Senior Life - Elko Edition - August 2023

2023 st 2023

Play it again, Bill — Landow ensures the music keeps

When you step in to Bill Landow’s store in the Old Bag Factory in Goshen, it’s almost like you’re stepping in to another realm. Musical instruments of every variety fill every available space in the shop — the floor, walls, shelves, cabinets and even the ceiling. It’s a musician’s paradise.

Landow has been running Second Song Musical Resale Shop for 11 years, but most of his 76 years have been consumed by a love of music, which is clearly manifested in his store. His inventory includes everything from guitars, mandolins, banjos, dulcimers and lutes on the stringed side; clarinets, flutes, oboes and saxophones for the woodwind players; to coronets, trumpets, trombones and French horns for the brass section. But it doesn’t stop there. He also has orchestra instruments, including violins, violas and basses; drum sets, keyboards, accordians and harmonicas.

“I have any kind of musical instruments except pianos and organs, because I don’t

have room for them,” said Landow. “I didn’t realize until I’d been doing this for about three years that this was one of my dreams when I was in high school. I am the only store in northern Indiana that sells woodwind, brass and orchestra instruments, new or used, other than a pawn shop. We buy them, recondition

them and sell them. We repair anybody’s instrument who wants to bring them in.”

Second Song’s inventory includes top quality, reconditioned band instruments for middle and high school aged students. Landow pointed out the instruments he has for sale are much better than the relatively inexpensive Chinese-made versions many parents buy for their kids via Continued on page 3

Key Positions

Mounsithiraj touches the hearts of people

“We all have stories to tell — a unique spirit to share,” stated Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will not forget how you made them feel,” he continued, quoting Maya Angelou. “When I speak to a group of people I strive to connect to their hearts. When I can touch their hearts, I know they are listening.”

Mounsithiraj won the district speech competition of the International Toastmaster’s Club back in January with his speech on M&M’s. He competed with over 100 contestants representing 88 clubs.

“I start my 7-1/2 minute speech by asking my audience, ‘Who doesn’t like M&M’s? We are all like that popular candy, looking different on the outside, but inside we have something in common, a very powerful spirit — a spirit that impacts lives, even through adversity.’”

Mounsithiraj went on to explain three men were moved by their inner spirit to adopt him and his family from a Laos refugee camp and bring them to America in 1979. “The first week we were in America we were taken to K-Mart. We children were bought a bag of M&M’s. That’s one of my earliest memories of love when we got to the United States. Love looks beyond our differences and helps us succeed in life.”

He’s living proof of that success as he strives to reach out to others. Mounsithiraj earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goshen College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University, South Bend.

“I started out as a school counselor at Northridge High School for 18 years. During a sabbatical from school, my life turned in another direction. I served on the pastoral staff at Maple City Chapel from 2015 to 2021. I now serve at Nappanee Missionary Church in the area of pastoral care and connection.”

When he starts a new journey, he focuses on developing his talents in that area. When he started his job as a pastor he began training in leadership and communication.

“I got acquainted with the International Toastmasters in 2016. The organization has not only helped my communication skills but has guided me in my leadership goals. I’ve also learned to be more focused, for often I have to say a lot in a limited amount of time.”

Mounsithiraj has won 10 trophies through the years in speech competitions sponsored by the organization.

“I try to incorporate my Christian faith in all my speeches. I give the Lord the credit for my success. Without Him I can do nothing.”

Mounsithiraj is a people person. He collects stories wherever he goes. “I watch, observe and take things in.

For example, recently I was moved to tears watching an elderly man mow his lawn on a very hot day. I thought of my own family members who often had to work hard with very little help.”

He and his wife, Jean, have been married 30 years and live in Goshen. They have six children, four biological and two adopted from Ethiopia. “Tyler, Annie, Kate and Molly are grown. We have two left in our home: Kaleb, 17 and Luke, 13.”

One of Mounsithiraj’s hobbies is scripture memory. He’s memorized Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount along with other large portions in the Bible.

REAL Services receives $10,000 grant from Glick Philanthropies

To help strengthen communities facing hardships caused by inflation and continued high prices, REAL Services, Inc. received a $10,000 grant from the Glick Community Relief Fund, a grant program of Glick Philanthropies that supports local nonprofit organizations providing access to

basic needs. The grant was one of 87 totaling $500,000 to organizations supporting communities where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located during this time of heightened demand and economic uncertainty.

The Glick Community Relief Fund focuses on increasing food

access, expanding accessible transportation, connecting community members to utility assistance, and prioritizing mental health support.

This grant was one of 60 directed to Indiana-based organizations.

“Glick Philanthropies is committed to offering support to nonprofit organizations that are providing essential basic needs to our most vulnerable communities,” said Ben Grande, director of philanthropy for Glick Philanthropies. “The efforts of these organizations are especially critical now as our communities continue to face high prices due to inflation. Our work with the Glick Community Relief Fund allows us to help 87 organizations that are making meaningful contributions to communities, families, and individuals across the country.”

REAL Services, Inc. champions the independence, dignity and strength of seniors, families facing financial hardship and those with disabilities. With the additional support from Glick Philanthropies, it will strengthen its services at the 30+ senior nutrition sites in our communities.

2023 marks the eighth year that Glick Philanthropies has administered its property nominated grant program. Through this initiative, over $4 million has been awarded to 242 organizations. This year, food access elevated as the area with the greatest need.

For more information about the work of REAL Services, visit realservices.org. For more information about Glick Philanthropies, visit glickphilanthropies. org.

Sixties Flashback —

Exploding ducks, enormous knives

When World War II began, Julia McWilliams tried to join the American military but was rejected because of her height. (She stood 6 feet, 2 inches.)

The patriotic lady thus became a typist/researcher in the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA. Her position took her to China, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and India.

While in Asia, she met fellow American Paul Child, a government worker and gourmand who was unaware that McWilliams had zero cooking skills or any experience whatsoever in a kitchen. McWilliams later recalled trying to impress Paul Child by fixing a meal, only to have her oven catch fire when a duck she was baking exploded.

In spite of this potential dealbreaker to romance, the two married in 1946 and moved to Paris.

Undaunted by her ineptitude, Julia Child set a goal of becoming a master cook. She enrolled in the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, the only female student there. After finishing the rigorous course, she and two friends ran a cooking school out of various Paris apartment kitchens.

Turbocharged in her passion, Julia Child spent nine years researching her 726-page “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” book. It became a best-seller, and Americans took to the idea of preparing exotic meals from scratch rather than heating insipid TV dinners.

When the Childs returned to America, they settled in Cambridge, Mass.

Her television career began

in 1961 when she appeared on a book review show on Boston’s WGBH-TV, a part of National Educational Television (now PBS). The show’s host was somewhat taken aback when Julia Child whipped up an omelet while discussing her tome. It didn’t take long before dozens of people wrote to WGBH and demanded more of this refreshingly exuberant lady.

