Senior Life - Allen County - February 2023

Woman passionate about making dresses for dolls

Bee Boesch, 88, has a philosophy of life that she has followed for decades.

“If you’re offered an opportunity,” she said, “don’t brush it aside without checking it out and giving it a try. Then if it doesn’t work out, you can move on. If you don’t take a chance, however, that opportunity will never come back.”

Opportunity didn’t have to knock twice for her. When the Cabbage Patch Kids were hot in the 1980s, a woman at a craft show where she was displaying knitted booties asked if she had ever made clothes for Cabbage Patch Kids. She and her daughter Helene checked it out and put her sewing skills to work making Cabbage Patch clothing.

They were a big hit at craft shows until the Cabbage Patch

fad began to fade. The next opportunity to pop up was American Girl doll clothing. She and her daughter Jennifer made a trip to the American Girl store in Chicago to see what the dolls looked like and learn how tall they were and the style of clothing shown. She also subscribed to the American Girl catalog.

Boesch sews two to three hours a day Monday through Friday in an upstairs room converted to be her sewing space. That’s about the amount of time needed to complete a fresh new style. She uses different patterned material, different color material, different buttons and different trim with each dress. Each one is an original.

“When I sit down to make a dress I don’t have a specific look in mind. I’m really not sure what it will look like. It might have sleeves, no sleeves

Continued on page 2

Longtime genealogy center director enjoys every new day

Curt Witcher is finishing his 44th year of service at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center.

As the center’s director, the work continues to feel fresh, he’s quick to point out. No two days, or even years, seem to be alike and his menu has a variety of activities he hasn’t had his fill of yet.

“The 44 years have seemed like barely a decade,” Witcher said. “There have been so many activities in which to engage, so much new technology influencing the space, and so many patrons to serve in increasingly diverse ways, the time has flown by.”

Reaching his key position as director was a process. He worked his way through every position, starting out as a page, then clerk. These days, his title is director of special collections. He’s responsible for the genealogy center, Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, and a fine books collection.

While he didn’t aim for his current role, giving each step along the way his best effort has landed him where he is.

“What I intentionally wanted to do from the earliest days in my career was to be involved in helping others learn history, their own history, in a nontraditional, non-classroom style way. I have long embraced the power of story, of knowing our own stories, and how life changing that can be at every level,” he said.

His days are typical in that they are so atypical. A cornerstone of his work is communicating through “a lot of email.” He collaborates with the library’s special collections division, and leadership teams, in addition to

assisting patrons with technology, managing public programs, and giving private tours to visiting dignitaries.

Part of his work involves writing articles. He reads hundreds of documents, New York Times and other significant publications in his field. “Reading provides perspective and context as well as general information and plants seeds of innovation and vision,” Witcher said.

Witcher’s profession deals in words. He has three designations representing his studies after his name. Yet, speaking of his family, consisting of four siblings, his wife, the couple’s four sons, their wives and a granddaughter, his language mainly consists of two words: amazing and awesome.

The center has received numerous accolades, as has Witcher, but when asked what he’s most proud of, it’s his colleagues.

“The very biggest highlight of my work is being able to work with a highly skilled, amazingly self-directed, and extremely dedicated team that makes the Allen County Public Library

Genealogy Center the biggest and best family history research department in a public library in the country,” he said.

Among too many accomplishments to name, it publishes online the “definitive index to periodical literature in the genealogy field,” with 3 million-plus entries, as well as creating an engaging discovery space of Abraham Lincoln’s life and times. There are 1.2 million physical items in the research center.

Yet, he is aware of those who may be reluctant or feel awkward to step inside, physically or online.

“I wish individuals wouldn’t see it as something for serious researchers, something that is

really hard, something that is only for smart people or something just for those with ‘normal’ families,” he said.

Witcher pointed out there’s no such thing as a “normal” family and everyone has a story.

“Educators, sociologists and psychologists have been telling us amazing things about the positive benefits of story in our children’s and grandchildren’s lives,” Witcher said.

“Family stories, whether happy or sad, recounting successful times or tragic times, embed positive memories. They are the number one predictor of a child’s emotional well-being, a very strong predictor of children’s beliefs they can affect the world around them in good and positive ways, and a strong predictor of a child’s happiness.”

Knowing our histories benefits

people of every age, and he has studies that back him up.

“The National Institute for Dementia Education is telling us that family stories associated with photographs helps slow memory regression, restores better speech, increases one’s positive outlook and improves

Continued from page 1

and a petticoat. First, I look at my pattern, cut the material and then check out my button and trim supply.

“Sometimes I’ll make a smock or shorts to go with an outfit. My dresses are made of 100% cotton. Satin always looks nice and flashy, but I stay away from it because when it’s played with it will begin

one’s interest in staying healthy and being compliant with care routines suggested by health care professionals,” said.

To get started, he suggested writing down what is known, talking to relatives and engaging with the genealogy center librarians to learn the next steps.

to fray.”

She has about 125 different styles of dresses in her inventory all hanging neatly on special racks made by her husband, Bill. He also made all the miniature hangers from regular-size hangers. Boesch jokes that her husband, a former maintenance man, was her gopher and did all the lifting and hauling.

“If I needed something, he could always make it,” she said.

He accompanied her to craft shows throughout the Fort Wayne area for many years before passing away 26 years ago.

“The price to purchase an American Girl dress has gone through the roof,” said Boesch.

“Of course, the cost of my materials has risen as well, but I sell my dresses for just the cost of the material and the embellishments. The price does not include my time, travel or anything else,” she said.

She said she likes to sew.

“I have a real passion for making the dresses, and I enjoy making each one look different. God gave me the talent to do this. This is my way of giving back,” she noted.

As she put it, “Over the years, many opportunities were available to me, and I took them.”

She worked in the St. Joseph Hospital gift shop for five years, was president of the hospital auxiliary and did flower arrangements in her basement for the gift shop.

Focus on the step in front of you – not the whole staircase

Cheese Trap,” and then talk to your doctor and ask why they didn’t tell you all this. There is a mountain of good information to be gained by deep diving into what causes this food-related disease and what you can do to take control.

I read on a lot of different subjects so it may be true to say I know a little about a lot, but I was floored to read the United States spends more money per capita on chronic lifestyle diseases than any other country in the world.

One of the biggest culprits is type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes (11.3% of the population). With rare exceptions, this is a food-related disease caused by eating the Standard American Diet. Americans eat way too much fat, sugar and processed foods and this can result in diabetes.

If you have diabetes and you haven’t researched and know just about everything about diabetes, I would suggest you read “Reversing Diabetes” by Dr. Neal Barnard, who also wrote “The

For now, start writing down what you are eating each day and record the time you eat it. You may be eating better (or worse) than you thought. Are you seeing a lot of cheese, bread, meat, sugar and processed foods instead of whole foods? This may help you see what you are leaning on instead of a big salad, fruit, beans or any whole food. It is not about moderation of unhealthy food, but you already knew that.

You will find many groups and pages on different online platforms for support and meal suggestions, not anything you have to pay for, just a group of people who are trying their hardest to achieve better health. Search “plant based” on YouTube and you will have found your new best friend. You can’t hang at the Burger Barn and expect to find a lot of whole foods.

Wake up and say, “Today, I am going to eat for health.”

At night ask yourself, “Did

I eat for health today, and if I didn’t, what caused me to falter?” One day, after one day, after one step, after one step.

To your health.

Air-Fryer

Portobello Burgers

Forksoverknives.com

1/3 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1/3 cup non-dairy milk

4 portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees. In a shallow bowl stir together first five ingredients. Place non-dairy milk in a second shallow bowl.

Dip portobello mushrooms in plant milk and then panko mixture, lightly coating all sides. Place mushrooms gill-side down in a single layer in air fryer for 7 to 9 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and breading is crisp.

Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers. com.

Not all all-inclusive resort vacations include everything

Several resorts have adopted a package-resort philosophy designed to include everything in one price. The idea is that, once you arrive, you can put away your traveler’s checks, credit cards, and cash. Your room, meals, drinks, and recreational activities are all pre-paid.

In some cases, you never need leave the grounds, unless you want to find out more about the area and its people.

All-inclusives have a lot of appeal for people who don’t want to worry about spending their holiday paying for the things they do.

But not all all-inclusives are the same.

Before you sign up for such a holiday, find out what really is included.

Ask if there are any additional charges, such as tips, you will need to pay. You should not have to tip on an all-inclusive vacation.

Are the meals served buffet style or a-la-carte by a waiter? Are there additional charges at the resort’s restaurants? Are cocktails and beer local or premium brands? What activities are included

in the package? How extensive is the water-sports equipment — how many sail boats or sail boards are available? Are motorized water sports, such as jet skiing and water skiing included?

Are the rooms furnished with a refrigerator so you can store food or drinks? Is there a charge for food stocked in it? You’ll probably think of more questions as you pursue the matter.

Chaplain assists Allen County’s veterans

Alena Gillum, chaplain for the Allen County Council of Veterans, is a woman of the world. She was born in Hawaii, grew up in Texas, served in the U.S. Marine Corps in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was stationed in Hawaii and Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.

Part of her job is to offer prayers at special veterans

events like the veteran’s observance ceremonies following the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades held at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum.

The mission of the council, which includes all veteran’s organizations in Allen County, is to support veterans of all eras. It can be veterans experiencing hardships in life and those needing assistance navigating veteran’s affairs.

ACCoV has its meetings the third Friday of the month, each

at a different veteran’s organization to share ideas, help support each other and coordinate local veteran’s activities.

Her duties include visiting veterans in nursing homes throughout the county and in their homes to provide spiritual support and offer prayers.

“Much of my work is done behind the scenes. I’d like to make more frequent visits for pop-up prayer sessions,” said Gillum.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Elkhart/Kosciusko Senior Life 15,000 Circulation Allen Senior Life 23,000 Circulation When You Need To Reach Adults 50 Years And Better, We Have

4 Great Newspapers!

84,150 FREE

Fax 800-886-3796 STAFF

Annette Weaver, Business Manager .................aweaver@the-papers.com

Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing ............smeadows@the-papers.com

Bill Hays, Advertising Manager .......................bhays@the-papers.com

Account Executive Betty Foster .......... slallen@the-papers.com • 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2403

Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas ..........................rsalinas@the-papers.com

Commercial Printing Customer Service

Tina Carson tcarson@the-papers.com

Rich Krygowski .......................rkrygowski@the-papers.com

Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief dpatterson@the-papers.com

Phoebe Muthart, Editor ..........................pmuthart@the-papers.com

Elkhart/Kosciusko

“I’m honored to be able to serve as council chaplain and be there for any and all veterans to offer comfort and prayer. It’s really comforting to know I’ve been able to help,” she said. “I assisted in a program at a nursing home in New Haven that involved the Marine Corps League and an employee of the nursing home making a presentation on the proper way to fold the American flag. After the presentation, the league gave each of the 25 veterans in attendance a memento of the program.

Gillum became a licensed chaplain through the internet in 2009 and joined the Allen County Council in 2021.

“I don’t make a big deal about serving as chaplain for the council,” said Gillum, “but I don’t take my responsibilities lightly. It’s not surprising that most of the members of the four veteran’s organizations I belong to (VFW Post 857, Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 499 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40) don’t even realize I’m the ACCoV chaplain.”

Her father, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Waco Porter, served 30 years in the Marine Corps., and her husband, Troy, who works at VFW Post 857, is a 22 1/2-year Marine Corps veteran. While in Bahrain, she worked as an electrician on F-18 fighter jets. After her deployment, she ended her service

with the rank of lance corporal to return to Texas to care for her aging grandmothers.

“As a kid, I always wanted to be a nurse. Instead, I earned an associate’s degree in architectural technology from Coastal Carolina Community College in North Carolina. When we moved to Fort Wayne in 2004 from Jacksonville, N.C., where I met my husband, I got a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. For what

it’s worth, I’m even a certified welder.”

The jill of all trades is employed at Lincoln Financial, sells Mary K products and is head of security at Blackhawk Christian Ministries. She’s also vice president of the AfricanAmerican Historical Society Museum.

“I love to golf and fish. That’s when I do my best thinking. As far as the fishing is concerned, I’m more of a feeder than a catcher,” she said.

Dollar-cost averaging pays off

sion’s talking heads reporting on market slumps and surges like it was the weather.

DEADLINES

ADVERTISING

For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers.

PRODUCTION

Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers.com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

REPRINT RIGHTS

Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life.

You’re probably tempted to opt out of those low-performing stocks whenever Wall Street slumps. You may even have given in and funneled your money into a more-promising portfolio. But if you didn’t and if you continued to make regular purchases — $100 a month or $500 a month or whatever — of shares of stock you’re probably sleeping better now.

This process of investing the same amount in the market at regular intervals is known as dollar-cost averaging. It and diversification are considered the two vital supports of a sturdy portfolio to survive the rises and falls, no matter how severe, of the stock prices.

By sticking to your plan of pouring a fixed amount of money in a regular basis, you won’t be traumatized by televi-

When the XYZ stock you began buying in the 1980s began climbing from the $1 purchase price to a high of $3 you felt good. But when it slid to 30 cents a share as the market toppled, you most likely had a sinking feeling in your stomach. But look at what dollar cost

averaging did for you.

At $1 a share, $100 bought you 100 shares. When it rose to $3, your regular $100 investment garnered about 33 shares. But when the price sank to 30 cents, your regular $100 input picked up more than 330 shares. And as the market struggled back up, so did the total value of your increased holdings.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

All-you-can-eat fish fry and pork tenderloin dinner Feb. 10

An all-you-can-eat fish fry and pork tenderloin dinner will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 and March 10, at Maennerchor/Damenchor at Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne.

The event is sponsored by Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor.

A fish fry and concert will be held Friday, April 14, and an-

other dinner will be held Friday, May 12.

The cost is $13 for adults and $6 for children.

Lori Stinson incorporates golf into her busy lifestyle

Club under Bill Kratzert.

Lori Stinson began playing golf at a young age, and it’s now key to her life.

Not only does she compete throughout the year, but as a Realtor at North Eastern Group Realty, she golfs with clients. Plus, she plays on teams with her 80-year-old mother, Judi Stinson.

In part, she credits her list of golf instructors over the years for her skills.

“My folks started playing golf after they got married,” she said. “They got my brother, Brad, and me involved in the game when I was about nine. Pat Riley at Colonial Oaks had $5 lessons for kids, and we started there. I was fortunate to take lessons from Bob Kruse at Brookwood growing up and my instructor through high school and college, Rick Hemsoth at McMillen and Coach Sam Carmichael at IU.”

Golf has, in part, been her ticket to seeing the country. She golfed for four years at Indiana University, winning two Big Ten championships in 1990 and 1992, which qualified them for nationals at Hilton Head, S.C., and Arizona State’s course.

She’s done it all through the years, especially as a high school athlete: golf, basketball, baseball, tennis and downhill skiing.

When she runs through her golf experiences, it’s like a who’s who of local golfers. It’s clear she’s not only been competitive, but has had fun along the way.

“I volunteered as a coach at Snider the fall after graduation in 1992 and loved working with my high school coach, Dave Lindquist. After college, I worked a year at the Fort Wayne Country

“That fall, there was an ad in the paper for a women’s golf coach and assistant pro at TriState University. In 1994 and 1997, we were fortunate enough to win the NAIA National Championship in West Palm Beach, Fla. We played the course over spring break and several members got tattoos over spring break. They asked, ‘Coach, if we win nationals, what are you going to do?’ I said, ‘If we win nationals, I will get a tattoo.’” So, I have a custom-made tattoo.”

