Senior Life - Allen County Edition - May 2023

The LIGHTHOUSE shines hope for those in addiction recovery

and a way to continue serving the men.”

Recovering from addiction poses many challenges — and a local nonprofit provides practical assistance and spiritual guidance to those on the journey.

The Lighthouse is an umbrella for a social services organization with a number of offerings, including a Biblical Life Recovery Center for men with addictions and two thrift stores. There is also community programming for the public.

Debbie Lemmon is executive assistant to Dr. Brandon Bower, founder of The Lighthouse. She also wears many hats for the organization, including writing grants.

“We currently are funded in a mix of different ways. Our long-term goal is to be selfsustaining,” Lemmon said. “The thrift stores are part of that

Treating addiction has multiple layers, according to Lemmon. The mainstay of everything the program offers is that it is faith based. In addition to the guidance based in scripture, there is a church service in the recovery center Sunday mornings. That is a result of a collaboration with others.

Collaborating with others is a theme throughout, and churches and businesses help the Lighthouse accomplish these goals. Youth groups help with mailings, for example. Its website lists numerous aspects of the ministry, including a women’s program, food bank and family life initiatives.

An important way for the community to help is through donating goods that can be sold in the stores and by shopping there. There are two locations for the thrift stores: 4718

Parnell Avenue and 6230 Lima Road. The store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Donations are accepted during store hours.

Part of how Lighthouse redirects men’s lives and helps them stay clean and sober is job assistance. The goal is to keep them employed or help them find meaningful work. They graduate from the program and have a plan to stay focused on positive outcomes.

“All of them are in different situations,” Lemmon said. “It depends on their circumstances. Some go back to their jobs. Others need help finding jobs. Others need job skills.”

The thrift stores serve multiple roles. It’s an affordable way for those they serve to shop, and some in the program work in the stores.

One of the main facilities is at 3000 E. State Blvd., since they’ve acquired the former

Parkview fitness center and made it into a community center. There is programming for the community and a residential program for the men working on their recovery.

Harold W. Lewis works in the thrift store at the Lima Road location. He’s been doing so for two months.

“I hang clothes, move boxes to the storage room, clean, take out trash and make sure they are stocked up on the floor,” he said. “I do whatever I can to be helpful and work 22 to 30 hours a week.”

The work he does in a faithbased program means a great deal to him.

“It’s 100% important,” he said. “It’s what I choose to do, and I want to continue to serve, especially in the faith business.”

He continued by sharing his

own faith experience.

“In Ephesians, where it talks about the armor of God, I never knew that God provided me with his armor to fight Satan. I got saved five months ago and learned that God is real and the devil is too, but he doesn’t have as much power,” he said.

His family has also been very supportive, and he’s grateful for his family and The Lighthouse.

He’s very appreciative for the opportunities he has.

“God has blessed me at The Lighthouse with sobriety. The least I can do is give back. My favorite part is the fellowship with others. I love it,” he said. For more information or to donate, visit biblicalliferecoverycenter.com, call (260) 255-6413 or visit facebook.com/ LighthouseRecoveryCenter.

Allen County Edition Reaching Fort Wayne And Surrounding Counties

Ed Vol. 36, No. 1

Unusual high school experience ultimately leads to joining the Lions Club in 1982

Larry Weiss remembers exactly when the Lions Club organization came onto his radar, but it would be a decade before he joined.

That’s because he first learned of the international service organization in 1972 when he was in high school. Today, he’s president of the Tri-Lakes Lions Club in the Columbia City area.

Weiss grew up in Michigan and worked at an evening supper club in his teens. The owner was involved in the Lions Club, and Weiss came to know members of the group when they came into the restaurant for meetings.

“I knew that they existed,” Weiss said. “My junior year in high school, I’d been working there a while, and they wanted to build a pavilion. I’d had several classes in industrial arts and they asked me to do a drawing.”

To make a long story short, the Lions Club not only liked the drawings Weiss made, but they ended up using them to build a pavilion. They also

totally surprised him by paying him $50 for his efforts. He noted that $50 went further back then, and he was thrilled. The experience also solidified his loyalty to the group.

Fast forward to when he had moved to Indiana. He was an outside plant design engineer for the former United Telephone Company. The company charged its employees with a mission to be “community minded.” When Weiss heard a WOWO radio personality talk about his involvement in the Lions Club, Weiss found his way in, joining the Lions Club in 1982.

As a club member, he gradually became more involved, starting with becoming cotreasurer, then treasurer, and now he’s on his third term as president. He laughed about the time when he wanted to relinquish his treasurer duties, and his fellow Lions simply nudged him upward and onward to greater responsibilities in leadership.

Weiss is no stranger to responsibility in community service. He’s worked for years on the Columbia City Planning Commission, and dedicated

himself to his church council for a decade off and on, too.

His family has been key in his life. He and wife of 26 years, DiAnna, have four adult children, one who lives fairly close. He enjoys the local impact the club has, among other things.

In addition to helping with various community activities and raising funds through four fish and tenderloin fries yearly, the Lions work closely with the school district.

If there is a health screening, such as for vision testing, they step forward if a family could use financial assistance getting glasses. The corporate goals support Leader Dogs and when a local individual recently needed a car carrier for a leader dog, the club helped out.

In 2022, efforts Weiss has made over the years were rewarded. He was presented with a W.P. Woods Fellowship award from the Indiana Lions organization.

When asked about his presidential duties, Weiss shifted to praising the secretary/treasurer of the club for taking a major role in managing the many activities. He simply said, “I make sure things are falling in place.”

A breaking board, a witch cackle, stardom

“Surf music is one of those things that makes people happy when they hear it,” declared Bob Berryhill, at age 75 the lone surviving member of the group responsible for the best-known surf instrumental in history.

Jim Fuller, Pat Connelly and Berryhill were three 15-year-old guitarists who attended Glendora High School, located in a middle-class suburb east of Los Angeles. Their drummer, Ron

Wilson, was the “grand old man” of their band at the advanced age of 17. They called themselves the Surfaris.

Dale Smallin, Berryhill’s former scoutmaster, was a cartoon voice-over actor who also owned a photography studio in nearby Azusa. With no experience in band management, he took on the Surfaris’ affairs and lined up gigs for the guys.

