Senior Life - Northwest Edition - August 2023

Salvation Army —

and changing lives

to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

has a food pantry as part of its facilities.

When you’re facing a hardship, having some support or a resource you can count on to help you through it can make all the difference. The Salvation Army has been serving the poor, hungry, troubled, homeless and displaced since its establishment in England in the 1860s. It’s an international charitable organization and church that offers guidance in spiritual ways, as well as by providing ways to help individuals not just survive, but also thrive.

“Part of the universal Christian Church, its message is based on the Bible,” said Captain Jim Prichard with the Porter County Corps of the Salvation Army. “Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is

Prichard knows firsthand the kind of impact the Salvation Army can have.

“As a child, The Salvation Army was my safe haven, a place for me to go to feel loved and safe as my home life was not the best,” he said. “I strive each day to provide a safe place for kids to be able to come and feel safe and loved.

The Salvation Army does so much to meet the needs of those in the community from the food pantry to Christian education on Sundays. Most of our services go unnoticed by the community, but we are here to help when and where we can.”

Besides the Porter County Corps, northwest Indiana is also served by facilities in East Chicago, Gary/Merrillville and Hammond/Munster. Each site

One of the Porter County Corps recent projects was Archery Day Camp for ages 7 to 17, which had 12 kids attending each day. “They learned new skills for archery and then we had a fun trip,” said Prichard. The afternoon activities included a splash pad, a movie outing, the Porter County Fair and a South Bend Cubs game.

Prichard said they are looking to expand their structure and programs in the future. “We are still looking to expand our building to meet the needs of our community that we service. This would include new office space, pantry, kitchen, gym and classroom for kids as well as community use,” he said. “This fall we hope to have an after school program that would include a safe place for kids to go after school, have homework help and participate in our

music programs. Archery would be our character building groups.”

Lola Jennings has been a longtime bookkeeper for The Salvation Army and has been proud to be part of an organization that does so much to make a difference. Her husband also served on the advisory board and was an active volunteer.

“The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization,” Jennings said. “People who make donations can be assured that they money they give is being used for good. God had blessed The Salvation Army of Porter County in so many ways in the 32 years I have worked here. I am always amazed, but humbled by all the people of Porter County in how they give to the Salvation Army — all of the food that is donated, the Christmas Angel Tree Program and many more programs.”

Key Positions

Buell makes a difference in special needs lives

Theresa Buell of Highland has spent the past three decades working with adults with intellectual disabilities. She loves

going to work each day and being in a role where she can help others and have a front row seat to witnessing their progress.

The past five years of her career have been spent at TradeWinds Services in Mer-

S.O.S. - Speaking of Seniors —

Such a deal!

Editor’s note: Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has helped clients of that firm save over three million dollars by correcting medical bill problems. Also, Wilcox wrote the book “SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$” which is available through book stores and online.

On July 19, 2023, a client from Porter County brought a medical bill for me to check.

He bought a policy with which I was not familiar. When he met with our agent, Moe Qader, Qader asked him about what kind of health problems he was likely to have and how much he could afford. Qader did not just recommend any policy. He learned about the client and his needs before recommending a policy.

I had helped this client with medical bill problems in the past. He told me that he brought the bill for $1,850 to have me check it before he paid any of it.

With the client present, I phoned Qader because he was more familiar with the policy and how it worked than I was. I wanted accurate information to help the client.

The bill was correct. The client got a policy that has deductibles, copays and out of network charges. But the bill for $1,850 was just a co-pay of $370 per day for five days in the hospital. That was the amount he owed with the policy that he bought.

If you ask me, the client made out like a bandit. The total bill was for $135,670.80. The credit adjustments reduced the bill by $126,749.50. His insurance company paid $7,071.30. He owed only $1,850. He was in the hospital for five days.

I’m proud of Moe Qader for listening to the client and helping the client select a policy that really helped the client. Oh, I forgot to tell you something. The monthly premium for the health insurance policy Moe recommended to the client was only $24 per month. We can’t always guess the best policy for the client. But our agents are good and they do their best to make an educated guess about which choices seem to be the best for the client.

rillville, a provider of services for children of all abilities from childcare to summer camps to occupational and speech therapies. It also assists adults with physical and developmental disabilities, including employment services, day activities and training, residential group homes, and supporting living, respite for caregivers, deaf service, prevocational services and more for residents of Northwest Indiana.

“TradeWiinds’ mission is serving people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential,” said Buell. “TradeWinds began in the 1940s as the Lake County Association for Crippled Children to provide speech and occupational therapy. TradeWinds Services incorporated in 1967 providing services from infants to seniors.”

Buell’s title is day services lead case manager. It’s not an easy job and there can be frustrations of not always knowing how to help a participant due to their limited communication, but there are many rewards that come with her position, especially seeing smiles on the faces of participants and the pride that is apparent when they talk about earning a paycheck. Perhaps the most significant reward in her profession is seeing progress, such as having a participant move from a group home to supported living.

Among the duties of her role are coordinating subcontracted transportation, supervising day services case managers, overseeing funding resources making sure they are adequate for services TradeWinds provides, being part of the admissions team to review referrals, helping set goals for the participants and providing a monthly summary of their progress.

The best part of the job in her opinion is the interaction she is able to have with those she serves.

“It’s spending time with the participants and seeing the prog-

ress they’ve made,” she said.

