Free Living Life After 50
Black women can thrive, even with HIV
STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
For most people, HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. For someone else, the letters mean Healthy, Inspired and Virtuous.
That person submitted original artwork to Thriving, a program held in mid-June in downtown Hammond focusing on black women and HIV/AIDS.
Several community groups, including AmeriCorps and The Aliveness Project of NWI, sponsored the afternoon program. Since its founding in 1984, The Aliveness Project has provided education, awareness, and support for those affected by HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
Why the concern over black women and HIV? The Black Women’s Health Imperative reports that every 15 minutes a woman tests positive for HIV in the U.S. Black women continue to be diagnosed with HIV at disproportionately higher rates than white and Hispanic females, according to a 2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. CDC also reports that HIV/AIDSrelated illnesses are among the leading causes of death for black women ages 25-34.
Factors leading to this health issue, CDC states, include higher rates of poverty; lack of access to healthcare; higher rates of some sexually transmitted infections; lack of HIV awareness; and stigma about the disease, leading to a delay in treatment.
According to Emma Garzella, a public health associate with AmeriCorps, “There are still a lot of stigmas, a lack of education. People don’t want to talk about it.”
These stigmas, the CDC
reports, include beliefs that only certain people contract AIDS; moral judgments about the disease; and the notion that people deserve to get the disease because of their life choices.
Black women also face such barriers as lack of transportation, Garzella noted. She added that since HIV tests are not a regular part of health exams, women must specifically request these tests.
“Our goal today is to bring awareness and celebrate women living with HIV or are affected by HIV,” Garzella said.
The program featured original artwork by people affected
Continued on page 2
Text and Photos by
PANEL TALK From left, Roxanne C. Morton of Community HealthNet Centers, Debra Stanley of Imani Unidad and Tammy Morris of The Aliveness Project of NWI lead a panel discussion at Thriving, a program on Black women and the human immunodeficiency virus.
STUDYING ART — Roxanne C. Morton of Community HealthNet Centers studies a piece of original art at Thriving.
Ghuman makes mark through real estate, philanthropy and volunteering
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Minakshi Ghuman spent her early years in northern India where she split time between an ancestral home in the foothills of the Himalayas and a home in the mountains. She attended Catholic school and then went on to college in New Delhi where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Ghuman married a cardiac surgeon. After he finished his training in Bombay, the couple moved to England so he could train under a leading British cardiac surgeon. While living in London, her husband assisted a colleague with an application to work as a doctor in the United States. His friend encouraged him to also apply, which he did with no intention of actually going to the United States.
When they returned to India in 1977, things were very unstable. “There were no private hospitals doing cardiac surgery and it was hard to get a position in a government hospital,”she said. If you got a government job, it was very low paying.
Fortunately, because of his application, he had an opportunity to go to New York to work at a new college hospital. But he had to go alone.
Ghuman and their two children were able to join him a year later. “It took that long to get a visa,” she said. They lived for a while in New Jersey until he applied for a cardiac residency at Yale University and they moved to Connecticut.
In 1984, at the urging of a friend who was a new resident of Valparaiso, the couple moved there. It didn’t take
long for her to get involved in her community through many philanthropic endeavors and volunteer roles. She took some classes at the Chesterton Art Center and ended up chairing the Chesterton Art Fair for several years. She was involved in the Medical Alliance as a philanthropy chairperson. Five years later, her husband died unexpectedly when their children were age 12 and 15. Her father owned the largest tiger hunting firm in the world. Ghuman had the option of returning home to India with her family and living a very comfortable life, but she opted to stay, believing there would be better opportunities for her children in the United States.
In 1992, a good friend of Ghuman’s suggested they go into real estate and soon the duo were in business with
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Century 21. She’s the only person remaining from her original office after 32 years. The office changed hands over the years and she currently is a broker with ReMax, where she has won many awards, including the Hall of Fame Award, 100% Club Award and Miracle Agent Award for 2021. She’s seen enormous changes in the field in her three-plus decades. “It’s night and day,” she said. “When we started, it was more personal. There were no computers. We used forms. We did a lot of phone calls and cold calling and a lot of mailing with postcards when you listed a house. You did a lot of advertising in magazines. We would go from office to office to pick up keys. Everyone was very close and everybody knew everybody.” Today computers, lock boxes, email, increased fees and faster routes to becoming a broker are the norm. She also got into the profession when sales were more difficult and interest rates were very high. Then came COVID and her best business year ever. “You
would list and have 10 offers the next day,” she said.
Ghuman has served on the board for many years of the Valparaiso International Center and assisted in organizing its annual World Cultural Festival. She’s worked on projects with the Caring Place and Hilltop House and was one of the founders of the Red Ribbon campaign in the area to encourage kids not to do drugs. She’s done outreach through AARP offering support for newly widowed individuals. She’s been on the board of Rotary Club and the first homeless shelter in Valparaiso. She’s delivered for Meals on Wheels. She’s also supported the Visiting Nurse’s Association, American Heart Association, hospice and cancer charities and the list goes on.
“When you volunteer you’re giving of yourself,” she said. “It gets you out and is good for you. The Hindi philosophy is that when you help others you’re helping yourself more than others. It comes back to you.”
Continued from page 1
by HIV, drugs, abuse, and suicide.
“It’s a jungle out there,” one artist wrote.
case manager with Community HealthNet Centers, said HIV among black women is “still an under served community, still very overlooked and undiagnosed.”
Danielle Boberschmidt, a program associate with The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, cited misconceptions such as how HIV is contracted, homophobia and drug users, and the notion that AIDS is a “gay disease” or a “disease of the past.”
For older adults, The Aliveness Project is introducing Thrive Plus, a program for Indiana residents ages 50-plus who are living with HIV and are currently enrolled in a case management program.
Thrive Plus offers holistic support, resources, a sense of community and strategies for living with HIV.
Roxanne C. Morton, an HIV
Morton joined Debra Stanley of Imani Unidad, a South Bend-based advocacy group, and Tammy Morris of The Aliveness Project in a panel discussion. The trio cited cultural challenges facing minorities and HIV. Morris noted many people of color simply do not trust the medical industry.
“Listen to black women,” Morris said. “Black women will tell you A-Z how they feel.”
Stanley added that healthcare providers need to help black women “find their voices.”
For more information on Thrive Plus and other related services call (219) 985-6170 or visit alivenessnwi.org.
MINAKSHI GHUMAN
Lear uses skills as volunteer with Cedar Lake Historical Association
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
After moving to Cedar Lake from Illinois, Nancy Lear attended a chamber of commerce event to learn more about the businesses and organizations in her new town. When she encountered
representatives from the Cedar Lake Historical Association, it brought back memories of her attending church camp on the site of the current Cedar Lake Town Grounds and museum while Camp LRCA (Lake Region Christian Association) was at that location from 1944 to 1975. She ended up filling out an application and has been volunteering for the past three years.
CORPORATE OFFICE
Lear retired in 2019. ”I worked in information technology at several different companies and retired with over 31 years at Bimba Manufacturing in University Park, Ill.,” she said. “I started out doing computer programming, then project management and, eventually, was a business analyst.”
Initially, Lear shadowed volunteer tour guides and started giving tours of the CLHA’s museum, The Museum at Lassen’s Resort. “Later, I was asked to participate in a project to implement new computer software to run the museum,” said Lear. “I currently serve as the guest services coordinator and provide technology support for various tasks, such as performing transactions for gift shop sales, steamboat ticket sales, museum memberships, event registrations, scheduling field trips/group visits, scheduling volunteers, tracking volunteer hours, running reports, etc.”
