Senior Life - Allen County Edition - June 2023

Those who have served in the military on behalf of the country can often benefit from support. Their families also make sacrifices. A local organization offers numerous services to these individuals, including counseling and dog therapy sessions.

The Lutheran Military Veterans and Family Ministry Inc. is a Christian-based, nonprofit, faith-based ministry dedicated to serving military veterans, military contractors and their families in need of care and assistance, regardless of their faith or religious affiliation.

Leslie Haines is the director. The volunteers are mostly seniors. LMVFM has been around for 16 years. It offers free counseling, too.

Cindy Houser is a regular, dedicated volunteer. She has seen many aspects of the ways veterans and their families are helped.

Lutheran Military Veterans and Family Ministry —

Serving military veterans and their families

“We do what needs to be done,” she said about volunteering. “We label envelopes, help with the newsletter and with things around the office. Occasionally, I will answer the phone.”

She retired when her grandson was born and he is now 20 years old. Haines, a chaplain, goes to Houser’s church.

“I love it. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I enjoy getting out of the house,” Houser said.

Houser and a group of others show up every week between 9:30-10 a.m. They go to lunch together, then end their volunteer shifts about 2 p.m. But if they occasionally need to stay longer to finish something, they do.

“I was hesitant because I didn’t know if I wanted to commit to a day. It’s rewarding because I know who I’m helping — the veterans. They need help. What we do helps them,” Houser said.

One unanticipated reward is

the relationships she has built with the other volunteers.

“We became friends. Actually, we text and email when we’re not there. We’re all good friends,” Houser noted.

Through volunteering, she has been made aware of many of the activities the organization is involved in. There is a “Battle Rattle” run annually and it helps to raise funds.

At Christmastime, there is a special appeal for donations and those who do so receive a handmade Christmas ornament and acknowledgement on the organization’s Facebook page. There’s a program called Dine to Donate, too.

One of Houser’s hobbies is making quilts and she has made a quilt for Haines, who first encouraged her to get involved.

“I just feel like it’s a wonderful ministry. We don’t accept any government help. It’s all through donations,” Houser said.

Continued on page 5

Allen County Edition Reaching Fort Wayne And Surrounding Counties

Ed Vol. 36, No. 2

Key Positions

Heading French horn section has its responsibilities

Dan Kulpa was one of the original 35 players who showed up at Neff Hall on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus in November 1979 to play in a new start-up community band.

Like the others in attendance, he answered an announcement in the Fort Wayne newspapers placed by William Schlacks, professor of instrumental music at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

That was 43 years ago and music means even more to him now.

“I worked at Magnavox and had been playing in their band for about five years, but it was in the process of folding. So, word of a new community band starting was really good news. I was seated third in the French horn section but moved into the section leader position not long

after when the person who held that spot left the band,” Kulpa said.

Kulpa has been section leader ever since.

“One thing I learned over the years as principal French horn player is when you have a section full of really accomplished players, you give them the opportunity to shine whenever you can,” he said.

“So, my job is to make sure the right personnel are on the right parts so the band gets the most out of the section.”

He added, “I’m impressed with the fact that the Fort Wayne Area Community Band has attracted so many talented young people the last few years who are serious about playing. That’s probably why we’re able to tackle challenging music and why the quality of our performances has greatly improved.”

When Kulpa was in sixth

grade, he came home from school and announced he was going to be a trumpet player.

“My father said trumpets cost a lot of money and told me to go back to the band director and ask what instruments the school had and then choose one. My choices were tuba, euphonium and French horn. I was a little kid, so I picked the smallest one, the French horn,” Kulpa stated.

He played in high school ensembles and earned a music scholarship to attend Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.

“After playing two years in the university band, I announced I was no longer a music major, transferred to the University of Michigan to study engineering, and put away my instrument for 15 years until joining the Magnavox Band,” he said.

He thought he could pick it up and play like he did before.

“I couldn’t play anything. It took some time to get it back. Music is now like therapy,” he added. “I look forward to Tuesday night rehearsals at Purdue Fort Wayne where we are considered an ensemble in residence,” Kulpa said.

Kulpa served as president of the band for 12 years, was its first treasurer and did a couple years as an at-large board member.

“I think the glue that has held the community band together all these years is our assistant conductors, Susan Jehl and Dave Blackwell, who conduct us during the summers, our graduation concerts and other special performances,” Kulpa said.

In addition, Kulpa performed with the Community Orchestra for 25 years, the Auburn Community Band, PUFW Wind Ensemble and the Don Pearson Dance Band.

The Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present three free concerts at Foellinger Theater in Franke Park this summer: Tuesday, June 13; Tuesday, July 11; and Tuesday, Aug. 8. Downbeat is at 7:30 p.m.

It was 50 years ago —

‘Kodachrome’ began as ‘Goin’ Home’

Paul Simon

Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome” began as “Goin’ Home,” but the poetic perfectionist soon felt that sounded too ordinary. Thus, he shifted creative gears, restructured the lyrics and came up with “Kodachrome,” which, to him, sounded close to “Goin’ Home” but stuck better in the listener’s ear.

After Simon heard the gospeldrenched Staple Singers hit, “I’ll Take You There,” he knew he wanted to record “Kodachrome” at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, the same cramped northwest Alabama locale the Staples had utilized. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section consisted of four white guys who could lay down soul and rhythm-and-blues tracks as well as or better than anyone on the recording session scene.

While the group may have been top-notch, the studio itself was a dump. David Hood, the

outfit’s bass player, explained to songfacts.com, “Paul Simon was used to working at Columbia Studios in New York and at studios in England and different places. When he came and saw our little place, he probably thought, ‘Man, this is a rat trap.’ Because it was.” One example of what awaited the sophisticated hitmaker was plastic covers tossed over the recording console that protected the costly piece of equipment when rain leaked from a hole in the roof.

Simon obviously managed to cast aside any concerns he had, as he nailed the master of “Kodachrome” in just two takes. Soon afterward, his single streaked to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

His tune could be seen as a coming-of-age treatise, perhaps how a young man could often choose to view the world through rose-colored glasses. (To Simon, this is what Kodachrome camera film offered.) But first, wanting to get something unrelated off his chest, he opened “Kodachrome” with a most quirky lyric line:

“When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school,

“It’s a wonder I can think at all.”

