Senior Life - NorthWest Edition - June 2022

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Elder Law and Medicaid Planning

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Elder Law Attorney

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Vol. 26, No. 3

June e 2022

Cliff Rice

Northwest Edition R Reaching Seniors In Illiana: Cook, Lake & Porter Counties

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‘Lasagna Love’ —

EYcaf_ Y \a^^]j]f[] gf] D9K9?F9 Yl Y lae] %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU In difficult or trying times throughout our lives, it’s often food that brings comfort — a hot bowl of chicken soup served up when you’re ill, a sweet treat from grandma on bad day, a homemade casserole dropped off for new parents navigating life with little sleep or a dish offered in times of grief when the pain is too great to do everyday tasks like cooking. Lasagna Love is a nonprofit created during the pandemic, meant to bring a little relief to those who were struggling, exhausted or otherwise in need of help. Blogger Rhiannon Menn, founder of “Good to Mama,” was looking for a way to help moms in her community. In March 2020, when the world was shutting down, she chose to continue connections through food. With her toddler, she started mak-

ing and delivering meals to families in the neighborhood who were facing struggles, whether financially, physically, emotionally or just being overwhelmed by what was going on in the world. It quickly grew into a global movement with thousands of volunteers and a mission of providing a simple act of kindness during an uncertain or stressful time. “Kindness is for everyone. No matter the reason for the need, your community wants to help,” lasagnalove.org states. “Let a neighbor deliver a home-cooked lasagna or main dish to your family one night.” It’s easy to nominate someone to receive a lasagna. A request can be put in for yourself or someone else. You are contacted to be matched up with a local volunteer who will coordinate a time with you to drop off your meal. All 50 states now have teams of volunteers making lasagnas for Continued on page 2

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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Key Positions

Genealogy department connects public with family’s past %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU “Genealogy can be defined as “a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor.” Chris Hough boils that down to two words: “family history.” She could say more, but a telephone call interrupts the conversation. The team lead for the genealogy department of the Porter County Public Library system just received a call from someone in Colorado, a former area resident who moved from Hebron who is looking for a book on her family’s history. Hough found the book, all 140 pages of it. Somehow, photocopying may be out of the question. “Every day is different,” said Hough. “No family is the same.” A 35-year library employee, including 25 in genealogy, Hough said her job involves answering questions from phone calls, letters and emails. The library system, which has worked in genealogy for more than 40 years, offers customers access to databases that can help people connect with their past. The library also has books covering many parts of the country, along with microfilm files of newspapers,

mostly local editions. Depending on the information being sought, PCPL can go back into the 1800s. People are often looking, Hough said, for information on their parents, grandparents and family members further back. People also want to see where their ancestors lived, worked and where they’re buried. Death and marriage records are among the easier files to trace, Hough pointed out, because deaths and weddings are registered, including those with multiple marriages. Divorce records are not as easy to trace, as that information is not always shared publicly. Out-of-staters also contact the library, Hough noted. These include people from Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania, with many from the East Coast, who had relatives who migrated to Indiana. Birth records are a little tricky, as Indiana did not begin collecting birth data until 1884. However, the library has access to Ancestry.com, the largest gatherer of birth information, and can share that information with the public at no charge. Another challenge is an adopted person trying to locate birth parents. However, online

DNA searches have made that a little easier, according to Hough. Having worked in genealogy for 30 years, Hough noted: “Resources online are huge, and that has exploded in recent years. Everyone has questions, and everyone’s questions are a little different.” Occasionally, a little digging results in a unique discovery. During a little checking, Hough discovered that her niece’s husband traces his lineage to John Hart of New Jersey, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This information opened up scholarships for her niece’s children. Hart, who died in 1779 at age 66, was a politician and farmer and later speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. He and his wife Deborah, who died during the Revolutionary War, had 13 children. When his troops stayed at the family farm, George Washington dined with Hart. Although the PCPL genealogy department is based at the Valparaiso library, other branches in Portage, South Haven, Kouts and Hebron can assist. For more information on genealogy, contact the PCPL at (219) 462-0524, or visit www. pcpls.org.

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EYcaf_ Y \a^^]j]f[] Continued from page 1 their neighbors. Each county or larger area has a leader who helps coordinate donations and deliveries. Lauren DeGiulio of Schererville is a regional leader for northwest Indiana. “I have been involved with Lasagna Love for the last 15 months and have been the first and only leader of NWI. I immediately joined after hearing about Lasagna Love through a friend after she heard about it on the local news. “Being a new stay-at-home mom, it was one of a few connections I had to the world outside, and I couldn’t wait to be involved,” said DeGiulio. “I was meeting new people through the organization, connecting with new volunteers and helping people in my community in one of the worst and most isolating times in our lifetime, all while I was doing something I loved to do — cooking. Talk about a win-win!” According to DeGiulio, as

of mid-May, 14,034 people in Indiana have been fed through Lasagna Love. “We have 540 lasagna chefs who have delivered 3,460 lasagnas in the state,” she said. Specifically, in northwest Indiana, 149 lasagna chefs have delivered 959 lasagnas, feeding 4,250 people. Besides providing individual meals, Lasagna Love has delivered to first responders, senior centers and other groups, most recently to the Munster Fire Department, Highland Police Department and the Linden House, a low-income senior housing complex. “Volunteering for Lasagna Love helped me match my love for cooking — and feeding people — with service,” said Lisa Aumend of Schererville. ”I love that I get matched with people right in my community, essentially my neighbors. This organization is truly for the community by the community, with no strings attached. It’s simply just helping people.”

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3

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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Spotlight

Contemporary masters encourage local artists %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU How would you like to have Matisse, Monet, Cézanne and Chagall as art teachers? They’re not around anymore, but their works are. A retired art teacher is using these four French painters to encourage her students. Marsha Browne has been working with Porter County Parks on art classes since 2014. Her most recent class at Sunset

Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso, which ended in May, was mixed media technique. For inspiration, Browne turned to four masters. COVID-19 reduced class attendance to two people, but Browne considers Barb Smith and Vicki Carney, both of Valparaiso, her “die-hards.” While Smith is a painter, Carney uses multiple materials, including fabrics. A retired Hammond High School art teacher, Browne had

:LUPVY 3PML 5VY[O^LZ[ www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Main Office, P.O. Box 188 • 206 S. Main St., Milford, Ind. 46542-0188 (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 Fax 800-886-3796

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Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the senior citizens in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Each of the four editions focus on local information for each area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rbaumgartner@the-papers.com Carrie Goralczyk, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cgoralczyk@the-papers.com Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . smeadows@the-papers.com Bill Hays, Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bhays@the-papers.com Account Executive Rebecca Berggren . . . . . .slwest@the-papers.com • 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2430 Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rsalinas@the-papers.com Commercial Printing Customer Service Tina Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tcarson@the-papers.com Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rkrygowski@the-papers.com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers.com Keith Knepp, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kknepp@the-papers.com Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior St. Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $34 for one year; and $58 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers. com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life.

620( 68**(67,216 ³ 0DUVKD %URZQH OHIW FRPPHQWV RQ WKH ZRUN E\ 9LFNL &DUQH\ GXULQJ D PL[HG PHGLD WHFKQLTXH DUW FODVV DW 6XQVHW +LOO )DUP &RXQW\ 3DUN LQ 9DOSDUDLVR 3RUWHU &RXQW\ 3DUNV VSRQ VRUHG WKH FODVV ZKLFK LQWURGXFHG VWXGHQWV WR ZRUNV IURP 0DWLVVH 0RQHW &KDJDOO DQG &p]DQQH 3KRWR E\ 6WHYH (XYLQR formerly worked at the Art Institute in Chicago. Since joining county parks, she has taught mixed media, landscape, painting, drawing, abstract art and, she noted, “a little but of art history on the side.” Matisse was known for his use of color and fluid draftsmanship. Monet founded impressionism. Cézanne was a post-impressionist painter. An early modernist, Chagall created works in paintings, drawings, book illustrations and stained glass. Browne likes artists from the French school since they use “a lot of colors.” By using these artists in a classroom or community setting, Browne said, “our artists can grow as artists and explore how these artists living in community learned from each other.” There’s also room for criticism of students’ artwork, Browne said, preferring the French word critique. “This is a way to

encourage them in a positive way, to move forward in their work,” added Browne, a resident of Chesterton. Browne noted that Chagall, who died in 1985, did not use “real” colors in his work, since life itself is not one set color. “Life is created through contrasts,” Browne quoted the artist, “without which art would be incomplete.” One need not be an accomplished artist to take Browne’s classes. “Visual art connects the artist with their inner self and creates an outlet for bringing joy,” Browne said. “Art is obtainable, reachable. Anyone can create art, as long as they are open to the process.” Wednesday afternoon classes at Sunset Hill Farm resume this fall, starting in August and September with open studio, in which students develop their own genre. Abstract art classes are coming in October,

with Picasso and Modigliani in November. Although some wanted Browne to pursue medicine, Gino Burelli, a counselor at Gary’s Lew Wallace High School, encouraged her to consider art. It was at an exhibit that Becky Kreiger of Porter County Parks met her and asked if she’d teach classes in the park. ‘The worst thing you can say is you can’t do art,” Browne said. “Art is as unique as you are.” Smith, who retired eight years ago, was looking for something to do. Thinking she always had some artistic talent, “I’ve been encouraged to develop my skills here,” she said. “I feel I’ve accomplished something here.” Carney believes her art has improved, because she’s adding more to scenery. “I have more things going to make it more interesting,” she said. “I love mixed media, because you can do so much with it.”