Lear recognizes the value in volunteering, as nonprofit organizations like the CLHA wouldn’t be able to survive otherwise.
“Volunteering is so important to keep not-for-profit organizations going strong,” she said. “Everyone at the Cedar Lake Historical Association is a volunteer — from gardening, to construction, to tour guides — it takes many volunteers to keep our doors open.
“Volunteering also gives me a sense of purpose — I can use my skills, time and energy to help others learn local history and have a memorable experience when they visit our museum. I especially enjoy when gradeschool children come for a field trip and learn about the history of the town they live in, and get them excited about preserving history and our building, so they can share with their children and grandchildren.”
She also recognizes the need for historical organizations in preserving the past for future generations. “We strive to make history come alive when people visit the Cedar Lake Historical Association so that future generations will know about our past. The site of The Museum at Lassen’s Resort is located in
the only remaining hotel/resort building on Cedar Lake — there used to be 50! We provide experiences in and around this 103 year old building for all to enjoy and learn about our past.”
Lear has enjoyed living in Cedar Lake where there’s a slower pace, but still a lot to do. She is an avid scrapbooker, card maker and crafter and loves to travel. She’s been to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada and Ireland. She also loves birdwatching and has taken tours to Hawaii, Ireland and the Yukon and Northwest Territory in Canada in search of birds. She attends Suncrest Christian Church in St. John, where she is involved in a small group that volunteers at Phil’s Friends, an organization that sends care packages to cancer patients.
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EDITORIAL DEADLINES
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ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEER Nancy Lear is pictured behind the front desk of the former hotel/resort that is now the Museum at Lassen’s Resort, the Cedar Lake Historical Association’s historical museum. Photo by Carrie Steinweg.
Avoid potential headaches with a proper estate plan
By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Valparaiso
Historically, wealth is squandered within three generations because families deal with real-life issues such as these:
• Lawsuits
• Divorce
• Bankruptcy
• Nursing home expense
• Family disputes
Any one of these occurrences can hit home and wipe out an entire inheritance in just one generation! Plan now for both the financial and non-financial components of passing your legacy to the next generation.
You and your surviving family members will have a number of burdens and fears put to rest if your legacy can be planned with some of these potential stumbling blocks in mind:
• If your surviving spouse gets remarried, your children’s inheritance can be lost and other common mistakes made with blended families. In the event your surviving spouse remarries, a new set of pitfalls can arise that could have your hard-earned assets going to the new spouse instead of your children and future beneficiaries.
• How your beneficiaries can fall victim to divorces (“ex” in-laws), lawsuits or inexperienced financial decisions.
Most people give their assets outright to their heirs when they and their spouse are gone … this is a huge mistake! This type of planning almost always fails to protect your loved ones from these real-life occurrences.
• How your family can be torn apart over something as seemingly minor as “who gets Grandmother’s quilt.”
The biggest fights in families aren’t about money, stocks or real estate. They are about the little things that hold memories. The most traditional estate plans fail to protect and pass on these valuable items.
Most families also find it important to preserve the wisdom, life lessons and history of
the family. Traditional estate planning does not address these non-financial assets. Having a proper estate plan will help you to avoid your own potential hidden headaches by helping you protect your family and your legacy. Our goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to ensure that
none of these life-wrenching events happen to you or your family. Since our practice focuses exclusively on elder law and estate planning, it is our priority to be on top of the continuous changes in the law and techniques we can make available to you. Learn more about the benefits and protections of an estate plan by
attending our estate planning/ medicaid planning seminar at Avalon Manor, Merrillville, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Juy 24; or Teibel’s, Schererville, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call now: (800) 303-7423, or visit our website at riceandrice.com to RSVP.
S. O. S. - Speaking of Seniors — Helped Highland senior with bill
Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system.
On May 28, I helped a 77-year-old client from Highland. She got a bill from a hospital in Lake County asking her to pay $1,632.
With some editing to protect the privacy of our client, here is the letter that I sent to the hospital.
“Our client sent to our firm a bill from your firm for our review. The bill seeks a balance of $1,632 on Guarantor Number XXXXXX for services rendered from 01/11/24 through 01/18/24.
“I contacted the secondary insurer to learn what it knew of this claim. It reported that it paid this balance to your
firm with a check with number XXXXXXXX on 03/29/24. The check has not been cashed yet. The service used for sending the check was XXXXX (bank) with the phone number 855-XXX-XXXX.
“If you have received the check, please let our client know that. If you have not received the check, please call XXXXX to get help to find and cash it.”
All the help I gave this client was free of charge. This insurance agency helps clients in such billing matters to demonstrate to the client that we really do care for our clients.
If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why not switch to an insurance agency that does?
Editor’s note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in
By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care Insurance Services
Celebrate your independence with Social Security
By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration
Every July 4, we celebrate our nation’s independence. For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped create financial independence for millions of hardworking people. We have useful online resources like the Social Security Statement and our benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet receiving benefits.
The statement shows the benefits that you and your family may be eligible for and provides personalized fact sheets tailored to your age and earnings situation. The benefits estimator tool allows you to get estimates based on different ages. These online tools can help you better prepare for your retirement.
If you’re not receiving benefits, you can get the most out of your online experience if you have a personal my Social Security account. You can:
• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get estimates for spouse’s benefits.
• Get your Statement instantly.
• Get proof that you do not
receive benefits.
• Check your application status.
If you’re receiving benefits
You can use your personal my Social Security account to:
• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get an instant benefit verification letter.
• Start or change your direct deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Change your address. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Get a replacement SSA1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.
• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.
You can create your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Our blog at blog.ssa.gov features news and information about our programs and services. You can subscribe and get notified each time we post a new blog so you can stay informed. From the blog, you can also connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
With so many services and helpful information available online, we are here for you when you need us. Learn more at ssa.gov.
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE Celebrate independence with Social Security’s online resources like the Social Security Statement and the benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet
Scammers never go to sleep
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Seniors get scammed out of more than $3 billion a year.
An adage the elderly should keep in mind is that schemers never sleep. Crooks are active around the clock. And they’re everywhere.
High on the list of scams aimed at the elderly are those cloaked in Social Security.
To begin with, anyone who gets a call or email or video message claiming you’re involved in some sort of situa-
tion that requires immediate payment should just ignore the message and make their own contact with the agency cited.
If you get a call from Social Security claiming you have a problem, hang up and call your local Social Security office and tell them what’s happened.
There are some sure signs that such a call is a scam.
Don’t even bother to make a follow-up call if you’ve been told your Social Security number has been suspended. Or if the messenger claims your benefits have been suspended.
An enticing lure used by these crooks is to let you know that you can pay to have your benefits increased. Or they can
threaten you; “You owe some money and it has to be repaid immediately.”
Just ignore all of the above.
These conniving callers are cool and convincing as they claim to be from several agencies, such as the local water utility claiming to cut off your service if you don’t pony up payment immediately.
These scams often start with a phone call, email or a text message claiming that you or a family member received an overpayment requiring an immediate refund or someone will be arrested. They want you to act quickly, so stay calm and do not speak to the caller and do not click on any links in
an email or text message. Just hang up and report the contact immediately to the agency the fraudster claims to be from.
Many victims are afraid or too embarrassed to admit to those closest to them what has occurred. And once you send money, the scammers know they can victimize you again.
In so many of these cases, seniors who were so scared that, without consulting anyone, just sent money. In many cases, they also gave away vital information, such as their Social Security number.
