Senior Life - Allen County - December 2024 by The Papers Inc.

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM Salomon Farm Park hosts “Christmas on the Farm,” which features horse-drawn wagon rides.

Conducting British brass band is a passion for T.J. Faur

By ROD KING Feature Writer

Conducting one of the city’s premier musical ensembles is a lot more than waving one’s arms. There’s a great deal of responsibility involved. He chooses the music, interprets it and then works closely with the musicians to create the outstanding sound they are known for.

“When that happens and everything comes together,” said T.J. Faur, conductor of the Old Crown Brass Band, “there’s nothing better. My job is to make that happen so this organization can be the best it possibly can be. I’m privileged to be able to work with these incredibly talented, dedicated musicians. Their hard work is evident in our concert performances.”

The band, which was founded in 2007, is a traditional British brass band that plays all styles of music. Many of its 32 members perform with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, while others are local music educators or professional musicians. And that’s one reason why Old Crown is so highly regarded. They all share

a passion for brass band music, and none of them receive compensation.

Old Crown has received numerous honors. It took first place in the North American Brass Band Association championships open section in 2014 and 2015. Its precise, crisp interpretation of its presentation enabled the band to move up to the third section of the 2016 championships, where it took third place.

It repeated third place finishes in the 2017 and 2018 championships and won the section in 2019. It now competes in the second section and received third place honors in 2023.

Old Crown hosted the NABBA championships from 2015 to 2020, and will again host the championships here next April. Performances will be held in both the Embassy Theater and the new Pearl Arts Center.

Faur, who is in his 14th season as conductor of the Old Crown Brass Band, shares conducting duties with associate conductor J. Joseph Peters. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Northwestern Illinois University and a master’s degree in music education from

Butler University.

The Illinois native taught in Batesville, before coming here to teach at Indiana University Purdue University. He also worked at Manchester University for six years as director of instrumental studies and later as the director of the jazz band.

“I really love jazz,” said Faur, “but have grown to appreciate the British brass band style. I basically like all kinds of music and am comfortable directing the ensemble in traditional marches, Broadway show and movie scores, orchestral transcriptions and occasionally some jazz works.”

Old Crown Brass Band will perform a Veterans Day concert at the Huber Opera House in Hicksville, Ohio, and then compete in the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in Clarkston, Mich., Nov. 23. It will perform its Holiday In Brass program at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, followed by another Holiday in Brass concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the Grace Point Church of the Nazarene.

Its end-of-the winter concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. March 2, at Aldersgate United

Methodist Church. The band has performed at the 2010 and 2018 Indiana Music Educators Association Conference. There is generally no admission fee for the concerts.

Now I can hear this very well with help

My wife convinced me to get hearing aids about three years ago; however, I frequently forgot to wear them. I had to keep asking, “What?” After a while, it annoyed my friends and family, so I added a little variety, like, “Say what?” and “Excuse me?”

When I returned to New York for a visit, I asked, “Are you talking to me?”

Mary Ellen kept telling me

I wasn’t hearing well. I’m not sure she was correct. I think the proper grammar is “You are not hearing good,” but I need to check that with my editor, who is my wife, so now the case is closed. This kind of problem is usually more apparent with glasses. I didn’t need my spouse to point out vision issues. I got a lot of practical feedback walking into a glass door or putting on two dif-

ferent-colored socks or a sneaker and a loafer.

When Mary Ellen realized I was having vision issues, she first said I wasn’t good looking and then said I didn’t look well. I didn’t care about the grammar. I didn’t like the sound of either one.

Hearing aids are relatively easy to use. You put them in your ears, both of them; then you put

both of the hearing aids into both of your ears. Then, you take them out of both of your ears at night. I’m glad I read the directions. I am quite good at inserting them, although sometimes I would put them in the wrong ears, making it hard to understand people on my right. Sorry, I don’t mean that politically.

I fell asleep the other night in my La-Z-Boy while listening to

• Kitchenette with

• Individually

•

• Ongoing health monitoring and nursing assessments

• Assistance with activities for daily living: bathing, dressing, walking, personal grooming and hygiene

• Medication administration

• Three restaurant-style meals daily plus snacks • 24-hour staffing and reception desk

• Range of interesting and varied programs and events • Medicaid Waiver accepted

music in the family room, so I neglected to remove the devices from my ears. I thrash around when I doze, so when I woke up, they had fallen out, lost somewhere in my chair, I assumed. The search began.

By DICK WOLFSIE

First, I felt around the insides of the cushion. I did find two pencils, three dimes, and my Costco card. I also found a cluster of dog hair, which is pretty troubling because we haven’t had a dog for 10 years.

My wife is usually quite helpful in situations like this. The last time I thought I had misplaced my glasses, she pointed out I was still wearing them, so her question, “Did you check your ears?” seemed quite reasonable. No, they weren’t in my ears, lost in the cushion, or on the floor. Because I take prescription sleep meds, I wondered if I could have unknowingly wandered about the house in my sleep, a possible side effect of this drug. I checked the bathroom, the laundry room, and the second bedroom. I finally found them in a very unlikely place. They seemed to work fine — after I defrosted them.

PASSIONATE MUSICIAN T.J. Faur has been the conductor of the Old Crown Brass Band for the past 14 seasons. The ensemble was founded in 2007 and has received numerous honors in the North American Brass Band Association’s annual championships. Photo provided by the band.

NUTSHELL

TH E

Georgetowne Place

TH E

Place

Georgetowne Place

C O MM UN I T Y

the comforts of Georgetowne Place

Experience the comforts of Georgetowne Place

Georgetowne Place

Experience the comforts of Georgetowne Place

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE! TH

Experience the comforts of Georgetowne Place

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE!

Our active and friendly community provides numerous opportunities to socialize, exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE!

Enjoy the following:

Our active and friendly community provides numerous opportunities to socialize, exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

24/7 staffing

Personalized care plans

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE!

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE!

Our active and friendly community provides numerous opportunities to socialize, exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

Enjoy the following:

Special interest clubs

Comfortable, safe apartments

friendly community provides numerous opportunities exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

24/7 staffing

On-site therapy and health services

Our active and friendly community provides numerous opportunities to socialize, exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

Daily social programming

Personalized care plans

On-site therapy and health services

24/7 staffing

Daily social programming

Exercise classes

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals

Our active and friendly community provides numerous opportunities to socialize, exercise, connect with others and live life to the fullest.

24/7 staffing

Personalized care plans

24/7 staffing

Special interest clubs

On-site entertainment

Special interest clubs

Enjoy the following:

Exercise classes

Enjoy the following:

Comfortable, safe apartments

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included Transportation services

NEWLY REMODELED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE!

