Senior Life - Elko Edition - January 2024

Free

Living Life After 50

January 2024 Yoder Steps Foot In 50 States See Page 6

Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs

Vol. 36, No. 11

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Service organizations —

Who, what, where and how TO JOIN

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

Joining a service organization is the perfect way to fill free time. There are plenty of different service organizations across the Elkhart and Kosciusko counties. With all the options the counties have to offer, how can you be sure you are joining the right organization for you?

Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus was founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity in 1882 by Father Continued on page 2

BELL RINGING — Rotary members, Andy McCaskey and Brian Smith, support the Salvation Army by working a bell ringing shift. Photo provided by Eric Garton.

DOG TREATS — Jack Cittadine, Julie Cotton, Tom Neat and John Hill participate in a service project of creating dog treats that will be donated to the Humane Society. Photo provided by Eric Garton.

TRASH PICKUP — Priscilla Brown and Julia Cotton participates in a service project by cleaning up CR 6 by picking up roadside trash. Photo provided by Eric Garton.

New Year’s Resolution #1: Leave a Good Family Legacy With Good Estate Planning

Discover How to Protect Your Assets and Provide For Your Loved Ones Through Trusts and Nursing Home Asset Protection Free Workshops: Reservations Required. Call Today To Reserve Your Seat!

Elder Law and Estate Planning

(574) 703-3322

Tuesday, January 2nd or Monday, January 8th • 6:00 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 902 E. University Drive, Granger, IN 46530 For Persons 65 or Older, Seating is Limited. Come Join Us!

Happy New Year From Rice & Rice Attorneys Advertising Material

1237 East University Drive, Granger, IN 46530 | www.riceandrice.com

FREE Book For January Clients

2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Key Positions

Luisa Davis stays young working with students

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer “I received my master’s degree in school counseling in 2012 at the age of 50,” stated Luisa Davis, the director of counseling at Warsaw Community High School. “It was a scary thing to start a new career when my previous jobs were in two areas that had nothing to do with working with young people. But I’m not sorry for the change. I love what I do. Working with kids keeps me young.”

Davis received her bachelor of recreational administration degree from San Diego State University. “I was a park ranger for a year. I love being outdoors.”

When she and her husband, John, moved to Fort Wayne, she worked at Scott’s grocery store. “I worked in the produce department for 21 years, 12 as a manager. As time passed people started coming to me not only with grocery questions but to share with me their problems and struggles. I enjoyed listening. People suggested I might be

a good counselor.”

She began at Warsaw Community High School as a grade level counselor in 2012. Davis was promoted to co-director in 2017. She became the solo director in 2022.

“I love talking to students.

My current job includes a lot of administrative responsibilities. But I still have my share of hands-on work with young people.”

Davis starts her day checking emails. “Then sometimes I meet with students from some of the other counselors. I am able to speak Spanish. My mother was from Mexico and my father from Columbia, South America.

So, I work with Spanish speaking students at the school. I’ve always loved career counseling and helping students get to college. I also help students facing a crisis.” Working with students who have lost a family member is also part of her job.

“We have a grief support group from Ryan’s Place that comes to the school once a week for 10 weeks. Sadly, it is a much-need-

ed service to help our students who are facing a loss.”

She does advanced placement testing. “We have 19 AP classes our high school students can take to potentially earn college credit. Their high test results make them eligible for the credits.” Many of the students thank her for working with them.

“When I see students graduating that were struggling, I’m so proud. Sometimes they’ll tell me, ‘I couldn’t have made it without you.’ I’ll remind them that it was their hard work that brought success. I was only the guide.”

Flexibility is a must in her job. “Some days I’ll have an agenda and something else will come up. We have close to 2,200 students we serve. Maybe one of them will need my help, or I’ll have a meeting with one of the counselors. I put my agenda aside and deal with what’s directly in front of me.”

Davis loves advocating for her counselors. “We have one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had here. We collaborate and help one another.”

This is a season of new beginnings for Davis. “We moved from our comfortable home in Fort Wayne to a house with two acres of land in Columbia City.

We have a lot of yard work and I love it … most of the time!”

This coming summer, Davis is traveling to Greece with her daughter. “Life is full of surprises. Seniors need to keep active and keep learning.”

AVID ADVENTURER — Luisa Davis, director of counseling at Warsaw Community High School, believes that life gives us many opportunities to learn and grow as we age. She not only got her master’s degree in counseling and made a career change when she was 50, but just recently she moved from Fort Wayne to Columbia City. Photo provided by Luisa Davis.

Who, what, where Continued from page 1

Michael J. McGivney and a group of his parishioners. The organization’s intent is to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy community members and their families.

The organizations works to support a wide range of charitable efforts. Some of the charities include United In Charity, Ukraine Solidarity Fund, Culture Of Life Fund, Coats For Kids and disaster relief programs.

Potential members can find and join their local councils online at kofc.org/secure/en/ join/join-kofc.html. Entering the promo code “BLESSEDMCGIVNEY” will waive the $30 membership fee, however, local council dues may vary.

Rotary Club The inaugural Rotary Club was organized in 1905 in downtown Chicago by Paul P. Harris and three businessmen. Since then, Rotary Club has been growing and has amassed over 46,000 member clubs worldwide.

“The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. It is a nonpolitical and nonreligious organization, and membership is by application or invitation and based on various social factors,” explained Eric Garton, membership chair of the Elkhart Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club works to end polio, promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, environment protection and disaster response. The ERC works closely with local nonprofits such

as Bashor Home, Boys and Girls Clubs, Elkhart Education Foundation and the Council On Aging of Elkhart.

“The ERC supports over 20 local nonprofits and provides more than $10,000 annually in the form of grants to dozens of local not for profit organizations,” Garton explained, “we raise funds weekly through fun ‘fines’ to our members and this goes into a pool budgeted to be distributed as grants each April.”

Potential members can find and join their local Rotary chapter online at rotary.org/en/ get-involved/join.

Kiwanis International Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Mich. Since then, the organization has worked to make their community a better place. Each year, members perform more than 240,000 service projects and raise over $300 million for children, families and communities around the world.

According to the organization’s statistics, the average Kiwanian impacts 106 children’s lives.

Potential members can find and join their local Kiwanis International chapter at locator. kiwanis.org/.

Lions Club Lions Clubs have been serving their communities for over 100 years. Although each local chapter has their own passion projects, each chapter holds five global causes close to their hearts: diabetes, vision, hunger, environment and childhood cancer. Lions pride themselves on putting kindness out into their communities to improve the lives of all people.

Potential members can find and join their local Lions Club at lionsclubs.org/en/start-ourapproach/service-journey.

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Rice and Rice —

Have you made your will? Then your children will end up in probate!

It’s a whole new year! Like many Americans you may have made some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps a resolution you should include, if you haven’t already done so, is to get your personal affairs in order. According to the American Bar Association, 60% of all Americans have done no end-of-life planning whatsoever, not even a will. You could do a will, but most wills end up in probate. Do you really want your children to end up in probate court when you pass away?

Pickpockets feast on travelers

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Traveling with or moving in and out of a crowd may make you feel safe, but packs of people also hide the cunning who can make off with your wallet or purse.

Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly a most dangerous place for visitors, as pickpockets mingle freely with the 6 million pilgrims that visit each year.

In any crowd, women should carry their purse in front of them and men keep their wallet in a side or front trouser pocket.

Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions.

Step into a building — a store, restaurant or museum — and ask a staff member for the information you seek.

Stay on the edges of the crowd as you tour the Prado or leave the Louvre. Thieves are more likely to work the muddled middle of the mob.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

If you’re like most Americans nowadays, you may be considering a living trust rather than simply creating a will. The assets that are in the living trust at the time you pass away can totally avoid probate. There are a number of other documents that would also be present in a good estate plan, including: • Living will to make sure you’re not forever hooked up to machines if there’s no hope for recovery.

• HIPAA waiver so it’s not a felony for the doctors to communicate with your spouse or your adult children in the event that you become disabled.

• Advance directive so the

By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Granger

doctors and family will know what persons you want to be in charge to make long-term medical decisions in the event you become unable to make your own medical decisions.

• In-home health care Instructions. Nursing homes cost an average of $7,500 a month in Indiana. If you have a good living trust that contains in-home healthcare instructions, there’s a good chance it can keep you or your spouse out of a nursing home, saving most of that $7,500 each month, meanwhile maintaining your own privacy and dignity and allowing you to remain in your own home.

We can include a funeral

planning declaration, personal effects distribution memorandums and build in remarriage protection so that if your surviving spouse gets remarried after you die, they don’t lose half of everything you own to a new spouse.

Because we are an elder law firm, we can even help save you or your life savings from nursing home spend-down. Want to learn more? Come to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 902 E. University Drive, Granger, at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 2; or 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 8. Reservations are required, seating is limited. Call now: (800) 3037423, or visit our website at riceandrice.com.

4 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Thinking about a trade-in?

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

that self-driving cars are just down the road a piece. Testing is going on now around the globe, and there’s the push toward electric-powered vehicles.

Should we wait til they get here or take advantage now of such safety features as blindspot warning systems, rearview cameras and emergency automatic-braking systems?

Keeping your dependable old pick-up or SUV oiled and greased until its last gear slips may no longer be the wisest choice of auto ownership.

Advancing technology is making new cars much safer and easier to drive.

We’re all being made aware

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

What Seniors Think

“What are you looking forward to most in 2024?”

ANNA MILLER NAPPANEE My daughter-in-law is expecting my next grandbaby in April. I can’t wait to meet him!

BECKY BROWNLEE WARSAW My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in June to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I’m counting down the days.

ANALISE GONZALEZ GOSHEN My son, Marco, is getting honorably discharged from the Army sometime in 2024. I can’t wait to have him home and out of harm’s way!

TIM FETTERS WINONA LAKE Getting through winter and getting back on the lake as soon as the weather gets warm.

Nothing worse than seeing your boat sit in the garage.

MARK SMITH WARSAW Our college fraternity’s annual reunion is in February in Arizona I’m not sure if I’m more looking forward to seeing old friends or getting out of the winter weather in Indiana.

ELKO EDITION

Covering Six Indiana and Michigan Counties

Elkhart — Kosciusko — LaGrange — Noble — Wabash — St. Joseph (MI)

LaGrange

Noble

Steuben DeKalb

Allen

Allen Edition

Adams

Whitley Huntington

Marshall

Elkhart

Wabash

Northwest Edition

St. Joseph

ELKO Edition

St. Joseph

Cass

Wells

LaPorte

Lake

Porter

Berrien

Kosciusko

St. Joseph Edition

Living Life After 50 w

ith

4

GREAT! EDITIONS

17 Indiana Counties

3 Michigan Counties Now in Cook County, Illinois!

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.

REBECCA WALTERS ELKHART I don’t really have anything specific in mind. I’m just looking forward to a hopefully happy and healthy new year for my family, friends and myself.

Passports and other needs for travel

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Another layer has just been added to the documentation needed to travel to Europe.

With the arrival of 2024, U.S. passport holders traveling to the Continent must apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System before heading off to the airport.

This procedure is similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization that applies to foreign visitors planning to travel here under the Visa Waiver Program.

The VSP is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and enables eligible citizens or nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

The European process is an electronic travel authorization linked to a traveler’s passport. It grants short-term entry to European countries and is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.

There are many reasons

why someone may need a new passport. Whether it’s because your last one was damaged or it was expired, you’ll want to have a valid passport before you travel. And you’ll need one if you you’re traveling out of the country.

