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Living Life After 50
February 2024
Keck Serves God and Church Family See Page 11
Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs
Vol. 36, No. 12
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GOOD GAME — Mark Pinney, right, plays a game of mahjong with Frank Garro and Barb Pinney. Mahjong games are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center. Bridge games are Tuesday and Thursday, with euchre games daily. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
Senior Primelife Enrichment Center
celebrates 20 years
LOOKING BACK — Norma Roose, right, and Vicki Johnson look over scrapbooks at the 20th anniversary celebration. Roose, a founding member of the senior center, also played piano for the attendees at the celebration. Photo provided by Nancy Gray.
at North Webster Community Center
By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer October 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Senior Primelife Enrichment Center’s establishment in the North Webster Community Center. A luncheon was held in celebration. Norma Roose, who helped get the senior center started and will be turning 100 this year, played piano. Attendees were able to look through a scrapbook of newspaper clippings the senior center had been included in dating back to 2013. “We had an awful lot of people come in that maybe don’t come in anymore. We had some people bring in
their parents that can’t come in anymore. It was just a good way to commemorate. Twenty years is kind of a big step, especially being able to stay open during the pandemic and after,” said Director Nancy Gray. The senior center dates back to the early 2000s, a few years after the community center itself was established in a repurposed school building. “Larry Kinsey, Jerry Rhodes and Norma Roose, she was in on the beginning of it. We started out at the other end of the building and moved, I think, twice. ... They all just pitched in and worked hard and raised money on their own. Nothing in the building, as far as
I know, has ever been paid for by any taxes. This is all grants and donations, hard work, beating the bushes for the money, and it’s still that way today,” Gray said. In that time, the senior center has become a fixture of the North Webster Community Center. Seniors visit and engage with its many offerings every day. The senior center serves a hot lunch every day starting at 11:30 a.m. Euchre games are also played daily, with tournaments held the third Thursday of each month. Mahjong is Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bridge is Tuesday and Thursday. The former school hallways are now a walking Continued on page 3
STEP BY STEP — Virginia Penn, front, makes use of the walking track with her grandson, Hendrix Starbuck, while Michael Duff listens to some tunes a few steps behind. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ February 2024
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Key Positions
Caring for others a necessary part of Knight’s life By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer “When I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” stated Sandi Knight. “I was frightened and angry. I went through an operation that removed my thyroid. I didn’t believe I would grow old. I was mad at God and made some bad decisions for my life.” She left her job and left her husband. Her cancer came back five different times in her life, however. Now she is a cancer survivor and 75 years old. Knight is the training coordinator for Home Instead and has found that caring for others is a necessary part of her life. “I was left as a single parent with two children to support. One day I was sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself. Evangelist Joyce Meyer came on the television and said
something I’ll never forget. She said, ‘God can’t drive a parked car.’ I decided then and there that I needed to make some positive decisions.” She moved back to Elkhart, got a job and an apartment. “I’m proud to say that in spite of the chaos in our lives, my daughter Stephanie works for the registrar at Notre Dame and my son, Robert, is a professor at Buffalo State University.” At the age of 64, Knight received an associate’s degree in applied science from Baker College. She came onboard at Home Instead as a caregiver in 2012. “We provide companionship and care for senior citizens who want to stay in their homes. At that time, we served Elkhart and St. Joe counties. Recently, the organization added six more counties: DeKalb, LaGrange, Kosciusko, Whitley
Noble and Steuben.” Knight attended Brown Mackie College to learn techniques for safe ways to transfer clients. She also received extensive training in “Person Centered Care” so she could train others to become good caregivers. She now trains caregivers for both Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. Knight does orientation and personal care training for new caregivers. “We focus on personal care, not medical assistance. I love working with caregivers. After 30 days they come back in for training in understanding and dealing with dementia,” Knight said. “I enjoy encouraging people who are trying to improve their life. Because of my own struggles, I’m very empathetic. When I see someone hurting, I seek to help them. But I’ve found that I am not just helping them for their sake, but for
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my sake too. Helping others motivates me — it gives me a reason to get up in the morning.” Knight has also been a guest speaker. “Some of my fondest memories are addressing inmates and their families at the St. Joe County Jail. I feel like I was able to connect with them. They knew I understood them.” Knight would like to have the opportunity to enlighten families and friends of seniors suffering from dementia in ways to accept and deal with this horrible disease, which tears families apart. Her hobbies include vintage jewelry and glass painting. She hopes to soon have enough inventory to start selling at shows. One of her favorite sayings: “Reset, readjust, restart, refocus … as many times as necessary.” Those interested in having Knight as a speaker can contact her at sandi.knight@ homeinstead.com.
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February 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3
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Senior Primelife Enrichment Continued from page 1
track seniors can exercise on. From spring until fall, the center hosts a trip to the Four Winds Casino in South Bend on the third Monday of each month. Around the holidays, they hold Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheons. “Our main goal is to have seniors interact with other seniors,” Gray explained. Gray began coming to the senior center after her husband died in 2017. “I found out very quickly I could not stay home, all I wanted to do was just be with him, so I knew I had to do something if I wanted to stick around. So, I came in here and started walking,” Gray recalled. Eventually, Gray was asked to be a board member and became deeply involved in the center’s activities. She was promoted to her current position by former director Barb Hetrick in 2019. Not long after, she had to see the center through the hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic was a challenge for the senior center both financially and socially. It was closed for three months in 2020, and after re-opening, there were many activities that couldn’t be held due to social distancing. “So, we started our little thrift shop out here in the hall. That has helped,” said Gray. “At least for two years, it really helped pay the bills. And then, when the world started opening up again, we just left it because people like it. It draws people in, it’s like being able to go to a garage sale year round.” Some activities the senior center has added over the years, such as birthday parties, carry-in suppers and entertainment events, had to stop during that time and haven’t been started back up yet. However, something that hasn’t gone away is the annual walkathon fundraiser, which is now in its 17th year and lasts throughout the month of January. The goal for each walkathon is to raise $10,000. In 2023, donations totaled $12,000. Over the past two decades, the center has grown to provide some essential services. “Now that we have the doctor in the building, it’s kind of all coming together,” Gray said. Dr. Chelsea Wolf of Goshen Health has had a clinic at the center since last year. According to Gray, some seniors whose doctors have retired have begun seeing Dr. Wolf, making the clinic a valuable resource. There is also a podiatrist who visits the center and provides services by appointment only on the second Wednesday of each month. One of the most vital services the senior center provides, however, may be its social impact. “I can tell you from personal experience, most of the people that come in here are widowed, they’ve lost their
THRIFTY FINDS — A selection of books and movies available in the senior center’s hallway thrift store. There are also toys, dishes, home decor and a few items of clothing for sale. Photo by Lilli Dwyer. partner. In my particular case, this place was a lifesaver. That’s why I’m fond of it and so attached. The fact that you have some place you can go where you’re not alone, almost everyone around you has gone through what you’re going through. You can snack, talk,
joke, play puzzles together, play cards together and make plans for other places,” Gray said. “One of the most important things a senior can have is a place to connect,” she went on. “You need a reason to get out of bed in the morning and this place gives you a reason.”
MEMORIES — Senior Center Director Nancy Gray looks through a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about the center, the earliest of which dates back to 2013. The scrapbook was compiled for the center’s 20th anniversary celebration in Oct. 2023. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
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It’s fall season year ‘round at home By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
vision is not failing and that the interior and exterior of your home is well-lit night and day. Remove rugs from slippery floors and tack down carpet edges that may curl up. Don’t leave shoes, slippers, socks and clothing lying around on the floor. Install handrails alongside all stairs and steps and grab bars in showers and bathtubs. Check your medications to see if any of them interact in a way that might affect your vision or make you dizzy.
Fifty percent of all falls occur at home, so that’s where you should start looking for hazards — and eliminate them. The annual death toll from fall-related injuries for people 65 years and older is 32,000, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention figures. About 36 million falls by seniors are reported each year. Fall-prevention should be high on seniors’ priority lists. Start by making sure your
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
What Seniors Think
“How did you meet your sweetheart?”
ANGELA WILLIS ELKHART He was the father of one of my middle school students when I taught in Illinois. He came in for a parent-teacher conference and asked me on a date a few days later. The rest is history!
BECKY BARTS NEW PARIS My husband was the maintenance guy at the office that I worked in right after college. He was a few years older than me but finally got the nerve to ask me out. It turned out to be a great match.
PETE STONE GOSHEN We went to church together growing up but never really were interested in each other until later in life when we reconnected through a mutual friend. We are both widowers. We’re not married yet, but maybe in the future that will change.
MARK ALDRICH WINONA LAKE Believe it or not, I was dating her sister first. We had been going out for almost two years before I realized I was better suited for her sister. We eventually laughed about it, but at the time it was kind of tense. Unfortunately my wife passed away in 2020.
ELKO EDITION
PHILIP ALLEN WARSAW We actually were high school sweethearts, but we didn’t reconnect and get married until we were both in our 30s. Twenty-two years later and we’re still happy!
Covering Six Indiana and Michigan Counties
Elkhart — Kosciusko — LaGrange — Noble — Wabash — St. Joseph (MI)
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Northwest Edition
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Living Life After 50 w
ith
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17 Indiana Counties
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SEE ALL 4 EDITIONS ONLINE!
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the adults over 50 in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Each of the four editions focus on local news, features, photos and profiles for each area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rbaumgartner@the-papers .com Annette Weaver, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aweaver@the-papers .com Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . smeadows@the-papers .com Account Executive Victoria Biddle . . . . . . . . vbiddle@the-papers .com • 1-574-733-4111 Ext . 2319 Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rsalinas@the-papers .com Commercial Printing Customer Service Tina Kaplan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkaplan@the-papers .com Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rkrygowski@the-papers .com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers .com Keith Knepp, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . knepp@the-papers .com Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers .com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15th Month Prior St . Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $37 for one year; and $64 for two years . (Select one edition .) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt . ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative . The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers . Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers . To advertise contact Victoria Biddle at 574-230-3366 or vbiddle@the-papers.com. PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software . Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files . ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD . Check our website at www .the-papers .com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically . Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers .com . If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it . REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life .
WALTER JORDAN GOSHEN We’ve only been dating for about six months, but we met online on a dating website. Things seem to be going well.