After Tri-State, she became head coach at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, and managed to take teams to nationals seven out of eight years.

“After coaching for 14 years, I came back to Fort Wayne to join my family selling real estate. Now, I enjoy my time with the Fort Wayne Women’s Golf Association and LPGA amateurs,” she said.

In her adventures, she’s made two holes-in-one. It’s often still a family affair. In 2014, on Mother’s Day, she played with family members. She made a hole-in-one.

“A tradition at the Women’s City Golf Tournament was having my dad caddie for me,” she said. “He was on the bag since my first city when I was 13 years old at Pine Valley. He was there for my wins in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 2018. In 2019, his sister, my Aunt Bonnie Hess, was on the bag for the win. His advice was, ‘Whatever you do, don’t lay it up into trouble.’”

Not resting on her many achievements, she continues to up her game and to keep her fitness level high.

“I have been working out

at LONGevity Fitness on my strength and flexibility,” she said. “They have great group classes and Zach Lear is a Level II Titleist Performance Institute instructor. I also hit indoors at Apex Golf and take lessons from

Kingston resident turns 103

On Jan. 27, 1920, an extremely remarkable man by the name of Lewis Harrison Hull was born.

Going by his middle name, Harrison, Hull is an Air Force veteran. He served in both Pearl Harbor and World War II, even serving overseas for over 47 months straight.

Hull, now widowed, married his sweetheart. He has two sons and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hull is a longtime member of Avalon Missionary Church and is a devout follower of Jesus Christ. Reading the Bible is one of the top things in his morning routine.

When asked how it feels turning 103 years old, he stated, “God has been so good to me, and I truly believe that with all of my heart.”

A favorite treat of Hull’s is a root beer float. During his lifetime, while not serving his country, Hull had a passion for woodworking and designed and made several items, specifically clocks.

A standing ovation wouldn’t come even close to what he deserves from everyone blessed to know him. He deserves 103 standing ovations — one for every year he has brought countless moments of love, joy,

Quinn Griffing.”

Not many golfers can say they invented a golf dance, but Stinson can.

“The birdie dance is something I created when I play in scrambles,” she said. “I created it when we did golf camps at Tri-State because beginners were always nervous. So, it was a way to have fun and celebrate a birdie when we played a scramble. It’s the chicken dance followed by a move that someone in the group does

and it rotates. So for each birdie, a move is added to the dance for the scramble team.”

Stinson even manages to play while she works, with an added bonus of raising funds for good causes.

“I play golf now with clients,” she said. “That’s one aspect I truly enjoy, helping people, and I treasure clients becoming friends. I like to play with them in fundraiser outings and help support the community.”

IIt’s easy! Simply find the groundhog 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, February 13, 2023.

support, compassion and wonder to so many lives.

Let Kingston Residence of Fort Wayne be the first of many to applaud you. Happy 103th birthday, Harrison. We love you beyond measure.

I Spy January winner is Mary Ehinger. The snowman was located on page 2 in Senior Elko, on page 12 in Senior St. Joseph, on page 6 in Senior Allen and on page 4 in Senior Northwest.

Shirt happens . . .

Next month, Mary Ellen and I will take our first vacation out of the country since the start of COVID.

We’re very excited about this cruise. I’m already shopping, hoping to update my wardrobe — a word I just realized I have never used for my clothing. Mary Ellen has a wardrobe; I have two drawers and a closet.

I had to buy a dress shirt for one of the special dinners

on the ship. I don’t like to wear a white shirt, preferring one with a bit of color, but Mary Ellen was adamant that I go traditional. I purchased an additional shirt for the more casual nights.

After a short stop at Kohl’s, I came home with the two shirts. I opened the package and tried the first one on. It fit perfectly. My wife was in the room watching me. She had a smirk on her face.

“You have a stain on your shirt already,” she said.

“That’s impossible. I just put it on,” I said.

“They must really know their customers at Kohl’s,” she said.

“What do you mean?” I asked her.

“They pre-stained it for

you,” she said to me.

Yes, right next to the third button were brown blotches, nothing I was familiar with, despite my extensive experience with the telltale signs left by every condiment I have ever slathered on a fast-food sandwich.

“I guess I can’t wear that to dinner,” I said, about to unpack my second option.

“Why not?” she asked. “It’s gonna look like that anyway, right after you finish your appetizer.”

I reached into the shopping bag and dug out the blue button down. I carefully removed all the pins from the folded shirt before I put it on. I thought it looked great and said to Mary Ellen, “As long as I’ve got it on, let’s go out for

a nice dinner.”

“You can’t wear that shirt, either,” said Mary Ellen.

“Why not?” I asked.

“It has a smudge under the second button,” she said.

Sure enough, once again I had purchased a brand new piece of apparel that had somehow anticipated its unavoidable destiny and went ahead and self-stained.

“Wait a second, Mary Ellen. I’ll wear a tie. That will cover it,” I said.

“Super idea. Too bad every tie in your closet has ketchup on it,” she said.

“Okay, I’ll button my sport coat. That will cover the mark on the tie,” I said.

Mary Ellen walked over to the closet and pulled out the one sport coat I still wear.

She looked at it carefully and shook her head.

“This is not going to work. It has mustard on the lapel. Do you own a raincoat?” she asked.

After we returned home from dinner, I washed both shirts and successfully removed the original soiled areas, but the shirts were destined on the trip to be become a kaleidoscope of tasty tidbits from our buffets.

Recently, we were going over final plans for the vacation. I asked Mary Ellen questions about the reputation of the cruise line we were using.

“Do you really think I will like the food, Mary Ellen?” I began.

“Oh, yes. For you, Dick, it will be spot on,” she said.

It was 50 years ago —

‘Dueling Banjos’ was a powerhouse instrumental duo

Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell

In the early months of 1973, Top 10 recording artists included such hipsters as Carly Simon, Elton John, War, Steely Dan and Roberta Flack.

In their midst, though, appeared the unlikely duo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, a powerhouse instrumental duo behind the million-seller “Dueling Banjos,” which for four straight weeks locked in the No. 2 position on the Billboard singles chart.

Weissberg and Mandell supported themselves as session musicians, working with such leading lights as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver — until a request arrived one day for the pair to record a track for the upcoming Burt Reynolds movie “Deliverance,” a horrific tale of four Atlanta businessmen who canoe down an isolated Georgia river (that’s about to become dammed and made into a lake), with dangerous, churning rapids and mayhem and murder awaiting downstream.

Five minutes into the film, at a dilapidated backwoods gas station, we experience a spontaneous jam session between city slicker Drew (former stage actor Ronny Cox) and a provincial lad — apparently mute — named Lonnie (local high-schooler Billy Redden).

“Dueling Banjos” unfolds between the pair as a musical conversation. Lonnie, initially reticent, slowly picks up the tune, tosses in a bit of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” then, much to Drew’s delight, shifts into high gear. The musical pace builds to a high-octane finish as a grinning local man dances an ad libbed jig.

Cox was a good guitarist but Redden couldn’t play a note. During the filming, Billy had to wear a customized shirt that allowed a local musician named Mike Addis to play the banjo while hiding his own arms in Redden’s sleeves.

Weissberg and Mandell didn’t write “Dueling Banjos.” That honor went to ace instrumentalist Arthur Smith in 1954 when he composed “Feudin’ Banjos,” which he recorded later with fellow banjoist Don Reno. Smith’s original work — a forerunner of the rapidfire rock ‘n’ roll instrumental — was appropriately named

because the track seemed to be just that: an argument of sorts between two banjos. The 1973 hit single, though, featured not two banjos but a banjo and a guitar.

