Senior Life- Allen County Edition - March 2023

Have a and

March signals the fact that spring is on its way. The prospect of bidding winter goodbye can be a great motivator to make changes, including decluttering and getting organized. For some, actually downsizing their homes may also become a reality.

Whether you’re trying to tidy up for yourself or so your stuff won’t be a burden to others, knowing the reasons to do so can help.

Princy Hart of Hart and Schmitt Designs, Decatur, works in the field of professional organizing, among other areas of expertise.

“I believe clutter can actually have a negative impact on your mental health,” Hart said. “Clutter can increase stress levels; however, not everyone is affected by clutter in the same way. For example, if you are someone with perfectionist tendencies, you are more likely to be stressed out by clutter.

“But, by becoming aware of how much clutter you have and whether you experience any stress as a result, you’ll be better able to discern if there’s an opportunity for you to make some modifications to your space and improve your mental health.”

One downside to clutter is the time wasted looking for what is lost. It can also be expensive to replace that pair of scissors or whatever else might have been misplaced. Having possessions in order creates calm.

The first step to finding sanity among the piles is to sort through and put items into three categories: trash, donations or keepers.

Lydia Burrows works in the front office at McCulloch Systems Inc., which offers senior relocation services. Burrows said for some people it’s worth considering whether to add another category. That’s the one for items you have that might be valuable to others.

It’s difficult for the average person to know what to look for and identify what others might

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Allen County Edition Reaching Fort Wayne And Surrounding Counties

Key Positions

Marty Kocks-Hamrick supports women’s success

Marty Kocks-Hamrick plays a key role in the Dress for Success Fort Wayne program, which is managed by the YWCA of Northeast Indiana. Starting in 2015, when the program was part of the Women’s Bureau, Kocks-Hamrick has helped women who need a professional appearance for certain situations.

The process starts when she is informed of a need. She then goes through a process to address the request.

“Dress for Success Fort Wayne has 65 referral agencies that refer clients to us for suitings for clients who cannot afford clothes for a job interview, court or a job,” Kocks-Hamrick said.

“When they refer the client to us for a suiting by emailing a referral form with all the client’s

information, I in turn call the client and make an appointment that suits their schedule and mine. If we dress them for an interview and they get the job, we then give them five outfits.”

In addition to suits, she carries scrubs for women who work in nursing homes or hospitals and black pants and soft-soled shoes for waitresses who might have that need.

Most weekdays, she can be found at the Dress for Success boutique. Two mornings a week, she is at a different location and teaches an hourlong class on either finances or employment.

The organization is affiliated with 160 others. She’s often in communication with the home office in New York City.

Kocks-Hamrick has been a widow for eight years and her six children live in Fort Wayne.

“I love to spend time with my family, love to travel, love

to dance and love people,” she noted.

After working in numerous positions, including at Scott’s Foods for 20 years and as a development director for nonprofits, her current work came calling.

“I was drafted for this position when I was working part time in 2014. I was taking care of my ill husband,” Kocks-Hamrick said. “I love it and enjoy making my clients happy and look good.”

To provide the clothing, she maintains numerous contacts to keep up supplies.

“Right now the only donations I am taking are dressy, low toe and heel in flats and plus-size professional clothes. Donors must make an appointment to bring in donations,” KocksHamrick said.

Offering her outlook on life and her variety of experiences to help her clients comes naturally.

“I talk to all my clients during their time being suited,” she said. “I know that when they come in, most have not had many clothes. They are so impressed when they get dressed and look in the mirror. Some start crying, and said, ‘I never thought I could look so good.’ It’s not just the suit or the clothes, it is about raising their self-esteem also.”

Clients in numerous life situations have been assisted, including an attorney, who was getting back into the workforce after spending 15 years in prison.

“She was going to be sworn into law in Indy the next day. I dressed her in a black suit; she was impressed,” Kocks-Hamrick said. “She is now a very successful attorney in a large law firm. She stays in touch with me. She’s been a spokesperson for Dress for Success on several occasions. So I’m very proud of her.”

Dress for Success boutique is located in the Hefner Center, 1313 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. To learn more, visit fortwayne.dressforsuccess.org.

Have a

Continued from page 1

pay for. But for those with entire basements or attics that are full, it may be a good idea to call an expert to come into the home and look over the items to help decide if anything might sell well.

Burrows said the company will list items online for a week and handle the selling, and shipping the items to customers if they’re from out of state.

“I would say typically what I see most coming in is furniture, jewelry and flatware,” Burrows said. “We see baseball and basketball cards. We recently saw someone with autographs from TV hosts and other people.”

Once it’s been decided what to keep, the next step is to organize what is left. Hart said

closets are a big issue for many.

“The first and most important product I recommend for closets to help create order and save you space, is slimline hangers,” Hart said. “They will double your space. Also, the uniform look helps your eyes settle so you can see, and therefore use, everything you have.

“Another product I highly recommend is acrylic shelf dividers as they help you easily divide wide shelves to stack items, such as sweaters, jeans, purses, etc.”

Garages are often a source of frustration, partly because there is such a mix of items in a large, open space.

“For items only stored once a year or less, such as holiday décor and memories, using stack-

able, weather-tight bins with lids are the way to go. Since these things are of sentimental value, it’s important to ensure they remain protected. It’s an investment that should last a lifetime,” she said. For tools and smaller utility items, Hart uses clear bins with lids on shelving. If there are drawers, using drawer organizers to categorize screws, screwdrivers and command hooks is wise. Wall hooks work for golf clubs, weed eaters and ladders.

The thing with organizing is that it can seem like an endless project. Hart’s advice: Practice self-compassion and remember — achieve decluttering goals with time and patience.

American Sewing Guild sets first chapter meeting for March 16

Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Sewing Guild will hold a series of monthly meetings open to the public featuring educational and inspiring talks, demos and trunk shows.

Beginning March 16, meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month from 1-4 p.m. at the UAW Local 2209 Union Hall, 5820 E. CR 900N, Roanoke (near the GM plant). There is no admission charge.

At the first meeting, there will be a demonstration of how to make a wall organizer using clear plastic for storing thread or fat quarters. This unique organizer was designed by a member. It features covers over the individual pockets to keep dust away. Instructions will be provided at the meeting; there will be a follow-up sew-in for making the organizer.

Topics for upcoming meet-

ings include sewing machine maintenance from Edwards Sewing Center and fabric scrap management with everyone participating in building a “stash busting” quilt block. For information about the chapter meetings, contact the guild at asgftwayne3@gmail. com.

American Sewing Guild is a national organization made up of 130 chapters and over 1,000 neighborhood groups, creating a network of sewing friends with all levels of sewing experi-

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 March 20 at pmuthart@ the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

—0—

Settlers’ History Tour of the Swinney House, Allen County Courthouse, and brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16.

Cost: $25. The event begins at the Swinney House, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., one of Fort Wayne’s five oldest houses. Following a house tour and brunch, the program continues at the Allen County Courthouse, 715 S. Calhoun St. Transportation is not included; however, parking suggestions will be available. RSVP by Thursday, March 9, to (260) 747-1501 or (260)745-7512. Proceeds support the Swinney Homestead. Visit settlersinc. org.

—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.

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

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

Pixie Bingo — 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 1.

Yahtzee — 1-2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22.

Afternoon Euchre — 1-2 p.m. Monday, March 6.

Bible Study w/Cheryl — 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 14.

Android Smart Talk w/ Kathy — 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 7.

Exercise w/Brittney — 1011 a.m. Wednesday, March 8.

Ice Cream Social — 1-2 p.m. Thursday, March 9.

Computer Class w/Beth — 12:45-1:45 p.m. Friday, March 10.

Movie: “Fall” — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 14.

Nutrition Class w/Stacy — 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 16.