The height of insult I hate to bore you with the health complaints of a 76 year old, but I’m hopeful my experiences will help others. IN A My story NUTSHELL begins with By DICK a medical WOLFSIE scare and a series of doctor appointments. So many, in fact, that the phlebotomist at my internist’s office started welcoming me with “Oh, no, not you again,” which is not the kind of greeting I want at a lipid lab. By the way, all is fine. In the course of the diagnostic process, they scanned my brain. Inside the MRI, I felt like a cigar in its tube. During the hour-long procedure, I had a flashback to a high school trigonometry class where I also stared at a blank ceiling, listening to strange indecipherable sounds. At the hospital, they give you a little buzzer to press if the experience becomes unbearable, a courtesy never
afforded me by Mr. Lowenstein, my 12th grade math teacher. A nurse called the next day to say that after examining my brain scan, they were pleased to report they didn’t find anything. Obviously, this was good news, but did the test results have to be phrased quite that way? I visited a few specialists, each exam requiring that I have my blood pressure, height and weight rechecked. I had never really paid any attention to my height. On my license, my passport and all medical questionnaires, I always listed myself as 5 feet, 10 inches— not as tall as my dad (a strapping 6-footer) but taller than my mom, a petite 5 feet, 3 inches. I knew I was 5 feet, 9 1/2 inches but I always rounded it up. I mean, who was I hurting? “Okay,” said one nurse after measuring my vitals, “blood pressure 123 over 80, height 5 feet, 8 inches and weight 165. Very good, Mr. Wolfsie, now please step over here and…” “Whoa! How tall did you say I was?” “That would be 5 feet, 8 inches — in your socks, which
adds a little, of course.” “Look, first of all, I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, maybe 5 feet, 9 1/2 inches and second of all, these are nylon dress socks, and very thin.” “Whatever you say, Mr. Wolfsie. Please grab one of the blue robes off that hook on the door…if you can reach it.” That afternoon, when I got home, I asked my wife how tall she thought I was. “Well, let’s see; when I’m in heels, I’m taller than you, and I’m 5 feet, 7 inches, so I guess I’d say you are 5 feet, 8 inches and you’re still about as cute and adorable as can be.” “But when we got married, I told you I was 5 feet, 10 inches.” “I figured you rounded it up from 5 feet, 7 inches.” And that’s the end of the story. No life-threatening illness, but I’m either a pathological liar (misrepresenting my height for almost 50 years) and need some psychological counseling— or I am (and this is tough to admit) shrinking. I haven’t decided which one it is. I guess it’s going to depend on which one is covered by my medical insurance.
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Spotlight
Love of Nappanee community inspires Denny Miller By KEITH KNEPP Editor It’s certainly easy to make your own life and situation your only priority. For many people, it’s the only thing that matters. That doesn’t describe Denny Miller, however. A lifelong resident of Nappanee, Miller has developed a true sense of community and helping others — one he strives to display in his life every day. A former member of the Nappanee City Council and current store manager of Kountry Cabinets & Home Furnishings, Miller has used his experience in both roles “to become acutely aware of the needs in the community he loves. “When I came to work for Kountry Wood in 2015, it lit a
fire,” he said. “They said this is your store, here’s your key. Then people started appearing in front of me. I said, ‘you know what, there’s something to this.’ There were people who needed help. I was so amazed at how many people, no matter what wealth class they’re in, don’t feel heard.” Miller recalled that he was given the book “See You at the Top,” by a friend. “Basically, the book says, ‘If you want to go to the top, it’s better when you take people with you,” said Miller. “To do it by yourself is no fun. It shows these stair steps and goals.” In 2017, Kountry Wood sent Miller to participate in a 13week Dale Carnegie training program, which purports to “build(s) courage, confidence
Applications now open for sixth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm The Studebaker National Museum announces that vehicle applications are now open for the sixth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, co-presented by The JBS Collection and LaVine Restorations. This exclusive gathering celebrates automotive design, engineering and culture and will be Saturday, July 13 in South Bend. The Concours will open to the public at 10 a.m. and will close at 4 p.m. The Pass-InReview and Awards Ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. This year’s featured marques are Chrysler, DeSoto, and MG. Closed body, full classic automobiles will be featured in the ultimate luxury class and pre-World War II race cars will be highlighted in the competitions classics class. The Concours at Copshaholm will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, as well as vehicles over 100 years old in the Centennial Club class. Other class highlights include Disco Decade Rides for cars from the 1970s; Powered by America, featuring European-built exotics originally equipped with American powerplants; and Flathead Fords, an open class for flathead Ford V8-powered automobiles. Rounding out the show field will be Love that Lark!, a class for 1959-1966 Studebaker Lark-type cars. Awards will be presented in all classes, as well as Best of Show and other special awards of distinction. The Concours at Copshaholm’s chief judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian, Matt Short. Judging will be French traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by automotive historian and raconteur, Bill Rothermel. To submit a car for application, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org/vehicleapplication. The submission deadline is
March 15; owners will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by April 7. The full class list is: Chrysler Centennial, an open class for Chrysler-branded automobiles. De-Lovely and Dynamic: DeSoto, an open class for DeSoto-branded automobiles. Ultimate Luxury, an open class for closed-body full classics. The Centennial Club, an open class for all automobiles built in 1924 or prior. Love that Lark! All 19591966 Studebaker Larks and Lark-type automobiles. The Mustang at 60, an open class for 1965-1989 Ford Mustangs. Powered By America, European-built exotics originally equipped with American powerplants. Disco Decade Rides, an open class for automobiles built from 1970-1979. The Morris Garages, an open class for MG-branded automobiles. Flathead Fords, an open class for flathead Ford V8-powered automobiles. Competition Classics: the pre-war era, pre-World War II vintage racing cars. For more information, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org.
and compassion among your workforce by drawing out people’s natural strengths, so they can take command of their roles and inspire teamwork across your organization.” “That gift was already there, but that opened up an avenue of being able to communicate,” he said. “What they taught me is to listen to someone else’s point of view that I know is going to be different than mine, and maybe find something in it.” Miller said he tries to connect dots in the community. “I don’t have a million dollars in my pocket to feed people. Sometimes I sit in the right spot and say, ‘you know we have 50 single moms who can’t eat this Thanksgiving.’” While there are agencies in the community that offer help, Miller said that sometimes people are embarrassed to go to those spots. He has used social media to encourage people in need to privately reach out to him. He then utilizes a network to put together meals and deliver them to the families in need. The Amish owner of Kountry Wood once told Miller, “without community we are nothing.” Miller has taken that mantra to heart and has translated into his own world and belief system. “Sometimes we have to challenge the norm, ‘we’ve always done it this way,’” he said. “Well here’s a different view. We learn in church, ‘don’t brag
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE — Former Nappanee city councilman Denny Miller has found different and creative ways to serve his community since he left public office. He tries to be an advocate for many people in Nappanee who might not otherwise be heard. Photo provided by Denny Miller. about volunteering or serving.’ There are times I purposely post those things because I want someone else to do it and get involved. Not to say, ‘look at Denny Miller.’ It is never that, and I don’t ever want people to think that way.” Miller said he doesn’t try to post anything on social media that will cause drama. But, he does like to post things that will challenge the norm. “Talking about mental
health, talking about people being poor and needing help. Subjects that some people in the community are nervous to talk about. There are people who don’t like me, and I just have to accept that. “Nappanee is still a small town. We’re labeled as a city. The census puts us as a city, but we have small town values that are still there. At the end of the day, it’s the charm of the town. It’s the people.”
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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ February 2024
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Finance
Do you need a new or replacement Social Security card? We’re making it easier! By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office If you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website — and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office. Start your application Do you need to apply for a Social Security number and card? You can visit ssa.gov/ number-card to begin the process. You’ll answer a series of questions to determine whether you can: • Complete the application process online. • Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office to complete the application, typically in less time. • Complete the application process at your local office. If you can’t complete the application online, you must
visit a Social Security office. To learn more, review our publication, Your Social Security Number and Card, at ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf. Replace Your Social Security card Want to replace your card? The Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card webpage at ssa. gov/number-card/replace-card helps you determine the best way to do so. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. Choose “Answer a few questions” on the Replacement Card webpage at ssa.gov/number-card/replacecard to get started. Even if you can’t complete the process online and must visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting the application online. Were You Asked To Come Into An Office? Here’s What You Should Know If you start the application online and we determine you need to come into an office, you
can use our new Online SelfScheduling option. This option allows you to: • Select your language preference. • Select the most convenient office to receive service. • Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders through email or text. • Conveniently use your mobile device to check-in for your appointment. You can also reschedule, modify, or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office. Please note that this service is not available in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. We hope to make it available soon. It’s never been easier to do business with us! Share this information with your friends and family — and post it on social media.
MAKING IT EASIER — Those needing a new or replacement Social Security card may be able to complete or at least start the process on the Social Security website. Photo provided by the Social Security Office.
Chautauqua-Wawasee’s annual fundraising campaign a success Chautauqua-Wawasee’s once a year annual fundraising campaign concluded successfully Monday, Jan. 8. “Due to the generous contributions of Syracuse and Wawasee residents, we blew over the top of our 2024 goal,” a grateful Mark Knecht shared. “Grant
funding and donations are the life blood of our ability to offer life enriching programs, most of them free to attend.” Chautauqua-Wawasee develops and sponsors programs in support of the four Chautauqua “pillars:” arts, education, faith and recreation. “Our goal is to make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, work, live and raise a family,” cited Knecht, the organization’s president. “As a nonprofit organization, our annual campaign is a significant and critical component of our financial budget.” Among the programs donations support are the: Purdue Varsity Glee Club, March 1; Taps Across the Water at Dusk, May 26; Patriotic Speaker series featuring Ben Franklin,
June 30; Pawasee Dog Parade, June 22; Stories of the Miami People, Sept. 7; Famous Hoosier series featuring John Wooden, July 13; Old-Fashioned Christmas; and 12 other programs. The majority of Chautauqua programs are offered at no cost to attend, so the support provided by the annual campaign makes these programs possible. Its team of 60-plus volunteers is also a key element of its success in 2023. Chautauqua-Wawasee was founded in 2014 to provide the “Chautauqua Experience” for Syracuse and northern Indiana region. As a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, grants and donations are the primary sources of revenue to support and provide programming. For more information, visit www.CHQW.org.