One night, when Ron Wil-

son came to practice with his bandmates, he told the others about a dream he had about a surfer who joined the Marines. That dream had inspired Wilson to create an ingenious spoken-word story-song he called “Surfer Joe.”

Smallin felt “Surfer Joe” was good enough to record as a novelty single — something they could sell at their concerts — and scheduled a recording date. As none of the boys had a driver’s license, Berryhill’s father offered to drive the band members to the studio that day.

IIt’s easy! Simply find the butterfly 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.

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The soon-to-be-immortal session took place in nearby Cucamonga, at a cramped former shoe store now dubbed the PAL Recording Studios, which was owned and operated by Paul Buff, a self-taught electronics genius who had built the recording studio by himself.

After the Surfaris finished “Surfer Joe,” Buff announced, “Boys, you need a second side for your 45.” A second side? Uh-oh. They hadn’t thought about that.

Ron Wilson spontaneously began a furious drum riff called a paradiddle, a quick succession of drumbeats with alternating left- and right-hand strokes.

Lead guitarist Fuller joined in with some basic rock guitar

chords, with bassist Connelly and rhythm guitarist Berryhill soon adding to the effort. Within 10 minutes, “Wipeout” had been created.

For the third and final “take,” Berryhill’s father suggested adding the sound of a surfboard breaking as a novel way of announcing the introduction. In the alley behind the studio, Berryhill’s father found a sun-dried plywood board to break near the microphone.

Smallin, who had named the future classic instrumental, later recalled, “I came up with the idea for a laugh. That laugh was based on a witch’s cackle that I

did for a cartoon voice-over for a series called Fractured Fairy Tales. … I pictured a little wannabe surfer sitting on the rocks, laughing at some surfer who’s wiped out.” (In surfing lingo, a “wipeout” means being thrown off one’s surfboard and has nothing to do with a board breaking.)

Issued on Dot Records, “Wipeout” — not “Surfer Joe” — raced to Number Two on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart by mid-summer 1963, the peak of surf music’s popularity. It has since been recorded over 700 times and is frequently used by rock drummers and guitarists as the first tune they learn to play.

I Spy April winner is Marcia McCartney. The raindrop was located on page 17 in Senior Elko, page 17 in Senior St. Joseph, page 15 in Senior Allen and page 4 in Senior Northwest.

My class (reunion) behavior

As of a month ago, Mary Ellen and I planned to attend her reunion in Ohio where she would celebrate the 50th anniversary of her graduation from college. We had talked extensively about the event, especially since Mary Ellen

was one of the organizers. The truth is, we were both hiding how we really felt about the arrangements. I’ve put in parentheses what we were silently thinking when we discussed the trip.

“Mary Ellen, your reunion is getting close. Sounds like fun.” (Sounds like fun for you.

For me, this is about the last thing in the world I want to do.)

“Yes, Dick, I am looking forward to the evening. I sure hope you’ll enjoy it.” (I beg you: Please drop me off at the front door and go find something else to do until midnight.)

Senior Life says goodbye to longtime freelance writer

Gregg K. Lawson, a longtime freelance writer for Senior Life, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Mishawaka after an illness.

He was born Oct. 27, 1947, in Elkhart, the son of Herbert Jr. “Bernie” and Irmalee “Susie” (Bowers) Lawson. Formerly of Edwardsburg-Adamsville, Mich., he graduated from Edwardsburg High School. He had been a police officer with the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police and, at one time, had been a park ranger for Oxbow Park.

He was a freelance writer for Senior Life, starting with the Elko edition in the late 1980s. He wrote many articles about area history and hu-

man interest stories. In May of 1994, he graduated from Bethel University with a mas-

ters degree of ministries. Surviving Gregg are his children, Christopher Lawson and twins, Tracy Lawson and Terese Lawson; granddaughters, Gracie and Julie LawsonWhite; and a son-in-law, Robert “Bobby” White. He also has two sisters, Debra Lawson-Fischer and Gloria Lawson-Bradfield. Family and friends gathered for a memorial service Monday, April 17, at the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 W. Main St., Edwardsburg, Mich. The service was conducted by Pastor Douglas Cripe of First Christian Church, Mishawaka. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in Adamsville Cemetery on the Lawson family lot.

“It will be great to meet your old classmates and friends, Mary Ellen.” (This will be unbearable, viewing endless photos of the grandchildren of people I don’t know.)

“Dick, I’ll be proud to introduce you as my husband.” (But, if I could just tell everyone about you in your absence, I could make you sound even better.)

“I can’t wait to hear all the stories from your friends about your campus activities, Mary Ellen.” (I need to find a bar nearby with a big screen TV.)

“Yes, and I think you’ll get a kick out of chatting with other spouses.” (Maybe all the spouses can get together and find a bar nearby with a big screen TV.)

While it was true I was dreading this event, I was also sensing that Mary Ellen preferred that I not accompany her. Finally, last week, we started getting honest with each other.

“Okay, let’s think about this, Dick,” said my wife. “If you go with me and simply hang around, no one will know you, you won’t know where to put yourself, and people will wonder why you look so bored and uncomfortable.”

“In all fairness, Mary Ellen, that’s exactly how I felt at my own 50th reunion. Look, I attended your last high school reunion, and you told me that friends were all asking about me.”

“Yes, they asked me if I knew the guy asleep at the bar.”

Mary Ellen then offered a compromise, suggesting I make a brief appearance, then excuse myself and go back to the hotel. I reminded her that once when I did that very thing at another get together, she was annoyed.

“I was angry because that was no way to behave at our engagement party,” she said. She also mentioned that at her 25th college reunion I said things she didn’t find funny. An old boyfriend told me jokingly that when they broke up three decades earlier, he started drinking. After he downed his third cocktail that evening, I told him it looked like he was still celebrating.

Now, it appears I’ll be staying home for the upcoming event in Ohio. I’ll spend my time alone, drinking beer and falling asleep in a chair. Exactly what I would have done at Mary Ellen’s reunion.

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

TekVenture founder hoping to expand awareness, facilities

Greg Jacobs is founder, strategic planner, facilitator and one of the public voices of an organization that is probably one of the best kept secrets in Fort Wayne — TekVenture, a nonprofit.

This is where artists, potters, woodworkers, metal workers, welders, machinists and computer geeks gather to create, invent and make things.