Red Hat Dancers — noon1 p.m. Friday, March 17.

Alzheimer’s Discussion — 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23.

Travel Show — 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 23.

Move to Music w/Kathy — 12:15-1:15 p.m. Friday, March 24.

Never too old for an allergy

A neighbor who recently became an octogenarian just reported she’s allergic to peanuts. She broke out in hives one evening while munching her favorite snack.

There are several reasons for allergic breakouts among oldsters. Seniors are moving from colder climates to warmer and then back again. Everyone has become cleanliness conscious and rely on such external precautions as masks and hand sanitizers that some science indicates weakens our natural protection.

The sources of allergies seem to

have multiplied — seafood, dairy products, an array of vegetables, beef, latex, pet dander, you name it.

Allergies can manifest themselves in several ways, the aforementioned hives, itching, difficulty breathing, sneezing, itching and tingling of the mouth and face, and red blotches, just to mention a few. When any untoward feeling occurs, make of list of what you’ve eaten last, record the symptoms and make an appointment with your primary care physician. If your reaction is serious, such as an increasing shortness of breath, call 911 and get emergency treatment.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

ence. The Fort Wayne Chapter boasts several neighborhood groups, each with a different focus, including quilting, garment sewing/fitting, machine embroidery, community service and more.

The first chapterwide meetings are designed to provide the community with sewingrelated information and an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with others who share their love of sewing.

To find out more, visit asg.org or asgfortwayne.org.

IIt’s easy! Simply find the chick 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.

I Spy February winner is Teresa Heckler. The groundhog was located on page 5 in Senior Elko, page 18 in Senior St. Joseph, page 15 in Senior Allen and page 18 in Senior Northwest.

Would-be artist’s interest stems from theater set design

Ben Roney is a conflicted artist.

His background is in scenic theater design, but in recent years he’s begun dabbling in abstract art.

In 2020, he became coowner of STUDIO7, an eclectic little gallery, with Maggie Dye. The storefront gallery, which is probably one of the best kept secrets in Fort Wayne, is not like most galleries.

“We have about 35 local

artists who show their work here on a regular basis,” he said. “We’ve created a safe space for artists of widely ranging skill levels to showcase their work. We attract artists whose work doesn’t exactly fit the regular art scene.”

In fact, the place is full of work ranging from abstract paintings to handmade jewelry, clothing, novelty pieces and functional art.

“The gallery has been pretty busy the past few months and has become a meeting place for artists in the neighborhood. We normally feature three artists at a time. One recent featured artist was a youngster of 14. It has been interesting to watch her painting skills mature. Another is a man in his 20s who started out making his own paints and painting on boards. A local blacksmith sometimes displays his work here. We’re always on the lookout for new artists, especially sculptors.”

STUDIO7 is more than just a showplace for paintings. He and Maggie hope to conduct art classes for would-be neighborhood artists.

“The neighborhood has really accepted us,” said Roney. “Our hope is to make it the cultural corridor of Fort Wayne. There’s another gallery on the corner, Wunder Kummer Gallery, and a couple of restaurants. On Feb. 12, March 12, April 16 and May 7, STUDIO7 will host ‘Sassy Sundays’ with an art and foodmakers market with music, coffee and more from noon to 6 p.m.”

in painting stems from his theater work. He was technical director at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre for six years.

“I did some reproduction paintings for set walls that looked pretty good from a distance and specialized in doing faux finishes like marble, stone and brick. A car dealer hired me to make a fake mountain. I’ve also done some commercial work for Punch Films and United Way.

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Though Roney has produced a few paintings and done some murals around town, he admits his true interest

Slam the scam:

“Set design sometimes gives you a 60-by-90-foot canvas to work with. I like that broad expanse and the challenge of making it fit into the place, time and the story. With musicals, the set changes with almost every song. The show book doesn’t generally come with many set directions, so

it’s a great chance to let your imagination loose. I’m sorry to see projection replacing painted backdrops.”

This past summer, he worked at Ozark Actors Theater in Missouri as scenic and technical designer. He’s been on the tech crew at Honeywell Center for the Arts in Wabash as carpenter, electrician and spotlight operator. Roney’s resume includes building sets for New Haven and North Side high schools, Fort Wayne Ballet and Three Rivers Music Theater.

The Adrian, Mich., native earned a degree in theater design from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis He started working at Civic Theatre in 2004.

How to spot government imposters

ignore the message.

• Never give personal information or money.

Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?

Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

When you identify a potential scammer:

• Hang up right away or

• Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa. gov/scam-awareness/reportthe-scam.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We only accept payments electronically through pay.gov, Online Bill Pay or physically by check or money order through our offices.

We will never do the following:

• Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

• Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

• Ask you to send us gift

cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, cryptocurrency or cash through the U.S. mail.

Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Stay vigilant and help raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. For more information on scams, visit ssa.gov/ scam.

Tell your friends and family about government imposter scams. Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss. The important thing is to report the scam right away.

Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

It was 50 years ago —

‘Rocky Mountain High’ became controversial

John Denver and his wife, Annie, moved to Aspen, Colo., in December 1970, hoping to purchase a home in the couple’s favorite part of their favorite state. What they discovered was that everything cost much more than they could afford. The two thus bought land in a nearby scenic valley, with plans to build a house the next year — if John’s career continued its ascent.

The success of “Rocky Mountain High” would put their minds at ease.

“He was born in the summer of his 27th year.

“Comin’ home to a place he’d never been before.

“He left yesterday behind him,

“You might say he was born again.

“You might say he found the key for every door.”

In his autobiography, “Take Me Home,” Denver stated, “I remember, almost to the moment, when that song started

to take shape in my head.” He recalled how he and Annie and some friends had hiked up to Lake Williams to camp below the stars and watch the Perseids meteor showers. (They are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear to hail lies in the constellation Perseus.)

“Imagine a moonless night in the Rockies in the dead of summer and you have it. … We were right below the tree line, just about 10,000 feet. ... Around midnight, I got up and could see the shadow from the starlight, there was so much light from the stars. I went back and lay down in front of our tent, thinking about how in nature all things, large and small, were interwoven, when swoosh, a meteor went smoking by. … It got bigger and bigger until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. It was raining fire in the sky.”

He began work on a folk tune about the experience with friend Mike Taylor, an acoustic guitarist who had performed with Denver and had also moved to Aspen. The result was Denver’s autobiographical “Rocky Mountain High.” After Denver tweaked it for several months, the

resulting RCA Records single became a Top 10 classic.

“The Colorado Rocky Mountain high.

“I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky.

“The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby.

“Rocky Mountain high.”

However, his creation became controversial when some listeners thought the word “high” referred to drug use. (Nine times we hear “high in Colorado” in the background whenever the line Rocky Mountain high is sung.)

This led Denver to testify before a Senate hearing. “My song ‘Rocky Mountain High’ was banned from many radio stations as a drug-related song,” he said. “This was obviously done by people who had never seen or been to the Rocky Mountains and also had never experienced the elation, celebration of life or the joy in living that one feels when observing something as wondrous as the Perseides meteor shower.”

End of discussion.

In 1915, “Where the Columbines Grow” became Colorado’s state song. In 1973, “Rocky Mountain High” was added as the official second one.

Update cash beneficiaries

inherit the money if the beneficiaries and co-signers on those accounts differ.

The individuals or institutions benefiting in your will might not benefit from your bank, mutualfund and brokerage accounts if they aren’t named on them, too.

If the information on those is out of date, the wrong people may

Check all your accounts to make sure the proper beneficiaries are listed with their Social Security numbers, addresses and dates of birth. Make sure their contact information also is up to date.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

Goulet has joined the latest craze of pickleball enthusiasts

Jayne Goulet had always enjoyed sports, but unexpectedly found the latest activity she really enjoys. She’s joined the nationwide craze called pickleball.

