Senior Life - St. Joseph - August 2023

It is still time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. St. Joseph County Parks offer something for every one of all ages. There is plenty to do for senior citizens who wish to get outside and enjoy the summer weather while it lasts, and soon, fall.

According to Amal Farrough, interpretive services manager, the parks offers activities and programs for older adults. Such programs include geology, glaciers and how to identify birds. In August, she said, kayaking and

canoeing are fun for families, including grandparents and grandchildren. Both are available Thursday through Sunday through September. One of the creeks, located at Ferrettie-Baugo Creek Park, is laid back and shallow.

“It’s a beautiful creek,” said Farrough.

According to Jan McGowan, interpretive naturalist, the Indiana Master Naturalist program is popular with older adults.

“We do it every fall,” she said.

The program consists of three-hour seminars with topics, such as birds. It provides participants with handson classes to learn about the natural Continued on page 3

Key Positions

Middlebrook builds award-winning career

Robert Middlebrook grew up in New Carlisle, raised by his mother in an apartment downtown that also doubled as her salon. He went to New Carlisle High School and graduated in May 1967.

Shortly after, in July, Middlebrook enlisted in the army. After he completed basic training, he was shipped off to Fort Sam in Houston, Texas to be trained as a combat medic. Once he was a medic school graduate, he attended Fort Sam Houston’s Medical Field Service School and trained as a surgical technician.

Middlebrook applied his knowledge when he served with the 18th Surgical MUST Unit, a mobile surgical unit, in September 1968 during the Vietnam war. Middlebrook extended his

tour by six months and served with the 8th Field Hospital.

Middlebrook’s entire enlistment lasted two years and nine months.

Once back in the States, Middlebrook took a job as a surgical technician at the Osteopathic Hospital in South Bend. However, his career here was cut short because of creative differences over his mustache.

“I quit that job because the Chief Nurse at that time insisted I shave my mustache off, claiming I looked like a walrus,” Middlebrook explained.

After his departure from the Osteopathic Hospital, Middlebrook took a similar job at the Saint Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka.

Following the birth of his second son, Middlebrook joined the New Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department.

"What inspired me to join the

St. Paul’s

Fire Department was a sense of community. I wanted to raise my family here because I knew it to be safe. I knew this town had police protection, fire protection, a volunteer ambulance service, safe schools and friendly people; people who helped each other when they needed it. I wanted to do my part to be a part of that safety net that everyone here enjoys,” Middlebrook explained. He spent a total of 48 years with the New Carlisle Fire Department. He spent the first 17 years of his career among the rank and 31 years as an officer and leader in various positions. Middlebrook spent numerous years as a training officer and 10 years as Fire Chief.

Middlebrook was awarded Indiana Firefighter of the Year in 2002 by the American Legion Department of Indiana. He was the first volunteer firefighter to receive it. He was also awarded the Global Excellence Award from the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association in 2013, Regional Firefighter of the Year Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2013, the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2015 and National Firefighter of the Year from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2016.

The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest civilian award that can be received in Indiana. He was honored with the award not only for his time in fire service, but also for his volunteer service with the army and his numerous years of service as a CASA volunteer.

“My time as a firefighter not only influenced my life, but it has completely shaped it. You learn the value of selfless giving, you learn that you are repaid for your kindness and willingness to help those in need a thousand times over. Your life is filled with blessings when you serve the greater good,” Middlebrook explained.

Both of Middlebrook’s sons followed in his footsteps and became firemen.

St. Joseph

Continued from page 1

history and resources of Indiana. This 11-week course will offer sessions on soils, water, botany, birds, insects/spiders and much more. Sessions will be presented by area specialists and educators at the county parks.

Another program is “Overhead and Underfoot.” Participants can meet a naturalist at a county park on three Saturdays in summer to find and observe nature in its summer glory. Each program begins with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals and insects during the month. Then people may head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. The next one is at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve, New Carlisle. Registration and payment are required by Tuesday, Aug. 22.

McGowan said St. Patrick’s Park is a great place to take grandchildren.

“We have nature on the go at

the river ramble,” she said.

“Nature On the Go at the River Ramble: Adaptation Exploration” is a program geared toward families and includes nature-themed crafts.

It will be from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at St. Patrick’s County Park’s River Ramble Natural PlayScape and it’s free.

McGowan said the parks department has two divisions: interpretive and leisure services.

“Every month, there’s something new going on in ecology in our natural environment,” she said. “Indiana parks are wonderful assets.”

Amal Farrough said “Running Wild,” one of the interpretive programs, will take place Saturday, Aug. 9, at St. Patrick’s County Park. There are age categories for those age 50-plus.

“Running Wild” is a trail run and 3K Fun Walk on the park’s wooded and meadow trails.

The 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk is on similar,

relatively flat surfaces. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the walk. Age category awards and nature medallions are available for participants. Breakfast, music and door prizes for registered participants will also occur. The proceeds from the event benefit park facilities and programs; however, it is rigorous.

“It can be intense,” Farrough said.

Disc golf, an 18-hole course, is also popular with people of all ages. Open daily, it can be played at Ferrettie-Baugo Creek Park, Osceola.

Bendix Woods County Park has a 6.6 mile mountain bike trail. People may also find hidden geocaches in St. Joseph County Parks.