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

Transportation services

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals

Enjoy the following:

Personalized care plans

On-site therapy and health services

Personalized care plans

On-site therapy and health services

Daily social programming

services

Transportation services

On-site entertainment

Enjoy the following:

Special interest clubs

Comfortable, safe apartments

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals

Exercise classes

Comfortable, safe apartments

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

Comfortable, safe apartments

On-site therapy and health services

Daily social programming

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Daily social programming

georgetowneplaceretirement.com

Special interest clubs

Exercise classes

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 georgetowneplaceretirement.com

On-site entertainment

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 georgetowneplaceretirement.com

georgetowneplaceretirement.com

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 georgetowneplaceretirement.com

Special interest clubs

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

Special interest clubs

Exercise classes

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals

1717 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 georgetowneplaceretirement.com TH E

Exercise classes

On-site entertainment

Exercise classes

On-site entertainment

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

Transportation services

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a tour and enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room.

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

Comfortable, safe apartments

Transportation services

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a tour and enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room.

Ask about our specialty memory care program, Magnolia Trails™.

Utilities, Cable and WIFI included

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a tour and enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room.

Transportation services

Ask about our specialty memory care program, Magnolia Trails™.

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a tour and enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room.

Ask about our specialty memory care program, Magnolia Trails™.

Enjoy the following:

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a tour and enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room.

Ask about our specialty memory care program, Magnolia Trails™.

Nutritious, restaurant-style meals Special interest clubs Comfortable, Utilities,

The fall and winter seasons are a great time to make the move into our community. Call 260-254-7158 to schedule a

By ROD KING Feature Writer

Fort Wayne area audiences have been enjoying the vocal renditions of the Summit City Singers for the past 18 years. The 33-member ensemble, which includes 17 seniors, has been preparing for two, back-to-back Christmas performances since September.

The first concert of the season will find the group in holiday garb at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the South Whitley Community Library.

Summit City Singers will follow that performance by participating in the City of Churches’ event the next evening at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, at St. John Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne.

women’s volleyball games and performed with the Fort Wayne Area Community Band.

The organization’s musical repertoire for its holiday concert includes: “Sleigh Ride,” “Edelweiss,” “Donkey Carol,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas.”

A number of the works have been arranged by Director Jay Heare, who is also director of music at St. John Lutheran Church on West Washington Boulevard. Heare became SCS music director in July of 2022.

The Gary native studied music education and music performance at Taylor University in Fort Wayne. He majored in flute and voice with minors in French horn and piano.

CORPORATE OFFICE

Judy King founded the organization in 2006 with Barbara Krick (deceased) as accompanist. She saw the need for a community choir. She wanted it to be an ensemble one could join without the pressure and stress of an audition or the need for monetary commitment.

The Papers Incorporated, 206 S. Main St., P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, 574-658-4111 STAFF

Ron Baumgartner, Publisher rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

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

Kristin DeVittorio, Director Of Marketing kdevittorio@the-papers.com

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

Phoebe Muthart, Editor pmuthart@the-papers.com

Account Executive Betty Foster slallen@the-papers.com • 260-494-9321

Jerry Long, Circulation Manager jlong@the-papers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $37 for one year; and $64 for two years (Select one edition ) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt To order a subscription, call 574-658-4111. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not

According to Mary Seberger, secretary of Summit City Singers, “that’s still the way it is today. Forty-one people turned out for the first rehearsal and membership grew to 58 at one time.”

Summit City Singers presents six or seven concerts a year throughout the area. In addition, the group sings the national anthem at Komet hockey games in the Memorial Coliseum and recently at Purdue Fort Wayne

Following high school, he traveled with the Carson and Barnes Circus performing in its live band. Since then, he has taught instrumental and vocal music, traveled and performed in professional musical theater orchestras, classical orchestras, choral groups and flute choirs.

Heare, music director at St. John Lutheran Church since 1999, also directs the Chain of Lakes Chorus, The Festival Choir of Fort Wayne and St. John Lutheran Sanctuary Choir and its Sanctuary Handbells and plays in the Lima Area Concert Band Flute Choir.

“I enjoy all kinds of music, but particularly vocal choir music,” Heare said. “I like working with the Summit City Singers to get the best possible blend from their voices. Our member-

ship, which ranges from people in their 20s to over 70, allows us to attain a wonderful blend that gives our performances a quality listenable tone.”

Besides that, they’re all accomplished vocalists who are fun to work with, he said.

“We’ll begin working on music for our spring season in February,” Heare said.

Persons interested in becoming a member of the Summit City Singers can check them out by visiting summitcitysigers.com and can even sign up online.

Rehearsals are from 6:458:30 p.m. Thursdays, at St. John Lutheran Church at 729 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne. Tenors and baritones are wanted. The only requirement is to be able to attend rehearsals, participate in concerts and, of course, carry a tune.

ACCOMPLISHED FLUTIST

Jay Heare, director of the Summit City Singers, accompanies the group on his flute.

The beauty of the holidays are on display locally

By CATHY SHOUSE Feature Writer

Friends and family are normally at the top of your mind during the holiday season; however, the array of wonderful local offerings may just tempt you to venture outside the norm this year and see some local holiday displays.

A visit to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is one place to consider. Since mid-November, Nate Cardelli, general manager, has created a wonderland. He’s quick to point out he’s had many elf volunteers helping.

“Our ‘Gnome for the Holidays’ exhibit opened Nov. 23, which takes an entire week’s work for over 20 individuals from the parks and recreation landscape and maintenance divisions, in

Consider dementia demands

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

A lot of time has been spent talking about how to travel with the grandkids. How to keep them from getting bored and to bathrooms on time and visiting sites that will keep them entertained.

But how about travelling with grandma or grandpa who slips in and out of reality?

Travellers at any level of dementia require special care.

On the road, whether in an airplane or automobile, means that person’s routine has been altered, which can disorient and even panic them. So you may have to make sure you’re always holding their hand and talking them through airport security or a restaurant washroom or motel lobby.

Before launching your trip, make sure you have the stamina to take over their care when their stamina gives out.

addition to our own gardeners and maintenance staff,” Cardelli said. “This exhibit takes approximately an additional 25 volunteers of all ages and abilities.”

The changes in plants and lights, plus everything else that was done, have formed the perfect backdrop for holiday fun.

“Santa and Reindeer Saturdays are an immensely popular aspect of our holiday tradition, and is being held Dec. 7, 14, 21 this year from noon until 4 p.m. each Saturday,” Cardelli said. “The visits are not timed, and appointments are not taken. It is first come, first served. Around 1,500 people will attend each of our Santa Saturdays.”

A visit to the botanical gardens has become a tradition for many, and the exhibit changes every year. There’s always something new to see from one year to the next.

“The holidays at the Botanical Conservatory are a strong finish to the calendar year. It is actually the second largest attended exhibit of the year, right behind our annual ‘Color in Motion Live Butterfly Exhibit,’” he said. “The Botanical Conservatory has a rich 41-year history of producing holiday

exhibits and events that have become integral to the fabric of the northeast Indiana holiday tradition. It is definitely a busy time with over 25,000 visitors anticipated for this year’s ‘Gnome for the Holidays’ exhibit.”