Then, without explanation, he altered the plotline of his ministory:

“Kodachrome

“Give us those nice bright colors.

“Give us the greens of summer.

“Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.”

Certainly, it’s hard to let go of thoughts of a remembered carefree life of youthful pleasures and replace them with adulthood’s grittier realities. For Paul, this would include memories of past relationships that may not have been as sublime as he once recalled:

“If you took all the girls I knew when I was single

“And brought them all together for one night,

“I know they’d never match my sweet imagination

“And everything looks worse in black and white.”

By the way, one should remind Simon that, when he and Art Garfunkel were in high school in New York, they had recorded a ditty called “Hey, Schoolgirl!” a bit of piffle (listed as being by Tom and Jerry) that reached the bottom of the national Top 40 chart. Royalties from the disc’s sales had bought teenage Paul a new fire engine red Chevy convertible.

Hey, maybe high school really wasn’t a complete waste of time after all.

Canterbury resident Marian Jacquay turning 100 June 30

Our wonderful resident, Marian Jacquay, will be turning 100 years old June 30, and we want your help to make her birthday the best one yet.

Marian Jeanette Scheiman Jacquay was born June 30, 1923, in Fort Wayne to Walter Scheiman and Freida Muntz. She graduated from New Haven High School and worked at the age of 18 at Murphy’s in downtown Fort Wayne.

She was always a sharp dresser and her hair was never out of place. She loved to wear pink and lots of jewelry.

She married Albert E. Jacquay while he was stationed with the Coast Guard in Flagler Beach, Fla. They married June 16, 1943, in Daytona Beach, Fla.

In August 1944, she gave birth to her daughter, Nancy (Jacquay) Fitzgibbons, then her son Albert Jacquay (Butch) in April 1950. Several years later, she had two other daughters, Justina Anne Jacquay Huhn in 1962, and Janette Irene Jacquay in 1966. During this time, she worked at Western Union, then worked many years at J.C. Penney as a product service manager, and finally at Kohl’s in Northcrest before she retired.

She volunteered for many years at Parkview Hospital. She was also an auxiliary member of

the American Legion Post 82. Additionally, she was a member of Queen of Angels Church, where she helped with funeral dinners, sang in the church choir and served as a greeter during church services.

Together, she and her husband, Albert, once owned and operated the Park House Restaurant on Coliseum Boulevard. It opened in March 1969 and was renamed the Dog House. They were married 71 years before Albert passed away in December 2014. The couple loved doing many activities together. They had a camper located in Wolcottville for many years and enjoyed camping, fishing and sitting by the fires. They loved to square dance,

especially in their early years. At one time, she was a rollerette at the roller rink in New Haven at Bell’s Skating Rink. She also loves playing bingo. She had two brothers and one sister who passed away: Elmer Scheiman, Robert Scheiman and Betty Scheiman Houck. She currently has 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She loves spending time with others and she loves candy. She always told us she knew she would live to be 100 and she did. Happy 100th birthday.

Surprise her with birthday wishes by sending cards to:

Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 2827 Northgate Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

Courthouse docent is an enthusiastic history buff

Though Mary Seberger loves to sing and is a member of three vocal ensembles, she said the highlights of every month are the tours she conducts as a volunteer docent at the Allen County Courthouse.

Most of her tours involve third and fourth grade elementary students.

“I really get excited when I see the expressions on their

faces when I tell them the shoe size of Lady Liberty on the top of the building is 28. Or when they all strain to locate the mermaid I’ve pointed out in one of the relief works on the wall of the Allen County Superior Court,” she said.

When a class, their teachers and parent chaperons enter the rotunda, she asks them to lie on the floor and look up more than 110 feet to the spectacular courthouse dome.

“It gives them a good idea

of the architecture and the grandeur of the building. Then I point out the white marble walls and the scagliola (faux marble) columns and tell them that they look just like marble, but are made of a mixture of gypsum and plaster and come in 28 colors and 24 patterns,” Seberger said.

The molding around the ceiling, she explained, has what look like hundreds of silver eggs and someone always asks what they are.

“My standard response is that they’re just decoration and that there are 30,000 of them throughout the building,” she said.

When she gets her class into one of the circuit courtrooms on the third floor, she asks for 12 volunteers who would like to be the jury. Once they’re seated, she picks a judge, defendant and plaintiff, defense and plaintiff attorneys, bailiff and court recorder. She motions the judge to enter and the bailiff loudly says “all rise” and everyone in attendance stands.

“Sitting in those specific positions in the courtroom is something they’ll remember for a long time,” said Seberger.

People from children to senior citizens are simply awed by the grandeur of the Greek/Roman/ Renaissance architecture of the building. The Smithsonian Institute calls it the finest of the nation’s county courthouses. It’s on the National Registry of Historic Places and is considered a National Historic Landmark.

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In addition to the architecture, the building has frescos on the walls of the dome. It has Fort Wayne and Indiana historic scenes and relief carvings on the walls of the courtrooms. Over the years, water damage and a buildup of dirt and grime took its toll on the artworks and the building in general. During the New Deal era, the Works Progress Administration painted over the peeling murals.

Anniversaries

Restoration began in 1995, took seven years and cost $8.6 million to bring it back to the way it was in 1902. The original cost of the structure was $817,553.59 and took only five years to build.

The Fort Wayne native and South Side High School graduate said she has become an enthusiastic history buff.

“When we moved back to

the city from Austin, Texas, after 37 years, I participated in a ‘Be a Tourist in Your Own Home Town’ program and was overwhelmed by the courthouse,” she noted.

“I decided right then that I wanted to be a tour guide. I have taken more than 500 students through this beautiful building over the past four years.”

Celebrating an anniversary?

There are many people who will be celebrating special wedding anniversaries in the coming months. Senior Life would like to include pictures and information on those persons celebrating 40 years of marriage or more.

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In addition to including your names, address, date of marriage, children and date of celebration tell us something about you and your spouse. If you have a special or unique story of how you met and dated, share it with us and the rest of our readers.

Send us your anniversary information and photo by the 20th of every month.

Anniversary information should be e-mailed to dpatterson@the-papers.com, or mailed to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188,

Sports Couple finds senior games a ‘perfect fit’

Jim Anelle stays active and enjoys a social life partly through playing shuffleboard and cornhole at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s community center.