Orienteering is an activity for all ages and levels of fitness and skill. The object is to locate control points within the park using a detailed map. It can be enjoyed as a leisurely walk in the woods or as a competitive sport combin-

Non-emergency medical transportation need increases

Non-emergency medical transportation services have gained popularity due to the growing need for accessible health care transportation.

One of the primary reasons for the prevalence of NEMT services is our growing aging population. As we grow older, we often face various health issues that require regular medical attention. However, many elderly individuals may no longer possess the ability to drive or have limited access to public transportation.

NEMT services bridge this gap by providing safe and reliable transportation to medical appointments, ensuring that the elderly receive the care they need.

STAT Transportation is an established, non-emergency medical transportation provider, servicing the Michiana area locally and regionally. We provide wheelchair and handicap accessible transportation options to a medical appointment, dental visit or for leisure purposes. Leisure purposes include transportation for spending time with family or just going to the beach. At STAT Transportation, our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to a quality and enjoyable customer experience regardless of their mobility limitations. From elderly individuals who need regular check-ups to patients with chronic conditions, NEMT is a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to get the care they deserve. STAT’s safe and compassionate team of drivers routinely go above and beyond to ensure that our passengers feel safe, comfortable and supported during their journeys.

At STAT Transportation, our services are designed to be flexible and cater to individual needs. Whether it’s accommodating wheelchair accessibility, providing language assistance

or even offering door-to-door service, we are committed to making health care accessible to all. NEMT providers, like STAT Transportation, provide transportation services for individuals

who require medical assistance but don’t need emergency care. Learn more about our services at stat-transport.com or call (574) 261-0809. Need a ride? We will get you there.

Robert Smith — a longtime artist

Robert Ramsey Smith of LaPorte is a longtime artist in every sense.

He was born in Chicago and raised in Beverly Shores. He attended the Art Institute; he didn’t graduate though. He joined the Army in 1968, where he worked in drafting, mapping and hydrology. He came back to Indiana in 1981.

“It didn’t work out so well, so I went back to California for another 10 years. Tried Sioux Falls, too, because I heard they practically tackle you to work, but that wasn’t right for me either. So from 1993 to 1995, I decided I’d try to make a living with my art,” Smith mentioned. He added, “I used to go to a lot of shows and festivals, but they’re not so much like they used to be. Instead of being dependent on companies, I decided

84,150

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I’d just live and learn.”

Over time, things got better.

“I do just copies of drawings and put them in a bin to sell now. The best I ever did as far as selling was in Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, but I got tired of the driving. Just one way was 96 miles, and I felt closed in and claustrophobic,” Smith explained.

Smith’s work is beautifully detailed.

“I do ink drawings and pencil colorings. I look through old books and things like that, old railroad stations and mansions. Ink is more my specialty. I am doing Illinois Central Station now, and the Water Tower in 1870, after it was completed in 1869,” said Smith.

He doesn’t just do railroad pictures, though.

“I also do old historic homes in Chicago and Michigan. The vast majority of them have been torn down. My work was accepted in the cultural center in Chicago,” he explained.

Some of his work included the mansions of Cyrus McCormick, Marshall Field, William Wrigley and Al Capone. He also drew the

infamous O’Leary cabin, long known as the place where the cow kicked over the lantern and started the great Chicago fire. Smith had heard it was actually caused by a group of squatters who had started a fire in a barn.

Smith is also a gifted photographer.

“Oh yes. I used to do tons and tons of it, hundreds of pictures. But I don’t like that everything is digital now, so computerized. I’m old, and I don’t like that. I don’t even use email,” he said.

But Smith does love trains. “I have always had an interest in the train scene. Most of my travels have been done by train. My biggest train ride was the Trans-Siberian, back in 1971, from the east coast of Siberia to Moscow. That took seven days,” Smith said. It is apparent in his attention to every detail in every rendition he draws. The historic stations and buildings live on in more than just memory; look at them closely and you’ll feel yourself standing inside.

An evening with Anthony Schmidt

Join photographer Anthony Schmidt for an evening at the Studebaker National Museum Friday, Aug. 4. Dr. Joshua Diehl, former chief program officer for Child and Adolescent Services at LOGAN Center, will moderate a special one-on-one conversation with Anthony in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Topics will include his stunning photography, his vision and process, and Diehl’s experience working with the autistic community and the arts, in particular.

Anthony Ryan Schmidt is a teenager with autism from Washington state whose artistic abilities combined with his passion for collecting model cars have turned him into a world-

renowned photographer. He practices forced perspective photography: a technique utilizing optical illusion to make objects appear smaller, larger, closer to the camera, or further away from the camera. His work has been featured in “Car & Driver,” “Hemmings,” “Wheel Hub” magazine, a special segment on the NBC Nightly News, and he has won an award at the Hall of Honor ceremony in Las Vegas for his outstanding contribution to the diecast car culture.

Anthony will be available following the talk to sign copies of his new book, “Shifting Perspectives,” and select photographic prints. Both the book and prints will be available for purchase in

the museum store.

Tickets include admission to the museum, access to the exhibition — “The Photography of Anthony Schmidt”— and the talk in the Wiekamp Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The theater program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Because seating is limited, advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Purchase tickets at the museum store or studebakermuseum.org/event/anevening-with-anthony-schmidt.

Activities are made possible in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the state of Indiana and National Endowment for the Arts.

