Senior Life - NorthWest Edition - June 2023

Brauer Museum of Art: A gem in the region

Curator Jonathan Canning.

If you thought you’d have to travel to a big city art museum to see works by artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Karl Anderson, Childe Hassam, Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams, then think again. Valparaiso University happens to be home to the Brauer Museum of Art, with a collection of 5,300 works by a number of well-known artists from the mid-19th century to the present.

“The Brauer is the leading art museum in northwest Indiana between Elkhart and South Bend collections to our east and Chicago to the west,” said Director/

“The Brauer has an unusually strong collection of American art, ranging from nineteenth-century landscapes, in which American artists first distinguished themselves, to modern abstraction, perhaps the first American-led art movement. The collection is small but select; the installation is intimate and not overwhelming. Because the Brauer is a university museum, many of its temporary installations are related to university courses; new ideas and interpretations are offered that may challenge the traditional interpretations provided at many museums.”

The origins of the museum go back 70 years to

when Percy Sloan gifted the university 250 works by his father, Junius Sloan (18271900), and 107 works of American art from his collection. According to Canning, the museum houses a collection that is 75% American art, 10% Asian, 6% European and the remainder being South American, African or unclassified. It originally sat in a basement library and in other locations on campus, but moved to the Center for the Arts in 1995.

“With this building, the museum has been able to develop a robust temporary exhibition program that has brought many exhibitions of note to the region,” said Canning. “The museum was closed for 30 months

because of the pandemic. It reopened in Nov. 2022, and is rebuilding its exhibitions and public programs schedule. To reengage community members, the museum has late hours on Wednesdays during the school year until 8 p.m. and is open on Saturdays, year-round, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

Frequent visitors Melody Hoffman and Ginger Dickens, both of Valparaiso, walked through on a recent Saturday.

“I enjoy when they have special exhibits. I like that

this is something here in Valparaiso with highquality art,” said Hoffman. She pointed out a favorite piece called “Les Amateurs,” an oil on canvas by Thomas Alexander Harrison (18531930).

“I like that they value having the arts enough to have a whole museum here on campus,” said Dickens. The pair agreed that they both really missed the museum during its extended closing during the pandemic. “You don’t really value

Continued on page 2

Cliff Rice Elder Law Attorney

Key Positions

Jessen takes helm at Boys & Girls Club

After a long career overseeing the development of a grocery chain followed by a position as a city administrator, Mike Jessen is combining his skills, knowledge, experience and passions in a new role as president and chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana.

“I’ve had a long and varied career with significant experience both in the private sector and in public service,” explained Jessen. “I worked at Aldi Foods for 28 years, during which time I witnessed the company’s growth from 160 to 1,400-plus locations. I served as the executive vice president of the Valparaiso division and was instrumental in the development of markets in the Chicagoland/northern Indiana region and Aldi’s entry into Michigan. Following my tenure at Aldi, I was selected as city administrator for the city of Valparaiso, where I managed all city operations and multiple departments. I have also

served as a three-time elected official of the Porter County Council and served two terms as school board trustee.”

It was Jessen’s passion for making an impact on the lives of young people, especially those in need, that led him to the Boys & Girls Clubs. “I’ve always been deeply committed to public service and leadership roles, with a particular focus on hiring, developing, mentoring and serving those under me. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue this work in a new capacity with the organization.”

His new job, which began May 1, involves overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the organization.

“This includes planning and directing the Club’s strategic and long-term goals, managing our budget and ensuring that we continue to provide safe, fun spaces and meaningful experiences for young people in our area,” said Jessen. “As leaders, we are in the unique position to define our own roles, to limit or expand on the scope of our own re-

sponsibilities. I hope to be able to expand the influence of my position compared to its historical norm and really benefit the organization in new and creative ways.”

So far, Jessen said he’s spent a lot of time learning the history of the organization and funding partnerships that sustain it.

“Overall, I realize that the learning process will never end and that we must stay diligent in working with the unique challenges and opportunities facing our young people today. I am gaining a deeper understanding of how the Clubs can help our members reach their full potential,” he said.

Having managed a substantial budget and various departments within the city equipped him with skills that are crucial to his new position. So far his favorite part of the job is seeing the direct impact the organization has on young people.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than providing the guidance, support and

S. O. S. - Speaking Of Seniors — Saved Valparaiso client $2,266

Editor’s note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has saved clients of that firm over $3 million by fighting to correct Medicare related medical bill problems. Also, Wilcox wrote the book “SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$,” which is available through book stores or online.

On April 24, I got a phone call from a client in Valparaiso who I had helped with a wrongful medical bill. She reported that she phoned the medical firm and learned that her bill for $2,266 no longer existed.

On the previous Feb. 9, I had written to the medical firm and specifically told them it could not bill our client $2,266 because Medicare ruled that in the Medicare Summary Notice, which is a report of Medicare’s ruling on the claims. I cited to

the medical firm where they could find that information in the “Medicare Explanation of Benefits” that the medical firm received.

The client and I worked together to get the bill and the Medicare Summary Notice to let me compare the two. That was how I discovered that Medicare ruled the medical firm could not bill our client $2,266.

My letter to the medical firm either prompted it to cancel the bill or refile the claim and correct any mistakes it made on the first filing of the claim. I didn’t care which happened. I was glad I was able to help the client with my knowledge and experience fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system for over 20 years. Our client was really glad the bill was erased.

If your insurance agency does not give you such a high level of customer service as I gave to this client, why don’t you switch to our insurance agency?

resources they need to achieve their goals and build a better future,” he said. “To be the bridge that closes the gap across the various communities in northwest Indiana is a role that I cherish every day that I am in it.”

“In my new role, I hope to

continue the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s mission of enabling young people to reach their full potential,” said Jessen. “I aim to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that supports youth development and promotes positive outcomes.”

Brauer Museum

Continued from page 1

things like this until you don’t have access anymore.”