Applying for a passport can feel a little heavy on the bureaucracy thanks to all the documents and forms you need. And once you’ve applied, the wait time to get it may be longer than expected.

According to the U.S. Department of State, you should apply in person if you are applying for your first passport, applying for your child who is under 16, your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, your previous passport was lost, stolen or damaged, or your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

If none of the above apply, you may be able to get a new passport by mail. You are eligible to renew by mail if your most recent passport is not damaged and can submitted with your application, if it was never reported lost or stolen, was issued in the last 15 years when you were 16 or older and in your cur-

rent name, although you can present a document such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers as evidence of a legal name change.

If you are applying for a passport for the first time as an adult, you must bring the following documentation: The application form DS-11, proof of citizenship, such as birth certificate; and government-issued photo ID, such as driver’s license, photocopies of both the citizenship document and photo ID, a passport photo and payment of $130.

To renew your passport, you need the renewal form DS-82, your most recent passport, a photo and payment.

If your name has changed since your last passport, you will have to provide legal documentation to verify, such as a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of name change.

Expedited processing time is seven to nine weeks for passport applications applied on or after March 24. The processing time does not include mailing time. It can take up to two weeks from your application day for your passport to be “in process.”

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

50 Years Ago, Blast To The Past —

‘You’re Sixteen’ ended up on a best-selling soundtrack Ringo Starr Since you are reading this in a senior publication, there’s a good chance you not only rememA Boomer Blast ber Ringo To The Past Starr’s

By RANDAL “You’re SixC. HILL teen” from 50 years ago, but the original 1960 version by Johnny Burnette, as well.

Burnette was born in 1935 and lived with his parents and brother Dorsey in a Memphis housing project

that included equally poor neighbors Vernon, Gladys and Elvis Presley.

After school days ended, music lovers Johnny, Dorsey and a mutual friend formed the hard-driving Johnny Burnette Trio. They toured constantly and recorded some high-octane 45s that went nowhere. Rockabilly collectors now lust after those obscure plastic discs.

Later, Johnny and Dorsey moved to Los Angeles to become songwriters for Ricky Nelson (“Believe What You Say,” “It’s Late”). As a solo artist, Johnny signed with Los Angeles’ Liberty Records and proceeded to cut some minor hit singles.

Burnette’s only Top Ten career tune was the bouncy,

Smell the Arizona Desert Flowers in spring

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Far from the sparse landscape that the word “desert” conjures up, the lands around Phoenix and Tucson are awash in color after the spring rains in March and April.

Here are some of the best spots in the state to view the displays: The Superstition Mountains, just east of Phoenix, where the ground can be covered with a bright yellow carpet of Mexican gold poppies.

Near Yuma, in the Gila Mountains, the yellow brittlebush and blue-purple scorpion weed and lupine are in bloom, and not far away, in the Kofa Mountains, there are red poppies. In the southeastern corner of the state, Mexican

poppies and lupine provide a special glow amid the columns of volcanic rock in the Chiricahua Mountains and Chiricahua National Monument.

Several Arizona State Parks are notable for their wildflower viewing.

These include Picacho Peak State Park, halfway between Phoenix and Tucson; Oracle State Park, 40 miles north of Tucson, and, closer to Phoenix, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Along trails in the 320acre Lost Dutchman State Park near the Superstition Mountains, the flowers seem to change with the elevation.

Among those you’ll find are the chuparosa, filaree and papago lilies.

For an update on what can be seen, and where, visit the website at pr.state.az.us.

violin-saturated “You’re Sixteen,” which ended up on the best-selling soundtrack of George Lucas’s 1973 nostalgia movie “American Graffiti.”

In 1964, Johnny died in a California boating accident.

The Oldest Beatle Ringo, the oldest Beatle, was born Richard Starkey in 1940 in the Dingle, Liverpool’s most depressed inner-city district. Housing there usually meant cramped quarters, poor ventilation and a rear door that opened onto an outhouse.

Young Starkey was often in and out of hospitals with various illnesses. At age 13, he began a two-year stay in a sanitarium after he contracted tuberculosis. As with many other long-term patients, he was encouraged to join the institution’s musical group (He was often heard beating upon the cabinets next to his bed with a mallet that he fashioned from a cotton bobbin). “I was in the hospital band,” he has explained. “That’s where I really started playing. I never wanted anything else from then on.”

At 15, barely literate and uninterested in school, he took menial Liverpool jobs until he found employment as a rock ‘n’ roll drummer and soon became well-known as a member of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, one of the premier rock groups in the city.

RINGO STARR As he wore two rings on each hand, he adopted the stage name Rings (later Ringo) Starr. In 1962, he was hired by the Beatles to replace their dour original drummer Pete Best, who hadn’t meshed well with funloving John, Paul and George.

Ringo’s version of “You’re Sixteen” featured a “chugging” lope and a lot of help from his friends (get it?) on his million-selling Apple Records single. Among the many musicians who offered background support that day in the recording studio were

— no surprise here — John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney.

During the bridge of Ringo’s “You’re Sixteen,” Paul McCartney made a sound like a kazoo with his mouth, although his quirky contribution was credited as a “vocal sax solo” on Starr’s “Ringo” album. Go figure.

Sometimes thought of as the neglected Beatle who dwelt in the Lennon-McCartney-Harrison shadow, Sir Richard Starkey is said to have a net worth of $350 million today.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

I It’s easy! Simply find the sled 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, January 15, 2024.

Brought To You By

We Lead with Love LOCAL AND NONPROFIT Stillwater Hospice is a community-based, nonprofit organization serving northeast Indiana since 1888. Providing palliative, hospice and grief support services, we are here to provide compassionate care to you and your loved ones. Call today to learn how Stillwater Hospice can support you and your family.

(800) 288-4111 | stillwater-hospice.org

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542

The winner of the I Spy Contest for December is Penny Eldridge of Garrett. The gift was located on page 9 in Senior Life Allen; page 16 in Senior Life Northwest; page 20 in Senior Life Elko and page 21 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

1515 Provident Drive, Suite 250, Warsaw, IN 46580 Offices in Berne, Fort Wayne, Marion and Warsaw

6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Spotlight

Yoder officially steps foot in all 50 states

By KEITH KNEPP Editor To say Tim Yoder likes to travel is like saying water is wet. A self-proclaimed “bachelor for life,” he has spent much of his adulthood traveling the country, and to a certain extent, the world.

Last March, Yoder passed a big personal milestone when he finally visited Alaska, the 50th and final state on his domestic checklist. He spent some time hiking the Matanuska Glacier, located about 100 miles northeast of Anchorage in the southeastern part of the state. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States.

“That trip was a lot of fun,” he said. “I spent two weeks in the state and in western Canada.

Even though it was March, there were a few days that seemed like the coldest ones I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

Yoder admits that he’s only “stepped foot” in North Dakota, making sure he did a quick detour on a road trip to Montana to officially add it to his list. He hopes to go back some day for a more thorough visit, but for now, “it will have to do.”

Additionally, Yoder has spent time in 33 countries outside the U.S., including during his 4-year stint in the Navy after he graduated from college in Ohio, where he grew up. He moved to Elkhart after his time in the Navy to put his electrical engineering degree to use with

AM General in Mishawaka.

Now semi-retired, he spends his time and money on experiences, rather than things.

“I’m not much of a collector, unless you count check marks on a bucket list, ” he said. “My home is modest with very few furnishings. I do have a lot of photos from my trips, but most of those are in boxes or on a hard drive on my computer.

Showing off just isn’t a big thing on my priority list.”

When he travels, Yoder does his best to “eat where the locals eat.” You won’t find him looking for familiar foods at a chain restaurant, unless that’s the only option keeping him from going hungry. He also tries to eat the local cusine, even if that means stepping out of his culinary comfort zone.

“There are definitely some things I’ve eaten that I wouldn’t try again,” Yoder said. “But there are some local dishes I’ve discovered that I wish I could find when I’m at home in Indiana.”

Besides going back to North Dakota, Yoder said he wants to spend some time in different parts of Texas and California.

He noted both of those states are so big that what you experience in one part is nothing like what you might find in another.

“Texas and California might as well be split into several states,” he said. “The people, the topography, the food, it’s all so different depending on where you are in the state.”

Yoder also enjoys meeting the local people and making new

OFF WE GO — Tim Yoder, left, stands with his Alaskan bush pilot during his visit to the state last year.

Visiting Alaska marked the 50th state he has visited in his lifetime, along with 33 different countries. Photo provided by Tim Yoder. friends. He admits he’s not on social media so most of his new acquaintances soon become memories, which is all part of

his life experience.

“It’s kind of like a nomadic lifestyle,” he said. “I always appreciate coming home, but it

doesn’t take long for me to get the itch to pull out the atlas and figure out what my next adventure is going to be.”

Charity should make economic sense

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features The gifting season is packaged around the Thanksgivingto-Christmas period but the spirit of giving wraps itself around the whole year.

It’s been reported that more

Flourish, Here.

than $500 billion is donated to charity each year. Yet many donors don’t adequately screen the organizations they support.

They should make their charitable choices as carefully as other personal and financial decisions so they’ll get the best bang for their buck. In other words, so the money they donate will be put to the best use and not swallowed by the organization’s administrators.

It’s also the giver’s responsibility to learn how their gifts and bequests will best benefit everyone — the donors, their heirs, the nonprofit community, and those who benefit from the nonprofits’ activities. This takes care and planning that many

Nunemaker’s Coin Shop A Family Business Since 1962

Call Toll Free 1-877-510-9785

As a caregiver, you manage multiple responsibilities for your loved one in addition to your own. When you need help, The Thelma A. Schrock Adult Day Services program is here for you – at least five hours a day or a few days per week. You get time to do the things you need to do while your loved one stays in a safe environment while enjoying themselves.

We are available five days a week, Monday Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 574-537-4181. www.greencroft.org | 1904 S 15th St, Goshen, IN 46526

• Buying all gold coins & silver coins • Old U.S. currency and old U.S. coins • Gold & diamond jewelry • All sterling silver items

We Buy • Sell • Trade Gold & Diamond Jewelry 2516 Lincolnway West Mishawaka, IN 46544 www.nunemakers.com Open: Mon.-Sat. Free In Store Appraisals!

574-288-7464

are unwilling to make.

It’s up to you, before fashioning any donation or legacy, to find out how the transaction and transfer of assets will be handled and who will get them.

Giving as much as you feel comfortable with is only the beginning. Sidestepping the crowds of crooks constantly circling the unwary is your next step.

Scam and rip-off artists have found a new avenue, the Internet, in addition to regular mail, telephone, and knocking on doors to thrust an open hand at the open-hearted.

Before considering any donation, know your charity. Ask for an annual report and check with your nearest Better Business Bureau. You can also visit with groups listed as recipients of the charitable largesse.

Don’t be fooled by the name or gulled by a sob story, and don’t be pressured into giving.

Make all donations by check, in the name of the charity, not the fund-raiser.

Whenever you’re solicited by phone or in person, call the local police department or chamber of commerce, as well as the proclaimed benefiting organization, to verify the information.

One scheme never ends: after every flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake or other disaster, impostors bombard cyberspace and telephones with requests for aid and assistance.

If you wish, you can discuss with your tax preparer and attorney how to establish charitable bequests, coordinate charity with lifetime gifts to family members, and keep records to satisfy tax-code requirements as well as structuring charitable life annuities, pooled life income funds, and private foundations.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

‘70s Flashback —

‘Love Story’ ruined Erich Segal “Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.”