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $35 for one year; and $60 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

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A hard floor night

It was our 43rd anniversary, and I decided to take Mary Ellen to a local art show and stay downtown in a bed and breakfast. My wife

loves B&Bs, so I was sure she would enjoy the evening.

The owner offered to take us on a short tour of the historic building. We hauled luggage up the stairs and were led down the hall to our room. It was quaint and rustic with a porch that looked out on the downtown area. We were within walking distance to where we planned to have our anniversary dinner. All was perfect … until we saw the bed. It was

Healthwin is looking for more volunteers

Healthwin is looking for volunteers that want to make a difference in residents’ lives. Volunteers are active throughout the year whether you are looking for a one-time commitment or a more regular opportunity. Groups and individuals are welcome. When you volunteer with Healthwin, you are not only helping us make an impact in the community, but you will also have a sense of purpose and enjoy new experiences.

As a volunteer, there are opportunities to help with special events. Healthwin has an annual Father’s Day Car show, summer carnival day in Darden Park, as well as all the events throughout the Christmas season. If you would like to

Follow the birds in spring and fall

Twice a year, bird-watchers can observe more than 350 species of the migrating avians traverse the Pacific Flyway between Alaska’s Bering Strait and South America. Traveling north as early as March and south beginning in August, many species make food stops, or even lengthy stays, in California’s many state parks.

Particular species have selected certain locations to return to each year.

For example, bald eagles winter at Millerton Lake State Recreation area, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Areas, Humbolt Redwoods State Park, and Benbow Lake State Recreation Area.

Herons and egrets favor the Eel River area in Humbolt and Medocino counties, as well as along the Colorado River, while night herons and Canada geese hang out at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

For information about the California State Parks, visit parks.ca.gov.

come in and assist with our Life Enrichment Department plan activities, we can always use the assistance.

Residents love to go on outings into the community. These “excursions” require volunteer chaperones to provide an exceptional experience for our residents. Consider volunteering to help a resident get out and enjoy our surrounding community. In the past, residents have gone to the zoo, casino, Cub’s games and various other places. Excursions are the highlight of a residents’ week and they look forward to each and every opportunity to be in the community.

Life enrichment includes:

• One-on-one visiting

• Faith-based activities

• Entertainment

• Arts and crafts

• Nail treatments

• Assisting a resident to and from the dining room

• Movies

• Books

• Games

• Celebrations

• Start a euchre club

If you are interested, reach out to Travis Bruntz, director of life enrichment at (574) 2720100, ext. 204 or at tbruntz@ healthwin.org.

not a king size bed; it was not a queen size bed. It was a double bed. The kind of bed many people sleep in … alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Underneath would probably be the best option.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fight against Parkinson’s with Rock Steady Boxing

disease can destroy.

Multiple studies conducted through the 1980s and 1990s supported the idea that regular, rigorous exercise that emphasized gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm could strengthen range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait and daily living activities. All of which Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder, which causes the decline of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation estimates, there are more than one million people in the United States that are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, with more than 60,000 people diagnosed each year.

In more recent studies

executed by the Cleveland Clinic, the concept of intense, “forced” exercise have been the focus. The results suggest certain types of exercise may be neuro-protective, actually slowing Parkinson’s disease progression.

Rock Steady Boxing is the first boxing program of its kind in the country. Rock Steady Boxing was founded by Vince Perez and Scott Newman, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease in his early 40s. Rock Steady Boxing created curriculum to meet the fitness levels at all stages of Parkinson’s disease — from newly diagnosed to those who had been living with it for decades.

Boxers train to gain optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against Parkinson’s disease. Exercises vary in purpose and form but they are designed to be rigorous and extend the capabilities of the boxer. The workout classes are designed to be a full body workout, including doing circuits of different workouts. Although boxing is a main exercise of the class, it is not the only exercise.

Phil Miller, communications and outreach director, got involved with Rock Steady Boxing because his son, Todd, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“His pinky would twitch, then it moved his whole hand,”

Miller explained. Miller was desperate to find help for his son, which is how they found about the flagship Rock Steady Boxing gym in Indianapolis. There was nothing like this available in the South Bend area, so Miller did something about it. South Bend’s Rock Steady Boxing Gym, 50698 SR 933, was opened in 2016 and was the 129th location worldwide. Today, there are over 780 different locations worldwide. Don Sheliga, head coach, has been a part of Rock Steady Boxing for eight years. Sheliga

used to drive to Indianapolis to participate in classes before a gym had opened in South Bend. “Rock Steady Boxing works. It’s an improvement program that gets good results. I have seen it done,” Sheliga explained. For more information on classes, contact Phil Miller at (574) 286-6731. To find a class, visit rocksteadyboxing.org/finda-class/#go_here.

Howdry am eye

Don’t save your tears for a sad movie. The fact is your eyes cannot function without the proper amount of moisture. Hot, dry weather, taking antihistamines and oral contraceptives, and even extended time at your computer, are among the many factors that can cause eye dryness.

Dry eyes cause scratchiness, redness and irritation, and the lack of moisture can, over time, damage the cornea.

Tips for staying teary include:

• Check with your physician or pharmacist about the potential side effects of any medications you may be taking.

• Use lubricating eye drops regularly to keep your eyes moisturized when you are in hot, dry environments and if you spend extended periods in front of your computer.

• Adjust air conditioners to the lowest setting and position air vents away from you.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time; they tend to increase the chance of eye dryness.