“The Brauer is particularly strong in 19th-century American landscapes, with works by Junius Sloan, Frederic Church, Asher B. Durand, John Wiliam Casilear and Alfred Bricher,” said Canning. “19th-century portrait is well-covered with a work attributed to Ammi Phillips, and those by Junius Sloan and Henry Sanderson, culminating in pieces by William Merritt Chase and Mary Cassatt. The Brauer’s Impressionism collection spans national artists like Childe Hassam and Robert Reid, and important regionalists like TC Steele and Frank Dudley. I’m impressed by the strength of our Chicago School works with works by Gladys Nillson, Ed Paschke, Karl Wirsum and Roger Brown.

“Although female artists only make up about 13% of the collection, we have a particularly good selection of women artists, including 19th century Jane Scully, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ellen de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaller, and Kara Walker. In the past couple of years, many museums have had to scramble to assemble a representative sample of black art. The Brauer has been collecting works by black artists for 20 years or so. My first exhibition in January of this year highlighted our strong collection that includes works by Romare Bearden, Charles White, Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker and Allison Saar.” Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and also 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the semester. For more information, visit valpo.edu.

Knieriemen embraces her artistic side as a volunteer

Barb Knieriemen of Valparaiso has been interested in arts and crafts from a young age. She found inspiration in the television show of Bill Alexander, a predecessor of Bob Ross, bringing art instruction to the masses through television. “I watched that show each weekend and he made it seem like something anyone could do,” she said.

Painting and sewing have been longtime hobbies of the retiree in recent years. She has found it to be a fun activity to do with her granddaughters.

“It’s a great way to spend time with them,” she said.

“They’d come spend time with me and we’d paint together.”

She also had fun doing face painting at her employer’s company picnics and it was so popular that she’d started getting requests to do birthday parties. Her artistic talent is

something that came naturally and that she’s worked to enhance over the years. She has never been to art school and didn’t take any art classes in high school. Her art instruction has come from individual artists from whom she has taken lessons.

Last fall she started taking lessons at Painted Palette Studio and got back to painting.

“I’ve always been crafty and into arts, but needed to get out to have companionship,” said Knieriemen. “I retired around the time COVID hit, so I was alone a lot. It’s relaxing and I enjoy it and do it for fun.”

She’s made some pretty impressive pieces since starting her weekly lessons. “I’ve been copying some of the old masters,” she said. “I like a lot of color.”

Among the pieces she has worked on replicating are “Starry Night” by Van Gogh and “Waterlilies” by Monet. Her favorite has been “Young Woman Knitting” by Van Gogh.

You just never know what’s going to happen and how it’s going to turn out,” said Knieriemen. “I like paintings that give me a smile. I was a little disappointed with my Waterlilies, but I hung it up and now it makes me smile every time I walk by it.”

She’s had so much fun at the studio that she’s now volunteering there and has been helping to prepare for an upcoming art camp for kids.

After earlier working in oils, she now does watercolor and acrylics. “When I get into things I do it way overboard, so I was hesitant about starting

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a new medium,’ she explained. “My watercolor is something relatively new to me and I like to see how it develops. When it dries sometimes you get different blooms.”

Among her other artistic projects have been shoes that she painted to match a Vera Bradley handbag, crafting book

covers and sewing tote bags. She has also been a quilter for about 30 years. “Now I like doing things that are more fun rather than projects that will take me forever. I like light, happy cheerful things.”

You’ll also find Knieriemen at County Line Orchard in the fall where she does face painting.

Assisted living costs rising

The ever-expanding availability of senior living accommodations is including the full array of services — independent and assisted living as well as memory care — making it increasingly difficult to determine how to get more bang for your buck.

Does a clubhouse and golf course outweigh the value of an in-house pharmacy and health care staff? Is it smarter to go for the lower priced independent living quarters than the costlier full-service facility?

Zeroing in on assisted living facilities, the search for the right senior living option wades through a wide variety of contracts, services and fees.

Many assisted living communities have a community movein fee that normally ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be paid up front or prorated over several months. Pricing is usually broken down into rent and services. Rent pays for your apartment, the cost of which will vary depending on size and location. Services typically include three meals a day, housekeeping, transporta-

tion, activities and the level of personal assistance you need.

For example, you may need 15 minutes help with medication management, 15 minutes with dressing and 30 minutes with meals each day. That’s one hour of care per day at the community’s stated rate. Someone else may need three hours of care and would pay more.

If you or your loved one needs memory care, or may need it in the future, find out what the additional fee will be for that care.

Some communities offer bundled packages based on your need rather than charging for the amount of time it takes to deliver the various services. Others have a flat fee for the monthly package, which means everyone pays the same regardless of the amount of services they use.

Assisted living costs depend on the community you choose, size of your apartment, number of services you need and what part of the country you live in.

One national survey indicates the median monthly cost for assisted living is $4,500, which breaks down to around $148 per day and $54,000 per year. To put that into some

context, the same survey says a private room in a nursing home will cost around $9,034 a month, which is $297 per day or $108,405 per year. Home health aide services average $154 per day, or $56,160 per year, based on an eight-hour day, five days a week.

Many people believe assisted living is covered by Medicare. Almost 60% of people surveyed said they plan to rely on Medicare to help pay for any senior care they might need. While your personal health insurance coverage and pharmaceutical coverage continues after relocating to a community, Medicare typically doesn’t pay for assisted living.

The same survey found that 61% of respondents thought they would rely on Social Security to cover assisted living or other long-term care costs. The average monthly Social Security payment covers only a small portion of those costs.

Most assisted living residents pay for the service from their personal resources, with help from coverage provided by long-term care insurance, and often with financial assistance from their adult children.

The Graduate: What’s it like, Mike?

Getting the green

light from Hollywood movie studios can be difficult, especially when nobody wants the project they’re being offered.

In October 1963, movie producer Lawrence Turman read a New York Times review of “The Graduate,” the debut novel by writer Charles Webb. Turman read the book, optioned it and embarked upon a two-year hassle to get the film made.

Turman admired the sharp wit of Broadway comedy star Mike Nichols. When Turman asked Nichols to direct his project, the New York icon jumped at the chance. But sizable obstacles lay ahead. Turman recalled, “No one thought the book was funny, and no one in Hollywood had heard of Mike Nichols.”