Memory Care

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5

S.O.S.: Speaking of Seniors —

A bill from Los Angeles %\ :22'52: :,/&2; 6HQLRU 3UREOHP 5HVROXWLRQ 2IÀFHU 6HQLRU &DUH 6HUYLFHV Editor’s note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has saved a few million dollars for clients of that firm by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book “Solving Medicare Problem$” which is available from book stores and online. On April 28, 2022, I helped an 81-year-old client from Dyer. He had traveled to the Las Vegas area and needed some x-ray service in Henderson, Nev. He got a bill from a billing firm in Los Angeles for the medical services that he received in the Las Vegas area. I reviewed the bill the day earlier and phoned the client to leave a message. He phoned me on April 28 and agreed to stay online while I made a three-way call to his Medicare supplement insurance company. In the phone call, with the client on the line, I asked some questions of the insurance company and the particular bill. What I suspected was true. The insurance company never got the

medical bill claim report from Medicare. It could not pay a bill that it never got from Medicare. This happens a lot. I wrote a letter to the medical firm and its billing service citing the facts. With some editing to protect the privacy of our client, here is the letter that I sent to the medical firm and its billing company. Our client sent to our firm a bill from your firm for our review. The bill from your firm seeks a balance of $416 on Account # XXXXXXXX for services rendered 03/10/2022. The Account # was not clear. I did not have a clean copy of the bill. That is what Account # seems to be. I phoned our client’s Medicare supplement plan insurance company to learn what it knew of this bill. It reported that it never received this claim from Medicare. That is not the fault of the patient – our client. It is Medicare’s fault. Your bill shows an original balance of $416 with no adjustments or payments by Medicare. So, your bill evidences confirmation of the secondary insurer’s statement that Medicare never sent any ruling on this claim. To fix this problem as fast as possible, please send both the original billing information and the Medicare EOB information

that you have directly to the secondary insurer at the following address. I expect my letter will result in our client owing nothing except the Medicare Part B annual

deductible because that was the kind of policy he bought. All the help that I gave this client was free of charge. This insurance agency “goes the extra mile” for our clients to fix Medicare medi-

cal bill problems. If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why not switch to an insurance agency that does? This one does.

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‘The Noteables’ present spring concert The Lake County Choral group “The Noteables” will present “Why We Sing” at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at St. Maria Goretti Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer. Adult tickets are $10 with a $3 admission for children 12 and younger. Nonperishable food items and paper products are requested for the local food bank.

Protect your Home and Life Savings Are you aware that:

The group is accompanied by David Herr. Joanne Haley-Borodine and Herr will each perform a solo. Instrumentalists include Peggy Shaffer on percussion and Gerald Herr on bass. The varied program opens with the lively “This Is It” and concludes with the signature “Why We Sing.” Regional performances by the Noteables include performing

at the Lake County Extension Homemakers Achievement Day May 17, Andorra’s, the Lake County Public Library May 21 and a planned sing out at Park Place in Saint John Monday, June 6. Fifteen Noteables will travel to Noblesville to sing with the Melody Makers statewide group Tuesday, June 7, for Festival Day. FNFF &+6+10U :2#0&'&X 4'8+5'&X #0& 72&#6'&^

For Persons 65 or Older. Seating is Limited. Join Us!

0&+#0# &+6+10 T #$4+'. '+5'4X 66140'; .+((14& T +%'X 66140';

• Nearly half of all seniors will spend time in a nursing home. • Locally, nursing homes cost about $7,500 per month. • Many seniors lose their homes and life savings.

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Learn how to: • Preserve your assets from spend-down. • Remain in your OWN HOME. • Qualify for Medicaid.

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Free Workshops Wednesday, June 15th

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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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b_\[( ed fkhfei[( A Healthy Lifestyle as You Age

Healthy Reminders

for Adults over 50! 1. Take Your Medication as Directed All medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, include directions for safe use. Be sure to follow all printed guidelines and the advice of your doctor to ensure that the medicine works safely and effectively.

2. Don’t Overdo It Using alcohol and medications unintentionally or to cope with big life changes is called substance misuse. Help can begin with diagnosis, addressing chronic health issues, rebuilding support systems and starting treatment.

3. Check in with Your Mood Feeling persistently sad or that you don’t have value can indicate depression, especially when these feelings affect your daily routine. Depression can be treated with talk therapy and/or medication. You can also lower the risk of depression when you prepare for major life changes, stay physically active, and share how you are feeling with family or friends.

4. Find Purpose Each Day

Funding provided by the State of Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction

out s s i m t ’ Don sses: a l c E S I on W People! ew Meet N re! Mo Learn Fun! Have

Feeling that your life has purpose is a key to fulfillment. It can impact your health positively, and may also slow down aging and increase longevity. Make choices and plan activities based on what is enjoyable, interesting, and important to you.

Learn More When You... • Talk with your healthcare provider. Bring your questions about healthy aging. • Book your adult group for a WISE class series about living a healthy lifestyle! This 6-week series takes a fun, interactive and educational look at aging. To learn more or schedule your group, visit www.porterstarke.org/lifeonpurpose • Visit porterstarke.org Discover even more healthy ways to live Life. On Purpose.

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

Problem Solved —

Avis won’t take back vehicle after accident I rented a vehicle from Avis in Seattle recently and had an accident while visiting Mount Rainier National Park. A local towing company towed the vehicle away. I reported this to Avis and gave them the towing company’s contact number and address. An Avis representative said they would work with the towing company to recover the vehicle from them and that I didn’t need to do anything. I still followed up with them almost every day for two weeks to ensure they had the car. Avis hasn’t recovered the vehicle yet and it is still at the towing company’s facility. An Avis representative keeps telling me the case is being processed and that the car will be recovered soon. But now I’m dealing with a few other issues. My rental contract is open and I keep getting billed for the vehicle. I am not sure what attempts Avis is making to recover the vehicle. At the same time, I’m getting emails from the Avis loss prevention department asking me to return the vehicle. I contacted the loss pre-

vention department, and a representative asked me to disregard the email because their system wasn’t aware of the report I had filed and that they would recover the vehicle without me interfering. But yesterday, I got a certified letter from Avis demanding that I return the vehicle. I’m worried that Avis will report the car as stolen. I am not sure how to proceed here. Any help would be appreciated. — Mayank Kumar, Seattle. I’m sorry you got into an accident in your rental car. Avis should have done what it said — taken the car back and marked it as returned. Waiting for days and sending you threatening letters is not a shining example of good customer service. Here’s the problem: You should always call the car rental company before making arrangements to have a car towed. The vehicle belongs to the company and it has procedures for handling an accident. You say you called Avis roadside assistance after the accident and then connected them to a tow truck driver at the scene of the accident. Avis insisted on sending its own tow truck to retrieve the car. But

%\ &+5,673+(5 (//,277 *XHVW :ULWHU the local tow truck driver said it would take hours for Avis’ tow truck to arrive and that law enforcement wanted the

car removed right away. The Avis roadside assistance representative eventually allowed him to tow the car, according to you. But I think Avis may have misunderstood what happened. You were correct to be worried about the return. I would have called the company every day, too. And I would have called even more after I started receiving emails that the company told me not to worry about. When a company tells you not to worry, you should worry. I think Avis would have eventually tracked down your damaged car. But in enough time to keep its loss prevention department from calling the cops? I don’t know about that. Other car rental companies

have reported their customers to the police, with traumatizing results. I might have appealed this to one of the Avis customer service contacts I list on my consumer advocacy website at www.elliott.org/companycontacts/avis-budget/. At the very least, they could have sent you something in writing that assures you the return was processed. I contacted Avis on your behalf. It closed out your rental and marked the car as returned. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@ elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at www.elliott.org/ help.

Lake County soil health training day planned Purdue Extension-Lake County is partnering with Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District to hold a Lake County soil health program. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, June 21, at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office,

2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Registration is required for this free event, which can be done online at eventbrite. com/e/343357671037. The purpose of the soil health training is that farmers and agriculture professionals will learn how to evaluate the health of farm and garden soils through presentations and hands-on demonstrations.

This program is targeting urban farmers and gardeners, though rural growers are welcome to attend. If you need accommodations to participate in the program, contact Rebecca Koetz at busser@purdue.edu two weeks prior to the meeting date. For more information, email Koetz or call (219) 7553240.

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zȒɯ Ȓȵƺȇ ƏȇƳ ƏƬƬƺȵɎǣȇǕ ȸƺɀǣƳƺȇɎɀً ƬȒȅƺ ƺȇǴȒɵ àƏǼȵƏȸƏǣɀȒ ³ƺȇǣȒȸ àǣǼǼƏǕƺٔɀ Ǽɖɀǝ ȵƏɎǣȒɀ ƏȇƳ ƬȒɖȸɎɵƏȸƳٍ 0ɮƺȸɵ ƳƏɵ ɯƺ Ȓǔǔƺȸ ɀȒȅƺɎǝǣȇǕ ɎȒ ǼƺƏȸȇً ɮǣɀǣɎً ƏȇƳ ƬȸƺƏɎƺِ IƏȅǣǼǣƺɀ Əȸƺ ɯƺǼƬȒȅƺ ɎȒ ǕƏȅƺ ȇǣǕǝɎɀ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȅȅɖȇǣɎɵ ɀȒƬǣƏǼ ƺɮƺȇɎɀِ Áǝƺȸƺ ǝƏɀ ȇƺɮƺȸ ƫƺƺȇ Ə ƫƺɎɎƺȸ Ɏǣȅƺ Ȓȸ ȵǼƏƬƺ ɎȒ ƺȇǴȒɵ ƬƏȸƺǔȸƺƺ ǼǣɮǣȇǕ ǣȇ Ə ɮǣƫȸƏȇɎ ɀƺȇǣȒȸ ƬȒȅȅɖȇǣɎɵِ çȒɖ ɯǣǼǼ ƏǼɀȒ ǔǣȇƳ ɯƺ ǝƏɮƺ ɀȵƏƬǣȒɖɀ ȵȸǣɮƏɎƺ ƏȵƏȸɎȅƺȇɎɀ ƏȇƳ Ɏǝƺ ȸǣǕǝɎ ɀƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ƏȇƳ ƏȅƺȇǣɎǣƺɀ ɎȒ ȅƏǸƺ Ǽǣǔƺ ƺƏɀǣƺȸٕ ɀɖƬǝ Əɀ Ȓɖȸ ƬƏȸƺ ɀƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ɎǝƏɎ Əȸƺ ɎƏǣǼȒȸƺƳ ɎȒ ɵȒɖȸ ȇƺƺƳɀ ƏȇƳ ȸƺɀɖǼɎ ǣȇ ȵƺƏƬƺ Ȓǔ ȅǣȇƳٍ àX³XÁ ȳ ɎȒ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ àƏǼȵƏȸƏǣɀȒ ³ƺȇǣȒȸ àǣǼǼƏǕƺ ǔȒȸ ɵȒɖȸɀƺǼǔٍ