If participating in a more active way is your jam, the conservatory has you covered. Planning ahead can help you go easy on the budget, too.

“There are a good deal of classes and workshops offered during this time period,” Cardelli said. “Popular ones are Evergreen Centerpiece and Succulent Christmas Tree. Those are pre-registered programs and require a bit of planning. We also put on dollar night admissions as a means to stay accessible for members of our community. We run that specially for the holidays from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, starting on Black Friday, spanning through Dec. 20 this year.”

Christmas music is part of the mix, too.

“This year, we will have a bit more of a twangy instrumental holiday album playing subtly overhead,” Cardelli said. “We also have a full-service café

K. Ellen L. Client, Fort Wayne

offering warm beverages for purchase.”

Jill Bowyer, a designer, encouraged checking out the other parks and recreation locations.

At Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, there are live performances of “A Christmas Carol” from Dec. 6-15, which require tickets and has cookies with Santa, too.

“At the community center, we have hundreds of volunteers. Most of them are senior citizens,” she said. “The Alley Cats are 50-plus dancers, and there are all sorts of leagues.”

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. For more information, visit Fortwayneparks.org.

HOLIDAY GREENERY — Volunteers helped with the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory’s annual exhibit. Dixie Bradley is shown prepping holiday greenery for the exhibit’s garden.

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS — The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory offers several

Christmas events and a visit with a reindeer. Santa and Reindeer Saturdays are an immensely popular aspect of the holiday tradition. Photos provided by Fort Wayne Parks Department.

Hulbert, bow hunter, is

By ROD KING Feature Writer

Six weeks into the 2024 deer hunting season, archer and bow hunter, Mike Hulbert, bagged his first kill. It was a 200-pound buck shot from his tree stand on his property in Wells County. Hulbert, who has been hunting with bow and arrow for the past 27 years, is hoping to get another kill or two to stock his freezer with venison for the winter.

“We’re basically conservationists,” said Hulbert. “I don’t kill for the thrill of shooting a deer. I only kill what we can eat. Two deer will pretty much provide enough meat to last us through the winter. I just hunt the bigger, mature deer and never shoot a doe because they’re the ones that keep the level of the herd growing.”

He and his wife haven’t eaten beef for years, he said.

“I take my deer to a butcher who cuts it into steaks, roasts and burgers. Venison is really good for you. It’s lean, has very little fat and tastes good. I do, however, add a little fat to the burgers to make them easier to cook,” he said.

Hulbert said his property only has a few trees, but he is located next to government land that has a lot of trees.

“The deer don’t care about boundaries and regularly come on our side of the line,” he said. “We can often see them from the house. I utilize cameras to track their movements and learn what time they are on the move looking for food. I also can tell what they’re doing by the scratching marks on the ground, on the trees and, of course, scat.”

He prefers to hunt three to four hours before dark because that’s when the herd is on

the move.

“During rutting season, I sit longer and have even spent all day in the tree. The saddle-tree stand I use allows me to swing completely around the tree for shooting angles in a 360-degree circle. Getting the deer from the field is usually no problem because I have a four-wheel drive pickup truck and an all-terrain vehicle. Sometimes, we use a sled,” he said.

The former gun hunter got into bow and arrow hunting on the invitation of a friend in Wisconsin and said he got hooked immediately.

“Bow hunting is an up-close and personal experience and as far as I’m concerned, is much more humane than gun hunting,” he explained.

Hulbert introduced his son, Michael, to the sport at age 6.

“He would come with me at

first to just sit, listen and watch for movement,” Hulbert said.

“He and I invested in Bowman’s archery shop at 7119 West Jefferson Boulevard. Business is good during the fall and winter but falls off in the summer. That’s just fine with us because that’s when we compete in tournaments throughout the country.”

Both have won some championships, but Michael has gotten to the finals at the Las Vegas event, which is the largest in the world.

“We’re both professionals and compete under company sponsorships of many of the products we represent at the store,” Hulbert said.

The Wisconsin native came to the Fort Wayne area when the General Motors plant where he was working closed and was relocated here. He’s been with the company for 27½ years.

BOWHUNTER Professional archer and bow hunter, Mike Hulbert, holds a compound bow similar to the one he has used to get his first kill of the season last month. As a conservationist, he only kills what he and his family can eat. They haven’t eaten beef in years. Photo provided by Mike Hulbert.

The seasons change

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

Sometimes it takes a while to realize, when you are in a different stage of your life.

Having been distracted for so many years, with merely trying to survive.

But lately it seems, I have conceded.

My life has turned a page, Recent events have convinced me,

I am into an older age.

Basement apartment with family.

It seems we have all we need. But one thing was forgotten, we have a new identity.

Years of raising garden and kids, while budgeting all the while. Keeping the sheds and barn together, using duct tape and baling wire.

But now the checks come in, even as the duties are lessened.

The abundance of free hours, can be a curse or a blessing. But whatever it is, it is different.

And I will try to use the time. To record my continued journey in life.

In simple words, that just might rhyme.

Elder Law

Q. How much can I gift each year?

A. With Christmas and the end of the year approaching, I am often asked how much gifting can or should I do. The IRS has set an annual gift tax exclusion amount of $18,000.00 per person for the 2024 tax years. It is estimated to be $19,000 in 2025. These gifts do not count against your $13.61 million lifetime exemption (for 2024) and do not need to be reported to the IRS. You are only required to report gifts that are larger than the $18,000.00.

However, for those individuals that are receiving Medicaid benefits, or may need Medicaid benefits in the near future, the maximum amount of allowed gifting is $1,200.00 per year not per person. Individuals are required to report any gifting that has been done 5 years prior to making a Medicaid application. In other words, if you apply for Medicaid benefits on January 1, 2025, you will have to report all gifts that have been made since January 1, 2020.

Jesica L. Thorson Attorney At Law

This would include the annual gift tax exclusion amount even though you did not have to report the gift to the IRS.

Determining how much to gift will depend on an individual’s goals and health needs. It is important to discuss your gifting strategies with your financial advisor as well as legal counsel to ensure that you are meeting your goals while protecting yourself.

Suite 1100 110 West Berry Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802

Telephone (260) 426-9706

CAREGIVING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Q. While I was visiting for the holidays, I noticed my parents were struggling with simple things around the house. What should I do?

A. Acknowledging these changes is the ﬁrst step to helping your aging loved ones preserve their independence. The next step is to have an open conversation about their needs to ﬁnd out what resources can help them stay at home.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides streamlined access to information, care options, and short-term case management across a spectrum of services and supports. When you call our ADRC, you may be directed to the Family Caregiver Center.

AIHS’s Family Caregiver center offers information and assistance, respite care and more for the caregivers, with the goal of reducing caregiver burden and stress. Each month, there are support groups which cover topics that offer solutions and advice for caregivers seasoned or new in their caregiving role.