Jacobs has three goals for TekVenture. The first is to raise public awareness, second is to improve the facility by adding more tools and machines for members use and the third is to increase the membership to 100 by the end of the year.

“We refer to ourselves as a public art and technology workshop interconnecting imagination, technology and community that provides access to tools, community education and services to makers

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and creatives.

“I know that’s a mouthful,” said Jacobs. “But it boils down to the fact that we make a variety of work areas available for the use of our members.”

He added, “In addition, we hold workshops in each of those areas throughout the year that are open to the public to learn pottery, metal fabrication, machining, wood working, 3-D computer printing and robotics. We even have a performance stage for the theater arts.”

A year ago, the building behind it burned down and, in the process, caused a lot of damage to the facility.

“So, we’re planning a grand reopening for July 4 with tours, workshops, demonstrations, outdoor games and contests and a display of the members’ work. The public is invited, of course, and we’re suggesting they bring their chairs, blankets, food and drink and stay to view the annual downtown fireworks that can be seen clearly from our property,” Jacobs said.

The theme for the event, he added, is Make America Create Again.

For Mother’s Day, May 14, and Father’s Day, June 10, TekVenture will host workshops in welding and ceramics for the celebrated parent while the rest of the family makes a surprise for them.

According to Jacobs, people interested in becoming members can learn how to operate the tools and machines safely from other members.

“What makes TekVenture special is that it is really a great place to learn, apply your skills and release your creative juices. A new member who demonstrates responsibility may be offered 24-hour access to the building,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs, a Fort Wayne native, has been involved in TekVen-

ture from its start 18 years ago in a trailer at the Three Rivers Festival demonstrating 3-D printing and laser engraving.

In 2009, it moved to the Allen County Public Library, and then TekVenture took over the Allen County Sweeper building on Broadway before arriving at its present 15,000-square-foot building in 2017.

TekVenture is not exactly on the beaten path. It’s located east of downtown in a former industrial plant at 1550 Griffin St. To get there, drive west on

Berry Street from Anthony Boulevard to Coombs and turn right. Drive under the railroad bridge and turn right onto Herbert Street. That runs into Griffin Street. From the north, take Lake Avenue to Columbia Avenue and turn left. Go over the bridge and immediately turn left onto Herbert Street at the TekVenture sign.

Visit TekVenture during open hours for a free tour of all maker workshops. For more information, visit tekventure. org.

When you are unable to live alone

every day. Things that we were able to do when we were young get harder to accomplish.

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Most older individuals have likely experienced the thrill of reaching that age when we were old enough to spread our wings and move out of mom and dad’s house and into a place of our own.

A few years later, we then become the parents who cannot wait for our children to fly the coop. Then for some of us, we are faced with the reality that we may need to live with our children because we can no longer live alone.

As much as we never like to think about it, we all get older

Arthritis takes a firm hold and suddenly we can’t even put on our own shoes.

So, what do we do? Where do we go? If living with a child or other relative is not an option, nursing homes or assisted living facilities could be. If you never followed through on that fleeting thought about purchasing long-term care insurance years earlier, paying for either of these options can be costly.

According to medicare.gov, original Medicare does not generally cover long-term stays in a nursing home. Considering Medicare Advantage plans

are only required to cover those services that original Medicare (A and B) cover; they likely won’t pay either. This generally leaves your personal resources (savings, investments, etc.) and Medicaid as the most common payers for nursing home care; neither of which I would prefer.

If you are aging into Medicare or simply want to learn more about Medicare insurance, attend one of our Medicare education sessions at 4 p.m. each second and third Thursday, at the Medicare Education Center, 3609 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne.

Give us a call to reserve a spot at (260) 484-7010 or visit buyhealthinsurancehere.com.

Sports Kierstead swims into a 50-year award for his dedication to officiating

Richard “Dick” Kierstead has played an important role in sports for half a century — not as an athlete, but as an official.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association recently honored him and the day it called to tell him he was getting an award for his work is etched in his memory.

“I happened to be out triking with my dog when I received the call from IHSAA,” Kierstead said. “God gives opportunities in life and with his help one has the option to develop them. I was humbly grateful.”

Although he was recognized by the IHSAA for 50 years of officiating swimming, he has been one of those who makes the calls in several sports. He continues to work. At times over the years, he has had a demanding schedule.

“I once had four swim or dive meets in the same calendar week,” he said. “I’m still officiating swimming and diving, cross country and track and field — the latter for 56 years. In years past, I also officiated football and basketball.”

The circumstance how he became an official is a little surprising. One might think he would have been a competitive swimmer, but that’s not the case.

He grew up on a Nebraska farm and attended Concordia Lutheran High School and a university in Seward, Neb., where he learned to swim in a physical education class.

“I was not a competitive swimmer,” Kierstead said. “My teaching career later brought me to Indiana, where I started lifeguarding during summers. Eventually, I became a summer swim club manager for 33 summers and worked under my friend, the legendary By Hey. During those summers, I began officiating summer club swim meets and eventually became a licensed IHSAA multiple sport official.”

Monitor blood pressure to aid memory

High blood pressure has been cited as the cause of many health issues and recent reports indicate it may be a reason for loss of mental facilities because it can damage small blood vessels in the brain.

Women are apparently most at risk because researchers report those who develop high blood pressure in their 40s are more than 70% more likely to suffer dementia than those logging normal blood pressure.

One of the rewards along the way has been connections he’s made, such as his friendship with Ken Schilf.

“In the past, we have officiated basketball together and still socialize several times per week,” Kierstead said. “We worship at the same church and share a Christian world view on many topics.”

While his intense work as an official might seem like a career of its own, Kierstead has always maintained a full-time job as well.

“I retired from Leo High School in the East Allen County Schools, where I was a history teacher,” he said. “After retiring from teaching, I also worked as a licensed practical nurse for about 20 years before retiring a second time.”

When asked what he has most enjoyed, as well as what has been difficult and caused him to encounter pressure, he answered diplomatically. In his word choices, there were hints of how he managed things during the inevitable ups and downs of such situations.

“Having taught, coached and officiated multiple youth and high school sports has been a challenging experience, which I still enjoy. There have been some challenges from some unnamed coaches and a few parents,” he said.