àƏǼȵƏȸƏǣɀȒ ³ƺȇǣȒȸ àǣǼǼƏǕƺ ‫ גו‬0ِ hȒɖȸȇƺɵ áƏɵ àƏǼȵƏȸƏǣɀȒً Xz ‫בזבהג‬ ¨ǝȒȇƺ‫ ي‬٢‫ח׏א‬٣ ‫ חזחגٮחדא‬ àƏǼȵƏȸƏǣɀȒ³ƺȇǣȒȸàǣǼǼƏǕƺِƬȒȅ

8 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Finance

Robocallers have your number %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV

There’s still no foolproof way to eliminate robocallers and scam artists from getting to your phone, because robots and crooks never sleep. The high-water mark for these computer-dialed calls is 190 million in a single day but the daily average is about 1,500 a second, offering everything from extending the warranty on your car to

lottery winnings for a small upfront handling fee. Modern technology has made it easy for telephone thieves to amass lists of phone numbers they feed into computers and await results. The reason some 50 billion calls are made each year is because as many as 5 percent of them are answered and the respondents wind up being bilked out of thousands of dollars. Simply put, this schemers’

system works. Just picking up the phone and answering gives the scammers an edge. They know you’re home at that time and that the number is legitimate. And every other robocaller in the neighborhood finds that out, too. The strong defense is to have caller ID. If you don’t recognize the name or number, just walk away. Legitimate callers, such as a family member or friend or an important contact such as a doc-

Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age %\ 0(* 0 /2,7= - ' 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG 7UXVW 2IÀFHU 7&8 :HDOWK 0DQDJHPHQW &HQWHU Many people think that estate plans are for someone else. People rationalize that they are too young or don’t have enough money to justify the time and expense of creating a plan. However, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or worth. Here are a few reasons to stop procrastinating. 1. Loss of capacity. What if you become incompetent and unable to manage your own affairs? Without the proper plan, the court will select the person to manage your affairs. With

the proper plan, you select that person. 2. Keeping assets in the family. Without a plan, your child’s spouse may end up with your money if your child passes away prematurely. If your child divorces, half of your assets could go to the spouse. With a plan, you can set up a trust that ensures your assets will stay in your family. 3. Dying without a will. Who will inherit your assets? Without the proper plan, your assets pass to your heirs according to Indiana’s intestacy law. Family members will receive your assets without the benefit of your direction. With the proper plan, you decide who gets

your assets, and when and how they receive them. 4. Blended families. What if your family is blended? Without the proper plan, children from a prior marriage may not be treated as you would wish. With the proper plan, you determine what goes to your children from a prior marriage. 5. Children with special needs. Without the proper plan, a child with special needs risks being disqualified from receiving Medicaid or SSI benefits. With proper planning you can set up a Special Needs Trust that will allow the child to remain eligible for government benefits while using the trust to pay for noncovered expenses.

tor’s office, will leave a message and number to call. If you recognize the caller, you can pick up the phone in mid-message and explain why you waited to answer. Be aware, however, that many crooked callers identify themselves as someone you may be dealing with and you can still become a victim of a scam. Paranoia pays in these situations. You can list your number on the national Do Not Call registry, but that only bars legitimate market-

It’s the drugs, not the guns Dear Editor: Another mass shooting happened. This time in Uvalde, Texas. The mainstream media and some politicians are blaming guns. But drugs are the problem — not guns. In 1975, my grandfather was murdered by a man who took FDA approved antidepressant drugs. I was the only grandchild who saw and smelled the bloody scene of my grandfather’s death. So, I know the pain that such shootings cause. Semiautomatic rifles and pis-

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Letter to the editor

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ers. Calls from crooks will keep on coming. Blocking specific numbers doesn’t help all that much because unethical telemarketers have a way to make it appear their calls are coming from a different number. If you do have a conversation with a caller, you can protect yourself by pointing out you’re busy at the moment and ask for a number to call them back. If they won’t give you one, hang up.

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tols have existed since at least World War II. But I don’t remember any mass shootings until the Columbine school shooting in 1995. Now, such events happen more frequently. Why? The FDA approved antidepressant drugs that induce homicidal and suicidal thoughts. The news media is not mentioning this in stories of these shootings because the drug making companies spend so much money on advertising in the media. The media ignore the fact that drugs are causing some people to become very dangerous. A few years ago, I read about a woman who took FDA approved antidepressant drugs and then drowned her children in a bathtub. It is the drugs that are causing the problem. The FDA is responsible for unleashing dangerous antidepressant drugs into our society. The FDA and the drug manufacturers should be investigated and stopped from allowing drug companies to profit from those drugs. The FDA and the drug making companies should be held financially responsible for these mass shooting deaths. Sincerely, Woodrow Wilcox Dyer We welcome readers’ letters. 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.

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9

Sports

Coaching brother’s soccer team led to long high school career %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU When Brian Past was in college, his younger brother’s youth soccer team needed a coach. He stepped in, and it led to a decades-long coaching career. “I continued to coach his team as he played youth soccer and then was asked to coach a club travel team,” explained Past. “That led to coaching at Benton Central High School and then the last 25 years at Merrillville High School.” Some of his coaching responsibilities include helping to schedule teams with the athletic director, planning training sessions, summer practices, summer tournaments and coordinating with Purdue University Fort Wayne on attending their summer team camp. Past was born in Flushing, N.Y., and his family moved to West Lafayette when he was 2 years old. He lived in West Lafayette until age 28 before moving to northwest Indiana to teach at Merrillville High School. “I graduated from West Lafayette High School and

Purdue University,” he said, noting that he played on the soccer and golf teams in high school. “I originally received a degree in communications with a minor in English, and then went back to Purdue to get my teacher certification in English.” Past has been the boys head soccer coach at Merrillville High School for the last 25 years. Prior to that, he was the boys head soccer coach at Benton Central High School in Oxford for three years. Past added that he coached track at Merrillville High School for 22 years, mostly as an assistant coach, but was the head boys track coach for three years, in between longtime head coaches Jim Johnston and current head coach Patrick Coffey. “As an assistant track coach, I work with the high jumpers, both boys and girls,” he explained, adding he also coaches Merrillville Middle School’s soccer team. As a teacher, he has instructed English at Merrillville High School for 25 years, and for the past 12 years he has taught television production classes. Naming a favorite part of

coaching was difficult, so he offered two favorites: “My first favorite part of coaching is seeing players improve their skill level. It is always great to see an individual achieve more than they ever thought they could as an athlete. My second favorite part is watching my athletes graduate and knowing they are entering a time in their lives when they will become independent and grow into adulthood.” Past finds it very rewarding when he gets visits from former students. He enjoys “when the players come back to visit and I hear how successful they have become. Also, one advantage of social media is being able to follow them and see posts about their careers and families.” Outside of work, Past likes to spend time watching movies and television shows and going to live sporting events, especially Purdue basketball games. He has a dog named Dodger, with whom he enjoys walking and spending time. The little brother he once coached is now married and living in Denmark with his four children.

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Q. Whom should I name as my executor? A. When planning your estate, one

Q. Isn’t your paper only read by older senior citizens on limited incomes? A.

According to audit statistics, 80% of our readers are under the age of 75. 65% of our readers have a household income of over $50,000 per year. Nearly 40% of these readers earn more than $75,000 per year. Are households with an income larger than $50,000 your target market? If so, consider advertising in Senior Life! Call or send me an e-mail today!

Professional Services

Becky Berggren, Account Executive Lake & Porter Counties (219) 254-2345 slwest@the-papers.com

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of the decisions that you must make is who will serve as your executor. Many people are more comfortable naming a family member as executor. However, it is important to understand what the job entails. The duties of an executor can include the following: • Taking custody of the decedent’s assets • Obtaining appraisals of real estate and other unique assets • Notifying creditors and handling their claims • Paying the estate debts • Managing the estate assets prior to final distribution • Filing federal and state tax returns

Meg M. Loitz, JD Vice President & Trust Officer If you feel the job would be too much of a hardship, or that your family lacks the requisite financial skills, consider naming a corporate fiduciary, i.e., a professional trust department. Regardless of who you select, be sure to name at least one alternate executor in the event your first choice declines to serve, resigns, becomes incapacitated or dies before your estate is settled.

DISCLOSURE: This information is not designed, meant, nor does it constitute the rendering of legal or tax advice. You should consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here. Trust services provided by MEMBERS Trust Company are not federally insured, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or any affiliated entity, involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principle. MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller or the Currency.

Meg M. Loitz, J.D. Vice President & Trust Officer Wealth Management Center 110 South Main Street South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 245-4735, ext. 5153

10 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Sixties Flashback —

Sally Field claims ‘It was just drivel!’ “I was in heaven, learning as much as I could learn. I loved, loved, loved every minute of it,” Sally Field %\ 5$1'$/ once en& +,// thused to a writer from “O, The Oprah Magazine.” High praise for Field’s time spent as “The Flying Nun?” Actually, no. Field was waxing nostalgic about her first television series, “Gidget,” a 1965 show on ABCTV based on the Sandra Dee movie of the same name. In 1959, Gidget had kicked off the beach party/surfing film craze of the early 1960s. Field’s remembrance of her “Flying Nun” years was quite different. She had landed the Gidget role right out of Birmingham High School in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys, shortly after she was spotted by a casting agent at an acting workshop. When “Gidget” folded after a year of mediocre ratings, Field was devastated. She was then offered the lead role in another ABC-TV series, this time as a Puerto Rico-based Catholic sister who could soar through the air. “The Flying Nun” was based on Tere Rios’s 1965 book, “The Fifteenth Pelican.” Field rejected the role, later explaining, “The show just made no sense to me. It was just drivel! There wasn’t any piece of it that had human behavior in it.” Her stepfather was a stuntman/actor named Jock Mahoney, who Field found intimidating and controlling.