She became a culinary queen after “The French Chef” program debuted in January 1963, and Julia Child spent up to 19 hours of preparation for each half-hour lesson. Her awardwinning program ran nationally for a decade.

Viewers were charmed by her cheery enthusiasm, her bellowing, warbly voice, and her ability to laugh at herself when she goofed up. (The programs were broadcast live.) “Doing television, you want amusing things,” she explained. “Something fun and unusual. I think also on television you want to do things loud; people love the ‘whamming’ noises.” Viewers loved the way she ended each episode with a hearty “Bon appétit!”

Julia Child had her detractors, though. Some viewers were put off by her not washing her hands during demonstrations. Others complained that Julia Child was careless when she waved her oversize knives about. One person grumbled, “You are quite a revolting chef, the way you snap bones and play with raw meats!”

Julia Child remarked later, “I can’t stand those over-sanitary people.”

Her home number was listed in the Cambridge phone book, and fans often called to ask advice or simply chat.

Julia Child, who called herself a “home cook” rather than a chef, declared, “We should enjoy food and have fun. It is one of the simplest and nicest pleasures in life.”

Landow ensures

Continued from page 1

the internet. Many of the band instruments he has were made in Elkhart. While his offerings may have a few scrapes and scratches from previous owners, all have been reconditioned by his team of on-call restorers.

“Once I realized there was no competition — there was nobody selling used instruments as a business. The music stores that were here a long time ago were all gone. So I found a niche that I could grow. It’s reasonably profitable, although I have not marketed it anywhere near where it could be. This is kind of a semi-retirement business and I don’t want to put myself under a lot of stress selling on eBay. I’m a one-man store. I’ve been very successful in meeting a need in the community, and I take a lot of pride in that.”

Landow wants to work a few more years, until he’s 80. Ideally he’d like to find someone to purchase the business and its

extensive and unique inventory who would allow him to work in the shop until his octogenarian years. He knows the buyer will have to be someone who shares the deep passion for music and the myriad of instruments that produce it.

“I really want to stay involved,” he said. “It’s kind of a legacy for me. I want to see it successful. Somebody with a real good marketing energy could make this a much bigger business than I have. I identify with it and I’m having fun, and I don’t want any more confusion.”

In addition to his passion for music, Landow also works as a professional photographer. He enjoys writing and performing music as a hobby and has frequent “jam sessions” with friends in the store.

Second Song is located at 1100 N. Chicago Ave., Goshen, Landow can be reached at (574) 202-5502.

Many of our loved ones, patients, friends, relatives want to remain in their home - but stairs can be a huge problem. Goshen Home Medical’s experienced professionals can help you find the perfect type of stairlift for you and your home!

Take a walk

Walking beats taking pills when it comes to maintaining your health as you age.

A daily 10-minute walk around the block, down in the park or around your apartment building may not add years to your life, but it will keep you

What Seniors Think

much healthier while you are alive. Add five or 10 minutes to that walk every other day or so to make you even healthier.

Now speed it up.

While strolls can be satisfying, a brisk pace while swinging your arms will not only make you healthier, it should make you feel younger.

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EDITORIAL DEADLINES

Indy Cornhole Classic coming to Indianapolis

The first ever Indy Cornhole Classic Aug. 19 will take place on the American Legion Mall from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. The event is the largest singleday cornhole tournament in the country.

Whether you’re a professional or backyard amateur, the first-ever Indy Cornhole Classic promises to be an epic celebration of the sport and a familyfriendly festival supporting veterans.

The classic will include both a recreational and a competitive

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tournament. Bring your family along to enjoy the family-friendly festival in Veterans Memorial Plaza, including food trucks and lots of games and activities for everyone.

There will be both a recreational and a competitive “bring your own partner” doubles tournament. Players can only preregister in one or the other.

The event, themed “Throwing for Veterans,” is presented by INvets and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, All proceeds go to the Indiana War

Memorial Foundation.

A $5,000 purse is guaranteed, paying out to 16 teams in the competitive division. There will be four brackets with the top four in each bracket getting paid. The winner of each bracket will go to a four-team final.

For the recreation division, the top three teams will win a custom cornhole set.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/ events/767767201319288. To register, go to eventbright. com/e/568253630907.

“What is/was your job and what advice would you give to young people wanting to work in that field?”

DON YODER NAPPANEE

ERIC DIXON ELKHART

PHIL SIMPSON WARSAW

BETH FISHER WINONA JEAN ALBERTSON ELKHART

LIZA GARCIA ELKHART

Corner is volunteer and foster extraordinaire

Terri Corner’s journey started with two kittens that she adopted from the Animal Welfare League in 2009. Through the adoption process, Corner could not help but to “honor their benevolence,” as she puts it.

After quitting her job, Corner found herself with too much time on her hands.

She started volunteering at the shelter shortly after. She started with laundry duties, but moved on to administrative assistance. “They throw me wherever they need me and I will do it,” she jokes. She has always been an animal lover, and is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Her favorite part of her volunteering experience is every time she got to bring animals to local nursing homes. She recounted all the smiles and laughs from the residents and said, “animals are powerful therapy.”

Corner loved her work at the AWL so much, she started to bring her work home with her. She began her fostering journey in 2014, because “the shelter can do so much, but they cannot do it all. I saw a place where I can step in and help, and so I did.”

Throughout her time fostering, Corner has gained invaluable knowledge that she has shared with the shelter and every owner she comes into contact with.

She describes fostering as a “24/7 job,” reporting an early

night lands her in bed at about midnight, but during typical nights her head hits the pillow around two or three a.m.

Times get tough, but seeing animals heal and grow keeps her motivation high. One of her favorite foster success stories happened early in her fostering career, a black kitten was on the verge of death, his liver enzymes were through the roof. A kitten so sick Corner had to bottle feed him because he was to weak to stand to eat. She was sure the kitten would not make it through the night, but much to her surprise, he came strutting out the cage in the morning and ate his entire bottle of breakfast. Corner had no explanation for the overnight recovery, other than a miracle.

“Getting to watch animals heal and get better and knowing you gave them their life back is so indescribably powerful,” she explained.

Corner estimated she has about 30 fosters in her care, and they have taken over her renovated basement.

“Fostering can be as little or as much as you make it,”

Corner explains, “you just have to keep it in the back of your mind and in the front of your heart that you are here for the animals.”

The Animal Welfare League runs on volunteers and donations. “We can find a job for anyone,” Corner promised. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Animal Welfare League can visit awlwarsaw.com. Their donation wish list can also be found there.

Seasonal savings

As summer approaches closing time, it’s time to stock up on T-shirts, shorts and swim suits. Of course, you already picked up your parkas and snowboards as spring slipped by a few months ago.