There are some obvious signs to warn you it’s a scam.
There’s constant pressure to act immediately because
HAPPY RESIDENTS; HAPPY
there’s a problem or you won a prize. And you have to send money.
A simple scammer scenario goes something like this: you’re instructed to tell no one about the call and to go to your bank to withdraw cash because the caller, who you think you recognize, needs it for something, like taking advantage of a bargain to buy a car. Hang up.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Thinking about a trade-in?
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
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.
And we’re all being made aware that self-driving cars are just down the road a piece. Testing is going on now around the globe.
Should we wait till they get here or take advantage now of such safety features as blindspot warning systems, rearview cameras, and emergency automatic-braking systems?
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Athletes of all ages get to exercise outdoors
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
Summertime means more time outdoors. Why can’t some of that time be spent exercising?
This summer Valpo Parks is offering Downtown Fitness, a series of exercise classes Mondays and Wednesdays by the Northwest Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza.
As Maeve Crowley, events and venue coordinator for Central Park Plaza, explained, the program started several years ago as part of Mayor Jon Costas’s City Initiative to get more people in the city active at no cost.
The program fell off for a bit, Crowley said, “but Valpo Parks chose to keep it.”
Classes, taught by local instructors, include Zumba; yoga; high-intensity interval training; Spenga, which combines spin, strength and yoga; F45, a cardiac workout involving aerobic and non-aerobic systems; and WERQ, a cardio dance workout to pop and hip-hop music.
Patricia Cespedes, a local attorney and Valparaiso Family YMCA instructor, leads the Zumba class. A recent class drew more than a dozen participants on a Wednesday evening.
Classes are free and registration is not required. Participants of all ages and skill levels attend Cespedes’ class.
Cespedes said Zumba is popular because “even people who can’t dance enjoy the music.”
An instructor for 13 years, Cespedes added, “No dancing is required. It’s easy to follow and you get a good workout.”
Among the listed benefits of Zumba are weight loss, 6001,000 calories burned in an hour, total body toning, boosting heart health, helping de-stress, improved coordination and attitude adjustment — it makes you happy.
The advantage to holding classes in the plaza, as Crowley noted, “It’s always open to the public, not like going to a gym. People are always there, and they feel comfortable.”
Fit&Well cites a number of advantages to exercising outdoors. These include reduced stress and improved overall well-being; improves one’s mood; burns more calories; enables one to exercise longer; increased motivation and adherence by making the experience more enjoyable and social; and it challenges the body.
The Zumba class became a social event. Performing on the
amphitheater stage, participants turned into the “main event” for families bringing their children to the downtown Valpo park.
Operating in temperatures in the upper 70s, Cespedes allowed participants time to rest and grab their water.
Class members, including more mature Zumba students, enjoyed the 45-minute opportunity to stretch to a Latin beat with others.
“Basically,” said Toni Bates, “it’s good to get outside and exercise and have some fun. Plus, we like Patricia. She makes it fun.”
“It’s exercise, but it’s fun,” added Melissa Chavez. “We’re exercising using Zumba.”
“I love Zumba,” noted Leticia Becerra. “I’ve been doing Zumba for 10 years. I wish they had this all year long.”
Crowley said the program
attracts “a whole mix of people,” from those in work clothes to workout gear. “It brings together a variety of people,” she said, “working out together.”
Downtown Fitness classes run Mondays and Wednesdays through July 28. Monday classes are noon-12:45 p.m., with Wednesday classes 5:30-6:15 p.m.
For more a class schedule, go online at valpoparks.org or call (219) 462-5144.
Understanding probate basics
Probate is the legal process that takes place after a person’s death to authenticate their will, settle debts, and distribute assets. Probate can be a lengthy, expensive, and public process that you may want to avoid for the sake of your loved ones.
Probate can be an expensive process, with court fees, legal fees, and other expenses putting a burden on your estate. The executor of your will must allocate a portion of your assets to cover these expenses, reducing the amount that beneficiaries will receive. These fees and expenses will vary depending on the size of your estate, location, and legal requirements.
Probate is a public process. Court documents with your beneficiaries’ names, addresses, and other confidential information will be exposed. This lack of privacy
can lead to unwanted attention, including solicitation from creditors or scammers. Through efficient estate planning, you can limit the assets that go through probate, or even bypass it altogether, safeguarding your estate and ensuring a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries.
Ryan
Administrator
If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50,
Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers average 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services
GROUP EFFORT Cathy Greenwald, foreground, joins others in a Zumba class outdoors in the Northwest Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. The class is part of Valpo Parks’ Downtown Fitness summer program. Photo by Steve Euvino.
70s Flashback —
The night disco didn’t die
Sometimes a promotional stunt can work too well.
extra folks to the park. Wrong. On the night of July 12, Cominskey Park sold out, with 40,000 restless souls milling about outside.
On a July evening in 1979, a melee ensued at Chicago’s Cominskey Park that resulted in six people being injured and 39 being arrested for disorderly conduct. Why?
By RANDAL C. HILL
During a stunt called Disco Demolition Night, thousands of attendees stormed the diamond following the first game of a double-header between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. With many rioters amped-up on beer and drugs, rowdies tore up turf, set infield fires, climbed foul poles, upended the batting case, and (literally) stole the bases. Police in riot gear intervened, and the White Sox had to forfeit the second game.
The year before, irreverent Chicago radio DJ Steve Dahl had helmed the highly rated “Steve Dahl’s Rude Awakening” show on Top 40 powerhouse WDAI-FM. But near the end of 1978, WDAI switched formats from rock ‘n’ roll to disco music — and fired Dahl on Christmas Eve. He was devastated and immediately focused his anger on a music form he had always despised.
Disco, pioneered by gays, Blacks and Latinos, had risen from the 1970s underground into the mainstream following the success of such recording artists as Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and KC and the Sunshine Band, as well as the commercial clout of the film and soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever.”
In March 1979, still distraught about disco’s influence, Dhal landed a morning gig at Chicago album-rock outlet WLUP-FM. He and the overnight DJ there (a fellow disco-music hater) were soon loudly demolishing records during their on-air shifts.
With some other radio pals — and the son of the White Sox’s owner — Dahl created a promotion idea he thought could grant him heroic status: He would destroy disco music forever, while at the same time raising the often-pitiful attendance figures at Cominskey Park. (The 52,000-capacity stadium usually drew crowds of about 16,000 on any given White Sox game day.) Set for July 12, the DJ’s scheme was labeled Disco Demolition Night. The admission charge that night was a disco record and 98 cents (WLUP-FM’s frequency was 98.0). Dahl’s scheme had called for the collecting of the records, piling them into a dumpster in center field, and blowing everything to smithereens. Dahl hoped the stunt might draw a few thousand
With the first game over (the White Sox lost 4-1), Dahl, in military regalia, circled the playing field in a Jeep before whipping the crowd into a frenzy with chants of “Disco Sucks!” The “fun” began when a powerful explosive charge set off in the dumpster rocketed thousands of discs into the sky.
Dahl’s escapade didn’t end disco’s reign, any more than Buddy Holly’s death marked “the day the music died.” By the early 1980s, disco’s popularity had faded, but because of changing musical trends and not one rock jock’s stunt gone awry one Chicago evening many years ago.
A STUNT Disco Demolition Night was a promotional stunt to end disco music by DJ Steve Dahl and others who disliked disco music. The event took place in a double header at Cominskey Park between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers.
Purdue Extension welcomes new leadership
Purdue University has named Julie Dean Jones the new county extension director for Lake County.