Three years ago, her daughter’s mother-in-law invited Goulet to play with friends at the Parks and Recreation Center in Decatur, and the rest is history. She now plays four or five days a week for two to three hours and competes in tournaments.

“I knew very little about the game when I started, but I thought it would be fun to get involved with something like that and also nice to meet new friends,” she said.

“I have enjoyed playing tennis with my husband, Bob, for the past 45 years. I grew up playing pingpong. Our family enjoys many competitive pingpong games in our basement. I also took a badminton class when I was at Ball State. Because pickleball is a cross between tennis, pingpong and badminton, I felt

pretty sure I’d love it.”

She has a routine of places she plays with various people. One of her groups even has a catchy name that sums up her feelings for the game. She and her husband try to play with all their grandchildren, including a threeyear-old grandson, on Sundays. The couple gifted all of them paddles for Christmas.

“When the weather is nice, a group of us, who call ourselves the pickleball addicts, play many evenings on outdoor courts. Whoever can come is welcome. We rotate people in, and we’re always there until after dark,” she said.

Goulet said, “Every game is competitive.” The “awards” are typically measured in personal satisfaction and how much fun she had. However, she has also competed for and won medals.

“I’ve played in several tournaments, twice in the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Tournament in Fort Wayne, and in local tournaments in Decatur,” Goulet said. “In my last tournament, my doubles partner, Deatra

Peterson, and I got third place in the women’s division, and my husband and I got third place in mixed doubles. It was a very exciting day for me.”

Their third-place medals represent a come-from-behind win in which they defeated a young couple.

“I remember thinking it’s just a silly medal around my neck, but it felt like so much more in the moment. I had never really won anything like that before, and it felt great,” she said. Goulet, 65, is from rural Decatur. She and her children graduated from Adams Central Community Schools. She retired after 37 years as an elementary school teacher, most of those years at Adams Central.

“The community of pickleball friends we’ve met are such a wonderful group of people,” she said. “We care about each other in a very special way, sharing family concerns as well as happy things. We play with people of all ages. One of the things I like best are the fun friendships that have come from playing pickleball.”

Tips for tippers

“I don’t tip,” a table-mate made clear during a travel conversation recently. “I pay for service,” he said.

This primarily North American trait has sneaked its way into some countries but not all of them. Chinese and Japanese can take offense if you try to add a tip to their charge. Most European nations add a service charge so you don’t have to leave them a tip. Italian restaurants do appreciate it if you round out the total on the bill.

But what about paying for

service, as our colleague said earlier. He still travels a lot and was referring primarily to housekeepers who attend to the cleanliness of his room when he’s on the road. This has become significant as reports keep mounting of hotels, inns, B&Bs and the assortment of publicly provided quarters not cleaning their guests’ rooms every day.

If my buddy happens to land in a facility that does not clean its rooms every day, he never leaves a tip. Instead, he leaves that hostelry to find another inn that does clean up daily.

His tip depends on the level of

service.

Housekeeping is a dirty, messy but invisible job. If it isn’t done right and regularly, the customer suffers.

If the shower curtain isn’t wiped down, that lowers the tip. Is there still dust under the bed? A smaller tip. How about those dirty windows? If they’re not cleaned, that may be enough to send him on the hunt for temporary quarters elsewhere.

So do sticky TV remotes and a shortage of towels.

If he asks for an extra blanket or more ice, he’ll toss in an extra gratuity when they’re delivered.

He’s also learned tipping staff-

ers early helps guarantee good service for the remainder of his stay. When a request is granted, a thank-you note is wrapped around the tip.

Since he and his family rarely book high-end luxury resorts where tipping can slip over $10 a night, his normal range for a tip

is $2 to $5 a day.

He still checks on the tipping rules for whatever region he visits. Some countries still frown on tipping and he wants to avoid offending the service people he counts on to make his visit comfortable.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Falls happen any time of year

Half of the 32,000 deaths caused by falling happen to folks 75 years or older.

Falling is second only to heart disease as the major cause of deaths and aging is the number one factor involved in these fatalities.

Three major causes of the more than 35 million falls reported annually are a step, slip or trip, all of which can be prevented, according to a consensus of health officials across the land.

Maintaining a healthful regimen is the initial process in the campaign to avoid falling.

Eat regularly and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Develop and a keep up a regular exercise program that includes stretching and balance exercises as well some stamina, such as walking or swimming or biking.

Get regular medical checkups as well as hearing and vision tests.

Talk with your doctor about the effects and interaction of the medications you’re taking and ask if you should add vitamin D or calcium to the list.

Meet with them immediately if you’re having light-headed, dizzy or fainting spells.

Have all your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy and get your supplements there so you can discuss how everything interacts.

When you get home, remove all loose mats and rugs that make easy trip-over material. Check your furniture layout to ensure you have plenty of room to move around. Get rid of excess pieces that may look nice but are in the way.

Wear non-slip footwear around the house.

If it’s suggested that you might need a walker or cane, get one, and use it. Consider getting a medical alert device, especially if you’re living alone.

To avoid slipping, install nonslip flooring in your tub/shower and install grab bars at critical spots in the bathroom.

Add nightlights and handrails along the corridors that lead from your bedroom to bathroom.

While you’re at it, install night lights and handrails along the stairs to your basement and bedroom. Keep all passages well lighted and clear of rugs and objects you can trip over.

Store everything — canned goods, tools, laundry soap — within easy reach without the need of a ladder or step stool.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Sixties Flashback —

When the greatest met the greatest

“Gorgeous George” was born George Raymond Wagner in 1915. He grew up in a tough Houston neighborhood, where he learned to wrestle at the local YMCA and soon established himself as a freestyle champion.

He later became a self-promoting professional wrestler and the sport’s first superstar villain. After growing his blond hair long and dyeing it platinum, Wagner began calling himself Gorgeous George. And that was just the beginning.

The savvy showman also started making entrances that could be labeled bona fide spectacles. Amid catcalls and jeers from the sellout crowds, George, bathed in a purple spotlight, would stroll slowly down the aisle in a red

velvet gown on a red carpet amid the booming strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Once inside the ropes, his valet would spray a scented mist around the ring. After loudly proclaiming his greatness to the people there, George would then usually proceed to vanquish each challenger.

In the late 1940s, in the early days of television, he helped bring professional wrestling — with all its well-rehearsed antics — into America’s living rooms. By the 1950s, George was the best-known wrestler in the world, raking in over $100,000 a year (when the hourly federal minimum wage was $1) and becoming one of the highest paid athletes of his time.

One day in June 1961, at a Las Vegas radio station, he met a rising young boxer from Kentucky named Cassius Clay. Each was there to give an interview to promote an upcoming event in their respective fields at the nearby Convention Center.

Clay went first, calmly and politely answering questions about his future opponent, a Hawaiian named “Duke” Sabedong.

Things changed when George, who was there to wrestle “Classy” Freddie Blassie, took the mic. Asked what Gorgeous George would do if he lost to his opponent, the aging showman thundered, “I’d crawl across the ring and cut my hair off! But that’s not going to happen, because I am the greatest wrestler in the world!”

After the interviews, the 46-year-old George gave the 19-year-old Clay some sage advice: “Boxing, wrestling, it’s all a show. A lot of people will pay to see someone shut your mouth. So keep on bragging, keep on sassing, and always be outrageous!”

Cassius took the words to heart. As the Louisville Lip, he began boasting that he was the greatest boxer ever. (Like George in his prime, he had the skills to back up those boasts.) Clay would also offer such witticisms

as “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked!”

George’s star eventually dimmed, and on the day after Christmas 1963, he died anonymously at 48 of a heart attack.