Anelle retired about five years ago and went down to working part time for a while. Then his co-worker and fellow retiree introduced him to the activities that were offered.

“We started going to the community center and played shuffleboard, and we played cornhole in the winter. Then we saw they had those activities as part of the senior games,” he said.

Not long after, the gentlemen’s wives began getting into the act and joining them

at the community center.

Anelle has been married to wife, Jill, for 37 years; their adult daughter, Hannah, lives in California. The couple primarily plays shuffleboard and cornhole.

Depending on how it’s arranged, they may play as singles when his wife competes in the women’s league and he competes with the men. However, they will also play doubles at times.

Anelle and his wife both ended up becoming more immersed in the community center when they started to volunteer and help out whenever needs arose. He admitted his wife is more actively involved as a volunteer than he is, not only at the center but elsewhere.

“Not only did we play but we began volunteering,” he said. “We volunteered to help

Serving military

Continued from page 1 ithth

Everything offered to the veterans is free. In addition to more formalized programs, such as gas cards for those who need them, Houser has seen numerous situations where unique help is needed. A veteran might need help

with the scorekeeping. She put together the ladders for the competitions. She does volunteering for Visiting Nurses as well.”

This year’s senior games start June 5. Anelle said the number of activities were too many to list, including Wii bowling and axe throwing. More than 50 activities are listed on the center’s website. This is the 44th annual event; everyone is welcome to register by visiting fortwayneparks.org.

“As far as the senior games, there’s a whole plethora of activities, like pickleball. They have things for folks who aren’t so physically able. There’s quite a variety of activities. The nice thing about this is it’s a chance for those who wish to sign up and do something they’ve never done before. You don’t have to feel

with their plumbing or their vehicle may need repair so they can have transportation. Other veterans and community volunteers have come to the rescue in such circumstances.

The ministry provides free counseling to military families. Typically, while the

intimidated about your skill level,” Anelle said.

For the Anelles, enjoying an activity and meeting others takes precedence over who wins or loses, and at the senior games, a spirit of fun and friendly sport is what prevails.

His wife will be helping guide people in the walking event for the senior games.

“She keeps everybody on course,” he said. “She’s also helping with bocce ball. There are also social aspects to it. There’s a cookout at the end and an opening day breakfast.”

The Anelles enjoy an active lifestyle. In addition to going to the community center a few times a week, they also golf once a week in season. He joked his wife doesn’t like to go if it’s too hot or too cold.

“We both have member-

husband and wife are being counseled in-house, this leaves children needing separate attention. So, someone will read to the children and might have therapy dogs for them to enjoy.

The ministry also provides free small group gatherings,

ships to the YMCA,” he said. “I try to get over there to use the equipment when I can. Cornhole and shuffleboard are not real strenuous.”

Bible studies and individual training opportunities for “Home Front Heroes,” typically for wives of the military service members.

Houser said the needs are ongoing.

“The National Guard and reserves have been sent over-

seas for a year in the last five or 10 years. It’s hard on families,” Houser said.WORKING WEEKLY — These LMVFM volunteers meet weekly and work together on various needs the organization has, such as working with address labels and newsletters.

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

Eligibility for spouse’s benefits

Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following:

• 62 years of age or older.

• Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than 16 or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you wait until you reach full retirement age, your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age.

If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit. You’ll also get a full spouse’s benefit before full retirement age if you care for a child who is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher

spouse benefit.

For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.

Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits?

Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit ssa. gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.

Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record.

For more information, visit ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html.

Disabled need assistance, not avoidance

Remember your mom’s whispered warning “Don’t stare” when someone with a disfigurement or disability came into the room?

The disconcerted feeling of discomfort and disorientation, whether prompted by your parents’ admonitions or not, runs rampant when someone in a wheelchair rolls through a door-

way near you. Plenty of people seem to mentally file folks with any sort of handicap somewhere between murderous intent and a highly contagious disease.

The most common response received over the years in an unofficial survey of those discomfited by the appearance of anyone with a permanent disability is the “normal” people didn’t want to embarrass the “poor victims.”

That’s a pretty tough sell to someone who’s lost an arm in

a traffic accident. Or had their sight blown away in Iraq. Or to a senior who’s finally lost the ability to maneuver through life without the use of a wheelchair.

These individuals are quite aware of their “difference.” So, instead of turning your back, physically or mentally, greet them just as you would someone who’s taller or shorter than you are. Don’t yell at them to make yourself understood. And don’t patronize them.

They’re people, just like you.

A colleague makes a point of opening the conversation with any person with a disability at social gatherings by asking if there’s anything he or she needs at the moment. It could simply be directions to the bathroom or assistance to a spot out of the sun.

While terms like “handicapped” and “crippled” are outdated, individuals with disabilities are also put off by clumsy euphemisms like “physically challenged” and “differently abled.”

A rule that leaps out of “Disability Etiquette,” a booklet produced by the United Spinal Association and accessible online, is to be honest and straightforward.

Don’t grab the handles of a person’s wheelchair and push him or her to where you think they ought to be. You’re invading their space. It’s comparable to someone grabbing your arm and shoving or pulling you somewhere.

That is what you don’t do when you encounter someone who’s blind. If you see somebody who’s sightless at a busy street corner, approach them and ask if there’s something you can for them. And offer them your arm, don’t grab theirs.

There are still folks out there who have to hide a grin or chuckle when someone lisps but they don’t know how to handle communication with someone having difficulty speaking after a stroke.

Continued on page 8

Elder Law

Q: Elder abuse: What can be done?

A: Elder abuse is a significant concern in our society, but there are steps we can take to protect our elderly loved ones.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize the signs of abuse - physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. If an elderly relative shows unexplained injuries or sudden financial difficulties, it may be necessary to investigate further.

Maintaining regular communication with our loved ones is also critical. When they feel valued and heard, they’re more likely to voice concerns about any mistreatment. Therefore, establishing a routine for checkins, whether in-person or over the phone, is key.

Educating our loved ones about the resources they can turn to is an important step. Knowledge of adult protective services, law enforcement agencies, and elder abuse hotlines can empower them in a difficult situation.

Lastly, the selection of caregivers should

Troy C. Kiefer Attorney at Law

be made with utmost caution. Thorough vetting and background checks can ensure their trustworthiness.