Jones is an experienced extension educator and longtime resident of northwest Indiana. As county extension director, she will support the local extension team and lead efforts to deliver relevant, high-impact educational programming.
“Purdue Extension Lake County is made up of people who have devoted their careers to educating our county residents and beyond,” said Kara Mackey, president of the Lake County Extension Board. “Julie Jones is a smart, empathetic leader. She’s a listener. She’s thoughtful. Her clear passion to improve the community is something she takes very seriously and we, on the Board, consider ourselves very lucky to have her at the helm
of Extension.”
A graduate of Purdue University with a master’s degree from Indiana University, Jones has served as 4-H youth development educator in Lake County for 15 years. Her work has received national recognition with awards for Distinguished Service and Excellence in Urban 4-H Programming. She has recently served in interim roles in St. Joseph County and LaPorte County, as well. Along with her new responsibilities as county director, she will continue her 4-H youth development work with a focus on expanding partnerships with local schools. A pilot program next fall at Banneker at Marquette Elementary School in Gary will bring 4-H public speaking and hands-on science activities to all students in grades 3-5 throughout the school year. Lake County will also add another full-time
4-H position to the team, joining Jones and 4-H Youth Development Educator Jennifer Haynes.
“It’s an exciting time for Lake County 4-H,” Jones said. “Our traditional community club program is strong, we have a tremendous volunteer base ready to step up to new challenges, and we are expanding to reach new youth.”
Jones’ name will sound familiar to many in northwest Indiana. Her father, W. Dean Jones, served as Lake County extension director from 1983-2003. Her family’s involvement meant that Jones has spent much of her life at 4-H youth events, board meetings, farm visits, trainings, and county fairgrounds. “Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the impact of Extension and for the community relationships and local support that make this work possible,” Jones said.
The personal touch
By NAREN PATEL Owner Rite Care Pharmacy
In an era dominated by big-box chain pharmacies, Rite Care Pharmacy shines as a beacon of personalized care and community commitment. As a locally-owned and independent pharmacy, Rite Care Pharmacy offers a unique approach to healthcare that sets it apart from its larger counterparts.
Personalized Service
At Rite Care Pharmacy, patients are more than just a prescription number — they’re neighbors, friends and family.
The pharmacy’s staff takes the time to get to know each patient, understanding their specific needs and health goals.
This personalized approach fosters a sense of trust and comfort, allowing patients to feel at ease when discussing their health concerns.
Services
Rite Care Pharmacy provides at home vaccinations (flu, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis A & B, RSV, COVID,TdaP) for all Medicare clients in Lake and Porter counties. We also offer free medicines delivery, synchronize medications make pill packs and much more.
Expertise And Accessibility
With a team of experienced pharmacists and technicians, Rite Care Pharmacy offers expert advice and guidance on medication management, health and wellness and dis-
ease prevention. Independent And Innovative
As an independent pharmacy, Rite Care Pharmacy has the freedom to innovate and adapt to the unique needs of its patients. The pharmacy is able to provide services that chain pharmacies often can’t or won’t offer.
Supporting Local Economy
By shopping at Rite Care Pharmacy, patients are directly supporting the local economy. By offering expert advice, personalized service and a passion for community involvement, Rite Care Pharmacy has earned its place as a valued and trusted healthcare partner. Choose Rite Care Pharmacy for a healthcare experience that truly cares.
Rite Care Pharmacy is located at 2075 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting. For more information, call (219) 655-5028.
Purdue Extension links university research to learning opportunities in all 92 Indiana counties, with the goal of building vibrant communities, strong families, and profitable businesses. In addition to the 4-H Educators, the Lake County extension educator team includes Linda Curley, health and human sciences; Rebecca Koetz,
urban agriculture; and lupe valtierra, community development. Erin Sherrow-Hayse and Amber Zimmer serve as community wellness coordinators.
Learn more about Purdue Extension Lake County at extension.purdue.edu/county/lake/ or contact the office at (219) 7553240.
What’s on your anti-bucket list?
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Many retirees and about-tobe-retirees have spent a lot of thought and time compiling a to-do list of things they plan to enjoy when they leave the workforce.
The thoughts covered when compiling this list include time to spend with the grandchildren, travel to favorite landscapes or exotic lands, relocating to a more favored spot on the globe, and finally focusing on such pastimes as fishing, collecting old automobiles or writing that book running around in your head.
That doesn’t leave much time or thought to consider listing some things they don’t want to do or should avoid.
More than 11,000 people retire every day in this land. None of them are assured their new living status will be as comfortable and rewarding as they hoped. Natural disasters, financial twists and turns, unexpected health issues and a gang of other uncontrollable matters can slap down their retirement hopes and dreams.
While one’s dream list is important to fashion, they should also prepare an anti-bucket list to soften unanticipated blows.
To start with, if they’re still working, they might consider working a little past the traditional retirement age. This not only fattens their retirement fund, it also gives them a bit more time to refine a to-do list as
their world changes.
It also gives them time to cultivate hobbies, activities and social contacts to maintain after they quit working so they can keep busy and avoid loneliness that harasses most folks who leave the social society surrounding them in their workplace. And it’s loneliness that breeds depression, which accelerates diminished faculties among the elderly.
Not much thought is given to this debilitating facet of retirement since most attention is focused on making sure they don’t run out of money as they age.
While they may have built a tidy travel budget for their retirement years, nasty healthrelated misfortunes can clobber their retirement fiscal fortune and put a catastrophic crimp in their financial future. These are but a few blows that can be inflicted upon them and their finances during the period of their life they had planned to enjoy in economic and emotional ease.
We haven’t mentioned the mayhem that may be caused should the stock market collapse. Then there’s unanticipated greed that emerges among family members should they or their spouse die, leaving the remaining partner exposed to financial ruin.
The point of all this is they should devote some time to a don’t-do list even though they may have little idea of what disaster can damage and destroy their golden years.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
ACROSS
1. Itsy Bitsy Spider’s tunnel
6. Operations, as in military
9. Carpenter’s joint
13. Book, in Paris
14. Coach’s talk
15. Long-necked wader
16. Did not go out to eat
(2 words)
17. Chi preceder
18. Top scout
19. *’90s children’s series “____ in Pyjamas”
21. *Alternative to stick
23. T-cell killer, acr.
24. Show worry
25. Knee-related acronym
28. Sushi restaurant’s boozy offering
30. *Grilled cheese and ____ soup
35. Mouse to a snake
37. In ____, or together
39. Convicted one
40. *Pear or quince, botanically speaking
41. California and Nevada lake
43. Raja’s daughter
44. Uncouth ones
46. Of two minds
47. RenÈ Descartes’ “therefore”
48. Make wealthy
50. Use a surgical beam
52. Gingerbread creation
53. *When fruit is ready
55. Red-white-and-blue inits.
57. *”Hot” vegetable-shaped toy
60. *L in BLT
64. 3-D picture in a book
65. U.N. workers’ grp.
67. Owned house or car, e.g.
68. Item on a cell phone bill
69. What’s old is new again, prefix
70. Popular electric car
71. Hair styling products
72. Scottish cap
73. British peers
DOWN
1. Block of concrete, e.g.
2. Pocket bread
3. Baker’s baker
4. Dickens’s Heep
5. Serena’s sport
6. Prefers
7. *Fairytale princess test
8. Virgo’s brightest star
9. Letter opener
10. Ship to Colchis
11. Airhead
12. The loneliest number?
15. Concerning this
20. Nautical “Stop!”
22. College assessment test, acr.
24. Camera’s tiny aperture
25. *Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter
26. Sing like Tony Bennett
27. Madagascar primate
29. Myanmar currency
31. BÈbÈ’s mother
32. Rooster, in the olden days
33. Polynesian kingdom
34. *Layered bulb
36. Giant Himalayan?
38. Lady Grantham of “Downton Abbey”
42. Follow as a consequence
45. Claw mark
49.