Buell spends time volunteering beyond what her job requires with TradeWinds at various events and with the food pantry that was started a year ago.

In the remainder of her time, you’ll likely find her at the gym, doing a bartending shift or enjoying weekends at Hudson Lake where she and her husband,

Garry, have a trailer. The couple has been married for nearly 27 years and share a son, Nick, who is 24 and working for Soccer Shots of Northwest Indiana. Her step-daughter, 35, is living in North Carolina. They also have a “third child” in a Husky named Coalie, and they also enjoy their grand-dog, Storm, who she said “lives up to her name.”

A hard floor night

It was our 43rd anniversary, and I decided to take Mary Ellen to a local art show and stay downtown in a bed and breakfast. My wife loves B&Bs, so I was sure she would enjoy the evening.

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

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

“I love it,” said my wife, “but where is my husband going to sleep?”

your entire marriage.

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

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

“Underneath would probably be the best option.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memory Care

The woman winked at me. “This is your romantic anniversary. I’m sure you will make it work.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Siergey creates art the old-fashioned way

Back in the days before so much of our art was computer generated or enhanced, there was the “old school” way of doing animation — drawing by hand. It’s the world that Jim Siergey of Munster started out in and it’s still the way he loves to create art.

Siergey has been drawing for as long as he can remember

— probably from the time he could first hold a pencil. Throughout school he was always doodling and drawing, much to his teachers’ dismay. He was often getting in trouble for drawing when the teachers thought he should be doing something else. His passion for art was discouraged more than encouraged. “The same thing I got sent to the principal’s office for — drawing — I get paid to do today,” he said.

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It wasn’t until well into adulthood that he even considered he might be able to make a living doing what he loved. “The thought of doing it as a career never occurred to me until I met Jay Lynch, an Underground Comix legend and comics historian when I was in my 20s,” he said.

However, it wasn’t until he was 30 that he began making a career of being an artist. He was a character animator for various studios in Chicago for about 20 years for commercials, educational films, industrial films and other projects.

“I also freelanced in spot illustration for various entities and with my partner, Tom Roberts, collaborated on a comic strip titled ‘Cultural Jet Lag’ — an illogical combination of high and low culture with no regard for time and space — that ran in the Alternative Press for about 20 years, as well as a 4 1/2 year stint with TIME Magazine and another stint with USA Weekend and three comic book compilations from various publishers.”

His professional resume runs the gamut from comics to trad-

ing cards to book illustrations to work on a major exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum, and much more. He also animated “Rembrandt,” a 23-minute video from the Getting To Know The World’s Greatest Artists

Small Farm Equipment Demo and Food Safety Day

The Small Farm Equipment Demo And Food Safety Day is taking place at Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Aug. 10. Register online at https://tinyurl. com/2nke3xay Participants may attend all or part of this full day of programming. All programming is free except the ServSafe certification, which is $40. ServSafe payment can be made at https://cvent.me/ gvLOM9

Agenda:

Practices and water treatment and management demonstration or ServSafe for Home-Based Vendors certification.

series as well as Take Me Out To The Ballgame, a seventhinning stretch video that was played on the Chicago White Sox Jumbotron.

His work has been displayed at many area venues, including breweries, galleries and libraries, much of it his own unique genre, which he refers to as “nart.” Some recent events and ongoing projects have included a summer art pop up at Promise You Art House in Highland, a regular cartoon “The Foul Pole” for Chicago Baseball Magazine (published four times a summer and sold at Wrigley Field) and a monthly “nartoon” for The Lansing Journal.

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9 a.m. to noon — Equipment demonstration and hands-on practice using the equipment. noon to 12:45 p.m. — Catered lunch sponsored by Johnny Seeds and Safe Produce.

12:45-4 p.m. — Option of attending Good Agriculture

Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center is located at 11402 South County Line Road, Wanatah. The ServSafe Food Handler course is for anyone who needs basic food safety and food handling training, including home-based vendors, food service workers, volunteers or others who work with food who only need the basic training. This program focuses on key aspects including basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation.

For more information contact Rebecca Koetz at (219) 755-3240.

You can find his work currently at Sip Coffee House in Highland. He’s also been asked to create a work for Beatlefest in Hammond, happening Aug. 11-12. It doubles as a puzzle and will be raffled off at the festival.

Siergey has won several accolades for his work, most recently in the 29th annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Art Barn in Valparaiso. Check out his artist page on nartscape. threadless.com.

Ten ways to protect your personal information

social media.

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

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

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

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

3. Create strong, unique passwords so others can’t easily access your accounts. Use different passwords for different accounts so if a hacker compromises one account, they can’t access other accounts.

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

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

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

7. Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions.

8. Avoid internet threats by installing and maintaining strong anti-virus software on all your devices — including your mobile device and personal computer. Use a virtual private network to stay safe on public Wi-Fi. Do not perform certain activities that involve sensitive data, like online shopping and banking, on public Wi-Fi networks.

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

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

information on secure websites. We encourage you to create your own personal my Social Security account to track your earnings record. For more

information, please read our publication, Protecting Personal Information, at oig.ssa.gov/ files/21-540_Protecting_Personal_Information.pdf. Contact us if

you see suspicious work activity on your record–you could be a victim of identity theft. Share this information with your family and friends.