DISCLAIMER: Jesica L. Thorson and

Senior Relocation

Q. What are “Senior Relocation” services?

A. Several years ago, some friends whom had moved from their home to a local retirement community had an interesting conversation with me regarding their experiences in making their transition. One of the things that stood out in my mind was the fact that very little of the things they needed done was completed on a schedule that fit their needs. Also, coordinating all of the things that they needed to do was a bit overwhelming. And then it struck me that nearly everything that they needed accomplished were exactly what I was doing or had training in.

Having many years of experience in moving furniture in my younger years, a successful career in real estate, and a successful career in auctioneering and appraising, it didn’t take me long to see that all of my abilities were just what the doctor ordered for my friends. Hence the term “Senior Relocation” was born.

Tim McCulloch, Owner

Our systems include professional and courteous moving services, real estate brokerage, real estate and antique appraisals, auctioneering services, floor planning assistance and climate controlled storage. These services are all geared to assist the mature adult market in helping make the transition to retirement living much easier.

Whether you need all of our services or just a few, you can feel free to call us for a free analysis. We can show you how to sell your home in 30 days for your price, coordinate a professional and courteous move, along with any other services you may need to help your transition be as simple and as worry free as possible. Call (260) 441-8636 for a free consultation. Tim McCulloch, Owner

Each Senior Life Newspaper is distributed to over 300 locations each month and is free for public pickup and supported by advertisers. Locations for distribution are chosen with the 50+ aged person in mind and include grocery stores, libraries, senior centers, restaurants, senior

banks, gas stations, apartment complexes, doctor offices, drug

farmer’s markets, resale locations, churches, convenient stores, and retail stores. There are four distinct issues of Senior Life Newspaper including:

• Allen — including Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley counties

• Elko — including Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble and Wabash counties in IN and St. Joseph county in MI

• Northwest — including Lake, Porter counties in IN and Cook county in IL

• St. Joseph — including LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties in IN and Berrien and Cass counties in MI

Call today for more information on how we can help your business reach the Senior Life loyal audience.

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 20th of each month to pmuthart@ the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone numb

—o—

Celebrate the Christmas spirit with a tea party at Fort Wayne’s Historic Swinney Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, which is from 1:30-4 p.m. Dec. 6-7. Victorian-costumed settlers will be serving delicious sweets, savories, and Christmas tea. The Swinney House will be decorated in Christmas grandeur; one can find unique items in the gift shop. Tables seat four. Cost: $25 per person; prepayment is required. For reservations, call (260) 432-4232 or (260) 747-1501. Proceeds support the Homestead. Visit settlersinc.org.

—o—

The New Haven United Methodist Women in Faith will be hosting its annual Holiday Craft Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at New Haven United Methodist Church at 630 Lincoln Highway East, New Haven.

They will be featuring over 40

tables with unique handcrafted items and a Country Kitchen with pies, cakes, cookies and assorted goodies. Breakfast will be served from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All proceeds are used to support mission work, both locally and globally, of the New Haven United Methodist Women in Faith.

—o—

“Art for the Holidays,” featuring handmade ornaments and nativities” and an Holiday Open House is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

Earlier in the week meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments on Monday, Dec. 2, and receive a 10% discount on all purchases that day, the only day of the year it offers any kind of discount. Open through Dec. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The Orchard Gallery of Fine Art is located at 6312-A Covington Road, Fort Wayne.

—o—

St. Peter’s Knights of Columbus 17446 is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8, in the parish pavilion at

518 E. Dewald St., Fort Wayne, and is wheelchair accessible. Breakfast, which includes egg casserole with biscuits and sausage gravy, will be served immediately after the 9 a.m. Mass. Ticket prices are $8 per person or $20 per family.

—o—

Woodlands Senior Activity Center

The center is located at 710 N. Opportunity Drive, Columbia City. For more information, call (260) 248-8944 or visit whitleycountycouncilonaging.org/woodlands-activity-center.

9 a.m. Wednesday, pixie bingo.

9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, line dancing.

9 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, euchre.

9 a.m. every Tuesday, Bible study with Cheryl.

10-11 a.m. Wednesday, chair exercise

Noon Tuesday, dominoes.

12:30 p.m. Wednesday, hand and foot card game.

—o—

McMillen Park

Community Center

For information, visit fortwayneparks.org or call (260)

427-6000. The center is located at 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne. Pickleball, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Adult yoga, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday and noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. CardioFit, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Adult/open gym/volleyball, 6-8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Essential steps, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Yoga for seniors, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Yoga for Adults, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Drowsy driving can dash dreams

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Driving to visit the grandkids, old school crowd or bucket list sites has climbed to the top of many travel-planning lists in the wake of the global COVID-19 shutdown.

Putting together a long drive includes checking maps, reviewing what type of weather to expect, having your vehicle inspected and repaired or deciding what type of vehicle to rent for the trip, and deciding where and

what you might like to see along the way there and the way back.

It’s also the time you should plan how long you can drive each day without getting sleepy behind the wheel rather than focusing on how fast you can get there and back.

Traffic studies indicate drowsy drivers are responsible for more than 325,000 traffic accidents a year. Some of them are fatal.

A major problem is many drivers don’t realize they’ve fallen asleep.

The simplest way to avoid this hazard is to stop frequently and switch drivers. When you stop, get out and stretch your limbs.

Back in the car, keep talking to your passengers. If they fall asleep, turn on the radio or play a tape.

Also open your driver’s side window. The breeze and noise will help keep you awake.

And if you feel a bit sleepy, stop and take a few strolls around the car.

Blue River Apartments

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Drive-thru light display to support youth programs

The Anthony Wayne Scout Reservation is hosting the third annual “Christmas at Camp” event at its 1,200-acre property in Pleasant Lake. This is a free community event. It will be accepting freewill offerings at the gate and all proceeds will go directly to supporting youth programs in the 11-county service area in northeast Indiana.

Co-title sponsors are WIRCO Inc. and Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

This event boasts close to three miles of holiday lights, free hot cocoa, a craft bazaar and two special nights with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21.

It’s hosting a craft bazaar, along with “Nights with Santa” from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, and includes a free craft

for youth.

Visitors can tune in to its FM radio station and are encouraged to report any Sasquatch sightings at camp for a special treat.

Attendance each year is steadily growing and the Anthony Wayne Area Council hopes to have 4,000 visitors this year. Many of the attendees had never been to camp before this event. It hopes with community support, it can grow this event into a regional holiday destination experience.

The event is unique because it highlights outdoor recreation, agriculture, and regional natural history in the deep woods along Pigeon Creek. It also will have fun Christmas displays and many quirky decorations, such as flamingos and cactus.

This event is organized by

50 Years Ago, Blast to the Past —

‘Lucy

Elton John

Scouting volunteers who are dedicated to supporting local youth programs.

The Anthony Wayne Scout Reservation, located at 2282 W. CR 50 S, Pleasant Lake, is owned by the Anthony Wayne Area Council of

Scouting America.