Brain Boosters
“Battleship” exclamation
51. Heir’s concern
54. *At the end of a hot pepper or many a sweet potato
56. Cruising
57. Prepare to be shot
58. October birthstone
59. What Little Toot does
60. *Fruit of the ____
EASY Grilled Shrimp
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, halved
2 limes, juiced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added white beans, rinsed
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 pound large (21-25 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Combine cilantro, parsley, garlic, lime juice, oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper in a mini food processor. Process until the herbs are finely chopped. Reserve 1/4 cup of the salsa. Transfer the rest to a medium bowl and add beans, tomatoes, and cucumber; stir to combine.
Thread shrimp onto four 12-inch metal or bamboo skewers and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Grill the shrimp, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve the shrimp over the vegetable mixture, drizzled with the reserved salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.
61. Brezhnev’s domain 62. Jailbird’s home 63. Airline postings
64. Dog breed from China 66. Grazing ground
with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Faith Liszewski promotes stewardship through varied ministries
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
Paul Liszewski likes to show a 10-year-old photo from his cellphone. The group shot shows Liszewski with members of his Venture scouting crew, some of whom have since married and started families. One member, Steven Caraher, was recently ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Gary.
Liszewski, in Catholic scouting for 60 years, is proud that “Steven was connected with Jesus. I’m ecstatic to see he’s taken that route.”
Two more scouting products also are seminarians said Liszewski, who likes to stress the faith aspect in scouting.
A member of St. Thomas More Parish in Munster for 30 years, Liszewski has his hands full, even without scouting. A lector and greeter, he is on the parish council, parish life committee, Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus Council 10596.
He also chairs the STM stewardship committee. While some associate stewardship solely with finances, Liszewski sees more.
“I try to get other people interested, so they can get into whatever they want to be disciples,” he said, “to be helpful, whatever fits their needs.”
St. Thomas More has more
than 50 ministries, including a quickly growing one, mental health, which is addressing such issues as stress and emotions.
A retired title attorney and father of two, Liszewski, 68, calls STM “my home away from home. Even as a boy, I was always connected with the church.”
With his background in Polish, Liszewski could serve at Polishlanguage Masses at his former parish.
Liszewski cited his current pastor, Father Michael Yadron, whose sermons “touch me.”
He describes STM parishioners as welcoming. “With stewardship,” Liszewski said, “if you need help or want to reach out, we want to get more people involved.”
Yadron praised Liszewski as “definitely a man of God. His faith is steadfast and has seen him through all sorts of moments in his life that would be considered quite stressful. His faith has led him to be a person that believes in stewardship. His goal is to help others and to invite as many parishioners as possible to help others as well.”
This cradle Catholic has also started scholarship funds for students attending Andrean High School and Bishop Noll Institute. As a scouting leader, he has seen numerous boys earn the Eagle Scout badge, the highest honor in
Boy Scouting.
Evidence of Eagle Scout service projects can be found around St. Thomas More Church. These include outdoor Stations of the Cross and sacristy counter tops.
As to living his faith, Liszewski said, “I treat people the way Jesus would expect you to.”
Liszewski wants people to “just be kind to other people and be open to others. Jesus touched me; I’m trying to touch others.”
A biblical quote Liszewski uses often is from Matthew 18:20 –“Where two of three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of you.”
“We’re concerned with another person in doing good, to be like Jesus,” Liszewski said. “I know Jesus is out there, supporting me. It’s a good feeling.”
SCOUTING
LEADER — Paul Liszewski stands in the sacristy of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Munster where, among other ministries, he has been a scout leader for 60 years. He is standing beside one of the counters his Scouts made for their Eagle badge, the highest honor in Boy Scouting.
Photo by Steve Euvino.
I did an about face
I’m a little compulsive about credit cards, so I go to the appropriate website every morning to see what we owe and then check our bank balance. It’s a quick routine, made even easier by the facial recognition programs that eliminate the need for passwords. But this morning, they didn’t know me.
Face not recognized. Try again.
Try what again? All I did was look at my smartphone. It’s not like entering your password incorrectly. I couldn’t have entered the wrong face. Okay, I’ll try one more time.
NUTSHELL By DICK WOLFSIE
Face still not recognized. Try again.
Worried, I raced into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. My hair was askew. I needed a shave, and I had huge bags under my eyes. Who is that, I wondered? I didn’t even recognize myself. But I needed to know my balance. I combed my hair, shaved, and applied a little of my wife’s foundation under my eyes. This had to work. But no.
Your face is really not recognized this time. Use password.
Mary Ellen was in the kitchen having coffee. I walked over to the table. “Who are you?” she asked. “You never look this good in the morning. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“That’s what the bank said.”
“You’ve been to the bank already?”
As you may recall, my wife is very security minded. She told me that using facial recognition on my smartphone is not safe. I wondered why.
“Because, Dick, if you are robbed, the thief may just ask you to look into the phone and then he can check our bank ac-
count and what we owe on our credit cards.”
“Mary Ellen, he’s going to rob me whether we have an overdue balance or not. What will he think: I can’t rob this guy; he only has $122 in his checking account. He owes Comcast Cable $160.”
“Well, I don’t like the whole idea. And, by the way, it wouldn’t work for me, anyway. I’d have to wait every morning to check our balance until I had makeup on.”
I wasn’t getting anywhere with Mary Ellen, so I called my friend, Bob.
“Bob, it’s Dick. I have a problem. I’m not being recognized.”
“Of course, you haven’t been on TV in four years and you don’t have a famous dog anymore.”
“I don’t mean recognized on the street. I mean recognized by the bank. Do they recognize you at the bank?”
“Of course, they recognize me. I’m 6’4” and completely bald.”
“Bob, I’m going to try this one more time. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is check my balance…”
“At your age, good idea. Get out of bed slowly.”
That day I had an appointment with my barber. I brought an old photo of myself before all this trouble started. I showed it to Buddy and told him I wanted to look just like I do in this selfie.
“Dick, I can’t do that. First of all, your hair is all gray now and you have less of it, and I can’t give you sideburns.”
The next morning, I tried again, but still no luck. I tried again and again. There was only one solution.
I had to reset my face.
Dave Loggins
Was
“Please Come to Boston” a true story? Let’s find out.
David Allen Loggins was born in 1947 in Mountain City, Tenn.
A second cousin to musician Kenny Loggins (“Footloose”), after high school Loggins sold insurance before deciding to become a professional singer/ guitarist/songwriter.
In 1972, he contracted with Nashville’s Vanguard Records as a solo artist. His album “Personal Belongings” tanked, but Three Dog Night lifted one of Loggins’s LP’s tracks — “Pieces of April” — which became the group’s 14th Top 20 hit. (A YouTube comparison, though, shows
that Loggins had the superior version.)
“Pieces of April,” however, did nothing to advance the brand name of Dave Loggins, so he pressed on. In 1974, Epic Records had him record the album “Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop).” “Please Come to Boston” became the lead-off single, and that held the key to Loggin’s (fleeting) success.