Be picky about economy class airplane seats

Legroom — the distance from the point of one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it — has become a common currency among flyers seeking the most comfort in the crowd-

ed cabin in the sky. Known as seat pitch, it ranges from 28 to 34 inches on U.S. carriers.

Seat width, which ranges from 17 to 18 inches, also is a comfort consideration. Widebodied aircraft that are squeezing in more rows of seats are most likely to have the narrow-

est economy class seating. While window seats offer a bit more privacy than an aisle seat and more comfort than a middle seat, it may not have a window at all because not all seating rows line up with the aircraft’s windows.

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Post-season shopping can save you money and still keep your closet comfortably stocked with new clothing.

A simple example of this method of saving is the annual trip to the shopping mall the day after Christmas to stock up on gift-wrapping paper for next year.

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$ 35+ Years Experience

LOCAL • GUNS • • GOLD • • SILVER • Bought & Sold Gold • Silver • Platinum • Sterling Coins • Paper Money • Guns • Knives Pocket Watches • Militaria WWII & Before

Ten ways to protect your personal information

theft, and exercising caution. Here are 10 things you can start doing now to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft:

Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity

1. Protect your Social Security number by keeping your Social Security card in a safe place at home. Don’t carry it with you or provide your number unnecessarily.

2. Be careful when you speak with unknown callers. Scammers may mislead you by using legitimate phone numbers or the real names of officials. If they threaten you or make you feel uneasy, hang up.

3. Create strong, unique passwords so others can’t easily access your accounts. Use

Bumpy road to comfortable retirement

If you try to rationalize when you’ll have enough money to retire, you’ll never do it.

While finances — the right amount of money or fear of not enough money — are a massive factor in making your decision, instinct and intuition also play a major role.

Several retirees have explained their decision simply. It was time, they say.

Many people work as long as they can, until their mind and muscle can no longer take the strain and stress. If they’ve planned it that way, it can work for them. If they haven’t, they’ll have trouble adjusting to the new life thrust upon them.

Among the happiest retirees are those who compiled a wish list of things they wanted to do during their lifetime — learn to play bridge, visit every corner of their native land, raise orchids, or whatever. In between, they visit the grandchildren and

have coffee with old cronies. Some volunteer their time for local non-profit service organizations.

Their new position, described by much of the world as one’s golden years, can be tarnished by the ugly fact that they didn’t save, save and save some more during their earning years.

Some seniors are able to snag a job as a supermarket bagger or gofer to ease their fiscal strain but the increasing political pressure to raise minimum wages is pricing such prospects out the proverbial window.

Financial preparation helps make retirement more enjoyable. Living on a lower budget before retiring can accomplish a couple of things. By cutting down on the number of nights you eat out, the periodic shopping sprees for new clothes, and not trading in the family car annually for a new model will get you used to getting along with things you don’t need but were accustomed to. And the money you save can be added to

your retirement fund so you can enjoy those years more comfortably.

Overlooked in one’s view of retirement is how the maintenance or loss of control over your life affects your life. Planning and making your own decisions is a powerful portion of your happiness. Sickness, disability and death are among the unexpected that can undermine whatever you plan, but such events and how they can affect you emotionally and economically should be considered when you review your view of retirement.

The coronavirus pandemic pandemonium that sent the stock market tumbling is a graphic example of unexpected events that can affect in your financial future. Whether or not you dabble directly in the stock market, it’s possible your pension fund is heavily invested in it, meaning your financial future might be tied to Wall Street more than you realized.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

different passwords for different accounts so if a hacker compromises one account, they can’t access other accounts.

4. Never give your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call or message, and never post it on social media.

5. Shred paper documents that contain personal information, like your name, birth date, and Social Security number.

6. Protect your mobile device from unauthorized access by securing it with a PIN, adding a fingerprinting feature, or using facial recognition. You can also add a password and adjust the time before your screen automatically locks.

7. Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions.

8. Avoid internet threats by installing and maintaining strong anti-virus software on all your devices — including your mobile device and personal computer. Use a virtual private network to stay safe on public Wi-Fi. Do not perform

certain activities that involve sensitive data, like online shopping and banking, on public Wi-Fi networks.

9. Protect yourself on social media by customizing your security settings and deleting accounts you no longer use. Also, double-check suspicious messages from your contacts, as hackers may create fake accounts of people you know.

10. Never click on any link sent via unsolicited email or text message — type in the web address yourself. Only provide information on secure websites.

We encourage you to create your own personal my Social Security account to track your earnings record. For more information, read our publication, Protecting Personal Information, at oig.ssa.gov/ files/21-540_Protecting_Personal_Information.pdf. Contact us if you see suspicious work activity on your record–you could be a victim of identity theft.

Share this information with your family and friends.

Monitor automatic payments

paid off with a single monthly payment from their bank account.

Paying bills by automatic withdrawals from your bank account can save you from late payments as well as cut back on your postage and mailing costs. Some folks prefer to have the monthly payments withdrawn from a credit card, which is

In either case, you should make a list of such payments that can be reviewed by survivors after your death to make sure all payments are made and scammers have not added charges to your accounts.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

It was 50 years ago

— ‘Monster Mash’ a Halloween novelty tune

Bobby “Boris” Pickett

In summer 1973, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s original “Monster Mash” (released this time on Parrot Records) reached the Top 10 for a second time. Its first success had come about 11 years earlier, when Pickett’s platter shot all the way to Number One.

Pickett sang lead with a Hollywood band called the Cordials. One evening, while performing the old Diamonds’ hit “Little Darlin,’ Bobby delivered the song’s monologue in the low-pitched voice of horror movie icon Boris Karloff. The audience loved the spoof, and fellow Cordial Lenny Capizzi encouraged Pickett to keep up the fun. Eventually the two musicians (both horror movie fans) decided that such goofiness could be developed into a Halloween novelty tune.

And were they ever right!

Their original title was “Monster Twist,” but at the time Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” was fading and being replaced by DeeDee Sharp’s dance disc “Mashed Potato Time.” The duo altered the lyrics accordingly:

“I was working in the lab late one night

“When my eyes beheld an eerie sight

“For my monster from his slab began to rise

“And suddenly to my surprise

“(He did the Mash)

“He did the Monster Mash

“(He did the Mash) It was a graveyard smash

“(He did the Mash) It caught on in a flash

“He did the Monster Mash.”

The lyrics are, of course, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein.” In Pickett’s rendition, a benevolent monster throws a dance party that features other horrorbased creatures of lore (Dracula, the Wolfman, etc.).