When Mahoney warned her, “If you don’t take this part, you may never work again,” Field capitulated and signed to play the cartoonish sister. When she later requested more depth to the nun scripts, Field was told, “(People) want to know what they’re going to see before they see it. They don’t want to be touched. They don’t want to be surprised. They don’t want to think.” The series ran for three years, 1967-1970, for a total of 82 episodes. It quickly became a ratings winner, but as the weekly stories unfolded, viewership dropped steadily. By the third year, the show was on life support. In the meantime, Field had married her first husband, Steve Craig, and was pregnant during the last season’s filming. “You can only imagine what a pregnant flying nun looked like,” she said. “I was a walking sight gag.” The show’s producers used props and scenery to block the view of Field’s body below the chest. But eventually Field came to realize that the time she spent on “The Flying Nun” did, to her surprise, have an actual upside. “Something in me started to take care of myself in a way I hadn’t been able to before,” she said later. “I started to change and heal. I grew up and moved out of the fog. And ultimately, the experience of being on the series gave me tremendous strength. It made me want to be a real actor, no matter what.” She certainly achieved that goal. In her superlative movie career, Field carried home an armful of Tinseltown trophies, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress for “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart.”

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 11

Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living —

A starry night for senior prom %\ 1$7$/,( 5(,6(1 'LUHFWRU RI 6DOHV DQG 0DUNHWLQJ &RIIHH &UHHN 6HQLRU /LYLQJ Stars are still shining in the eyes of the residents of Coffee Creek Senior Living, who filled the dining area with glamour, dancing and a menu fit for any pre- or post-prom gala. March 31 was indeed a special night to remember for families and staff, as well. Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director, described their first prom as a huge success due to enthusiasm of the entire staff as well as by Angela Williams, director of life enrichment, and her team who introduced the concept as one of the latest

trends in senior living. Community sponsors helped make the occasion grand, including Wayne Pera from 5 Star DJ. Dunes Hospice provided corsages and boutonnieres, and Celeste UX, local Mary Kay consultant, provided make up artistry. They all exceeded expectations. Everyone was dancing and at least “busting a move” — despite any assistance devices, walkers or wheelchairs. Movement is so key to seniors’ good health. Plus, this is the generation that loved to dance; it was their form of recreation and fun. The best part is no one cared to think about how muscles were strengthening and how calories were burned

after that great meal, it was just making everyone happy. Culminating the great date night was the crowning of the king and queen. To make it even more special, residents Dorothy and Thurmon Bradley were also celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. “We always want to think of new ways to surround our residents with love and appreciation,” reflected Redmon. “We want them to know it’s our pleasure to serve and honor them for all the contributions they’ve made over their lifetimes.” For a personalized tour, contact Coffee Creek Senior Living at (800) 557-9176 or ResidencesSeniorLiving.com.

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Dunes Summer Theatre presents ‘Next to Normal’ The Dunes Summer Theatre, northwest Indiana’s oldest producing summer theatre, is currently performing “Next to Normal,” running Friday, May 27, through Sunday, June 12. The show, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is a popular American rock musical that won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Awards, according to Dunes Artistic Director Steve Scott. Scott will direct the Dunes Summer Theatre production, with music direction provided by Andrew Flasch. The production will feature a live band with set and costume design by Ted Hoerl and lighting design by Arturo A. Pozos. Next to Normal focuses on a mother struggling with misdiagnosed mental illness and the impact on her husband and teenage daughter. “The drama allows a small group of actors to explore pressing con-

temporary issues of trauma, loss, mental health treatment and the meaning of family,” according to Scott. The cast includes Chicago actors Jodi Gage as Diana; Max DeTonge (cast member for the Dunes 2019 production of Working) as Dan; Peter Sielstra as Henry; and Ben Harmon as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine. Valparaiso singer and musician Derek DeRoo plays Gabe, and Mia Goodman, a senior at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, plays Natalie. Annalise McSweeney, production dramaturg, is working with the cast to provide insights into the mental health challenges presented in “Next to Normal.” “The dramaturg’s main function on a show like this is to provide background information that the actors can use as they’re creating their characters, which is especially important for this production,” said Scott. “Annalise has done a terrific job

Nominations accepted for Golden Hoosier Award Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging has announced nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Golden Hoosier Award. This is the 15th year for the program. “Our state is filled with generous Hoosiers who are constantly giving back to their neighborhoods and communities,” Crouch said. “I am excited to once again partner with FSSA and AARP Indiana to honor those who are going above and beyond to better their town and our state. The best thing about Indiana are her people, men and women who find ways to leave Indiana in a better place for their children and future generations.” Crouch said that the award began in 2008 and annually

honors older Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. To be eligible for the Golden Hoosier Award, the nominee must currently be an Indiana resident, aged 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 10. Nomination forms can be accessed electronically by visiting in.gov/lg/ lt-governor-initiatives/goldenhoosier-award/2022-goldenhoosier-nominee-information/. A ceremony honoring those selected will be held later this year at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. Since 2008, more than 200 Hoosiers have received the Golden Hoosier Award.

of providing material that will help us all understand what these characters are going through, which will result in richer, more moving performances.” Dunes Arts is partnering with professionals from Samaritan Counseling Center to hold audience talk backs immediately following the 2 p.m.

Sunday matinee performance June 12. The “Next to Normal” production and talk backs are made possible thanks in part to support from the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte. “The kinds of mental health issues presented in “Next to Normal” are difficult to deal with, but many families have been affected by them in one

way or another,” Scott added, “and this musical strikes a hopeful note at the end.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. CT and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michiana Shores. Tickets are now on sale at dunesARTS. org. Discount for groups of five or more.

12 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum —

Train excursions for family fun %\ /25(77$ .26/2:6., 5LGHUVKLS 6SHFLDOLVW The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum train excursions run on Saturdays, May through October, Father’s Day Sunday and for special events. Take a relaxing, round-trip, approximately 45-minute train excursion through the countryside on an open-air car or a vintage coach between North Judson and English Lake. Ticket prices begin at $10. Groups of six or more get $2 off each ticket. Purchasing tickets online is recommended. Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds where the admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad

signals, a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car and switching tower. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines and memorabilia of a bygone era. Guest engineers can operate a diesel locomotive with supervision at HVRM. Anyone over the age of 18 who holds a valid driver’s license can “be an engineer” for 30 minutes or one hour for a nominal fee. Contact the museum for scheduling. HVRM has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season. Regular Saturday train rides continue through the end of September. HVRM will run Pumpkin Trains, Halloween Trains and Santa Trains later this year. Prices for these special events may vary. Most of these special events sellout in advance, so please purchase online.

Portage chamber to hold golf outing The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 39th annual Spring Swing Golf Outing Friday, June 17, at River Point Country Club, 6700 Country Club Road, Hobart. The Chamber outing, sponsored by Porter Regional Hospital, is open to Portage Chamber members and the public. Entertain customers, business associates and individuals while enjoying a wonderful day of golf. There will be raffles, games and prizes for everyone. The schedule includes a 9 a.m. continental breakfast, 10 a.m. shotgun start, lunch at the turn and 3 p.m. awards and dinner, provided by River Point Country Club. The cost is $145 per person

or $550 for a foursome. The cost includes greens fees, golf carts, practice balls on the driving range, continental breakfast, lunch, three drink tickets and dinner. Prizes will include first, second and third place teams in each flight, closest to the pin, longest drive, longest putt and hole-in-one, with two new vehicle sponsors, Castle Subaru and Castle Jeep Ram. There are several ways in order to showcase your business at this outing. Hole sponsorships are still available for $150. Interested participants can go to portageinchamber.com to register, email info@portageinchamber.com or call (219) 762-3300.

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75$,1 5,'(6 ³ +RRVLHU 9DOOH\ 5DLOURDG 0XVHXP RIIHUV PLQXWH WUDLQ H[FXUVLRQV 3LFWXUHG LV D +RRVLHU 9DOOH\ 5DLOURDG SDVVHQJHU WUDLQ FURVVLQJ WKH .DQNDNHH 5LYHU 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ +RRVLHU 9DOOH\ 5DLOURDG 0XVHXP HVRM is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events, including

school groups, can be arranged during the week by contacting the depot. Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website, www.

Not even remotely funny You’re probably familiar with the newest TV remote control technology. No longer do you have to “enter” the ,1 $ channel on 1876+(// the device. %\ ',&. In many :2/)6,( cases you can simply say what channel you want into the remote and voila! There it is on the screen. Of course, most times you will be asked to repeat yourself, because the high-tech gadget failed to understand you. As Mary Ellen noted, quite aptly, “I might as well ask you to switch channels, Dick. You can’t hear me half the time, either.”

And why are functions only on the remote, and not on the giant TV itself? Why jam all those buttons onto something the size of a stapler? They could have put them on the set, as well. Absentminded as I am, I have never lost a TV screen … and then found it in my sock drawer. I try to look on the bright side. If I didn’t have to tear my couch apart at least twice a month and dive into the dark side beneath those cushions to look for the remote, I wouldn’t have $235.89 worth of change in a cookie jar and I’d still be wondering what happened to my wedding ring, my extra set of keys and 17 ballpoint pens. No one can argue that a remote control is third only to movable type and the Squatty Potty for the world’s greatest inventions. I became so paranoid about losing the remote

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that I wrapped a long piece of dental floss around it and then tied the line to the leg of the coffee table. I never lost the remote … and I remembered to floss 45 percent more often. And only once did I get caught on the floss and sprain my ankle. One company may have solved the disappearing remote problem. They will soon introduce a new flatscreen television that obeys commands based on hand and body movements. This technology is called gesture recognition. (It’s a concept we are all familiar with when we cut someone off on I-465.) “The TV has a camera and will recognize you if you are in front of it,” says the manufacturer. This intrigued me, because I’ve been in front of a camera for 40 years, and I’m still having a heck of a time being recognized. The premise is that you can wiggle your fingers, point up or down or make various other motions and the TV will respond. It’s like sign language — no remote needed. Let’s say my wife and I are about to retire for the evening. As she watches me flex my fingers and rotate my palms, she wonders if I’m about to give her a romantic massage. “Ooh, Dick, are you trying to turn me on?” “No, I’m trying to turn on Stephen Colbert. What’s the sign for CBS?” Advances will not stop with the TV remote. One day all this technology will also be introduced in the kitchen. With the proper hand signals, we’ll be able to operate the convection oven, the stove, the microwave and the air fryer. Truth is, I don’t do any food preparation, so these handsfree innovations will have little effect on me. When it comes to cooking, I have no interest in lifting a finger.