Movie producer Joseph E. Levine eventually opted to back the venture; he disliked the story but was desperate for a hit for his struggling Embassy Pictures company.

For the script, Turman hired comedy writer Buck

Henry, who with Mel Brooks had co-created the TV series “Get Smart.” Henry, in his first movie script, lifted about 85% of the screenplay’s dialogue verbatim from Webb’s novel.

Anne Bancroft portrayed Mrs. Robinson, the movie’s seductive older woman. At age 35 (but playing someone a decade older), Bancroft signed on to star in what appeared to be a low-budget sex comedy.

“Everybody was telling me it was beneath me and that I shouldn’t do it,” Bancroft told talk show host Charlie Rose. “(But) I loved the script; I thought it was absolutely wonderful.” Mel Brooks, Bancroft’s husband, persuaded his wife to take the part primarily because he adored Buck Henry’s script.

Several young Hollywood hunks were considered to play the primary character of Benjamin Braddock, age 21. In the end, though, Nichols and Turman decided that Braddock should be depicted by little-known Dustin Hoffman, age 29. Impressive in Broadway stage work, he brought the naïve goofiness to the part that Turman wanted. Hoffman, though, disagreed: “This is not the part for me. I’m not supposed to be in movies.”

Turman and Nichols eventu-

ally convinced him otherwise. With the help of expertly applied makeup, skillful lighting, well-placed camera angles and superior acting, Bancroft and Huffman appeared to be a generation apart, not separated as they were by only six years in real life. (Bancroft’s screen daughter, Elaine, played by 27-yearold Katharine Ross, was just eight years younger than her movie mother.)

The film focuses on Benjamin as a young overachiever who has sailed through college only to find himself adrift when he returns home to visit his parents. He is haplessly drawn into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the aggressive wife of his father’s business partner. Later, Braddock falls for Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine, which ignites her mother’s savage wrath and spells trouble for Ben.

Fueled by the best-selling Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack album, “The Graduate” became the highest grossing film of 1968 and garnered seven Academy Award nominations, which left Nichols ecstatic. “There’s nothing better than discovering, to your own astonishment, what you’re meant to do!” he gushed. “It’s like … it’s

Another senior scam

the screening.

Crooks have been focusing on health fairs that are increasing in popularity among the growing seniors’ crowd.

Scammers offer free genetic screening. All they need, they say, is a cheek swab and your

The crooks then bill Medicare several thousands of dollars, which it normally rejects and the person being screened is billed.

If you feel you could use or would benefit from genetic screening, discuss the matter with your family doctor.

Eligibility for spouse’s benefits

Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following:

• 62 years of age or older.

• Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than 16 or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you wait until you reach

full retirement age, your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age.

If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit. You’ll also get a full spouse’s benefit before full retirement age if you care for a child who is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.

If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit.

For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.

Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit ssa. gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.

Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record.

For more information, visit ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html.

The ‘medicine of music’ a senior living priority

Music offers a plethora of benefits to the overall wellbeing of older adults. Increasingly, research points to the importance of music’s effects

on seniors who are singing or simply listening to music. Results from the University of Geneva’s study of grey matter in the brain and its plasticity (ability to modify its connections/rewire itself) concludes music is so important it should become a “major policy priority for healthy aging.” For now, we

suggest families pay attention to life enrichment activities when choosing a residence.

“We’re keenly aware of the ’magic’ music brings to our community’s residents,” explains Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director, Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living in Chesterton. “We see the ‘medi-

cine of music’ working every day. The playlists residents like best take them back to memories long lost but suddenly rekindled. It’s a soothing effect, relieving anxiety, especially when our staff can use a song to make a connection.”

Karen Ayresman, executive director, Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living in Schererville, emphasizes the power of music. “We use softer tones in our therapeutic Snoezelen Therapy room in memory care to calm agitation and even lower blood pressure.

Residents who are barely verbal sing along with entertainers we schedule weekly. We encourage families to visit then. There’s a better connection because the family is not

trying as hard to get a response from a loved one.”

Redmon and Ayresman describe the necessity and purpose of providing a variety of musical experiences for residents. “Musical performances in senior living encourage socialization, bringing people together. When our residents are treated to violin, piano or other soloists from our communities, it’s a bonus! It’s why we value music, it’s a priority for quality living.”

For more information about Residence at Coffee Creek and Residence at Deer Creek, visit ResidencesSeniorLiving.com. They are respectively located at 2300 Village Point, Chesterton, and 401 E. US Highway 30, Schererville.

Quick moves to credit card savings

There are several simple chores you can perform if your credit card payments schedule has become unwieldy.

For starters, contact the card issuer and ask if you can change your payment date to one that works better for you. Ask if there is a toll-free 800 number to call to get an update on the status and total of your account.

If you think you’re going to exceed your limit, call the card issuer. They may be able to

Distributing over

raise the credit limit and avoid an over-limit fee. Call also if you think your payment may arrive late.

To avoid a late payment fee, send your payment by overnight delivery if time permits. The delivery cost is usually lower than the late payment fee. You might phone it in with your account number and checking account information handy or make payment online.

Call your card issuer and ask about these and other steps you might take to make life easier for yourself.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

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

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 www.porterstarke.org Discover even more healthy ways to live Life. On Purpose.

Bluell still taking it to the net

It’s Friday evening, and Mark Bluell is setting up the nets for an evening of volleyball at the Valparaiso Family YMCA. It’s not as easy as it looks, but Bluell is an old pro.

At age 70, Bluell has been playing ball at the Valpo Y since 1992. These days he’s also a volunteer supervisor for the Y’s biweekly coed volleyball program.

Retired from the National Park Service, the former park ranger served for 31 years, specializing in educational programming and information services. He just completed his 13th year as a middle and high school physical education substitute teacher for Valparaiso schools.

Bluell got his start in volleyball at age 15 during a Saturday children’s program. Later, as an adult, he continued playing the game off and on.

“I enjoy the interaction with other people,” the Valparaiso resident said. “I get a little bit of exercise, and I enjoy the camaraderie. Volleyball keeps me flexible and I’ve made friendships.”