Whenever someone needs a hand, he is there, whether it be at a school or his church. At 88, he remains fit and engaged in everything around him. His philosophy that has carried him through and continues to motivate him is one that he’s happy to share with others.

“Aging is a state of mind, and I prefer to stay active in church and community activities,” Kierstead said.

Only

Fort Wayne (North): 927 E. Dupont Rd.

Fort Wayne (Southwest): 4911 Illinois Rd.

Columbia City: 169 N. 200 E., Suite 1

Bluffton: 360 N. Main St. (In Corrective Chiropractic) www.SummitHearingSolutions.com

Identity thieves steal more than numbers

for anyone wishing to make off with your assets.

Burglar alarms, motion detector lights, open space, fences and iron-barred windows are among the shields placed around your home to discourage burglars and break-ins.

Most of today’s automobiles are equipped with alarms to fend off theft.

Wallets, however, don’t come with such tools to foil identity thieves.

Most people carry a couple of numbers that make crooks salivate: the numbers on their Social Security card and driver’s license.

Add credit cards and checkbooks that may be in their purse or briefcase or car’s glove compartment and you’re a walking candy store

Chances are you know someone who’s been victimized by identity thieves. Most of them don’t talk about it willingly because they feel violated iwith all that personal information taken from them, stupid because a few simple steps could have protected them and frustrated because it takes some determination and detail work to repair the damage.

Almost $45 billion was ripped off from some 1.5 million folks in this country in 2021.

Identity theft has become so rampant there’s even a special insurance policy available for it.

Such insurance does not cover financial loss resulting from the theft. It offers cover-

age for the cost of recovering your financial identity. This includes such expenditures as phone calls, making copies, mailing documents and attorney’s fees.

And there are deductibles. Some homeowner insurance policies include identity-theft coverage.

One of the first things lawenforcement personnel will tell you to do to guard yourself against identity thieves is to leave your Social Security card at home.

Another protective step is to shred all credit card offers and statements before disposing of them.

Officials also urge you not to put outgoing mail in your home mailbox but to place it in a U.S. Postal Service mailbox. This prevents crooks from stealing your mail to

obtain all those numbers you use to obtain and maintain credit.

Don’t let your credit or store card out of your sight when using it. Employees of the shop or salon can make a copy of the card or run it through the embossing machine twice. While they may not use the copy themselves, they can sell it to others. It’s wise to swipe the card through the machine yourself when possible, such as in most grocery and department stores.

Make sure no one is hovering nearby to catch your personal identity number or your signature.

There’s a way to protect your checks, too. Write the dollar amounts and recipient’s name in capital letters. They’re more difficult to

alter. And when you write the amount for which the check is made out, fill in that entire section. Start writing at the left-hand edge of the check and make sure you add a strong wavy line to the righthand end so no one can add anything.

Using credit cards online is peppered with pitfalls. Think of it as being akin to flashing your credit card around in a crowded bar or restaurant.

You’re never quite sure if anyone’s seen and remembered or written down the numbers. A wise move is to use one particular card for online purchases rather than spread these transactions over more than one card.

Make photocopies of all your credit cards and credit contact numbers and store them in a safe place that is easily accessed.

Check your credit report regularly and report any unusual activity immediately. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax (equifax. com), Experian (experian. com) and TransUnion (transunion.com). You can check online for their phone numbers.

If you suspect someone has stolen your financial identity, call one of them immediately and ask that a 90-day fraud alert be placed on your credit report. One call will cover all credit reports by all three bureaus.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Save on socializing

Partying into the wee hours of the morning are events of the long ago for most seniors as they become accustomed to bedtimes shortly after the evening news.

Hosting night-time festivities for friends and family decreases as a result, so why not invite everyone over for Sunday — or Saturday — brunch? Or Tuesday — or Thursday — afternoon tea?

You’re likely to get better response, since everyone will be able to drive home in daylight.

And you’ll probably save money on the food and refreshments since your guests will likely down less wine with the array of less expensive finger food you prepare for them.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

SPOTLIGHT ON

Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 1

Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 1, 2023. The Senior Expo will be held on this day from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Expo will be held at Huntington North High School Fieldhouse this year.

Huntington North High School Athletic Department will be selling their Senior Citizens Silver Pass for those 62 years and older for $10 each. This pass will be good for the 2023-2024 school year for all regular season home events at Huntington North High School. Passes can be purchased at their booth.

Many door prizes will be given away throughout the day. Attendees have an opportunity to win additional prizes through the Expo’s Passport Program sponsored by Duke Energy. The “pass-

port” document is given to attendees at the entrance, lists every exhibitor booth. Visitors take their passports to the booths and the exhibitors will stamp their corresponding space on the document. Visiting half of the Expo’s booths qualifies the passport holder to be entered for a special drawing for one of twelve $50 gift cards.

Free meals and snacks will be available all day. Heritage Pointe Communities will provide breakfast for the first 400. A delicious lunch will be provided by The Waters of Huntington. Free all-day entertainment provided by Aetna Medicare Solutions will be featured on an easily viewed stage. Performances include: The Alley Kats, Frank Sinatra Tribute

Artist (Russ Weed) and new this year Joe Justice (He played at the Senior Christmas Dinner). Elvis is taking a hiatus this year and he hopes to resume shows sometime in the future. All of this will be announced by a professional D.J. Other special features at the Huntington County Senior Expo include golf cart transportation between the parking lot and the fieldhouse and wheelchair accessibility within the facility.

The Huntington County Senior Expo continues to grow with help from corporate sponsors including Myers Funeral Homes, The Water of Huntington, Young Electric, Heritage Pointe Communities, Schroeder Automotive, TWN Communications, and Aetna Medicare Solutions.

Their involvement and support ensure a high-quality event for the community.

Be sure to mark you calendar for Thursday, June 1st anytime from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and have a fantastic time at the Huntington

County Council on Aging’s 18th Annual Senior Citizens Expo. Parking and admission are free. It’s an event where you have nothing to lose and tons to gain!

Advertorial

ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE PROVIDED BY FRANK

WEED

SINATRA ARTIST/SINGER, RUSS

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

—o—

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.

Line dancing — 9 a.m. every Monday and Friday.

Art with Amanda — 1 p.m. Monday, May 1.

Bible Study w/Cheryl — 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2.

Android Smart Talk — 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2.