Pickett and Capizzi’s taped demo came to the attention of Gary S. Paxton, a Los Angeles record producer whose initial success had been the 1960 million-selling “Alley-Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles. For the Pickett-Capizzi ditty in 1962

(which would also top the Billboard chart), Paxton created his own label, Garpax Records. The background women’s voices heard came via the Darlene Love-led studio outfit the Blossoms. (When you hear the Crystals singing “He’s a Rebel,” you are hearing the same group.) Leon Russell played piano on that eventful day.

Paxton devised the sound effects for the one-hour recording session. A coffin lid creaking open was created by pulling a nail out of a 2x4. Bubbles from

a cauldron came by blowing through a straw in a glass of water. Dropping chains onto the studio floor provided the clatter of clanking shackles.

A hastily assembled Garpax album — “The Original Monster Mash” — made the LP Top 20 and included such blessedly-now-forgotten tracks as “Blood Bank Blues,” “Graveyard Shift,” “Transylvania Twist,” and “Me and My Mummy.”

Pickett’s novelty became a runaway hit. His follow-up of

“Monster’s Holiday” — the creatures were now enjoying a Christmas party — hit the Top 30. For years after that, Pickett tried to wring one more success from his one-hit wonder. He released “Monster Swim,” “Monster Man Jam,” “Monster Concert” and, perhaps inevitably, “Monster Rap.” Each sank without a trace.

Pickett claimed that his “Monster Mash” sold 4 million copies. “I’ve been paid,” he once said, “so I’m gonna believe it.”

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

Rock Steady Boxing helps fight back Parkinson’s

without a fight,” Judi Meincke said.

Rock Steady Boxing originally began through two friends, Scott Newman and Vince Perez, after Newman had been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 40. Refusing to let Newman go down without a good fight, Perez turned to his experience and knowledge as a Golden Gloves boxer to design a health program that fights back Parkinson’s at its most vulnerable spots. As more medical research was concluded, researchers found out Perez’s intuitive insight had merit.

Various medical research in the 1980’s and 1990’s show rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength and rhythm could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait and daily living activities.

“I have taken control of this disease. It is not controlling me,” said Hank Meincke, a Rock Steady boxer. Meincke is early in his diagnosis, being diagnosed just a week before signing up for his first class. His wife, Judi, a nurse, pushed him to sign up after hearing about the program. “I’m not letting him go down

In recent studies conducted by Cleveland Clinic, researchers focused on the concept of intense exercise, and have begun to determine certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, actually slowing Parkinson’s disease progression. Researchers from University of Indianapolis and Butler University have reported and documented improved quality of life among some boxers.

Rock Steady Boxing is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to giving people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through their no-contact boxing based fitness classes. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which causes the deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory functions. According to The Parkinson’s Foundation, there are more than one million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country that is dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s disease. The program conditions boxers for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and over-

Professional Services

Q. What is a Healthcare Directive, and why is it important to have one within your estate plan?

A. A Healthcare Directive is a document that allows you to specify your wishes concerning medical care in the event of an emergency or if you become unable to communicate those wishes. This can be in the form of 1) a Living Will, which provides instructions related to medical treatment, or 2) a Healthcare Power of Attorney that designates a trusted decision-maker to act on your behalf, if needed. A Healthcare Directive can help protect your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during difficult times. By providing detailed instructions regarding your desired course of action for various medical scenarios, you can ensure that any decisions

all strength.

“Who knew a 70-something old man would start a career as a boxer,” Meincke joked, “Getting diagnosed is scary. My wife was a nurse, we know what this diagnosis means. What it looks like. Sometimes I feel silly because I am weak but I would do anything to buy a few more years with her

Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator

made regarding your care will reflect and preserve your values and preferences.

A Healthcare Directive is also beneficial in terms of estate planning. It allows you to specify who will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf, ensuring they are someone you trust and who understands your wishes.

federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller or the Currency.

and my family,” he continued.

Besides equipping the boxers with exercises, the class also helps with the coping process of learning about the diagnosis.

“It’s an indirect advantage, really, there is no therapy session or anything, but it is encouraging to be around people who know your struggle and people who are

Elder Law

Q. What is the difference between your Power of Attorney and your Personal Representative?

A. Your Power of Attorney (“POA”) or attorney-in-fact is the person that has power to act in your place while you are still alive. Your POA is able to pay your bills and handle your financial duties for you. Your POA has no authority to do anything once you pass away. At that time, the powers provided to your POA cease.

In your Last Will & Testament (“Will”), you will name a person to act as the Personal Representative of your estate. It might be your spouse, child, or a trusted friend. This is the person that will collect and inventory your assets at the time of your death, potentially pay any debts remaining and ultimately distribute

eager to celebrate your successes with you,” Meincke explained.

Rock Steady Boxing offers classes all over the state. Rock Steady Boxing is offered through the Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital Wellness Center, 1500 Provident Drive, Suite D, Warsaw. Visit rocksteadyboxing.org for more information.

Tony B. Manns Attorney at Law

your assets to the person(s) listed in your Will. Your Will does not cover what happens or provide for any powers while you are still alive.

You should consult your elder law attorney to ensure that your POA and Personal Representative selections are up-to-date and accurate for your specific needs and tailored to your requests.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Train excursions for family fun

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, located in North Judson, is running diesel and/ or steam train excursions every Saturday, and some select Sundays, until the end of September.

Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or a vintage coach, while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes.

Ticket prices begin at $10. Groups of six or more get $2 off each ticket. Purchasing tickets athoosiervalley.org is recommended, as seating is limited.

Be sure to tour the museum grounds, where admission is always free. HVRM has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around

the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

An exciting schedule of events is planned for this season. Autumn brings Pumpkin and Halloween trains and Santa Trains run in late November and December. Times and prices for special events vary from regular train excursions. Remember that seating is limited and it is recommended to purchase tickets, in advance, before excursions sell out.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events (including school groups) can be arranged by contacting the depot.

Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum at hoosiervalley.org for a complete schedule of events.

Order tickets at hoosiervalley.org or call the depot (574)-896-3950 on Saturdays or days when train excursions are scheduled.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd coming to Lerner

Coming to the historic Lerner Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, “An Evening with Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band.”

Tickets for the show are now on sale at thelerner.com, or by calling the Lerner box office at

(574) 293-4469. Twenty-five years into his recording career, Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll. Shepherd has an enviable resume as an accomplished recording

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artist, a riveting live performer and one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation. Shepherd has sold millions of albums worldwide, received five GRAMMY nominations, two Billboard Music Awards,

two Blues Music awards, plus a string of No. 1 mainstream rock singles.

There are few artists whose names are synonymous with one instrument and how it’s played in service to an entire

genre. Utter the phrase “young blues rock guitarist” within earshot of anyone with a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard and the first name fans will most likely respond with is Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

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Prenkert enjoys life in service to God

“I believe God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose,” stated Jeanette Prenkert, Wakarusa, quoting Romans 8:28. “My husband died in an accident around the corner from our house in 2009. Our family was devastated until we began to see God’s purpose and realize that we are going to see Kip again in heaven. If he’d have survived, he would have most likely had a brain injury. Being an English teacher, that would have been tragic for both him and us. Now God is caring for him.”