USA Volleyball cites the fol-

lowing benefits from the sport: you spend most of the time active; you get to jump a lot; you improve your reaction time; you play offense and defense; you have a lot to celebrate; you can play with anyone; and you can play anywhere, on any surface.

Having worked in Pennsylvania and New York before moving to northwest Indiana, Bluell, the father of two, got involved with his children.

That included swimming and volunteer-coaching soccer, in addition to the dad’s volleyball.

As a challenge on the court, Bluell admitted, “I realize I’m getting weaker and the people I’m playing with are younger and better.”

According to volleyballexpert.com, the sport offers these health benefits: healthy heart and musculoskeletal system; a well-rounded exercise; part of a weight-loss plan; developing better coordination and focus; increased self-confidence; and reduced stress.

Many of the players come from the Valparaiso High School first-year boys volleyball program. Bluell puts himself in the middle of the action, keeping score and supervising the evening play.

“I see my role now as kind of

a coach,” Bluell said. As supervisor, he regulates who plays and when. Advance registration is recommended to ensure a playing spot.

Christine Koprowski, the Valpo Y’s administrative assistant for athletics, commented, “Everything Mark does here is volunteer on his part. He does

a good job of making sure everyone is included. People here always feel included.”

Half of the Valpo Y’s gym is converted into a volleyball court, with six players on a side. Most nights, Bluell said, 14 people show up for volleyball. The Valpo Y volleyball program runs Tuesday and

Friday evenings. Bluell has another connection to the YMCA. Wife Regina works for the Crossroads YMCA system in Lake County. The couple has one grandchild. For more information on Valparaiso Family YMCA sports programming, call (219) 4624185 or visit valpoymca.org.

Q. Who should I name as my executor?

A. When planning your estate, one 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

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:

advice.

This

should consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here. Trust services provided by MEMBERS Trust Company are not federally insured, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or any affiliated entity, involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principle. MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller or the Currency.

Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator Wealth Management Center

110 S. Main St. South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 284-6210, ext. 6232

Advertising in Senior Life News Works!! Advertising in Senior Life News Works!!

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Professional Forum . . . Your exclusive opportunity to present common questions or concerns “Adults 50 Years And Better” may have relating to your product(s) or service. Lake & Porter Counties (219) 254-2345 slwest@the-papers.com www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Becky Berggren, Account Executive

Why you need an estate plan

However, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or worth. Here are a few reasons to stop procrastinating.

the proper plan, you select that person.

that ensures your assets will stay in your family.

Many people think 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.

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

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

‘Butterflies, Bees & Beds, Oh My!’ garden walk June 25

Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for “Butterflies, Bees, and Beds, Oh My!” garden walk between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25, to celebrate the beauty of gardens in Munster, Highland, St. John and Crown Point.

Get inspiration from homeowners who feel their gardens serve a purpose besides beauty, from providing a habitat for butterflies and bees to providing their family with produce throughout the year. Master gardeners and the homeowners will share their experiences with gardening and answer any questions.

Tickets are $15 and are

Knights to hold trivia night in Valparaiso

The Knights of Columbus Council 12149 out of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 356 W. 700N, Valparaiso, is hosting a funfilled trivia night.

Games will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at the parish hall. The cost is $10 per person.

Players are encouraged to form teams of eight, with members covering all ages. There will be 10 categories with 10 questions in each. Bring your own food and snacks to be shared at your table. Water and soft drinks will be sold that night, along with 50/50 raffles tickets and “mulligans.”

All proceeds will be divided evenly between the seminarian they support and the Gary Diocesan Seminarian Ministry.

For more information, contact Bill Parnell at (219) 962-8828.

available at Alsip’s, The Artful Garden, Bee Quilting & Such, Elzinga’s, Leo’s, Mighty Mike’s Tires, Niemeyer’s, Practically Magic, Remus, Walt’s or online at Eventbrite. The garden walk is one of three fundraisers the Lake County Master Gardeners holds each year. The organiza-

tion is committed to “Helping Others Grow,” and the proceeds help fund the Lake County Master Gardener scholarship and grant programs. For information, email lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com, call Purdue Extension at (219) 755-3240 or visit lakecountymastergardeners.org.

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.

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.

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 non-covered expenses.

Contact TCU Trust Services at (574) 284-6210 for more information.

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 and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.

MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the office of the comptroller or the currency.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum —

Train excursions for family fun

all types of rolling stock, engines and memorabilia of a bygone era.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum train excursions run on Saturdays, May through October, Fathers 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

Guest engineers can operate a diesel locomotive with supervision at HVRM. Anyone over the age of 18 who holds a valid drivers 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 sell out in advance, so please purchase online in advance.

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, hoosiervalley.org, for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets online or call the depot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Saturdays at (574) 896-3950.

Spring concert for ‘The Noteables’

“The Noteables” will hold its spring concert, “We are One in Music,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, June

4, at St. Maria Goretti’s Catholic Church. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for

adults and $3 for children over 12, and can be purchased by calling (219) 769-0304 or (219) 227-9507.

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

The Noteables chorus was formed in 1938 and has been singing for 84 years. The chorus is a member of the Lake County Extension Homemakers and the Melody Makers of Indiana. It presents both a spring and fall concert for the local community and sings with the Melody Makers choruses from all over the state at the Festival Day concert, which takes place in the Indianapolis area for the Indiana Homemakers Annual Conference.

The Noteables has also sung for Gospelfest in Crown Point and presents sing outs to local senior living facilities.

The chorus accepts members in August and January for their concert seasons. Women are eligible to join at these times. There is no audition, but applicants are expected to be able to sing and come with choir or chorus singing experience.

For further information, contact Anna Rominger, president, at (219) 769-0304 or arominge@ iun.edu.

(Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, June 12, 2023.

I Spy May winner is Wilma Fuelling of Fort Wayne. The raindrop was located on page 13 in Senior Life Elko, page 2 in Senior Life St. Joseph, page 1 in Senior Life Allen and page 8 in Senior Life Northwest.

Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso Dressing

Serve this Asian salad with grilled steak, chicken or firm white fish like halibut. You can also double the recipe and bring it to your next potluck. If you can find tatsoi, a peppery Asian leafy green, use it instead of mild-mannered spinach. Store-bought Thai sweet chili sauce and umami-packed white miso build fast flavor in this easy summer salad.

5 servings; Active 20 minutes; Total 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

4 ears corn, husked

1 teaspoon peanut oil plus 3 tablespoons, divided

1-1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon white miso

1 large clove garlic, grated

Pinch of salt

5 cups baby spinach or tatsoi

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup sliced scallions

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1) Preheat grill to medium-high.

2) Brush corn with 1 teaspoon oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until some kernels are slightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Cut the kernels from the cobs.

3) Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, vinegar, chili sauce, miso, garlic and salt in a large bowl. Add spinach (or tatsoi), tomatoes, scallions and the corn; toss to combine. Serve topped with cilantro, if desired.

TIPS:

To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Per Serving: 190 calories; protein 5.1g; carbohydrates 22.7g; dietary fiber 4.1g; sugars 8.8g; fat 10.2g; saturated fat 1.8g; iron 1.4mg; magnesium 51.3mg; potassium 513.5mg; sodium 198mg.

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

ACROSS

1. Fountain treat

5. Pharaoh’s cobra

8. “____ the Woods,” movie

12. Gulf V.I.P.

13. Native American tent

14. Rapper Dogg

15. Hindu princess

16. *Used to alert when driving

17. “____ ____ me, then who?”

18. *Corvette, e.g.

20. Cambodian money

21. *Like Stephen King’s Christine

22. “Some Nights” (2012) band

23. *Aston follower 26. State legislature’s home 30. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 31. *What I used to step on the

52.

to some

53. Kamala Harris, e.g.

54. Not counterfeit

55. Dose of sunshine, pl.

56. *Car name that also means Aries

Faith

Wilson lives her faith by serving others

Years ago, a teacher-friend noticed that Pam Wilson appeared lost. His advice: read the Psalms. To this day, Wilson finds solace in those scriptural writings from long ago.

“They just comfort me,” the Portage woman said. “I read them and they give me a peace.”

Wilson has no favorite Psalm. Starting from the first Psalm, she just continues reading, including this passage from Psalm 1:6 — “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

Wilson also likes John 3:16. “For God so loved the world,” she started, “He gave his only Son. How much more can God give you, that his Son came here and died for us?”

For more than 20 years, Wilson has been living her faith by volunteering at Salvation Army of Porter County. She assists with the food pantry, open three days a week; the Angel Tree at Christmas; Stuff the Bus, a collection of children’s school supplies; and, in her younger years, as a Red Kettle bell ringer.

“I love the fact that Salvation Army is giving to the community. They’re always giving,” Wilson said. “They ask for donations, but they do all this out of the kindness of their hearts, and ask for nothing in return.”

Married with two children, Wilson sees living one’s faith as “always being kind. Never say negative words at anyone, because you can’t take them back. Always live like today was your last day.”

Wilson knows something about unsure health issues, as she is epileptic and diabetic. She added that people who think she is fake or phony don’t know her.

“I want people to know I believe in God,” Wilson said, “and when I leave this life, I will be with God. I am who I am, and I want to leave that kindness behind.”

Wilson also attends the adult Sunday school program at the Salvation Army, with classes led by Auxiliary Captain Jim Pritchard.

“We dig into Scripture,” Wilson explained. “There’s a video and the class gives us insight into what the Scriptures are.”

Located in the South Haven community in Porter County, Salvation Army offers archery and music lessons, Sunday services, and is involved in disaster relief.

The public can help by donating financially, including wills and estates, volunteering, donating vehicles, goods and clothing, and being a fundraiser.

For people searching for something in life, Wilson suggests, “Find yourself and find what makes you happy.”

The Salvation Army website lists ways in which volunteers can help their community, by providing food to the hungry, reaching out to the elderly and those facing hardships, supporting children, making holidays brighter for others, and offering hope to those facing disasters.

“Volunteer at a local church or school and do whatever makes you happy. Get involved,” Wilson asserted. “Don’t just sit there and dwell on something. Life is too short.”

Senior population global concern

It’s not like aging is something new.

In fact, it’s probably listed among the oldest news around.

What is different is the accelerating attention being given to the economic and emotional impact aging has on everyone’s life.

For starters, new ground is expected to be broken within the next few decades when oldsters outnumber youngsters globally for the first time in history.

The current number of people 60 years and older is predicted to be 2 billion by 2050, at which time this sector of the world’s population will be larger than that of children up to the age of 14.

While nothing about the future is certain, if this forecast is correct, it will be the first time in mankind’s history this imbalance will have occurred.

This ballooning of the elderly population can be attributed to, among other things, advances in science and technology, the reduction of infant mortality and debilitating diseases, onthe-job safety measures and improved nutrition and education.

The largest share — 54% — of the world’s older population lives in Asia. Europe accounts for one-quarter, the next largest share of the total.

That does not mean the Americas have no reason to be concerned.

This worldwide trend affects everyone everywhere because its ramifications

involve the economy and well-being of every nation. It involves jobs, investments, buying and spending, medical care, leisure, housing and any other facet of day-to-day life you can come up with.

To meet the anticipated demands that will dawn with the day when the world’s population is top-heavy with seniors, agencies around the globe have been exchanging news and views on how to enhance aging programs and policies.

Specific elderly areas targeted are models of care, nutrition and the prevention and control of chronic disease. Among the core themes explored is the desire of older people to stay active and the need to create intergenerational links and solidarity.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

It was 50 years ago — ‘Kodachrome’ began as ‘Goin’ Home’

Paul Simon

Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome” began as “Goin’ Home,” but the poetic perfectionist soon felt that sounded too ordinary. Thus, he shifted creative gears, restructured the lyrics and came up with “Kodachrome,” which, to him, sounded close to “Goin’ Home” but stuck better in the listener’s ear.