Lake County 4-H fights hunger in local communities

Farm Credit Mid-America, Rural 1st and Lake County 4-H/ Lake County Fair have partnered together to raise food donations to benefit local food banks as part of a statewide food drive pilot contest for selected counties. In its first year, Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is a friendly competition that helps 4-H fairs raise food donations for local food banks across Indiana. The contest is one of many ways Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st give back to rural communities and support local agriculture.

“Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is an initiative that encourages the local community to come out and help stock the shelves at local food banks,” says Jason Wilson, a regional vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America in Indiana. “Last year, sixteen

more than 37,000 pounds of food that went on to benefit 22 local food banks in its first year. We’re very excited to see what this program’s impact will look like as the contest expands to Indiana this summer. We hope to grow this contest to even more counties next year.”

Local community members may bring nonperishable food items to the Lake County Fair from August 4-13. Food donations can be placed at the marked drop-off location near the Livestock Show Pavilion. 4-H youth and adult volunteers will be available to collect donations. The total weight of all donations will be calculated at the end of the fair, with first, second and third place and cash prizes awarded to the fairs which raise the most food at the end of the summer.

“This is initiative is one that is

the hearts of my teammates,” says Noah Ahler, a financial officer for Farm Credit Mid-America and one of the team members who leads the Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer initiative.

Julie Jones, 4-H youth development educator, agreed. “Anyone in the local community can contribute, and ultimately, we all win by giving back to a great cause.”

Prizes include a $500 award for each county program that collects over 1,000 pounds of food, followed by a $5,000 donation to the county that raises the most food, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. All prize money awarded will support local youth activities.

The Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer contest is being hosted on a regional basis. To learn about which counties are participating in 2023, reach out to Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st at

‘First mobile journalist’ loves covering ND sports

When asked about his heroes as an adult, Dr. Len Clark cites two legendary University of Notre Dame figures — former football coach Ara Parseghian and long-time president the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh.

Oh, and Clark loves covering Fighting Irish sports.

“It’s a different mindset,” said Clark, 59. “Other schools have their rituals, but it’s just not the same passion.”

A guy with a varied career, from the sports field to the classroom, Clark covers Notre Dame sports for Irish Illustrated, an online platform for ND athletics.

Clark is particularly excited about covering this year’s Fighting Irish football season opener Aug. 26 against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.

“You just can’t describe it,” said Clark, a Portage resident. “I love the way everyone connected with the game is so excited.”

Clark is no stranger to Ireland and has been trying to sell Notre Dame on a course he developed called “Irish Media and Culture.”

His travels have also taken

him to Spain, where in 2022 he completed a four-day, 75mile Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage of the apostle James.

Clark, who earned a master’s degree at Notre Dame, received his doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology. His professional life has taken him from the Colts to ESPN Game Day to WSBT, a South Bend television station.

Clark describes himself as an entrepreneurial communications professional specializing in emerging technologies, sales development and leadership training.

Having founded LTC Media, he works with global media companies as a brand ambassador, in addition to training the next generation of journalists.

Using the latest media tools for the smartphone, Clark covers Notre Dame football and men’s basketball, and has been dubbed “Indiana’s first mobile journalist.”

Irish Illustrated has 80,000 visitors to its site, and most of them are not ND grads. Many fans, Clark said, are interested in recruiting and Fighting Irish coaches, including new men’s hoops coach Micah Shrewsberry.

Professional Services

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

“They want football,” said Clark, who regrets that for business purposes Irish Illustrated only focuses on two sports.

Typical online sports stories include promising recruits making return visits to South Bend, current player features, and Notre Dame’s chances of making the national college football playoffs.

In education, Clark’s research focuses on emerging media. His doctoral dissertation investigated the skills needed by global journalists in the mid-21st century and beyond.

Clark’s teaching resume includes stops at Kentucky Wesleyan, Virginia Tech and the University of Evansville. He taught a multimedia journalism course at Notre Dame in 2016-17.

Clark returned in mid-July to the ND campus to address an alumni club-sponsored student send-off. Standing on the 50-year line of Notre Dame Stadium, he shared with students and parents the same message he imparted to ND students on the first and final day of his journalism course.

Clark promotes five virtues to students – focus, passion, positive attitude, having a

thick skin and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“With the tools out there, students can connect with any-

thing they want to do,” Clark said. “I always ask students, ‘what did they do today to get closer to their goals?’”

A.

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

Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator

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

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

vided 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.

Q. What is the likelihood I will get a response if placing an ad in Senior Life?

A. If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50, Senior Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers average 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services from the ads they see in Senior Life (74.8%). Call or send me an email today to discuss adding Senior Life into your marketing strategy.

Spiritual ‘walk’ takes Conlisk around the globe

John Conlisk Jr. can thank his wife Mary for expanding his faith life from local care centers to venues around the world. And he doesn’t have to leave Porter County.

A Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Conlisk took over the parish’s Walk to Bethlehem ministry that his wife started, and which he has been running for eight years.

The “walk” is a spiritual

journey, a 12-week program done at Christmastime. Participants pray and meditate as they walk the distance from Valparaiso to the Holy Land.

Over the past 10 years, more than 1,200 walkers have spiritually trekked 188,000 miles. They have spiritually “visited” more than 30 shrines, cathedrals and holy places that would have been along their pathways.

Through the walk, Conlisk said, “we’re able to encompass our faith and do physical exercise and grow spiritually as

Debunking the myths about Meals on Wheels

ing or swallowing we offer mechanical soft and pureed meals.