Prenkert grew up at Wakarusa Missionary Church. “If the church doors were open,

we were there as a family. We always went to what is now known as Prairie Camp. My mom was a cook there. At Prairie Camp, I asked Jesus into my heart at a children’s meeting when I was about 5.”

Since she was always part of the church, Prenkert didn’t feel like her life changed a great deal when she committed to Christ. “However, when I went to high school, I began to do things that weren’t very godly.”

Between her freshman and sophomore years at Bethel College, she rededicated her life to Jesus Christ. Again, it was at Prairie Camp.

“I went to Bethel College for two years and then transferred to Goshen College to get a degree in home economics. My future husband, Kip, remained a student at Bethel. After he graduated, we were married.”

Prenkert remembers her mother loved Kip from the moment she met him. “Actually, I was dating one of Kip’s friends at the time and invited both men over for dinner at the house. When we were out of earshot, my mother told me I should get to know Kip better.”

She and Kip loved taking the family to church. Their three boys are now very successful adults. Robby is interim vice president for academic services at Bethel University. Jamie is the dean of the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. After many years in youth ministry, Derry who lives in Wakarusa, is now working for a ministry based out of California called Standing Stone Ministries, where he now ministers to youth pastors.

Prenkert owned Jeanette’s Fabric Boutique for over 34 years. “It was a place where I was able to use my love of sewing to teach a lot of classes, and it gave me opportunities to share God’s love with many, both by example and sharing.” She still helps with ‘Sewing Lover’s Club’ at Calico Point, Goshen.

“I have seven grandchildren I dearly love,” Prenkert said. “I pray as I walk through the woods. I feel like I can focus better that way. Sometimes I’ll take the grandchildren along. I communicate my faith to them in an informal manner. Sometimes it can be as simple as asking them what they learned at church camp that year.”

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Since she transferred to Nappanee Missionary Church in 2010, she’s gone on mission trips to Mexico and to the African Gospel Church Baby Center in Kenya. “One of the family trips that sticks out the

most to me is when we went to Uganda to pick up my adopted grandson Moses, who is now 14.”

She reads through the Bible every year. “God’s Word has transformed my life.”

Technology helps keep you at home

As the aging population grows, so grows the need for facilities and workers to provide senior care.

Complicating matters is the fact that many folks intend to grow old at home.

Technology may have come

to the rescue for folks who are still alert and physically unchallenged.

Camera and sensor systems can be installed that link with the children, siblings or caregivers who monitor the household. There are devices available to dole out the proper medication at the proper time.

When seniors leave the

house, they can use cellphones, wristwatches and global positioning systems to help monitors keep track of their moves. Medical-alert bracelets help seniors get help when they fall, sensors can be installed to automatically turn off stoves, and devices can be installed to prevent bathtub overflowing.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

10 ways for seniors to soak up some summer fun

Fun activity options for seniors and their caregivers heat up during the summer. Whether it’s enjoying the warm weather at an outdoor concert or staying cool indoors working on a favorite hobby, engaging in meaningful activities are physically, mentally and emotionally beneficial as we age, according to Connecticut senior home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Summer is the ideal time to break out of the usual routine, particularly for seniors who live alone and find it difficult to enjoy life outside of the home,” explained Mario D’Aquila, chief operating officer of ALS. “Every town offers numerous outdoor community events that provide opportunities to socialize with old friends, connect with new people, including children, and soak up some sun.”

A hard floor night

It was our 43rd anniversary, and I decided to take Mary Ellen to a local art show and stay downtown in a bed and breakfast.

My wife loves B&Bs, so I was sure she would enjoy the evening.

The owner offered to take us on a short tour of the historic building. We hauled luggage up the stairs and were led down the hall to our room. It was quaint and rustic with a porch that looked out on the downtown area. We were within walking distance to where we planned to have our anniversary dinner. All was perfect … until we saw the bed. It was not a king size bed; it was not a queen size bed. It was a double bed. The kind of bed many people sleep in … alone.

“Do you like the room?” asked the proprietor.

“I love it,” said my wife, “but where is my husband

going to sleep?”

The woman winked at me.

“This is your romantic anniversary. I’m sure you will make it work.”

“Even on our honeymoon, this wouldn’t have worked,” said my wife.

Here’s why. I have a few sleep issues. Most notably, I snore. I move around constantly, tossing and turning, flipping and flopping. Sometimes even screaming. People tell my wife she looks incredible for a woman in her early 70s. I then tell them she’s only 40, but this is what happens when you’ve been sleep deprived your entire marriage.

That night after a lovely dinner, we headed back to the B&B and prepared to turn in.

“Which side of the bed should I take?” I asked my Mary Ellen.

“Underneath would probably be the best option.”

We pulled down the covers and that’s when the excitement began, but not the excitement you might be thinking. At about 2 am, I was having a very scary dream and next thing I knew I had fallen out of bed. This awakened Mary Ellen who saw me all sprawled out on the floor and in a bit of pain.

“That’s so sweet of you to sleep there. Now you won’t be kicking me.”

“I am not sleeping here. I fell out of bed.”

“That’s terrible; maybe you should sleep in the middle.”

“It’s a double bed. There is no middle when there are two people. Let’s go back to sleep.”

At 4 a.m. I fell out again. This time I had pulled the pillow off with me. Seeing me on the floor, Mary Ellen got out of bed and lovingly placed a blanket over me. And there I slept: tossing, turning, snoring

In the morning, the lady at the desk was curious. “Some of the folks staying at the inn heard loud noises at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Are you okay? I hope you guys didn’t have a falling out.”

“I’m fine,” said Mary Ellen. “It was only my husband who fell out.”

We shared our adventure at the B&B with one of our friends. We told Cathy we enjoyed our stay and that next year we would return, but we were going to make different arrangements.

“Are you going to ask for two separate beds?” asked Cathy.

“No,” said Mary Ellen. “Two separate rooms.”

In addition to having a good time, sun exposure from heading outdoors generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones and muscles. Healthy vitamin D levels can also improve mood and cognitive function. Older adults, especially those who are homebound, are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency.

With plenty of time left in the summer months, D’Aquila shares 10 activities that both older adults and their caregivers will enjoy with some ideas from agingcare.com:

Gardening — From a small container to a vegetable patch, planting flowers and plants offers daily outdoor tasks along with tracking their growth.

Catch a sporting event — Attending a grandchild’s soccer game or a professional baseball game can be an action-packed way for older adults to reconnect with one of their favorite pastimes.