After Simon heard the gospeldrenched Staple Singers hit, “I’ll Take You There,” he knew he wanted to record “Kodachrome” at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, the same cramped northwest Alabama locale the Staples had utilized. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section consisted of four white guys who could lay down soul and rhythm-and-blues tracks as well as or better than anyone on the recording session scene.

While the group may have been top-notch, the studio itself was a dump. David Hood, the outfit’s bass player, explained to songfacts.com, “Paul Simon was used to working at Columbia Studios in New York and at studios in England and different places. When he came and saw our little place, he probably thought, ‘Man, this is a rat trap.’ Because it was.” One example of what awaited the sophisticated hitmaker was plastic covers tossed over the recording console that protected the costly piece of equipment when rain leaked from a hole in the roof.

Simon obviously managed to cast aside any concerns he had, as he nailed the master of “Kodachrome” in just two takes. Soon afterward, his single streaked to

No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

His tune could be seen as a coming-of-age treatise, perhaps how a young man could often choose to view the world through rose-colored glasses. (To Simon, this is what Kodachrome camera film offered.) But first, wanting to get something unrelated off his chest, he opened “Kodachrome” with a most quirky lyric line:

“When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school,

“It’s a wonder I can think at all.”

Then, without explanation, he altered the plotline of his ministory:

“Kodachrome

“Give us those nice bright colors.

“Give us the greens of summer.

“Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.”

Certainly, it’s hard to let go of thoughts of a remembered carefree life of youthful pleasures and replace them with adulthood’s grittier realities. For Paul, this would include memories of past relationships that may not have been as sublime as he once recalled:

“If you took all the girls I knew when I was single

“And brought them all together for one night,

“I know they’d never match my sweet imagination

“And everything looks worse in black and white.”

By the way, one should remind Simon that, when he and Art Garfunkel were in high school in New York, they had recorded a ditty called “Hey, Schoolgirl!”

a bit of piffle (listed as being by Tom and Jerry) that reached the bottom of the national Top 40 chart. Royalties from the disc’s sales had bought teenage Paul a new fire engine red Chevy convertible.

Hey, maybe high school really wasn’t a complete waste of time after all.

Broccoli salad with a twist

you measure broccoli by the cup? I wanted to make a half batch of this salad to try it out, so I ended up with 4 cups of broccoli after pulsing, and I’m guessing it would have been about 3 cups for the half size recipe if I had pulsed it to rice size. I omitted the mint because we aren’t crazy about it in food.

10 large mint leaves, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup minced parsley

1. Rice the florets: Place the broccoli florets in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the broccoli resembles grains of rice (about 3 to 4 times). Transfer them to a large bowl.

Do you really need another broccoli salad recipe?

You might think not, but with broccoli being a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may also offer several benefits, especially for eye health, heart health and disease prevention, and in our quest to eat one pound of raw veggie per day, this is a winner.

There are a lot of variations to broccoli salad, but this is the first I have seen that used the food processor to reduce the broccoli to rice size.

Seriously, when I saw it called for two medium heads (about 10 cups), I almost stopped because, what is a medium head, and how do

We ate it right away for dinner and it was tasty — but the next day after all the ingredients got to know each other, it was even better. It’s one of those recipes you can adjust for what you have on hand: seeds or nuts instead of almonds, cherries or raisins instead of cranberries. I really enjoyed the smaller size of the broccoli and will make it again.

Ingredients for full batch:

2 medium heads raw or parboiled broccoli (about 10 cups, 6-7 cups after pulsing)

30 ounces chickpeas (2 15-ounce cans), drained and rinsed

2 large bell peppers, small diced

4 green onions, thinly sliced

2/3 cup sliced almonds or slivered, toasted (optional)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2. Transfer the chickpeas, peppers, green onion, almonds, dried cranberries, mint and parsley to the bowl with the broccoli.

3. Add dressing of choice. I made an oil-free Tahini dressing, but I would also say that a Vidalia onion or honey mustard would be tasty.

Recipe by cookingforpeanuts.com.

Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers. com.

‘Wits Workout’ promotes brain health

University of Illinois

Extension developed “Wits Workout” based on brain health and aging research.

“Just like muscles, our brains need exercise to maintain flexibility and strength,” said Chelsey Byers, co-author of Wits Workout. “Challenging ourselves with new and diverse activities promotes

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cognitive health and can help maintain brain function as we age.”

The complimentary inperson Wits Workout sessions will be offered at local libraries throughout Lake County in Indiana by Linda Curley, health and human sciences educator, Purdue University Extension-Lake County, between June and August. Participating libraries include Crown Point,

Dyer-Schererville, Lowell, St. John and Whiting. You do not have to attend all sessions to register.

Register for the series by contacting one of the library locations above. If you are in need of reasonable accommodations to attend this program, contact Curley prior to the program at (219) 7553240, or lcurley@purdue.edu, two weeks prior to the first session.

Brentwood at Hobart

1420 St. Mary Circle, Hobart, IN 46342 (219) 945-1968

www.BrentwoodHobartSeniorLiving.com

Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Unit, Therapies: Speech-OccupationalPhysical, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pets Allowed, Private Dining Room, Enclosed Courtyard, 14 Passenger Van

Dyer Nursing & Rehab Center

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

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Hammond-Whiting Care Center

1000-114th Street, Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 659-2770

www.hammondwhitingconvalescentcenter.com

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

Harbor Health & Rehab

5025 McCook Ave., East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 397-0380 • www.harborhealth.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

Life Care Center of Valparaiso

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

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

8380 Virginia St., Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 769-9009 • www.lincolnshirehrc.com

Life Care Center of The Willows

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

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

7935 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN 46321 (219) 836-8300 • www.munstermed-inn.com

Saint Anthony

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

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

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

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.

601 Sheffield, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-5200 • www.assistedlivingdyer.com

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

Send listings of events, hosted by nonprofit organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 by June 26 for July events. With listing, include contact person and a phone number.

Maria Reiner Center

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

• Tuesday — Breakfast served from 9-11 a.m. for $5. Dominos, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; senior cha cha cha, 11 a.m. Pickleball: beginner drills, 8:30-9:30 a.m., beginner and low intermediate, 9:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close.