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

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INGREDIENTS: 1 5- to 6-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained 1/4 cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise, divided 2 tablespoons chopped pimientos or roasted red peppers, divided 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, divided 1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 whole-wheat hamburger buns or English muffins, toasted 2 lettuce leaves 2 slices tomato DIRECTIONS: Step 1 Combine tuna, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon pimientos (or roasted red peppers), celery, onion and 1/8 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl, breaking up any larger pieces of tuna until the mixture is uniform and holds together. Step 2 Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon pimientos (or peppers) and 1/8 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl. Step 3 Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Form the tuna mixture into two 3-inch burgers. Cook until heated through and golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Step 4 Spread the top half of each bun (or English muffin) with pimiento mayonnaise and place a burger, lettuce and tomato on the bottom half. NUTRITION FACTS: Per Serving: 307 calories; protein 14.1g; carbohydrates 39.1g; dietary fiber 5.3g; sugars 6.9g; fat 11.8g; saturated fat 1.8g; cholesterol 22.3mg; vitamin a iu 1314.9IU; vitamin c 19.3mg; folate 33.7mcg; calcium 67.2mg; iron 2.2mg; magnesium 53.1mg; potassium 334.2mg; sodium 669.5mg; thiamin 0.1mg; added sugar 5g.

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14 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Faith

Valparaiso retiree answers call to serve %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU Brian Swayne is making the most of his retirement by taking advantage of opportunities to serve his community in a number of ways, including as an active, hands-on volunteer, board member and treasurer with Lydia House. “Lydia House is an emergency shelter providing safe and secure housing for single women,” said Swayne. “The ladies are provided with love, spiritual enrichment and participate in the day programs at Sojourner Truth and the Gary Continuum of Care with the end goal of earning housing vouchers and learning life strategies for longterm transition back into the community.” Swayne recently retired as head of project delivery for corporate and commercial operations at BMO bank, with a team of 250-plus employees. “My career started as an officer in the United States

Coast Guard, then I worked in the financial industry at GE Capital, The Hartford Investment Group and BMO and as a consultant in strategy and large scale change efforts involving organizational, technological and process changes,” he said. When a friend from his church, Immanuel Lutheran in Valparaiso, invited him to join the board of Rebuilding the Breach Ministries, he learned about Lydia House and was eager to get involved. “In the Bible, Jesus calls Christians to love and serve,” he said. “Fortunately He has presented me with opportunities to participate with Lydia House, to serve as a volunteer for PADS program where churches provide homeless men in Valparaiso a place to sleep for the night, an amazing program that involves 14 different churches throughout the year, to provide help to a Ukrainian refugee family staying in Valparaiso and to serve on

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$ 6(59$17·6 +($57 ³ )ROORZLQJ KLV UHWLUHPHQW IURP WKH ÀQDQFLDO ZRUOG 9DOSDUDLVR·V %ULDQ 6ZD\QH KDV EHFRPH PRUH LQYROYHG ZLWK YROXQWHHU ZRUN WKURXJK ,PPDQXHO /XWKHUDQ &KXUFK LQ 9DOSDUDLVR 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ %ULDQ 6ZD\QH Immanuel’s Church Council.” Swayne has been a member at Immanuel Lutheran for the past nine years. In addition to his community service work, he is involved in worship and learning. “For learning I am honored to attend the stimulating men’s weekly Bible study which is held on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. and is open to

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and attended by Immanuel members and folks from the Valparaiso community,” he said. “And my wife and I led the ‘Faith and Film’ small group which viewed and discussed a wide variety of films on Saturday nights. In worship I assist in backfilling usher duties and as a communion assistant. You will usually see us at the 5 p.m. worship service that features contemporary songs.” Outside of church, Swayne said he and his daughter are actively engaged in advocating for further research of Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that results in intellectual disabilities. “This involves lobbying our representatives and senators to continue and expand

funding programs in the NIH, CDC and surprisingly the DoD. (Former U.S. Representative) Pete Visclosky was always a gracious host on the trips to D.C. during rare disease week, and with COVID we have found Senator (Mike) Braun to be very engaged, knowledgeable and sympathetic,” he explained. “As a person that has underwent two bypass operations, I was amazed and very thankful for the advances in knowledge and treatment of heart disease and have become involved in fundraising for the American Heart Association.” The Swaynes have been married for 32 years and have three children. Swayne also enjoys gardening, DIY projects and cooking.

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I Spy May winner is Kathie Matz. The Sombrero was located on page 19 in Senior St. Joseph; page 15 in Senior Elko; page 15 in Senior Allen and on page 21 in Senior Northwest.

June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 15

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

83'$7(6 +$33(1,1*6 ,1 7+( $5($ Send listings of events, hosted by nonprofit organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 by June 27 for July events. With the listing, include a contact person and phone number. Editor’s Note: The calendar is listing regularly scheduled

events. Due to COVID-19, events may be canceled or postponed. Please reach out to the sponsoring agencies to verify whether the events are still being held. Maria Reiner Center • Monday — Stretching class level 1, 9 a.m.; ukulele, 10 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 10 a.m.;

walking club, 10 a.m.; smart phone class Androids, 10:30 a.m.; smart phone class iPhone, 11:30 a.m.; oil painting, 12:30 p.m.; 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

It was 50 years ago —

Davis pressured to record ‘The Candy Man’ Sammy Davis Jr. “It’s horrible. It’s white bread, it’s ‘cute-ums.’” Sammy Davis Jr., couldn’t imagine singing lyrics that $ %RRPHU %ODVW included 7R 7KH 3DVW such cloy%\ 5$1'$/ ing phrases & +,// as “groovy lemon pies.” But Davis was being pressured to record “The Candy Man” by both his manager and Mike Curb, the 26-year-old hotshot president of MGM Records. Curb was convinced the song had “hit” written all over it — but only if done by Davis. Before he approached the legendary vocalist, Curb recruited his 16-member recording group, the Mike Curb Congregation, to tape a childlike background for “The Candy Man.” Now if only Davis could be convinced to lay down a vocal track … As a member of the legendary Rat Pack, Davis had earned celebrity by performing for sophisticated adult audiences. Was he willing to risk his reputation now by recording a featherweight kiddie ditty? Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was the classic 1971 movie, based on the 1964 book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by children’s writer Roald Dahl. In Dahl’s novel, the main character is Charlie Bucket, who, along with four other juveniles, visits a candy factory owned by the eccentric chocolatier, Willie Wonka, played to perfection by Gene Wilder. British entertainment partners Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse had created the music for the film’s soundtrack. The first tune heard is “The Candy Man.” Sung by actor Aubrey Woods as the neighborhood candy store owner named Bill, the shopkeeper enthusiastically extols the magical properties of Wonka’s seductive sweets: “Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew

6$00< '$9,6 -5

“Cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two? “The Candy Man, oh, the Candy Man can “The Candy Man can ‘cause he mixes it with love “And makes the world taste good.” Woods did a serviceable job on the tune, but Newley hated the rather stiff rendition and felt that Woods’ version could easily doom a potential hit single. Newley decided to record his own interpretation, but Mike Curb got the jump on him. Eventually, Davis capitulated, still fearing this could become a regrettable decision. Focused on a forthcoming trip to Vietnam to entertain the troops, he hurried through “The Candy Man” in two takes. When he listened to the playback in the recording studio, Davis moaned, “This record is going straight into the toilet, and it may just pull my whole career down with it.” To his amazement (but not Curb’s), the single caught the nation’s ear when music fans of all ages embraced the joy Davis offered. “The Candy Man” shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s chart and even earned a Grammy nomination. In time, the 45 topped playlists worldwide. “There are lots of regional hits, but rarely does a record become an international hit,” Davis explained later, probably with a smile and perhaps a slight feeling of guilt. “With

a 5% royalty, I made half a million dollars.” “Who can take tomorrow, dip it in a dream “Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream? “The Candy Man. oh, the Candy Man can.”

served from 9-11 a.m. for $3; walking club, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; senior cha cha cha, 11 a.m.; pickleball beginner drills, 8:30-10:30 a.m., beginner and low intermediate, 10:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close. • Wednesday — Experienced art class, 9 a.m.; stretch plus level 2, 9 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 10 a.m.; hand and foot, 10 a.m.; cardio strength with Janice, 10 a.m.; walking club, 10 a.m.; movie, noon; beginner’s art class, noon; euchre, 12:30 p.m.; pickleball intermediate, 8:3010:30 a.m., advanced, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., open play, 12:30 p.m. to close. • Thursday — Lunch served noon to 1 p.m. for $3; bridge, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; Zumba gold, 10 a.m.; choir, 11 a.m.; Bible as literature, 12:45 p.m.; Happy Hookers and Naughty Knitters, 1 p.m.; Scrabble, 1 p.m.; pickleball beginner and low intermediate, 8:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close. • Friday — Yoga, 8:30 a.m. (dates vary; see website calendar for specific dates); cardio strength with Janice, 10 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 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 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 non-residents. $3 daily

visitation fee for non-members. Call (219) 947-1864 or visit 705 E. Fourth St., Hobart. For more information, visit 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: 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. If interested in becoming a Lion, contact Tim Tintor at (219) 838-8756.