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Coping with grief: Moving on with love Editor’s note: Tom Rose is the author of “Balloon in a Box, Coping with Grief.” The book is available on Amazon, Fables Books, Goshen, or at thomaslrose.com. He is available for speaking engagements and as a grief group facilitator. He would love to hear your comments or questions, by phone: (574) 596-6256, or email: roseandrose@comcast. net. As we enter the month of February with its celebration of love on Valentine’s Day, many of us will be thinking of our loved one, our special Valentine. We may wonder if our loved ones can know what we are doing here on Earth. The Bible doesn’t tell us if people in heaven can observe what happens on Earth. However, there are some hints that they do. The book of Hebrews, mentions “the great people of faith who have gone before us and are now in Heaven. ... Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) It seems to suggest that, like fans at a football game, they are watching and cheering us on as we move on with our life but are unable to communicate with us verbally. I
Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law
would think that they may see what is happening here with a different view, a more loving and spiritual view. The calendar year down here on Earth is 2024, but I can imagine that wouldn’t matter up there. It could be 1924, 1724 or even 24. I don’t think time matters there. Sometimes I wonder what the message might be if our loved ones were able to communicate with us from Heaven, what would they say? Would it be something like this? You’ve Got Mail: From:lovedone@heaven.com To: lovedone@earth.com Hi. This is your loved one. I have a lot I want to tell you. First, I understand you just completed another holiday season without me and it continues to be difficult because we enjoyed holiday time so much. I am glad you continue to celebrate with family and friends the same as we have always done. And now here comes Valentine’s Day with all of the memories. The crazy cards, the delicious chocolates, and the romantic dinners. Yes, it was a great time to celebrate our love. Ever since I left, I know you have missed me and are continuing on a journey of grief which sometimes can be
By TOM ROSE Guest Writer painful. But remember without love there is no grief so you are really on a journey of love. You’re not alone I am here. I understand that sometimes you may shed a tear but no one is crying up here in heaven.
There is so much peace and beauty it is impossible to explain. You will like this since you used to complain, “There is never enough time” ... time doesn’t exist here. Don’t get me wrong I loved being on Earth with you but this place is beyond description. But enough about me and this place. I understand, you’re grieving, and you need a hug. Which is why I’m writing to you. This is my hug. Just because you don’t see me doesn’t mean I am not still there with you. You cannot see me or touch me but please know I am never far away. Sometimes when you are alone at night and suddenly you feel like someone is there with you, well that’s me. Remember the other day when you had that lovely memory and began to
cry and laugh, well that was me. Please be aware you’re not there alone on Earth you never will be. I’m going to be right there with you helping you move on with your life, with me not without me. Remember you are not on a grief journey but on a journey of love because our life together was built on love. I’ll continue sending little signs. Each is a code for “I love you.” so pay attention, because this email is one. With my continuing love, Me Maybe it would help us if we took the time to write a letter or email to our loved ones. If it is true that they are with us then they will get the message of how much we miss and love them. If you do write to them, please send me a copy at roseandrose@comcast.net, I would like to read them.
Keep it light By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Playing games not only helps pass the time, they can expand seniors’ social lives and memory banks. This can be especially true for oldsters who live alone
and have trouble getting out of the house or apartment. They can host a night a week or a month to play cards or board games with friends and family. Those with more mobility can find such diversions at a nearby church or senior com-
munity center. There is an endless array of games to play. Besides some of the newer pastimes, bridge, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, rummy, dominoes, checkers, poker, cribbage, and Monopoly are still some of the old standbys. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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Sports
Carl Landis has seen athletic training change drastically By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer Carl Landis has had a front row seat to how fast athletic training has changed over the years. Landis is the athletic trainer at Jimtown High School and has seen the type of medical care for area athletes evolve. “Saw my first broken wrist from a stiff arm in seventh grade. Coach didn’t know what to do. I thought it was cool. Back then there wasn’t really any medical coverage for athletics,” Landis said. Landis looked up physical therapy as a potential career when he was in middle school while growing up in Lafayette. Since graduating from Ball State University with a degree in exercise science and education, Landis has now been an athletic trainer for over 30 years in the Michiana area. He hit the 10-year milestone at Jimtown High School this past season. Landis says the variety of work that comes with the job keeps it interesting for him. “I think it’s the variety from season to season. You don’t see the same thing every day and before you know it, four new sports start up,” Landis says. “If you like athletics there is always a variety of things to do.” His first job in the industry
came at Warsaw High School in 90s. Landis admits he was not ready for the job at the time. “Did that for a couple of years. It was probably too much of a job for someone fresh out of school,” Landis said. After Warsaw, Landis would eventually have stops at Bremen, Penn, New Prairie and Michigan City before arriving at Jimtown. In early days, athletic trainers worked for the school they provided services for. Now, they work with a healthcare provider who is contracting athletic trainers to school districts. Landis works for the Beacon Health System based out of South Bend and is contracted to Jimtown as the athletic trainer. “It’s almost two full-time jobs. Clinics and hospitals have come in and said, ‘we’ll supply your athletic trainer.’ I don’t have an office. Beacon sends me to Jimtown. Our requirement is to the schools,” Landis said. He credits being able to stay at Jimtown longer than previous jobs with attitudes changing over athletic training in the last 20 years. “Athletic training is a bit of a luxury and not a necessity. You can’t really put a return on investment. Back in the early 2000s, businesses didn’t really put a lot stock in athletic train-
TAPE TO THE RESCUE — Jimtown athletic trainer Carl Landis tapes up the wrist of Jimtown senior Jackson Clopton. Photo provided by Casey Clopton. ing,” Landis said. Working Jimtown athletic events is a big time commitment but Landis says he has still found time for his family. He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 32 years and has three kids and five grandchildren. “It’s been very challenging on
that end as far as being gone but I think all my kids survived,” Landis joked. While he has worked at other school districts, he does enjoy the passion and community that is on display at Jimtown. “The Jimtown community is a tight-knit community,” Landis said. “They really support their
schools and their athletic teams, obviously. They try to instill some toughness in their kids. Kids don’t like to be hurt but they like to give it all they have to their coaches. That’s a testament to the legacy of Jimtown athletics, but also to the people of the community, because they are not afraid of hard work.”
Professional Forum Interested Businesses Call Victoria Biddle 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2319 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column
Professional Services
Elder Law Different interests in Jointly Owned Real Estate Many people own their real estate jointly with a spouse. This is typically considered joint tenants by the entirety. This means that when one spouse passes away, the real estate is automatically owned entirely by the other spouse. However, joint tenancy may be joint tenants in common. Unless survivorship rights are specifically stated, the surviving tenant may not automatically inherit the remaining interest in the real estate. That interest may be transferred to a specific heir in a Last Will & Testament or by a Transfer on Death Deed. If there is no such designation, the interest will pass according to state inheritance laws. You could end up with owners of the remaining interest that could then sell their interest without you
Q. What is a Healthcare Directive? A. A Healthcare Directive is a
Tony B. Manns Attorney at Law
knowing and without your consent. It is important to know how your real estate is owned and how you want your interest to be passed on. You should consult your elder law attorney to ensure that your estate plan and Last Will & Testament are up-to-date and accurate for your specific needs and tailored to your requests. 108 W. Michigan Street LaGrange, IN 46761 Ph: (260) 463-4949 Fax: (260) 463-4905 www.beersmallers.com
DISCLAIMER: Tony B. Manns and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, appreciate the opportunity to provide insight into legal topics of interest. The content of this article is designed to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems. Tony B. Manns and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, do not intend to create an attorney-client relationship by offering this information, and anyone’s review of the information shall not be deemed to create such a relationship. You should consult a lawyer if you have a legal matter requiring attention. Tony B. Manns and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, also advise that any information you send to this advertisement shall not be deemed secure or confidential. Please visit our office to ensure complete confidentiality.
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
Ryan Hahn
Trust Administrator ensure that any decisions made regarding your care will reflect and preserve your values and preferences. Contact me for more information on healthcare directives and why it’s important to have a healthcare directive in your estate plan.
DISCLOSURE: This information is not designed, meant, nor does it constitute the rendering of legal or tax advice. You should consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here. Trust services provided by MEMBERS Trust Company are not federally insured, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or any affiliated entity, involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principle. MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller or the Currency.
Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator Wealth Management Center 110 S. Main St. South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 284-6210, ext. 6232
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‘70s Flash Back —
The Nike ‘Swoosh,’ original feeling was ‘maybe it will grow on me’ The Nike “Swoosh” symbol is so well recognized worldwide that it can stand alone without naming the Oregon By RANDAL sportsC. HILL apparel empire. The iconic logo was the brainchild of Carolyn Davidson, a now-comfortably-retired graphic designer—with the primary emphasis being on “comfortably.” In 1969, Davidson met future business kingpin Phil Knight when she was a graphics design student at Portland State University and he was a part-time accounting instructor there. As Knight passed Carolyn in a hallway one day, he overheard her telling some friends that she wanted to take an oil painting class but couldn’t afford the paints. The next time Phil saw her, he said, “Excuse me, are you the one who can’t afford to take oil painting?” Knight told Davidson he needed a part-time graphics artist to create charts and graphs for his business meetings. (Since 1964, Phil and partner Bill Bowerman had had a side job running Blue Ribbon Sports, the West Coast distributor for Tiger shoes from Japan’s Onitsuka Company.) Knight offered to pay her two dollars an hour for her work, and she readily accepted. Carolyn completed all the projects Knight brought to her. Then, one day in 1971, Phil proposed something new—an assignment for a logo. Citing hassles from Onitsuka, he and Bowerman had decided to strike out on their own and offer a new line of cleated shoes. Their company would be called Nike, who in Greek mythology was the winged goddess of victory. A factory in Mexico was ready to begin shoe production, and Knight and Bowerman wanted a logo that conveyed motion and speed for their fledgling footwear. Davidson figured she worked 17.5 hours on the project, so she submitted a bill for $35— equal to about $250 now—to Knight and showed him five potential designs, each drawn on tracing paper and laid over the side outline of a shoe. Phil didn’t really like any of the images, but he chose the wing-like Swoosh. “Well, I don’t love it,” he grumbled, “but maybe it will grow on me.” Blue Ribbon Sports became Nike later that year, and the Swoosh was on its way to becoming one of the best-known images in the world, eventually being displayed on everything Nike, including shoes, socks, pants, hats, T-shirts, jerseys and coats. Carolyn earned a PSU degree in graphic design and stayed with
Nike through 1975, when she decided to freelance and do charity volunteer work from home. In September 1983, Knight invited Davidson to have lunch at the Nike headquarters. That luncheon turned out to be a surprise party for her. After multibillionaire Knight told Carolyn that he was glad that his $35 check hadn’t bounced 12 years earlier, she was given a box of chocolate Swooshes, a Swoosh-shaped gold ring and 500 shares of Nike stock. Over four decades and numerous stock splits later, Carolyn’s Nike holdings would now total about 32,000 shares and be worth around $4 million. Ms. Davidson has apparently never cashed in a single one of those shares.
CREATOR OF ICONIC LOGO — The Nike “Swoosh” symbol is the brainchild of Carolyn Davidson who created the iconic logo in 1971 for Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman owners of Blue Ribbon Sports.
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Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
Purdue Varsity Glee Club tickets now available Chautauqua-Wawasee is bringing the Purdue Varsity Glee Club back to Syracuse on March 1 for their only performance in northeastern Indiana during the first half of 2024. Don’t miss the fun of this exciting performance at the Wawasee High School auditorium. Tickets are now available. For student group tickets, contact Debbie at (574) 377-7543. An event for the entire family — This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show. This is a 90-minute performance that will be held from 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Wawasee High School, Syracuse. Tickets are $22 for general admission; $30 for VIP seating (middle rows, A-D) at facebook. com/ChautauquaWawasee or chautauquaWawasee.org, or call (574) 377-7543.