“Dueling Banjos” on Warner Records rose next to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 5 on the country charts. Its placement in the latter might have been the impetus that helped Weissberg and Mandell garner a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance the following year.

But not everybody appreciated the success of “Dueling Banjos.” Arthur Smith had

not given permission for the usage of his creation nor did he receive the credit for writing the hit. Eric Weissberg was listed as the sole creator. Smith filed a lawsuit, which was settled two years later in his favor when he received the abundant royalties that were due him. Just how abundant? The first thing Arthur purchased was a 42foot yacht.

Smith’s creation was parodied when comedian Martin Mull released his own instrumental argument called “Dueling Tubas.” The silly single sold enough copies to send it soaring to No. 92 on the Hot 100 chart.

• Science Central’s newest temporary exhibition, “Leonardo da Vinci: Artist and Engineer,” is being displayed during regular public hours through Sunday, May 28, at Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Admission to the exhibit is included with general admission. For more information, contact Science Central at (260) 424-2400 or sciencecentral.org.

• The Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present a concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the John & Ruth Rhinehart Music Center at the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus. A variety of music such as “Fort Wayne Bicentennial March,” “Emperata Overture,” “From Glen to Glen,” “March Slave,” “Twentiana,” an Argentine tango called “El Chocolo” and more will be performed. Parking is free in the garage across from the music center. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, children and youth under 18 are free, Purdue Fort Wayne students/faculty are free with valid ID and non-purdue students are $5. Contact Rod King at (574) 493-3318 or coknoll75@yahoo.com for more information.

• Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at Friedheim will be hosting a church dinner and craft sale Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Family Life Center, 10653 N. 500W, Decatur. Meals will be

served 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. with dine-in and carry-out service. Freewill donations will be accepted.

Fort Wayne History Center

Unless otherwise noted, all events will occur at the History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 424-4419, email administration@fwhistorycenter.org or visit fwhistorycenter. org.

• The Persistent Movement of the Urban League, 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Woodlands Senior Activity Center

The center is located at 710 N. Opportunity Drive, Columbia City. For more information or to make reservations, call (260) 248-8944.

Euchre — 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday.

Dominoes — Noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.

Pixie Bingo 9:30-10:30

a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 15.

Exercise w/ Carrie — 10-

11 a.m. every Friday.

Bible Study w/ Cheryl — 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday.

Botanical Conservatory

Unless otherwise noted, all events will occur at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne.

$5/adult, $3/children 3-17.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed Mon-

day. (260) 427-6550, botanicalconservatory.org.

• Bee the Change, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.

• Orchid Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Live potting demonstrations at noon and 12:30 p.m. Entry is permitted with general admission.

• Modern Living Hoop Wreath, 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Registration deadline is Feb. 11. Session fee: $42.

• Kerstin Glaess: Seascapes, on display during regular public hours through Saturday, April 15. Public reception 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19.

• California Dreamin’ Showcase Exhibit, on display during regular public hours through Sunday, April 16.

• Sweetheart Orchid Display, on display during regular public hours Tuesday, Jan. 31, through Sunday, Feb. 26.

Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre

Unless otherwise noted, all events will occur at Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. For information or tickets, call (260) 424-6287 or visit fwembassytheatre.org.

• Pops 3: Ann Hampton Callaway Sings The Streisand Songbook, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets are $27 to $86.

• Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy, 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $32 to $180.

• William Shatner with screening of “Star Trek II: The

Wrath of Khan,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Tickets are $29 to $80.

• Masterworks 4 Conductor’s Choice: Elgar and Beethoven, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Tickets are $23 to $81.

• Buddy Guy — Damn Right Farewell Tour, 7:30 p.m. Thurs-

day, Feb. 23. Tickets are $49 to $69.

• Down The Line 17 Celebrates Woodstock ‘69, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $20.

NOTE: Ticket prices are subject to fluctuation based on demand.

Making a will won’t kill you

If you want to get the last laugh on your family, don’t make a will. Let them squirm while they squabble about who should get what when you’re gone. It’s a fine way to get even.

But whether you like them or not, you’d be smarter to make out a will delineating the disposition of your belongings so the government won’t get them.

Writing out a simple will — “I leave my watch to my oldest son and my baseball card collection to my youngest son and my wedding ring to my daughter” — at your kitchen table and having a couple of neighbors witness it is still a simple and basic step toward shielding your assets from the coffers of the Capitol.

Stationery stores have handy write-your-own-will forms that require signatures of two witnesses after your wishes are written.

A will is an easy estate plan-

ning tool to ensure your goods go where you want them to go instead of leaving the decision in the hands of the courts.

It also eliminates much of the legal costs that can arise out of disputed estate claims.

A written will avoids leaving the disposal of your assets and heirlooms open to legal maneuvering. It also can lessen the burden of death, estate, property and all sorts of other taxes local, state and federal taxes politicians keep piling up on their side of the ledger. You also should name an executor to process and administer the terms of your final testament.

You should talk about this and other estate plans with an attorney who specializes in such matters. But there’s plenty of assistance available on the shelves at your local library or on the internet if you don’t want to take on the expense of an attorney or proceed to more detailed estate planning processes.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment Sixties Flashback —

Monkee business held a two-year reign

In September 1965, both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter ran an attentiongrabbing advertisement: “Madness! Auditions.

Folk and Roll Musicians — Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running parts for four insane boys, age 17 – 21.”

From the 437 hopeful applicants, coveted roles were assigned to Mike Nesmith, 22; Peter Tork, 23; Mickey Dolenz, 20; and Davy Jones, 19.

The Monkees were created to ride the slipstream of Beatlemania and were hired to mimic the Beatles’ zany antics in “A Hard Day’s Night,” their 1964 semi-documentary debut flick. “The Monkees”’ TV plotline involved a struggling rock quartet in search of their big break.

A well-received TV pilot was filmed in late 1965, and in early 1966 NBC-TV picked up “The Monkees” as a weekly prime time series. The four young men then embarked on a grueling schedule of improv classes, band rehearsals and filming. Early on, the Monkee members were limited to vocal

work, with only professional session musicians providing the instrumental music.

“The Monkees” half-hour show hit big when it debuted in September 1966. Tunesmiths Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote the band’s first 45 (a No. 1 winner). “Last Train to Clarksville” featured a chord structure, jangly guitar lines and vocal harmonies lifted directly from the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer.”

The Boyce-Hart team would eventually create three more winning singles. Other professional songwriters (including Neil Diamond and Carole King) were rushed in to keep the hits flowing. The Monkees’ eponymous debut album also skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard charts.

The Pre-Fab Four (as sneering cynics often labeled them) were off and running.

By that December, growing pressure led the Monkees to begin touring, with each member hurrying to master his instrument well enough to perform onstage. No problem, as it turned out, since, akin to the Beatles’ shows, much of the music played was lost to the eardrum-piercing screams that tsunamied in nightly from the vast teenybopper audiences.

Making music was better than faking music, and the Monkee men worked hard

Environment affects exercise routine

Pleasant surroundings and convenience to sites for walking, running, and biking are positive influences on senior exercise.

“Public-health strategies to promote physical activities are now strongly emphasizing the role of environmental influences to create opportunities to remove barriers to people being more active,” according to a report published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Among the factors that matter most to people considering outdoor activity are accessibility, opportunities for exercise, and pleasing surroundings. Major ingredients mixed into the decision associated with exercising regularly are convenience and easy access to bikeways, footpaths, health clubs, and swimming pools.

Safety also plays a role in the exercise equation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discovered Americans who perceive their neighborhood as unsafe are more likely to be inactive.