Two months later, on Feb. 25, 1964, Clay, at age 22 a 7-to-1

underdog, defeated heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston. That night, Cassius — soon to become Muhammad Ali — echoed the words of the man who had changed his future and bellowed to the ringside press, “Eat your words! I am the greatest!” And, truly, he was.

Fort Wayne Southwest

Churubusco & Columbia City

Fort Wayne Northeast

Wayne

Senior Relocation

A. Wanting to downsize from your home to a retirement community can be an overwhelming experience. Many times people want to move, but end up not doing so because of the many things that must be done.

A few comments that I have heard over the years include:

1) I have to spend money to fix up my home before I sell it.

2) My attic and basement are full of stuff; I will have to have a garage sale.

3) I have to pack and move all of my belongings.

Looking at this list of concerns would cause anyone to just say “Forget It!”

This is where we can help!

Our services include selling your home

Elder Law

Tim McCulloch, Owner

as-is in 30 days for your price, selling your unwanted items for fair market value, selling your antiques & collectible items, knowledgeable antique & real estate appraisal services, professional packing & moving services, climate controlled storage & more.

Our firm is highly recommended by many of the leading retirement communities in the Allen County area due to client satisfaction.

If you are thinking about making the transition to retirement living, call me at (260) 441-8636. My free analysis will give you the information you will need to make a better decision for yourself!

Sincerely, Timothy McCulloch

and clean out your junk!

Heidi B. Adair Attorney at

Medicare Insurance

Q. Can I get help paying for my prescriptions when I am on Medicare?

A. Medicare Beneficiaries that have lower incomes do have the ability to apply for Extra Help through the Social Security office. Income and resources are taken into consideration when determining eligibility. This includes: savings, investments, and real estate (not your home). In 2022, a Single person cannot exceed 13,820, while a Couple cannot exceed $27,600.

If you do not qualify for Extra Help through Social Security, the State of Indiana aids individuals with resources less than $9,090 ($13,630 if married), as well as the HoosierRx program if your yearly income is less than $20,625 for a single

Michelle Walters Executive Vice President

individual. Contact

To learn about your prescription drug plan options, give us a call!

Our consultation and education services are FREE!

Q. I think that my spouse is going to need long-term care. I am afraid that the cost will jeopardize my financial security.

A.

Law

Budgeting for expenses that Medicare does not cover

I often find myself lightheartedly telling my clients that it would appear to me that Medicare doesn’t care if we go blind or that we may be reduced to gumming our food before swallowing.

This is given the fact that original Medicare does not cover routine vision and dental services.

The response is usually a rolling of the eyes, but sometimes a dramatic jaw drop. No matter what, it is a fact that original Medicare only covers these services in exceptional circumstances.

As we age into “senior” life, we should all consider including dental and vision care in our household budgets. Maybe even start putting money aside specifically for those expenses during our working years. How much to

budget or save would depend upon your historical needs for special eyewear or extensive dental work and will vary from person to person.

Some insurance companies offer individual dental or vision plans, but I would always recommend a thorough analysis of the coverage versus the amount of premium you will pay. If the policy is not fully explained, you may be surprised to find that

you have:

• Limited coverage for the first year.

• Waiting periods for certain levels of service (e.g., crowns, dentures).

• A limited allowance for certain hardware (e.g., eyeglass frames).

• Limited doctors that you can access.

Medicare Advantage plans often include some sort of vision

and dental coverage, but you may still experience limited providers in your area. Always review your options before making a selection.

Aging into Medicare or simply want to learn more about the options? Attend one of our Medicare education sessions, which are held every second and third Thursday.

Reserve a spot by calling (260) 484-7010.

program in 1935, there were 150 workers paying into the system for every one retired recipient.

this contingency.

So the take-it-now-or-wait debate begins.

Will it or won’t it, is the ongoing question about whether or not Social Security will last.

Consensus among economists, politicians, corporate leaders and most other folks is that it will survive. There is some disagreement about how.

Everyone agrees it’s running short of income to match the out-go it faces to provide monthly checks to the growing number of aging recipients.

When FDR introduced the

More than six decades in the newspaper business has given me the opportunity to collect, correct and clip out headlines

Shop for a tax preparer

Most of us spend more time reading the labels on the cans and boxes of groceries we buy than we do checking out the qualifications of a prospective tax preparer. It maybe because we don’t want to display our ignorance to another person. But if we were tax experts, we wouldn’t need tax preparers.

There are some simple steps to take when hiring and reaching an agreement with someone to prepare your taxes.

First of all, make appointments with three or four to discuss your situation and their backgrounds. Find out if you’re comfortable with him or her. It’s your money you’re spending and there should be comfortable and open communication between the two of you.

Check the person’s credentials, specialized courses, range of expertise and experience, and length of time in business. Find out how busy he or she is — is business so slow that the tax preparer just can’t cover enough ground in the tax field or is business so brisk that there isn’t much room to squeeze you in.

Ask him or her about any professional affiliations and ongoing education. And, before you leave, ask how much your tax preparation will cost.

By 1945, that ratio had dropped down to 40 workers for every Social Security recipient. In 1950, the ratio was 16 to one and 10 years later it was five workers for every recipient.

The 2025 forecast sets the ratio at two workers for each Social Security beneficiary.

Without additional funding from Congress, monthly payments could drop by more than 20% within the next decade. Retirees should be planning for

You can claim your Social Security benefits as early as age 62 and no later than age 70.

Simply, your benefits increase 8% per year from age 62 to age 70.

While delaying increases the amount of your monthly income, it also takes time to break even and come out ahead. The breakeven point for someone delaying payments till age 70 instead of age 67 is roughly age 82.

There’s no single right time to

that have caused red faces — from embarrassment by those who wrote them and from laughing by those who read them.

Many sneaked through the editorial staff at papers I worked for, others hit the streets in competing pages, a lot were sent to me by colleagues, and the rest I just read in papers picked up here and there.

Some of you must have seen some of them.

Like:

Police launch campaign to run down jaywalkers

Panda mating fails, veterinarian takes over Miners refuse to work

after death

Juvenile court to try shooting defendant War dims hope for peace

New study of obesity looks for larger test group Astronaut takes blame for gas in spacecraft

Kids make nutritious snacks

Homicide victims rarely talk to police

Marijuana issue sent to a joint committee

China may be using sea to hide its submarines

Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons

Man kills himself and runs away

claim Social Security. The ideal age generally depends on your marital status, health and the need for retirement income.

There are three potential benefits for married people. One is based on your work history.

Another is the spousal benefit, which can be up to 50% of what a higher-earning spouse receives at full-retirement age. And the third is a survivor benefit that can be up to 100% of a deceased spouse’s last payment.

You’re only entitled to one.

One strategy is to have the higher-earning spouse delay

Timing crucial for Social Security Benefit Hapless headlines

Bugs flying around with wings are flying bugs

Bridges help people cross rivers

Girls’ schools still offering “Something Special” — Head

Man arrested for everything

Tiger Woods plays with his own balls, Nike says Rooms with broken air conditioners are hot State population to double by 2040, babies to blame Greenland meteorite may be from space

Students cook & serve grandparents

Woman missing since she got lost

claiming as long as possible to create a larger benefit for themselves and their surviving spouse.

If you’re divorced, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor’s benefit based on your ex’s earnings history when you retire. The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years and you cannot have remarried.

And you don’t have to be a citizen to claim and collect Social Security. If you legally worked in this country and taxes were deducted from our pay, your eligible to receive those benefits.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Man found dead in graveyard City unsure why the sewer smells

Planes forced to land at airports

Hospitals resort to hiring doctors

Statistics show that teen pregnancy drops significantly after 25 Diana Was Still Alive Hours Before She Died

One-armed man applauds the kindness of strangers

Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking

And my all-time favorite: Cold wave linked to temperatures.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

• Four floorplans

• Attached garages Call 260-749-6725 to

The cafeteria at Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School, 11565 N. U.S. Highway 27, Decatur, will be full of activity March 24-25, as 83,500 meals will be packed to benefit the Pack Away Hunger campaign.