Pixie Bingo — 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3.

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

Exercise w/ Brittney — 10-

11 a.m. Monday, May 8.

Blood pressure check —

10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May

10.

Miller’s bingo —noon, Thursday, May 11.

Nutrition class — 10:45

a.m. Thursday, May 18.

Alzheimer’s discussion —

10:45 a.m. Thursday, May 25.

Glamour photos — 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31. —o—

“Outer Space” is the theme for the Fort Wayne Area Community Band’s May 2 concert at the John and Ruth Rhinehart Music Center at Purdue, Fort Wayne. The band will be performing music from “Star Wars.” Band members will be dressing in space outfits and audience members are urged to come in costume. A parade of the costumed audience members will be held during one of the works. Down beat is 7:30 p.m. Parking is free in the garage across from the Music Center. Adult tickets are $9, seniors $8, children and youths under 18 are free, Purdue Fort

Wayne students/faculty are free with valid ID and nonPurdue students are $5.

—o—

Settlers’ Annual Historic Swinney Homestead open house and plant sale, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 5, at 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Main floor will be open for a walk-thru, hand-arts display of 20232024 programs. Herbs will be in the basement; perennial diggings will be on the back lawn; parking is by tennis courts. Proceeds from Settlers, Inc. events support the Homestead. Visit www.settlersinc.org.

—o—

Settlers’ Second Day Basement Plant Sale, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6. Basement only, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd.; park by the tennis courts. Proceeds support Fort Wayne’s Historic Swinney Homestead. Call (260) 637-8622.

—o—

The Common Bond Breakfast for Erin’s House, 7:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18. Featured speaker, Mina Starsiak Hawk, shares how she brings beauty and functionality to all aspects of life. The event benefits Erin’s House for Grieving Children. Doors and breakfast buffet open at 7:30 a.m.

and will be held at Parkview Mirro Event and Conference Center, Fort Wayne. Tickets are $100 per person. Corporate sponsorships are available. Last day for ticket sales is Sunday, May 7. To purchase tickets, visit ErinsHouse.org/common-bond.

—o—

14th annual outdoor flea market and bazaar, hosted by American Legion 241 Auxiliary, is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at 7605 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Proceeds will benefit Fort Wayne VA, veterans and their families and local charities; the public is welcome.

Another senior scam

Crooks have been focusing on health fairs that are increasing in popularity among the growing seniors’ crowd.

Scammers offer free genetic screening. All they need, they say, is a cheek swab and your Medicare number to pay for the screening.

The crooks then bill Medicare several thousands of dollars,

which it normally rejects and the person being screened is billed. If you feel you could use or would benefit from genetic screening, discuss the matter with your family doctor.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Apartment Living

Elder Law

Q. How can I incorporate charitable giving into my estate plan?

A. There are many ways to include charitable giving in your estate plan. A common and simple method is to make a bequest in your will. Another simple approach is to name your charity as a beneficiary of your IRA. This comes with an added tax advantage since qualified charities are exempt from paying taxes on IRA distributions, which means more of your donation makes it directly to the charity. Other methods to consider, depending on the size of your gift and your desired level of involvement, can include creating scholarship, or setting up a charitable trust. In addition to leaving a legacy, these methods can result in significant tax advantages for you.

Each method of giving comes with its

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.

Janell M. Sprinkle Attorney at Law jmsprinkle@beersmallers.com

own benefits and drawbacks. If you are interested in making a charitable donation at death, be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your estate planning attorney to ensure that you are making the best decision for your individual circumstances and are maximizing the impact of your charitable giving.

PROGRAMS FOR PRODUCTIVE AGING

Q. What can I do to lead a healthier life as an older adult?

A. Taking steps to become more active can improve your health and wellness and lead to a healthier and happier life as an older adult. According to America’s Health Rankings, only 23.1% of adults over the age of 65 meet federally recommended physical activity guidelines (2021 Senior Report). Aging & In-Home Services (AIHS) offers two programs for productive aging that promote health, wellness and community engagement.

The programs AIHS offers are the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) and the Enhance Fitness Program.

CDSMP is an educational workshop that aims to help individuals with chronic diseases manage the challenges of living with their condition. Areas covered include symptom management, setting goals and learning about the diagnosis. The program lasts for six weeks and focuses on a unique module each week.

Anna Hinen, ADRC Supervisor 260-469-3036

Enhance Fitness is a one-hour low impact exercise program. Sessions include light strength training, flexibility & balance and aerobic & cardio exercise. Classes are led by a certified instructor and are ideal for beginners. Classes are held at select Allen County YMCAs including the Central, Jackson Lehman, and Parkview branches as well as Whitley County branches and Salem Manor Apartments.

Each of these programs has its own schedule and may have eligibility requirements. If you are interested in learning more, Just Call Us or visit our website at www.agingihs.org.

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

Medicare Insurance

Q. Do Medicare Advantage Plans cover CPAP Machines?

A. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are medical devices that delivers a constant flow of air into the airway while an individual sleeps. The CPAP helps to reduce apnea (cessation of breathing) or hypopnea (reduced oxygen intake) events, which in turn can reduce more serious health conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Like many other medical devices, CPAP’s will generally be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan. Your provider will submit a request for prior approval to your Plan for review. Once approved, a CPAP machine and the needed supplies will most often be processed under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provision on your plan. This will generally

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

Michelle Walters Executive Vice President

require your cost share of twenty percent (rather than a flat copay). This 20% will be applied toward your maximum out-ofpocket.

Have question? Give us a call. Our consultation and education services are FREE!

Faith

New Haven native is UMW church’s communications coordinator

The United Methodist Women of the New Haven United Methodist Church are gearing up for the first of two major rummage sales of the year.

According to communications coordinator Sue Platt, the reception area in the church will be jam packed, as will be the hallways, Wednesday and Thursday, May 3-4, with everything from furniture, strollers, toys, garden tools and glassware to books, records, kitchen utensils, clothing, Christmas and Easter decorations and more. Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

“They’ve been gathering, labeling and pricing items for the sale for two weeks,” said Platt, “The second one is scheduled for Oct. 4-5, and that will be followed by our annual Christmas bazaar Saturday, Dec. 2, featuring homemade crafts by 50 local and area crafters.