When urban women were compared with their rural

counterparts, they were more likely to report lack of street lights, high crime rates, and lack of a safe place to exercise as barriers to physical activity.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

to improve. In January 1967, a mere four months after “Clarksville” introduced them to the world, the Monkees held their first recording session as a fully functioning, selfcontained band.

“The Monkees” TV show, though, was another issue entirely. By the end of the second season, the quartet had tired of the filming grind and pronounced the third-season scripts monotonous and stale. When they suggested a format change to a one-hour variety show, their idea was quickly squelched and the series was axed, which undoubtedly crushed countless teenage hearts.

During their two-year reign, though, when the foursome often successfully challenged the almighty Beatles, the Monkees sold more than 75 million records around the world.

Had they been just a bubblegum fantasy quartet, one that was never quite real, undeserving of any real respect? Not to

everybody. Vanity Fair writer Mark Rozzo once opined, “They were a pop culture force. … They created joy and

wonderment and introduced the whole realm of pop music to a huge audience of young people.”

Fort Wayne Area Community Band

WE HAVE A CONCERT!

February 21 • 7:30 p.m.

John & Ruth Rhinehart Center at PFW

Tickets: Adults $8, Seniors $7 Students under 18 FREE PFW Students FREE with ID Non-PFW Students $4 with ID FREE PARKING in garage across from music center.

Tim McCulloch, Owner

Elder Law

Q. What is a guardianship?

A. A guardianship action is initiated by filing a petition with a court seeking appointment to serve as guardian of an incapacitated person or minor. An incapacitated person is defined as an individual who is unable to manage in whole or in part his or her property; to provide self-care; or both. Indiana law specifically sets forth the requirements of the content of the petition, including such things as stating the particular incapacity of the individual and the reasons the appointment of a guardian is necessary.

After the petition is filed with the court, a hearing will be scheduled. It is possible for the court to appoint an attorney, called a guardian ad litem, to represent the alleged incapacitated person. If the court finds that the individual

Alison M. Yeager Attorney

for whom a guardianship is sought is incapacitated or a minor and that the appointment of a guardian is necessary as a means of providing care and supervision of the physical person and property, the court shall appoint a guardian. After a guardian has been appointed, Indiana law requires various status reports to be filed with the court. It is important to consult an attorney so that important deadlines are not missed.

Medicare Insurance

Q. What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

A. Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are insurance policies offered by independent insurance carriers and are designed to cover the same services that Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) cover. However, MA plan designs will generally require just a copay for most healthcare services.

MA plans do include provider networks with HMO plans being more restrictive than PPO options - but most of the HMO plans provide very adequate network providers in a given service area.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do just what their name suggest. They supplement Original Medicare Part A & B. Medicare qualifies, reprices, and pays your claims first; then the Medicare Supplement pays what you would normally be respon-

Michelle Walters Executive Vice President

sible for under Original Medicare (varies by plan chosen).

To learn more of the differences between your Medicare options, join us for an upcoming Medicare Education session and get answers to your Medicare Insurance questions. Call us today to RSVP.

Our consultation and education services are FREE!

Library offers a variety of programs for seniors

Every month the Allen County Public Library, through its branches around the county, offers educational and entertaining programs of interest to seniors. Following is a sampling of programs at the various sites and via virtual presentation. Some events require preregistration; register at acpl.lib. in.us (click on “Events”). Call the branches at the numbers listed or visit acpl.lib.in.us and click “Events” for a complete listing.

Main Library

• Black History Month: Cultural Intelligence with Dr. Walker, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• Sit-in Commemoration, Black History Month, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• AARP Tax Help, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 16; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 14, and 21.

• Music @ the Library, Black Swamp Ten, 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1200.

Aboite Branch

• Sit-in Commemoration, Black History Month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• Tech Time, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.

5630 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1310.

Dupont Branch

• AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28.

• All Abilities Club — Make a Door Hanger, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

• How-To Studio — Alcohol Ink Jewelry, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.

536 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1315.

Georgetown Branch

• All Abilities Club — Movies with Friends, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 15.

• African American ReadIn — Black History Month, 2-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3.

• Creative Canvas: Wood

Slice Painting with Woodland

Mushroom, 3:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.

• Machine Sewing 101 Workshop — Make an Apron, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.

• Sit & Stitch, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27.

• Free Breakfast — Black History Month, 10-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14. 6600 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1320. Grabill Branch

• All Abilities Club — Movies with Friends, 2:30-4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4.

• AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 16, 23.

• All Abilities Club — Make a Door Hanger, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 13.

• How-To Studio — Alcohol Ink Jewelry, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.

• Floral Design — Prelude to Spring, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.

13521 Grabill Road, Grabill. (260) 421-1325.

Hessen Cassell Branch

• Sit-in Commemoration — Black History Month, 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• DIY Home & Garden: Winter Sowing, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2.

• AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

• Creative Canvas: Wood Slice Painting with Woodland Mushroom, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

• Free Breakfast — Black History Month, 10 a.m. to noon

Saturday, Feb. 18. 3030 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1330.

Little Turtle Branch

• Sit-in Commemoration — Black History Month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• What’s Cooking? — Dips, 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

• How-To Studio — Winter

Bird Feeding, 7-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

• Free Breakfast — Black History Month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

2201 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1335.

Monroeville Branch

• Scrapbooking 101 — Adventure Awaits, 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

• What’s Cooking? — Dips, 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

• Floral Design — Prelude to Spring, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.

115 Main St., Monroeville. (260) 421-1340.

New Haven Branch

• Sit & Stitch, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28.

• Talk It Up, 1-2 p.m. or 6:307:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

648 Green St., New Haven. (260) 421-1345.

Pontiac Branch

• Sit-in Commemoration — Black History Month, 2-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 1.

• Free Breakfast — Black History Month, 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25.

• Creative Canvas: Wood Slice Painting with Woodland

Mushroom, 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, Feb. 4.

• African American ReadIn — Black History Month, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.

• How-To Studio — Hot Mess Painting, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

2215 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1350.

Shawnee Branch

• Sit-in Commemoration — Black History Month, 3-5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3.

• DIY Home & Garden: Winter Sowing, 11 a.m. to noon

Saturday, Feb. 4.

• AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27.

5600 Noll Ave., Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1355.

Tecumseh Branch

• How-To Studio — Winter Bird Feeding, 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2.

• AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 15, 22; and Thursday, Feb. 9, 16, 23.

• Floral Design — Prelude to Spring, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

1411 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. (260) 421-1360.

Waynedale

• Open Board Gaming, 7-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.

2200 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 4211365.

Virtual Only

•Virtual Craft Cafe, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.

3136 Goeglein Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 749-6725 • www.goldenyearshome.org

14409 Sunrise Court, Leo, IN 46765 (260) 627-2191 • www.thecedarsrc.com

2001 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 484-9557 • www.ASCCare.com

www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

1649 Spy Run Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 422-8520 • www.lcca.com

351 North Allen Chapel Road, Kendallville, IN 46755-0429 (260) 347-2256 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

1350 West Main Street, Berne, IN 46711 (260) 589-3173 • www.swissvillage.org

Financial advisors worth their fees

financial advisor.

Everybody has a lot of advice but very few people have solutions. Especially when it comes to what you should do with your money.

Do you listen to your stockbroker brother-in-law? Or your neighbor who can quote you the Dow Jones behavior for the past quarter? How about seeking a sit down with your daughter’s highly successful father-in-law?

A 2020 Northwestern Mutual study found that 71% of U.S. adults admit their financial planning needs improvement but only 29% work with a

The value of working with such a professional varies from individual to individual. While financial advisors are legally prohibited from promising returns, research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more comfortable about their financial situation.

A recent study taken on behalf of financial managers found that, on average, a hypothetical $500K investment would grow to more than $3.4 million under the care of an advisor over 25 years while the expected value from selfmanagement would be $1.69 million, or 50% less.