— Aesop’s Fables In 1958, Erich Segal

By RANDAL graduC. HILL ated from Harvard University as both the class poet and a Latin salutatorian.

He earned a doctorate in comparative literature from Harvard and began lecturing at Yale as a classics professor.

He wrote scholarly works on Plato and Plautus, and lecture halls were always packed for his talks. One of his students, future Doonesbury creator Garry Trudeau, once pronounced Segal’s presentations “electrifying.”

But Erich also nurtured an obvious desire to be considered a hip guy as well as an erudite scholar. Through some contacts on Broadway, he became a co-writer of the animated Beatles feature “Yellow Submarine.” (And what could be hipper than being involved with the Fab Four?)

Jeff ‘JJ’ Shaw, Attorney at Law

Thus, Segal was able to enjoy being both a respected university professor and a pop-culture icon. “Sometimes I amaze even myself,” he boasted to film critic Roger Ebert.

“I blow the minds of these freshmen who come to take a Greek tragedy class, and the professor is the same guy who wrote “Yellow Submarine”!

Segal then turned to writing screenplays on the side and came up with “Love Story,” which was released as a best-selling 131-page novella on Valentine’s Day 1970 before it became a box-office smash film at Christmastime.

The primary “Love Story” characters— two star-crossed lovers — were wealthy prelaw Harvard student Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) and Jenny (Ali McGraw), a baker’s daughter who studies music at Radcliffe and calls herself “a social zero.” Eventually they fall in love and marry, only to have Jenny fall ill with leukemia.

There’s a key line in the story that is now iconic in our culture: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Ali McGraw later admitted she didn’t know what that line meant at the time but

now has her own definition: “Saying sorry isn’t what it’s about. It’s about really feeling badly for the hurt … and then absolutely trying never to do it again.”

For a while, Erich Segal was riding high. “I lucked out, that’s what happened,” he explained to Ebert. “My book came out just as the world was turning from cynicism to romance.”

But Segal eventually acknowledged his incredible, head-spinning success unleashed “egotism bordering on megalomania,” and for that he would pay a hefty price.

Also, despite the overwhelming popularity of Segal’s creation, critics often dismissed “Love Story” as a sentimental tearjerker —shallow, melodramatic and ultimately disposable.

He later claimed the book — a phenomenon among the hoi polloi— “totally ruined me.” In 1972, he was denied tenure at Yale, meaning he would not be guaranteed a full-time professorship until retirement. Segal was devastated at the rejection, although Yale never cited his mainstream popularity as the reason they denied him be-

ERICH SEGAL coming a permanent campus fixture.

Perhaps Garry Trudeau explained it best: “You can’t dress up in tight leather

pants to chat with starlets on ‘Johnny Carson’ Friday night and expect to be taken seriously in a classroom Monday morning.”

8 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Finance

Save your place in line with mobile check-in express

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office Our Mobile Check-In Express feature makes it easier to check in if you must visit a Social Security office.

To use Mobile Check-In Express, scan the QR code located

at your local Social Security office. This will allow you to check in for: • Scheduled and non-scheduled appointments.

• Services — including requesting a replacement Social Security card, a benefit verification letter, proof of income, and more.

For Mobile Check-In Express to work, you must be at the Social Security office and have location services on. You should also make sure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser. The service is most compatible with Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. You’ll also

want to: • Ensure you are in the office when your ticket number is called.

• Enable your mobile notifications. This will: Allow you to receive your electronic ticket — so you know your place in line.

Alert you when we’re ready

to help you.

Provide you with your interview location information.

Invite you to participate in our feedback survey.

We encourage you to use Mobile Check-In Express for all office visits. Please share this information with those who may need it.

Scotland thrives on tradition

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features

BAGPIPE BANDS — Also during the Highland Games, performances by competing bands were enjoyed by event spectators. The incredibly distinctive bagpipe music emanating from competing bands, never leave your ears. Photo provided by Fyllis Hockman. intricate steps, toe-tapping music and enthusiasm galore.

And then there’s whisky.

Scottish single malts, celebrated locally as whisky (no e), are known all over the world for their richness and smoothness — and cost. With a history dating back as far as the 11th century, Scottish whisky is an important part of the country’s identity along with most of the 140-plus distilleries in the Highlands.

At the Glen Ord Distillery, serving up its single malts for almost two centuries, I sampled a flight of their three brands of whisky, each with its own distinctive flavor. Or so I was told, but I was useless as a taster.

They all tasted the same to me.

A visit to The Highland House of Fraser reinforces the unique-

SCOTTISH DANCERS — Spectators enjoy a performance by Scottish dancers during the Highland Games. Highland Games is a throwback to ancient Scotland, it is a unifying rite of passage for any Scot. Photo provided by Fyllis Hockman. ness that is Scotland because there, for a mere $750, you can have your own personalized kilt made. Should you not have your own family tartan, you can choose from 750 different plaids from other clans. You can even watch a kiltmaker weave your threads while, of course, listening to some bagpipe music.

Lest you think the kilt is a

Thurs, January 11 · 1pm - 2pm When caregiving at home becomes a challenge, family members must make the hard decision: Do I keep them at home, or move them to a healthcare community? This session will help family caregivers identify when they, or their loved ones, need to consider professional support outside their homes. Lunch will be served.

EDISON LAKES

Licensed Memory Care Assisted Living

Space is limited for this complimentary event. Please RSVP

by Jan. 10th by calling 574-247-1866 or visiting us online.

Main

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center

Grape Rd.

Presented by: Patty Piechocki - Manager, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

St.

Lunch & Learn: When is the Right Time for a Memory Care Community?

throwback to history, not so.

They are worn at every ritual gathering from birthday parties to weddings to funerals and, sometimes, just because.

So despite Britain’s efforts to destroy the language, the clothing, the traditions and the lifestyle of the Scottish people, it all remains alive and well today.

Montessori Academy

E. Douglas Rd.

E. Day Rd.

Fir Rd.

The incredibly distinctive bagpipe music emanating from competing bands never leaves your ears. And, of course, every pipe band sports its own tartan, so the multitudes of plaids create a fashion visual that is hard to forge from your eyes. And I can’t tell you how many times I heard the words “bonny,” “aye” and “laddie.” To say the Highland games are an assault on all the senses is a wee understatement.

While some of the events such as track and cycling may be recognizable, the chanter, caber tossing, hammer throw and tug ‘o war are not. Men throw heavy sticks, balls, hammers and, probably, their arms out in all directions. Highland dancers, from the age of 6 to 60, enchant every age with their colorful costumes,

Filbert Rd.

Ask anyone what they think of when they think of Scotland and you’ll probably hear bagpipes, kilts, clan tartans.

If it were the year 1746, you would have heard the same thing. But it was in that year, after the Battle of Culloden when the British decimated the Scots, that the British set about systematically ridding the country and its people of their identity and traditions.

It didn’t work, which makes it all the more remarkable that everything that defines the Scottish people today is the same as it was centuries ago — and it was my mission to explore them all: kilts, bagpipes, tartans and even whisky and the Gaelic language.

It was on a trip to the Scottish Highlands with UNTOURS that we set off to see what we wanted to see and when we wanted to see it. We were spending our “live like a local” week in our own apartment, part of an 1837 church in a former life, near our home base of Inverness.

If there is a singular symbol for Scotland, it might be tartan.

You see it everywhere, from hotel interiors and tabletop items to cookie tins and everyday clothing. And on the wings of planes at the airport.

Let’s not overlook the Highland Games. A throwback to ancient Scotland, it is a unifying rite of passage for any Scot.

Amidst the vast ocean of tartan, bagpipes and clans sits a cultural event steeped in skill, tradition and community going back more than a thousand years.

1409 E. Day Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR PHONE TO RSVP

574-247-1866 · www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Faith

Heagy seeks to become the hands and feet of Jesus

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer “Mom occasionally took us to church when I was growing up,” stated Geri Heagy, Warsaw. “Dad was always working on Sundays.

However, we had a neighbor across the street who had a vacation Bible school for the children in the neighborhood. When she asked if there was anyone who wanted to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts, I was one of them who recited the sinner’s prayer.

I’ve always believed that we’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Part of my worship of Him is the service I render.”

Still, her mother took the family to church occasionally.

“We attended different churches throughout my young life but nothing permanent. Eventually, we stopped attending altogether.”

After she married her husband, Hal Heagy, her life took a turnaround. “Hal was working for a contractor in Warsaw and his boss invited us to Walnut Creek United Methodist Church in 1997.

We immediately took a liking to Pastor Frank Beard. He had quite a few altar calls in his time at our church. I don’t remember exactly what the sermon was about that Sunday morning, but I decided I wanted to go forward to rededicate my life to Christ.”

Both the Heagys became in-

volved in the Methodist Church.

“Hal has a gift with junior high kids. But I’ve always enjoyed working with high schoolers.”

That carries on in her secular position as the registrar of Warsaw Community High School.

Her first mission trip was to VanCleave, Ky. “It was a work trip. We did painting and cleanup onsite at a school.”

Heagy’s work with young people at the church gave her opportunities to take them on mission trips through “YouthWorks.”

“We traveled to different locations in rural and innercity settings. The four leaders onsite were in charge of supplying placement for all those who traveled as workers. We went to Boston, New Orleans and West Virginia. Our tasks included painting, working in low-income neighborhoods, and teaching and working in VBS.” One of the things Heagy enjoyed the most is the young people’s response to those in different circumstances to their own. “It was really a learning process for them. They learned that people do not always have the advantages they sometimes take for granted.”

This past year, the Heagys began attending First Christian Church in Warsaw, where they were baptized by Pastor Matthew Rogers. The Heagys are actively

DEDICATED LIVES — Geri Heagy, middle, stands beside her husband, Hal Heagy, right. They are being baptized by Matthew Rogers, pastor of First Christian Church in Warsaw. The Heagys love to worship and serve God, touching lives in church and in the community. Photo provided by Geri Heagy. serving in the church.

“Hal is involved in a men’s Bible study. I’m involved in a women’s Bible study. I also serve in ‘Yarn Warriors.’ We knit and crochet items for missions. We make baby blankets for Parkview Hospital, for those who lose a child at birth. We also crochet and knit scarves for kids in foster

care and baby hats for local hospitals.”

Heagy’s life’s verse comes from Philippians 4:11b. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances,” she quoted. “Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we don’t come up against hard times — we still have problems. But Jesus Christ will see us

through when we place our trust in Him.” She and Hal have two daughters, Whitney and Sarah, and two grandchildren, Wynona, 14, and Maddox, 2 ½. “I want my family to see through my life that Jesus gives us joy, even if our days are filled with trials. Jesus will see us through.”

The difference between grief and loneliness

By TOM ROSE Guest Writer 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) 5966256, or email: roseandrose@ comcast.net.

Most of us understand loneliness but might not understand grief. Loneliness is undoubtedly a big part of grief and can be complicated. Most people define loneliness as being alone, which means “without other people,” which I find in relationship to grief is not an accurate definition of “lonely.”

Loneliness is subjective; it can differ from person to person, like kids who feel misunderstood, an elderly person who may be living in a nursing

home, or a person working in an environment where you “don’t fit in socially.” Even though they are not “without other people,” they feel lonely. These people experience loneliness because these relationships don’t meet their personal needs.

In the case of an individual grieving over the loss of a loved one, say a spouse, they may have a lot of loving family and great friends, but they long for someone they don’t have — an intimate partner. When you’re grieving, it seems that loneliness is unsolvable. It is unsolvable; the loneliness, the emptiness, what you want is your loved one, a likeness that no one else could ever fill.