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

• Thursday Lunch served from noon-1 p.m. for $5. Bridge, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; Bible

as literature, 1:15 p.m.; Happy Hookers and Naughty Knitters, 1 p.m.; Scrabble, 1 p.m.; meditation, 1 p.m. Pickleball: beginner and low intermediate, 8:30-11:30 a.m., open play, 11:30 a.m. to close.

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

Plus many special classes and presentations. Computer

“Ask the Doc” technology Zoom

classes on the first Thursday of each month from 2-4 p.m. Book Club on the third Thursday of every month. Call for more information. Membership is $30/year for Hobart residents and $50/year for outside Hobart residents. $3 daily visitation fee for non-members. Call (219) 9471864 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. no. 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 the yellow collection box on 119th Street, Whiting.

Highland Lions Club

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

Retirement withdrawals take planning

Whether you’re already drawing income from your retirement account or still working and haven’t cut into it yet, you should take a look at how your money is being withdrawn.

Doing so incorrectly could cost you a lot of money.

You might consider linking up with a financial planner if you don’t have one. A Northwestern Mutual study revealed that more than 70% of adults feel their financial plans need improvements but fewer than 30% work with a financial advisor.

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI

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

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

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

ASSISTED LIVING

BRENTWOOD AT HOBART

1420 St. Mary Circle

Hobart, IN 46342

(219) 945-1968

www.BrentwoodHobartSeniorLiving.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care

Pet Friendly

We offer the Vibrant Life® program, Elevate® dining and a variety of assisted living services for our residents.

Come see for yourself why this is living ...

Senior Living

See Our Ad On The Back Page

A financial advisor cannot assure you — in fact, they are prohibited from promising you — that your financial status will improve. Research indicates, however, that people who work with financial advisors feel more at ease about their situation.

With or without such assistance, there’s a set of generally accepted rules everyone can review that can help solidify their retirement funds and income.

High on the list is to maximize your Social Security benefits by deferring the age at which you claim your benefits. This runs counter to a widelyheld maxim that you claim your

benefits at the earliest age — 62 years — because you’ll make sure you collect as much of the benefits as possible.

Those who argue to wait point out that the monthly check for those who make their claim at age 62 is 30% less than for those who wait until their full retirement age of 67.

Since every situation is different, this single move has longterm effect on your retirement income.

When the time comes to withdraw income from your retirement nest egg, many financial advisors suggest you withdraw funds from your investments,

which are taxable, to give your retirement accounts more time to compound interest.

The law doesn’t require you to start taking Required Minimum Distributions from your 401(k) or IRA until you turn 72, so this gives your money time to keep growing with compound interest.

How much retirement income you withdraw and from what accounts differs with your circumstances, so constant review is required. For example, sudden illness and its expenses can change your situation dramatically.

“Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.”

DENTAL

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS

Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond www.northshorehealth.org

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

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

VNA MEDICAL GUARDIAN ALERT SYSTEM

501 Marquette St. Valparaiso, IN 46385

Additional Offices In: 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

See Our Ad In This Issue

Call Becky At 219.254.2345 To Join Our HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

FUNERAL HOMES

SMITH BIZZELL WARNER

FUNERAL HOME

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

www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com

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HOME HEALTH CARE

VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE

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

www.visitingangels.com

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

* Assist w/Hygiene

* Meal Preparation

* Medication Reminders

* Light Housekeeping

* Transportation

* Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care

LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED

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

www.HTOHH.com

Compassionate care from our heart to yours.

Volunteers needed.

CHAP Accredited

HOSPICE CARE

UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana.

219.769.8648

Greater Illinois area

312.427.6000

www.unityhospice.com

Family owned & operated hospice

Offering premier end-of-life care

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

VNA HOSPICE NWI

501 Marquette St.

Valparaiso, IN 46385

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

(219) 531-8181 Fax

www.vnanwi.org

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

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HOUSECALL DOCTORS

HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC

At-Home Medical Care for Elderly & Homebound Patients Serving NW Indiana & Plymouth/So. Bend areas

www.housecalldoc.org

219-750-9497

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

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MEALS ON WHEELS

VNA MEALS ON WHEELS OF PORTER COUNTY

501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46385

HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET AREA MUNSTER

www.hospicecalumet.org

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

• Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Illinois Communities Since 1981

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

• Not-for-profit

• Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House

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

(219) 531-8181 Fax

https://www.vnanwi.org/services/vnameals-on-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

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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, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte

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

www.northshorehealth.org

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

REHABILITATION SERVICES

VALPARAISO CARE & REHAB 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976

www.AmericanSrCommunities.com/vcrc

TELEPHONE SERVICES

RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC

7702 Woodland Drive #130, Indianapolis, IN 46278

(877) 446-8722

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

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Rock ‘n’ roll is at home in downtown Cleveland

Rock ‘n’ roll burst on the music scene in the early 1950s with a style that was brash and loud with rhythms that made listeners want to dance.

Many of its performers dressed outlandishly, screamed into their microphones and gyrated suggestively while appearing to be trying to destroy their instruments.

It was a huge hit with teenagers. Adults and parents, however, were horrified. They banded together, petitioned and even demanded radio stations not play that “horrible, degenerative” music because it was corrupting their children.

Of course, their efforts were futile and the genre’s popularity soared. In fact, it’s as “in” today as it was more than 70 years ago.

If rock & roll is your style, there’s an amazing venue that tells the story from rock’s earliest artists to today’s budding performers. It’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Here you can view instruments from some of history’s greatest concerts, see performance

outfits worn by top artists and view handwritten drafts of hit singles.

Before settling on Cleveland for the Hall’s location, Ahmet Ertegun, founder and chair of Atlantic Records, conducted a long search starting in 1983 for the “right” city to host it.

Philadelphia was one of the contenders because it was the home of rock pioneer Bill Haley and American Bandstand. Memphis was considered because it was home of Sun Studios.

Detroit was on the short list because of Motown Records, as was Cincinnati because of King Records.