This example reveals an advi-

sor-managed portfolio would average 8% a year growth over a 25-year period, compared to 5% from a self-managed portfolio.

The hypothetical study discussed above assumes a 5% net return and a 3% net annual value added for professional financial advice.

The value of professional investment advice varies with each client’s individual circumstances and portfolio composition. Clients must carefully consider their investment objectives, risk factors, and perform their own due diligence before choosing an investment adviser.

Being aware of a few common blunders can help you in your search for a competent

financial advisor.

Not all such advisors are fiduciaries — individuals ethically bound to act in your best interest. Fiduciary financial advisors must avoid conflicts of interest when recommending investment opportunities to their clients.

In your search for a financial advisor, choose one that suits your needs best. Some devote their expertise to small-business owners. Others work with young up-and-coming professionals. And there are those who specialize in retirement planning.

Take your time shopping for a financial advisor because you’re going to spend a lot of time with

them if you choose wisely. Don’t pick the first one you talk with or the one that’s closest to home or the one that dresses the nicest. Ask all the prospects you meet for their credentials. You might also ask for the names of a couple of their clients so you can talk with them about their experience with the professional.

Make sure you know how the advisor is paid. Some charge a flat rate for their service. Others charge a percentage of the assets they manage.

In many cases, advisors are paid commissions by mutual funds, which is a conflict of interest.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Dementia by any other name is still debilitating

Everybody wants to live forever but few folks look forward to the aches of aging.

A lot of time and talent have been devoted to eliminating or finding cures for disease, developing drugs that diminish debilitation and producing prosthetics that help coping more comfortably with our lengthening lives.

Despite all the intelligence applied to the science of

longevity, little has been done to enhance our brain’s power, particularly as it ages.

Dementia — its causes and cures — are still a mystery to the best medical minds.

Experienced experts even disagree on the best ways to avoid or alleviate the ravages of such neurological disorders as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Play mental agility games, such as crossword puzzles, some say. Learn a language to foster the brain’s flexibility.

Travel. Join social groups. Stay active. Exercise to maintain a healthy blood flow to the brain. Eat foods containing chemicals that stimulate brain activity and cells.

All of these are safe and sane advice for anyone wishing to stay healthy.

But there’s still no cure for such degenerative brain diseases as Alzheimer’s. The inevitable result is loss of memory, identity and mobility if death does not intervene.

Alzheimer’s disease am-

bushes one-third of everyone older than 85. More than 5 million people in this country reportedly suffer from it. That number is expected to triple over the next four decades as the population ages.

No one is safe. It caught up to late President Ronald Reagan, actors Jimmy Stewart and Charlton Heston, boxer Sugar Ray Robinson and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Anecdotes and stories by friends, families and caregivers

dealing with victims of this and other debilitating neurological diseases hurt the heart. With frustration, they watch the fading away of their loved one, all the while trying to rationalize what is happening.

The recurring theme is that these caregivers cannot realize, accept, come to grips with or face the fact that the person they once knew is disappearing. The once-witty wife becomes a slug. The once-creative dad gathers dust in the corner.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

ASSISTED, INDEPENDENT LIVING & NURSING CARE

LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE

SWISS VILLAGE, INC.

1350 W. Main St. Berne, IN 46711 Phone: (260) 589-3173

www.swissvillage.org

Duplex Homes, Independent Living Apartments, Residential & Assisted Living, Short Term Private Rehab Suites, Healthcare & Dementia Care, State Of The Art Wellness Pavilion, And Intergenerational Programming

1649 Spy Run Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 422-8520

www.lifecarecenteroffortwaynein.com

Newly remodeled facility, top-of-the-line service for rehab patients. Rapid rehab program, separate wing with 30 rehab suites — private single bed for short-term patients. Medicare, Medicaid & insurances accepted.

ATTENDANT AND COMPANION SERVICES

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, LET US HELP YOU HELP YOURSELF @ HOME LLC

2478 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46815

HERITAGE PARK

2001 Hobson Road Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 484-9557

www.asccare.com

Garden Homes, Assisted Living Apartments, Moving Forward Rehabilitation, Auguste’s Cottage Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Hospice, Respite

THE CEDARS 14409 Sunrise Court Leo, IN 46765 Phone: (260) 627-2191

www.thecedarsrc.com

Complete Retirement Amenities: Skilled & Intermediate Long Term Nursing Care, Assisted & Residential Apartments, Total Rehab Unit, Villa Of The Cedars With Condominium Homes - “Come To The Country”

Phone: (260) 387-6369

www.homecareisheart.net

Licensed Home Care/Member of IN Assc. Home & Hospice Care

There’s no place like home to receive compassionate care that tends to the whole person. Body, Mind, and Spirit. Non Medical attendant and companion services for disabled individuals and older adults. Children as well.

AUDIOLOGY

CARTER HEARING CLINICS

1335 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

NORTHEAST:

3136 Goeglein Rd., Suite A

Phone: (260) 436-6400 or (877) 436-6401

www.carterhearingclinics.com

• Creating A Higher Standard of Care

• Board certified audiologists by the American Board of Audiology serving Fort Wayne since 1967

• Offices located in Fort Wayne, Auburn, Angola and Decatur.

PROVIDING

• Hearing Evaluations, Hearing Aids, Assistive Listening Devices and Auditory Training

• FREE TRIAL HEARING AID PROGRAM

HOME HEALTH CARE

A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE

BRIGHTSTAR

333 E. Washington Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 918-0933

www.brightstarcare.com/fort-wayne Enthusiastic, kind personal level client care connection, 24/7 support enables clients to check on loved ones. Rigorous caregiver screen/background check ensures optimal security & family peace of mind.

HOME PET CARE

HUMANE FORT WAYNE

MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT INVERNESS LAKES

8075 Glencarin Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 420-1866

www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com

Fort Wayne’s Premier Licensed Memory Care Assisted Living Community.

State-of-the-art, secure community designed and programmed specifically for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and their families.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

THE HEARING CENTER

Phone: (260) 459-6924 • (800) 555-5402

www.enthearingcenter.com

Four offices located in Ft. Wayne.

Also in Angola, Auburn, Bluffton, Columbia City, Decatur, Huntington, Kendallville, LaGrange, Marion, Warsaw, Wabash and Van Wert, OH.

* Specializing in hearing evaluations, hearing aids, and assistive listening devices.

* Trial hearing aid program.

* We practice excellence, setting the standard for hearing healthcare in Northeast Indiana. “Over 500 physicians refer their patients (and their own families) to The Hearing Center.”

BALANCE AND DIZZINESS

ENT BALANCE CENTER AT

Ear Nose And Throat Associates

10021 Dupont Circle Ct.

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Phone: (260) 426-8117, Choose Option 4

www.entfortwayne.com

Regions premier balance program offering comprehensive care for patients with dizziness, unsteadiness or falls. State of the art diagnostic testing with full complement of options.

GRIEF SUPPORT

PEGGY F. MURPHY COMMUNITY GRIEF CENTER

A service of Stillwater Hospice, formerly Visiting Nurse 5920 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 Phone: (260) 435-3261

Web / email: www.vnfw.org / mail@vnfw.org

Grief counseling in your home or at our Grief Center, grief support groups, grief education programs/presentations — all at no charge.

IN-HOME SERVICES

4914 S. Hanna St.

Fort Wayne, IN 46806

Phone: (260) 744-0454

www.humanefortwayne.org

This FREE program helps seniors care for their pets. Services include grooming, walking, waste clean-up, wellness checks, transportation and more.