In summary, through awareness, communication, education, and careful selection of caregivers, we can effectively safeguard our elderly loved ones from potential abuse. It’s a responsibility we owe them for their years of care and guidance.

A. According to audit statistics, 80% of our readers are under the age of 75. 65% of our readers have a household income of over $50,000 per year. Nearly 40% of these readers earn more than $75,000 per year. Are households with an income larger than

Jail ministry reaches the incarcerated

Jail ministry means many things to many people: The incarcerated, those who work to keep them safe and those who seek to counsel and comfort.

Allison Sturm serves as the contact for Catholic Jail Ministry in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

“There are 14 counties in the diocese. Each one has its own county jail and is run inde-

pendently. Policies regarding sacramental and pastoral visits by priest, religious and lay individuals vary,” she said.

It is Sturm’s responsibility to connect with each jail commander and chaplain to get a clear picture of what a Catholic presence can look like.

“Before working in jail ministry, I didn’t understand how different it is from prison ministry. When Bishop Kevin Rhoades visited Allen County Jail years ago wanting to cel-

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.

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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

ebrate a Mass, he was informed he would have to offer 16 masses in one week just to reach all Catholic men incarcerated.

“This is because the inmates are separated in specific blocks and cannot interact because of upcoming trials. Men and women incarcerated in prisons have already had their sentences adjudicated so there is a greater freedom for educational programs and faith opportunities,” Sturm explained.

Rhoades envisioned this ministry as a way to offer access to Holy Communion and to confession. Unfortunately, the setup at many jails does not make this possible. Some jails only allow video visits where the inmate and visitor sit on opposite sides of a glass partition.

One of the biggest roadblocks is the safety of the inmates and staff. Many jails are understaffed and if there is only one officer present in a certain block, he or she cannot leave that area to escort an inmate

down to meet with a priest.

Sturm appreciates the challenges the jail officials face. She has found that many of the jail commanders understand and support the Bishop’s desire to have a Catholic presence.

Her role is to serve as a liaison between jail leadership and the 14 pastors designated by Rhoades. She assists the pastors and their parish communities to consider the opportunities at their respective county jails, which might include Mass, sacramental visits, Bible studies, book cart, pen pals or collecting items like reader glasses.

“Before COVID, there were five active Catholic jail ministries among the 14 counties and each was unique because it conformed to the policies of those given jails,” she said.

The response of these Catholic jail ministries showed respect for their local jail officials and demonstrated what

is possible.

Serving in this role also allows Sturm the opportunity to connect with the family members of individuals incarcerated. Recently, in arranging permission for a pastoral visit at the wishes of an inmate’s parents, she was surprised to receive a text from his parents stating he hadn’t received his visit. Upon further checking, Sturm said they learned there were two inmates in that jail with identical names.

“So, we were able to minister to two men,” she said.

Sturm desires to listen, accompany and connect, and she does so with great empathy and care.

For more information, visit diocesefwsb.org/jail-ministry.

Disabled

Continued from page 6

To ease the frustration experienced by the speaker, work on what you do understand and help him or her get the message across. For example, if you make out the word “need,” ask what it is they need. It simplifies the conversation.

Do the same with those who are aging and losing their hearing.

You don’t have to yell at them. But stand where they can see you and don’t hide your mouth when you’re speaking to them. Many read lips, facial expressions and body language to help them get your message. If they have a problem understanding, change your sentence.

As hearing diminishes, so does sound recognition, especially of short one-syllable words like “bus” and “car.”

Before speaking to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, make sure you get their attention. You can do this by waving your hand or arm or tapping them on the shoulder.

The key in all these encounters is to be polite. Simple courtesy will keep everyone comfortable.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum —

Train excursions for family fun

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum train excursions run on Saturdays, May through October, Fathers Day Sunday and for special events. Take a relaxing, round-trip, approximately 45-minute train excursion through the countryside on an open-air car or a vintage coach between North Judson and English Lake.

Ticket prices begin at $10. Groups of six or more get $2 off each ticket. Purchasing tickets online is recommended.

Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds where the admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad

Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals, a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car and switching tower. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines and memorabilia of a bygone era.

Guest engineers can operate a diesel locomotive with supervision at HVRM. Anyone over the age of 18 who holds a valid drivers license can “be an engineer” for 30 minutes or one hour for a nominal fee. Contact the museum for scheduling.

HVRM has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season. Regular Saturday train rides continue through the end of September. HVRM

will run Pumpkin Trains, Halloween Trains and Santa Trains later this year. Prices for these special events may vary. Most of these special events sell out in advance, so please purchase online in advance.

HVRM is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events, including school groups, can be arranged during the week by contacting the depot. Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website, hoosiervalley.org, for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets online or call the depot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Saturdays at (574) 896-3950.

Sewing Guild hosting trunk show June 15

The Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Sewing Guild will celebrate the art of quilting at its monthly public meeting to be held from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the UAW Local 2209 Union Hall, 5820 E. CR 900 North, Roanoke (near the GM plant).

Guest speaker, Jo Wiedelman, will bring a trunk full of her quilts featuring machine embroidery, applique, beautiful piecing and Kimberbell’s whimsical wall hangings.

Wiedelman, who is from Bluffton, has been teaching a variety of classes for Edwards Sewing Center through the years. Many of her quilts and other projects have graced the walls there and at Quilts ‘n Gifts in Bluffton, where she occasionally also teaches classes.

There is no admission charge. The guild always has a free table of goodies and invites the public to bring one or two items for show and tell.

American Sewing Guild is a national organization made

Continued on page 10

Germanfest organ recitals June 5-9

Organ recitals, sponsored by the Germanfest committee and the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will be given between 12:1512:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 5-9.

The pipe organ recitals are free and feature 30 minutes of German organ music.

The organ recitals have a long tradition of being part of the Germanfest celebration across the city.

Generally, the door closest to the parking area is the door to enter. The recitals are scheduled at 12:15 p.m. each day to enable people to attend on their lunch hour.

The 2023 schedule is:

• Monday, June 5, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1126 S. Barr

IIt’s easy! Simply find the grill 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.

St. Organist Kevin Hildebrand. • Tuesday, June 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W.

Blvd. Organist Ryan Kennedy.