Pack Away Hunger is a nonprofit organization dedicated to greatly improving the lives of children and others who suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

To achieve this mission, we have partnered with The Mathile Institute for Human Nutrition to develop the most highly nutritious pre-packaged meals available. These meals are scientifically proven to meet the specific nutritional needs of children and other at-

Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana Inc. is partnering with the Allen County Public Library to host a Great Day Café event Wednesday, March 29.

Adults with memory impairments and their caregivers are invited to come and enjoy activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit in a welcoming

risk populations.

This meal remains easy and safe to transport, and culturally acceptable worldwide. To learn more about this nonprofit organization, visit packawayhunger. org.

Traditionally, the meals packed will remain in Adams, Wells and Allen counties. There are several food pantries in the community that have expressed interest in receiving the meals, including afterschool backpack programs. The remaining meals will be distributed internationally to

and supportive environment. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at the main library branch, 900 Library Plaza, in Meeting Room BC.

The Great Day Café aims to help individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers to connect, socialize and build new support networks.

Attendees will enjoy baseball

the countries of Guatemala, Haiti and possibly others through international partner networks.

payable to Pack Away Hunger to: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Friedheim, Attn: Pack Away Hunger, 10653 N. CR 550W, Decatur, IN 46733.

The project has already received a grant from the Lutheran Foundation of $10,000, so it is approaching the halfway point of its goal; if possible, it would like to have all funds raised by Friday, March 10.

The need for these meals is just as great now as it has been in past years. If you are interested in donating funds to help offset the $25,000 needed to make the goal, mail your check

and spring-themed activities, including trivia, music, kite decorating and cornhole. Cracker Jacks will be available as a light snack.

“Being social and active is the best medicine for people living with dementia,” said Todd Hunnicutt, manager of the family caregiver program at AIHS. “Data

On Friday, March 24, there will be 150-plus student volunteers from Wyneken School working in fellowship together to pack meals benefitting other children and families in the community.

Help ‘Pack Away Hunger’ March 24-25 Great Day Café will be March 29

has found that almost 10 percent of U. S. adults aged 65 and older have dementia.

“We know this population will continue to increase, and we pride ourselves in finding new and innovative solutions to help empower both the caregiver and care recipient with the tools they need to continue living full, happy

Be healthy and stay happy

When you’re healthy, you can be happy. If you’re happy, you’re probably healthy.

So be happy. But you need energy to maintain a happy and healthy life and lifestyle.

The more you think about all this, you’re wasting time and energy that should be devoted to staying happy and healthy that is maintained easily by developing a simple regimen.

You can start increasing your energy to live happier and healthier by eating properly. A well-balanced diet is a start, and we don’t mean one designed for weight loss. Eating a variety of fruit and vegetables, leanprotein, low-fat dairy and whole grains gives you an optimal level

of energy to help you enjoy life and living as well as cope with unanticipated problems and activities over which you have no control.

Then get to sleep seven or eight hours every night. A good night’s sleep not only gives your body time to relax and recuperate, it also brightens your mood and lowers your risk of disease.

When you’re out and about, pick your friends. Hang around with people you enjoy rather than those you don’t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often, or make poor choices.

Time spent with enjoyable company will help you avoid news overdose, especially in these days of non-stop political acrimony, looming wars around the globe, and wild cultural theories taking over the telecasts.

It will also help you keep thinking good thoughts about the folks around you, even the ones you find trying. Compassion for your fellow humans helps maintain your peace of mind, which helps conserve your energy.

This might lead to another peaceful action — doing something you enjoy, such as building yourself a big salad or going roller skating. You can also bring order and peace to your life by straightening out the things around you. Just don’t try to do it all at once.

If your kitchen is in disarray. Pick one cabinet to straighten out and get it done this week. Don’t tackle the next one until next week.

And finally, but not last, get yourself some regular exercise. The Department of Health and

Human Services recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

Pick something you can enjoy. Swimming, hiking, biking, run-

On Saturday, March 25, 220plus volunteers are needed for packing. The two shifts of 110 volunteers each will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. and from 1-3:30 p.m.

If you belong to an organization or club, such as National Honor Society or 4-H, the event will count for community service hours. The forms to record volunteer hours for those who need them will be provided.

To volunteer, contact Lin Gorman at linogorman@gmail. com or call or text (260) 2230716 by Sunday, March 19.

For updates and additional information, visit Decatur Pack Away Hunger’s Facebook page.

and stress-free lives.”

The Great Day Café is free and all are welcome. This event is the second installment in the series of memory cafés following one held in November last year. Those interested in attending can register for the event by visiting acpl.libnet.info/ event/7721722.

ning, skipping rope, and tennis are just a few options. Contrary to what you might believe, this will add to your energy, not subtract from it.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Pesky persistent pain

More than 25 million Americans deal with some level of pain every day, according to the Alliance for Aging Research.

Persistent, or chronic, pain is ongoing or recurrent pain that lasts beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury. It can last several months or many years. Persistent pain doesn’t mean a person is always in pain. It can be mild to severe, complex to manage, and caused by injury, arthritis, cancer and other diseases. Persistent pain also can cause physical distress and seriously impact one’s quality of life.

If you turn to medications to help manage your pain, it’s important to choose and use them safely. There are a variety of medications that can help manage different pain needs. They also have different risks and benefits you need to consider. It’s important that you choose the right pain medication and know how to use it safely and appropriately.

Discuss this matter seriously with your primary care physician, who may even refer you to a specialist if the situation requires.

You may turn to over-thecounter medications, which are available without a prescription.

You may also turn to prescription pain medications, sometimes referred to as opioids, that are designed to manage moderate to severe pain. Other prescription medications like steroids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also help manage your persistent pain. Prescription pain-medications can be very effective when used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, some can be habit-forming, addictive, and lead to an overdose if abused or used incorrectly.

Non-drug therapies can be used as alternatives or alongside your pain medications to relieve your pain and can include mindbody exercises like yoga and meditation, acupuncture or massage, regular exercise routines and physical therapy, and even pain-management devices.

You should talk with your healthcare provider about developing a pain-management plan that sets goals like spending more time with family, getting back to hobbies, exercising more, and managing pain while healing. It should also include a review of all medications, non-drug therapies, and other interventions you are using or thinking of using to manage your pain.

Let the glycemic index be a guide

consumption. That translates to 1 cup of pasta, but it also translates to 7 cups of carrots, so you need to consider the food groups.

The GI can also change based on the ripeness of fruit, whether an item is cooked and even whether it is overcooked, as that breaks down the cellular structure causing the food to be more easily digested.

For vegetables: Low GI

Broccoli, 10

Some people insist “a calorie is a calorie” and it doesn’t matter if you are eating 1,500 calories of marshmallows or 1,500 calories of vegetables, to which I would say, “Not so fast.”

Our bodies convert what we eat to energy — glucose, and since marshmallows are already sugar, which is at the top of the glycemic index, our body very quickly converts the calories into glucose, which makes blood sugar soar. Conversely, 1,500 calories of vegetables slowly digest without blood sugar spiking, as it would with sugar or refined carbohydrates like bread and baked goods.