“Preparing for these events involves a lot of hard work and takes a lot of time and dedication. The results, however, are well worth it,” she said.

“Proceeds from these three events go to fund our local, state and global mission

projects. Locally, we support the New Haven and St. James Lutheran Church food banks and our church’s preschool for families, who otherwise would not be able to send their children to preschool. In addition, we’re responsible for most of the upkeep of the church kitchen.

“Some of our money goes to fund the Lucille Raines Residence in Indianapolis. It cares for adults overcoming alcohol and drug addictions. Globally, we support several missionary programs in third-world countries,” Platt said.

Platt added, “UMW’s purpose states that United Methodist women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ and also to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the church’s global ministries.”

In addition to the funds raised at the rummage sales and annual bazar, each of the 60 members pledges financial gifts to the organization to further enhance their mission’s activity. The membership is divided into two circles that meet the third Tuesday of every month.

Platt has been the organization’s communications coordi-

nator for several years.

“Believe me, as time gets closer to one of our three big fundraisers these women get more focused and more driven. It’s a labor of love, and they love doing it. They’re dedicated, they know what has to be done, and they do it,” she said.

Platt added, “The group has been putting on rummage sales and Christmas bazaars here as long as I can remember. I’m a New Haven native, and I grew up in this church, and it’s the only one I’ve ever known. I participated in the youth group, and I was married here. I learned about the United Methodist Women from my mom, June Holt, who became a member in 1955.”

According to Platt, the organization was not always referred to as the United Methodist Women. In 1889, the church was then the New Haven Episcopal Church and the women’s group was known as the Ladies Aid Society.

In 1955, NHUNC moved

into its new building on Lincoln Highway East in New Haven. In 1974, the group name changed to United

Methodist Women. Just recently, it was changed again in 2021 to United Women of Faith.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting annual dinner May 31

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will host its 50th annual gourmet dinner Wednesday, May 31, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

This annual fundraising

event features guest speaker and ESPN basketball sportscaster, Dick Vitale, who will be available for an exclusive Q&A with dinner guests. Reception starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:45 p.m. Guests are expected to dress sharp in business formal or business casual attire. Individual tickets start at $300 for first time or under 21 attendees and are $400 for past attendees. Table tickets are $2,500 for a corporate table of five and $3,500 for an enterprise table of eight.

All funds raised at this event will go to Big Brothers

Big Sisters to support oneto-one youth mentorship in 12 counties serviced by the agency. Sponsored by Indiana Physical Therapy, McCampbell Enterprises and Pro Resources Staffing Services, this event is consistently one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ most beneficial fundraisers. A night of networking, dinner and fun will culminate in a grand prize giveaway for one lucky attendee. For more information, or to reserve a ticket, contact Shelley Schwab at michelle. schwab@bbbsnei.org or call (260) 456-1600.

‘Stuck in the Middle with You’

Stealers Wheel

Even before he became a successful and respected musician, Gerry Rafferty had developed a loathing for the often underhanded machinations of the pop music industry.

He was born in 1947 in Paisley, Scotland, a town that borders Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Rafferty came from a working-class family, where his mother taught him Scottish and Irish folk songs. As he grew into his teens, he became influenced by the music of the Beatles and Bob Dylan.

His father was a hot-tempered alcoholic who died in 1963, when Gerry was 16. That year, young Rafferty left school to work in a butcher store and a shoe shop, although deep down he wanted only to earn a living by making music. On weekends, he and best pal, Joe Egan, played in a local rock band called the Maverix,

primarily offering up covers of Beatles and Stones hits.

Rafferty later joined a folk pop group called the Humblebums, which included future comic star Billy Connolly. The Humblebums cut a pair of albums for Transatlantic Records, which received critical appreciation but sold poorly.

When the Humblebums disbanded in 1971, Rafferty continued with Transatlantic as a solo performer and recorded his first album, “Can I Have My Money Back?” His creation received enthusiastic praise but was ignored by the recordbuying public.

In 1972, he and Egan reunited, this time to form a soft rock outfit called Stealers Wheel. They promptly struck gold with “Stuck in the Middle with You,” which became a Top 10 single in America, the UK and Canada. That hit 45 gave Rafferty a chance to vent his spleen against the negative forces that controlled the music business.

In a voice that mimicked his idol Bob Dylan, Rafferty set the scene for his tune at a record company party that made him uncomfortable being in the midst of the power people he always preferred to avoid:

“Well, I don’t know why I came here tonight.

“I got the feeling that something ain’t right.” Rafferty just wanted to make music, revel in the satisfaction of its creation and ignore that part of the picture that included insensitive bean counters and friends who were supposedly furthering his career:

“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.

“Here I am, stuck in the

middle with you.”

He found his frustrations maddening:

“Trying to make some sense of it all.

“But I can see that it makes no sense at all.

“Is it cool to go to sleep on the floor?

“‘Cause I don’t think that I can take anymore.”

Stealers Wheel cut a trio of albums, but by the time the first one was issued, Rafferty had

already left the outfit. Stealers Wheel officially disbanded in 1975, and for three years Rafferty’s creative hands were tied by legal hassles that prevented him from releasing new material.

In 1978, his 6 million-selling LP “City to City” featured his signature song, the worldwide hit, “Baker Street.” As a result, his success brought Rafferty financial independence — thanks, ironically, to the industry that he despised.

Chia Seeds —

Packed with nutritional benefits

• High quality protein.

• Improvement of digestive health.

• All nine essential amino acids.

One serving is about 2.5 tablespoons and contains:

• 140 calories.

• 5 grams of protein.

• 10 grams of fiber. Remember, your goal is 25-38 grams a day.

• 12 grams of carbohydrates.

water to chase them down — in fact, just don’t eat them off the spoon, but do consider incorporating them into your eating plan.

Quick And Easy

Chia Berry Compote

2 cups of berries (I use blueberries) fresh or frozen

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Closely related to the chia plant made popular by chia pets (how could we forget?), but not the same seed, the tiny seeds we speak of are packed with a punch of nutrition including:

• Fiber, which improves heart health, reduces cholesterol and promotes intestinal health.

• Omega 3 fatty acids, important for both body and heart. Harder to obtain than Omega 6.

• 9 grams of fat, of which 8 grams are heart healthy Omega 3 fats.