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart

by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

—o—

The City of South Bend Ethnic Festival, now called the Fusion Fest, is a two-day festival, Sept. 9-10, at Howard Park.

History Museum opens ‘Indiana Lore’ exhibit

Larger-than-life legends and folklore of the Hoosier state are explored in The History Museum’s new exhibit, “Indiana Lore.” Shown in conjunction with the Indiana Historical Society, the exhibit is on view through May 12, 2024.

Through historic photos and original art by the BrainTwins, Indianapolis-based artists, “Indiana Lore” traces the roots of Indiana’s tall tales, from the green-eyed ghost of a bulldog guarding a grave at Terre Haute’s Highland Lawn Cemetery to the Grey Lady, who lurks in the children’s book section of Evansville’s Willard Library.

Other tall tales explored include the palm reader at the

Tuckaway House in Indianapolis, Churubusco’s Beast of Busco, and the supernatural spirits surround the Avon Bridge in Hendricks County.

These mysterious and mesmerizing campfire stories spark our imaginations and illuminate another side of Hoosier history. Each story highlights a different region in Indiana and covers distinct themes surrounding houses and buildings, bridges and railways, parks and cemeteries, and seemingly impossible creatures.

Local stories from the St. Joseph River Valley are also featured in “Indiana Lore,” like that of Hazel McNalley, accused of murdering her children who

she claimed had been only dolls. Also included in the exhibit is the bizarre tale of LaPorte County’s Belle Gunness. She has been said to have advertised far and wide for would-be husbands, only to have them mysteriously disappear once they (and their fortunes) arrived at her farm.

Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors, $7 for youth 6-17, and free to members, and includes tours of the 38-room Oliver Mansion. For an additional cost, visitors can also tour the adjoining Studebaker National Museum.

For ticket information, visit historymuseumSB.org or call (574) 235-9664.

Visit sbvpa.org/festival for more information.

—o—

The Morris Performing Arts Center announced the South Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in concert, Oct. 7, as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. The concert will feature the South Bend Symphony Orchestra performing, live to the picture, every note from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the entire film in highdefinition on a 40-foot screen while hearing South Bend Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score live. Subscriptions to the Indiana Trust Pops Series are on sale and single tickets can purchased, morriscenter.org and (574) 235-9190.

—o—

The Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce “Hamlet 50/50,” a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic drama, performing, Aug. 17-27, in Patricia George Decio Theatre at the DeBartolo

Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Tickets are $10$75 and can be purchased at shakespeare.nd.edu. There are 12 performances between Aug. 17-27 (previews Aug. 15-16).

—o—

As chronicled in his book

“Getting Things Done,” Roger Parent presents stories of leadership from his time as South Bend mayor to the South Bend Community School Board, Peace Corps, and beyond at The History Museum’s “Insights in History,” taking place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2.

Parent will be available to sign copies of the book, which is sold in the museum’s gift shop. A guided tour of artifacts from his time as South Bend mayor will be offered. Admission is $3. Reservations are required by July 31. Insights in History is sponsored by THK Law, LLP. Insights in History is a monthly series that features a lecture in conjunction with an exhibit at The History Museum. For information, call The History Museum at (574) 235-9664 or visit historymuseumSB.org.

Community foundation presents performing arts series this summer

The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County will once again present the awardwinning Community Foundation Performing Arts Series in the Chris Wilson Pavilion at South Bend’s Potawatomi Park.

This free series runs on consecutive Saturdays through Aug. 26, featuring some of community’s best arts talent.

Events include:

Aug. 5: Southold Dance Theater showcases its best students along with two professional guest artists, featuring classical ballet and modern dance.

Aug. 12: “Lifting Our Voices, Celebrating Our African American Legacy.” This performance, featuring Uzima! Drum and Dance, will be performing traditional African dance with the voices of the Uzima! Choir and the South Bend Symphonic Choir. WUBS-FM 89.7 will offer a simulcast of the performance.

Aug. 19: The South Bend Symphony Orchestra per-

forms a full-length concert featuring a special animalthemed program. WVPE-FM 88.1 will offer a simulcast of the performance, including a special Q&A with Alastair Willism, music director.

Aug. 26: The South Bend Symphonic Choir and the Elkhart Community Chorus combine, under the musical direction of Juan Carlos Alarcon and Dr. Marvin Curtis, to perform “United in Purpose,” a musical celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

All events are free to attend and begin at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. In case of rain, updates will be posted on the community foundation’s Facebook page and at www.cfsjc.org.

Only the South Bend Symphony performance Aug. 19 has a scheduled rain location: Adams High School Auditorium. All events will be professionally amplified and lit by EventSys.

Professional Services

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

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

The Community Foundation Performing Arts Series is sponsored by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s ArtsEverywhere

Fund, Marjorie H. Wilson Charitable Trust Fund, and Indiana Arts Commission. South Bend Venues, Parks and Arts is a key partner.

WUBS-FM 89.7 is the broadcast partner for the Aug. 12 event, and WVPE-FM 88.1 is broadcast partner for the Aug. 19 event.

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.

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

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

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.

Advertising with us is a Breeze

Advertising with us is a Breeze

Q.

A. Each Senior Life Newspaper is distributed to over 300 locations each month and is free for public pickup and supported by advertisers. Locations for distribution are chosen with the 50+ aged person in mind and include Grocery Stores, Libraries, Senior Centers, Restaurants, Senior Communities, Banks, Apartment Complexes, Doctor Offices, Drug Stores, Farmer’s Market, Resale locations, Churches, Convenient Stores, and Retail Stores.