The GI is based on 50 grams of whichever food,with a measurement of how high the blood glucose peaks two hours after

Cabbage, 10

Mushrooms, 10

Chillies, 10

Lettuce, 10 Red peppers, 10

Onions, 10

Eggplant/aubergine, 15

Cauliflower, 15

Tomatoes, 15

Green beans, 15

Raw carrots, 16

Frozen green peas, 39

Boiled carrots, 41

Frozen sweet corn, 47

To the high end: High GI

Pumpkin, 75

Parsnips, 97

Let’s look at bread: Medium GI

Pita, white, 57

Hamburger bun, 61

Wholemeal Rye, 62 Croissant, 67 High GI White, 71 Bagel, 72 French baguette, 95 And beans: Low GI Lentils, red, 21 Lentils, green, 30 Haricot/navy beans, 31 Yellow split peas, 32 Butter beans, 36 Chickpeas, 42 Pinto beans, 45 Black-eyed beans, 50 Kidney beans (canned), 52 And snack food: High GI Donuts, 76 Water crackers, 78 Puffed crispbread, 81 Pretzels, 83 Rice cakes, 87 Scones, 92 Do you see where I’m going here? Two pieces of toast for breakfast, a sandwich and chips for lunch and pizza for dinner has never been ideal. Planning out your day will always serve you better. Knowledge will always serve you better. Commitment will always serve you better. As a guideline, low GI is 55 or less, medium GI is 56-69 and high

GI is 70 or more. Sweet potato over white potato, corn over flour, 100% whole wheat over white flour. And, of course, whole food over processed. To your health.

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.

Ladders can be hazardous

Ladders can be mighty helpful but they also can be hazardous to your health and well-being. Just like step-stools.

Whether it’s cleaning the eaves or taking down the Christmas-tree decorations, you’re just a slip away from a fall.

The first thing you have to see to is setting the ladder (or stool)

on a firm and level foundation. If the ground or floor is uneven, use boards or furniture-feet coasters to provide a safe setting.

Make sure the climbing angle is safe and then climb slowly and carefully. Never stand on the top of any ladder. Stop three runs form the top of a straight or extension ladder. If you have to reach to get the job done, climb back down and reposition the ladder.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Companionship • Respite Care • Overnight

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Bathing, Grooming & Dressing Assistance

Meal Planning & Preparation

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

www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

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

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

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

9802 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 469-0600 •

Adventures on my Caribbean cruise

Mary Ellen and I just returned from a wonderful Caribbean cruise. But no one wants to read a humor column about how much fun we had. So instead, I’ll put on my grumpy old man hat and describe everything that went wrong.

On our first day, we went snorkeling. It took us about an hour on a catamaran to reach the reef, but the fish in Saint Thomas must have seen us coming, because by the time we put on all of our gear and dove into the bay, there was nary a minnow in sight.

The guide tried to paint a

rosy picture of our pricey excursion.

“Have you ever seen so many fish?” he asked.

I answered honestly: “Yes, on the wall of Red Lobster.”

Later, on board the ship, one of my hearing aids stopped working.

“Which one?” asked Mary Ellen.

“Starboard side,” I said.

My wife was impressed that I had adopted the proper nautical terminology. But when I turned around to walk toward the lunch buffet, my broken hearing aid was now on the port side of my head. This created a real problem: Mary Ellen never knew which ear to yell into.

Getting on the elevator required us to scan our room card. I kept swiping but the elevator door didn’t open. A fellow passenger walked by.

“You’re scanning the hand

sanitizer dispenser,” he told me.

I complained to the front desk that both pools on the ship lacked a shallow end. They were 5 feet, 9 inches deep everywhere, an inch over the top of my head. Who designed these pools? Retired NBA players?

“Am I the only person to complain about this?” I asked the cruise director.

“No, Mr. Wolfsie, but you are the tallest.”

One night, I carried the TV remote onto the veranda outside our room that overlooked the ocean. The device slipped out of my hand when the ship rocked and it landed in the Atlantic.

“That’s never happened before,” said the steward. “What were you doing when you dropped it?”

“I was channel surfing,” I told him.

Our room safe required us to

choose a security code. I used our old house number. But I must have entered it incorrectly when I programmed it, because I could not unlock it with those same digits later that night. Panicked, I called the security desk.

“How did I get locked out of my own safe?”

“Wait a second, aren’t you the guy who griped about the snorkeling, swiped the hand sanitizer with his key card, complained that the pool has no shallow end and lost his remote in the Atlantic? And did you ever get your hearing aid fixed?”

Wow, word travels fast at sea.

On the way home, I went to the deli at the airport to get a bite to eat before boarding the plane. All they had was a stale-looking chicken sandwich with wilted lettuce and slimy American cheese. I bought one along with a bottle of water.

Mary Ellen took a pass.

“That will be $25,” said the cashier.

“$25? At Costco right here in San Juan, I could get five whole rotisserie chickens for $25. “Good luck fitting them under your seat, sir.”

Again, despite what you have read, I had a wonderful time. I especially liked our last glorious day in Puerto Rico. As David Letterman would have said, “It was 75 and sunny. Just like me.”

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JENNI’S IN HOME CARE LLC

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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

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• FREE TRIAL HEARING AID PROGRAM

HOME HEALTH CARE

A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE

BRIGHTSTAR

333 E. Washington Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 918-0933

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

HOME PET CARE

HUMANE FORT WAYNE

MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT INVERNESS LAKES

8075 Glencarin Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 420-1866

www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com

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

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

PHYSICAL THERAPY

THE HEARING CENTER

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

www.enthearingcenter.com

Four offices located in Ft. Wayne.

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

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

* Trial hearing aid program.

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

BALANCE AND DIZZINESS

ENT BALANCE CENTER AT

Ear Nose And Throat Associates

10021 Dupont Circle Ct.

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

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

www.entfortwayne.com

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

IN-HOME SERVICES

4914 S. Hanna St.

Fort Wayne, IN 46806

Phone: (260) 744-0454

www.humanefortwayne.org

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

HOSPICE

STILLWATER HOSPICE

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

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

MEMORY CARE

LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE

1649 Spy Run Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 422-8520

www.lcca.com

Denton Hall, Memory Care Unit

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

HOOSIER PHYSICAL THERAPY

Michael F. Barile, D.C., P.T. 3030 Lake Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 420-4400

www.hoosierpt.com

Medicare Assignment Accepted “Personalized Care”

PHYSICIAN’S OFFICE

FAMILY PRACTICE CENTER

750 Broadway Suite 350 Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 423-2675

• New Patients Welcome

• Most Insurance Companies Accepted

• Medicare & Medicaid Accepted

• Staffed By Over 30 Family Medicine Residents

• Supervised By Board Certified Faculty

TELEPHONE SERVICES

RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC

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

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

Make your dwelling safety resolutions for 2023

Now that the new year is here, resolve to make sure your home, cabin and family are safe. Here are some tips from retired Midwest police officer John Good to protect your dwelling.

Install An Alarm

It seems intuitive to have an alarm installed in your home, but according to alarms.org, “Burglars are most attracted to homes that do not have home security systems, but only 17% of houses have a system in place. Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized. Ninetyfive percent of all home invasions

require some sort of forceful entry, be that breaking a window, picking a lock or kicking in a door.”

Once your alarm system is installed, add a security sign in your front yard and security system stickers on your windows.

Burglars will actually look through windows to identify motion detectors in the residence. Consequently, hanging fake alarm company signs or stickers on your front door without an actual alarm system is worthless.

Install Motion Detector Lighting

Darkness is a thief’s friend, so

by installing motion detector lighting, the last thing a thief wants to experience is finding themselves in a spotlight. Installing motion detector flood lights on the front, back and sides of your home — particularly in places where it would be easy to hide.

Put Interior Lights And TVs On Timers

Thieves are less likely to attempt a break-in if they think someone is home. So, while you are away, set light timers near window and program a timer on your television to shut on and off. You can also control and

monitor your lights and TV right from your smartphone.

For a lower tech solution, as a last resort, leave a radio playing loud enough for potential burglars to hear. Any unknown speaking from the interior of the home is a proven deterrent.

Install A Video Doorbell

As a first attempt to determine if anyone is home, thieves will ring the doorbell to see if anyone responds. Consider installing a smart doorbell that allows you to see, hear and speak to the visitor from anywhere in the world.