Common myths about Meals on Wheels of NWI:

we go about our actions.”

As a Eucharistic minister, Conlisk brings Communion to the homebound and to several area senior care facilities, some of which also allow a Catholic Mass.

“I’m able to bring the Body of Christ to people who would not be able to receive it,” said Conlisk, 73, a retired accountant.

The Valparaiso man visits five care facilities and brings Communion to 12 homebound persons. Some facilities allow for Communion services, at which Conlisk shares copies of scriptural readings.

Originally from Chicago, Conlisk believes St. Paul Parish is special for all its ministries. These varied ministries, he explained, “revolve around helping parishioners grow spiritually and grow closer to Jesus.”

His pastor, the Rev. Douglas Mayer, said Conlisk “is doing many things and is a great witness to living the faith.”

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is a nutrition organization providing over 2,000 meals a day across the counties of Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, Starke and Pulaski. Meals on Wheels of NWI was established in 1977, by Margot Clark, a Visiting Nurses Association social worker. Through her work with the VNA, she learned a lack of quality nutrition negatively impacted patients’ recovery. Meals on Wheels of NWI is a key resource to keeping clients healthy and in their homes. Not only do we provide nutrition, but we are also a friendly face and a wellness check.

We offer four main diet types: heart healthy, sugar friendly, carb counted and renal, as well as over 20 additional modifications that include low residue, and no vitamin K options. For clients who experience trouble chew-

• There is an age qualification or limit, or meals are just for seniors.

• There is an income qualification or limit, or meals are just for those in “need.”

• The meals are not affordable.

• “I am not ready for Meals on Wheels; I will sign up when I need it.”

Meals on Wheels of NWI serves people ages 3 to 105. The meals are $5.99 each, Additional funding sources are available for those who qualify.

Meals on Wheels is a choice.

Some clients find it beneficial after a hospitalization, surgery or coming home after rehab. One hot meal is delivered daily, Monday through Friday. Frozen meals are also available in five or seven packs.

If you are interested in signing up for Meals on Wheels of NWI, contact our client services team at (219) 756-3663.

Conlisk helped bring the faith to a woman who was in and out of a care facility. At first reluctant, the woman eventually consented to meet with a priest, who heard her confession. She then agreed to receive Communion for “the first time in many, many years.”

One day Conlisk saw a man visiting the woman. It was her husband, but she said he was not interested in Communion. As time passed, the woman’s condition worsened and she died. Shortly thereafter, Conlisk saw her husband return to church. They sat and talked awhile. “Her prayers have been answered,” Conlisk thought.

“It’s reassuring I’m on the right track,” Conlisk said, “continuing to be vigilant about the things I do and not let anything get in the way, doing my best to help people come closer to the Lord.”

Conlisk defines living one’s faith as “living your beliefs, taking an honest look at your life to decide if there’s something you have to change. It

was Mary’s influence that made me love my faith.”

A Meals on Wheels volunteer, Conlisk believes his ministries help him live his faith.

From Scripture, Conlisk cites James 1:22-25, which notes: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive

yourselves. Do what it says … but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”

“Basically,” Conlisk said, “it’s prayer and action that are needed.”

He added, “Your faith is stronger when you continue to meet the people and listen to some of their stories.”

Pack up your troubles for a trip

some of the pain should anything happen.

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

Hurricane, a fractured wrist, a traffic accident, lost luggage, a missed transportation connection — any of these or many other reasons can be the cause.

Being a bit paranoid when planning your trip can ease

Make sure someone in your family knows where you’re going, what you plan to do and how long you’ll be away. Have that person or someone else be aware that they’ll be called should anything happen to you.

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

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Purdue Extension offers grass to garden course

Start a community-based garden with Purdue Extension. From improving access to fruits and vegetables to educating people on how food is grown, community gardens offer many benefits to the place you call home. Purdue Extension can help you get one started in your own neighborhood with its Grass to Garden program.

Every garden project is unique, and Grass to Garden will help your garden program thrive. Learn more than just how to grow plants. Learn how to strengthen agricultural and community development efforts, improve access to local, nutritious food and how to create healthier communities.

Four weekly sessions will be

held on Tuesdays, from 5:30- 8 p.m. Sept. 5-26, 2023 at Real Life Community Church, 3134 Swanson Road, Portage. The program fee is $45 and includes all program materials. Register by Aug. 22 at https://puext.in/

GTG2023

Cash or check payments can be mailed or delivered in person by Aug. 22 to Porter County Extension Office, 155 N. Indiana Ave., Suite 301, Valparaiso, IN 46383. The Extension office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information contact Gina Avila at (219) 465-3555.

If you require reasonable accommodations email ghavila@ purdue.edu at least two weeks in advance of the program.

Train excursions for family fun

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

Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or a vintage coach, while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are round-

trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes.

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

Be sure to tour the museum grounds, where admission is always free. HVRM has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

An exciting schedule of events is planned for this season. Autumn brings Pumpkin

and Halloween trains and Santa Trains run in late November and December. Times and prices for special events vary from regular train excursions. Remember that seating is limited and it is recommended to purchase tickets, in advance, before excursions sell out.

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

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

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

IIt’s easy! Simply find the beach chair on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers. com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25.