PURDUE VARSITY GLEE CLUB
Beware business operator By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Since the Roman’s coined the phrase Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware), the onus has been on the customer to make sure he or she gets a square deal. That will always hold true. But there are some ways you can get satisfaction from a shoddy or slimy business operator without having to hire an attorney. You should always report shoddy service and products to the Better Business Bureau, U.S. and state attorneys and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Do this by letter
if you encounter busy phone lines. With Internet access to these offices now, making such reports is much easier online. Whether you’re dealing with a local firm or a massive chain, you can still plant nettles in the saddle of the owner or local managers. And have fun doing it. First of all, find out what organizations the business operator or chain store manager belongs to. This includes church, chamber of commerce, service club or non-profit (charitable) organizations. Get the person’s address, too. You can get most
of this through public records filed when the local business was formed and applied for business licenses in the municipality in which it operates. Then, write your target a tough terse letter letting him or her know how you feel about the shoddy business practice or policy and explain why. In many cases, you might discover the person to whom you’re writing is not even aware of the problem. If you get no response, send a copy of your letter to members of the church, chamber of commerce and service club to which the person belongs. Tack
up the letter in supermarkets near the business operation. Be careful not to slander or libel the individual by making personal remarks about his or her character or reputation. Just outline the facts in your particular case. Send a copy of the letter to vendors and suppliers who work with the business. If it’s a dry cleaner, for example, your message should reach the people who provide it with laundry supplies, solvents, detergents and plastic clothing covers as well as the garage that services its vehicles. Of course, you should send a copy
I It’s easy! Simply find the doggy 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. Thiss will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, February 12, 2024.
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The winner of the I Spy Contest for January is Sheila Holmes of South Bend. The sled was located on page 8 in Senior Life Allen; page 2 in Senior Life Northwest; page 1 in Senior Life Elko and page 2 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
to the company’s banker and tax accountant. If you can pare down the letter to no more than a halfdozen paragraphs, send it to the letters-to-the-editor section of your local newspaper. If your city’s television station has a consumer reporter, send the letter there, too. This should get you started on the road to some satisfaction. Even if you don’t get reimbursed for your loss, you will have made people in the community aware of the shoddy service or product the company offers. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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Faith
Keck serves God and church family By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer “I’m a lay Eucharistic minister at our Episcopal Church,” stated Cindy Keck, Bristol. “l help serve Communion. But I’m not a Bible scholar or Sunday school teacher. I’m very familiar with our ‘Book of Common Prayer.’ I love to sing. I lead our congregation in song once a month. I truly believe that God has chosen me as His servant. I take my church duties seriously. I strive to serve God and my church family to the best of my ability.” Keck is a cradle-born Episcopalian. “I was baptized as a baby in 1948. I grew up in the church and love being there. My mother, Janet Myers, was the choir director at both Bristol and Elkhart at different times in her life. So, I sang in the choir at both churches, also in concerts for Easter and Christmas services.” Her family has a history at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol. ”My mother painted a picture of the little church with her mother’s footprints in the snow.‘Gramma’ would go early on Sunday
mornings and stoke the old coal furnace, so that when church started it would be warm for the parishioners. Mom painted that particular picture and those footprints in memory of her mother, Marion Hall. Gramma was also in charge of the Altar Guild, which is a duty I have also enjoyed for many years.” Keck wasn’t always a dedicated church attender. “I strayed for a while, and a good friend of mine, Sharon Piecherowski, asked me if I would take her to our Good Friday service. I happily said, ‘Yes. I need to go too.’ Sharon then wanted to be confirmed in our church. I hesitated, but realized God was calling me back into the fold. Sharon got confirmed and I was reaffirmed. I’ve been happily attending church ever since. “My grandmother suffered an accident in downtown Bristol and broke a hip. She ended up having surgery and needed 24-hour care in her home. My mom and her sister, Mary, were busy with ‘The Tea Room’ business in Elkhart, and their sister, Muriel, lived in Colorado. So, I was awarded the
Goshen Retreat Women’s Health Center welcomes nurse practitioner Nurse Practitioner Sheila Fleming, APRN, now welcomes new patients at Goshen Retreat Women’s Health Center. She focuses primarily on coordinating services for women at high risk for breast cancer, including screenings, risk assessments and diagnostic tests. Fleming brings more than four decades of nursing experience to the Retreat. She is specially trained as a first assistant in surgical specialties, including robotic-assisted surgeries and minimally invasive procedures. “Advanced practice nurse practitioners like Sheila offer a wealth of knowledge and experience that women at risk for breast cancer appreciate,” said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health president and chief executive officer. “Sheila’s
guardianship of Gramma.” While looking for 24-hour care for her, Keck noticed how important Hall’s church in Bristol was to her. “Although her mind was slipping, especially after breaking the other hip when she settled back in at home, we still prayed together. I noticed she didn’t forget the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ or the prayers she memorized on the inside cover of the ‘Forward Day by Day’ book. I was amazed at her dedication. This woman inspired my continual love for our church.” Keck was diagnosed with fourth stage colon cancer in October 2021. “I do chemotherapy every three weeks. I’m on my 65th treatment. God has blessed me. I firmly believe that the prayers going up to God from my relatives, friends and church family are what’s keeping me alive!” She married Gary Keck in 1991. “I love the fact that my Gary has no issues with the amount of time I spend at St. John’s. It’s my happy place.” The Kecks have two grown sons and five grandchildren. “Spending time with family means everything to us.” She concluded, “Thank you, Jesus, for all our blessings!”
LIFE ON THE LAKE — Cindy Keck, Bristol, loves her home on the lake. She’s a lay Eucharistic minister at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol. Photo by Laurie Lechlitner.
SHEILA FLEMING focus on wellness and healthy living aligns with our approach to care.” Fleming earned a master of science in nursing from Ball State University in Muncie. She holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana University South Bend.
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INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH 1151 South Michigan Street | South Bend, Indiana 46601 | (574) 233-8205 | www.realservices.org
Healthcare billing and coding is complicated, which can lead to errors. It is estimated that up to 80% of medical bills have an error. The responsible Medicare beneficiary reviews bills carefully and compares the bills to their Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. Let’s walk through the steps of how to review a hospital invoice and how to compare it to a Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. The first bill you receive may have all the charges lumped together in a “Summary Bill” with a “Total Due” at the bottom. This initial statement might not factor insurance coverage in. If insurance hasn’t paid yet, check with your insurance company before paying the bill. You may receive additional billing statements from physicians, surgeons, and specialists like anesthesiologist, radiologists, and pathologists who aren’t hospital employees.
company’s negotiated rate. Confirm you were given the plan discount. Next look for “Insurance Payment” or “Plan Payment” to see the portion your insurance company has paid. Note the charge, what insurance paid, and what you owe. Check the math! Finally, compare the bill to your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (called an EOB). Ensure each service, date, and code on the MSN or EOB match the bills from medical providers. Medicare beneficiaries are mailed quarterly statements showing all services and supplies that were billed to Medicare in their name in the past three months. This is called a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) if you have traditional Medicare. It is called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Supplement/Medigap Plan. MSNs and EOBs list dates of claims processed, deductible status, claims and costs, facilities with claims during the period, the service provided, its billing code, whether the service was approved, the fee, the Medicare-approved amount, the amount Medicare or your insurance company paid, and the maximum you may be billed by providers. Appeal information is also provided.
Call the hospital’s Billing Office and request an itemized invoice. Check the itemized invoice carefully for common errors. Verify your legal name, address, date of birth, service dates, and health insurance information is correct. An insurance claim could get denied if any of this information is inaccurate. Next review the charges. Confirm you received each service or One MSN is mailed for Medicare Part A (hospital equipment listed. Sometimes there can be a services) and another for Medicare Part B charge for a treatment, medication, or procedure (medical services). Medicare beneficiaries may that wasn’t received if it was scheduled, then opt to receive MSNs electronically; this request canceled. Check the quantities and make sure can be made on medicare.gov. Beneficiaries can there are not any duplicated charges. Look for always review claims information each month on the room fee. Does it list the correct number of medicare.gov. days? And is the bill accurate that your room was shared or private? If a charge looks unreasonable, Comparing actual medical bills to the Medicare call the Billing Department and request more Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits detail. identifies errors and even fraud. If you find errors, You should receive an adjusted invoice once the claim has been processed by Medicare/your Advantage Plan/your Supplemental insurance company. Review this invoice for “Adjustments” or a “Plan Discount” that shows the difference between the full fee charged and your insurance
work with the provider’s Billing Department. If you identify potential Medicare abuse or fraud, call Senior Medicare Patrol in Indianapolis at 1-800-986-3505.
volunteers to educate Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and professional providers on how to prevent, detect, and report healthcare error, abuse, and fraud. Medicare abuse and fraud costs taxpayers between $60 billion to $90 billion per year!! Medicare abuse and fraud takes advantage of older adults and people with disabilities. It also threatens the integrity of the Medicare Trust Fund. This affects us all as tax payers and beneficiaries. For the next 19 years, roughly 10,000 people are turning age 65 each day! All Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for identifying and reporting concerns to Senior Medicare Patrol. Senior Medicare Patrol reviews the situation, investigates the issue, and determines if there is an error, or abuse or fraud. A final note: It is recommend you keep Medicare Summary Notices and Explanations of Benefits until you pay each of the providers. If claiming a medical expense deduction on income taxes, retain these notices for at least 3 years for audit purposes. Shred notices when disposing so identity thieves cannot steal your personal information. If you identify a concern on your medical bill, Explanation of Benefits, or Medicare Summary Notice, work with your provider’s billing department. If you suspect abuse or fraud, contact Indiana Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-986-3505. Julie Olson-Tobias, Director Aging & Disability Resources Center REAL Services, Inc.
We are here to help. Call (574) 233-8205
Senior Medicare Patrol is a federally funded program that relies on community partners and
There is an on-going need for REAL volunteers. Would you like to give an hour of your time for your neighbors in need? Join us in 2024! Call: (574) 284-7138 E-mail: voluteer@realservices.org
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REAL Services, believing in the dignity of all people, will provide services without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation or belief, familial status or status as a veteran.
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INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH
If you are like most people, you feel cold every now and then during the winter. What you may not know is that just being really cold can make you very sick. Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young. Changes in your body that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what's happening. Doctors call this serious problem hypothermia.