Put A Temporary Hold On Mail And Newspaper Deliveries

If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, put a temporary hold on newspaper deliveries and your mail. It seems an easy thing to do, but many people forget this when they go on vacation. If you forget, notify a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and collect accumulating newspapers and mail.

In winter, make sure your driveway and sidewalk are shoveled to send a message that the homeowner is present.

Placebo power works for our minds

Your mind is a powerful tool.

If you set your mind to do something, you’re likely to get it done. If you set it to cure you when you’re sick, your chances of feeling better are multiplied.

This is where placebos come into play. A placebo is a substance or treatment with no therapeutic value but the patient is told it has. It can be inert tablets, inert injections, and even sham surgery.

A placebo cannot cure you but it can make you feel better. It can’t reset a broken bone, but it can make you believe it takes the pain away.

There’s a report of a World War II surgeon who ran out of morphine and substituted a pre-surgery injection of a saline solution. It worked because his patients believed they were being injected with an anesthetic.

This placebo effect is effective in up to half of the cases in

which it is applied, but depends on several factors.

The more bells and whistles involved, the more effective the response, according to a recent Annual Review of Clinical Psychology report. According to the report, placebo pills and injections were effective in about one-quarter of the cases in which they were applied compared with a 50% response rate to placebo surgery.

The condition being treated also is a factor. Placebos work best for treating pain, itching and fatigue and are not as effective for symptoms such as fever, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate.

Mental health disorders such anxiety, depression and panic attacks respond well to placebos. While they can reduce the pain from a tumor, they can’t stop it from growing.

Medical research indicates more patients are experiencing relief from placebos, even when they know they’re being given

placebos. A 1996 clinical-trial group reported a 27% difference between the effectiveness of placebo and active drugs. The difference reported in a 2013 test was less than 10%.

Despite this seeming effectiveness of placebos, doctors cannot prescribe them without telling their patients what they are. Studies show when pa-

tients are told they are getting a placebo and also told what placebos work, they get a positive placebo response. A solution is what’s called open-label placebos, which have been used to successfully treat migraine headaches, knee pain, cancerrelated fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among other ailments.

The placebo power is in our minds — we don’t need to be hoodwinked into using it, we just have to start believing in it.

Modern medicine has come to believe in what Hippocrates knew: “The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force for getting well.”

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

A traveler’s list of travel tips

Several decades of travel have manifested themselves in a short list of travel tips

Being part of conducted tourism tours as a travel writer taught me to travel on my own when traveling on my own.

On our first personal trip to Italy, for example, we stayed in a small hilltop town in the middle of the peninsula, not in a downtown hotel in Genoa or Rome. We landed in Pisa, which gave us a

quiet night in a small hotel in the shadow of the Tower before picking up our rental car that got us to Arezzo, Cortona, Perugia, Gubbio, Tavernelle, Deruta, Spoleto, Montepulciano, Spello, Siena, Orvieto, Todi and several other towns during our five-week stay. We eschewed Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples and all the other travelbrochure destinations on purpose until our succeeding visits.

These countryside-community stops taught us more about the culture and cuisine of this legendary land than any schools and guides could have.

As a quick example, our village of Panicale overlooks Lake Trasimeno, the fourth-largest lake on the peninsula where Hannibal slew, mostly by drowning, more than 15,000 Roman legionnaires during his pillaging trip after crossing the Alps. Archeologist are still picking bones from its waters.

My Italian upbringing helped me catch up on the language fairly quickly, but, before I visit any new country, I learn how to say “Please,” “Thank You” and “How do you say that?” in the local language. Those three phrases have never failed me.

When I’m on the road, instead of asking the hotel concierge where to eat or visit, I drop into a pharmacy or shoe store and ask the clerk or owner where they go to eat lunch or dinner. By being polite and genuinely interested, the

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advice and directions I’ve received has always proved fruitful, not only in the quality of the meals but in the congeniality of the hosts when we tell them who suggested we visit their establishment.

We never — never — wear flashy stylish clothes. Dress is lowkeyed attire and colors that blend in with the community so we don’t stand out like sore North American thumbs.

And we don’t oooh and aah and stop and stare — a sure sign that we’re fresh fish for the pickpockets, purse snatchers and connivers that lurk everywhere.

When taking photos, we just act like were working a job that has to be finished today. If someone offers to take a picture of us with our camera, we give them the withering look you’d give any thief.

Don’t think this protective attitude is necessary only while traveling because those same precautions you’ve learned traveling have to be taken when you walk along the streets, alleyways and markets in your home town.

Before we leave home, we make several copies of all our documents — passports, wallet contents, schedules, itineraries, phone numbers, medications, insurance premiums, everything. We give copies to family and neighbors, tuck a copy in each piece of luggage and have at least one extra handy in case we lose everything else.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Fort Wayne

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

Travel Cruising the Great Lakes —

Enlightening and relaxing trip

Editor’s Note: This piece on Cruising the Great Lakes will serve as an introduction to the places the ship stopped and for the next six months those destinations will be highlighted.

Cruising the Great Lakes is just as enjoyable as doing the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. In fact, it has some advantages that make it very attractive.

For starters, it’s closer to home. Then, it’s less crowded because ships only carry around 200 people. And, they stop at familiar places like Niagara Falls, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Detroit, Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and Holland, Mich.

Along the way, it docks in places most people have probably never heard of or would probably never go to, like the world’s deepest natural freshwater port at Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay or Midland with more than 30 beautiful murals.

The Great Lakes are pretty much taken for granted by Midwesterners. On board the Pearl Seas Mist, passengers learn how important they are to the health and welfare of this area and the entire country. Eighty-four percent of North America’s fresh water comes from the Great Lakes, and they hold one-

fifth of the world’s fresh water.

The 11-day cruise we took last August departed from Toronto, crossed Lake Ontario and passed through several canals and locks to Niagara Falls. There we donned red plastic ponchos and rode to within 30 yards of the base of Horseshoe Falls. Water crashing off the rocks filled the air with mist.

Cleveland was next on the itinerary and a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to listening to classic performances by many of the hall’s inductees, passengers viewed memorabilia from the stars, including Prince’s famous purple coat and Elvis’s motorcycle.

One section highlighted the fact that when the rock ‘n’ roll revolution hit, parents were concerned it was corrupting their youngsters and actually petitioned to have it

banned from the airwaves.

In Detroit, we visited Greenfield Village and rode the steam locomotive around the property before walking to specific buildings. Coal particles from the engine covered everyone in the open viewing cars. Station employees advised to shake rather than brush. Riding in a 1923 Model T Ford was the highlight.

At Sault Ste. Marie, the ship docked next to a 1917 freighter that is now a maritime museum. Passengers could take a narrated ride through the Soo Locks into Lake Superior and back. In town, a 210foot tower afforded an overview of the locks, which control the world’s busiest inland shipping channel.