I am sure that loneliness after the death of a loved one leaves you at a significant disadvantage in solving the problem because the person and feeling you desire is gone. You can’t bring them back or recreate them. I am sure, as they say, “pieces of you became them, and pieces of them became you.”

When they died, they took pieces of your shared life with them, and now you struggle to live a life with those pieces missing.

So now you think, “I’m alone, on my own, so I have to be very careful living my life without those pieces,” so you may start to guard against the influences of others by pushing them away.

And as a result, it increases your feelings of loneliness.

I recently received a phone call from a woman who had attended one of my speaking

appearances and read my book.

She explained that she had lost her husband five years ago and that she was now involved with a gentleman in a “friend” relationship, but that it was beginning to become a “serious” relationship. She said she was torn between giving her heart to him when so much of it still belonged to her husband. I suggested that she tell her friend that she wanted to give him her heart but that a big piece of it was missing. If he understood and accepted that then moving on with the relationship would

be more manageable. I received a call later, and she told me she had done as I suggested and that the gentleman said that he understood and would accept whatever of her heart she could give him. They are moving on and letting the relationship continue to grow.

Loneliness caused by grief cannot be solved totally. You will never fill the void left by losing your loved one. You can’t replace those missing pieces. As I say in my book, “Balloon in a Box,” you must find other ways to move forward with your life, bringing

your loved one with you.

How do you do this? At some point in your journey of grief, you must try. It is important to open yourself up to the love of people in your life, holding on to your loved one while accepting the love and support of others and making new friends in the process. My experience has been that it is not easy, but in time, you will begin to fill the hole left by your loved one, but never entirely.

“God uses all things for the good of those who love him, even our loneliness.”- unknown.

1501 South Main St., Goshen (574) 533-0626 GoshenHomeMedical.com

1721 Greencroft Blvd., GOSHEN, IN 46527-0819

(574) 537-4000

For The Best Of Your Life

A Division of The Papers Incorporated

Corporate Office

P.O. Box 188, 206 S. Main, Milford, IN 46542

(574) 658-4111 • (866) 580-1138 ext. 2401 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

For Answers See Page 22 Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column or box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

10 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Sports

Joe Bowen stays connected to local sports after retirement

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer Even after retiring as the athletic director for Concord Middle School, Joe Bowen is still involved in area sports thanks to refereeing and stat keeping.

The only issue is Bowen keeps stats for the Concord basketball team while his son-in-law is the head basketball coach at Goshen.

Bowen never let the Elkhart County rivalry impact family relationships.

“Even while he was coaching and I was still at Concord I never got too attached to either side,” Bowen said. “The way I felt was either way I was not going to lose tonight.”

Bowen’s daughter, Catherine, is married to Goshen coach Mike Wohlford. Wohlford has coached the RedHawks the past eight years with the first four overlapping with Bowen’s tenure as the junior high athletic director at Concord.

“He doesn’t really need any

help on the court. He has plenty of that. I do take care of his kids regularly. We don’t mind,” Bowen said about watching his grandkids.

Refereeing basketball is something Bowen has been doing locally since he graduated from Purdue University in 1980.

“I still referee basketball. Been doing that 43 years. Stopped while at Concord. Now doing soccer,” Bowen said. “I always remember the last game and the next one erases the memory of the last one and that’s how it should be.”

After college, Bowen worked in information technology when the vocation was first starting out.

“IT was just starting to explode, was not hard to get a job even though there was a recession at the time,” Bowen said.

However, when he saw a program needed helped, Bowen would find a way to do so.

“The way I got into doing stats at Concord. I jumped in to help them. At that time I was not

working for Concord,” Bowen said.

Seeing a need for an athletic program and finding a way to help the program has been something Bowen has practiced regularly before and after retirement.

“I work in the press box for Concord’s football games. Still supervise when they need someone to fill in. If they have a need and I’m not busy I generally do it,” Bowen said.

Bowen helped out in sports going back to being a bat boy for his older brother’s Little League baseball team when he was six.

While he enjoys the activity refereeing and helping athletic teams brings in his retirement he does acknowledge one problem.

“The only drawback is you don’t see your wife as often as you should. She’s back there laughing now,” Bowen said about his wife, Vivian.

Despite the time commitment, Bowen says he does not regret the hours he has put into area sports.

“If you love the game, refereeing is a great way to stay in the game,” Bowen said. “To become either an athletic director or an athletic official.”

RETIRED ATHLETIC DIRECTOR — Joe Bowen when he worked at Concord Middle School. Photo provided by Joe Bowen.

Professional Forum Interested Businesses Call Victoria Biddle 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2319 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column

Professional Services

Elder Law Q. Are there alternatives to probate for small estates?

A. Indiana law requires that all

Q. What is an irrevocable trust?

A. Creating a trust is an import-

ant part of estate planning. A trust offers several advantages, including the ability for you to maintain control over your assets, ensure they are distributed according to your preferences, and provide potential tax advantages. With the assistance of the right estate planning attorney, you can craft a customized trust that fits your needs.

An Irrevocable Trust (ILT) is a type of trust that is set up during the lifetime of the grantor. Unlike a revocable living trust that can be amended or revoked at any time, once an ILT is established, it cannot be amended or revoked. This type of trust is often used for estate planning purposes because once assets are placed into the trust, they cannot be taken out. An ILT can

Ryan Hahn

Trust Administrator safeguard your assets and protect them from various liabilities that may threaten your financial security. These types of trusts offer ultimate protection and security for yourself, your family, and your beneficiaries. Contact me to learn more about different types of trusts.

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

estates with probate assets exceeding $100,000 go through formal court administration, called probate. There are many ways to avoid probate, such as establishing a revocable living trust, using beneficiary and transfer on death designations, and joint ownership. Every plan has its pros and cons, but what can be done to keep things simple for smaller estates without substantial assets?

Under Indiana Law, estates with assets under $100,000 can use small estate procedures. Rather than the nominated Personal Representative submitting the Will to a Court, being appointed, publishing notice in the newspaper, sending letters

William J. Stockdale Attorney at Law

to creditors, etc., small estate procedures allow the nominated Personal Representative to prepare an affidavit, collect up the decedent’s assets, pay any final bills, and then distribute the assets under the terms of the Will. The downside to small estate proceedings is that the Personal Representative must wait 45 days before getting started on administration.

2174 North Pointe Drive Warsaw, IN 46582 Telephone (574) 267-4300 Fax (574) 267-4343 www.beersmallers.com

DISCLAIMER: William J. Stockdale 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. William J. Stockdale 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. William J. Stockdale and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, also advise that any information you send to this newsletter shall not be deemed secure or confidential. Please visit our office to ensure complete confidentiality.

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 11

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Make 2024 an epic year for your health From My Table To Yours

By Cat Wilson Are you getting through the holidays by saying to yourself that “on Jan. 2 I’m going to start taking control of my health and get back on track with what I’m eating?”

Good, glad to hear it; we all need to take control after the holidays.

Let’s not get crazy and think you can do it all on day one because as we know New Year resolutions tend to go by the wayside in February and that is not what we want.

When I say “‘look for small sustainable changes” you must understand that it does not mean french fries, cokes and hot fudge sundaes are okay for now as long as you give up cake.

Whether you are 45 or 85 right now, eating healthfully will make a positive change

to your body. Even if you feel well, it doesn’t mean things are going well inside.

A cheeseburger and tater tots can make you feel good, but you know darn well they aren’t the healthiest choices you can make and in order to be healthy, you need the healthy choices 95% of the time.

Ultra-processed food are 50% of dietary intake in the U.S. which means 50% of food intake is junk.

Let’s start right there — get rid of the ultra-processed foods. No drive-through meals or lunch meat for starters.

If you make chicken, use a moist cooking method instead of frying or broiling. Sauté it in water or broth or bake it.

Don’t gasp when I say reduce meat intake to one meal a day. It’s bad on the arteries, it’s inflammatory, and it’s not raised as it once was, but the majority comes from concentrated animal feeding operations. Reducing or eliminating meat should be replaced with whole-foods, not junk foods.

Plan it out: eating well takes planning. Stock up on items that you can use in multiple ways. Look to fill your meals with

Reverse mortgage movers still hustling

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Among the newest reversemortgage wrinkles promoted by lenders in the business is the fact that any unused balance grows at the same interest rate as the rate being charged on the line of credit.

That means, if you borrow $100,000 at a 5 percent interest rate and plan to use it only as a line of credit, that loan grows to $105,000 in a year. If you pull $25,000 out of that loan, the remainder will grow by 5 percent a year.

And it keeps on growing by 5 percent a year every year.

While reverse mortgages sound enticing when consider-

ing its main selling point — borrow on the equity of your house and never have to pay anything back as long as you live in it — the devilish details include, among other things, exorbitant fees and an annual review to make sure you’ve paid the taxes, maintained the property and kept it insured.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay off the loan if you and your spouse are forced to move into a nursing home after a mishap or because of agerelated infirmities.

As a lawyer acquaintance strongly advised years go, “If you don’t need the money, don’t even think about a reverse mortgage.”

• Greens Beans.

• Fruit.

• Vegetables.

• Whole grains.

Your taste buds change when you continue to eat healthfully, seriously, they do.

You will crave the fresh tastes and it will be fun to concoct meals. If it’s a whole food, eat

it. A goal would be to eat 200 different foods a week. That sounds difficult but think about a salad or home-made vegetable soup; I throw everything into those.

Make your plan to get rid of animal foods, eggs and dairy in 2024 and replace them with nutritious foods that

reduce the cycle of symptoms, doctors, pills so you can enjoy the years ahead.

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.

Dissing the discount Where should we eat?

That’s the question American families debate every weekend.

Do you feel like ChiIN A nese? How NUTSHELL long will

By DICK the wait be?

WOLFSIE And, can Uncle Bob fit into a booth?

This week, I didn’t care about any of this. I just wanted to go someplace where we could use one of those restaurant coupons we get in the mail—or in zoo books, entertainment books or phone books.

Not because I am cheap.

Okay, that’s part of it, but mainly because for the first time I wanted to feel like I actually saved money using one of these offers. Most of the coupons just sit in the kitchen drawer. I either forget them when we leave, or they’re for a restaurant 15 miles from the house and it hardly seems worth the effort for a free Bloomin’ Onion.

Typically, coupons give you several options, requiring some crafty figuring in order to know how to most efficiently use them, which is why we brought along our son who

has a year of college calculus under his belt.

“It looks to me,” began my wife, eyeing at the coupons, “that we can get a free tavern burger as long as someone else also orders a burger.”

“Great,” I said. “Brett and I will each have a burger.”

“Hold it, Dad. I don’t want a burger. I eat them every day at school. I thought you didn’t want me to eat so much red meat?”

“Look, we just have to work together as a family. Okay, Mary Ellen, how about this?

If one of us gets an Asian salad, the other gets a free salad, as long the second salad is the same or a lesser value. Which salad do you want?”

“I don’t like the salads here.

I want the fish dinner.”

“You can’t have a fish dinner. There’s no coupon for a fish dinner.”

“Why are we eating out if we can’t get something we like?”

“Because once, just once, I want to show these restaurants that I am not a fool.

They are not going to snare me into their trap. We will save money. I don’t care if we hate every morsel.”

“Hey, Dad, if mom gets the $14.95 fish dinner, this coupon says we get one to die for brownie. Let’s do that.”

“No, that’s exactly what

they want us to do. That won’t save us a penny, because we never order dessert.”