Thousands of youth and adults participate in the annual summer camp programs, field trips and other group events.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s commitment to pro-

viding opportunities for youth character development, youth leadership development, youth citizenship training, and youth personal fitness.

Visit ccltbsa.org/christmasat-camp to learn more about this event.

in the Sky with Diamonds’

Lucy O’Donnell was 4 years old when she attended the upscale Heath House School in Weybridge, Surrey, England. One of her best friends there was John Lennon’s son, Julian, who arrived at school each day in a Rolls-Royce.

By RANDAL C. HILL

Years later, in a BBC interview, Lucy recalled, “I remember Julian and I both doing pictures on a double-sided easel and throwing paint at each other, much to the horror of the classroom attendant. Julian painted a picture of me.”

The lad’s 5” x 7” paper artwork showed Lucy floating in an orange haze among stars that he called “diamonds.” That afternoon, the boy took his creation home and proudly showed it to his dad.

John loved the image. It

reminded him of a scene from Lewis Carroll’s classic “Through The Looking Glass,” in which Alice floats in a boat beneath a sunny sky. Lennon immediately summoned Beatles partner Paul McCartney to work up a song inspired by Julian’s picture.

Four days later, the two had “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” ready to be added to what would become the quartet’s LP masterpiece, “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” (The name supposedly derived from the Dr. Pepper drink, unavailable in the UK until 1982 and enjoyed by the Beatles whenever they toured America.)

Recording at London’s Abbey Road studios, the Fab Four spent 700 drug-fueled hours recording psychedelic-inspired music that would, in essence, sweep away traditional rock ‘n’ roll and usher in sophisticated “rock art.” Much of the creation of “Sergeant Pepper” was Paul’s idea, including the wearing of marching-band uniforms and displaying the songs’ lyrics on the back of the 1967 album.

Although drugs had fueled the “Lucy” recording, the tune

itself, according to Lennon, had nothing to do with lysergic acid diethylamide — LSD. “Until somebody pointed it out, I never even thought of it,” he said later. “I mean, who would ever bother to look at the initials of a title?”

As 1974 drew to a close, Elton John’s version of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” gave him his third Number One American single when his MCA Records disc topped the Hot 100 chart for two weeks. His friend (and the song’s co-creator) John Lennon had provided some guitar work and backup vocals along the way, although Lennon forgot some of the chords during the recording session.

Okay, so “Lucy” supposedly wasn’t about drugs, but no one can deny that many of the lyrics are “trippy”:

“Picture yourself in a boat on a river

“With tangerine trees and marmalade skies

“Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly

“A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.”

Lucy O’Donnell (later Lucy Vodden) appreciated the Beatles’ music but did once admit, “As

a teenager, I made the mistake of telling a couple of friends at school I was the Lucy in the song. They said, ‘No, it’s not

about you. My parents said it’s about drugs.’ And I didn’t know what LSD was at the time, so I just kept it quiet, to myself.”

LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWSPAPERS & NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS

The Audio Reading Service is for individuals of any age with visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading printed materials. This is a free service of the Allen County Public Library.

It’s easy! Simply find the HOLLY 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 Thursday, December 12, 2024. Brought To You By

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542 The winner of the I Spy Contest for November is Linda Trinkle from Hammond. The poppy was located on page 1 in Senior Life Allen; page 8 in Senior Life Northwest; page 6 in Senior Life Elko and page 5 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

CHRISTMAS CAMPING — The Anthony Wayne Scout Reservation is hosting the third annual “Christmas at Camp” event this month at Pleasant Lake in Steuben County. Photo provided by Anthony Wayne Area Council Scouting America.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Couple helps others at Christmastime

By CATHY SHOUSE Feature Writer

Sandra Baron is active in her faith on a daily basis. But Christmas may be her favorite time of all for expression of her beliefs. She and her husband Denny’s involvement in a program at their church, located on Fort Wayne’s south side, is one reason why.

For over a decade, the couple has served on a committee which chooses an evening in December when families come to their church to get extra help. The congregation will have assorted items they’ve purchased and will create a sort of store for participants.

“There is a large array of popular toys and technology things on the tables as well as gift cards,” Baron said. “The visiting shopper chooses what would be the best fit for her child.”

In preparation for the evening, plans are made well in advance. The congregation all works together to cover the details. The church members carefully select gifts with families in mind, and are ready to wrap them, if desired.

When the night arrives, the families come in and do their own shopping. They are able to buy the gifts from the church at a greatly-reduced price.

“We feel like, until we’ve had that, we haven’t really had our

Christmas,” Baron said.

She’s made it every year. But in 2023, she wasn’t feeling well, and Denny went by himself. He came back and told her all about it.

“We do this together because it helps remind us that Christmas is reaching out to others and blessing those in need,” she said. “We have done this for 13 years.”

She said the evening is an emotional time for both. They like to get to know the people who come through and to interact with them. It’s a time to lend support to others who might have struggles. Sometimes, they will see people they remember from a previous year and some others will come for one time.

“We always cry. We always laugh,” she said. “There are single parents. They will say, ‘We had no Christmas. Now, we will have one.’”

The number of people who come in and shop at the same time is managed so it doesn’t get too crowded. They check to see if batteries will be needed and provide them, and a ham might be given to help feed the family. Whatever can ease the family’s needs is supplied, as much as possible.

“Den’s quote after the last guest leaves is, ‘Now that’s what Christmas is about,’” she said.

In this season, Baron is especially grateful she attends a church which is diverse. She became aware of diversity and cultural differences when she and her husband were newlyweds. Both Indiana natives,

they became beginning teachers in New Orleans, which she wrote about in her book, “Bridging the Mississippi: A Memoir of Racial Injustice and Missed Beads.”

In addition to the annual participation in the church pro-

gram, this holiday season they will be together with their other family members. The couple has two grown sons, who are married, and four grandchildren.

“I think it’s going to be one of the best Christmases we’ve ever had,” she said.

Mildly depressed older women are more likely to live longer

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Feature

Apparently a bout of the blues can be good for you.

Contrary to the prevailing view that depression increases one’s risk of dying, there is evidence that mild depression can actually enable older women to live longer lives.

According to the study, women 65 years or older with mild depression are only 60% as likely to die as senior women who are not depressed and women who experience more depressive symptoms.

Mild depression among older women could reflect a healthy coping mechanism associated with longevity and not a risk fac-

tor for early mortality, as many earlier studies have found for more severe depression, according to an article in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Researchers examined data on depression and mortality over a decade on more than 1,000 people 65 years and older who were interviewed at three-year intervals to assess their health status.

No effects on mortality were found among men, but the women exhibited what appeared to be a striking protective effect from this form of depression.

The study looked at adults living in community settings, not at clinical populations being treated for debilitating episodes of depression.