Fish for fun — Even if an elder has mobility problems or uses a wheelchair, they can still cast a rod from a dock or pier. Check your state’s tourism or parks and recreation websites to see if they provide listings of ADA compliant fishing locations. Many areas have also started offering all-terrain wheelchairs for rent that can help those with

mobility issues get closer to the water.

Be a tourist — Take a tour to see the local sights. A drive around town can also allow a senior to check out happenings in the community that interest them.

Take a dip — For some folks, this might entail putting a foot in the pool, while others may be able to handle low-impact water aerobics. Spending some time in the pool is an excellent way for them to incorporate some physical activity into their routine that seems more like relaxing than a workout.

Outdoor picnic — Picnics can be at a park, in your own backyard or on the surrounding grounds of a long-term care facility. Prepare favorite recipes together. Make sure to locate an area with comfortable seating and plenty of shade, or remember to bring an outdoor umbrella.

Attend community events — Look for happenings such as outdoor musical performances, art shows, car shows, flea markets, festivals and more that fit the senior’s interests and abilities.

Go out for a treat — Most seniors have a favorite snack or restaurant. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table.

Be an animal lover — This could be as simple as sitting outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of a birdhouse, bird feeder or bird bath in the yard, or it could mean an outing to the zoo or a local dog park.

Go for a stroll — It can be around the neighborhood or through a botanical garden. Have goal to increase and track the distance of each walk.

“We have found in our more than 27 years of experience caring for seniors, that having someone to go on outings, take a walk, or just to talk to makes the greatest difference in the daily lives and overall physical, mental and cognitive health of our clients,” said D’Aquila. “Our caregivers provide a crucial social connection by also providing transportation to visit friends or attend religious services.”

Help is all around you

Helping each other is part of our genes, whether we know it or not or like it or not.

We help our aging parents, neighbors and friends as they become frail and their abilities to cope with the world around them fade.

Our children learn how to walk and cope with the world around them with our help.

But, whether it’s because of macho or manners, there seems to be resistance to ask for help.

Just think about the cliché couple in a car looking for an address. They waste much time driving around proclaiming it should be just around the corner when all they would have to do is stop and ask directions from a passerby or shop owner who’s familiar with the neighborhood.

They claim they don’t want to look stupid, so they act stupidly.

As we age, many of us think we’ll look like we’re losing it if we ask for help. You read of seniors dying of heart attacks shoveling snow from their driveway. And you hear oldsters complain about their aching back as they heft heavy grocery bags into and out of the trunk of their car.

They should be asking someone for help with these

chores. For example, shopping trips can be coordinated with a family member, friend or neighbor who can help with the loading and unloading.

This means you should quit caring about whether or not you look self-reliant or lazy.

While “Please” and “Thank You” should be atop your list of vocabulary used on a daily basis, you can slip “I need your help” right behind them.

Get used to this phrase. Use it when you walk up to a cashier in the supermarket. Instead of just dumping our purchases on the moving belt, tell them, “I might need your help with some of this stuff.”

You’ll find the cashier’s attitude friendlier and a bit less business-like because you’re asking for their help — because studies reveal people actually do want to help each other. All they need is to be asked.

Asking for help most likely will start with members of you family — brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and in-laws — and expand to friends, colleagues, co-workers and neighbors.

You might be looking for someone to help with your taxes or get you to medical appointments or find the right kinds of plants to make your yard easier to maintain. Be very clear on what you need and when you need it.

Let the person you’re asking know right off that they can say no if they can’t help you. You don’t need or want

an explanation. Thank them for listening and ask if there’s someone they know who might be able

help you. Then ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

Pack up your troubles for a trip

The vacation of your dreams can turn into a nightmare just as your time on a tropical beach can turn terrible.

Hurricane, a fractured wrist, a traffic accident, lost luggage, a missed transporta-

tion connection — any of these or many other reasons can be the cause.

Being a bit paranoid when planning your trip can ease some of the pain should anything happen. Make sure someone in your family knows where you’re going, what you plan to do and

how long you’ll be away. Have that person or someone else be aware that they’ll be called should anything happen to you.

And don’t forget to have someone keep an eye on your apartment, house and property while you’re away.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Yikes! Uncomfortable feelings ahead of you

When someone experiences a loss, they are flooded with emotions. The list would include difficult, uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, loneliness, defeat and frustration. All these emotions are normal and natural. If you are feeling these emotions, it is okay; your feelings are valid.

One way to know your feelings are valid is to talk to others. That may be easier said

than done. There are many reasons we don’t talk and share our true thoughts. One reason is that talking about uncomfortable feelings is, well, uncomfortable. As humans, we don’t want to feel uncomfortable, so we often ignore those difficult emotions. When we don’t talk, those emotions can take on a weight, which can hold us down. Talking truly takes a weight off our shoulders.

Another reason we don’t talk is because we don’t want to burden others. I hope you can hear that you are not a burden. The people who care for you want to be there for you and want to know what is going on with you.

It takes courage to open up and share honestly with another. You may find the person you are talking with is unable to talk about difficult emotions. Don’t be discouraged and don’t stop talking. Find another person to share your thoughts.

You may need to tell the person you are communicating with that they don’t have to solve your problems. Humans are fixers. Let them know that you are just needing to vent and share and you just need them to listen.

Look for people who are in a similar situation. If you have lost a spouse, go to a support group with others who have lost a loved one. Attend activities at a local senior center or community center. When someone has had the same experience as you, they won’t be afraid of those uncomfortable emotions and will truly understand.

Life is full of ups and downs, hurts and joys. Life is better when we can talk and be heard. Relationships are strengthened, and we know we are not alone.

Always Best Care, a nonmedical home care company, may be reached at (574) 2328487.

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Some restless retire in an RV

Ah, yes, life on the open road that beckoned all through your working life is just around the corner.

You’ve already picked out or about to pick up that RV — recreation vehicle to the unaware — that will transport you and your spouse to any nook or cranny you feel like filling on the spur of the moment. You might even drop in on the grandkids on special occasions.

Not only will you be free to roam, you’re dumping all the chores and woes of owning a home — no more mowing the lawn, putting up storm windows, caulking doorways, replacing rugs, repairing plumbing, and on and on.

It’s been reported that some 1 million American households are contained full time in RVs. More than 30 million households own one.

Atop the list of benefits cited for RV living is the lowered cost

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of living. Retirees who’ve dumped their mortgages for the RV life admit they’ve had to make lifestyle changes, but they had to make such changes anyhow since their retirement income didn’t match their working-life income. And they don’t have to pay property taxes.

RVers have found there are plenty of places to park. For example, WalMart, Home Depot and Lowes offer overnight stays in most cases. Passes can be purchased for national parks that often provide electrical, water, sewer and cable hookups. Seasoned on-the-roaders have also volunteered their time and talents to national and state parks in exchange for free parking.