Join us for either of these 8-week fall prevention sessions. Developed by Boston University as a way to help people prevent falls. Sessions include:
What Is Hypothermia? Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse. Being outside in the cold, or even being in a very cold house, can lead to hypothermia. Try to stay away from cold places, and pay attention to how cold it is where you are. You can take steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia. Source: nih.gov
Elkhart County Bristol: United Methodist Church 2021 Division St. Loretta, (574) 848-7182 Elkhart: Funtimers, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 405 W. Beardsley Mary (574) 320-5863 Riverside Terrace, 181 N Elkhart Ave, Delbert (574) 320-5995 Stratford Commons, 2601 Oakland Ave. Connie (574) 320-5996 Goshen: Greencroft, 1801 Greencroft Blvd, Tonda 574) 971-6016
Facts about falls
Evaluation Concerns about falling
Exercise & fall prevention
Improving balance
Recognizing fall hazards
Call: (574) 284-7132 if you have questions, or to register. February 21 - April 10, 2024 Wednesdays, 10:30am - 12pm 108 N. Harrison St. Silver Lake, IN 46982
Maple Leaf Commons 2926 Elkhart Rd., Goshen, (574) 238-8760 Kosciusko County
February 21 - April 10, 2024 Wednesdays, 1-3pm Warsaw Community Public Library Warsaw, IN 46580
Syracuse: Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Dr, Carolyn (574) 457-2631
Mentone: Community Room, 201 Main St, Linda (574) 353-7555
Warsaw: Retired Tigers, 320 W Main St, Cathy (574) 267-0037
North Webster: Community Center 301 N Main Suite D, Merita (574) 834-1193
Warsaw SAC, 800 N Park Ave,
Pierceton: 205 N First St, Tammy Jefferson (574) 526-1060
Marshall County
Silver Lake: Lions’ Building, SR 14E Jenny Hoagland (260) 450-2416
Nancy Zinz (574) 267-0026
Bourbon: Senior Center on North Harris, Jan (574) 342-7031 Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments 500 S Montgomery St Gary (574) 993-2944 Plymouth: Garden Court West 400 W. Washington St Linda (574) 935-0047
Argos: B & R Community Bldg 152 S Michigan St Becky (574) 892-9669
This program is funded in part by Indiana Family & Social Services Administration, Division of Aging, under the federal Older Americans Act and Older Hoosiers Act, as well as local grants and donations.
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The Lincoln Highway —
Courthouses on the Lincoln Highway BY JEFF BLAIR President Indiana Lincoln Highway Association Editor’s note: This is part two of a regular column written by Jeff Blair, president of the Indiana Lincoln Highway Association. Part one can be found in last month’s edition of Senior Life. A fun trip along the Lincoln Highway might be to visit the fabulous courthouses along our route(s). Remember we recognize two routes; the one originally named in 1913 and the one after some shortening over the following 10-15 years. Check out our website, indianalincolnhighway.org, for some great pictures of each. All were constructed in the 1860s to the early 1900s, standing the test of time. Many use
the famous Indiana limestone, but you will also see sandstone buildings, brick, even Terra Cotta along the way. Some of them have fascinating woodwork and artwork inside the building as well to complement the external architecture, so perhaps call ahead to be sure you can enter and look around. Many have great monuments and vehicles in their courtyards honoring war heroes, too. Here is a thumbnail on all 11 of the courthouses to help you plan your travel Fort Wayne (Allen County) Located at 715 S. Calhoun St., just two blocks off the Lincoln Highway, is this beautiful Beaux Arts style courthouse. Brentwood Tolan was the architect (you will see his name again as he was busy doing courthouses and other buildings in this era). It was
If you you make make less less than than $1,9 $2,268 per 50 per If month (single) (single) and or $3,080 month month are on per Medicare, (married) and are on Medicare, then then you might qualify for assistance you might qualify drugs for assistance with with prescription and expensprescription drugs and expenses for es for your medical care. your medical care. Extra your Extra help help to to pay pay for for your prescription prescription drug drug plan. plan. Medicare to Medicare Saving Saving Program Program to help pay for your Part A and B deductibles deductibles and and co-pays. co-pays. For help call Council on Aging of Elkhart County, Inc. (574) 295-1820
ON THE ROUTE — The Elkhart County Courthouse, located in Goshen, is one of 11 courthouses built along the Lincoln Highway in Indiana between the 1860s and 1900s. Photo by John Deacon. completed in 1902 and has beautiful murals, portraits and sculptures in the rotunda. Columbia City (Whitley County) This courthouse is directly on the 1928 route of the Lincoln Highway at 101 W. Van Buren St. It too was designed by Tolan and completed in 1888 in the French Renaissance style. Albion (Noble County) The Noble County Courthouse is 8 miles off the original Lincoln Highway route and is the sixth one serving the area. The first was in Kimmell, which is on the LH route but now long gone. It is a Richardsonian Romanesque style structure built in 1857 at 101 N Orange St. Goshen (Elkhart County) This beautiful building is also directly on the original Lincoln Highway at 101 N. Main St. An 1860 portrait of Abraham Lincoln is in the courthouse and a statue of Neptune sits in the lawn, a gift of a grateful Greek confectioner in 1912. It was built in 1868 and added on in 1909 in the Renaissance Revival style.
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A fire in the 1930s damaged portions of the building and were updated at the time. Crown Point (Lake County) This beautiful Romanesque and Georgian architecture building was constructed in 1878 on South Main Street with towers added in 1907. It has been dubbed the “Grand Old Lady” over the years. It is located 5 miles south of the LH and worth a visit. Warsaw (Kosciusko County) Another one directly on the second alignment of the Lincoln Highway from the 1920s, at the corner of Center and Lake streets in the center of town. It is in the Victorian Eclectic style and sports a 162-foot tall tower. It was constructed in 1884 and also displays cannons and a tank in the yard to honor our service men and women. Plymouth (Marshall County) At 211 West Main St. on the LH stands the Italianate and Renaissance Revival Marshall County courthouse. It was completed in 1872.
Paranoia pays at the ATM By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
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South Bend (St. Joseph County) South Bend actually has two courthouses — the “old” built in 1860 at the corner of Lafayette and Washington streets and the “new” Classical Revival style building from 1897 at 200 W. Washington St. Both are on the original LH route through town. The rotunda, historic murals and dome are spectacular and a Civil War Memorial in the courtyard is noteworthy. La Porte (La Porte County) In the center of La Porte, along the LH at 813 Lincolnway, is their beautiful sandstone courthouse also designed by Tolan. It was completed in i892 in the Renaissance Romanesque style and has interesting stained glass windows and gargoyles on the exterior. A LH kiosk is just behind the courthouse near the train depot telling the Lincoln Highway story Valparaiso (Porter County) The courthouse here is also on the LH at 16 E. Lincolnway. It was built in 1883 of Indiana limestone in the Second Empire and Neoclassical style.
In this new world where computerized chips in your car, credit cards, phone and other paraphernalia tell us where you are, getting robbed without your knowledge while picking up some cash at a computerized automated teller machine can be disastrous. This is even more widespread now that more retailers are replacing human cashiers with self-checkout machines. You have to assume someone somewhere is looking over your shoulder all the time. First of all, the ATM itself can be tampered with by what
are known as skimmers, that can steal the information from your credit card as soon as your insert, slide or tap your card. To begin with, don’t get rushed when at you’re at any of these machines. If there’s a line behind you, let them wait while you check to see if the machine looks like it’s been tampered with. Of anything looks different — different colors or materials, or letters or figures misaligned or scratched, or if the surface is damaged or taped in any way — don’t use it. If there is a row of them, check your machine with others and, if yours and another differ in any way, don’t use any of them. If the keyboard
feels different, isn’t attached securely or there are some loose parts, walk away. Even if the machine seems fine, you can still become a skimming victim. Indoor ATMs in busy locations generally are safer to use than outdoor ones since crooks can access outdoor machines unseen. Your personal identity number is the key to your financial castle, so protect it. Always assume someone is watching when you enter your PIN, whether with a hidden camera or looking over your shoulder, and cover your hand as you enter your PIN. This is one area in which it pays to be paranoid. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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Three for the win By Cat Wilson The holidays threw me completely off track as Christmas and New Year was upon us. With all good intentions, I baked kieflies, dark chocolate chip cookies, and lots of date nut & banana bread. Giving them away was a pleasure, but then I started keeping ‘just a few’ for home. That was a slippery slope that led to date nut bread for breakfast each day and chocolate chip
tating leaving only 15 minutes of scrolling endlessly through Facebook? What if you extended this structure with a hard NO on some food items such as desserts, burgers, pizza and ultraprocessed foods? And, what’s with the fancy macaroni & cheese offers now? It already has no nutritional value and now they’ve added pulled pork, or lobster to it and made it an entrée? Add that to the hard NO list. What if your new structure was focusing on foods with no label? Fruit, vegetables, raw nuts & seeds, beans, greens and mushrooms? Make soup and have it available every day. Make one meal a salad every day. I know that’s hard in the winter, but if it becomes your structure, it becomes natural in your day, and I swear, you crave what
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“Gloria” is a 64-year-old legislative advocacy worker who deals with both a major mental and medical condition. She has long-term clinical depression, neurological problems and, on top of that, partial kidney failure. And she is not alone. “Multiple conditions are not rare and they become even more common as people get older,” said Dr. Dennis Freeman, chief executive officer of Cherokee Health Systems in Tennessee. Dr. Wayne Katon, vicechairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral science at the University of Washington School of Medicine, concurs. “25% of people in a primarycare practice have a psychiatric illness,” he said. And, “Kids with asthma are more likely to have every kind of anxiety and depressive disorder,” said Katon. For many people, physical conditions can contribute to problems with their mental health, problems that often are ignored and untreated. But your emotional health and physical health affect each other. When recovering from a heart attack, for instance, it’s natural to be focused on your physical recovery rather than your state of mind, but the two are intertwined.
A heart attack produces large amounts of cortisol that precipitates depression. At least 20% of people with heart attacks have severe depression, and these people are three times more likely to die if the depression is not dealt with promptly. People who have mental problems often have other health problems and they come together in legion. Drugs that help your mind can harm your body. In a healthcare catch-22, the same drugs that help people manage bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression can have serious physical side effects. For example, some antipsychotic drugs cause weight gain and some drugs that combat depression may contribute to diabetes. So you may be developing life-threatening illnesses from appropriate treatment of your mental illness. The dilemma works both ways. Sometimes treatments prescribed for medical care end up causing mental-health problems. For instance, people who have been prescribed powerful pain medicine can become addicted. If you are ever prescribed antidepressants, or given medication to help you sleep, doses often need to be finetuned and you might have to try several drugs to find one that works for you, according to experts. Talk to your primary care physician about
your own life. Cheers to your health. Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers.com.