There are four distinct issues of Senior Life Newspaper including St. Joseph County (extending to LaPorte and Marshall in IN and Berrien & Cass in MI), Elkhart (extending to LaGrange, Noble, Kosciusko and Wabash in IN and St. Joseph MI, Allen (Ft. Wayne) County (extending into DeKalb, Noble, Whitley, Huntington, Wells and Adams Counties), and our Northwest issue covering Lake & Porter Counties. Total distribution each month is 84,150!

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Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator

Ten ways to protect your personal information

from identity theft:

Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft, and exercising caution. Here are 10 things you can start doing now to protect yourself and your loved ones

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

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

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

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

5. Shred paper documents that contain personal information, like your name, birth

date, and Social Security number.

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

7. Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions.

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

9. Protect yourself on social media by customizing your

security settings and deleting accounts you no longer use. Also, double-check suspicious messages from your contacts, as hackers may create fake accounts of people you know.

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

We encourage you to create your own personal my Social Security account to track your earnings record. For more information, read our publication, Protecting Personal Information, at oig.ssa.gov/ files/21-540_Protecting_Personal_Information.pdf. Contact us if you see suspicious work activity on your record–you could be a victim of identity theft.

Share this information with your family and friends.

Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm current award winners announced

The 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm has announced this year’s award winners. Competition was extremely tight, drawing entrants from a dozen states. Capturing “Best Of Show” was a 1930 Cadillac Madame X Coupe, owned by Allen and Nancy Strong, Urbana, Ill. It was selected from nearly 80 vehicles. Renowned automotive historian, Matt Short, served as chief judge for the event. His professional experience includes The Henry Ford, The R.E. Olds Museum, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, and America’s

Packard Museum. He has also served on the boards of the Society of Automotive Historians, National Association of Automobile Museums, and Packard Motor Car Foundation.

Other local premier awards include:

• J. M. Studebaker Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Studebaker, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, David and Shirley Lauver, South Bend.

• Raymond Loewy Award, Exemplary Exterior Design, 1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, Paul and Marilyn Campbell, Warsaw.

Best Of Class Awards

Class K: The Corvette at 70, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, Michael Sikorski, Granger.

Class D: New Deal Motoring, 1933-1942, 1937 Hupmobile D618G, Gregory Drufke, LaPorte.

Class C: The Centennial Club, pre-1923 automobiles, 1907 Tincher Model H, Steven Haines, Niles, Mich.

Next year’s Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2024.

For more information, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org.

Interim vice president of academic services focuses on faith at Bethel

“I often find myself turning to Matthew 25:31-46,” stated Robby Prenkert. “In this parable told by Jesus, all nations will be gathered to him. He separates the sheep from the goats. He tells the sheep on his right hand: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I needed clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’

He goes on to say, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did unto me.’ I try my best to serve people, who have very practical needs, and strive to teach my students to see Jesus in them.”

Prenkert is the interim vice president of academic services at Bethel University, Mishawaka.

“My first profession of

faith was when I was about 7 years old. My mother read the Bible to me and my two brothers. I prayed with my mom and asked Jesus into my heart,” he said.

Prenkert and his family attended Wakarusa Missionary Church.

“We were there three times a week. I was a shy kid. At the end of my junior year in high school, I was baptized and shared my faith testimony. That was an important step in my faith journey,” Prenkert said.

After graduation, he became a student at what was then Bethel College.

“My mentor was a member of Bethel’s student life staff, Courtney Richards, from Jamaica. After college graduation I married my wife, Jeanie. We went on to help Courtney establish a mission organization, ‘RENEWED Ministries,’ and spent two years as missionaries in Jamaica doing sports ministry,” Prenkert said.

The Prenkerts served in Kingston, a poor inner city area in Jamaica.

“They called me coach there. Many times, at the basketball court, they’d say, ‘I’m hungry, coach. I’m

thirsty, coach.’ I brought food and drink for them. I never forgot Jesus’ words telling me that what I did for them I did for him,” Prenkert said.

An English major with a history minor, one of Prenkert’s favorite memories of college life was winning the NCCAA National Championship in 1992 as captain of the basketball team. He was inducted into the Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.

He went on to Wheaten College, Ill., as a graduate student.

“I came back to Bethel in 1999 to teach English. The last 10 years, I was chair of the literature and language department,” Prenkert said.

Two years ago, he was promoted to dean of humanities and social sciences. And just recently, he took the position of Bethel’s chief academic officer: interim vice president of academic services.

“In this position, I have more administrative responsibilities: leading faculty, supervising department chairs, and overseeing Bethel’s curriculum,” Prenkert said.

He still focuses on training leaders to spot the needs of people.

“I am especially proud of

our nurses and medical staff members, who come out of Bethel. They are truly serving Jesus by caring for the sick,” Prenkert said.

He and Jeanie live in Wakarusa. They have one daughter, Sydney, 17, and two black labs, Jozy and Ollie.

Green burial available at St. Joseph Cemetery

Here at St. Joseph Funeral Home, we believe care and conservancy of the environment can continue beyond earthly life. To contribute to the sustainability of the environment, we are proud to be certified by the Green Burial Council in order to provide an eco-friendly burial service for you or your loved one. In order to be resourceful, both financially and environmentally, we avoid

the use of chemicals and offer biodegradable burial containers, although embalming is an option with this service.