New York City was also in the running.

Cleveland lobbied hard, citing that WJW disk jockey Alan Freed coined the name rock ‘n’ roll, promoted the genre heavily on the radio and his Moondog Coronation Ball was credited as the first major rock ‘n’ roll concert. Cleveland, which won the competition in 1986, also pledged $65 million toward construction of a facility.

It began inducting artists even before construction started and Freed was among the first class. Groundbreaking was in 1992 and it was dedicated in 1995. Architect I. M. Pei designed the structure, which is located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland. It has a 162-foottall tower and is a compendium of geometric forms and cantilevered spaces.

It’s chock full of rock ‘n’ roll history from those who performed it and molded its iconic character to notable figures who influenced its development. The lower of the Continued on page 19

For 4 Decades Munster has set the STANDARD in Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Memory Support Services! Our Clinical Expertise includes: • Post-Joint Replacement Care • Pulmonary Care • Cardiac Care • Wound Care • Memory Support Services • Respite Care • Long Term Care

Rock ‘n’ roll

Continued from page 18

seven levels focuses on the roots of rock ‘n’ roll where the early stars are enshrined in glass cubicles displaying their instruments, costumes, photos, biographies and videos showing them in action.

One of the highlights is the film presentation of classic performances by Hall of Fame inductees. There are also plenty of interactive kiosks about one-hit wonders and songs that shaped rock ‘n’ roll. In one section, visitors can even pick up and strum a guitar or try their hand on an electric piano or synthesizer.

Its first major exhibit in

1995, “I Want to Take You Higher,” zeroed in on the psychedelic era between 1965 and 1969. That was followed by two years of “Elvis is in the Building” in recognition of the King of Rock and Roll.

For more information, visit rockhall.com.

Bygone things that are gone

ries. You just used your index finger.

Most of us in the seniors category probably have forgotten a few things that have disappeared over the past seven or eight decades.

A longtime washing detergent used in many households was Rinso, a product of England that was introduced to the U.S. market in 1918. Today the brand is available only in Turkey and Brazil. You might recall the radio jingle: “Rinso white, Rinso bright, happy little wash day song.”

While we’re on the subject of soap, I spent time in the Navy on Midway Island out in the Pacific. Fresh water had to be brought in from Hawaii, hence we had only saltwater showers available. The only bar of soap that would lather up was Vel. If you didn’t want to smell and itch from saltwater after showering you used Vel. Today that product is available only in Denmark.

There were several brands for keeping our teeth clean. Ipana toothpaste was one early product. In the early 20th century, you couldn’t find tubed toothpaste. Before and during World War II, the more common tooth and mouth cleaner was powder in a can, or you could use Mom’s baking soda. No brush? No wor-

In the winter when colds were prevalent and coughs persisted there always was Smith Brothers’ cough drops to keep you from hacking. The boys were well worth the dime … tastier than Luden’s or Vick’s.

For sugar beverages of choice, we youngsters always liked Dad’s Old Fashion Root Beer, primarily because it came in a squatty brown bottle like the real brew our dads drank. Royal Crown Cola and Pepsi Cola became popular drinks primarily because their bottle size was 12 ounces. Coca Cola only offered six ounces, but Coke still remained the leader despite that jolly jingle, “Pepsi Cola hits the spot; 12 full ounces, that’s a lot!”

All three are still readily available, but not in glass bottles.

Soda pop glass bottles could be returned to any store that sold soda pop to receive a two-cent deposit refund. Since the soda companies reused the bottles, it was a regular source of income for many kids.

Mercurochrome was used for skin scrapes if you didn’t want them to burn until it was banned for its staining properties and fear of mercury poisoning.

After World War II, factories began turning out products the buying public wanted, including

automobiles, kitchen appliances, sewing machines and the like. But the product most in demand since the late ‘40s is the television set. Down through the years, TV sets have continued to sell in the $400 to $500 range. The difference? Those early sets were all made in America.

A number of American automobiles are no longer with us. Remember the Kaiser, Frazier and Henry J? How about the Cord, Graham, Desoto, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Studebaker, Packard, Hudson, Nash and Mercury?

Don’t forget Ford’s marketing disaster, the Edsel that was introduced in 1959. It was a good car that was doomed by two marketing factors: the price was nearly the same as Ford’s more popular Mercury and, most of all, people hated the grill. The Edsel was named after Henry Ford’s son and, while it disappeared from the annual market back then, it’s a vintage car show delight today.

Throughout the 1930s, ‘40s and early ‘50s — “before television” — radio programming was the home entertainment mainstay. Weekly live audience-participation game shows were big hits. There was Ralph Edwards and his “Truth or Consequences,” Art Linkletter hosted “People Are Funny,” and “Dr. I.Q.” was a trivia question and answer pro-

gram. If an audience member got a question correct, they would receive “64 silver dollars and a box of Mars bars.”

Mystery radio programs such as “Lux Radio Theater,” “The Shadow,” “Inner Sanctum,” “Johnny Dollar,” “Dragnet” and “Gunsmoke” had our brains painting mind’s-eye pictures much more colorful than what began appearing on TV.

TV set makers raced to capture the market. Crosley, Sylvania, Raytheon, General Electric, Philco, Emerson, RCA, Magnavox, DuMont, and Westinghouse were among the many sets available. All were built in the good ol’ U.S.A.

Four networks produced and aired television programming. DuMont was the nation’s first national network. RCA’s National Broadcasting Co., Westinghouse Broadcasting and Columbia Broadcasting System followed suit. DuMont disappeared in 1956, but who among the older of us will ever forget “Captain Video” and “Saturday Night Wrestling” live from Chicago with Jack Brickhouse? NBC and CBS have become giants with news and entertainment programming. To reminisce is always a fun trip for those who will never see 70 again.

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and Memory Care designed

At Brentwood at Hobart Senior Living, our assisted living and memory care programs capture all the fun and vibrancy of our community while providing exceptional support services that accommodate the individual needs of our residents. Our signature Generations Memory Care program puts your loved one first by creating a culture where they are the person they were and still are, not identified by their disease or behaviors.