“Okay, Dad. Here’s a coupon for a fried shrimp appetizer. But you have to order the John Wayne sirloin for $19.95.”

“Hey, that’s a great idea.

Whattya think, Mary Ellen?”

I sensed growing dissension around the table.

“Here, Dick. This part of the coupon says we can get $10 off the check if we spend at least $50. Then we can order what we want. And what a concept — you know, enjoying what you eat.”

“No, that would make the final bill $40, and I want to keep dinner under 30.”

“Why?” “I have no idea. It’s just a goal I set for myself, okay?”

Twenty minutes later, the waitress finally dared approach.

“We’ll have two spinach salads, of which one is free. And a black and blue burger for my son, who was a consultant on this project.”

“You know, Dick,” said Mary Ellen. “I changed my mind. I think I’ll have the ribs.”

The bill was $42. I didn’t speak to Mary Ellen the rest of the evening. But I can’t blame the expensive dinner on her. The coupons had all expired.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

We’re by your side so your loved one can stay at .

home

Call (574) 256-1479 or visit HomeInstead.com/343

PERSONAL CARE | MEALS & NUTRITION MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT Each Home Instead® office is an independently owned and operated franchise of Home Instead, Inc., an Honor Company. © 2023 Home Instead, Inc.

12 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH 1151 South Michigan Street | South Bend, Indiana 46601 | (574) 233-8205 | www.realservices.org

We have spent the majority of the summer and fall providing vaccine clinics to older adults and persons with disabilities.

Why Vaccinate? 

         

Vaccines prevent disease in not only the people who get vaccinated, but also others who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals.

Prevent infectious diseases and save lives.

Even though the United States has record low cases of vaccine preventable disease, the viruses and bacteria that cause them still exist.

We need to keep immunizing so that disease stays eliminated.

Vaccine-preventable diseases can have a costly impact on a family.

Hospitalizations, medical bills, sick days from school and work, and lastly death.

We vaccinate to protect the future.

Older adults are more at risk for serious illness and death as a result of infection so it is vital for them to stay vaccinated.

More likely to have chronic diseases/conditions.

More likely to have other health ailments.

As the body ages, the immune system doesn’t work as efficiently as it used to.

Transmission 

    

Join us for a new initiative, where we present programming of interest to individuals 60+!

Thursday | January 11, 2024 Let’s talk all things REAL! 11 a.m.—12 p.m.

Call to register: (574) 336-2652 2715 E. Jackson Blvd. | Elkhart, IN

Health education for a safer, active lifestyle for seniors.

This 8-week fall prevention program was developed by Boston University as a way to help people prevent falls.  Exercising & fall prevention Sessions include:

The influenza virus is very contagious!  Improving balance  Facts about falls The virus is mainly spread person to person.  Evaluating concerns about falling  Recognizing fall hazards It is passed through the coughs and sneezes of the infected The FREE program offers fall prevention strategies and suggests changes individual. in daily life that can help reduce the fear of falling. It is beneficial for Surrounding individuals then breathe in the infected people who have fallen, have a fear of falling, and those who want to learn to manage fall concerns. droplets or touch contaminated surfaces, and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose.

Beginning Wednesdays February 21—April 10, 2024 The influenza virus can live on objects like doorknobs, telephones, etc. for 2—8 hours.

Silver Lake—10:30am—12pm | 108 N Harrison St, Silver Lake Most healthy adults can be contagious 1 day BEFORE Warsaw Community Public Library—1-3pm | 310 E Main St., Warsaw symptoms start and up to 5 days AFTER becoming sick.

Call (574) 284-7132 to register!

-

This program is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)) through USAging as part of a financial assistance award to USAging totaling $74,999,835 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by USAging, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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.

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

Do Vaccinations Cause Side Effects? 

Vaccines can have side effects, but most people experience only mild side effects—if any— after vaccination.



The most common side effects are fever, tiredness, body aches, or redness, swelling, and tenderness where the shot was given.



Mild reactions usually go away on their own within a few days. Serious or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare, and vaccine safety is continually monitored.

-

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

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

Maple Leaf Commons 2926 Elkhart Rd., Goshen, (574) 238-8760 Kosciusko County

Are Vaccines Safe? 

Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.



Flu and COVID-19 vaccines do not cause diseases.

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.

14 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

Don’t choke on pension lump sum

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features A neighborhood couple lived through a lesson for all of us when the topic of pensions arises.

The question focused on whether they — or anyone else — should take their pension cash with them when they retire or leave it with the company so they can receive monthly payments during their senior years.

First of all, they worked for different companies but had long planned to retire well before the traditional 65-years-of-age so they could travel and enjoy life and living while they were still mobile and in relatively good health.

After much discussion and deliberation, they agreed that the wife would take her money in a lump sum and her husband would leave his, which would total much more — she’d been out of the work force for a couple of decades raising children — and offered a more substantial monthly income.

The couple then contacted a financial advisor to see what opportunities were available for investing her pension check while still having it available for travel or medical expenses. They had set aside a sizable kitty over the years in bank certificates of deposit to cover day-to-day expenses until they could draw Social Security benefits. The pension check was invested and grew into a sturdy leg of their fiscal plan.

Every facet of their financial lives had been probed and programmed.

Except for one drastic occurrence.

Shortly after the husband quit working, a couple of deaths in the families that owned the controlling interest in his former company suddenly made it easy prey for a takeover. This resulted in a split in ownership/management philosophy. After a rapid series of internal battles, the company was sold.

The new owners divvied it up into a handful of several divisions and sold each piece by piece.

And through all this, the original company pension was shredded, defunded and disappeared.

The golden years planned by the couple were turned to trash. Fortunately, family members moved in quickly to help the couple until they could sell their home and reorganize their lives, which no longer allowed for many of the comforts anticipated during their working years.

In hindsight, they would have been much better off, even if his monthly pension checks remained reality, by taking his payment in a lump sum and investing it along with his wife’s.

This story is not to be taken as an endorsement of taking out retirement income in lump sum. It does shine light on one of the perils of walking off the job with such an enticing check.

A MetLife study revealed that one out of every five retirees who did leave the job with a lump sum retirement payment spent it all in less than six years. More than one-third of retirees who took a lump sum worried that the money might run out.

It might make sense to take your retirement pay with you if your company is facing stiff competition, experiencing financial problems or has unstable management. Or if you don’t need the money.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Happy New Year Greetings!

Happy New Year!

Live free at www.greencroft.org 574-537-4010

Happy New Year!

803 CR 6 East, Elkhart, IN 46514

Phone: (574) 903-3848

Sheryl Noblitt Licensed Email: Sheryl.Noblitt@HealthMarkets.com Insurance Agent HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an Insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Service and product availability varies.

Agents may be compensated based on your enrollment. No obligation to enroll.

47739-HM-0721

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Lynn Allegret

Retired Senior Life Sales Representative Lynn Allegret, 74, Syracuse, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Lynn was born on July 12, 1949, to Charles and Doris Hackley. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, honesty and a vibrant spirit that will be cherished by all who knew her.

On Sept. 25, 1993, Lynn married James W. Allegret. The pair had been high school sweethearts but re-connected 22 years later, sharing 30 years together before her passing. Jim, as most know him, survives at home.

Lynn dedicated her life to helping others through her various roles in the Syracuse community. For 20 years, she worked as a dental hygienist. Her gentle touch and warm demeanor brought comfort to those under her care.

Following her tenure as a dental hygienist, Lynn took on the responsibility of running the BMV in Syracuse until its closure. Lynn’s dedication to community continued as she joined The Papers Inc., where she was a sales representative for Senior Life for more than 25 years. She

LYNN ALLEGRET loved her position there and built many lasting relationships with her customers and coworkers.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lynn had a deep love for gardening and flowers. She spent countless hours tending to her garden, creating an oasis of beauty that never failed to impress visitors.

Her green thumb was admired by all who saw her flourishing blooms.

But perhaps what defined Lynn most was her ever-present smile. Her infectious joy brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. Even in challenging times, Lynn’s optimistic spirit prevailed, inspiring hope in those around her. She had an uncanny ability to lift spirits with just a kind word or gesture.

Lynn was known for being trustworthy, kindhearted, jovial, loyal, honest and straightforward.

She never hesitated to tell it like it is, yet

she did so with grace and consideration. Her genuine nature made her a confidante and a source of wisdom for many. No one knew this better than her beloved grandchildren with whom she shared a special bond; she was ever-present in their lives and rarely missed a school program or sporting event.

Lynn is survived by her husband, James Allegret; children, Erin (Amondo) Hopkins and James A. Allegret; grandchildren, Jordan Hopkins, Olivia Hopkins, Skylar Hopkins, James H. Allegret, Otto Allegret and Wesley Allegret. In addition, she is survived by a nephew, James (Becky) Lash; and three great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Denise Lash; and nephew, David Lash.

Titus Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with the care of Lynn and the family. Visitation was held from 3-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the funeral home. A life celebration funeral took place the following day beginning at 11 a.m.

Visitors gathered for one hour prior at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts in honor of Lynn may be given to New Hope Pet Rescue and Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club.

Common sense helps keep you healthy

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Sniffle season is here, that time of year when we try to defend ourselves from the colds, coughing and running noses that surround us.

It’s become necessary to ponder and plan our day-today programs: when and how to get shopping done, make doctor’s appointments, visit the grandchildren, attend church service, and everything else.

The mantra — wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain distance, stay home if you’re sick — has been accepted as a basis for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

But reports of opening and closing businesses, recurring COVID-19 attacks, and conflicting analyses and announcements by an array of

politicians, medical experts and television talking heads have only added to the confusion that feeds indecision on what to do.

Oldsters are under a larger shadow because, just for starters, they are more vulnerable to the array of viruses than the younger population.

Add to that the disabilities that grow as one ages: arthritis, joint and organ inflammation, emphysema, and autoimmune diseases that attack any and all parts of the body.

Amidst all this chatter is the ongoing resistance to medical defenses on offer.

Rightly or wrongly, only 30 percent of the population gets a flu shot each year.

All this clamor makes it difficult to hear what you’ve told yourself to do to stay healthy.

Start with the basics.

Get enough sleep. Eight hours of sleep has long been

recognized and recommended as the requisite length of time you should log daily.

Eat right. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, as fresh as possible, should be part of your diet.

Stay active. A 10 or 15 minute daily walk works wonders.

Just walk around the block.

It’s not only healthy, you’ll get you to know your neighbors.

You might get to enjoy it and decide to do it twice a day — before and after noon.

Snow birds flock to climatecomfortable southern states stretching from Florida to California and even farther south into Mexico and the Caribbean to escape the frigid winter.

As with anything involving your health and well-being, always discuss your problems and plans with your family doctor.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 15

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

FOR LISTING CALL VICTORIA AT 1-866-580-1138 EXT. 2319

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI

A free online directory for aging & wellness resources. Our members offer a wide variety of services and information for your specific needs.

www.agingconnections.org

Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory.

Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

HOME CARE SERVICES

HOME INSTEAD 1450 Magnolia Ave. Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 875-7777 www.homeinstead.com/588

Serving Elkhart & Kosciusko counties and surrounding areas.

From companionship to transportation to loving care, to us it’s personal.

HOSPICE CARE

HEART TO HEART HOSPICE 620 Edison Rd., Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-4475 hearttohearthospice.com

Compassionate care from our heart to yours.

Volunteers needed.

CHAP Accredited

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.