Burials are located next to our beautiful Czarnecki Garden. It is flourishing with vibrant colors and is well maintained for the convenience of you and your family. In remembrance of you or a loved one, we provide a brass name plaque, which is located in the area of the burial. This is included in the cost of the service.

We would be happy to

guide you at any time to the exact location of your loved one using a marker based on longitude and latitude that would bring you within inches of where they are buried.

Contact St. Joseph Funeral Home office at (574) 288-4685 for more information. To learn more about green burial, visit greenburialcouncil.org.

Train excursions for family fun

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

Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or a vintage

coach, while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are roundtrip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approxi-

mately 45 minutes.

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

Be sure to tour the museum grounds, where admission is always free. HVRM has one

History Museum opens exhibit on Gettysburg

It was 160 years ago — July 1, 1863 — when advance scouting parties of Union and Confederate forces accidentally came upon one another near the small Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg, resulting in a three-day battle that claimed over 50,000 lives. It is this story being told in The History Museum’s “Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863.” The exhibit will be on view through July 7, 2024.

Gettysburg was a thriving small town in the mid-1860s, with a population of 2,400. On July 1-3, 1863, the Union and the Confederate armies met there and fought one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 provides a day-by-day account of the

advances and retreats of both armies, each of which marched thousands and thousands of soldiers to this battlefield.

Turning Point: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863, chronicles the involvement of officers and soldiers, including the Union’s Major General George Meade and Lieutenant Colonel George Custer as well as the Confederacy’s General Robert E. Lee and Major General George Pickett. The exhibit provides the background of medical crises that prevailed due to the military assaults. It also explores advances that were made because of health issues faced during the war.

Weapons employed during that three-day battle are detailed in the exhibit. Also told is the involvement of the Rev. William Corby, CSC, a Union

Army chaplain attached to the legendary Irish Brigade. Father Corby, who gave general absolution to the troops before the battle, went on to become president of the University of Notre Dame.

The History Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. House tours are available at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $11/adults, $9.50/seniors, $7/youth 6-17, free/members, and includes tours of the 38-room Oliver Mansion. For an additional cost, visitors can also tour the adjoining Studebaker National Museum.

For information, visit historymuseumSB.org or call (574) 235-9664.

of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

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

Santa Trains run in late November and December.

Times and prices for special events vary from regular train excursions. Remember that seating is limited and it is recommended to purchase tickets, in advance, before excursions sell out.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization

Continued on page 19

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

16TH ANNUAL

Pierceton, IN

AUGUST 26, 2023

10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

BROWER PARK & OLD TRAIN DEPOT Downtown St. Rd. 13

5K Run/Walk 9:00 AM

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND VEGETABLE EXHIBIT

KIDS ACTIVITY - ART SHOW - ARTS & CRAFTS

FARMERS MARKET - FOOD VENDORS

HOME-MADE ICE CREAM

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

SPEAKERS - Kosciusko County Soil & Water

Rebekah Bailey “Taste the Wild Side”

Contests & Games Open to the Public:

Tomato Baking Contest

Largest Tomato (Heaviest)

Big Bad and the Ugly (Tomato Worm) Contest

Scavenger Hunt - Cash Prize $250.00

Thank you to our Sponsors

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

It’s refrigerator pickle time

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

Anita’s Refrigerator Pickles

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

20 dill sprigs

2 onions, any type, cut in rounds or diced

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

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

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

1 quart white vinegar

½ cup canning salt

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

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

Quick & Easy Refrigerator Pickles

By Jennifer Segal

Ingredients

1¼ cups distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)

3 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups cold water

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

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

6 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

16 dill sprigs

Instructions

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

2. Stuff the cucumbers into two clean 1-quart jars. Add the coriander seeds, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, dill sprigs, and chilled

brine into jars, dividing evenly. If necessary, add a bit of cold water until the brine covers the cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate about 24 hours, then serve. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month. 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.

Creekside Village

1420 East Douglas, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 307-7200 • www.ASCSeniorCare.com

Short Term Rehabilitation-to-Home Specialization featuring Medicare and Managed Care Skilled Nursing Services and State-of-the-Art Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies. Outpatient Therapy. Beautiful Private and divided Semi-private rooms. Comprehensive Care for longer stays. Pet visitation encouraged.

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Majestic Care

1215 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Phone (574) 247-7400

www.HeritagePointRet.com

20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 272-0100 • www.healthwin.org

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Morningview Assisted Living Residences

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Spacious studio apartments at affordable rates. Services available based on your needs. Respite Care, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies, Medicaid Waiver accepted. Quality Care for Quality Life.

REAL Services receives $10,000 grant

To help strengthen communities facing hardships caused by inflation and continued high prices, REAL Services received a $10,000 grant from the Glick Community Relief Fund, a grant program of Glick Philanthropies that supports local nonprofit organizations providing access to basic needs. The grant was one of 87 totaling $500,000 to organizations supporting communities, where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located dur-

ing this time of heightened demand and economic uncertainty.

The Glick Community Relief Fund focuses on increasing food access, expanding accessible transportation, connecting community members to utility assistance, and prioritizing mental health support.

This grant was one of 60 directed to Indiana-based organizations.