The winner of the I Spy Contest for July is Judith Meyer of Fort Wayne. The bicycle was located on page 16 in Senior Life Allen; page 12 in Senior Life Northwest; page 13 in Senior Life Elko and page 1 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

For Information On How To Advertise Call 219-254-2345

ACROSS

BACK TO SCHOOL DOWN

1. *Beginning of a computer class?

6. Mandela’s org.

9. Horned birds

13. Silly and insignificant

14. U.S. counterpart to British M15

15. Inuit skin boat

16. Long oar

17. Acronym, abbr.

18. Movie “____ Day Care”

19. *End of a pencil, sometimes

21. *”Back to School” star 23. Asian restaurant frying pan

24. Anne ____ of gothic fiction fame

25. ____ Beesly of “The Office”

28. Cote d’Azur city

30. Opposite of comic

35. Major mountain chain in Russia

37. It launched Columbus, acr. 39. Walk through slush 40. Lindsey Vonn’s prop 41. *Geography class prop 43. Bear in the sky 44. Idealized imaged of someone

Fresh Herb Shrimp Linguini

Have this fresh shrimp and pasta meal on the table in 30 minutes.

4 servings; Active 5 minutes; Total 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound fresh or frozen medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 ounces packaged dried linguini

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1-1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 Rosemary sprigs

DIRECTIONS:

Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Rinse shrimp and set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Add the shrimp the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain well and place in a large pasta bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese, garlic, olive oil, snipped rosemary, salt and black pepper and toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with the 2 tablespoons of remaining cheese and garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Per Serving: 320 calories; protein 27g; carbohydrates 33g; dietary fiber 5g; sugars 2g; fat 10g; saturated fat 3g; cholesterol 140mg; sodium 590mg.

It’s refrigerator pickle time

rounds or diced

4 garlic cloves (or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder for each clove)

1 quart white vinegar

½ cup canning salt

Layer in a large bowl — cover with water — cover bowl and place in fridge for 24 hours.

Or if you like pickles with a bit more seasoning, I found this recipe which makes only 2 quarts

Quick & Easy Refrigerator Pickles

Last Fall I was at a local fundraising dinner event and saw a huge platter of what had to be homemade pickles surrounded by fresh dill sprigs and onions. Since I was helping in the kitchen and couldn’t get to it directly, I was just hoping there would be some left when I was able to get out there. Luckily, I had to replenish an item and grabbed a couple off the platter.

Oh, my, the freshness and crunch of these delicious nuggets. I pray that people never stop having gardens and making fresh food for their friends and families because you cannot buy these in a store.

They were made by my friend, Anita, who doesn’t need to measure the recipe anymore, but put one together for us. She and her husband, John, have a large garden each year, so the cucumbers and dill came fresh from the yard.

Anita’s Refrigerator Pickles

15 small cucumbers (known as Kirby, pickling, or mini cukes) quartered or chunks

20 dill sprigs

2 onions, any type, cut in

By Jennifer Segal

Ingredients

1¼ cups distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)

3 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups cold water

1¾ to 2 pounds Kirby cucumbers (about 6), cut into halves or spears

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

6 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

16 dill sprigs

Instructions

1. Combine the vinegar, salt and sugar in pan over high heat. Whisk until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Transfer the liquid into a bowl and whisk in the cold water and chill in fridge.

2. Stuff the cucumbers into two clean 1-quart jars. Add the coriander seeds, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, dill sprigs, and chilled brine into jars, dividing evenly. If necessary, add a bit of cold water until the brine covers the cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate about 24

hours, then serve. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Disneys lose 330 pounds through bariatric program

For Chris and Stacy Disney, dropping more than 330 pounds was more about what they gained than what they lost. The couple lights up when they talk about their journey together through Community Healthcare System’s Healthy 4 Life program.

“I still giggle when certain things happen now. Like when I used to drop something on the ground when I was around 300 pounds, I would just get another one of whatever it was. Now I

can bend down and get it no problem,” Stacy Disney said. “Life’s not a struggle. Chris can get his arms all the way around me to hug me. For me, it’s those little things that are bigger things that a lot of people take for granted.”

The Park Forest couple underwent gastric sleeve surgery, with Chris Disney having his procedure done in November 2018. His current weight is around 250 pounds, down from his presurgery weight of 486.

His main motivation to get healthy was his 10-year-old daughter, Grace.

“I started to think about what it would be like for her if I wasn’t here,” said Chris, 47. “I figured if there was ever a good reason to change, it would be that. That made me start looking into weight-loss surgery. I checked around in the area, all the different programs. Fortunately, I found Community’s Healthy 4 Life.”

“I was type 2 diabetic before, and I’m not now. I had severe obstructive sleep apnea. I don’t have that anymore,” he said. “I sleep so much better. I have so much more energy. And all of that together inspired me to go back to school for exercise science. It worked out as a bonus!”

Among the couple’s health care team is bariatric surgeon Paul Stanish, MD, who performed their procedures.

“Some people think bariatric surgery is a quick fix for weight loss. It’s not. Patients still have

to put in the hard work,” he said. “Stacy and Chris are perfect examples. A combined 330-pound loss is not something that comes easily. Surgery is just a tool; you still have to put in the work.

To see success stories like the Disneys’ makes what we do at Healthy 4 Life worth it.”