In the ballad, a traveling-musician narrator pleads with the love of his life back home to join him on the tour road:
“Please come to Boston for the springtime
“I’m stayin’ here with some friends
And they’ve got lots of room”
Then
“Please come to Denver with the snowfall
”We’ll move up into the mountains so far
“That we can’t be found”
And finally
“Please come to L.A. to live forever
“A California life alone
“Is just too hard to bear”
The woman he misses may love the vagabond, but she always refuses to join him:
“And she said, Hey, ramblin’ boy
“Now won’t you settle down?
“There ain’t no gold and there ain’t nobody like me
“I’m the Number One fan of the man from Tennessee”
Near the tale’s end, the narrator comes clean about how conflicted he is about his situation:
“Now this drifter’s world goes ‘round and ‘round
“And I doubt it’s ever gonna stop
“But of all the dreams I’ve lost or found
“And all that I ain’t got
“I still need to lean to
“Somebody I can sing to”
His lone Top 5 hit explores the tension tug-of-war between a musician’s yearning for the tour road and the desire for a stable relationship; Loggins’s inspiration for the song followed a 1972 tour with the Nitty Gritty
Dirt Band (“Mr. Bojangles”) that included stops in Boston, Denver and Los Angeles, all locales new to Loggins.
As with so many other storysongs—“Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Honey,” “The Boxer” — music fans often wonder if such tear-jerkers are based on truth or are created from scratch.
“The story is almost true,” the Grammy-nominated Loggins explains, “except that there wasn’t
anyone waiting, so I made her up, in effect making the longing for someone stronger. It was a recap to my first trip to each of these cities and out of innocence. That was how I saw each one. The fact of having no one to come home to made the chorus easy to write.” Were “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Honey” and “The Boxer” true tales? Nope, each creation was also a well-crafted work of pure fiction.
TRUTH OR FICTION? David Loggins ‘Please Come To Boston’ was a well crafted work of fiction.
A Boomer Blast To The Past
By RANDAL C. HILL
Looking good makes you feel good
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
When you look good, you feel good.
While you don’t necessarily feel terrible when you look lousy, you probably would feel a lot better if you looked better.
In other words, clothes do help make the man, or woman. And you can make yourself feel better by dressing better around the house.
Just because you live alone and don’t go out much (you should be going out more, by the way) doesn’t mean you should shrug around the house in an old bathrobe or housecoat and shabby slippers.
You can be just as comfortable in some complimentary clothing. You’ll feel better by donning a pair of slacks, comfortable shirt, and casual shoes, or, if you’re a woman, a lively skirt, bright blouse, and comfortable shoes.
You will probably feel a lot more like getting out and about, which will enrich your life because others will react to your enhanced physical and psychic personality.
The daily routine of getting dressed is an opportunity to express yourself and strengthen your feelings of self worth. While aging decreases the ease at which these and other chores can be done, so do such infirmities and arthritis, stroke, and loss of vision.
To get you started on this simple road to self-esteem, go through your wardrobe and toss out anything that’s worn, dated or doesn’t fit.
Organize what’s remaining by color so your selection for the day will be made easier. Put matching slacks, shirts, blouses, and sweaters together.
If you’re having problems with buttons and other clothing closures, take your existing wardrobe to a tailor to replace
Doctor’s
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
them with Velcro closings and larger zippers.
You can also sew loops into the sides of slacks, skirts, and underwear so they can be pulled up easily with a finger.
Now go shop for clothing to fill the gaps. Look for garments with Velcro closures, and large zippers or snaps, or slacks and skirts with elastic waist bands. Buy tops with large neck openings to slip over your head easily. Consider such accessories as
clip-on ties and ponchos.
Shoes can be a half size larger to accommodate aching and stiffening feet. Larger clothing can also be more comfortable without looking baggy or illfitting.
Give yourself plenty of time to dress in the mornings. It should be a statement — “Look, here I am!” — not a chore.
There are some simple grooming steps you can take to make yourself look, and feel, better.
Keep your hair cut short. It’s much easier to wash, dry and care for. Toss out the old safety razor and get yourself a rechargeable electric shaver. This cuts down on the nicks and cuts caused by shaking or arthritic hands. And keep your teeth clean. Gum disease, plaque, and cavities still can be avoided with daily brushing and flossing.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
technical skills outpoll bedside manner
The traditional image of a smiling physician soothing you with a paternal pat and promise to return to check on you has been brushed aside for the more practical and pragmatic medic who will cure you.
Doctors with top-level medical skills were selected by the majority in a survey of people of all ages asked what they preferred in their doctor: a skilled practitioner or one with a friendly bedside manner.
The more than 300 Los Angeles County participants in the research project used report cards of physicians with opposing strengths, such as a doctor shown with high technical skills but low per-
sonal graces against a doctor with excellent people skills but poor on the technical medical level.
Two-thirds of the participants chose as their primary care physician the doctor with better technical skills in 60% of the cases.
The respondents’ age, sex or ethnic background had little or no effect on the choices.
On the other hand, the 33% of the participants who chose a doctor with excellent bedside manner indicated to the surveyors that interpersonal quality is important to a substantial number of people.
The technical skills graded on the mock report included care for sickness or injury, ongoing care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, and preventive care.
Included among the physician’s personal relationship proficiency were communication skills, courtesy, promptness and respect shown patients.
The aptitudes listed were taken from medical chart records and insurance bills for the technical side and from patient experiences with the doctors for their bedside manners.
The study helped researchers understand choices patients might make if they had comparative information about the technical and interpersonal quality of care of primary physicians in their area.
See your doctor about headaches
By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features
More than 55 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches — more than the total sufferers of diabetes, asthma and coronary heart disease combined — yet few take specific action to gain relief. The National Headache Foundation recommends making a special and separate appointment to discuss your experiences so that your physician can determine your headache diagnosis.
Physicians today understand more about the causes and consequences of headache and are well versed in explaining new medications and offering alternative treatment options. In most cases, your primary care physician is the best person to help you understand your condition and inform you about what can be done to alleviate your headache pain.
How do you know when to consult a doctor specifically about your headache?
The following are a few sure signs.
If your headache:
• Is sudden and severe
• Affects one side of your head
• Is associated with pain in the eye or ear
• Is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or sensitivity to light and sound
• Recurs in a definite pattern, regular time of day, or circumstances and duration of pain are consistently similar
• Causes confusion or loss of consciousness and is persistent when, previously, you’ve been headache-free
• Interferes with your ability to function normally at work or in social situations
• Is similar to headaches suffered by other members of your family
• Is different from other headaches you have experienced.
One or more of these symptoms should be sufficient to cause you to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician strictly to discuss your headache problem. Your best ally in helping you cope with your headache is a doctor who knows you and is willing to spend sufficient time to diagnose and treat your problem.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Unlock the secrets to relief from neuropathy
By DR. JOSEPH PAUN Paun Family Chiropractic and Wellness
Are you tired of living with the constant discomfort and limitations that neuropathy brings? You’re not alone. Neuropathy affects millions of individuals, particularly seniors, diminishing their quality of life and hindering their independence. But fear not! Relief is within reach, and we’re here to guide you through the journey to freedom from neuropathic pain.
Firstly, let’s understand what neuropathy is. Neuropathy is a condition characterized by damage to the nerves, resulting in tingling, numbness and pain, often in the hands and feet. This discomfort can be debilitating, making even simple tasks chal-
lenging. However, there is hope. With the right approach, you can manage and even alleviate neuropathic symptoms.
One effective strategy is to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise not only improves circulation but also releases endorphins, which can help alleviate pain. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support nerve health and reduce inflammation.