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desire a thinner soup) 3 tablespoons water to water sauté Instructions 1. Water sauté chopped veggies on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes 2. Add chopped garlic, herbs, and kale and simmer for 3-5 more minutes 3. pour in lentils and vegetable stock 4. simmer for 25 minutes or more until lentils are tender
Physical and mental health intertwine By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features
you normally eat and you may not believe it, but you will crave soup and salad instead of processed foods. If you want to win in 2024 and live your best life, a bit of structure is needed. The real win is having control over
other medicines that might be used. Fear of the stigma of mental illness may keep patients from speaking up because they are reluctant to tell their primary-care doctors about their psychiatric medicines. Recalls Gloria: “As a teenager I had aches and pains and my parents took me to the Mayo Clinic. They wanted me to see a psychiatrist. My father said fine, as long as they could come with me. The psychiatrist asked, ‘Are you depressed?’ Dad answered, ‘No, she’s not.’” Meanwhile, physical conditions arose that could not be brushed aside. It was only years later, when she had an emotional collapse on the job that Gloria began treatment for depression. Your health care is usually scattered across different settings. Dangerous drug interactions are possible when no single health professional has a handle on all the medications you take. You could receive heart pills from one doctor and an antidepressant from another doctor without either being aware of what the other prescribes. At least one single person or entity needs to know all the medications you take and all the diagnoses you have. This can be your primary care physician, your mental-health practitioner, your pharmacist, or all three. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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cookies at night. I tried, I failed, but I’m back, baby! Paul Hilse, a YouTuber, grabbed my attention when he talked about needing three daily wins. 1. Physical win; walking, lifting, swimming, or stretching 2. Mental Win; reading, writing, creating, or learning 3. Spiritual Win; praying, meditating, studying or growing Daily, not occasionally. I was talking to a recent retiree, who commented that — while it’s only been four days, I haven’t done anything on the list yet. Coupling these things together made me think that while everyone will agree that kids need structure in their lives, perhaps seniors do as well. What if your first hour was filled with 15 minutes each of reading, stretching and medi-
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50 Years Ago Blast To The Past —
‘The Way We Were’ Barbra Streisand Marvin Hamlisch, who was responsible for writing the music to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” used to utter A Boomer Blast To The Past an unusual By RANDAL prayer. StartC. HILL ing in 1964, when he was 20 years of age, he would privately plead, “Please, God, let Barbra Streisand sing one of my songs.” A piano-playing prodigy from age 5, Hamlisch graduated from New York’s Queens College in 1967. The first job he landed soon afterward was as a rehearsal pianist for “Funny Girl,” with — of all people—Barbra Streisand. One day years later, Hamlisch got a phone call from a friend about possibly writing a song for a film that would star Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand. Thrilled by the possibility of his prayer actually paying off, Hamlisch resolved to capture the movie script in a single song. “I wanted to reflect all of the sorrow and despondency and pain of their relationship, the star-crossed nature of it,” he explained later. But knowing that his tune would be custom-created for
Streisand gave Marvin pause. “No matter what I was doing, I could hear Barbra’s voice in my head and recall how wonderful she sounds when she holds certain notes. I wanted to let her soar. I was determined not to write something drippingly sentimental.” Hamlisch eventually came up with what was, to him, a perfect composition: “I’d been trying minor key melodies but thought they might have told you too much in advance that Streisand and Redford were never going to get together. So, I wrote a major key melody that was sad but also had a great deal of hope in it.” Enter the lyric-writing couple Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who a few years earlier had garnered an Academy Award for penning the words to “The Windmills of Your Mind” from the film “The Thomas Crown Affair.” As a fitting complement to Hamlisch’s work, the duo created poignant word images that succinctly captured the essence of the RedfordStreisand tale: “Memories light the corners of my mind “Misty watercolor memories of the way we were “Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind “Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were” Hamlisch and the Bergmans performed the song for Barbra at her home. Although she was reluctant at first — she initially proclaimed it too sentimental —
Streisand finally agreed to record what would become the Academy Award-winning classic for Columbia Records. But all of Hamlisch’s hard work almost didn’t matter, as Streisand’s song was omitted from the original film version of the “The Way We Were.” The determined Hamlisch, however, convinced Columbia’s studio moguls to hold two test screenings. The first audience sat unmoved by the final scene (with no song), where Streisand and Redford realize they have no future together. The next screening included Barbra’s tune. Hamlisch recalled, “I heard a woman start to cry. And then another. And within minutes, there wasn’t a dry eye left. I knew I was right.” One assumes that Marvin Hamlisch probably soon became a proponent for prayer.
WRITER FOR ‘THE WAY WE WERE’ — Marvin Hamlish was responsible for writing the music to Barbra Steisand’s “The Way We Were.” In 1964, at the age of 20, he would pray to let Streisand sing one of his songs which came true years later. Photo from Marvin Hamlish’s official website.
Rx for doctor to follow your wishes By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Feature Years before they died, Russell and Dorothy George sat down with Dr. Laura Saelinger-Shafer of Chicago’s Loyola University Health System to prepare their living wills. A living will defines a person’s wishes regarding the process of dying if he or she becomes terminally ill and is unable to communicate. After Russell was diagnosed
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with advanced pancreatic cancer, he died at his La Grange Park home at age 84. “He slipped away peacefully,” said his daughter, Meredith Onion. The following year, Dorothy became terminally ill due to complications from heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Like her husband, she was in Loyola’s hospice program and died at home, without being hooked up to tubes and machines. “It was as peaceful and dignified as it could be,” Onion said. Onion said that, because her parents had prepared advance directives, “I was never put in a position of having to guess what they would have wanted.” Saelinger-Shafer said it can be difficult for people to talk about such issues, especially when they are still healthy. “But healthcare decisions are easier to make ahead of time, when it’s not a crisis situation.” She added that patients should make sure to take their advance directives to their doctors. “If the forms sit in a drawer, and no one knows about them, then we can’t
know a patient’s wishes.” There are several types of advance directives. The types include: • Healthcare power of attorney, which designates whom you would like to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. It also states whether, for example, you would like to be an organ donor or have life-sustaining treatments. • Living will, which takes effect if you become terminally ill. It determines whether or not you want any procedures done if they would only prolong the dying process. • Do-not-resuscitate order, which states you do not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation if your heart stops and you stop breathing. Measures to promote patient comfort and dignity will be provided. • Mental health treatment preference declaration, which states whether you would want to receive electroconvulsive treatment or psychotropic medicine if you have a mental illness. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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Chautauqua looking for best year ever By MARK KNECHT President Chautauqua-Wawasee Chautauqua’s 2024 programs look to be our best year ever! All the favorite annual programs are returning, plus five new programs focused on family fun and variety are being added. The intent is to balance programs across the four Chautauqua pillars: arts, education, faith and recreation. Here is a snapshot: The season begins March 1 with the return of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. This program is always popular, and since it will be the glee club’s only performance in this region in 2024, we expect a big turnout at Wawasee High School. Chautauqua’s 2024 Program Calendar brochure has a picture of a basketball. Why? Because May 7 marks the return of Shanna Zolman, a Syracuse, Wawasee High School and Indiana basketball legend. Zolman’s career continued at Tennessee and then the WNBA. She will discuss her career and journey of faith. Another basketball program is planned for July as the first of an annual series that will feature famous Hoosiers, starting with John
Wooden who played at Purdue and coached at South Bend Central High School. Doesn’t everyone love a dog parade? We think so … we’re calling it “Pawasee.” The theme and prizes will be announced in May, so watch for that. If you missed Ann Garceau’s Lake Wawasee historic tour aboard the S.S. Lillypad in 2023, mark your calendar for May 16. The Wawasee Fine Arts Festival returns for the 10th year at Oakwood on May 25. This year’s festival will add a Plein Air Paint Out, followed by another new program for artists, Introduction to Plein Air workshop. Memorial Day Sunday will provide the annual Taps Across the Water as tribute to veterans and those who’ve sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom. A jet flyover of Papakeechie, Wawasee and Syracuse lakes will precede the taps tribute. To celebrate Independence Day, reenactor Barry Stevens will present “Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words” at Wawasee High School on June 30. Later the same day, the annual Fort Wayne Patriotic Pops concert performs on the lawn of the Oakwood Resort Inn.
Also in July is the second year of a multi-year program titled “Walk Down Memory Lane.” The goal of this program is to capture local Syracuse and Wawasee history from vintage home movies and oral histories. Last year’s program about regional Miami Native Americans was so popular that requests for a follow-on program poured in. So, Dani Tippman will present more “Stories of Myaamiaki People” at the WACF Pavilion on Sept. 7. Then, the following week will continue the popular Digging Through History threeday series with a return of Trevor Tipton and Notre Dame archaeology professor Dr. Mark Schurr. The 2024 season ends with the annual community favorite Old Fashioned Christmas in Oakwood on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The majority of Chautauqua programs are offered at no cost to attend. Learn more and stay in touch with Chautauqua at chqw.org or Chautauqua-Wawasee on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for the e-newsletter by sending a request to info@chautauquawawasee.org.
Exercise a good bet to prevent falls By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features Most people know exercise can keep off unwanted pounds while increasing strength, flexibility and balance. But exercise offers another major advantage, especially for older adults. It can help prevent falls, according to a British health-care review of more than 100 studies. A variety of other measures, from pacemakers to vitamin D supplements, might be useful in preventing certain individuals from falling, but exercise appears to be the most widely effective strategy for reducing both the risk of falling and the overall number of falls among older people. “It may not be possible to prevent falls completely, but people who tend to fall frequently may be enabled to fall less often,” said Lesley Gillespie, an orthopedic trauma specialist at the University of Otago in New Zealand and lead author of the review. Each year, an estimated 30% of people above the age 65 who do not live in assistedcare facilities experience a fall. Among the reasons are poor balance, diminished eyesight, dementia, and the side effects of medications. One in five of these falls could require medical attention but, even without causing serious injury, falling can
make individuals fearful of leaving their homes or participating in activities. “Falling puts a strain on the family and is an independent predictor of admission to a nursing home,” Gillespie said. Gillespie and colleagues examined 111 studies of fallingprevention measures that included more than 55,000 people from 15 countries. The studies suggest that groupexercise programs, tai chi, and home-exercise programs all reduce the risk and rate of falls. Effective exercise programs for reducing falls focus on balance, strength and flexibility. However, older adults should check with their primary care physician before beginning an exercise, especially if they have significant weakness, balance issues, or dizziness. Other preventive measures might only be effective for small, targeted groups. For instance, taking vitamin D supplements probably does not reduce falls, except in people who have a low level of vitamin D in their blood. Similarly, cataract surgery and insertion of a pacemaker can help people with poor eyesight or certain bloodpressure conditions to fall less often. Anti-slip devices worn on shoes during icy conditions and reviewing medications regularly are also effective in
reducing falls. In some cases, gradually reducing the dosage of sleep aids and depression medicines can reduce the number of falls experienced by an individual, researchers found. Behavioral changes can also make a difference. An older adult should probably reconsider climbing up a ladder to clean gutters or using a chair to change a light bulb or reach high shelves.