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16 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Health & Fitness

Sprouts — full of life and nutrition

Sprouts have 20 to 30 times the nutrients of other vegetables and 100 times those of meat. Sprouting packs in vitamins, micronutrients, phytonutrients, minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics and live enzymes. Follow the yellow brick road and let’s go sprouting. Sprouts are very young plants harvested a few days after germination and renowned for their health benefits. They improve digestive health, plus the insoluble fiber acts as a prebiotic to feed the good bacteria in your gut. Remember, 80% of your immune system is in the gut, so we want to feed it properly. I’ve learned a lot from “The Sprout Book” by Doug Evans. You can deep dive into sprouting and learn which seeds have which minerals or micronutrients or you can skim the surface so you can get to growing sprouts; which is what I did. I purchased two wide-mouth quart jars that invert at maybe a 45-degree angle on a tray and have a microscreen cover for air, rinsing and draining. Following the information in the book, I purchased organic seeds designed for sprouting. I chose a variety of 10 different vegetables/beans plus two that were mixed, one a salad mix and the other a

bean mix. Starting with the salad mix in one jar and the bean mix in the other jar, I soaked them for eight hours and then rinsed them three times a day the following day with filtered water. Rinse the salad mix three times a day for about four days and the beans once a day for about six days. After that, you refrigerate them to stop the growth and eat them in the next four days. Easy, delicious, nutritious and mine were gone in less than four days. I enjoyed them on a salad for that perfect crunch and on a sandwich instead of lettuce. The freshness is simply unbelievable, and you are getting the entire plant and no pesticides. Sprouts are inexpensive, can be made at home and can add the benefits of green superfoods to your diet. We already know cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, celery, cauliflower, kale, radishes and so many others are diseasefighting foods, so imagine the health benefits in the sprouts of these powerhouses. Broccoli sprouts are 30-50% more potent than mature broccoli. Amazing. And they are grown right in your home and not trucked across the country and then stored in the back room before hitting the produce section. For me, I will continue to experiment with all my varieties and gain more knowledge about sprouting and consume them on a regular basis for both taste and health. While tending to the sprouts is minimal work, you do need to be vigilant with the rinsing and storage to avoid spoiling. When in doubt, throw them out, which is why in the past I only purchased them from the farmer’s market and inquired when they were har-

vested. Happy sprouting. Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plantbased diet more than two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@thepapers.com.

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Law guarantees hospice benefits for Medicare recipients %\ 52%(57 )5$1.2 0%$ 3UHVLGHQW &(2 91$ RI 1:, Very few of us have the inclination to crack open the United States Federal Register or the U.S. Code — the book of all of the laws spread across 53 lengthy and highly technical chapters. Constitutional scholars, attorneys and federal prosecutors have teams of clerks who dive deep into them looking for specific laws and

precedents that help provide structure and civility to our Republic. Let’s look at one of those laws — the Medicare Hospice Benefit from 1982. You might be amazed how forward thinking and soundly written it was 40 years ago. The law itself (42 CFR, Parts 400, 405, 408, 409, 418, 420, 421 and 489) is 29 pages long but boils down to a few specific concepts: • Contains cost for beneficiaries in the last years of life,

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• Quality improvement and standards to improve the care for the dying, • A capitated per diem for all services needed to treat someone with a terminal diagnosis, • Care for the beneficiaries’ family members after the patients’ death. It’s a simple but rather elegant and brilliant piece of legislation. It guarantees that Medicare recipients can opt into hospice and have all of the costs associated with end-of-life care paid for, that providers will be held to robust standards of quality and care, and that family members’ grief and bereavement will be addressed for 13 months after their loved ones’ death. As a hospice provider, your VNA Hospice NWI is reimbursed for all of the nursing and aide care, medications and equipment (beds, lifts, machines etc.) that a patient may need for as comfortable a transition as possible. It can help avoid massive medical debt, ease the burden to families and provide peace of mind to the patient and caregivers. Take a moment to learn more about from your VNA Hospice at (219) 462-5195.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 17

Health & Fitness

Exercise does more than just burn calories %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV The most exercise a lot of people get is jumping to conclusions. But as people age, the most significant benefits of regular exercise may have little to do with burning up calories. As you grow older, physical activity not only lowers body weight but it also it cuts

cardiovascular and bloodpressure perils, has positive effects on the immune system, and can reduce the risk of certain cancers, say medical experts. Exercise also strengthens the heart, helps the lungs function better, enables the blood to carry more oxygen, makes muscles stronger and improves motion in the joints. There is evidence exercise

Stay down off that step stool %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV It’s pretty well widespread advice to forget about climbing ladders when you become a senior citizen. That includes step stools, too. And if you’re downsizing and looking to buy a smaller house, look for one without any stairs. These precautions will help

you avoid falls, which are the bane of the aging. Signs that indicate you may be vulnerable to falling include previous bone fractures, heavy body mass, falls within the past year and reactions to certain medications. A study of stair falls revealed that drinking alcohol increases neck and head injuries. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

also enhances your mood and counters mild to moderate depression. Active people also have a lower risk of stroke. If physical activity hasn’t been part of your life for some time, don’t despair. Research has revealed starting an exercise program at any point in life boosts health. Being active helps older people remain active longer. Walking three to four hours a week reduces the odds of death by any cause by more than 50%. The bad news for onceregular exercisers that used a plethora of excuses for not hitting the gym as they became busy and grew older is that all these benefits vanish quickly once you stop exercising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine set the standard for physical activity in 1995, recommending at least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise on most or all days of the week in increments as short as 10 minutes.

Community Hospital earns chest pain certification Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Chest Pain Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. The certification recognizes health care organizations that provide clinical programs across the continuum of care for chest pain. The certification evaluates how organizations use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge. “Community Hospital’s teams continuously works to ensure that our quality initiatives result in exceptional patient experiences and the

best possible outcomes,” said Lou Molina, CEO. “We partner with local medical services and hospital departments to assure that patients experiencing chest pain receive immediate treatment to limit potential heart damage. Chest Pain Certification from The Joint Commission is a testament to our commitment to provide the highest level of care to residents of northwest Indiana.” Community Hospital underwent a rigorous review. A team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. Chest pain patients at Community Hospital have immediate access to a full-service, 24-hour cardiac catheterization lab, non-invasive diagnos-

tic testing including cardiac ultrasound and nuclear imaging and a specialized cardiac team that is available 24 hours a day. “Chest Pain Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, accreditation and certification operations, and chief nursing executive of The Joint Commission. “We commend Community Hospital for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for patients with chest pain.” For more information about chest pain centers in Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org/services/heartcare/chest-pain-centers.

Up to the 1990s, exercise was geared to improve fitness based on the model of an athletic male college student. That was changed to focus on health, not athletic training. A study of various combinations of high and moderate exercise intensity and duration combined with a 30% reduction in calories consumed revealed that the intensity level produced no significant differences in weight loss. What did make a difference was time. For example, women who exercised 150 minutes a week lost almost 5% of their starting weight, while those who spent 200 minutes or more exercising lost almost 15%. A growing number of older

people who want to exercise are discouraged by poor health and the toll of aging. This doesn’t have to be the case if the person’s physician has given the green light to exercise. Almost any form of physical activity can improve overall health and the cardiovascular system. This includes walking, gardening, pushing a stroller, swimming laps, jumping rope and riding a bike. Many physicians recommend older patients use a start-low-and-go-slow approach as a safe way to begin a personal exercise program. Move it or lose it is still a simple rule to follow to stay active and healthy. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Volunteer to live better %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV

Oldsters over 50 years of age enjoy better mental and physical health if they volunteer at least 200 hours of their time over a 12-month period, according to a Carnegie Mellon University report. But volunteers should be serious because other studies indi-

cate that half-hearted volunteer work doesn’t help your health at all. In fact, seniors who had low or medium engagement in their volunteer work recorded lower well-being than folks who did no volunteering at all. Volunteering also gives people a sense of purpose, which also contributes to their health and longevity. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Dennis van Waardenburg, CSCM ACSAR Certified Senior Care Manager

219.386.5781 dennis@AtHomeByChoice.net www.AtHomeByChoice.net

Serving Lake, Porter & LaPorte Counties Non-Medical Home Care Providing: • Aid In Hygiene • Light Housekeeping • Meals • Laundry • Medication • Bed/Wheelchair Transfers Reminders • & More

Advanced Need Home Care Programs • Dementia • Fall Risk Specialist • Orthopedic Rehab • Respiratory / COPD • Stroke Recovery • Congestive Heart Failure • 24/7 Hospice Home Care • Reduce High Re-admission Rates

18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Dyer Nursing & Rehab Center

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601 Sheffield Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 322-2273 • www.dyernursingandrehab.com

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Hammond-Whiting Care Center

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10000 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321 (800) 297-6188 • www.hartsfieldvillage.com Skilled Licensed Nursing Care, Long Term And Rehabilitation, Physical, Occupational, And Speech Therapies, Specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Unit, Private And Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare And Medicaid Provider, Assisted Living And Independent Living Apartment Homes Also Available

Lake County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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5025 McCook Ave., East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 397-0380 • www.lakecountynursingandrehab.com Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Unit; Therapies: Speech, Occupational and Physical; Long Term Care, Respite/Temporary Care, Hospice Care, Trach/Respiratory Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare and Medicaid Provider

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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.

Contact Becky For More Details! 219.254.2345 slwest@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

Prodding the Past —

She was an original %\ 720 02552: 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV In case you missed this particular class in third grade, let me tell you about a true American patriot: Elizabeth Griscom “Betsy” Ross. She was born Jan. 1, 1752, and was an American seamstress/upholsterer whose work is still admired throughout the world. She’s credited with making the first American flag, known today as the “Betsy Ross flag.” According to Ross family history, Gen. George Washington and two congressional members visited Mrs. John Ross in 1776. They showed her a sketch done by Washington. It was a drawing of a flag with 13 stars in a field of blue situated in a circle above 13 red and white strips. Ross had been making flags for the Pennsylvania navy during the American Revolution so making a united colony standard was no difficult task. In 1775, the Pennsylvania naval committee headed by Benjamin Franklin and George Ross (uncle of John Ross) ordered the construction of gunboats that would eventually need flags. The American Revolutionary War broke out when Betsy and John had been married for only two years. John was assigned to guard munitions and, according to one legend, was killed by a gunpowder explosion. As a 24-year-old widow, Betsy Ross continued working in the upholstery business repairing uniforms and making tents, blankets, stuffing paper tube cartridges with musket balls for the Continental Army and flags. There is speculation Betsy Ross was the “beautiful young widow” who distracted Hessian

Gen. Carl von Donop in Mount Holly, N. J., after the Battle of Iron Works Hill. This kept von Donop’s forces out of the crucial turning-of-the-tide Battle of Trenton on the morning of Dec. 26, 1776, when the Hessian and British troops were defeated after Washington crossed the Delaware River. She married her second husband, mariner Joseph Ashburn, on June 15, 1777. A year later, his ship was captured by a Royal Navy frigate and he was charged with treason because he was of British ancestry and naturalization to American colonial citizenship was not recognized. He was imprisoned and died at Old Mill Prison in England. In May 1783, she married John Claypoole, who had met Joseph Ashburn in the English Old Mill Prison. It was Claypoole who informed her of her husband’s death in prison. The Claypoole couple would have five daughters. In 1793, her mother, father, and sister all died in a severe yellow fever epidemic. And in 1817, after two decades of poor health, John Claypoole died. She continued her upholstery business for another decade and retired to the home of her second daughter, Susanna, in Abington Township of Montgomery County, Pa. Her eldest daughter, Clarissa, took over her upholstery business back in Philadelphia. She became blind and spent her last three years living with her middle daughter, Jane, in rapidly growing and industrializing Philadelphia. Betsy Ross Claypoole died Jan. 30, 1836, at the age of 84, some 60 years after the Declaration of Independence. She was survived by her five daughters and one sister, Hannah Griscom Levering, who died less than a year later.