HOSPICE

STILLWATER HOSPICE

5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 (260) 435-3222 • (800) 288-4111

Formerly Visiting Nurse, Stillwater Hospice provides compassion, comfort and guidance along life’s journey. We provide palliative and hospice care wherever you call home or in our Hospice Home, the region’s only freestanding inpatient hospice unit. Grief support available for those who go on living. Hospice involvement not required. Locally based non-profit serving the community since 1888. Serving Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Noble, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.

MEMORY CARE

LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE

1649 Spy Run Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 422-8520

www.lcca.com

Denton Hall, Memory Care Unit

We offer a premier special care unit for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. We provide a safe, homelike environment to increase and/or maintain each resident’s level of function at its highest sustainable stage.

HOOSIER PHYSICAL THERAPY

Michael F. Barile, D.C., P.T.

3030 Lake Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 420-4400

www.hoosierpt.com

Medicare Assignment Accepted “Personalized Care”

PHYSICIAN’S OFFICE

FAMILY PRACTICE CENTER

750 Broadway Suite 350

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 423-2675

• New Patients Welcome

• Most Insurance Companies Accepted

• Medicare & Medicaid Accepted

• Staffed By Over 30 Family Medicine Residents

• Supervised By Board Certified Faculty

TELEPHONE

SERVICES

RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC

7702 Woodland Drive #130, Indianapolis, IN 46278 (877) 446-8722

Problems hearing on the telephone? We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.

Faith Comfort Dog Jared —

A regular celebrity at schools, nursing homes

Last year, a five-year-old golden retriever, Jared, along with his handlers, made nearly 300 visits to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, churches and events throughout the area.

He’s a comfort dog and is probably the only dog in Allen County with his own business card.

In Fort Wayne, Jared is sponsored by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Concordia Lutheran High School. He’s one of just 230 trained comfort dogs across the nation participating in this Biblically-based compassionate ministry of the Lutheran Church Charities.

According to two of his handlers, Mike and Sandy Shavik, when Jared’s getting ready for work he sits patiently in front of them while they slip on his vest and bandana with his name and Bible verse, Psalm 100:5.

“As soon as they’re on,” said Mike, “his personality changes. He’s no longer his normally

playful self. He’s ready to go to work where he gets lots of petting and is the center of attention.”

Jared’s training started when he was eight weeks old and lasted until he was 2 years old.

“We attended a weeklong training session in Chicago to meet and learn about him and the many commands he responds to. He always walks closely by our side. If we say ‘heel’ he’ll move to our left and if we say ‘side,’ he’ll walk on the right,” said Mike.

In a meeting or at church, on the command “under” he will lay under the table or pew.

“At nursing homes or hospitals by a bed-bound patient, we can say ‘rise,’ and he will put his paws on the bed so the patient can pet him. Next to a wheelchair or seated person, he will lay across their lap on the command ‘lap,’” Mike noted.

It takes a village, as the saying goes, to get Jared to and from his appointed rounds. First, there’s his primary care family, Beth and Roger Wilson,

Leave Your Legacy with the residents of Saint Anne Communities!

The ONLY senior living community in Fort Wayne that offers daily Mass and Sacraments while providing the highest quality of health care.

Invest in honoring the lives of our seniors.

If you would like to give a monetary donation in honor of a loved one or if your business would like to donate, please contact our Fund Development Department at (260) 399-3232 or email miranda.haupert@sacfw.org for our list of needs.

Saint Anne Communities 1900 Randallia Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46805 260-484-5555 • www.sacfw.org

where he lives and who are responsible for his daily grooming, feeding and veterinary visits. Then there’s a team of 20 people that includes eight handlers and a dozen ministry partners. Sandy also serves as the program’s “Top Dog.” In other words, she does all the scheduling and getting han-

dlers to take Jared to visits.

As Mike explained, “When we’re at a location my job as handler is to focus on Jared’s demeanor. The ministry partner goes ahead to clear the room and pick up anything that might distract Jared; and to answer questions about him, the comfort dog program and offer prayers.”

Jared makes a lot of visits to Holy Cross Elementary School and at least once a week to Concordia Lutheran High School. During the summer, he regularly visits Camp Red Cedar.

“It’s always rewarding to see the faces of children when they

encounter Jared. One of our favorite places to take him is the Air National Guard base when an Honor Flight of veterans is leaving for Washington, D.C. The veterans really love him. We also enjoy participating in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades with the Concordia High School ROTC unit.”

In addition to the normal visits, the team has been “deployed” to the scene of mass shootings in Ohio, Michigan and Indianapolis with comfort dogs from around the country to offer comfort to students and family members of the victims.

Travel Springfield, Ill. — Abraham Lincoln’s hometown

He may have been born in Kentucky and grew up in Indiana, but there’s no doubt Abe Lincoln is Springfield’s best-known resident and revered icon.

More than a million people come every year to soak up Lincoln’s history before he went to Washington in 1861 and events occurring during his presidency.

Everywhere people go in Springfield, Ill., they find the name of the 16th president of the United States. There are streets, hotels and apartment complexes named after him.

Downtown, one will find numerous Lincoln historic information panels, large replicas of Lincoln pennies on bicycle racks, murals on buildings featuring his face, and his image in bronze in parks. In addition, there’s the Lincoln Presidential Library and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

When visiting the Illinois capital, stop first at the Visit Springfield office across the street from the Old State Capitol where Lincoln served in the state legislature. It’s a great place to start because it’s the building in which he and his partner had their law offices. One can see a replica of his office there.

The helpful people at the Visitor’s Center can direct you to the presidential museum, which should be your next stop.

Before tracing Lincoln from his rustic boyhood home to the presidency, take time to snap photos of yourself with the president and his

S & S TRAVEL

family in front of the White House.

Then go into the two outstanding theaters utilizing amazing state-of-the-art technology featuring holographic techniques combined with ghostly images and live action. This might even turn out to be the highlight of your trip.

Witness the 1860 presidential election as if it were happening today, complete with TV coverage and campaign commercials of the candidates. There’s a room full of editorial cartoons that were as crude and sometimes vicious as those seen during the 2020 election.

The view of Lincoln’s law office shows him concentrating in a law book, while two sons play baseball with a broom and wadded paper. Another room offers a peek into a cabinet meeting, complete with some of the members dozing while Lincoln attempts to make a point.

It covers just about every aspect of Lincoln’s time in Washington and ends at Ford’s Theater April 14, 1865, where he and his wife, Mary, were relaxing and celebrating the end of the Civil War before his assassination. His body was returned to Springfield by train along the same route he took to Washington four years earlier.

The train station where he departed for the nation’s capital is just a few blocks south. Before boarding the train, he’s quoted as saying, “I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested on Washington.”

A few more blocks south is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site featuring the only home he ever owned. The four-block area is full of period homes. During summer months, reenactors add life to the neighborhood.

Lincoln’s tomb in Oak Ridge

Cemetery houses the body of the president, his wife and three of their four sons and a number of statues in various poses. Lincoln’s nose on a big bronze bust in front of the monument is shiny from rubbing by visitors from around the world.

New Haven Parks & Recreation 2023 Tours

Thursday, March 23, 2023 Travel Show

10:00 a.m. at New Haven Parks & Recreation located at 7500 IN - 930 East, Ft. Wayne (behind McDonalds) in New Haven Previewing with Mayflower Tours 2023 New England & Canada Cruising on the Norwegian Escape including New York City also Previewing Hawaii Cruise all four Islands February 23 - March 3, 2024 . . . Includes air from Ft. Wayne on both Tours.

2023 Day Trips being introduced by Sue Grossnickle, Events Coordinator, New Haven Parks. This year’s trips will include theatre events (Lion King, Ring of Fire, The Little Mermaid) destination trips (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Put-In-Bay, Greenfield Village, Lake Erie Cruise) & more!