“Glick Philanthropies is committed to offering support

to nonprofit organizations that are providing essential basic needs to our most vulnerable communities,” said Ben Grande, director of philanthropy for Glick Philanthropies.

“The efforts of these organizations are especially critical now as our communities continue to face high prices due to inflation. Our work with the Glick Community Relief Fund allows us to help 87 organizations that are making meaningful contributions to

communities, families, and individuals across the country.”

REAL Services champions the independence, dignity and strength of seniors, families facing financial hardship and those with disabilities. With the additional support from Glick Philanthropies, it will strengthen its services at the 30-plus senior nutrition sites in these communities.

This year marks the eighth year that Glick Philanthropies has administered its property

Grief keeps on rolling

Grief has been compared to the waves in the ocean.

When you’ve just lost your loved one, the waves are stormy and severe as they crash without end on the shore of your world.

As time passes, the waves subside in size and frequency and, over time, may even wash quietly in and out of your con-

sciousness.

Like the waves in the ocean, grief never goes away.

Its effect on mourners differs.

Some folks wail loudly and carry plenty of tissue with them to soak the tears that wash the memories of their loved one that passed away.

Others stoically swallow any emotional displays and make people around them wonder if they really miss the deceased.

Whatever the effect on an

individual, grief is real and usually involves one’s family and friends.

When a spouse dies, for example, the role of family members normally is to help the surviving partner plan details for handling the remains and memorial services as well as facing immediately the bureaucratic government regulations as well as any financial loose ends.

And help each other through

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka

820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com

Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Providence Home by Fir

1410 Deer Run Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 323-4955 • Marketing (574) 339-3244 www.providencehomebyfir.com • cswizek@providencehomebyfir.com Assisted

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com

Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

Saint Joseph Health System - Holy Cross

17475 Dugdale Drive, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 247-7500 • www.sjmed.com

nominated grant program. Through this initiative, over $4 million has been awarded to 242 organizations in communities where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located. This year, food access elevated as the area with the greatest need.

For more information about the work of REAL Services, visit realservices.org. For more information about Glick Philanthropies, visit glickphilanthropies.org.

HOLY CROSS

Offering Rehabilitation and Nursing Care services for seniors, Sanctuary at Holy Cross focuses on wellness for the body, mind and spirit. Our therapies include: aqua, speech, occupational, physical, and therapeutic recreation.

their grief.

Recognizing how to help can be a problem.

Those who have trouble controlling their emotional outbursts usually feel overwhelmed by their grief and see no end to their devastation, making people around them feel unsure about what to do to assuage those feelings.

At the same time, the stoic sufferer many times is seen as cold and uncaring.

Everyone experiences life and living — and death and dying — differently.

If a grief-stricken person has problems leaning on other members of the family for help, grief-support groups are growing in number and can usually be found through one’s church or civic center.

There’s no way to avoid grief when it strikes. The key is to face it head on and let it all out.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com

Southfield Village

6450 Miami Circle, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 231-1000 • www.greencroft.org

Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-OccupationalRespiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/ Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments, Medicare and/or Medicaid

St. Paul’s

3602 S. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 284-9000 • www.sjmed.com/st-pauls

St. Paul’s, a Saint Joseph Health System Life Plan Community in South Bend, provides continuing care that is faith-based, hospitality-rich and wellness-focused. A variety of living options includes affordable Independent Living and Assisted Living apartments and secure Memory Care.

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

530 Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-4310

www.tanglewoodtraceseniorliving.com

Offering Retirement Villas, Independent and Licensed Assisted Living, Therapy Services, Respite Care, Social and Recreational Activities, Pets Welcome, Transportation, Beauty Shop and Spa Services Available.

Bremen

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library offers programs for adults

Below is the MPHPL August calendar of events for adults. All reservations for in-person or Zoom attendance may be secured at (574) 259-5277 or mphpl.org.

Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events. Registration is required for most programs as well as a library card.

In The Community Events

“Chicory Cafe Book Club,” 1011 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. MPHPL continues to host a monthly book club at the Chicory Café, 114 W. First St., Mishawaka. Adults are welcome to join the club and discuss the book of the month.

“The Stationery Shop” by Marjan Kamali can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the

Mishawaka library.

Bittersweet Branch Events

“Yak, Snack and Read: Book Club,” 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8.

“Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simonson, can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

“Make with Us: Plant Specimen Frames,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 14. Spend an hour in this engaging class creating crafts. Each participant will leave with a unique plant specimen frame.

“Bingo,” 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 26. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.

Mishawaka Library Events

“Fresh from the Kitchen:

Pancakes,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. Learn a new spin on this breakfast favorite in the Friends Learning Lab Makerspace; must have a MPHPL library card to register for this program.

“Customize It: Make an Aromatherapy Eye Mask,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

“Mug ‘n’ Muffin Monthly Book Club,” 10:15-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

“Dine with a Book,” 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. Enjoy a night out with dinner and a book. “The Circle” by Dave Eggers can be picked up in advance from the

Mishawaka library front desk.

“Copycat Cooking: Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. This fun cooking program explores popular foods, and you learn to recreate the recipe; must have a library card to register for this program.

“Cooking Classics: Summer Sides,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. Try your hand at creating easy to follow summer recipes; must have a library card to register for this program.

Zoom Only Events

“Take a Trip to Japan on Zoom,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1.