While the Betsy Ross House is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Philadelphia, whether she lived there or not is still a matter of historical dispute. Her body was first interred at the Free Quaker burial grounds on North Fifth Street in Philadelphia. Then in 1975, in preparation for the American Bicentennial, Philadelphia city leaders ordered her remains moved to the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House. However, cemetery workers found no remains under her tombstone. Bones found elsewhere in the family plot were deemed to be hers and moved to the current grave

%(76< 5266 )/$* now visited by tourists at the Betsy Ross House. While her home has become an historic shrine, the flag she

put together in her modest upholstery shop has become an official national symbol. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Urinary incontinence the last medical taboo %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Urgent calls to the bathroom are more often looked upon as an embarrassment rather than a medical problem. Urinary incontinence often goes unreported, according to epidemiologists and health experts who believe the true number of people with the disorder is far higher than recorded. Often referred to as one of the last real medical taboos for many, urinary incontinence affects 3 in 10 women and is more prevalent than diabetes, hypertension or depression among female patients, say experts. Due to the embarrassing nature of the symptoms, nearly half of these women are too ashamed to discuss the problem with health-care professionals. While its prevalence among men is much lower, it does affect

1 out of 10 adult males. The rate rises to a third of men older than 65 years of age. It manifests itself in a variety of forms The three main types are: Stress urinary incontinence, which is an involuntary loss of urine with an increase in abdominal pressure caused by such physical activity as coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercising. With SUI the urinary sphincter lacks sufficient strength to prevent leakage when abdominal pressure causes an increase in bladder pressure. Urge urinary incontinence occurs when there is involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong sensation of the need to void. It can occur when the bladder is irritated or overactive or, most commonly, when the ability to suppress bladder activity is lost. Mixed Urinary Incontinence,

which occurs when a patient’s symptoms include a combination of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. Other forms of urinary incontinence exist. The condition may appear as a side effect of a surgical procedure, or it may stem from a neurological disorder or a disease like Alzheimer’s disease. The most common form is SUI and is typically caused by nerve damage, muscle damage or weakness, and damage to the support of the bladder and urethra. While a majority of sufferers believe it’s a normal part of aging, urinary incontinence is not inevitable as you grow old. Simple lifestyle and dietary changes, regular exercise and medical care can treat the symptoms. As with any medical issue, discuss any signs of urinary incontinence with your primary care physician. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

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20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Portage LIVE! announces summer concert lineup Portage LIVE! has a free concert from 6-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, beginning June 7. Held indoors in Oakwood Hall at Portage’s Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road, admission to these performances is absolutely free. Open seating, food concessions, a cash bar and a car show before and during the music promises a great time for all. This summer’s stellar lineup kicks off June 7 with Jim Bulanda’s “Salute to the Stars.” The talented entertainer from Lowell steps easily into the shoes of such greats as Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra. ReTurn2Soul hits the stage June 14 with their jazz, R&B, and Motown show, guaranteed to bring back the best memo-

ries. Remember when music was music? ReTurn2Soul’s unforgettable show will transport you there. June 21 features Chris & Lou with great music and vocals over the years. This acoustic guitar duo has become a favorite of northwest Indiana audiences during the 20-some years they’ve been playing and singing together. The Rod Stewart Experience, as portrayed by Chris Tartaglia, is guaranteed to please even the rocker’s most diehard fans. Be at Oakwood Hall on June 28 as Chris transforms himself into “Rod the Mod,” one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. July’s line up starts on the 5th with the Jason Martin Jazz Trio playing more than just jazz. These versatile musi-

cians also include ’50s to ’70s rock and roll and funk in their highly acclaimed shows. What’s not to love? Mark your calendar for July 12 as Island 49 performs their Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show and more. This trop-rock band incorporates influences of rock, reggae, country, folk, calypso, zydeco and pop music, all inspired by an island style. Singer Harley Heir loves comedy and uses it to create a must-see entertainment experience on July 19. His astonishing vocal impressions of Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Frankie Valli, Johnny Cash and more have captivated his audiences throughout the region. The Ultimate “Faux Diamond,” aka Joe Zirconia, brings his Neil Diamond Tribute

performance to the Oakwood Hall stage July 26. A Portage resident, Joe is one of the Midwest’s finest tribute artists with hundreds of performances under his belt. He’s a northwest Indiana gem. Wolffgang is the intriguing moniker of the elite Hobart High School girls’ choir under the direction of Dean Wolff. With 70-80 performances annually, comprised of popular ’30s to ’60s music with a sprinkling of patriotic songs, show tunes and country music, they’ll inspire you on Aug. 2. The legendary Oscar & the Majestics are the original authentic Chicago-Indiana ’60s garage rock band. Recognized internationally as Garage Rock Heroes, they’ll delight you on Aug. 9 with the best music of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s as only

they can. Dave Thomas has kept the legend of The King alive with hundreds of Elvis Tribute performances for more than 30 years. The award-winning impersonator, who has performed on “Good Morning America,” brings his buttery smooth voice to Oakwood Hall stage on Aug. 16. On Aug. 23, the inimitable Mario Zavala brings his vast repertoire to our stage with popular hits including “Dock of the Bay,” “La Bamba,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ventura Highway,” “Piano Man,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Crazy” and “Hey Jude.” This singer/ guitarist offers something for everyone. The Summer Series concludes on Aug. 30 with Rick Continued on page 21

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY ADULT DAY SERVICES ST. AGNES ADULT DAY SVC. CENTER Specializing in Alzheimer’s Care 1859 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 477-5433 Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Structured Activities, Safe & Secure Surroundings, Health Monitoring “Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.” Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com www.stagnesvalpo.org

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DENTAL NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 www.northshorehealth.org Affordable dental care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES VNA MEDICAL GUARDIAN ALERT SYSTEM 501 Marquette St. See Our Valparaiso, IN 46385 Ad In This Additional Offices In: Issue Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/ medical-guardian.php A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. The VNA Medical Guardian program provides dependable, fast access to help when you need it. Live an independent and active lifestyle with the VNA Medical Guardian program’s medical alert pendant or wristlet. Making Best Days Possible

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HOME CARE SERVICES AT HOME BY CHOICE HOME CARE See Our Non-medical home care. Ad In This Aiding in hygiene, meals, med reminders, Issue light housekeeping and more. Also: Specializing in dementia, Stroke recovery, diabetes, COPD, CHF, Orthopedic rehab, 24/7 assistance with hospice care. LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED Serving Lake, Porter & LaPorte Counties. 10971 Four Seasons Place, Ste. 123 Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 386-5781 www.athomebychoice.net HEART 2 HEART HOME CARE, INC. Non-medical caregiver, CNA at the comfort of wherever you call home. Assistance with hygiene, meal preparations, reminding medications, household tasks, escorting to activities center or therapies. LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED Serving all Lake County areas. 200 Russell Street, Suite 103 Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 501-7015 www.heart2hearthomecareinc.com VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE 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 2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100 www.visitingangels.com

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 21

Traveling alone has its own allure %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Travel can lose much of its allure after losing your life-long partner that shared the sites and sights you encountered around the globe over the years. There’s no longer someone

to share views and viewpoints with, or to recall and recount the memories with when you return home. And many suddenly-singles don’t relish the thought of returning to a favorite voyage or villa without the person they enjoyed it with over the years.

As a result, many folks in this position simply tuck travel into the bag of things they no longer do. This is at a time when, for the first time in their lives, they probably can travel to wherever they choose to and stay as long as they wish.

Portage LIVE Continued from page 20 Lindy & the Wild Ones, and their Jukebox Legends Show. Country, pop, retro rock and rockabilly hits will have you dancing in your seat … but don’t be shy; with this wellloved band, you’ll wind up on your feet. Your donations of nonperishable food, personal items or paper products for the Portage

Food Pantry and Gabriel’s Horn Homeless Shelter are welcomed at all concerts, but are not required. Donations to support Portage LIVE!’s mission to make live musical entertainment and cultural events available in Portage Township may be made by texting PORTAGE to 44321. Portage LIVE! is a nonprofit organization and donations are

tax-deductible as permitted by law. Come one, come all to enjoy these free summer concerts. Bring the whole family to sing, dance or just listen. For more information, contact Portage Chamber of Commerce at (219) 762-3300, Portage Parks at (219) 762-1675, Debra Silvert, publicity chair at (219) 6280914 or visit portagelive.org.