But what if lifestyle changes aren’t enough? That’s where innovative treatments come into play. From advanced vitamin strategies to cutting-edge therapies like nerve stimulation and laser therapy, there are various options available to help manage neuropathic symptoms. Consulting with a health care professional specialized in neuropathy can help you explore these options and find the best solution for your needs.
and holistic practices, you can take charge of your neuropathic symptoms and reclaim your independence. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a brighter,
pain-free future!
Paun Family Chiropractic and Wellness is located at 2022 45th St., Highland. Please give us a call at (219) 600-5487 for more
information and to schedule your 16-point neuropathy evaluation. Medicare and most insurance accepted. We look forward to serving you!
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Thinking about a trade-in?
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Keeping your dependable old pickup 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.
And we’re all being made aware that self-driving cars are just down the road a piece. Testing is going on now around the globe.
Should we wait till they get here or take advantage now of such safety features as blind spot warning systems, rear view cameras, and emergency automatic braking systems?
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
It’s easy! Simply find the poolside items 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. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, July 15, 2024. Brought To You By
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206
The winner of the I Spy Contest for June is Mary L. Price of Elkhart. The Hat & Tie was located on page 8 in Senior Life Allen; page 4 in Senior Life Northwest; page 19 in Senior Life Elko and page 22 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center — Mosaic garden posts help stimulate dementia patients
By BARB KUBISZAK Executive Director St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center
Take a stroll through the outdoor garden at St Agnes Adult Day Service Center, and you will see nine beautiful mosaic garden posts that line the walkway, adding color and whimsy to an already magical space.
The garden was created as a fresh air space for those who utilize St Agnes. The sidewalk meanders through little spots for folks to sit, experience and simply enjoy the outdoors. The garden posts are the creation of women from the Valparaiso chapter of Tri Kappa.
Each post is unique with its own glass and ceramic tile design. The posts vary in height, color and motif, but they all have one thing in common. A black-and-white flower that represents Tri Kappa can be found on every side of every post. It is a pictograph of giving to those who use the garden. As this project was truly a labor of love for these women, their hope is that the artwork brings joy to everyone who encounters it on their path through the garden.
Tri Kappa is an Indiana philanthropic, organization comprised of women who work together to raise funds to
serve the community in which they live. Through charitable grants, scholarships and cultural projects, Tri Kappa strives to improves the quality of life in their city, and the garden posts at St. Agnes are one beautiful example of how that has been accomplished.
St. Agnes is an adult day center taking care, just for the day, of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Our goal is to keep them working at their highest potential for as long as possible. We do this through mental and physical stimulation using therapeutic activities. They can come one day a week or every day. When we opened our garden a few years ago, Tri Kappa came up with the idea of designing “garden posts” for our garden. They are made from different, very colorful, ceramic tiles. With dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it is easier to stimulate their minds through visual means. The “garden posts” are shiny and very reflective. As our participants walk through our garden, they stop and touch them and smile. Thank you, Tri Kappa, for making our participants’ day a lot brighter!
St Agnes is located at 1859 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso. For more information, email stagnes@saintpaulvalpo.org or call (219) 477-5433.
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.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
‘Secret Gardens Walk’ in Gary
The Miller Garden Club has announced its 23rd annual Secret Gardens Walk, taking place on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Aquatorium, 6918 Oak Ave., in the Miller section of Gary.
The much-anticipated event features local gardens and showcases the great beauty and natural environment of the lakeside community. Box lunches will be available onsite. Garden-related artisans will display their wares in the courtyards of the historic building. The club maintains the gardens on the premises, which have been in a state of restoration for several years.
Tickets are $15 and are
available at the following businesses prior to the event date: Ayers Realty; Lake St. Gallery; Indie Indie Bang Bang; Miller School Shops and Spaces.
The theme for this year’s walk is “Here We Hoe Again,” reminding all gardeners and their friends that these gardens are a labor of love and are maintained through constant care and vigilance, so that Mother Nature can show off her handiwork.
The five gardens on the tour this year include an amazing re-imagined sparkly garden; a permaculture dreamspace; a poolside haven complete with tiki bar; a lakeside garden with croquet court; and a terraced wonderland of dense plantings
sure to delight the eyes, ears, nose and heart. All gardens will be hosted by knowledgeable docents, ready to help and answer questions about plants, landscape design and horticulture.
The Miller Garden Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide gardening education on all levels; to protect native trees, plants and wildlife; and to beautify the Miller Beach community in Gary. Their website can be reached via millergardenclub.org
For more information contact Corya Channing (219) 670 5252, rtisticpartners@att.net; or Judy Ayers (219) 741 2190, redsledder@aol.com.
www.stagnesvalpo.org
Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
CARING COMMUNITY Garden posts were designed and made by Tri Kappa Sorority for the St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center for the organization’s outdoor serenity garden in Valparaiso. Pictured on the far left is St. Agnes Director Barb Kubiszak. Next to her are Valparaiso Tri Kappa members Nancy Urschel, Kearney Szevery, Mary Idstein, Patti Millian, Kim Hesler, Jan Tudor, Linda Eyermann, Nancy Adams, Kathy Welter and Beth Gough. Photo provided by St. Agnes Adult Day Service.
FUNERAL SVCS. & COUNSELING
FREE SPIRIT CHURCH
701 E. Clark St., Crown Point, IN (219) 663-3900
Extremely cost effective funerals from $350.
Cremation referrals available.
Funeral services, Wake/visitations and reception hall available. Also, Spiritual Counseling For all ages and life situations. Call 219.663.3900 or visit www.TheFreeSpiritChurch.org
HOME HEALTH CARE
BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF LAKE COUNTY
9521 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 0 Highland, IN 46322 (219) 924-0200
www.brightstarcare.com/west-lake-county/ In-Home Nursing, Caregiving & Companionship
• Assist with personal & hygiene care
• Companion care
• Skilled Nursing Care
• Respite care & family relief
• Transportation
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Available 24/7
WE ARE LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED & ACCREDITED BY THE JOINT COMMISSION
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
HOSPICE CARE
HOSPICE CARE
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
MEDICAL CLINIC
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.
MEDICAL RESORTS
IGNITE MEDICAL RESORTS
2775 Village Point Chesterton, IN (219) 304-6700
1555 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN (219) 323-8700
1532 Calumet Avenue Dyer, IN (219) 515-4700 www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management
PHARMACIES
MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
8446 Virginia St., Merrillville, IN (219) 756-3663 www.mownwi.org
A non-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.
RITE CARE PHARMACY
2075 Indianapolis Blvd. Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 655-5028
GET VACCINATED AT HOME! FREE Service for all Medicare Clients: Flu, Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV, Tdap, Covid, Hep B Accept Medicare, Medicaid & Commercial Ins. FREE Medication Delivery
Hrs: M-F 10 am, 5 pm; Sat 10 am, 1 pm Ritecarehm
TELEPHONE SERVICES
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
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide
Aperion Care - Demotte
10352 N. 600 E., Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 345-5211 • www.aperioncare.com
Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care
Aperion Care - Tolleston Park
2350 Taft Street, Gary, IN 46404 (219) 977-2600 • www.aperioncare.com
Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care
AVIVA - Merrillville | Memory Care
7900 Rhode Island St., Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 525-4123 • www.avivamerrillville.com
Memory Care only. It’s our sole focus. Alzheimer care. From initial to end-state dementia. Comfortable, caring enviornment. Peace of mind for families.
AVIVA - Valparaiso | Senior Living
1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 531-2484 • www.avivavalparaiso.com
Assisted Living & Memory Care in beautifully renovated community. Parkinson’s Disease Certification. Studios to two-bedroom apartments available.