I Spy May winner is Wilma Fuelling of Fort Wayne. The raindrop was located on page 13 in Senior

Elko, page 2 in

page

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2023 Fort Wayne Germanfest Organ Recitals At

Sponsored by the Germanfest Committee and the Fort

Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Chapter of the American Guild of Organists can be found at

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 June 20 at pmuthart@thepapers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

—0—

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 or visit whitleycountycouncilonaging.com/ senior-citizens-center.

Exercise with Brittney — 10-11 a.m. Monday.

Bible Study w/Cheryl —

9-10 a.m. Tuesday.

Euchre — 9-10 a.m. every

Tuesday and Friday.

Yahtzee — 1-2 p.m. Wednesday.

Ice Cream Social — 1-2 p.m. Thursday, June 8.

—o—

Queen of Angels’ annual garage sale, 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 29; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 30; and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 1, at 1500 W. State Blvd., Fort Wayne.

—o—

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1819 Reservation Drive, Fort Wayne, is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 10. The meal includes salad, bread, a drink and dessert.

Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children.

—o—

Blessings in a Backpack golf outing, registration at noon Friday, July 21, start time 1 p.m., at Brookwood Golf Club, Fort Wayne. All proceeds to benefit Blessings in a Backpack. For more information, visit blessingsindiana.org/ events.

—o—

German Fest, 11 a.m. Sunday, June 4, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 518 E. Dewald St., Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne Männerchor-Damenchor will provide the music for Mass. A German lunch will be served in the parish hall with live German music following

Mass. Adult lunch consists of brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and kruchen dessert. The kid’s meal includes hotdogs and applesauce. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Beer will also be available for purchase.

—o—

Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present a free concert at Foellinger Theater in Franke Park Tuesday, June 13. Downbeat is 7:30 p.m. Assistant conductors, David Blackwell and Susan Jehl, have chosen a variety of fun, upbeat music. Joining the band for this performance will be a number of local and area high school musicians.

Don’t pooh-pooh benefits of ‘lite’ exercise

For those who find television and computerized “Buns of Steel” physiques too intimidating to even consider for an exercise program, here’s some good news. Only a few minutes a day of nonaerobic, “lite” exercise such as housework, gardening and walking the dog is still enough

to help keep you active and improve your overall physical condition.

Instead of the old recommendation of 30 minutes to an hour of aerobic exercise three to five times a week, the American College of Sports Medicine modified its recommendations a while ago regarding exercise.

The new guidelines suggest adults should accumulate a mere

Fort Wayne Northeast

30 minutes of activity during the day to improve their overall condition and prolong their life. These new recommendations will help people who generally are unable or unwilling to devote a full hour three to five times a week to personal exercise. The hope is people will begin to realize that five minutes here and there does add up, and has been shown to have positive,

long-term benefits on a person’s health.

These benefits of an active lifestyle include lowering hypertension and the risk of coronary artery disease, increased protection against chronic disease such as adult-onset diabetes, overall better health, improved longevity and a generally higher level of resistance to disease.

• Wednesday, June 7, First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St. Organist Daniel Schwandt.

• Thursday, June 8, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Clinton St. Organist Michael Dulac.

• Friday, June 9: Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 W. Berry St. Organist Wayne Peterson.

Sewing

Continued from page 9

up of 130 chapters and over 1,000 neighborhood groups, creating a network of sewing friends with all levels of sewing experience.

The Fort Wayne Chapter boasts several neighborhood groups, each with a different focus, including quilting, garment sewing/fitting, machine embroidery, community service and more. It serves northeast Indiana and the Van Wert, Ohio, area.

To find out more, visit asgfortwayne.org or its Facebook page at American Sewing Guild Fort Wayne Chapter or email asgfortwayne3@ gmail.com.

Apartment Living

Fort Wayne Southwest

Churubusco & Columbia City

Fort Wayne Southwest Fort Wayne Northeast

Assisted living costs are rising

The ever-expanding availability of senior living accommodations is including the full array of services — independent and assisted living as well as memory care — making it increasingly difficult to determine how to get more bang for your buck.

Does a clubhouse and golf course outweigh the value of an in-house pharmacy and health care staff? Is it smarter to go for the lower priced independent living quarters than the costlier full-service facility?

Zeroing in on assisted living facilities, the search for the right senior living option wades through a wide variety of contracts, services and fees.

Many assisted living communities have a community movein fee that normally ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be paid up front or prorated over several months. Pricing is usually broken down into rent and services. Rent pays for your apartment, the cost of which will vary depending on size and location. Services

typically include three meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, activities and the level of personal assistance you need.

For example, you may need 15 minutes help with medication management, 15 minutes with dressing and 30 minutes with meals each day. That’s one hour of care per day at the community’s stated rate. Someone else may need three hours of care and would pay more.

If you or your loved one needs memory care, or may need it in the future, find out what the additional fee will be for that care.

Some communities offer bundled packages based on your need rather than charging for the amount of time it takes to deliver the various services.

Others have a flat fee for the monthly package, which means everyone pays the same regardless of the amount of services they use.

Assisted living costs depend on the community you choose, size of your apartment, number of services you need and what part of the country you live in.

One national survey indicates the median monthly cost for assisted living is $4,500, which breaks down to around $148 per day and $54,000 per year. To put that into some context, the same survey says a private room in a nursing home will cost around $9,034 a month, which is $297 per day or $108,405 per year. Home health aide services average $154 per

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day, or $56,160 per year, based on an eight-hour day, five days a week.

Many people believe assisted living is covered by Medicare. Almost 60% of people surveyed said they plan to rely on Medicare to help pay for any senior care they might need. While your personal health insurance coverage and pharmaceutical coverage continues after relocating to a community, Medicare typically doesn’t pay for assisted living.

The same survey found that 61% of respondents thought they would rely on Social Security to cover assisted living or other long-term care costs. The average monthly Social Security payment covers only a small portion of those costs.

Most assisted living residents pay for the service from their personal resources, with help from coverage provided by longterm care insurance, and often with financial assistance from their adult children. Mature

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Broccoli salad with a twist

heart health and disease prevention, and in our quest to eat one pound of raw veggie per day, this is a winner.

There are a lot of variations to broccoli salad, but this is the first I have seen that used the food processor to reduce the broccoli to rice size.