March 5-14

April 24-29

June 10-18

June 19-24

Introducing these Extended 2023 Tours

American Queen Steamboat Memphis to New Orleans (air from Ft. Wayne)

Virginia Beach, Williamsburg & Norfolk … $799 (double)

California Coast & Yosemite Air from Ft. Wayne … $3,775 (double)

Lancaster, PA, including “Moses” at the Sights & Sounds … $799 (double)

Sept. 2-10 Yellowstone, Devils Tower & Mt. Rushmore by motor coach … $1,842 (double)

Sept. 23-Oct. 1 New England & Canada Autumn Cruise (air from Ft. Wayne) includes New York City Tour Inside Cabin … $3,047, BD Balcony … $3,547 & BA Balcony … $3,747

October 24-26 Ark Encounter, Creation Museum & BB Riverboat Cruise … $450 (double)

Nov. 3-14 Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans (air from Ft. Wayne) includes Montego Bay, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman Islands & Cozumel, Mexico plus 3 nights in New Orleans with included Tours - Inside Cabin … $2,549, Outside Cabin … $2,699 & Balcony $2,999 based on (double) Port Charges & taxes additional … $279

Nov. 27-Dec. 1 Pigeon Forge Christmas by motor coach … $738 (double)Includes 8 shows

2024 Brochures for Extended Fly Tours will be available: Alaska, Colorado Trains, California Zephyr & Canadian Rockies by Train sgrossnickle@newhaven.in.gov pamkaycrone@aol.com

260-749-2212 260-224-2339

March 22, 2023 ..................... “Footloose” Beef and Boards

June 3-10, 2023 .................................. Cape Cod and Boston

June 20-21, 2023 .........Get Your Motor Running in Detroit

June 26-29, 2023 .................................Mississippi Riverboat

July 27-28, 2023 .........................Ark and Creation Museum

August 7-11, 2023 ...............Mackinac Island, Thunder Bay and Lighthouses Galore!

August 21-25, 2023 ..........Sights & Sounds of Pennsylvania

“Moses”, Strasburg Railroad, Gettysburg & More

Sponsored by Garrett First Church of Christ

Pick Up Locations for this one ... Garrett & Ft. Wayne

Sept. 11-15, 2023 ..................... Get Your Kicks on Route 66

October 11, 2023..... “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, Beef and Boards

Oct. 24-27, 2023 ................... Gilded Age of the Smoky Mts. Featuring the Biltmore Estate and the Unsinkable Molly Brown First Week Is Sold Out ... We Are Adding This 2nd Week

Nov. 9-11, 2023 ......................... Timeless Holiday Treasures

3 Big Shows and More ... Check This Out!

Dec. 5-9, 2023 .......................................... Christmas in NYC

Broadway Show, Rockettes, 9/11 Museum, NBC Studios and More

Steve and Sheila Magsamen, Tour Managers

Decatur & Fort Wayne Departures

260-432-8488

www.memoriesinmotion.net

Road map to downsizing (rightsizing)

Five years ago, Ness Bros. launched our senior relocation services division. One of the services offered is where one of our senior relocation specialists works with the family to determine what to keep, what to giveaway, what to sell and what to throw away.

We have had the opportunity to work with individuals in their 90s to individuals in their mid-50s. We have done group presentations about this. I had the pleasure last September to be the speaker at the Senior Information

Fair where I talked about our road map to downsizing (rightsizing). Our road map binder was very well received at the event.

I say this because my wife and I recently decided to rightsize and move into a villa. We are rightsizing from 3,600 square feet to 2,000 square feet of living space. Over the holidays, we started going through our stuff. Did we do exactly what I talk about in seminars? No.

I began with my clothing, while my wife started with her books. We had some comical times when we realized I had eight Huntington University Hall of Fame zipper vests and Carolyn had 12 Bibles.

Her excuse was she received some when we first got married and did not have Internet. My excuse was blamed on Steve Ness since he’s the one who picks garments for the Huntington Hall of Fame Basketball Classic. Needless to say, the process of my wife and I rightsizing was very eye-opening but good. Maybe I should have taken my own advice and called one of our relocation specialists, or at the very least consulted our road map binder. Whatever your rightsizing needs may be, we’re here to answer questions, guide you in the process and help. Call us at (260) 459-3911 or (260) 356-3911.

Aging and In-Home Services selected to three national learning collaboratives

Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana has been selected to be part of three national learning collaboratives.

It was chosen by The Administration for Community Living to join the Network Expansion Track of the Community Care Hub National Learning Community. The agency was also chosen by Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University to join the National Caregiving Learning Collaborative, and by the Aging and Disability Business Institute to join the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Collaborative.

AIHS is the only organization from Indiana to be represented on all three collaboratives.

Each collaborative has its own focus, but all three support cooperative workforce across state lines to streamline access and service delivery to all individuals within the aging and disability network:

• Community Care Hub National Learning Community. The main purpose is to address health-related social needs and public health needs through contracts with health care entities.

• National Caregiving Learn-

ing Collaborative. The main purpose is to better understand the most effective means to promote successful implementation, adoption and sustainability of organizational practices to benefit caregivers.

• Building Accountability for Health Equity Learning Collaborative The main purpose is to equip Area Agency on Aging leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to build and sustain accountability mechanisms and institutional capacity essential to implementing, tracking, and reporting on efforts to address health disparities.

“AIHS prides itself in being a national leader in the development and implementation of innovative strategy to reach and serve older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers,” said AIHS president and CEO Connie Benton Wolfe. “We are honored to have been selected to these three collaboratives to not only share our expertise, but to also learn and gain valuable resources to continue our top-notch service to the most vulnerable of northeast

Senior Relocation Program

Indiana Hoosiers.”

AIHS, a federal- and statedesignated Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center, is a nonprofit, community-based organization with a mission to promote dignity, independence and advocacy for older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

AIHS has gained national recognition as a community leader transforming the traditional social services model into an integrated-care model, which bridges health care, behavioral health and community services to better serve vulnerable, atrisk populations.

Walk among the giants on California’s redwood coast

From Big Sur to the Oregon border, groves of towering redwoods stand in misty silence, pillars among fernfringed aisles carpeted with moss. Those who walk among these trees often experience a peace and reverence befitting a natural cathedral.

Perhaps primary among the groves are those found in California’s Humbolt County, especially Redwood National and State Parks and Humbolt Redwoods State Park.

Some of these giants have been standing since before the birth of Christ. Those in the Redwoods National and State Parks help make up vast tracts of old-growth and second-growth forest, together with scenic rivers, open prairies, oak woodlands and 37 miles of pristine Pacific coastline.

Hiking, biking and camping are among the recreational activities along with rangerled walks.

Amateur naturalists can register online to join seminars and field trips with a range of experts.

Valentine’s Day — Grandma’s 1910

childhood postcards

she gave me her precious childhood album and the more than 300 postcards it contained.

Valentine’s Day was very much enjoyed at Baer Field during World War II as parties were held at the U.S.O. and Service Men’s Club.

I’m going to forsake my usual story of Baer Field and WWII this month and treat the readers to a personal story about my grandma, Valentine’s Day and the 1910 decade.

Grandma was born in 1898 and was about 11 or 12 years old when 1910 arrived. Throughout that decade, Grandma’s sisters, Grace, Chloe, Della, Dora, Ada and Hazel Zentz sent her dozens of beautiful and colorful postcards representing every holiday, birthday and other events celebrated in America.

I share with you, my dear readers, at least a sample of two 1910 Valentine’s Day postcards from Grandma’s collection of over 300 cards she saved in an album I now own. Before she passed away in May 1974,

This album is now fragile but well-preserved and over 110 years old and a sentimental, priceless family heirloom. Enjoy, my dear readers, a sample of Grandma’s childhood collection from Valentine’s Day of over 110 years’ past.

Any information welcome to: Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544. Lawson is a longtime writer laureate of area history and human interest stories.