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT EDISON LAKES 1409 E. Day Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 267-1866 www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

See Our Ad In This Issue

HOME HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT

THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)

is a FREE health-benefits counseling and advocacy service for Medicare Beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. The mission is to educate, advocate FOR, counsel and empower people to make informed benefit decisions.

Confused about your Medicare?

Have questions about Medicaid?

Visit your SHIP Counselor at Majestic Care of Goshen or call for an appointment 574-533-0351.

TELEPHONE SERVICES

HOME CARE SERVICES

COMFORT KEEPERS 6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123 www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

GOSHEN HOME MEDICAL Home Medical and Respiratory Equipment 1501 South Main Street Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0626 GoshenHomeMedical.com • Free Delivery Within A 50 Mile Radius • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Most Insurances Accepted

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

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

Provides In-Home Care Services through our interactive caregiving approach, personal care, companionship and housekeeping, transportation, respite care, dementia care.

HOSPICE CARE

GREENCROFT AT HOME 1820 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 537-4086 www.greencroft.org Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, Laundry, Non-Medical Companion Help, Personal Assistance, Activities, Shopping Services, Accompany To Appointment, Handyman Services, And More

CENTER FOR HOSPICE CARE 22579 Old U.S. 20 East Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 264-3321 / 1-800-HOSPICE (467-7423) www.CFHcare.org Serving Elkhart, Kosciusko & LaGrange Counties Indiana’s Most Chosen Hospice Program Serving area patients & families since 1980.

THERAPY/CARE MGT. SERVICES

SENIOR OUTPATIENT SERVICES 1220 E. Jackson Blvd.

Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 333-9747 kate@senioropservices.net

Senior Outpatient Services is a mobile outpatient practice providing PT, OT, ST services to seniors in their homes.

16 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Should retirement age be changed?

By JULIA TOOTHACRE Career Strategist ResumeBuilder.com During the first Republican presidential debate, candidate Nikki Haley proposed raising the retirement age for young Americans as a means of preventing Social Security funds from running out.

To find out how young Americans themselves feel about this issue, in August, ResumeBuilder. com surveyed over 700 “Gen Zers” and millennials. It found: • Fifty-one percent of millennials and Gen Zers want to lower the full retirement age; six in 10 say it should be changed to age 60 or lower.

• The majority cite opening up job opportunities for younger workers as their reason.

• Sixteen percent say the retirement age should be raised, and 34% say it should stay the same.

• Two-thirds are counting on social security funds themselves, yet four in 10 believe it is unlikely funds will be available.

• Three in four believe wealthy

Americans should not qualify for social security.

Among millennials and Gen Zers surveyed, more than half believe the retirement age should be lowered. Of this group, 59% say the retirement age should be changed to age 60 or lower.

Fifty-five percent believe this change should take place for everyone, while the minority favor a slower rollout of the changes over time that would affect younger generations.

Reasons respondents gave for wanting to lower the retirement age include to open up job opportunities for younger workers (75%) and to remove older workers from positions of power (38%).

“There’s real merit to the idea of lowering the retirement age,” says Sudhir Khatwani, director of The Money Mongers. “For one, it could open up jobs for us younger folks in this crazy competitive market.

“Then there’s the whole old vs. young dynamic at work. We’ve all seen the eye-rolls over tech or different work styles. Getting some fresh blood in might ease that tension. And let’s not forget about

our seasoned pros — they’ve been at it for ages, and they’ve earned that early sunset. Feels like a win for everyone, if you ask me.”

Young Americans also expressed sympathy for older workers, writing in responses such as: • “To give people a chance to live their life longer. Working all the time is not a life. So people should be able to spend it with their loved ones as much as possible.”

• “A good amount of people 60 and older have a lot of health issues and they should have the option to retire. People shouldn’t have to work ‘til their lives are half over and never get to enjoy it or the benefits of their hardearned money.”

• “I’m not surprised that the majority of Gen Zers and millennials support lowering the retirement age,” says Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist at ResumeBuilder.com. “Gen Z and millennials tend to focus more on balance and enjoying life than working.

“I’ve seen millennial values shift throughout the years from

being focused on work and promotions to now being more focused on family and having time to live their lives. With Gen Z, I’ve seen the need for balance start much earlier, so it makes sense that they would also be in favor of lowering the social security age.

Despite more than half of respondents being in favor of lowering the retirement age, 41% say they believe it is ‘somewhat’ or ‘very unlikely’ that Social Security funds will be available for them by the time they are eligible. However, two-thirds say they are still ‘somewhat’ or ‘very much’ counting on social security to be available to them.

Three-quarters of millennials and Gen Zers ‘somewhat’ or ‘strongly agree’ that those who have a lot of wealth should not be able to receive social security payments, while 26% ‘somewhat’ or ‘strongly disagree’.

Sixteen percent of Americans in this age group believe the full retirement age should be raised.

Of this group, 51% say it should be raised to age 68 or 69, 30% to age 70-72 and 6% to age 73 or above,

while 15% of respondents are unsure.

Forty-four percent of respondents in this group believe this change should take effect for everyone, while 56% believe it should be rolled out over future generations.

Reasons respondents selected for why they believe the retirement age should be raised include to prevent social security funds from running out, to prevent Medicare funds from running out, because people live longer now than they used to so they should work longer, and to punish older Americans.

“Early retirement exits cannot magically solve the generational tension or gap in the workplace,” said Daniel Morris, founder of My Caring Plan. “Instead, I strongly advocate for fostering environments that encourage inter-generational knowledge sharing.

“It’s about valuing the vitality of youth as much as the wisdom of age. The key is recognizing the value every generation brings and fostering a culture of mutual respect and learning.”

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

28688 CR 16, Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 222-5992 • info@noracare.us

We Offer A Home To High-Functioning Individuals With Physical Assistance Needs At A 3.2 Ratio. Enjoy Independence With Meals And A Certified Nurse Aide Available 24/7.

Advertise Your Community Here Reaches YOUR Target Market Adults Living Life After 50

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Contact Victoria Biddle For More Details! 574-658-4111 ext. 2319 • vbiddle@the-papers.com

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 17

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Young Republicans donate $2,500 to Animal Welfare League The Kosciusko Young Republicans organization recently held a fundraising golf outing to benefit the Animal Welfare League shelter pets. The inaugural event was held at Stonehenge Golf Course with a luncheon for all the participants before the golfing began.

“I was thrilled to get connected with Animal Welfare League through board member Dan Woods for the Young Republican Golf Outing,” said Vice-Chair Mikie Crate.

“Animals in general, especially shelter animals, are a vulnerable class that needs constant help and support to thrive.

Our club looks forward to working with AWL for future events!

“We hope to bring more awareness to how important ‘adopting not shopping’ is; there are so many wonderful animals looking for their forever homes in our local community’s shelter. Stop into the AWL and just look around at the lovable animals they have, you never know what you might come home with! I went in to just talk with their wonderful director Tonya about the golf outing, and ended up leaving with a puppy.”

“We are so thankful for the

Young Republicans’ wonderful donation” said AWL Executive Director Tonya Blanchard.

“Our shelter continues to have record breaking numbers this year. Our staff keeps going because these shelter pets absolutely need us. It’s donations like this that help us to provide the necessary care for these homeless pets.”

“Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Animal Welfare League,” said YR club secretary Scott Clay. “This donation was made possible through the success of our Annual Young Republican Golf Outing and the generosity of the attendees. Let’s continue promoting pet ownership and supporting this wellmaintained facility. Thank you for making a positive impact on our community’s many orphaned animals.”

“AWL has had a very challenging year financially with the record numbers of pets in our care,” said AWL Board President John Lantz. “Year to-date we have taken in 51% more pets than have been adopted. We very much appreciate the Kosciusko Young Republicans using their golf outing to raise funds for these shelter pets in our care.”

HELPING ANIMALS — The Kosciusko County Young Republicans donated the proceeds from their recent golf outing to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County. Pictured from left are Scott Clay, YR secretary; Mikie Crate YR vice-chair; Tonya Blanchard AWL executive director; John Lantz AWL board president; and Joe Sobek YR Chairman. Not pictured is Shaun Brown YR treasurer. Photo provided by AWL.

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

18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

The Clipper and its Pacific stepping stones

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features During the 1930s and into the 1940s, Pan American Airways operated a luxury seaplane flight service across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco Bay’s Treasure Island to Hong Kong and other Asian destinations.

To accomplish this farreaching feat, refueling stops were paramount. The solution was the establishment of four “Stepping Stones” in the middle of the ocean: Hawaii, the tiny atolls of Midway and Wake, and the island of Guam. Each of these refueling stops was more than 1,000 miles apart.

The “stones” route began at Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay aboard Pan American Clippers’ luxurious four-engine seaplanes.

The huge aircraft would fly to Honolulu, then on to Midway and then Wake, and finally to Guam before reaching such Far East destinations as Manila, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The stretches from Honolulu to Midway and to Wake were critical because navigation had to be precise to find those specks of coral in the middle of the Pacific. Both Midway and Wake are little more than a mile long, a half-mile wide and just barely above sea level — just enough for a runway and a small harbor where the Clippers landed.

For its first flights, Pan American used the Martin M-130 flying boat that was equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and had a

range of 3,200 miles as it flew along the eastern coasts of Central and South America.

The interior was furnished like a hotel, with broad armchairs and full meal service.

It could carry as many as 52 passengers.

On Nov. 22, 1935, the airline began mail service across the Pacific. Airline founder Juan Trippe dubbed the first Pacific Pan Am aircraft the China Clipper but had landing rights only in the British colony of Hong Kong.

As many fliers and mariners have discovered, the Pacific can be a lonely and deadly stretch of water if you don’t know what you’re doing navigation-wise. Today’s modern jetliners make dozens of computer-guided flights from the West coasts of North and South America traveling 12to 17-hour non-stop flights to Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and China — all without landing to refuel.

Pan Am founder Trippe was the major driving force behind the development of the Clipper service in both the Pacific and Atlantic. In need of a modern amphibious plane, Trippe turned to aviation designer Igor Sikorsky.

The Russian genius produced two planes for Pan American, the S-40 and the S-42, the first four-engine seaplanes.

The former could carry 50 passengers in relative comfort and had a range of nearly 1,000 miles. The S-42 had a range three times the S-40, and was the world’s first big luxury airliner. In 1931, after

BOEING 314 — The grandest of the successful flying boats was the Boeing 314, nicknamed the Yankee Clipper. Pan Am used them between 1941 and ‘46. It had nearly the wingspan of a modern-day Boeing 747, and it could carry 70 people more than 4,000 miles. Photo provided by Tom Morrow. taking delivery of his first seaplane, Trippe named the aircraft American Clipper in tribute to the tea trade clipper ships of the 1860s, the fastest sailing ships of their day.

Diplomatic problems with both the Soviet Union and Japan forced Trippe to consider alternative routes across the Pacific. The most obvious way was to go straight across from California to Hawaii, and then to Midway and Wake atolls. From those coral outcroppings the huge seaplanes could fly to Guam and on to the Philippines and various destinations along the Chinese coast. Despite only lukewarm interest from the U.S. Postal Service, Trippe pressed ahead with his trans-Pacific plans. In 1935, Pan American

APARTMENT LIVING BEAUTIFUL 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS Designed for Seniors 62+

• Rent Based On Income • Income Restrictions Apply • Accepting Residency Applications • Social Services Coordinator On Site

53871 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635

(574) 243-1300 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

810 S. Merrifield Ave. Mishawaka, IN 46544

Office (574) 252-4466 Hours 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday

www.ahepahousing.org

built airfields and anchorages on Midway, Wake, and Guam, running test flights across the Pacific using the planned island-hopping route.