Do you really need another broccoli salad recipe?

You might think not, but with broccoli being a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may also offer several benefits, especially for eye health,

Seriously, when I saw it called for two medium heads (about 10 cups), I almost stopped because, what is a medium head, and how do you measure broccoli by the cup? I wanted to make a half batch of this salad to try it out, so I ended up with 4 cups of broccoli after pulsing, and I’m guessing it would have been about 3 cups for the half size recipe if I had pulsed it to rice size. I omitted the mint because

we aren’t crazy about it in food. We ate it right away for dinner and it was tasty — but the next day after all the ingredients got to know each other, it was even better. It’s one of those recipes you can adjust for what you have on hand: seeds or nuts instead of almonds, cherries or raisins instead of cranberries. I really enjoyed the smaller size of the broccoli and will make it again.

Ingredients for full batch:

2 medium heads raw or parboiled broccoli (about 10 cups, 6-7 cups after pulsing)

30 ounces chickpeas (2 15-ounce cans), drained and rinsed

2 large bell peppers, small diced

4 green onions, thinly sliced

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2/3 cup sliced almonds or slivered, toasted (optional)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

10 large mint leaves, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup minced parsley

1. Rice the florets: Place the broccoli florets in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the broccoli resembles grains of rice (about 3 to 4 times). Transfer them to a large bowl.

2. Transfer the chickpeas, peppers, green onion, almonds, dried cranberries, mint and parsley to the bowl with the broccoli.

3. Add dressing of choice. I made an oil-free Tahini dressing, but I would also say that a Vidalia onion or honey mustard would be tasty.

Recipe by cookingforpea-

ASSISTED, INDEPENDENT LIVING & NURSING CARE

LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE

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.

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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@thepapers.com.

ATTENDANT AND COMPANION SERVICES

JENNI’S IN HOME CARE LLC

Phone: (260) 760-1546

jennisinhomecare@gmail.com

We offer non-medical services to individuals in their homes, Alzheimers and Dementia, Companionship, Respite, Custom Services to fi t your needs.

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

Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Hospice, Respite

ATTENDANT AND COMPANION SERVICES

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

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

2478 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 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.

Paul Harris Community Service Award recipients announced

The Rotary Club of Fort Wayne honored its 2023 Paul Harris Community Service Award recipients recently during its weekly meeting at Parkview Field. Honorees also received $1,000 to be donated to the nonprofit of their choice.

Recipients of this year’s award include:

• Iric Headley. Headley is a recent addition to Surack Enterprises and previously held the role of executive director of Fort Wayne UNITED, an initiative he helped establish to promote equity and diversity across the community in partnership with the city of Fort Wayne and over 200 organizations throughout the community.

• Patti Hays. Hays has a long resume of service person-

ally and professionally within the Fort Wayne community, promoting the health of all citizens. Her efforts include guiding Stillwater as a board member in its work to provide compassionate home-based services for the sick and terminally ill; co-founding Advancing Voices of Women; actively serving as an executive committee member of the Allen County Board of Heath; and advocating for people with different abilities as the chief executive officer for AWS Foundation, among others.

• Alex Hall. Hall has become a nationally known painter, muralist and illustrator, in addition to being a change agent. She has been instrumental in changing the visual landscape

Continued on page 14

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 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.

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.

NON-MEDICAL CARE SVCS.

ABOUNDING LIFE RESOURCES & RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

6435 W. Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 270 Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (833) 693-5433

ContactUs@WeChangedStaffing.com Senior Concierge Service affordable and convenient. We help seniors in Indiana with errands, transportation to appointments and more. Private pay. Only $28/Hour!

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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.

Rock ‘n’

Rock ‘n’ roll burst on the music scene in the early 1950s with a style that was brash and loud with rhythms that made listeners want to dance.

Many of its performers dressed outlandishly, screamed into their microphones and gyrated suggestively while appearing to be trying to destroy their instruments.

It was a huge hit with teenagers. Adults and parents, however, were horrified. They banded together, petitioned and even demanded radio stations not play that “horrible, degenerative” music because it was corrupting their children.

Of course, their efforts were futile and the genre’s popularity soared. In fact, it’s as “in” today as it was more than 70 years ago.

If rock & roll is your style, there’s an amazing venue that tells the story from rock’s earli-

roll is at home in downtown Cleveland

est artists to today’s budding performers. It’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Here you can view instruments from some of history’s greatest concerts, see performance outfits worn by top artists and view handwritten drafts of hit singles.

Before settling on Cleveland for the Hall’s location, Ahmet Ertegun, founder and chair of Atlantic Records, conducted a long search starting in 1983 for the “right” city to host it.

Philadelphia was one of the contenders because it was the home of rock pioneer Bill Haley and American Bandstand.

Memphis was considered because it was home of Sun Studios.

Detroit was on the short list because of Motown Records, as was Cincinnati because of King Records.

New York City was also in the running.

Cleveland lobbied hard, citing that WJW disk jockey Alan Freed coined the name rock ‘n’ roll, promoted the genre heavily on the radio and his Moondog Coronation Ball was credited as the first major rock ‘n’ roll concert. Cleveland, which won the competition in 1986, also pledged $65 million toward construction of a facility.

It began inducting artists even before construction started and Freed was among the first class. Groundbreaking was in 1992 and it was dedicated in 1995. Architect I. M. Pei designed the structure, which is located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland. It has a 162-foottall tower and is a compendium of geometric forms and cantilevered spaces.

It’s chock full of rock ‘n’

roll history from those who performed it and molded its iconic character to notable figures who influenced its development. The lower of the seven levels focuses on the roots of rock ‘n’ roll where the early stars are enshrined in glass cubicles displaying their instruments, costumes, photos, biographies and videos show-

ing them in action.

One of the highlights is the film presentation of classic performances by Hall of Fame inductees. There are also plenty of interactive kiosks about one-hit wonders and songs that shaped rock ‘n’ roll. In one section, visitors can even pick up and strum a guitar or try their hand on an electric piano

Paul Harris Community

Continued from page 13

of Fort Wayne and putting us on the map as a creative arts center.

• Mark Hagerman. Hagerman is the current chairman emeritus of The Hagerman Group. Beyond his successful career in general contracting, construction management and economic development, his impact as a community leader has been noted through his philanthropic gifts, work and leadership in community and civic endeavors.