You can take the road lesstravelled but you also have to take less stuff since space in your mobile home is limited, which means you’ll spend less money acquiring more stuff. Exploring the highways and byways gives you the opportunity to plan where you want to go and want to see, although you’ll have

to make sure you’re backroad doesn’t pass under any low-lying bridges.

You’re also able to move with the weather. You can fish the northern lakes in summer and zip by colorful autumn leaves to sip seltzer by a southern seashore in winter. You can visit the grandkids en route or they can come camp with you wherever you are.

You can visit those places you’ve always wanted to see whenever you want and stay as long as you want.

Modern technology makes your mobility much easier as GPS has mapped out most of the land. It also can direct you to a host of wineries, museums, parks, post offices and eateries ahead of you.

Which gets us to the subject to food — you can slurp down fresh New England lobster, cram down crab cakes or Cajun food a few days later, and feast on Mexican fare that weekend. And you don’t have to stay “home” since you have motoring access to Canada, Mexico and beyond. Just keep

your passport up-to-date.

Before you leap into any new venture, you should take a long look at both the up and down sides.

Right off, there is an assortment of RVs. They range from mammoth bus-sized motorhomes to bouncy twowheeled pop-up trailers towed behind your car or pickup. The ones you can drive are the most expensive. And driving either a bulky bus or a vehicle towing a trailer is hard work.

Veteran RVers have complained they had to spend a lot of money redecorating and upgrading their quarters.

Insurance coverage gets dicey and pricey depending on what type of vehicle you settle on and,

whether you’re towing a trailer or driving your mobile home, your gasoline bill is going to balloon higher.

The cost of health-care insurance and availability of medical care are major factors to review, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. How do you get to a doctor if you have a heart attack on the road, and how much will it cost? Where do you pick up your medications?

You also have to monitor and maintain the levels of your shower, sink and drinking water. Just as important, you’ll have to map out the location of sewage dumping stations because you don’t want that tank to back up.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

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Rolling around England

You need wheels to travel through England’s heart and history.

We started with a rather sizeable one — the giant London Eye — a gondolagarlanded Ferris wheel overlooking this hub of history clinging to the Thames.

As you clamber aboard for a 30-minute flight, you’re carried slowly up a football field and a half with a view directly toward Cleopatra’s Needle and Charing Cross Station with Waterloo Bridge a bit farther upriver. And you soak in Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and so many more venues you’ve read or heard about.

Your descent presents a clear view of Big Ben and the New Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament. A royal palace has existed on these grounds since Britain was in the hands of the Viking King Canute. But it was Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror who enlarged it in the 11th century to its currently dynamic proportions — 1,200 rooms covering eight acres.

After debarking, a short walk across Westminster Bridge got us to the renowned abbey of the same name enroute to Victoria Station to board our most-used wheels during our visit in Britain — the train.

It trundled us back to the

George Hotel in Crawley, less than an hour’s ride south of The City. The train station is one stop from Gatwick Airport and a five-minute walk from the hotel, nestled among a sizeable shopping mall, pubs that date back to the mid-1400s, and the 800-yearold Parish Church of St. John the Baptist that serves as a shortcut, parking lot and quiet stopover for those who wish to talk to God or listen to history whisper from the walls.

The George has been around since the 15th century. It became a major halfway house after the LondonBrighton Road was built through Crawley in the late 1600s. Queen Victoria stayed there and Charles Dickens acted there.

It was a third set of wheels that got us out into the countryside. Grahame and Frauke Leon-Smith, who graciously served as both hosts and guides, took us on a couple of quick jaunts we would never have tried to drive on our own. Besides having to drive on the “wrong” side of the thoroughfares, signs are difficult to see because many of the roads through this region — Sussex, Surrey and Kent — are paved-over country lanes winding through leafy forests.

At Windsor Castle we stood in front of the tower built in 1056 by William the Conqueror across from what is now a curving street burgeoned with Burger King, Pizza Hut, McDonald, Starbucks and Haagen-Dasz.

Minutes later, we crossed the Thames into Eton and strolled past the Cock Pit Restaurant, which was established on the site in 1420.

Then we slid by Ascot, the playground of royalty, and Runnymede, where King John signed the Magna Car-

ta. “This is where democracy was born,” said Grahame. “For the first time in history, people were ruled by law, not the whim of the king.”

On our last day, we visited Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s home in Kent.

“Churchill bought this house — it had 80 acres at the time and he added to it later — in 1922 for 5,000 pounds with proceeds from his first book” said our guide. “He earned his money from royalties as a writer. He used to say, ‘If your outgo outdoes

your income, increase your income.’ ”

We also learned that Winston Spencer Churchill’s middle name was Leonard. But no one could explain why he dumped it in favor of Spencer, his mother’s family name.

“He used to sign some of his letters with the drawing of a pig,” Hatter said. “He said, ‘I like pigs; cats look down on human beings, dogs look up to them, but pigs just treat us as their equals.”

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Take a step back in time at Greenfield Village

There aren’t many places where you can be a passenger on a train pulled by an authentic smokebelching steam locomotive, take a ride in a shiny vintage 1900s Model T Ford, watch a turn-of-the-century saw mill in action and step inside the birthplaces of the captains of industry in the early 1900s.

That place is Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich. It’s where you can step back in time, have fun and get a history lesson without even realizing it.

Upon entering the Village the first thing you encounter is the train with four open cars waiting for you to board for a trip around the perim-

eter of the 80-acre property with stops along the way. It’s a get-on and get-off ride that is included in your ticket. The station staff is quick to advise passengers to shake their clothes to remove the coal particles that are belching out of the locomotive’s smoke stack rather than brushing.

A highlight for many visitors is taking a ride in a 1900s vintage Model T Ford convertible. These vehicles are originals that were produced just up the road at the Ford Rouge Plant. They’ve been carefully restored and maintained and can carry a total of four passengers. The $10 ride fee is well worth it because you get a tour that includes some historical snippets from the driver about the auto you’re riding in, Henry Ford and the various buildings you’re passing.

After the Model T tour, walk over to the 1913 carousel and choose one of the colorful animals to ride. Just a block away is the building that originally housed the Wright Brothers bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Learn how they made the big step from making and repairing bikes to constructing an airplane and making the world’s first sustained flight of a heavierthan-air craft in Kitty Hawk, N.C., in December 1903.

Edison’s Menlo Park (New

Jersey) laboratory, where he invented the incandescent light bulb, is open for visitors to see the equipment and visualize how he used it in his experiments. The building right across the street is where his employees lived and was the first structure ever to be electrified.

Greenfield Village has been around a long time. Ford opened it in 1929 when he started the Edison Institute School System with 32 grade school students. At the school’s peak in the 1940s it had more than 300. His philosophy of education was Continued on page 19

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Continued from page 18

to “learn by doing,” so the children spent time doing hands-on learning in the buildings he was adding on the grounds.