In October 1936, it inaugurated its first Pacific passenger flights by carrying nine travelers across the world’s largest ocean. Each passenger paid more than $1,400, an astronomical sum at that time for the round trip from San Francisco to Manila. Compare that price to the cost for today’s adventure travelers, who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for going into space or to the depths of the ocean.

Clipper flights became a dependable and elegant service. On regular trips across the Pacific, most of the cargo was mail, leaving room for usually eight to 10 passengers who could stretch out in three large compartments, including a lounge/dining salon. During the 18-to-20hour trip from San Francisco to Hawaii, passengers could enjoy cocktails in the lounge and formal evening meals.

Although uncomfortable compared to current-day standards, passengers of the 30s and 40s didn’t seem bothered by the loud engine noise during the total flight time of some 60 hours spread over five days. So popular were the Pan Am Clipper flying boats that even Hollywood gave praise with a movie titled China Clipper starring Hum-

phrey Bogart.

Along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, Pan Am flew the Martin M-130, which had a 3,000-mile range and could carry 40 people. The grandest of the successful flying boats was the Boeing 314, nicknamed the Yankee Clipper.

Pan Am used them between 1941 and ‘46. It had nearly the wingspan of a modern day Boeing 747, and it could carry 70 people more than 4,000 miles.

After a vicious battle in the opening days of World War II, Wake Island fell to the Japanese, who took prisoners of a surviving detachment of U.S. Marines and a small crew of civilian construction workers. The Americans remained prisoners until the end of the war. That Japanese invasion canceled the Clipper flights beyond Hawaii.

Through World War II, Pan American operated scaleddown Clipper services over both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, but the end of the war signaled the beginning of a new flying era. Seaplanes were being replaced by new four-engine land planes that could fly into a multitude of new modern airstrips. The great seaplanes faded away.

To this day, Hawaii and Guam continue as popular Pacific destinations. Midway and Wake serve as nature preserves as well as emergency airstrips.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Audit your auto expenses to save

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features If you no longer need a family car — you fly to vacations, have your groceries delivered, and take cabs to the dentist — you’ll save yourself tons of money.

You will have no car payments, no insurance premiums, no maintenance costs, and no need to haul a pocketful of credit cards to the nearest gasoline pump to fill your tank.

The thought of not having a vehicle parked in the garage or

Legal drugs can be debilitating

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features As we age and acquire sundry types of aches, pains, disabilities and diseases, we build a medicine cabinet bulging with pills, potions and needles prescribed to lessen the pain and thwart the invasion of debilitating disorders.

As a result, we wind up with conflicting cures.

For example, dosages designed to support a diseased liver might cause our diabetes pills to turn against us. Or a prescription for a newly acquired affliction might cause severe skin rashes, painful stomach upsets, or dizziness and loss of balance.

Adding to the confusion is the intake of any supplements, such as vitamins, that may also tussle with whatever else you add to your system.

Many medications come with their own set of issues.

Some blood pressure drugs and painkillers can cause depression. Confusion and instability caused by multiple medications can be diagnosed as dementia.

Coping with medications gets worse as we age because our bodies lose their resiliency and ability to combat any ill effects.

Compounding the problem is that most of us acquire more and more medications to fight off disease and disabilities that prey on the elderly.

If you haven’t done so yet, write down all the prescriptions and supplements you take and in what dosages and how often.

Make an appointment with your family doctor, now known as your primary care physician, and go over the list carefully.

Before agreeing to replace a current prescription with a new medication, discuss with your doctor how it will fit in. Do the same before deciding to toss out any on your list or to ingest a new health drink or booster bar.

If, when you do make any changes or additions, you experience any dizziness, blurred eyesight, upset stomach, memory lapses — anything — sit down and review the matter with your doctor.

Ask if there is any way you can drop a medication by doing more exercise, improving your diet, getting more rest or any other lifestyle changes. If your doctor agrees you can stop taking a certain medication, ask if there will be any ill effects if you drop it too quickly.

If you’re given a new pre-

scription after a hospital stay or consulting with a specialist, review the situation with your family doctor before ingesting the medication.

It’s also a good idea to use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions. The druggist can be another source of information on the interaction between different types of drugs.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

driveway makes most people shudder. The thought of conspiracies, government meddling, foreign control, distribution problems, and a host of other reasons — real or imagined — driving up the cost of a gallon of gasoline prompt these same people to carp and complain.

Fuel prices are getting as much talk time these days as the weather.

Just as a few adjustments will help you beat the weather, such as heading south if it’s cold or for the beach if it’s too hot, there are a multitude of moves you can make to avoid being hammered by rising gasoline prices if you don’t want to sell your car.

One way is to avoid the big brand-name service stations.

This is not a conspiracy to put them out of business. It’s just plain good sense to look for lower prices at such outlets as Costco. You can also shop around by scanning for prices

before your fuel gauge hits the empty line.

You should also plan your trips. If you have a list of chores to do, take a moment to mentally map out the shortest route to combine them all. In other words, don’t drive to the dry cleaners, then drive back home to drop off the clean clothes, and head to the nursery to pick up some houseplants, drop them off at home, and then motor to the supermarket for groceries.

The next step after cutting down on the length of your trips is to reduce the number of trips.

When you’re not driving, you’re not using gasoline.

Mechanics and motorists differ on how much gas you’ll save if you turn off and turn on your engine in gridlock to avoid letting it idle too long. Most agree that using cruise control on the highway improves fuel efficiency.

They pretty well all agree that speeding slurps up the gasoline.

“Speed limit” driving not only is safer, it saves you money.

At the pump, you don’t always have to buy the highest-rated premium gasoline. Your vehicle manual will tell you the octanelevel your vehicle requires.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated rubber causes “drag” and requires more fuel to propel your vehicle.

Lift the hood and inspect your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. If you don’t know where it is, check your manual.

Check the oil level and the transmission fluid level. Adding oil or fluid when required is no more complicated than pouring coffee into a cup. Changing your oil and oil filter takes a bit more time.

Simple maintenance steps such as these prolong the life and enhance the performance, including the fuel efficiency, of your vehicle.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Help is just a phone call away!

CapTel™ Captioned Telephone – The Amplified Telephone that includes Written, Word-for-Word Captions of Everything the Caller Says!

Service provided by InTRAC and phones available at no charge to those who qualify.

877-446-8722 www.relayindiana.com

20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Travel

Crawfordsville Rotary Jail never had an escape Crawfordsville has a rotary jail.

No, it’s not a place for delinquent Rotary Club members.

It actually housed prisoners GREAT from 1882 ESCAPES to 1973 and Text and Photos has the

By ROD KING distinction of never allowing an escape.

It’s unique to say the least. It was the first of only 18 constructed by Haugh Ketchum Company of Indianapolis and is the only one still operable. The jail, which was basically a kit, was hauled in and assembled on site. It is a two-story, 32-ton steel structure built within the Montgomery County Sheriff’s

Greencroft Community Center Tours

office with eight pie-shaped cells on each level around a single shaft that can be turned by a hand crank. When turning, the cells rotate to a single opening where a prisoner can enter or leave.

Prisoners were marched right through the main house where the sheriff and his family lived and into the rotating jail. The sheriff’s wife was in charge of providing meals for the prisoners. Most of the prisoners were there for being drunk and disorderly; the average stay was generally just a day or two. The longest was a year.

With the county hurting for funds in the early 1800s, it was determined that this particular design could not only hold prisoners securely, but save money.

The savings came from only having to employ one jailer to watch the entire cell block.

In the early 1930s, investigators for the Indiana State Board of Charities noted the natural light and ventilation were poor and the cells were unsanitary. In addition, the jail had a habit of trapping prisoner’s limbs when turning, causing numerous broken arms because the jailer operating the crank could not see all the cells.

Some modifications were made to satisfy the changing codes

ROTARY JAIL — Prisoners were brought into the rotary jail through the main entrance to the Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office and home. The jail, which was basically a kit that was assembled on site, required only one officer to supervise the cell block and therefore saved the county money. over the next few decades.

The structure was finally condemned and ordered closed in 1967, with final closure happening in 1973. The rotary jail served Montgomery County for 91 years.

Continued on page 21

DD RESALES Presents 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

Our Nation’s Capital May 16-22, 2024

JUST ADDED 91

• 6 nights lodging • Admission to the Museum of the Bible • 10 meals • Tram Ride through Arlington National Cemetery • Two Guided tours of Washington DC • Admission to Mount Vernon Estate & Garden • Evening Guided Memorial and Monuments Tour

1 FLIGHT 93 MEM

ORIAL

$955 pp/dbl occ

June 10-14, 2024

• Motorcoach transportation • 4 nights lodging in the Nashville area • 8 meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners • 2 Great Shows: Grand Ole Opry, & Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater • Guided Tours of Nashville and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

• Adm. to the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum • Admission to the Grand Ole Opry Behind The Scenes Tour • Admission to the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

$830 pp/dbl occ

OPENED IN 1882 — Haugh Ketchum Company of Indianapolis began construction of the rotary jail in the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in 1881, and it was open for business the following year. It was closed in 1973, converted to a museum in 1975, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places at the same time.

Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2024

• 6 nights, 5 days • 10 meals • Guided tour of Boston Faneull Hall & Quincy Marketplace

• JFK Presidential Library & Museum Guided Tour of Scenic Coastal Massachusetts

$985 pp/dbl occ

Oct. 28-Nov. 2, 2024

• Motorcoach transportation • 5 nights lodging incl. 3 consecutive nights in the Smokies • 8 meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners • Two Morning Shows: Smith Morning Variety Show & Patty Waszak Show • One Afternoon Show: “Icons” – The Original Legends Show

• Three Evening Shows: Country Tonite, Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & “Array” • Guided Tour Of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Free time in Historic Downtown Gatlinburg

$885 pp/dbl occ

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DAILY SCHEDULES, VIDEOS AND MORE DETAILS

WWW.GROUPTRIPS.COM/DDRESALES

BOOK NOW FOR ONLY $75 pp TO HOLD YOUR SEAT For flyers and more information call Dennis Donathen @ 574.220.8032

MEAL TIME — The sheriff’s wife not only fed her family, but the prisoners as well. She’s shown here sliding food into the cell block.

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 21

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Crawfordsville Rotary Continued from page 20

The jail and sheriff’s office/ living quarters were converted into a museum in 1975 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places the same year. Two executions were carried out behind the jail in 1885 and 1886, respectively. Both men were convicted of murder and were hanged.

For information about hours of operation and admission fees, check out the website at rotaryjailmuseum.org or call (765) 362-5222.

U.S. 231 runs right into Crawfordsville and turns into Washington Street. The destination, the Rotary Jail Museum, is located on the west side of the street at 125 N. Washington St.

Take a walk

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

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

A daily 10-minute walk around the block, down in the park or around your apartment building may not add years to your life, but it will keep you much healthier while you are alive. Add five or 10 minutes to that walk every other day or so to make you even healthier.

Now speed it up.

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

CENTRAL HUB — Large steel post supports the two-level rotary jail. Prisoners sometimes suffered broken arms when trapped as the jail was being rotated to the main entrance door. Unfortunately, the officer could not see all he cells from his post at the crank.