2024 BROCHURE — Chautauqua-Wawasee has unveiled its 2024 program calendar program. Photo provided.
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Home Instead now accepts Medicaid waiver, enhancing access to quality home care In a significant move toward expanding accessibility to quality home care services, Home Instead, a renowned provider in the industry, is pleased to announce it is now accepting Medicaid waiver. This development marks a crucial step in ensuring that individuals and families with diverse financial backgrounds can access the compassionate and personalized care that Home Instead is known for. Medicaid waiver programs play a crucial role in assisting individuals, who require long-term care, to receive services in their homes and communities rather than in institutional settings. With Home Instead’s decision to accept Medicaid waiver, more families can benefit from their experienced caregivers, tailored care plans, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and those in need of assistance. Home Instead has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional inhome care services, including companionship, personal care, and assistance with daily
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See the world from a living room window By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features “Why don’t you trade houses for vacations,” a colleague suggested at our regular weekly brunch gathering. After a brief look at the bane and benefits of swapping homes with someone in the region we’d like to visit with someone who’d like to spend some time in our area, the conversation segued toward house sitting. Why not see the world from the living room window of a house, or apartment, of folks who want to travel but worry about leaving their home and valuables and pets unattended? Seniors with time to spare can learn the rudiments right around their neighborhood. Post notices on a few nearby supermarket bulletin boards, and perhaps an online note with Craig’s List, that you’re
available to house sit for a fee. You may not have to move into the home. Just make sure you take in the mail, water the plants, feed the cat, see to it that electrically-time lighting works on schedule, and check to make sure there are no water leaks, signs of breakins or attempted break-ins. You and the homeowner can negotiate how many hours a day or week you will devote to these chores and set a price. Not only will this expand your experience and expertise in house sitting, it’ll also provide you with a list of references for prospective clients. If you start out without a reference pool, you can offer character references provided by neighbors, your clergyman or former employer. You’ll have to decide what limits you wish to put in place. Do you want to include caring for pets in your
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service? Will you do the house cleaning or do you want the homeowner to pay for a cleaning person? Then you can search online for people who’d like someone to babysit a mansion by the Mediterranean, cottage in Canberra, bungalow in Bologna, or cabin in Canada. You can begin by typing “house sitting” in your favorite online search engine. One website, housecarers.com, charges an annual membership fee of $50 for information leading to assignments worldwide that allow you to “live rent free” as a house sitter. There’ll be time between chores — keep in mind that you have to care for the residence and the resident’s property as you would your own — to immerse yourself in local living. And there’s no problem these days keeping in touch via cell phone and computer. This is similar to house swapping, only in this case you don’t have to worry about strangers living in your house. If the to-do list is extensive — draining and maintaining a swimming pool, trimming shrubs and mowing grass, notifying the homeowner of any “important’ mail, for example — you might add a charge for these services. That’ll help pay for your vacation. It might even allow you to tack on some additional days to be completely on your own. As in any contract, write down in detail the services you will provide, how long you will provide them, and what you will be paid for those services. Also write down the length of time you will be permitted to be away from the premises. Write down how utility bills will be paid while you’re living in the house, and who will pay them. You also should check on your medical and liability insurance coverage while you’re house sitting, especially in a foreign country. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE INSURANCE ASSISTANCE HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY GREENLEAF LIVING CENTER 1201 E. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 206-0086 www.greenleafhs.com
NORACARE 1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992 info@noracare.us www.noracare.us
Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.
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SENIOR OUTPATIENT SERVICES 1220 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 333-9747 kate@senioropservices.net
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20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ February 2024
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Shop around for financial advisor By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Choosing a financial advisor is a major life decision. It can determine your financial trajectory for years to come. A Northwestern Mutual study revealed that more than 60% of U.S. adults admit their financial planning needs improvement. However, only one third of Americans work with a financial advisor. While advisors are legally prohibited from promising returns, research suggests that people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with about 15% more money when they reach retirement. A 2019 Vanguard study indicated that a hypothetical $500,000 investment would grow to more than $3.4 million over 25 years under the care of an advisor, whereas the expected value from self-management would be
$1.69 million — or 50% less. An advisor-managed portfolio would average an 8% annualized growth over a 25-year period, compared with 5% from a self-managed portfolio. In other words, hiring an advisor could double your return. The value of professional investment advice varies with each client’s circumstances and portfolio composition. In your search for a financial consultant, consider your investment objectives, risk factors, and perform your own due diligence. Then match this up with three fiduciary financial advisors and choose the one you feel is best for you A good advisor can give you great peace of mind, but avoiding some of the following blunders could save you years of stress. Hiring an advisor who is not a fiduciary, which is an individual or firm ethically bound to act in another person’s best
interest. Fiduciary financial advisors must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts of interest to clients. Hiring an advisor who is not a fiduciary means they could recommend decisions that may not be in your best interest. Another pitfall is hiring the first advisor you meet. While it’s tempting to hire the advisor closest to home or the first advisor in the yellow pages, take the time to interview a few advisors before picking the best match for you. A widespread mistake is choosing an advisor with
the wrong speciality. Some financial advisors specialize in retirement planning, while others may be most helpful for business owners or those with a high net worth. Some may specialize in helping young professionals starting a family. Be sure to understand an advisor’s strengths and weaknesses before signing the dotted line. Avoid an advisor with an incompatible strategy. This gets tricky because each advisor has a unique strategy. Some advisors may suggest aggressive investments, while others are more conservative. If you prefer to go all in on stocks, an
advisor specialized in bonds is not a great match for your style. To give investment advice, financial advisors are required to pass a test, so ask to see their licenses, tests, and credentials. Some become a Certified Financial Planner. Find out how they will be paid for their service to you. Some advisors are “fee only” and charge you a flat rate no matter what. Others charge a percentage of your assets under management. Avoid advisors who are paid commissions by mutual funds, which is a serious conflict of interest. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Procrastinating unhealthy for long-term care By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Planning for long-term health care starts about 10 years too late for most Americans, according to a study by
the International Association of Financial Planning. The survey revealed that 94% of the respondents were not financially prepared to deal with long-term care. Of the 250 financial advisers
surveyed, most said the ideal time for individuals to begin planning for long-term health care is in their 50s. The truth is that most people don’t begin planning until they’re in their 60s. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide
Brentwood at Elkhart Assisted Living
Greenleaf Health Campus
3109 E. Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 266-4508 https://brentwoodatelkhartassistedliving.com
1201 East Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 206-0086 • www.GreenleafHS.com
Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Pharmacy On Premises, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Licensed Assisted Living, Physical & Occupational Therapy On-Site, Nurses 24 Hours Per Day, Private Apartments, Respite Care, Activities, Studio/1 BR/2 BR Apaartments, Pet Friendly.
East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
1900 Jeanwood Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 264-1133 • www.ASCSeniorcare.com/eas
Hellenic Senior Living
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Elkhart Meadows Auguste’s Cottage Memory Care Facility
2528 Bypass Road, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 389-1776 https://elkhart.ahepaseniorliving.org/
Licensed Assisted Living, Medicaid Waiver Accepted, 24 Hour Medical Care, Restaurant Style Dining, Therapy, Private Apartments, Daily Activities, Pet Friendly. Stop In To Tour Today!
Hubbard Hill Retirement Community
2600 Morehouse Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517 • (574) 295-8800 www.ASCSeniorcare.com/elkhart-rehabilitation-center/
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Greencroft — Goshen
1225 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen, IN 46527-0819 (574) 537-4000 • www.greencroft.org Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
28070 CR 24 ., Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-6260 • www.hubbardhill.org
Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill
Living at NoraCare
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www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Contact Victoria Biddle For More Details! 574-658-4111 ext. 2319 • vbiddle@the-papers.com
February 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 21
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Edison opened tomorrow yesterday By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features “I didn’t fail 1,000 times,” Thomas Alva Edison reportedly said. “The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” Eventually, someone would have thrown an electric light onto the world for the benefit of mankind, but he did it first. Known as “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” Edison changed the world with the light bulb, motion picture camera, sound recordings, electric car batteries and more than 1,000 other inventions. It is impossible to spend a day not using something he invented, designed or developed. Each time you turn on a light, watch a movie, take a photo, play recorded music, make a telephone call, or slip some batteries into a flashlight, Edison had a role in inventing or developing it. Thomas Alva Edison, born Feb. 11, 1847, has been described as the world’s greatest inventor, influencing life around the world. He was one of the first to apply the principles of mass production and is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory. Edison and his close friend Henry Ford revolution-
ized the mass production of consumer goods. To power his incandescentlight-bulb system, Edison developed a method of delivering electricity to homes, businesses and factories that led to the development of the modern industrialized world. In 1878, he formed the Edison Electric Light Co. with the backing of several financiers, including J.P. Morgan and members of the Vanderbilt family. Edison made the first public demonstration of his electric lighting on Dec. 31, 1879, in Menlo Park, New Jersey. But, Edison’s first invention that gained him wide-public notice was the phonograph in 1877. Although he obtained a patent for the phonograph, he did little to develop it until fellow inventor Alexander Graham Bell produced a phonograph-like device that used wax-coated cardboard cylinders. Edison improved the microphone for telephones (at that time called a “transmitter”), which was put in use in 1890 and, ironically, was used in all telephones along with the Bell receiver up until the 1980s. It was during this time he said, “We will make electricity
so cheap that only the rich will burn candles.” In 1880, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Co.’s new steamship, the SS Columbia, was the first commercial application of Edison’s incandescent light bulb. After devising a commercially viable electric light bulb on Oct. 21, 1879, Edison developed an electric “utility” to compete with the existing gas light utilities. On Dec. 17, 1880, he founded the Edison Illuminating Co. and patented a system for electricity distribution. As Edison expanded his “direct current” power delivery system, he received stiff competition from companies using former Edison employee Nicola Tesla’s “alternating current” systems. From the early 1880s, AC arc-lighting systems for streets and large spaces had been an expanding business throughout the U.S. With the development of transformers in Europe and by George Westinghouse’s electric company in the U.S., in 1885-1886, it became possible to transmit AC over longer distances using thinner and cheaper wires, and “stepped down” the voltage at the receiving destination. This method allowed AC to be used in street lighting, small
businesses and domestic home customers. This created an even bigger market for Edison’s patented low-voltage DC incandescent lighting. Edison and Tesla became embroiled in what was called “The Current War” to establish the ultimate delivery. In medical development, Edison designed and produced the first commercially available fluoroscope, which used X-rays to make radiographs. The fundamental design of Edison’s fluoroscope continues in use today. Edison also was granted a patent for the motion picture camera, known as a “Kinetograph.” The matching “Kinetoscope” viewer was developed to be used in penny arcades, which was the origin of the movie industry. People could watch short films captured by the kinetograph camera. The kinetograph and kinetoscope were both first publicly exhibited May 20, 1891. Long before there were studios in Hollywood, Edison’s movie studios in New Jersey and New York made close to 1,200 films. The majority of those productions were short films showing movement of everything from acrobats to parades to fire calls,
THOMAS EDISON including titles such as Fred Ott’s Sneeze, 1894; The Kiss, 1896; The Great Train Robbery, 1903; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, 1910 and the first Frankenstein film in 1910. Ironically, despite his many inventions and consumer developments, Edison died near bankruptcy on Oct. 18, 1931, suffering from diabetic complications. He is buried at his New Jersey home. Rights to many of his inventions ended up with J.P. Morgan, who had financed many of Edison’s various business ventures. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide Majestic Care of Goshen
2400 W. College Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0351 www.MajesticCare.com/Location/Goshen
Goshen
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Mason Health Care
900 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580 (574) 371-2500 • www.masonhealthandrehab.com Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Riverside Village
1400 W. Franklin, Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 522-2020 • www.ASCSeniorcare.com/rsv
Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
The Laurels of Goshen
1640 Autumn Blaze Lane, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 312-8501 • www.LaurelsofGoshen.com
Beautiful Setting, Home-Like Environment, Family-Style Dining, Private Rooms, Activities, Long-Term, Short-Term, Occupational, Physical Therapy, Private Pay, Medicare, Medicaid Accepted.