Stacy’s resolve to have the surgery was “one of the hardest but easiest decisions I’ve ever made.” COVID-19 and the restrictions it brought pushed her surgery to March 2022. The Healthy 4 Life team supported her decision to postpone the surgery until she was ready and could have her loved ones by her side.

“There was no way I could be in the hospital for this life-changing surgery without my husband, my mom and my people there. When I told (the Healthy 4 Life team) this was my decision, they absolutely praised me,” she recalled. “They said, ‘We are here to support you in any way we can. When you are ready, you say the word.’”

Two years later, Stacy gave the green light for the surgery. Nearly a year after that, she stepped on the scale to see she had lost 100 pounds. To commemorate the milestone, she got a tattoo of a mountain range and the words, “It’s not always a straight climb to the top.”

For more information about the surgical and non-surgical options available through Community Healthcare System’s Healthy 4 Life, visit COMHS. org/services/bariatric-medicine.

Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based

diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@thepapers.com.

Send listings of events, hosted by nonprofit organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 by Aug. 28 for September events. With listing, include contact person and a phone number.

Maria Reiner Center

• Monday Stretch class level 1, 9 a.m.; ukulele, 10 a.m.; cardio strength with Janice, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 10 a.m.; smart phone class Androids, 10:30 a.m.; smart phone class I-phone, 11:30 a.m.; oil painting, noon. Pickleball: intermediate, 8-10:30 a.m., advanced, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., open play, 12:30 p.m. to close.

• Tuesday — Breakfast served from 9-11 a.m. for $5. Dominos, 10 a.m.; pool tourna-

ment, 10 a.m.; senior cha cha cha, 11 a.m. Pickleball: beginner drills, 8:30-9:30 a.m., beginner and low intermediate, 9:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close.

• Wednesday Experienced art class, 8:30-11 a.m.; stretch plus level 2, 9 a.m.; bocce ball, 10 a.m.; hand and foot, 10 a.m.; beginner’s art class, 11:30 a.m.; euchre, 12:30 p.m. Pickleball: intermediate, 8:30-10:30 a.m., advanced, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., open play, 12:30 p.m. to close.

• Thursday Lunch served from noon-1 p.m. for $5. Bridge, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; Bible as literature, 1:15 p.m.; Happy Hookers and Naughty Knitters,

1 p.m.; Scrabble, 1 p.m.; meditation, 1 p.m. Pickleball: beginner and low intermediate, 8:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close.

• Friday — Yoga, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 10 a.m.; bingo (every second and fourth Friday), 12:30 p.m.; bunco (every first and third Friday), 12:30 p.m. Pickleball: intermediate, 8:30-10:30 a.m., advanced, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., open play, 12:30 p.m. to close.

Plus many special classes and presentations. Computer “Ask the Doc” technology Zoom classes on the first Thursday of each month from 2-4 p.m. Book Club on the third Thursday of every month. Call for more information. Membership $30/year for Hobart residents and $50/year for outside Hobart residents.

$3 daily visitation fee for nonmembers. Call (219) 947-1864 or visit 705 E. Fourth St., Hobart. For more information, visit www. hobartseniors.com.

St. John Lions Club

Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop-off sites: Community Outpatient Clinic, 9660 Wicker Ave. (Route 41); St. John Library, 9450 Wicker Ave.; Boric Religious Supply Store, 10951 Thiel St.; St. John Town Hall, 10955 W. 93rd Ave.; VFW Post 717, 10400 W. 93rd Ave.; Clear Vue Eyecare, 9270 Wicker Ave.; Dr. Weisman Ophthalmology, 10220 Wicker Ave. # 3; Kolling School, 8801 Wicker Ave.; Metropolitan Eye Care, 9488 Wicker Ave.; Moses Eye Care, 7974 Wicker Ave.; Strack & Van Til, 9825 Wicker Ave.; Vision Boutique, 8319

Wicker Ave.; Welch’s Stop and Shop, 11333 W. 95th Ave.

Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month (September to June) at Roma Grill, 9543 Wicker Ave., St. John. Questions, contact Lion Al at (219) 201-9103.

Whiting Lions Club

Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop off in yellow collection box on 119th Street, Whiting.

Highland Lions Club

Seeking donations of old eyeglasses. Drop off sites are: Town Hall, 3333 Ridge Road; Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St.; Centier Bank, 9701 Indianapolis Blvd.; McColly Realty, 2002 45th St.; Dr. Ligget, 2940 Highway Ave.; Family Eye Care, 8417 Kennedy Ave.; and Johnson Opticians, 8128 Kennedy Ave., Highland.

221 W. Division Road, Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-7005 • www.oakgrovecrv.org

46394 (219) 659-2770

www.hammondwhitingconvalescentcenter.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Respite Care, Hospice Care, JCAHO Accredited, Private/SemiPrivate Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 2300 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 921-5200 • www.ResidencesAtCoffeeCreek.com

Life Care Center of The Willows

1000 Elizabeth Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 464-4858 • www.lcca.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing 24/7, Ready Set Go Program for Rehab to Home; Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies; Exceptional Wound Care; Respite Care; Pallitative and Hospice Care; Long-term Care; Private/Semi-Private Rooms; Pet Visitation Allowed; Medicare, Medicaid, Most Insurances, Private Pay Accepted

Life Care Center of Valparaiso

3405 N. Campbell, Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 462-1023 • www.lcca.com/Valparaiso

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Ready Set Go Rehab Program, Inpatient/Outpatient Physical, Occupational, Speech, Respiratory, Therapy, Wound Care, Respite And Hospice Care, Private/SemiPrivate Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Facility Van, JCAHO Accredited, Medicare, Insurance, Medicaid Accepted

Experience Our Unique Approach

To Senior Living & Memory Support 401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 • www.ResidencesAtDeerCreek.com

Saint Anthony

203 Franciscan Drive. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 661-5100

MajesticCare.com

Assisted Living, Private Rooms, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respiratory Therapy), Pet Visitation, Accepts Most Payer Sources. *Saint Anthony is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Gary or the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.