But the women with mild depression still appeared to live longer even when factors associated with lowering the risk of mortality, such as age, marital status, and socioeconomic class, that could have skewed the results were considered.

Apparently, previous studies indicated depression may be adaptive by increasing an organism’s ability to cope.

The report indicated that it is possible sub-threshold depression, a less severe depressed mood, in elderly women is not damaging but is a biological or psychological response to protect women from future risk.

HELPING OTHERS Sandra and Denny Baron are shown in front of a Christmas tree at the Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne. For over a decade, the couple has served on a committee, which chooses an evening in December when families come to their church to get extra help.

Photo provided by Sandra Baron.

Exercise a good bet to prevent falls

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

Most people know exercise can keep off unwanted pounds while increasing strength, flexibility and balance.

But exercise offers another major advantage, especially for older adults. It can help prevent falls, according to a British healthcare review.

A variety of other factors, from pacemakers to vitamin D supplements, might be useful in preventing certain individuals from falling, but exercise

appears to be the most widely effective strategy for reducing both the risk of falling and the overall number of falls among older people.

Exercise may not prevent falls completely, but people who tend to fall frequently may be enabled to fall less often.

An estimated 30% of people above age 65 who do not live in assisted-living facilities experience a fall. Among the reasons are poor balance, diminished eyesight, dementia and the side

effects of medications.

One in five of these falls could require medical attention but, even without causing serious injury, falling can make individuals fearful of leaving their homes or participating in activities.

Studies suggest that group exercise programs, tai chi, and home exercise programs all reduce the risk and rate of falls.

Effective exercise programs for reducing falls focus on balance, strength and flexibility. However, older adults should check with their primary care

physician before beginning an exercise, especially if they have significant weakness, balance issues, or dizziness. Other preventive measures might only be effective for small, targeted groups. For instance, taking vitamin D supplements probably does not reduce falls, except in people who have a low level of vitamin D in their blood. Similarly, cataract surgery and insertion of a pacemaker can help people with poor eyesight or certain blood pressure conditions to fall less often.

Anti-slip devices worn on shoes during icy conditions and reviewing medications regularly are also effective in reducing falls. In some cases, gradually reducing the dosage of sleep aids and depression medicines can reduce the number of falls.

Behavioural changes can also make a difference. An older adult should probably reconsider climbing up a ladder to clean gutters or using a chair to change a light bulb or reach high shelves.

Adams Heritage

12011 Whittern Road, Monroeville, IN 46773 (260) 623-6440 • www.adamsheritage.org

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

Adams Woodcrest

Welcome Home

1300 Mercer Avenue, Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 724-3311 • www.adamswoodcrest.org

The Cedars

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

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing Or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid

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

To a senior community in a quiet northeast residential setting

• Long Term Care and Memory Care suites with bathrooms and showers ensuring privacy

Care e and d M Memory Care suites and showers ensuring privacy

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid.

Assisted Living, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing Or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid

• 5-star quality care, staff provide 24 hour services

• 5-star care, staff 24 hour services

Golden Years Homestead, Inc.

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

260-749-9655 www.goldenyearshome.org Like us on Facebook!

Grand Marquis

300 East Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-5511 • jmull@tgmsi.com

Assisted Living; 50+ Community; Pets Allowed; Medicaid Waiver; Private Rooms; Weekly Events; RCAP Program; Conveniently Located; 24/7 Nursing Staff; On-site Therapy; Downtown Lifestyle; Concierge Service; Smoking Area; Restaurant Style Dining

Life Care Center of Fort Wayne

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

Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled-Licensed Nursing Or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Wound Care, Outpatient Therapy, Medical Transportation, Medicare/Medicaid, Pet Visitation Allowed

Orchard Pointe Health Campus

702 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-3333 • www.orchardpointehc.com

Offering Memory Care, Assisted & Independent Living Apartments and Skilled Services. We’ll meet you with the appropriate level of care wherever you are — whether you’re fully independent or looking for additional assistance. Call us.

The Village at Anthony Boulevard

6701 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46816 (260) 447-1591 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

Assisted Living, Rehab Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid, Outpatient Therapy of Fort Wayne

The Village at Kendallville

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

Rehab Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Outpatient Therapy, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare/Medicaid, 3 Years Deficiency Free Surveys

The Village at Pine Valley

9802 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 469-0600 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

Rehab Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/ Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid, Outpatient Therapy

Swiss Village

Council on Senior Services awards 2024 grants

The Council on Senior Services awarded 26 area nonprofit organizations and businesses grants at its annual membership meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19. COSS received 38 grant

applications for 2024. Each award recipient was required to submit a grant application and meet the mission of COSS in supporting the majority of community seniors through services provided.

These organizations and businesses were chosen as meeting that mission criteria by the COSS executive board. Each was awarded a check to help support its continued services throughout the Fort Wayne, Allen County area or surrounding counties.

Council on Senior Services awarded a total of $19,300. The funds are raised each year from membership fees, sale of ads in the yearly Senior Resource Guide through additional community donations.

Receiving checks at the November meeting were: Integrity Home Care, Paradigm Health, Dekalb Council on Aging, Hope Alive, Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, Pace of Northeast Indiana,

Volunteer Center, Village Caregiving LLC, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana Inc., Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Stillwater Hospice, Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana, Allen County TRIAD, NeighborLink Fort Wayne, Give Hear, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Northeast Indiana, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Fort Wayne, Foster Grandparent Program, Home Instead Franchise 296, Community Transportation Network, OPS Adventures, Health Visions Midwest Inc., Homebound Meals Inc., Kingston Residence of Fort Wayne and League for the Blind and Disabled Inc.

Organizations can visit the COSS website at councilonseniorservices.org to find the grant application for 2025.

Grants are due by Oct. 1 each year and awarded at the November meeting.

GRANT RECIPIENT Community Transportation Network was one of the organizations receiving grant

last

are

ADAMS WOODCREST

1300 Mercer Avenue Decatur, IN 46733

Phone: (260) 724-3311

www.adamswoodcrest.org

Independent Living, Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Residential & Assisted Living, Short Term Rehab, Healthcare & Dementia Care, Skilled & Intermediate, Long Term Nursing Care, Life Enrichment Activities, Fitness Center Membership

Phone: (260) 749-6725, (260) 749-9655

627-2191 www.thecedarsrc.com

CARTER HEARING

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

813 W. Cook Road, Suite 1

Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Phone: (260) 452-9691

ajones@integrityhhc.com

“Stay Home With Integrity.” Providing assistance to those in need in the comfort of their own home.

333 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 918-0933

www.brightstarcare.com/fort-wayne Enthusiastic,

money

month. Shown

Kasandra Buckland, left, Council on Senior Services grant chair, presenting Justin Clupper, middle, from Community Transportation Network, a check as Kevin Neebes, right, COSS treasurer, looks on. Photo provided by Council on Senior Services.

Seventies Flashback —

Bobby Riggs said whaaaaat?