In the late 1920s, Ford was the primary collector of Americana in the world. He was also gathering technological things for the museum, which is next door to the Village. An academy for 25 gifted students is still operating.

Among the famous buildings are the birthplace of William Homes McGuffey who published the McGuffey Reader for children and the McGuffey School, George Washington Carver’s cabin, the home of Robert Frost, the Noah Webster home, Hermitage slave quarters and a cottage and foundry imported from England.

Greenfield Village is a place you can spend a couple days. Then take a couple more days to roam the Museum. Visit thehenryford.org/visit/ greenfield-village for more information.

Indiana Dunes National Park one of most ‘Instagrammable’

A new study reveals Indiana’s Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the most Instagrammable in the country. The study showed it was the ninth most such national park.

Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri is the most Instagrammable national park in America, Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park takes second place whilst Acadia National Park in Maine is third.

The study examined the number of hashtags relative to the area of each national park to determine which one was the most Instagrammable.

A study carried out by travel information site Places To Travel examined Instagram hashtag data and the size of each US national park to find the one with the highest ‘hashtags per acre.’

The study revealed that Gateway Arch National Park is set on a total of just 90.9 acres and has 11,221 hashtags on Instagram, making it top of the list with 123.44 hashtags per acre.

Bryce Canyon National Park, has the ninth-highest number of Instagram hashtags at 728,221. Located in Utah, the park is distinguished by the canyon’s steep red cliffs and offers many opportunities for hiking. It sits on 35,835.08 acres of land resulting in the

second-highest number of hashtags per acre of 20.32.

Acadia National Park, situated in the state of Maine, comes in third with 11.80 hashtags per acre. Famous for its rocky beaches and granite peaks, and with 579,344 hashtagged Instagram posts, this national park set on 49,075 acres of land is clearly a great location for photos.

Just outside of the top three is Zion National Park in Utah. With a total of 147,237 acres and 1,428,038 hashtags on Instagram, Zion National Park has 9.69 hashtags per acre overall.

In fifth place is Arches National Park with 8.72 hashtags per acre. The national park

spans across 76,678 acres and has a total of 669,062 hashtags on the platform.

Hot Springs National Park and Haleakala National Park rank sixth and seventh respectively. Hot Springs National Park has 8.61 hashtags per acre as a result of 5,548 acres and 47,815 total hashtags, whilst Haleakala National Park spans across 33,264 acres and has a total of 261,253 hashtags, resulting in 7.85 hashtags per acre.

In eighth place is American Samoa National Park, based across four islands in the territory of American Samoa. It is situated across 8,256 acres with 59,542 total hashtags on Instagram, resulting in 7.21

hashtags per acre.

Rounding out the top 10 is Indiana Dunes National Park in ninth with 6.12 hashtags per its 15.067 acres, and Yosemite National Park in tenth with 4.46 hashtags per acre.

A spokesperson for Places To Travel commented on the findings: “Social media continues to play a pivotal role in where we decide to travel to for vacation or for a weekend trip, with many social media users taking to their favorite platform to see the best beauty spots at their chosen destination.

This study provides a great insight into which locations are the most photogenic and can guarantee visitors the ‘perfect Insta pic.’”

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Not all presidents were lovable

There are several Presidents history students should study to understand what made the United States of America the dominant global nation. Today’s young people, for the most part, take for granted their country’s position in the world.

It was no accident how we got here. There was a lot of kicking, screaming, namecalling, and even threats of impeachment along the way. The nation’s White House has been occupied by some rather controversial figures.

While the 45th White House occupant, President Donald Trump, was an easy “love him or hate him” subject, he isn’t much different than President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the controversial turn-of-the 20th century president who found himself in the Oval Office due to the assassination of President William McKinley.

Roosevelt was placed in the vice presidency by the Republicans to get rid of him. As governor of New York, he had been such a thorn to old-guard GOP politicians. They wanted to put him where they thought he couldn’t do any harm. It backfired. Once in the presi-

dency, “T.R.” created havoc in both government and business with a vast variety of reforms. Among other monikers, he became known as the “Trust Buster.”

His foreign policy became known as the “Big Stick” foreign policy — “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” He believed in a strong Navy and had its “Great White Fleet” circle the globe to demonstrate our nation’s growing power.

He also oversaw the historic, but controversial, building of the Panama Canal that opened the Atlantic to the Pacific and cut east-west maritime travel time in half.

The other Roosevelt, Franklin D., often has been called America’s greatest president. He served more than 12 years, guiding the nation through the dark years of the 1930s Great Depression into five years of World War II. Many of his policies and actions were challenged in the courts and remain a subject of controversy such as Social Security. But, to date no one has returned their monthly checks.

Arguably, one of our best chief executives was Harry S. Truman. During the 20th century, he was the only high

school graduate to become president. Known among detractors as “His Accidency,” Truman became president in 1945 when Roosevelt died a few weeks into his fourth term.

As vice president, Truman wasn’t told about the $2 billion atom-bomb project until he took over the presidency. Five months later, he made the historic decision to drop two bombs on Japan. It remains one of history’s most important, yet controversial decisions.

The Cold War began with Truman and lasted for more than 40 years until President Ronald Reagan caused the Soviet Union to collapse trying

to keep up militarily.

Richard Nixon was great on foreign affairs, but dishonest domestically, ending his tenure with a resignation in the wake of Watergate.

If you supported and defended or were upset, confused, baffled, and dismayed with former President Trump, you might try spending a few hours studying our most controversial of presidents, Andrew Jackson.

During the War of 1812, Jackson led a force of inexperienced volunteers against overwhelming British forces to win the Battle of New Orleans. He had at least two duels during his tumultuous life, and was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, (a title he gave himself), was committed to representing and protecting the “Common Man,” a banner to be carried by several future chief executives. As president between 1829 and 1837. Jackson might have been the closest we’ve had to a dictator.

Some presidents have seemed beyond controversial because of instantaneous

world-wide mass media, whereas Jackson was more explosive, but only limited media kept the nation informed of that.

Jackson forever changed history in setting the executive branch on an equal footing with Congress by assuming the ability to shape law and government policies.

He believed the presidency should have broad authority and was widely criticized for expanding its power. Like others, he was known for rewarding his supporters with government jobs.

During his watch both the economy and the Native American population suffered. He was responsible for the moving the indigenous peoples from their traditional home lands in the East to the Oklahoma territory. The movement was known as the “Trail of Tears.”

The placement of Jackson on the $20 bill is ironic. He vehemently opposed paper money while attempting the destruction of the National Bank. He even cautioned about paper money in his farewell address.

Students of history should enjoy comparing Andy Jackson to Donald Trump.

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