At Mackinac Island, the ship moored just a block from the center of town where horse-drawn wagons and carriages are available to take

New Haven Parks & Recreation 2023 Tours

Thursday, March 23 Travel Show

10:00 a.m. at New Haven Parks & Rec - 7500 IN - 930 East, Ft. Wayne

(Behind McDonalds)

2:00 p.m. at Huntington Historical Museum - 315 Court Street (Next to Pizza Junction)

6:00 pm. at Columbia City Senior Center - 710 Opportunity Drive, Columbia City

Day Trips for 2023

April 20 The Lion King is coming to Toledo’s Stranahan Theatre. Meal included. $155

May 11 Escape to Margaritaville an upbeat, energetic new show featuring Jimmy Buffett classics at LaComedia Dinner Theatre, Springboro, OH. $110

May 25 Greenfield Village’s 80-acre outdoor living history museum, tour the village in Model T, ride historic steam locomotive, 1913 Carousel & visit Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. $140

June 4 The Little Mermaid, Disney musical favorite for audiences of all ages. Sunday matinee starts with a pre-show luncheon at Winona Lake’s iconic Boathouse restaurant. $110

June 29 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has all the music of the legends of rock up close & personal. Lunch cruise on GoodTimes at Lake Erie. $145

Introducing these Extended 2023 Tours

June 19-24 Lancaster, Pennsylvania ... including “Moses” at the Sights & Sounds Theatre also includes Gettysburg and Hershey World … $799 (double)

Sept. 2-13 Yellowstone, Devils Tower & Mt. Rushmore by motor coach … $1,842 (double)

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

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

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

Nov. 27-Dec. 1 Pigeon Forge Christmas by motor coach … $738 - Includes 7 shows plus Gatlinburg

2024 Brochures for Extended Fly Tours will be available:

Hawaiian Cruise, Colorado Trains, California Zephyr & Canadian Rockies

sgrossnickle@newhaven.in.gov pamkaycrone@aol.com

Tour Details: www.s-stravel.com

Tour Calendar: Call 888-262-4423

260-749-2212 260-224-2339 (No RSVP is necessary)

visitors past Victorian homes, 17 fudge shops, the historic fort and the Grand Hotel. Only people staying at the hotel are allowed to wander the grounds, enjoy the view from its long porch or enter the lobby.

Though tulips were not in season, the city of Holland, Mich., was festooned with flowers of all

kinds. One stop was at Windmill Gardens to see a working mill purchased in the Netherlands, dismantled, shipped to Holland and reassembled.

A demonstration of an antique street organ donated by the people of Holland to honor the U.S. servicemen during World War II was a real treat.

June 3-10, 2023 ......... 4 Seats Left ........ Cape Cod and Boston

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

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

July 27-28, 2023 .... 5 Seats Left ... Ark and Creation Museum

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

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

“Moses”, Strasburg Railroad, Gettysburg & More

Sponsored by Garrett First Church of Christ Pick Up Locations for this one ... Garrett & Ft. Wayne

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

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

Oct. 24-27, 2023 ................... Gilded Age of the Smoky Mts. Featuring the Biltmore Estate and the Unsinkable Molly Brown

First Week Is Sold Out ... We Are Adding This 2nd Week

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

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

Dec. 5-9, 2023 ............... Waitlisted .............. Christmas in NYC Broadway Show, Rockettes, 9/11 Museum, NBC Studios and More

Steve and Sheila Magsamen, Tour Managers

Decatur & Fort Wayne Departures

260-432-8488

www.memoriesinmotion.net

Documents and forms you need to have to get in order

ney, who is your personal representative and the contact information for that person.

Many people fall guilty to misplacing important forms over the course of several moves or when cleaning the house. The best thing to do is get everything organized now. Many people don’t know what forms they should keep.

The documents you need, for example, would be a copy of your will, power of attor-

You’ll also want a complete list of your assets and a list of all beneficiaries with their contact information.

These are the most important forms you need to have labeled and kept in a safe place in the home or in a safety deposit box.

Not to speak negatively, but if something were to happen to you, you’d certainly wouldn’t want your loved

ones panicking because they can’t find forms they need. This is why you should tell someone you know and trust where these forms are, in case there was ever a situation in which you cannot. It’s always better to be overprepared and get organized early.

Feel free to give us a call at (260) 459-3911 and a member of our senior relocation team will be happy to help you determine what you need and what you don’t need.

Aging is more than a numbers game

Claiming age is just a number doesn’t add up.

What number is it? Do you pick a favorite number and use it forever? Or is it the number of days you’ve been alive and alert? A sizeable number of folks wonder what age they’re going to be in heaven. A wrong number could be hell.

No matter how we regard our age, we have come to understand that aging increases the risk factor for many diseases, including cancers and degenerative disorders such as dementia, and the likelihood of suffering several chronic illnesses.

Genes have long played a role in how we age. If your parents lived relatively healthy lives and edged close to the century mark before dying, your chances of living a lengthy and relatively healthy life are pretty good. If you take care of yourself.

While the global search for

the Fountain of Youth is still in full force, diet and lifestyle are a couple of traditional tools you can use to stretch out your time here on Earth.

Not everyone agrees on what attributes contribute to successful aging. Some are vegetarians,

and studies among both animals and humans. Varying the times and types of one’s food intake has shown signs of slowing own the attacks of metabolic disorders and some common age-related liver diseases.

A word of caution to everyone. Before making any changes to diet or daily-living habits, always discuss your situation and plans with your primary-care physician.

World War II — Winning the war by women and children

others sweat through regular gym sessions. Many work as long as they can and keep busy by volunteering when they leave the labor force.

Science has opened up several doorways we explore to slow down the process that changes our body as we age.

Fasting has become one of the most popular. The benefits of intermittent fasting have been found to be favorable in tests

Researchers also are delving into ways to revitalize one’s immune system, which diminishes over time. They’re targets are cells that can be replenished to combat everything from wrinkles to cancer.

Maintaining healthy bones slows down the aging process. Folks past their 50s should test their bone measurement and mass regularly. Ask your doctor about dietary supplements and foods that can slow down bone loss.

As you read this, scientists, lab workers and researchers are working diligently in such exotic fields as tissue rejuvenation and cellular senescence and regeneration to keep us, as well as themselves, aging gracefully.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

World War II never diminished the morale of American GIs at Baer Field or around the world. There may have been temporary setbacks, but the enemy never won the war in the end thanks to the determination and strength of those GIs and women and children of America.

My stories cannot find enough words of thanks to the GIs, both men and women of “The Greatest Generation” and the civilian men, women and children of America.

The civilian women kept the factories and businesses running during those dark

days and the children helped gather scrap metals, newspapers, rubber items, glass and much more that sadly had to be turned into items of war.

Items freely used and available in pre-World War II were either scarce or no longer available, at least temporarily. Butter, meat, sugar, rubber goods, tires, etc. required ration stamps to purchase those items and more. Those who misused ration stamps would suffer the consequences of the state or federal governments.

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

Falls are meant to be avoided

It can happen slowly. Once it starts, it’s a slippery slope

You hear a crack in your back when you get out of bed. Then you can’t pop up out of your chair like you used to. Along with our average body aches and creaks, our sense of balance weakens as we age increasing our risk of falling.

This is accompanied by a risk of fractures, which can lead to medical complications and a decrease in long-term mobility and independence.

Typically, there will be some warning signs. You’ll stumble, having near falls, or fall without a fracture. These are red flags.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these red flags, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician immediately.

Decaying vision, loss of hearing, shaky balance, pain and many other age-related conditions can contribute to falling. Discuss these concerns with your doctor and ask about any additional solutions, such as an assessment by a specialist, physical therapy, or medication.

In addition to meeting with a doctor, there are some fall-prevention tips you can tape to your refrigerator door. Keep all pathways clear. Remove all furniture and rugs that are in your way to avoid tripping as you go about your daily routine.

Use assisting devices. Put up handrails in your bathroom and along stairways and install floor treads in your shower and bathtub. Get yourself a cane or walker if your balance is unsteady.

Exercise regularly to strengthen

your muscles, bones and balance. Swimming, walking, biking, yoga, and tai chi are just a few of the activities that help you fight falling. Vitamins and supplements can help. For example, Vitamin D and calcium help maintain bone strength, which reduces your risk of fractures if you fall. Before taking any such dosage, talk the matter over with your doctor. And ask what effect your current medication may have on your balance. Be prepared for an emergency. Place emergency numbers near your home phone and list them in your cellphone.

Schedule regular appointments with specialists, such as eye and hearing doctors. Wear sturdy and comfortable footwear. And don’t do anything quickly.