Most can recall chatting with a solo traveler or two over the years. One long-time friend has flown to several countries and cities without any reservations and rents a room or apartment for several weeks to soak in the culture and cuisine of the land. Another acquaintance spends most of the year on freighters that take them anywhere at any time on comfortable cruises. All they have to do is make a few phone calls to find a ship and schedule that sounds interesting. Both of these individuals are examples of how independent they can be in the type and time of travel they choose. For the less independent or adventurous, there are tours designed to accommodate single people on the road. If you don’t feel like going

it alone, you can book tours for ski trips, museum visits, cooking schools, national parks and almost anything you can envision. Some of the bumps on the traveling-alone road include finding time to go off on your own during the tour you’ve booked with a group, how to avoid paying the single supplement charged by hotels and cruise ships, as well as getting along with room-mates on the trip. Some cruise lines have begun offering single-only rooms and salons where solo travelers can gather. Solo travel takes a bit more planning and preparation, especially if it’s your first time. You might get a lot of helpful hints from other singles on the road. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY HOSPICE CARE HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA 402 Wall Street, Suite 22 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 462-6529 Fax: (219) 462-9017 CHAP Accredited www.HTOHH.com Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.

UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE Family owned & operated hospice Offering premier end-of-life care For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care. Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana. 219.769.8648 Greater Illinois area 312.427.6000 www.unityhospice.com

See Our VNA HOSPICE NWI Ad In This 501 Marquette St. Issue 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

HOUSECALL DOCTORS See Our HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC Ad In This At-Home Medical Care for Issue Elderly & Homebound Patients Providing at-home care from Medical doctors and Nurse Practitioners. Serving NW Indiana, Indianapolis & Plymouth/So. Bend areas www.housecalldoc.org Toll Free: 800.945.4654

MEALS ON WHEELS VNA MEALS ON WHEELS See Our OF PORTER COUNTY Ad In This 501 Marquette St. Issue Valparaiso, IN 46385 Additional Office In: Crown Point, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/vna-mealson-wheels.php A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Providing nutritional meals for individuals in Porter County delivered to your home. Meals are available both on a long-term basis and temporarily, meals are available for ages 3 years and up. Making Best Days Possible

MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA 8446 Virginia St. Merrillville, IN (219) 756-3663 www.mownnwi.org A not-for-profit nutrition provider serving Lake, Porter, Newton & Jasper Counties. Offering hot lunches delivered daily Mon.-Fri., or 5 or 7-pack frozen meals once a week. All meals are heart healthy & low sodium. Specialized diets are available, homemade & prepared in our kitchen. For ages 3 & up.

MEDICAL CLINIC NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville, Hammond & LaPorte 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 HARTSFIELD VILLAGE See Our REHABILITATION CENTER Ad In This 503 Otis Bowen Drive Issue Munster, IN 46321 (219) 934-0590 (800) 297-6188 (219) 703-6568 Fax www.hartsfieldvillage.com Post-Acute Rehab Center Bridging the gap from Hospital to Home.

VALPARAISO CARE & REHAB 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976 www.AmericanSrCommunities.com/vcrc

RETIREMENT LIVING HARTSFIELD VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING 10000 Columbia Ave. See Our Munster, IN 46321 Ad In This (219) 934-0750 Issue (800) 934-6188 www.hartsfieldvillage.com We are a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Support and Nursing Care for our residents coming through the continuum of care. Living Well - Living Wise!!

TELEPHONE SERVICES RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC See Our 7702 Woodland Drive #130 Ad In This Indianapolis, IN 46278 Issue (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.

22 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Travel

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Mixing horticulture and culture One of the leading cultural destinations in the Midwest is just a few hours away in Grand Rapids, Mich. It’s the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that includes a botanical *,$17 +256( ³ 3ODQV IRU WKLV VFXOSWXUH ZHUH PDGH LQ WKH WK garden, a Japanese garden, FHQWXU\ E\ /HRQDUGR GD 9LQFL EXW KH ZDV QHYHU DEOH WR JHW EDFNHUV IRU children’s garden, a sculpture park, natural wetlands and an VXFK D KXJH SURMHFW $UWLVW 1LQD $NDPX PDGH KLV GUHDP FRPH WUXH

amphitheater that hosts concerts featuring major artists. While exploring the sculpture collection, visitors will come across works by the likes of Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Roxy Paine and many more. In fact, the collection has works of more than 200 inter-

Quality

Rehab Care at Hartsfield Village

Our Rehabilitation Center is Joint Commission accredited with Post-Acute Care certification. Our team of experienced professionals, affiliated with Community Healthcare System®, helps patients recover from surgery, injury or illness.

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Rehabilitation Center 503 Otis Bowen Drive | Munster, IN 46321 219-934-0590 | 800-297-6188 HartsfieldVillage.com

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• Game Ready® cold compression therapy • Orthotic & splinting therapy • Mobility & balance training Joint Commission with Post-Acute Care certification

nationally acclaimed artists. But Meijer Gardens is not just for art and plant lovers. It’s a place for family fun, as well. Sculp*5($7 tures of a (6&$3(6 couple of 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV huge bears %\ 52' .,1* greet visitors to the Children’s Garden. Here there are a number of specific areas on different subjects, ranging from the Great Lakes Garden to a winding sculpture walk that promotes curiosity and exploration. It’s dotted with animal sculptures and works made of bicycle parts that look like animals. They even provide live entertainment spring, summer and fall. Another great stop is Michigan’s Farm Garden, complete with a 1930s-era farmhouse, barn, windmill, sugar shack and, of course, flower and vegetable gardens. One of the most outstanding venues is the 8-acre Japanese Garden that effectively uses space to highlight contrasts between still and rushing Continued on page 23

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June 2022 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 23

Mixing horticulture Continued from page 22 water, quietly intimate and expansive open spaces and manicured and natural areas. Contemporary sculptures are placed throughout the garden. Some of the plants, like bamboo and Japanese maple, are from Japan. Most, however, are native Michigan species. Inside, the 15,000-squarefoot, five-story Tropical Conservatory features a rock landscape with waterfall and flowing creek and a variety of exotic plants from around the world. Next to it is the arid/ desert garden, carnivorous plant house and a greenhouse that changes its flower displays with the seasons. March and April is a great time to escape the cold and mingle with more than 7,000 butterflies fluttering freely in the Tropical Conservatory. A brand new, 60,000-squarefoot welcome center is presently under construction and is expected to be open in mid-2021. It’s all part of a $115 million expansion and renovation project that includes a transportation center, learning center and rooftop sculpture garden. Meijer Gardens is open yearround and goes all out on its holiday decorations. Brightly lit and beautifully decorated trees celebrating traditions of countries from around the world turn it into a magical place.

Visitors will find an amazingly intricate model railroad display and they can bundle up and take a tram ride through a winter wonderland. Admission is $13.50 for seniors (65 +), $18 for adults (14-64), $8.50 for children (3-13) and free for children 2 and under. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. There’s no charge to park. There’s something for everyone at this 158-acre cultural attraction. Plan to spend between two and three hours taking in the unique art and the beautiful flower displays. And while there, have an enjoyable lunch in the café under an extensive Dale Chihuly glass sculpture on the ceiling. The gardens are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit meijergardens.org.

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Thumb drive can support safe deposit box %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Keeping important documents, treasured heirlooms, and valuable jewelry in a safety deposit box long has been logged high on the list of secure venues. These boxes usually are in banks, which are difficult to break into and located in secure areas with alarms, video cameras, and top-notch locks. The vaults that hold safety deposit boxes are also reinforced to withstand fire, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. You can use another tool to supplement the safety of important items. You can scan or take pictures of much of your material important papers and copy them into your computer, then download them onto a thumb drive, or several of them. Then you can wipe the material out of the computer so hackers can’t get at it. You can store one thumb drive in your safety deposit box along with your gold coins and important papers, keep one a in a safe place at home, bury one in the backyard and give one to your attorney. Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

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24 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ June 2022

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Gloria Swanson —

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It all began in Chicago on a cold and snowy day when Gloria May Josephine Swanson was born on March 27, 1899. This little girl would grow up to become an actress, producer and businesswoman in her adult years. Research reveals she “first achieved fame acting in dozens of silent films in the 1920s.” Let us first begin when Gloria was born in Chicago. As an only child, her father was Joseph Swanson (original spelling Svensson) and her mother was Adelaide Klanowski. Gloria’s father was a soldier, so she was “raised in a military family that moved from base to base.” Research further reveals that while Gloria was a young schoolgirl, she developed a crush on famous actor Francis X. Bushman. Before the family left Chicago, her aunt took her on a tour of Bushman’s studio and while there, “the 15-year-old was offered a brief walk-on for one film as an extra.” This began her desire for a life career in front of the camera. As the years passed, and Gloria entered her later teen years, she was soon hired to work in California for Mack Sennett’s

6:$1621 $1' +2/'(1 ³ 6KRZQ LV D SUHVV SKRWR VKRZLQJ *ORULD 6ZDQVRQ ZLWK DFWRU :LOOLDP +ROGHQ 'DWH XQNQRZQ EXW OLNHO\ LQ D V PRYLH 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ *UHJ /DZVRQ Keystone Studios Comedy shorts (Do the Keystone Cops ring a bell?). After many years in silent films, she made “her sound film debut in 1929 in ‘The Trespassers.’” (Note: The transition from silent to sound films was from 1928 to 1929). For the next 20 years, Swanson enjoyed fame and success in many films, but by 1949, she faded into the background. Reflecting back on her life, we find she was first married in 1916 to the famous actor Wallace Beery Sr. when she was about 17 years old in 1916. They divorced in

1918 and she was married five more times. Quite sadly, Swanson passed away from a heart ailment on April 4, 1983; at the age of 84. She was cremated and her ashes interred at the Episcopal Church on Fifth Avenue in New York City. She was the mother of three children and only a small circle of family attended the funeral service. What followed the funeral is most sad indeed. An auction was held and collectors bought everything, from jewelry, clothes and memorabilia from her personal

Spring into Savings at

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6:$1621 $1' 0$&0855$< ³ 6KRZQ LV D SUHVV SKRWR VKRZLQJ *ORULD 6ZDQVRQ ZLWK DFWRU )UHG 0DF0XUUD\ 'DWH XQNQRZQ EXW OLNHO\ LQ D V PRYLH 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ *UHJ /DZVRQ life and career. To this day, it’s anyone’s guess as to what has happened to Swanson’s auctioned items or where the items ended up. It’s likely the life and career of Gloria Swanson has been forgotten or never known by the modern generations and their

self-centered lives. And is it possible that we of the senior generations have failed to pass on the legacies of the 1920s’ famous silent movie stars? Any information welcome to: Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.

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