Vietnam Wall and north of the W. Paul Wolf War History Museum. It depicts a weary group of a dozen American soldiers slogging their way back from a patrol to their base camp. The larger-thanlife, 7-foot-tall fiberglass figures are unique because the faces on

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

Family Fun Tours Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

September 27, 2025 - Baseball Wrigley Field

amily Fun Tours

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

September 27, 2025 - Baseball Wrigley Field

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

Diamond Tours

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

GREAT ESCAPES Text and Photos By ROD KING

Unique, meaningful

Continued from page 22

An injured soldier, Gary Sink of Zanesville, is being helped. He was later awarded the Purple Heart. Assisting him is private first class, William Walters. He was assigned to the 506th Motor Pool in Korea.

Ken Kurtz joined the U.S.

Army with 65 other young men from Allen County.

“I feel as though I represent those I joined with, many of whom didn’t return. I started out as an ammo bearer and was transferred to division personnel where I remained until my enlistment was over,” Kurtz said.

CHECKING FOR MINES

— Heading the patrol is U.S. Navy third class gunners mate, Walter “Bud” Mendenhall, carrying a mine detector. “Being chosen to be the face of one of the soldiers is the greatest honor of my life,” said Mendenhall.

After receiving injuries, machine gunner Gary

Sink

awarded

FORGOTTEN WAR This plaque at the Korean War Monument explains the conflict that involved American troops between 1950 and 1953.

INJURED SOLDIER ASSISTED

Sink, left, is being assisted back to base camp by private first-class William Walters.

was later

the Purple Heart.

Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm announces this years award winners

The 2025 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm recently announced this year’s award winners. Competition was extremely tight, drawing entrants from a dozen states.

Capturing Best of Show was a 1937 Packard 1508, exhibited by the Classic Car Club of America Museum in Hickory Corners, Mich.

Other premier awards include:

• J. M. Studebaker Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Studebaker, 1933 Studebaker Speedway president, George and Valerie Vassos, Westfield, Mass.

• Spirit of Ecstasy, presented to the Most Outstanding RollsRoyce, 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Steven K. Haines, Niles, Mich.

• Edsel Ford Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Mercury, 1954 Mercury Monterey, David Koehler, Cincinnati, Ohio.

• Raymond Loewy Award: Exemplary Exterior Design, 1939 Delahaye Type 135M, Classic Car Club of America Museum, Hickory Corners, Mich.

• Helen Dryden Award: Exemplary Interior Design, 1955 Chrysler Crown Imperial, Rajiv Kehr, Nappanee.

• Fred and Augie Duesenberg Award: Engineering Excellence, 1915 Packard Six May-48, Allen and Nancy Strong, Urbana, Ill.

• The David Schultz Award: Most Outstanding Full Classic, 1932 Chrysler Imperial CL LeBaron convertible sedan, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Nannini, Pine Grove, Calif.

• George Mallet Digs This Car, selected by Emmy award-winning journalist and automotive critic, George Mallet, 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, John Jaskowiak, South Bend.

• Chief Judge’s Award, selected by Concours Chief Judge Matt Short, 1935 RollsRoyce Phantom II, Dr. Roy Margenau, Grass Lake, Mich.

• President’s Choice, selected by president of the board of the Studebaker National Museum, 1937 Packard 1508, Classic Car Club of America, Hickory Corners, Mich.

• Art on Four Wheels Award, given to the automo-

bile that best presents itself as a work of art, 1929 Auburn 8-120 Speedster, Terry and Rita Ernest, Port Huron, Mich.

• Chairman’s Choice Award, selected by the Concours Executive Chairman, Patrick Slebonick, 1938 Packard Darrin, Shawn Miller, Indianapolis.

• Master of Ceremonies Award, selected by Concours Master of Ceremonies Bill Rothermel, 1934 Studebaker President Land Cruiser, Bob and Mia Belling, Columbia, Conn.

• Copshaholm Award, presented to the automobile that best embodies the style and grace of the Oliver Family mansion, 1925 Kissel Jun-55, Jeff and Karen Ozan, Metamora, Mich.

• People’s Choice Award, selected by popular vote of Concours attendees, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, Andy Wolf, Indianapolis.

• Junior Judging Award,

chosen by Concours Junior Judges, 1961 Studebaker Lark, Kirk and Lisa Philippsen of Mishawaka, and 1961 Studebaker Lark VI, Thomas Cooper of South Bend.

• Vivian and Eric LaVine/ LaVine Restorations Award: Spirit of the Hobby, 1959 Metropolitan, Burt Richmond and Diane Fitzgerald, Chicago, Ill.

Best of Class Awards

• Inspired Greatness: RollsRoyce, 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III, Charlie Mullen, Bargersville.

• Step Out With Mercury, 1956 Mercury Montclair, Steve Tukos, LaPorte.

• American Splendor I, Open-Bodied Full Classic Non Studebaker or Packard, 1930 Cadillac 452, Daniel and Danica Sobieski, Goodlettsville, Tenn.

• American Splendor II, Open-Bodied Full Classic Studebakers and Packards, 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight, Timothy Wiggins,

Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. If you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to avoid large dental bills is preventive care. Experts recommend checkups twice a year.

Previous dental work can wear out.

Your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Unexpected bills, like $190 for a filling, or $1,213 for a crown3 can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

Aurora, Ill.

• European Luxury, 1939 Delage D6 75, John Steckbeck, Fort Wayne.

• Studebaker Sedans, 1951 Studebaker Command Land Cruiser, Sylvia Lawer, Blairsville, Penn.

• Kickin’ Brass, 1908 Stoddard Dayton K, Bill and Marcia Godisak, Dowagiac, Mich.

• The Roaring ‘20s, 1927 Studebaker EU, Robert and Virginia Walby, Brooklyn, Mich.

• Carrozzeria Ghia, 1972 DeTomaso Pantera Pre L, Ken Filipiak, West Olive, Mich.

• Think Small: 1960 Compacts, 1961 Mercury Comet, Craig Macho, Stoughton, Wis.

• Think Smaller: Microcars, 1962 Fiat 600D Multipla, William T. Hudkins, Rochester.

• Silent Knights, 1917 Brewster-Knight 41, Stu and Kathy Etheridge, Lynn Center, Ill.

For more information, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org.

in Hickory Corners, Mich. Photo provided by Studebaker Museum.