The Waters of Wakarusa-Assisted Living Facility
303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918 admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com
Previously Miller’s Senior Living
Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.
Waterford Crossing (Healthcare)
1332 Waterford Crossing Circle, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 534-3920 • www.trilogyhs.com
A Trilogy Senior Living Community
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Pharmacy On Premises, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Waterford Crossing (Assisted Living)
1212 Waterford Circle, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 537-0300 • www.waterfordcrossingsl.com
Licensed Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Unit, Memory Support Unit On Campus, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Daily Activities A Trilogy Senior Living Community
Woodland Manor
343 S. Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 295-0096 • www.woodlandmanornursingandrehab.com Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Contact Victoria Biddle For More Details! 574-658-4111 ext. 2319 • vbiddle@the-papers.com
22 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ February 2024
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Travel
INTERPRETIVE CENTER —The Interpretive Center is next door to the original Levi Coffin House, which was known as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad. The displays do not sugarcoat the realities of slavery that included lashings and shackles.
Greencroft Community Center Tours
Upcoming Tours Feb. 9 – Menno-Hof, Shipshewana, IN Mar. 1 – Putnam Co. Spelling Bee, Elkhart Civic Theatre Apr. 24 – Mid-America Windmill Museum, Kendallville, IN May 8 – Holland Tulip Festival, Holland, MI May 24 – Michigan City Outlet Mall, Michigan City, IN June 1 – Hello Dolly, Round Barn Theatre, Nappanee, IN June 19 - Cook’s Bison Ranch, Wolcottville, IN For full information on any of these tours, or to make a reservation, please call 574-537-4090.
1820 Greencroft Blvd. Goshen, IN 46526 www.greencroft.org
SECRET COMPARTMENT — Slaves heading north were transported in the false bottom of the wagon owned by Levi Coffin. This display in the Interpretive Center shows how it was utilized. The original wagon can be seen in the barn behind the Coffin House.
Coffin Interpretive Center focuses on Underground Railroad Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, known in the mid1800s as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad, is GREAT the place to ESCAPES learn how Text and Photos Levi and By ROD KING Catherine Coffin helped freedom seekers
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escape slavery. The state has constructed a hands-on interpretive center next door to the original brick house, which symbolizes and celebrates the spirit and courage of the freedom seekers and the 19th century anti-slavery activists. More than 2,000 fugitive slaves (freedom seekers) came to the two-story, red-brick house in Newport (now Fountain City) on their way north. They were concealed, fed, clothed and transported to the next stop on what the Coffins referred to as the “mysterious road.” The Quaker couple came to Indiana in 1826 because they opposed slavery. He jokingly called himself the “President of the Underground Railroad.” The house is not only a state historic site, but is also a registered National Historic Landmark. Indiana purchased it in 1967, and some restoration was
WILLIAM BUSH’S SHOES — Wooden shoes worn by fugitive slave William Bush are displayed in the new center. The shoes, which were kept by Eileen Baker Wall’s great-aunt, were on display in the Coffin House.
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done by the Wayne County Historical Society. It was operated on a shoe-string budget by the Levi Coffin House Association. Sisters, Sandra Jackson and Janice McGuire, literally kept it going and saved it from becoming a gas station. Construction of the $3.8 million interpretive center started in 2015. Continued on page 23
ANSWERS:
February 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 23
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Coffin Interpretive Continued from page 22
Visitors will be seated in a simulated Quaker Friends Meeting House (church) for a 10-minute orientation film about the decisions made by freedom seekers and the Coffins. It provides an overview in preparation for touring the center and the Coffin House. Stories are told through dynamic exhibits prompting visitors to consider how they would respond if they found themselves in similar situations. One of the stories focuses on a pair of hand-carved wooden shoes which belonged to fugitive slave William Bush who, after reaching the Coffin’s, decided to stay in town. He became a blacksmith and helped other runaways. He won the town’s gratitude during an epidemic because he dared to bury the dead in nearby Willow Grove Cemetery. His marker is there and reads he assisted slaves fleeing bondage. His great-great-granddaughter, Eileen Baker Wall, grew up in Fountain City, taught school in Richmond, became an assistant high school principal, returned to the community and now volunteers at the house conducting tours. She relates how rare it was for a slave to settle in a community, how he assisted the Coffins and how her great-aunt preserved his wooden shoes. Presentation of the dark side of slavery is not sugar-coated. Shackles are displayed, photos show the results of lashings and the subject of profit and loss in slavery is thoroughly covered. King Cotton, blacks in the military, slave ships, the free labor store and the falsebottom wagon used by the Coffins to transport freedom seekers are highlighted. Maps show the three Underground Railroad routes taken by slaves entering Indiana from Kentucky. Not surprisingly, they all went near free black communities. Fountain City and the Coffin Interpretive Center is located right on U.S. 27 just seven miles south of Lynn. There’s no big sign, so look for the red brick house. Park behind the white Interpretive Center. Admission is adults, $10; seniors, $8; and children, $5. For more information, visit indianamuseum.org/historicsites/levi-catharine-coffinhouse.
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SPECIAL DELIVERY — Replica of a wooden box shows what lengths slaves took to escape. Henry “Box” Brown mailed himself to Philadelphia in a 4-by-4foot box. The trip took 27 hours by train, steamboat and wagon to reach his destination. ANTI-SLAVERY ACTIVISTS — Quakers Levi and Catherine Coffin came to Indiana from North Carolina because of their opposition to slavery. Their home in Newport (now Fountain City), which was built in 1883, was a sanctuary for “freedom seekers” for 20 years.
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24 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ February 2024
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Serene scenery found in Arizona Text and Photos By SANDY KATZ Mature Life Features
Some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet challenges your senses as you travel through Arizona. Majestic vistas pull you from lush cactus-studded deserts to lofty pine forests to breathtaking multi-hued canyons at every twist and turn of the highway between the state’s capital, Phoenix and the iconic Grand Canyon. Natural attractions are the features of six natural forests, 22 Native American reservations, 27 state parks and 26 national parks in what became a state in 1912 that grew famous for cattle, copper, cotton, citrus, and climate. On the 2 1/2 hour drive north to Flagstaff from downtown Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, the scenery segues smoothly from the giant saguaro cactus of the desert to Christmas pines as you climb to the 7,000-foot elevation amid canyons and shrub. Flagstaff grew up around a railroad depot and contains many historic buildings dating as far back as the 1800s. The 200-acre Arboretum at Flagstaff sits in Ponderosa pine forest and houses more than 2,500 regional plant species in natural settings and
formal gardens. The Museum of Northern Arizona tells the story of the region’s pioneers along with the geology and frontier life of northern Arizona. It also explores, interprets and preserves the artistic tradition, native culture and natural sciences of Hopi, Navajo, Pai, Zumi and prehistoric peoples of the Colorado Plateau, home to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Evidence of the lifestyle of Senaguan Indians that once populated the area is found at the Wupatki National Monument north of Flagstaff that contains the pueblo ruins of dwellings built by what are believed to be ancestors of the Hopi Indians. The Cameron Trading Post nearby was founded in 1916 and is one of the last authentic trading posts in the Southwest. It offers a mini taco of Navajo fry bread topped with a spicy combination of lean ground beef, mild chili, beans, cheese, lettuce and tomato. It’s a 3 1/2 hour drive to Page and the Lake Powell National Golf Course, which sits on a high mesa overlooking the Glen Canyon Dam and lake, and Vermillion Cliffs in Page. The 18-mile-long lake draws millions of visitors a year, many of whom tour Antelope Canyon, a monument made of petrified
WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT — The Wupatki National Monument, north of Flagstaff, AZ, houses evidence of Native American ancestors of Hopi Indians. sand dunes created by water, wind and time. Page sits amid spectacular steep-walled canyons and red rock mesas and is the gateway to numerous national, state and tribal parks, all within 15 minutes of the sparkling lake. A century after a one-armed Civil War hero named Powell set out in May, 1869, with a small band of men to chart the last frontier west of the Colorado, a group from Page established a museum to preserve and promote the memory of Major Powell’s achievements through exhibits that feature photographs, etchings, paintings, documents, and reconstructions. When you’re in this region, you
can’t pass up a helicopter hop over the Grand Canyon, which was designated as a national park by President Woodrow Wilson on Feb. 26, 1919. The park is a geologic museum of epic proportions that displays nearly half the earth’s 4.6 billionyear history. The rocks of the Grand Canyon tell of climatic changes that allowed numerous seas, sluggish rivers and dunefilled deserts to dominate the region. The chasm had its beginnings about 6 million years ago as the sediment-laden Colorado and its tributaries worked away at it and, with the aid of rain, ice and gravity, extending it to its present 10-mile average width.
From there, you can board the Grand Canyon Railway to Williams. The first passenger train arrived at the South Rim more than 100 years ago. You can still enjoy a soda from the fountain in the Route 66 Cruiser’s Café just outside this early 19th century Western town. Back in Phoenix, before catching your plane home, you can drop by the Heard Museum to learn more about Native American art, culture and heritage via the more than 3,500 displays of prehistoric and contemporary baskets, ceramics, jewelry, kachina dolls, examples of typical lodging, and audiovisual presentations. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
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