Chia seeds are very small, but will expand into a soft gel when mixed with any liquid. Typically, they are used to make chia pudding; added to oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt and baked goods; or soaked to soften and use as a thickener. Just don’t eat them off a spoon unless you follow with plenty of

Cook berries in small pan over medium low heat, mashing them as they heat up. Frozen takes about 5 minutes. Add chia seeds and simmer until thickened. Eat warm on their own or over pancakes. Refrigerate and eat like a dessert.

Overnight Chocolate

Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 4

1-1/2 cups almond milk

1/3 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

4 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add all ingredients except chia seeds to a mixing bowl and whisk vigorously to combine. Mix in chia seeds until well combined. Let rest covered in the refrigerator overnight. The pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for two to three days. Serve chilled with desired toppings, such as fruit or a dollop of whipped topping.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Serves 1

This oatmeal is loaded with calcium, protein, fiber and vitamin A. The amount of carrot in this recipe provides 100% of your vitamin A for the day, which is good for your eyes and immune system.

1/2 cup rolled oats

2/3 cup skim milk

1/3 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt

1/4 cup finely grated carrot

1-1/2 teaspoons chia seeds

2 teaspoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon pecans, chopped

1 tablespoon shredded coconut, unsweetened

Mix all ingredients, except

for the pecans and coconut, in a bowl or Mason jar. Top with pecans and coconuts, and cover with lid. Refrigerate overnight and eat chilled.

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

Dry mouth more than annoyance

Dry mouth shouldn’t be ignored because research has revealed it has many perils.

The lack of sufficient saliva can be the result of an autoimmune disorder that damages the glands that produce saliva and can cause swelling and joint pain. Among its causes

are medication, radiation treatments, mouth breathing, dehydration and anxiety. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on ice cubes or sugarfree hard candy can help keep your mouth from going dry. As with any medical or physical problem, discuss your dry mouth issues with your primary care physician. Mature

Call Betty At 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2403 To Join Our HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

A COMPLETE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

THE CEDARS

14409 Sunrise Court

Leo, IN 46765

Phone: (260) 627-2191

www.thecedarsrc.com

Complete Retirement Amenities: Skilled & Intermediate

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

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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.

ATTENDANT AND COMPANION SERVICES

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

2478 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Phone: (260) 387-6369

www.homecareisheart.net

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

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

AUDIOLOGY MEMORY CARE

CARTER HEARING CLINICS

1335 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

NORTHEAST:

3136 Goeglein Rd., Suite A

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

www.carterhearingclinics.com

• Creating A Higher Standard of Care

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

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

PROVIDING

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

• FREE TRIAL HEARING AID PROGRAM

HOME HEALTH CARE

A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE

BRIGHTSTAR

333 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 918-0933

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

HOME PET CARE

HUMANE FORT WAYNE

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Still a great wonder of the world

Niagara Falls is literally being eaten away by the forces of erosion. But don’t panic. You needn’t rush off to see the falls before they disappear, because it’s going to take a long time. So, the falls will still be around for spectacular views and an exciting experience whether you visit this summer or 10 years from now.

The falls straddle the U.S. and Canadian border where the Niagara River plunges over a 170-foot-tall cliff, smashing into the rocks below and creating an enormous mist cloud. The best view of the tremendous power of the cascading water is right at the bottom, up close and personal, where it hits the rocks.

People can do that by purchasing a ticket and walking down or taking the elevator to the bottom of the gorge where double-deck boats are moored. Depending on whether a boat sails from the Canadian side (“Voyage to the Falls”) or the American side (“Maid of the Mist”) determines the color of the plastic rain poncho that

comes with the price of a ticket.

Red is Canadian and blue is American. You’ll need it. The mist totally envelops the boat, which edges within 50 yards.

The noise of 600,000 gallons of

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

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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

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March 25-27, 2024 .......................................Come Sail Away

No Boat ... No Water ... No Problem ... A Cruise on Land!

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

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

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

www.memoriesinmotion.net

water per second coming over the falls and crashing on the rocks is deafening.

If you decide to stay dry and view the falls from afar, the best views are from Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side. In fact, the Horseshoe, Bridal Veil and American Falls can be seen from the visitor’s center and park. The Horseshoe Falls are by far the most

S & S TRAVEL

spectacular. Water going over the falls is extremely clean because there’s no sediment, which contributes to its overall beauty.

From the American side, visitors can get up close and personal to the falls by crossing a bridge to Goat Island, which separates Horseshoe Falls from Bridal Veil and American Falls. The Hurricane observation deck is perched between the Bridal and American Falls and affords a great view.

Another way to experience them is the Cave of the Winds at the bottom of American Falls. The volume of water passing over the two smaller falls is 150,000 gallons per second.

Niagara Falls is not the highest in the world by a long shot. At 170 feet tall, it’s not even in the top 500. Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest at 3,212 feet.

During the past 560 years, the rate of recession was estimated at 1 to 1 1/2 meters per year. The current rate is about 1 foot per year, and utilizing flow control it may be reduced to 1 foot in 10 years. Upriver

from the falls are four huge tunnels that divert water to power plants downstream. This has greatly reduced the amount of the erosion at the falls. During tourist hours in the summer months, however, the flow is maintained at a high level so visitors can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of this physical phenomenon.

The force of the water will mean the eventual demise of the American Falls in approximately 2,000 years. Horseshoe Falls, on the other hand, will recede about 4 miles in the next 15,000 years and could end up being a series of rapids.

44th Anniversary 2023 50+ Senior Games

ON Senior Games to be held June 3-July 6, 2023

It is almost our favorite time of year…time for Senior Games!!! The coordinators, volunteers and staff have been preparing for the 44th Senior Games since last July. We have been discussing what worked, what didn’t and how we can make this year even better! For example, we have added Pinochle and Spades back to the list of events. Senior Games is a great way to keep your brain or your body active. We have events that will challenge you mentally and physically. There is an event for everyone!

One of the best parts about Senior Games is that everyone can afford it. The entry fee is only $1 per event until June 2nd. After that, the fee will be $2 per event. If a person registers for 6 or more events,

they will get a Senior Games T-shirt for free! Any participant of Senior Games is invited to attend the Opening Ceremony on June 5th at 8:30 a.m. At this event, we provide a free continental breakfast! There is also an official Proclamation, Torch Lighting Ceremony and a friendly game against the parks Director and overall winners from 2022. A Health and Wellness Fair will also take place at the Community Center during the Opening Ceremony from 8:30-11:30 a.m. At the fair you can meet sponsors and speak with different vendors about a variety of topics. There will also be a Vaccination Clinic from 2:00-5:00 p.m. where free vaccines will be available for adults 60+ and people with disabilities of any age.