Crossroad Tours New Orleans, LA 7 Days, 6 Nights Feb 18 - 24, 2024 Guided tour of New Orleans, World War II Museum, River Boat Cruise, and much more! Includes 10 Meals , Hotel and bus Fair. $1053.00 Per Person / Double Occupancy

Family Fun Tours February 24, 2024 - Indy boat, sport, hunting, travel show March 16, 2024 - Indy Flower & Patio Show March 30, 2024 - Jurassic Quest May 11, 2024 - Tulip Festival June 15, 2024 - Toledo Zoo June 22, 2024 - Dayton Air show July 20, 2024 - Peru Circus

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

S & S TRAVEL

Motorcoach Tours 1404 E. Lake Bluff Dr. Kendallville, IN 46755

May 2024 Bring You & Your Family Health, Happiness, & Safe Travels

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Diamond Tour Trip

Ron, Mary & Sheryl Godby We are Now Planning our next Great Adventures.

2024 (Our 45TH Year) April 27-May 5, 2024 San Antonio, Texas June 14-24, 2024 Colorado Five Historic Trains July 18-26, 2024 Mt. Rainier/Olympic National Parks Aug. 5-9, 2024 NY 1000 Islands Aug. 29-Sept. 7, 2024 Shades Of Ireland Sept. 14-21, 2024 Coastal Maine Oct. 7-11, 2024 Door Cty, WI Details: www.s-stravel.com Tour Calendar: Call 888-262-4423

CATWALK — A catwalk was added in the 1930s for safety reasons after the State Board of Charities declared the facility below standard.

February 18-24, 2024 - New Orleans, LA June 24-29, 2024 - Pigeon Forge and Smokey Mountains.

September 22-28, 2024 - New Hampshire & the White Mountain October 12-22, 2024 - Albuquerque & Santa Fe, New Mexico December 8-14, 2024 - Charleston, South Carolina

Crossroadbus.com

260-768-7549

22 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

The Lincoln Highway —

Historic road runs across northern Indiana

By JEFF BLAIR President Indiana Lincoln Highway Association In northern Indiana we have a lot of roads named Lincolnway or Lincoln Way. Ever wonder why? Basically, it dates back to the early 20th century when the first “coastto-coast rock highway” was named — The Lincoln Highway. This highway actually had its foundation 20+ years earlier, arising from bicycle clubs around the country demanding better roads.

Hoosier Carl Fisher was the idea man who got the concept growing. He brought a dozen of his fellow auto industrialists to Indianapolis in 1912, and together they determined to raise a million dollars and pave a highway from Times Square in New York City all the way to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. Thus was formed an organization called the Lincoln Highway Association.

The first LHA President was Packard Motor Company President Henry Joy, and Carl Fisher served as vice president. They named the highway the Lincoln Highway in honor of our 16th President and set about to actually name the route, since this was 10-15 years before the federal government’s involvement in road improvement and numbering routes.

On Halloween in 1913, the great Lincoln Highway was formally dedicated by parades, bonfires, fireworks and huge celebrations in virtually every town the route passed through.

If you know your geography or want to follow along on a U.S. map, allow me to outline that original route for you.

Starting in Times Square in New York City, a driver was ferried across the Hudson River to New Jersey, then headed southwest a little to

Trenton, New Jersey, and across Pennsylvania through Pittsburgh, across the panhandle of West Virginia into Ohio near Canton and across the northern part of the state, entering Indiana east of New Haven. From New Haven the Lincoln Highway route followed old, established indigenous Potawatomi and Miami Indian trails from Fort Wayne to South Bend, and the old Sauk Trail southwest to Valparaiso and on into Illinois. It crossed through northern Illinois south of Chicago and on to Ames, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, as it continued west on into Wyoming. Then across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, Utah, on into Nevada, west to Reno, then across the Sierra Nevada range to Sacramento, Calif., and ultimately San Francisco. Over 3,200 miles, through parts of 13 states and over 700 towns. Only about 15% of the route was then paved!

Over the next 15 years, as roads began to get paved and automobile travel became more and more prevalent everywhere, it is easy to point to the foresight of the leadership at the Lincoln Highway

HISTORIC ROUTE — The Lincoln Highway that traverses northern Indiana can trace its roots back to 1912, when the original Lincoln Highway Association was founded. Photo provided by the Indiana Lincoln Highway Foundation.

Association and the impact they have had on travel, tourism, the auto and RV industries and much more. Other named routes like the Dixie Highway, the Yellowstone Trail, the National Road, the Jefferson Highway and more

sprang up and ultimately led the federal government to get involved in paving and numbering our highways. Yet many of our towns still have the Lincolnway designation here in Indiana.

In the next installment of

this series, hear more about the Lincoln Highway through Indiana and some of the interesting vistas and venues that one can see along the route. Plus, learn about the second alignment of the route in Indiana!

Medical virtual visits becoming reality

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features A portion of your virtual world is becoming a reality.

It’s becoming more and more possible and popular to have your doctor visit with you in your living room, or whatever location in your home you choose.

Two developments have focused attention upon and accelerated this movement.

The confusing COVID-19 shutdown/startup/shutdown that spread around the globe and soaked up all our medical attention cut into our ability to meet with our family physicians and take care of problems ranging from acne

to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Not only were we deterred from visiting our doctor’s office, testing and surgeries were pushed out of the way to make room for a pandemic solution.

A lot of cyberspace traffic began to build up as doctors and their medical, technical and accounting staff responded to patients’ concerns by computer and smartphone.

At the same time, Medicare and health-care insurance companies began to revise restrictions and cover patientdoctor video visits.

There still are pebbles on this virtual-reality road.

As one specialist reminded us recently, “You have to

• GUNS • • GOLD • $ • SILVER • Bought & Sold

35+ Years Experie nce

Gold • Silver • Platinum • Sterling Coins • Paper Money • Guns • Knives Pocket Watches • Militaria WWII & Before

BUYING • SELLING

be sitting in my chair if I have to clean the wax out of your ears.”

Eliminating the need to visit your family doctor, now known as your primary care physician, who should receive results of any and all tests, diagnoses and opinions prescribed by consulting specialists, is still down the road a ways.

But, to be clear, it’s closer than you think.

You can prepare for this transition by taking charge of what you can do for yourself.

Get a thermometer to take your temperature, bathroom scale to monitor your weight and blood pressure device to log your readings. You can keep a record of these figures

Classified Ads Use Our Classifieds Starting At $

1 Column x 1 Inch Ad

19

Call 800-733-4111 Ext. 2401

Casper’s Coin & Jewelry Goshen, Inc.

Roofing

(574) 971-8619

MAPLE CITY ROOFING LLC

603 West Pike Street • Goshen, IN 46526 www.CaspersCoinAndJewelryGoshen.com Facebook: Caspers Coin and Jewelry Goshen E-bay Store: caspersgoshen Join Casper’s MVP Club: text SILVER to 313131

OPEN TUES.-FRI. 10 A.M.-6 P.M. • SAT. 10 A.M.-3 P.M.

We Do All Types Of Roofing And Siding And Also Build Portable Structures

Chris Yoder 260-350-4479

to report verbally or email to your doctor.

If you have a complaint — left shoulder pain, dizziness, or anything else — write it down so you can do the same as above, tell or email the information to you doctor or her office medical technicians so they can zero in on your problem.

You can take pictures of a rash or injury and email them to your doctor.

Everyone should have an up-to-date medical history as well as an up-to-date history of medications you’re taking along with a list of those discontinued. Make sure you include supplements and vitamins you’re taking and include those you quit taking.

Any instructions your doctor gives you during the session should be read back to him, even if they’re emailed to you. This will avoid any confusion and can clarify any bits of information you might not fully understand, especially dealing with the quantity of medication to take and how often.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

ANSWERS:

e!

d

January 2024 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 23

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Find the Insurance Find the Insurance Find the Insurance You Need in One Place!

YouNeed NeedininOne OnePlace!

Place!

You “Understanding and choosing the right “Understanding “Understanding andand insurance coverage choosing right choosing thethe right can be confusing insurance coverage insurance coverage for I can can be confusing can beeveryone. confusing it easy, help formake everyone.

I can for everyone.

I canyou understand your options, make it easy, help you make it easy, help you and help you find the understand your options, HealthMarkets Insurance Agency understand your options, plan that’s right forthe you and help youyou findfind the and help and your budget.” plan that’s right for you plan that’s right for you Contact me today for and your budget.” and your budget.”

no-cost personalized service!

Sheryl Noblitt Sheryl SherylNoblitt Noblitt

803 CR 6 East Elkhart IN 46514 Phone: Insurance (574) 903-3848 Licensed Agent Email: sheryl.noblitt@HealthMarkets.com

Licensed Insurance Agent Licensed Insurance Agent

ou Health / Medicare / Small Group / Life / Supplemental ptions, Health / Medicare / Small Group / Life / Supplemental Health / Medicare / Small Group / Life / Supplemental he you

ntal

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

Contact me today for no-cost personalized service!

803Insurance CR 6 East Elkhart IN 46514 HealthMarkets Agency, Inc. is licensed (574) 903-3848 as an InsurancePhone: agency in all 50 states and the Email: sheryl.noblitt@HealthMarkets.com District of Columbia. Service and product availability HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an Insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Service and product availability varies. Agents may bemay compensated on your enrollment. No obligationon to enroll.

47739-HM-0721 varies.

Agents be based compensated based your enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 47739-HM-0721

H

E

24 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ January 2024

Matthew Abbett Maymie Ankrom Jon Anthony Kathryn Bartman Rebecca Berggren Anita Bias Victoria Biddle Mary Beth Biltz-Spalding Lynn Blanchard Clayton Bledsoe Jonathan Borton Amber Bouthot Larry Bowman Patricia Bray Angela Brown Jay Burch Alicia Carnes Lori Carr Jeffery Carson Todd Clark Cody Click Christopher Collins David Cook Angie Cox James Cox Efrain Cruz Michelle Davis Lillian Dwyer Darlene Eichelberger Zachary Farmer Betty Foster Joshua Fox

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Gregory Grooms Phillip Hackworth Richard Huff Kenneth Jenson Karen Johnson Tina Kaplan Tracy Kassdorf Daniel Kerlin David Kerlin Jacqueline Kerlin Vanessa Kessler Bunkhean Khoeuth Khoeun Khoeuth Keith Knepp John Krumm Rich Krygowski Carl Lauster Laurie Lechlitner Anne Lemmon

Dennis Lennox Mary Lester Jerry Long Lance Marshall Logan Marshall Marguerita McDowell Andrea McKee Branden McKinney Stephen Meadows Cynthia Mihingo Barbara Miller Michael Moreland Michael Mogan Shannon Morris Melinda Musselman Phoebe Muthart Gina Oliver Theresa Ostrander

Published by The Papers Incorporated

Taelynne Ousley Nathaniel Pace Debra Patterson Elaine Pearson Teresa Petty Robert Pickerill Brianna Pitts Anthony Powell Siera Powell Heather Purman Kathleen Rairigh Lasca Randels Amanda Ratliff Christine Reeder Ryan Reinholt Richard Rhodenbaugh Devyn Rhodes Nancy Robinson

Ron Baumgartner

Greg Rosol Naomi Russell Armin Salinas Jr. Leah Sander Austin Searfoss Sombat Sek Craig Selvey Christy Sheller Elizabeth Shepherd Terry Shumpert Debra Skevington Denise Skwarcan Scott Slusser Christopher Smith Kaci Smith Joan Storey Susan Stump Marissa Sweatland Joshua Swihart Paul Troyer William Vinocur Cheryl Walls Annette Weaver Kyle Weber Catherine Wilson Rees Woodcock Mona Wooten Rosemary Wright Sarah Wright Dennis Wuthrich Jennifer Young Kimberly Zellers Lauren Zeugner