Hammond-Whiting Care Center
1000-114th Street, Whiting, IN 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/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Ignite Medical Resort of Chesterton
2775 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 304-6700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Ignite Medical Resort of Crown Point
1555 S. Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 323-8700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Ignite Medical Resort of Dyer
1532 Calumet Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 515-4700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Lake Park Residential Care
2075 Ripley Street, Lake Station, IN 46405 (219) 962-9437 • www.assistedlivingfacilities.org
Assisted Living, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Residential Care, Mental Health Services, Activities, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
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/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Facility Van, JCAHO Accredited, Medicare, Insurance, Medicaid Accepted
Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village/Demotte 221 W. Division Road, Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-7005 • www.oakgrovecrv.org
Assisted Living, Independent Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary/Respite Care, Dementia Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet-Friendly, Pastoral Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Residences at Coffee Creek
Experience Our Unique Approach
To Senior Living & Memory Support
2300 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 921-5200 • www.ResidencesAtCoffeeCreek.com
Retirement Living, Assisted Living, Dedicated Memory Support, Respite Care, Therapy Available, Pet Friendly and VA Benefits Accepted
Residences at Deer Creek
Anthony
Experience Our Unique Approach
To Senior Living & Memory Support
401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 • www.ResidencesAtDeerCreek.com
Retirement Living, Assisted Living, Dedicated Memory Support, Respite Care, Therapy Available, Pet Friendly and VA Benefits Accepted
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.
Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation Center
606 Wall Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976 • ASCCare.com/VCRC
Caring people make the difference! Short-Term Rehabilitation, Memory Care, Long-Term Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Advanced Pulmonary & Ventilator Care, Respite Care, Hospice Care. Therapies include Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory. Private and Semi-Private Rooms. We proudly accept Medicaid, Medicaid pending and nursing home transfers.
Saint
The Willows ®
Louisville Slugger integral part of America’s pastime
GREAT ESCAPES Text and Photos
By ROD KING
Towering over the Hillerich and Bradsby building at 800 W. Main St. in downtown Louisville is a 120-foot tall baseball bat marking the home of Louisville Slugger bats. The enormous bat weighs 68,000 pounds, is constructed of carbon steel, and has a hollow interior, which can hold 30,000 gallons of water. The diameter at its base is 9 feet, the handle is 3 feet, 6 inches, and the knob is 6 feet, 6 inches — perfect for a guy like Paul Bunyan.
It’s leaning slightly as though it’s ready to be picked up and taken to the plate by the likes of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Ken Griffey Jr. or Derek Jeter.
These megastars are just a few of those who counted on Louisville Slugger and made it their bat of choice. Lifesize replicas of some of them are scattered throughout the museum along with a host of hands-on exhibits about the game and the bat that put Louisville on the baseball map.
After purchasing admission tickets, tour the factory to see bats being made. The first stop is a lathe operator making a bat like it was done in the late 1880s. It took him around 20 minutes to turn out a single bat.
Maple and white ash from 6,500 acres of timberland, owned by the company in Pennsylvania and New York, is used to make bats. Part of the tour shows how the logs are turned into bats and how the company reforests the property. As the tour progresses, see chunks of bat-size wood moving along a conveyor belt and into a machine, which turns out a bat in just 30 seconds.
Today, around 3,000 full-size bats are made per day and approximately 1.8 million bats of all sizes are produced each year. That number includes the 18-inch souvenir bat each guest receives at the conclusion of the tour.
Back in the museum, stand behind home plate and see a 90-mile per hour fast ball slam into a dummy catcher. In another exhibit, guests are invited to step to the mound and throw a strike. After putting on gloves, visitors are welcome to pick their favorite player’s bat from a rack for a photo opportunity. A short film called “Heart of the Game” glorifies America’s past time.
The story behind the Louisville Slugger baseball bat involves Bud Hillerich. He was a teenage apprentice in his father’s woodworking shop where they made butter churns.
KING OF
George Herman,
Ruth, started his baseball career as a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, was traded to the Boston Red Sox, and then to the N.Y. Yankees in 1919. He hit a record 60 home runs in 1927 and was in the first class to be
1936.
ENTERPRISING TEEN Apprentice Bud Hillerich played hooky from work at his father’s woodworking shop to watch a Louisville Eclipse baseball game in which the team hero broke his bat. Hillerich, left in this vignette, made a new bat for Pete Browning, whose nickname was “the Louisville Slugger.”
Hillerich, an avid baseball enthusiast and amateur player, skipped work one day to watch the Louisville Eclipse play. When Pete Browning broke his bat, Bud offered to make him a new one. According to the story, Browning got three hits in the next game with the bat made by Hillerich. By the way, Pete Browning’s nickname was “The Louisville Slugger.”
The Louisville Slugger became the company’s registered trademark in 1894 and Hillerich’s father made him a partner in 1897.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. To buy tickets online, visit sluggermuseum.com and get a dollar off the admission price. Tickets are: adults, $24; seniors 60 plus, $23; children 6-12, $16; and children 5 and under are free.
BUTTER CHURN Prior to making baseball bats, the Hillerich woodworking shop in Louisville produced butter churns.
FAMOUS PLAYERS BATS Louisville Slugger Museum guests can don gloves and pose for photos with their favorite players’ bats.
LOUISVILLE LANDMARK — A monster baseball bat in front of the Louisville Slugger factory and museum in downtown Louisville is 120-feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds. A tour of the factory shows visitors how bats were made in the late 1800s and today.
THE
SWING
“Babe”
enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Vita Luxury Apartments on Grant Discover Vibrant Living in a Premier Active Adult Community
Welcome to Vita Luxury Apartments on Grant, a premier adult community where active living meets luxury and community. Nestled in beautifully landscaped grounds with serene lake views, Vita on Grant provides everything you need to live your dream life.
A Hub of Activities and Social Engagement Life at Vita on Grant is anything but dull. Our robust calendar of events ensures there’s always something exciting to do. From our lively movie nights and festive parties to our thoughtful Mother’s Day Tea parties and Father’s Day luncheons, there’s never a shortage of opportunities to make lasting friendships.
This summer, enjoy the sun at our resort-style pool, or indulge in sweet treats during our Resident Appreciation Ice Cream Social. Feeling ad-
venturous? Head out to enjoy the Chicago Blues Festival, or catch iconic performances like Janet Jackson or the Rolling Stones Tour.
Tailored Amenities for a Luxurious Lifestyle
Our community boasts state-of-the-art amenities that cater to an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Maintain your fitness routine in our modern health and fitness center, relax by our cozy
fireplace in the large community room, or enjoy the lushly landscaped grounds with beautiful lake views. For those who love games, our billiards room and regular bingo nights are a hit.
Our spacious floor plans are designed for easy living, with elegant interiors, highend finishes, and modern appliances that offer a maintenance-free lifestyle. Our on-site management team ensures your needs are promptly met, adding to your peace of mind and comfort.
a year ago, appreciates the friendly and responsive staff:
Testimonials from Our Residents Don’t just take our word for it. Ann, a resident since 2016, loves the friendly, dog-welcoming community: “My dog Sam loves visiting the office for his daily treat. I feel safe here because everyone looks out for each other.”
Shirley, who moved in over
“I’m excited to participate more in our senior activities. The community here is lovely, and there’s always something fun to do.”
Join Us at Vita on Grant Ready for a lifestyle full of joy, activity, and new friendships? Vita on Grant is the place for you. Visit our website or call today to start your vibrant new life!