There are over 40 different mentally and/or physically challenging events to test your talents and skills in Senior Games. We have events that do not require any athletic ability or talent whatsoever. All you need is a brain and competitive spirit! We have a variety of events from Paper Airplane Flying, Timed Jigsaw Puzzle and Checkers to Axe Throwing, Cornhole and Pickleball. If you don’t know how to play Pickleball, come to the Intergenerational Pickleball Intro where kids, adults and older adults can learn how to play from members of the Fort Wayne Pickleball Club. That will be on Saturday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m. at Lions Park.

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center’s

goal is to promote the benefits of staying active physically and mentally, and to encourage adults over the age of 50 to adapt a healthy lifestyle. That is what Senior Games is all about! That and learning a new game, creating friendships, having fun and of course winning! For a complete list and schedule of events, as well as a registration form, visit www.fortwayneparks.org, come to the Community Center at 233 West Main St. or call (260) 427-6460 to have a brochure mailed to you. Over 450 people participated in 2022. Help us get to our goal this year of over 500 participants. We love seeing friends from previous years but we can’t wait to make new ones!

HoneyBaked Ham

Pilgrim spirit spans the Atlantic

and other parts of the world.

In a quiet stand of trees outside Southampton’s old city’s western wall is a testimonial to the heart and hardiness of America’s early settlers.

The Mayflower Memorial overlooks the site where last-minute repairs were made to a creaking wine ship before its two-month voyage from England to New England in the fall of 1620.

Since then, this waterfront community has been the last port of call for millions of emigres to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

The Mayflower saga is memorialized by an unassuming limestone tower supporting a copper replica of the ship that eventually set sail with 104 Pilgrims and 30 crewmen to plant a colony that would grow into the most powerful democracy on the globe.

Anybody who can trace their ancestry back to those original dissidents can have their name added to the plaque on the tower.

This bustling port of a quarter of a million people that has played a major role in much of British and U.S. history doesn’t appear on many travelers’ radars, despite being within an hour from

Senior Relocation Program

the much-visited Stonehenge and its 5,000-year-old monoliths hunkered into the Salisbury Plain.

It’s a leisurely train ride from Gatwick Airport midway between London and Brighton. The tracks trundle through suburbanized southern England sprinkled with glimpses of cattle and castles, horses and hothouses, and sheep, small towns and school soccer practices.

Students from the researchdriven University of Southampton and other local campuses give the city an up-to-the-minute air as you wander through and around its historic sights.

Occupying a prominent position in downtown’s East Park is a tribute to those Southampton men who helped build the Titanic, which set sail from here on its disastrous 1912 maiden voyage, and stayed with her to the bottom.

One of the many memorials to this legendry liner is a large stone pedestal crowned by a bronze angel with wings outstretched as it stands on the prow of a ship, reminiscent of a scene made famous by actress Kate Winslet in the 1997 Hollywood epic centered around the celebrated ship.

The new city has been built around Old Town, which stretches south from the main business and shopping district.

Entry is through Bargate, Southampton’s most recognizable landmark, the city’s main entrance for much of its history that became busy shortly after the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Begun in the 12th century and completed in the 15th, the gate, which was built just wide enough for a horse-drawn coach to squeeze through, was not only a means of defense but also a symbol of political power.

Flanked by two lead lions said to protect the city, the gate was once the site of town council meetings, the local court and toll road collections. Shields mounted over the entrance represent prominent families that governed Southampton. A life-sized statue of George III, the “Mad George” who “lost” the American colonies, stands over the entryway.

A stone memorial just inside the gate bears a plaque recalling the havoc hurled here by German aircraft during World War II. Southampton was blitzed badly because it housed a Spitfire factory besides being a major seaport that eventually was the debarkation point for more than 3 million Allied troops during the invasion of Hitler-held Europe.

Another reminder of how military and maritime matters mingle is the skeletal remains of Holyrood Church, where Crusaders worshiped on their way to the Holy Land. It was almost destroyed by enemy bombers in 1940 and serves as a memorial to Southampton sailors who lost their lives at sea.

Daily Walk the Walls tours take you over the roofs of sturdy merchants’ homes that formed the defensive barricade after a 14th-century French raid. It not only pulls visitors through history, it also offers them alluring panoramic views of the

waterfront and draws them to the weekly market erected around the Bargate.

Before leaving Old Town, we stopped at the Duke of Wellington, an Elizabethan-looking pub just inside the Westgate on the old walls, to sample fish and chips. A few years earlier, a guide at the Buckingham Palace stables in London advised us to sample this British staple in seaside towns because the fish is fresher. Her advice was sound.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

A walk in their shoes

six bidders living outside Allen County. We sold our home via online auction.

By the time you read this, moving into our new home will have been completed. Closing on the home we sold was in early April.

The buyer lived in Texas and is moving to Fort Wayne. We had 12 registered buyers and

Things I tell sellers when going through the online process when selling their home is that the process compresses the selling procedure into a few weeks.

The seller sets the terms of the auction — time, date, selling it in “as is” condition, possession date and earnest money deposit, which is usually 5% or 10% down. Buyers don’t have to rearrange their schedules to get to the property to bid, but can bid anywhere they have internet connection with a cell phone or computer.

I tell sellers they can watch the bidding process from the comfort of their home. I’ve had sellers who never watch their auction as it closes but wait for

me to call with results. There was a time I thought this odd. I thought, “Wouldn’t you want to watch? See how the bidding goes?” In fact, my wife came to the office to watch the last 30 minutes of our auction.

As for myself, looking back, I’m glad I did watch it to the end, but I think if someone called me and said this is what the final bid was, I would have been okay with that, too. My wife was not stressed, whereas I admit I was anxious.

In the future I am going to record online auctions to offer to sellers who elect to wait on a phone call. Then they will know ahead of time when they watch the video how their auction ended. I figure it’s like watching a movie twice. The big difference is they’ll know the ending.