By RANDAL C. HILL

On Sept. 20, 1973, over 30,000 people crowded into Houston’s cavernous Astrodome. At the same time, TV viewers around the world switched on over 90 million sets. The reason? To witness a tennis match that promoters had trumpeted as the Battle of the Sexes.

The contestants were 55-year-old Bobby Riggs, at one time the nation’s best male tennis professionals, and Billie Jean King, age 29, consistently ranked among the greatest women players of all time.

The winner would take home $100,000 — about $700,000 today.

In Las Vegas, sports bettors heavily favored Riggs; Jimmy the Greek declared, “King money is scarce. It’s hard to find a bet on the girl.”

Bobby boasted that he could beat any woman player on the planet. Billie Jean felt she had a duty to accept Rigg’s highly publicized challenge for the event after thinking, “It would set us back 50 years if I didn’t win that match. It would affect the self-esteem of all women.”

(At the time, a woman could still not obtain a credit card without a man’s signature.)

Bobby, though, viewed the quirky contest as a springboard to easy cash and a late-in-life career launch playing exhibition matches against easily

HOME PET CARE

HUMANE FORT WAYNE 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.

IN-HOME CARE

COMFORT KEEPERS

3182 Mallard Cove Lane

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 484-5858

MollyTritch@comfortkeepers.com

Comfort Keepers provides award winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities.

defeated women.

Both players hailed from Southern California. Riggs had begun playing tennis at age 12, and by 1946 he was the world’s top professional. King also proved to be a natural at the game and, at 17, won the women ‘s doubles title at Wimbledon, the first of 20 such victories for her there.

Riggs had always loved the media spotlight, and by the early 1970s women tennis players had become a favorite target of his bombast. Some of his jaw-dropping proclamations back then included such whoppers as “Women belong in the kitchen and the bedroom, in that order” and “Women don’t have the emotional stability to win.”

His first tennis coach had been a woman.

Riggs usually trained rigorously for his matches, but he had slacked off with the King contest. While Billie Jean spent practice time playing skilled male players, Bobby

chased women, went to parties, knocked back cocktails, puffed on cigars and gained 15 pounds. When asked about King as an opponent, he chor-

Continued on page 14

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”

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONS

HEART OF JESUS

HOME FOR THE DYING

Spiritual Companions

Contact: Rose Hillman (260) 402-6398 call or text

Rose@HeartofJesusFW.org

www.heartofjesusfw.org

Heart of Jesus Spiritual Companions are a group of Christian men and women who, through training and a love of all souls, seeks to provide spiritual fellowship to those in their final days of life.

saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.

BOBBY RIGGS

What a way to start the holidays

GREAT ESCAPES

Text and Photos

By ROD KING

As holiday shows go, there is none better than the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration. In fact, it’s the largest orchestra-produced holiday production in North America. Believe me, it has everything. It’s got dancing, singing, beautiful costumes and a wonderful version of “The Night Before Christmas” story.

The venue is the beautiful Hilbert Theater on the circle in downtown Indianapolis. Yuletide goers are greeted under the marque by a host of larger than life costumed characters, who are more than willing to pose for photos. Inside, there are even more. A 30-foot-tall tree dominates the lobby and an organist is playing carols. Children and grandchildren are eagerly awaiting the reading of “How Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The atmosphere is light and festive and is a great buildup to the two-hour stage show. Hosting the performance will be popular vocalist, Sandi Patty. This year marks her 10th time to host Yuletide. She’ll not only sing several songs, but will change gowns and perform with the ensemble.

Santa takes center stage. At first a couple Santas enter from stage right and begin tap dancing. They’re quickly joined

Continued on page 15

the True Spirit of the Christmas Season fill your Heart with Peace and Love!

Inside outside helps protect skin from the sun

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

being exposed to UV radiation.

optimum protection.

Taking carotenoid and vitamin E supplements first became popular in Europe as an effective adjunct to sunscreens in reducing sunburn. The two supplements — natural mixed carotenoids and vitamin E — that were more often associated with nutrition than sun protection were found to help protect the skin from dangerous ultraviolet exposure.

TULIPS Holland, MI

12-16,

CHATTANOOGA,

Studies built on earlier benchmark research conducted in Germany, as reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that natural mixed carotenoids and vitamin E reduce the skin-reddening effects of sunburn.

Clinical evidence revealed that beta carotene modifies sunburn damage and vitamin E adds protection. Sunburn intensity was significantly reduced in subjects who took vitamin supplements over a 12-week period while

Tests indicated that what carotenoids do for plants, they can do for the skin.

While researchers found that while natural carotenoid supplements reduced skin reddening after the subjects were exposed to UV rays, it was important to note that these supplements must be taken along with the use of sunscreens.

This is what results in “inside-outside” protection. The natural mixed carotenoid supplements are ingested while sun screen is applied on the outside all over your skin for

The vitamin supplements must be taken for at least three months before benefits can be seen, researchers reported.

It takes time for your body and skin to accumulate enough of these natural carotenoids to provide some UV protection.

The study of the effects of carotenoids and vitamin E study suggests the two antioxidants may be working together, thereby speeding up the time it takes for benefits to be seen. In this study, a protective effect was seen after only four weeks.

Bobby Riggs

Continued from page 13 tled, “There’s no way that broad can beat me.”

Riggs ended up eating his words. From the match’s outset, King forced Bobby to cover the entire court as she ran him from side to side, always playing to his weak backhand and rocketing shots past the out-ofshape opponent. Winning three straight sets, Billie Jean had simply ground down her much older rival, a man the same age

as her father.

Bobby declared himself a “bum” and sank into a sixmonth funk before becoming a tennis pro and greeter at a Las Vegas casino. Billie Jean continued to mow down the competition and retired with 39 Grand Slam titles.

“To beat a 55-year-old guy was no thrill for me,” King said later about the match. “The thrill was exposing a lot of new people to tennis.”

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Puppeteers with Santa and his reindeer exit after the telling of the famous Clement Moore story. All photos provided by the Indianapolis Symphony.

EXTRAVAGANT GOWNS — Strong voices and elegant costumes provide color to the program, which is backed by the 65-member Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

What a way

Continued from page 14

by a few more until they fill the entire stage. There are 30 of them who conclude their dancing with a kick line reminiscent of the Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Tap dancing Santas have been an audience pleaser and staple of the show since the symphony’s initial Yuletide presentation 38 years ago.

Another eye catching specialty will be the Holly Jolly Dollies. Dressed as Raggedy Anns, the Dollies will spell various holiday greetings with large building blocks and even throw in a salute to the local sports teams. It looks chaotic as the Dollies assemble words with their blocks, but everyone seems to know where they need to be to make sure the words are correct. It’s one of the most fun segments of the show.

There’s plenty more. A number of specialty dance, vocal and instrumental presentations make for a great change of pace. And, you’ll be surprised and amazed at the novelty performers.