606 Wall Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976

Sixties Flashback —

Exploding ducks, enormous knives

When World War II began, Julia McWilliams tried to join the American military but was rejected because of her height. (She stood 6 feet, 2 inches.) The patriotic lady thus became a typist/researcher in the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA. Her position took her to China, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and India.

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

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

Undaunted by her ineptitude, Julia Child set a goal of becoming a master cook. She enrolled in the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school,

the only female student there. After finishing the rigorous course, she and two friends ran a cooking school out of various Paris apartment kitchens.

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

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

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

Viewers were charmed

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

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

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

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

Procrastinating unhealthy for long-term-care coverage

of the respondents were not financially prepared to deal with long-term care.

Planning for long-term health care starts about 10 years too late for most Americans, according to a report by the International Association of Financial Planning.

The survey revealed that 94%

Most financial planners agree that the most ideal time for individuals to start shopping for a long-term-health-care is in their early 60s.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

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

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond www.northshorehealth.org By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349

dental care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

FUNERAL HOMES

SMITH BIZZELL WARNER

FUNERAL HOME

4209 Grant St. Gary, IN 46408 (219) 887-1852

www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com

Facebook: smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome

HOME HEALTH CARE

VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE

2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100

www.visitingangels.com

Nationally respected, non medical, home care service. Providing CNA’s, HHA’s & Companion Care.

* Assist w/Hygiene

* Meal Preparation

* Medication Reminders

* Light Housekeeping

* Transportation

* Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED

UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana.

219.769.8648

Greater Illinois area

312.427.6000

www.unityhospice.com

Family owned & operated hospice

Offering premier end-of-life care

For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care.

VNA HOSPICE NWI

501 Marquette St.

Valparaiso, IN 46385

Additional Office In: Crown Point, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax

www.vnanwi.org

A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Accepts all hospice eligible patients, regardless of ability to pay. Veteran specialty hospice program. Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton and Starke Counties. Making Best Days Possible

See Our Ad In This Issue

HOUSECALL DOCTORS

HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC At-Home Medical Care for Elderly & Homebound Patients

Serving NW Indiana & Plymouth/So. Bend areas

HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA

402 Wall Street, Suite 22 Valparaiso, IN 46383

Phone: (219) 462-6529

Fax: (219) 462-9017

www.HTOHH.com

Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.

CHAP Accredited

www.housecalldoc.org

219-750-9497

Providing at-home care from Medical doctors and Nurse Practitioners.

See Our Ad In This Issue

MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

8446 Virginia St., Merrillville, IN (219) 756-3663 * www.mownwi.org

A not-for-profit nutrition provider offering Chef Prepared Hot Lunches delivered daily (M-F). All meals are heart healthy & low sodium. Specialized diets are also available, as well as 5 or 7 packs of frozen meals.

Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke & Pulaski counties.

MEDICAL CLINIC

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS

Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte

By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349

www.northshorehealth.org

Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

REHABILITATION SERVICES

VALPARAISO CARE & REHAB 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383

(219) 464-4976

www.AmericanSrCommunities.com/vcrc

TELEPHONE SERVICES

HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET AREA MUNSTER

www.hospicecalumet.org

(219) 922-2732 / (219) 736-2422

• Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Illinois Communities Since 1981

• Hospice Services Are Covered 100% For Patients Who Are Medicare Eligible

• Not-for-profit

• Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House

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See Our Ad In This Issue

It was 50 years ago — ‘Monster Mash’ a Halloween novelty tune Bobby “Boris” Pickett

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

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

And were they ever right!

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

“I was working in the lab late one night

“When my eyes beheld an eerie sight

“For my monster from his slab began to rise

“And suddenly to my surprise

“(He did the Mash)

“He did the Monster Mash

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

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

“He did the Monster Mash.”

The lyrics are, of course, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818

novel “Frankenstein.” In Pickett’s rendition, a benevolent monster throws a dance party that features other horrorbased creatures of lore (Dracula, the Wolfman, etc.).

Pickett and Capizzi’s taped demo came to the attention of Gary S. Paxton, a Los Angeles record producer whose initial success had been the 1960 million-selling “Alley-Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles. For the Pickett-Capizzi ditty in 1962 (which would also top the Billboard chart), Paxton created his own label, Garpax Records.

The background women’s voices heard came via the Darlene Love-led studio outfit the Blossoms. (When you hear the Crystals singing “He’s a Rebel,” you are hearing the same group.) Leon Russell played piano on that eventful day.

Paxton devised the sound effects for the one-hour recording session. A coffin lid creaking open was created by pulling a nail out of a 2x4. Bubbles from a cauldron came by blowing through a straw in a glass of water. Dropping chains onto the studio floor provided the clatter of clanking shackles.