The Rotary Club of Fort Wayne presented Paul Harris Community Service Awards to non-Rotarians in Allen County. Harris was one of the first four founders of the original Rotary in 1905 and founded the Rotary Foundation, “one of the highest rated foundations in the world doing good work in a number of ways.”

The award builds on Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” honoring community members, who have made extraordinary contributions

or synthesizer. Its first major exhibit in 1995, “I Want to Take You Higher,” zeroed in on the psychedelic era between 1965 and 1969. That was followed by two years of “Elvis is in the Building” in recognition of the King of Rock and Roll. For more information, visit rockhall.com.

of their time, talents and resources over an extended period of time through community service.

Recipients of the award must be non-Rotarians and be representative of community service excellence, leadership, creativeness and initiative. Recognized service areas include professional (physician, lawyer, etc.), not-for-profit/social service, business/industry, education (public/private and community/university) and public service/government.

Travel

St. Lucia crafts colorful culture

There I was, being smeared with green mud all over my body in St. Lucia’s Sulphur Springs Mud Bath.

Two layers first to exfoliate. Then I was sprinkled with black mud while a guide crafted designs in stripes and handprints as if my arms, face and chest were a canvas.

I felt like I was in a pool full of zebras — zebras with black handprints all over dotting the mud masterpieces.

The mineral waters in which we were submerged allegedly washed away 10 years along with the mud palette. I’m pretty sure my husband didn’t notice any difference.

This beginning of our all-day Carnival Sailing outing was followed by a “refreshing” dip in the Toraille Waterfall. The only reason anyone would do this is for bragging rights, after recovering from the chill and proclaiming, “I did it! I did it!”

Then we snorkeled after a lovely buffet and some more rum punch, lolling with colorful fish in much warmer waters.

After the various exertions, sailing lazily by the lengthy, looming twin peaks of the Pitons — the iconic symbols of St. Lucia majestically claiming their dominance of the horizon — I thought, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” But this was St. Lucia, so it did.

It followed at another island landmark. The every Saturday

Castries Market is crammed with colorful fruit, fish, flowers, hats, handbags, hot sauce, houseware and bustling crowds. People flood the rows of stalls inside a huge warehousetype building and then street after street with volumes of vendors plying their trade while loud music from multiple speakers vie for attention. There’s bedding, bangles and baked goods as well as T-shirts, trinkets and toys along with clothes, condiments, crafts and candy.

There’s everything you could possibly ever consider buying and a wide variety of items you never would. Many, mostly edible, are not even recognizable.

When we stopped at a stall to buy some hot sauce, the owner offered us a taste of some spiced rum she makes. After one delicious sip, I was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other.

Many similar alcoholic options are available at yet another of St. Lucia’s mustdo’s. Friday night Jump-Up in Gros Islet doles out generous servings of drinkin’, dancin’, jammin’ and jivin’ to tourists and locals alike.

When I was last there in 1995, what had started as a local gathering some 25 years earlier had evolved into a rollicking street party with body-to-body guests enjoying congenial sensuality. Chubby tourists with cameras around their necks moved as freely as native vendors dispensing

Hike the back country safely

out longer than anticipated.

barbecue chicken and beer. Although visitors were welcome and made to feel an integral part of the celebration, it remained an authentic island happening that hadn’t deteriorated into a commercialized venture staged mainly for tourists. That was then.

It was now a crowded mishmosh of mostly tourists waiting in long lines at barbecue chicken stands. No one moved freely. We were advised to wait until close to 11 when all the tourists return to their

S & S TRAVEL

Motorcoach

all-inclusives and the locals who work at the same resorts leave to come to Jump Up and restore it to the memorable and far more authentic experience it once was.

Other things had not changed. Traveling the steep windy roads that slither and slink through the harrowing hills provides a glorious view of the island. You are engulfed in lushness: small, large, low, high and enormous, with leaves the size of surfboards.

Well-kept, multihued huts mix with less quaint, more rundown dwellings. Women balancing seemingly unmanageable loads on their heads wave as you pass by.

You haven’t even hit your basic tourist attractions yet. There’s a hike through the rainforest, a walk through the botanical gardens complete with another waterfall, a visit to bubbling springs lying within a dormant volcano — and beaches, lots of them.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Sept. 6, 2023 ..................................................“Forever Plaid”

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

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!

March 25-27, 2024 .......................................Come Sail Away No Boat ... No Water ... No Problem ... A Cruise on Land!

National Park Service retirees have prepared guidelines for staying safe when walking through remote areas:

• Study maps of the region before you start and establish a firm turnaround time. Pay attention to landmarks you pass, keeping in mind they may appear different when approached from the opposite direction.

• Carry extra clothing, food and drink in case the weather turns bad or you find yourself

• Know your physical limits and, if in a group, keep in constant communication with the others. Use the buddy system.

• Carry a first-aid kit and emergency equipment, such as extra matches, a flare, mirror and whistle.

• If things go badly, stay where you are until help arrives. If someone in your group is hurt, determine first whether it is safe to proceed, or send someone — preferably two persons — for help while staying with the injured member.

Tour Details: www.s-stravel.com Tour Calendar: Call 888-262-4423

April 6-9, 2024 ....... An Eclipse of the Heart, Moon & Sun!

May 15-22, 2024 .........................................Southern Charm Charleston and Savannah

June 7-14, 2024 ............................Black Hills, South Dakota Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and More

June 24-27, 2024 .................... Mississippi Riverboat Cruise

Sept. 30-Oct. 7, 2024 .................................. Best of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine

Steve and Sheila Magsamen, Tour Managers Decatur & Fort Wayne Departures 260-432-8488

www.memoriesinmotion.net

What is it like, Mike?

Getting the green light from Hollywood movie studios can be difficult, especially when nobody wants the project they’re being offered.

In October 1963, movie producer Lawrence Turman read a New York Times review of “The Graduate,” the debut novel by writer Charles Webb. Thurman read the book, optioned it and embarked upon a two-year hassle to get the film made.

Lawrence admired the sharp wit of Broadway comedy star Mike Nichols. When Thurman asked Nichols to direct his project, the New York icon jumped at the chance. But sizable obstacles lay ahead. Turman recalled, “No one thought the book was funny, and no one in Hollywood had heard of Mike Nichols.”