Enthralling is the only way to explain the “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” story. Blackclad puppeteers enter down the main aisle with a cartoonish Santa and his reindeer on 10-foot-tall poles. Onstage, Santa is lowered into a chimney and out pops a life-size Santa, who goes about delivering gifts as the music swells and the story unfolds. With the children snug in their beds, Santa goes back into the fireplace and the puppeteers depart back up the center aisle.

Providing smooth transitions between segments and an overall grand musical flow to the show is the 65-musician Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Jack Everly.

The tightly choreographed production has a cast of 50 singer and dancers and a crew of 40 backstage making sure costumes are ready for changes and scenery is set to go onstage. There are no dead spots because everything is kept moving. It’s nonstop action.

The show runs from Dec. 6-23. Tickets are available by calling the ISO box office at (317) 639-4300.

To get your holiday season off to a glorious, colorful, rousing, and fun start, plan to attend the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration.

CROWD PLEASER

Holly Jolly Dollies provide a lot of action as they spell holiday greetings with large building blocks.

TAP DANCING SANTAS

Long a staple of Yuletide are the tap dancing Santas who end their routine with a kick line reminiscent of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Will remarrying affect my Social Security benefits?

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

Are you getting remarried? If so, we can help you with Social Security related questions regarding your remarriage.

You may be wondering how your new marriage affects your Social Security benefits now or in the future. Remarrying may affect your benefits if you receive (or expect to receive) any of the following:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments – Your SSI eligibility and payment amount may change (or stop) due to your new spouse’s in-

come and resources.

Surviving spouse or divorced surviving spouse benefits –

If you remarry before age 50 — You won’t be eligible for survivors or disability benefits as a surviving spouse unless your later marriage ends by divorce or annulment.

If you remarry between the ages of 50 and 59 — You may be able to get benefits as a disabled surviving spouse (or disabled surviving divorced spouse) if you were disabled and unable to work when you remarried and your remarriage occurred after age 50. If you remarry before you reach age

Helping Mark –A story of loss

By KURT NESS Broker/Co-Owner, Auctioneer Ness Bros. Realtors and Auctioneers

Mark is a client whose wife passed away the year before we met him and due to this loss, he was suffering from depression. His current living situation was also deteriorating because he could not maintain the property. He was feeling overwhelmed and although he knew that he needed to make a move, he didn’t know where or how to begin.

His sister living in Texas was his closest living relative, and she was not in a position to give him the help he needed. A lot of trash had accumulated in the home, and it was becoming an increasing health hazard. During this time, his license had also become suspended due to a minor traffic infraction, which was not paid. We were able to assist him in getting his fines paid, license reinstated and move into an apartment

that was clean and safe.

Ness Brothers was able to coordinate all aspects of his transition, including getting his flat screen TV mounted and set up. He later told his sister his apartment felt more like his home every day and he’s grateful that we were able to get him out of that situation. We were able to help Mark get the fresh start he had been wanting, but didn’t know how to achieve.

Contact our senior relocation team to get help and answers to your questions on right-sizing; we’re here to help you deal with the loss of loved ones and move forward into your new life.

Reach out to our relocation specialists at (260) 459-3911 in Fort Wayne or (260) 3563911 in Huntington. You can also contact us through our website, NessBros.com, or stop in one of our offices. located at 3344 Mallard Cove Lane, Fort Wayne, or 519 N. Jefferson St., Huntington.

60 and that marriage ends, you may be able to get benefits on your previous deceased spouse’s record.

If you remarry after age 60 — You may be eligible for survivors benefits on your deceased spouse’s record or benefits on your new spouse’s record.

Divorced spouse’s benefits — Generally, if you remarry, benefits paid to you on your former spouse’s record stop. You should report your new marriage to us to avoid being overpaid.

Children’s benefits (under age 18 or full-time student ages 18 or 19) — Under certain circumstances, we may be able to make payments to stepchildren of a worker who receives retirement or disability benefits.

To learn more about how your new marriage will affect your Social Security benefits now or in the future, read our blog post Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits at blog.ssa.gov/will-remarrying-affect-my-social-security-benefits.

Share this with family and friends — and post it on social media.

Why

amass

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

provided by Social Security.

collectibles in the first place?

So, you’re well on your way to completing the set of 50 state quarters that you began on a whim, decided to put them together for your grandchildren, and decided to get one for yourself.

What’s going to happen to the collection, whether it’s one or several sets, when you’re done? And will it (or they) sell for the profit you had in your head when you began? If you spend each set, you can buy $200 worth of something. And that’s about all they’ll be worth. You probably would have been better off buying each grandchild a $200 savings bond.

Collectibles just don’t cut it a lot of the time if profit is the motive. It isn’t even good sense to collect $1 bills and paste them in a book to keep around the house. Inflation deflates their value over time.

A recently deceased relative left behind cartons of comic books and baseball cards. The recipient heirs haven’t found it worth their while to catalogue the collection and have it appraised.

During family visits back to

northern Canada, resolves are made to pick up collectibles and antiques and rent a vehicle to transport them to California to be sold to provide for a comfortable retirement. After getting over the wishing, a cold calculating look at the costs involved dampened the emotional ardor and gave way to common business sense.

The point is that collectibles are not only in the eye of the beholder, they’re also in the heart of the collector. They usually offer more thrill in the hunt and satisfaction in the acquisition than profit in the purse.

They give the collector a circle of like-minded colleagues to discuss likes and dislikes, as well as to brag about the latest addition to one’s collection. But you can conduct the same spirited exchanges over your favorite sports teams without having to spend the time and money tracking down another cloisonne piece for your collectible closet.

If you enjoy the hunt and your chest swells with pride when you add to your hoard, then you have the core of a collector. And there are always new “hot” items to boost you up the ladder of collecting society.

For example, it seems that

almost anything can become a collectable, even old gas station appurtenances. Those roadside facilities that began appearing 100 years or so ago have become popular despite climate activists’ aversions to gasoline-gulping, carbon-spouting vehicles. As items, such as the solid glass gasoline pump globes, become more scarce, their prices rise as do the number of reproductions that appear at flea markets and in collector catalogues.

As electronic slot machines become the norm in the ever-expanding gambling industry coast-to-coast, the old one-armed bandits with those old fashioned spinning reels have taken on new value because some collectors began coveting them.

Jukeboxes have been a favorite among collectors for several decades now, especially since compact disks all but eliminated the old black plastic records.

The best way to find out if what you’re collecting, whether it’s little red wagons or ceramic salt and pepper shakers, can make you any money is to check catalogues, flea markets and Internet sites on that particular item. If you already have a collection built up, you should have some idea of what the items are worth and how prices have risen since you began collecting.

You might even test the waters by taking a couple of articles to a swap meet to try to sell, or offer them on the ‘net, to check how much interest and what prices they will bring. And you may find some extra 50 state quarters to add to your collection.

REMARRYING AND SOCIAL SECURITY Social Security can help answer questions regarding remarriage and Social Security benefits. Photo