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

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

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

Take a step back in time at Greenfield Village

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

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

Upon entering the Village the first thing you encounter is the train with four open cars wait-

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

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

After the Model T tour, walk

over to the 1913 carousel and choose one of the colorful animals to ride. Just a block away is the building that originally housed the Wright Brothers bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Learn how they made the big step from making and repairing bikes to constructing an airplane and making the world’s first sustained flight of a heavier-than-air craft in Kitty Hawk, N.C., in December 1903.

Edison’s Menlo Park (New Jersey) laboratory, where he invented the incandescent light bulb, is open for visitors to see the equipment and visualize how he used it in his experiments. The building right across

the street is where his employees lived and was the first structure ever to be electrified.

Greenfield Village has been around a long time. Ford opened it in 1929 when he started the Edison Institute School System with 32 grade school students. At the school’s peak in the 1940s it had more than 300. His philosophy of education was to “learn by doing,” so the children spent time doing hands-on learning in the buildings he was adding on the grounds.

In the late 1920s, Ford was the primary collector of Americana in the world. He was also gathering technological things for the museum, which is next

door to the Village. An academy for 25 gifted students is still operating.

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

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

Letter to the editor

The doctor tried to help

Dear Editor:

Recently, a nice doctor tried to help one of our clients by writing a letter to Medicare.

One of our staff helped the client file an appeal with Medicare over a denied medical service. The staffer did not consult me first. It was a nice gesture but a waste of time. Our client was charged $900 by an ambulance company because her sister called for help.

The ambulance responded but did not take anyone to a hospital. The $900 response charge is new. It started mid-2022.

It used to be that an ambulance company would agree to respond to calls for help that did not result in taking someone to a hospital without charging anyone in order to win an ambulance service contract with a town or city. But ambulance companies lobbied

for a change in law to allow them to charge.

In the case of one client, the doctor sent a brief letter to Medicare to ask that the ambulance service not charge the patient the $900 fee. I can’t tell you the name of the client or the doctor, but I can tell you what was in the doctor’s letter. So, with some editing to protect the privacy of the patient and the doctor, here is the letter from the doctor to Medicare.

“The patient is under my care for advanced cancer. She suffered a fall at home due to weakness and malaise associated with her cancer and overall general health. She was unable to lift herself from the ground. Her sister who was present and of advanced age was unable to get her from the floor as well. In light of

We welcome readers’ letters.

Is your golf swing up to par?

the situation, with no other alternatives, the patient’s sister called 911 for assistance. (The ambulance company) came, assessed the patient, and were able to assist her from the floor. She fortunately did not sustain any injury. She received a bill in the amount of $900 for ambulance services which included treatment but no transport. Medicare no longer pays for ambulance service and treatment when no transport is involved. Please, reconsider the circumstances of this patient’s weakness due to her advanced cancer.”

Since the law was changed, a lot of senior or disabled people who needed help have been billed $900 by ambulance firms. I want to know how the law changed and who voted for that change.

Woodrow Wilcox

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signature will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Emailed letters will be accepted but the above information must be included.

We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity.

Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: Senior Life, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about the biomechanics of golf and tips for optimal golf performance from two Titleist Performance Institute-certified presenters.

Join Robert Watson, DC, a chiropractor with Community Care Network, Inc., and physical therapist Thomas Zmierski for “The Body Swing Connection” from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave., Munster.

With a focus on how a healthy body affects your

golf swing, Watson and Zmierski will offer tips for optimal golf performance.

“When I’m treating a spine patient, it’s a different feeling than when I’m treating golf patients,” Watson said. “It is less like a medical setting and more like a sports setting where you get to let go and show a little bit more personality when you’re with these patients. It’s a combination of loving the sport and specializing in science, so it’s a perfect marriage.” Register today for this free event by calling (219) 8363477.

Residences Senior Living — Moving to a memory care community proves beneficial

a sudden safety or health crisis. The decline is intensified — the move is urgent.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, difficult decisions begin. Families create plans for initial support; living at home remains manageable. The condition will unfortunately progress. Cognition will decline further. Many families wait to decide to move to a memory care community upon

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It’s important to understand that an early transition is less stress for everyone and actually has benefits for the wellbeing of your loved one and for you.

“Many families begin touring our memory care community upon the diagnosis of dementia. Before it has progressed, they often include their loved one. The final decision made from planning makes the transition easier for everyone,” explained Karen Ayersman, executive director of Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living in Schererville. “Families begin to realize they could not provide the same care and support. We have a nurse 24/7 to monitor health and communicate changes. Our memory care neighborhoods are secure, preventing wandering into dangerous situations.”

“We’ve learned from our extensive dementia training that routine and scheduling of regular engaging activities appealing to a variety of interests are essential care components,” observed Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director of Residences at Coffee Creek in Chesterton.

“Daily exercise, from stimulating entertainment to games and gardening, routines and structure support better focus while easing anxiety. Those who come to us in the earlier stages of dementia have a better opportunity to maintain and maximize their cognitive functions. We also have Snoezelen rooms at both communities, using sensory stimulation such as soothing sound, lights and aromatherapy to help residents when agitation, sleeplessness or anxiety occurs.

“Families have everything to gain by touring our memory care communities and understanding all the options available to them.”

Call (219)864-0700 or visit ResidencesSeniorLiving.com for further information.