Movie producer Joseph E.

Levine eventually opted to back the venture; he disliked the story but was desperate for a hit for his struggling Embassy Pictures company.

For the script, Turman hired comedy writer Buck Henry, who with Mel Brooks had co-created the TV series “Get Smart.” Henry, in his first movie script, lifted about 85% of the screenplay’s dialogue verbatim from Webb’s novel.

Anne Bancroft portrayed Mrs. Robinson, the movie’s seductive older woman. At age 35 (but playing someone a decade older), Bancroft signed on to star in what appeared to be a low-budget sex comedy. “Everybody was telling me it was beneath me and that I shouldn’t do it,” Bancroft told talk show host Charlie Rose.

“(But) I loved the script; I thought it was absolutely wonderful.” Mel Brooks, Bancroft’s husband, persuaded his wife to take the part primarily because he adored Buck Henry’s script.

Several young Hollywood hunks were considered to play the primary character of Benjamin Braddock, age 21. In

the end, though, Nichols and Turman decided that Braddock should be depicted by little-known Dustin Hoffman, age 29. Impressive in Broadway stage work, he brought the naïve goofiness to the part that Turman wanted. Hoffman, though, disagreed: “This is not the part for me. I’m not supposed to be in movies.” Thurman and Nichols eventually convinced him otherwise. With the help of expertly applied makeup, skillful lighting, well-placed camera angles and superior acting, Bancroft and Huffman appeared to be a generation apart, not separated as they were by only six years in real life. (Bancroft’s screen daughter, Elaine, played by 27-year-old Katharine Ross, was just eight years younger than her movie mother.)

The film focuses on Benjamin as a young overachiever who has sailed through college only to find himself adrift when he returns home to visit his parents. He is haplessly drawn into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the aggressive wife of his father’s business

partner. Later, Braddock falls for Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine, which ignites her mother’s savage wrath and spells trouble for Ben.

Fueled by the best-selling Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack album, “The Graduate” became the high-

est grossing film of 1968 and garnered seven Academy Award nominations, which left Nichols ecstatic. “There’s nothing better than discovering, to your own astonishment, what you’re meant to do!” he gushed. “It’s like … it’s like falling in love.”

Identify needs and concerns when downsizing

Moving can be traumatic, especially when you’ve collected decades of memories and “stuff.” More often than not, the thought of moving — trying to figure out where to start — leaves many “paralyzed.”

The first step to help eliminate some of the stress in these situations is having a personal plan that is well thought out. The first part of the plan is to understand thoroughly what the individuals moving see as their top needs and concerns and what do they want.

Identifying these needs and

understanding the individual’s unique situation is vital. Writing them down and arranging them in order of priority is helpful, as it can be referred back to, which allows one to keep focused. Also, the process of writing them down often sparks additional thoughts prompting people to “think outside the box” for a solution. What type of support system, like family and friends, is in place to help in the downsizing process? Ask, “How available is this support system?”

People may have a son or daughter who is very willing to help but lives 500 miles away.

To help reduce this stress, a free report has been created

Senior Relocation Program

helping to identify these needs and concerns. In this report is a list of very specific questions to be answered, so a clear under-

standing of these needs are identified to make sure they are all addressed.

To receive a free copy of

“Ways to Reducing Stress

When Downsizing,” call (877) 605-5483; when prompted, enter ID No. 0205.

Disaster plan calls for cash

You need cash around the house to climb out of chaos.

Your world can turn topsyturvy in an instant. No one is free from the threat of one or more of the following: tornado, earthquake, lightning, hurricane, snowstorm, flood, tsunami, forest or brush fire or landslide. Any one of these can produce devastation and disruption on a titanic scale.

It’s likely that, even if you escape to higher ground or safety some distance away, you’ll be stuck in one spot for a while.

To ease your anxiety, you’d better have some cash with you. You’ll be able to buy food, clothing, laundry supplies, fuel and any other necessities required to get you through the immediate trauma and turmoil accompanied by isolation, power outage, lack of heat and water and/or communications breakdown.

You should have enough money in small bills to get you through at least three or four days — better, a week — without access to an automated teller machine. Keep in mind that, even if you have immediate ATM access after a disaster strikes, it may not be working because of electrical problems or it may have run out of money by the time you get to it.

This is only part of any disaster preparedness plan. Do you know where everyone

in your household is supposed to meet when fire or lightning or disaster strikes? Does everybody know their escape routes? Do you have emergency supplies handy?

Among the things you can use are food, flashlight, rope, duct tape, matches and batteryoperated radio. But what about credit cards, important papers and prescription medications?

If you have any medical condition that requires medication, such as asthma, cancer or diabetes, government officials and medical experts recommend you keep at least a two-week supply of prescription drugs on hand. You also should make a copy of the original prescriptions.

Make arrangements on how and where to contact each member of the family. This can ease the anxiety that can twist your thought processes during any upheaval.

Now prepare an emergency kit. You can stuff a backpack with some dried fruit and food, such as beef jerky, along with a pocket knife, flashlight and the items mentioned earlier. You can also toss in a light jacket or sweater and an extra pair of socks and underwear. Pretend you’re going camping for a weekend. What would you take?

The next packet to prepare includes valuable financial and legal information. Instead of packing away all the documents, get on your computer

right now and list all your insurance companies and policy numbers, and the numbers of bank and credit union accounts, and credit card, Social Security and driver’s license numbers. Make copies of all the cards and licenses.

Slip this into a sturdy envelope and keep it handy, perhaps with your grab-and-run backpack.

While you’re at it, make duplicates of all this information and store them in a safety deposit box or somewhere safe to be used if the originals or first copy are destroyed. Follow the cardinal rule of the computer world: redundancy. Better to have too many copies than none at all.

Now’s also the time to put any contact and emergency numbers you need into your cell phone.

And remember, you won’t have time to chat on your cell phone during all the hubbub. Your battery will be wearing down and you won’t be able to recharge it. So make only calls that are necessary and keep them brief.

There are several matters you can attend to during this process. For example, make a photo inventory of all your rooms and household goods to be used for insurance claims. Again, make copies. And don’t just put a few bucks away for a rainy day. Put away enough to dig your way out of a disaster.