“Virtual Craft Hour: Mini Canvas Painting” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18. A library

staff member will walk patrons through the creation of this craft project from beginning to end. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants.

The MPHPL summer reading challenge wraps up Saturday, Aug. 5. Challenge cards can be picked up at any MPHPL location or can be downloaded online by visiting mphpl.org/summer-reading. All ages can take part. Adult participants must have a library card. All participants completing the challenge can turn in their cards to earn a free book from a pre-selected list. Turning in completed cards also qualifies patrons automatically for an entry to win one of the end-of-summer prizes.

FOR LISTING CALL CATHY AT 1-866-580-1138 EXT. 2402 HEALTH

SERVICES DIRECTORY

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI

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

Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT EDISON LAKES

1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-1866

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250 East Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-8700

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Helping seniors live safely at home. PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

HEARING AID CENTER

NIHC - NORTHERN INDIANA HEARING CENTER

2406 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 383-5595

Willow Creek Office Center

3179 Willow Creek Road, Portage, IN 46368

Starting at $895 each.

Free Hearing test & evaluation. Full service hearing provider. We honor most health insurance including United, EPIC, Medicare Supplement & AARP hearing provider.

WE DO NOT SELL AMPLIFIERS

DENTISTS

HERITAGE POINT ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

1215 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Phone (574) 247-7400

www.HeritagePointRet.com

Licensed Memory Care

24 Hr. Nursing Respite Care

PRINCESS CITY DENTAL CARE

2006 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 259-8571

www.pcdentalcare.com

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HOME CARE SERVICES

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Leaders in Non-Medical Home Care. VA Provider.

Indiana Medicaid Waiver Provider.

Michigan Medicaid Provider. Private Pay. Long-term Care Insurance. Veterans Care Bridge.

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COMFORT KEEPERS

6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

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

HOME INSTEAD 3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479

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

Rhyme and Reason announces fundraising event for new building construction Oct. 6

Rhyme and Reason, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges, has announced an event to raise funds for the construction of its new building in Lakeville.

“A Joyful Heart Comedy Night” will be Oct. 6, at St. Joe Community Center, Leighton’s Auditorium, 304 S. Main St., South Bend.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., entertainment starts at 7 p.m., and doors close at 9:30 p.m.

This campaign aims to provide the community with a unique and inspirational place where individuals facing various challenges can gather, participate in therapeutic activities,

and gain vocational skills.

Rhyme and Reason envisions a fully accessible 83-acre campus nestled amidst mature woods with hiking trails, ponds throughout, and private cabins for tranquil retreats. These features, along with its versatile event center and main house (its headquarters), will serve as a haven for individuals with diverse needs, fostering personal growth, community connection, and skill development. The organization’s mission is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their full potentials.

The fundraising event, hosted by Rhyme and Reason, will be an evening of laughter and philanthropy. Attendees will

enjoy a performance by the comedic duo of Julie and Derrick Tennant, presented by The Love Chromosome, an organization that promotes inclusivity and awareness about Down syndrome and other special needs.

The Tennants understand firsthand that “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) and the benefits from a dose of good clean humor to face life’s challenges. They are renowned for their unique blend of comedy and motivation, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.

Tickets for this special event include a 21% discounted early bird rate of $35.55 per person available until Aug. 21. After the early bird period, tickets are $45 per person. Rhyme and Rea-

son is offering a group rate of $248 for six people, applicable to both the early bird and regular ticket prices.

Follow Rhyme and Reason at facebook.com/rhymeandreasonministry or visit rhymeandreason.net for information. Ticket sales begin Aug. 1 and are available on its website.

Enhancing the overall experience of the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a basket raffle and a 50/50 and enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks during the intermission.

By attending this fundraising event, supporters will not only enjoy an entertaining evening of laughter, but also contribute to the construction of Rhyme and

Reason’s new building, making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges.

About Rhyme And Reason

Rhyme and Reason is a nonprofit organization currently serving six counties across northern Indiana dedicated to supporting individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges. The organization’s mission is to provide a unique and inspirational place where individuals facing various challenges can gather, participate in therapeutic activities, and gain vocational skills. For more information about Rhyme and Reason, visit rhymeandreason.net.

FOR LISTING CALL CATHY AT 1-866-580-1138 EXT. 2402 HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY

NORACARE

1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992

info@noracare.us

www.noracare.us

Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.

HOSPICE CARE

CENTER FOR HOSPICE CARE

501 Comfort Pl., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 243-3100

112 South Center Street, Plymouth (574) 935-4511

22579 Old U.S. 20 East, Elkhart (574) 264-3321

309 W. Johnson Rd., Suite A, LaPorte, IN 46350 (219) 575-7930

1-800-HOSPICE (467-7423)

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Sixties Flashback —

Exploding ducks, enormous knives

When World War II began, Julia McWilliams tried to join the American military but was rejected because of her height. (She stood 6 feet, 2 inches.) The patriotic lady thus became a typist/researcher in the Office of Strategic Services, the fore-

runner of the CIA. Her position took her to China, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and India.

While in Asia, she met fellow American Paul Child, a government worker and gourmand who was unaware that McWilliams had zero cooking skills or

any experience whatsoever in a kitchen. McWilliams later recalled trying to impress Paul Child by fixing a meal, only to have her oven catch fire when a duck she was baking exploded. In spite of this potential deal-breaker to romance, the two married in 1946 and moved to Paris.

Undaunted by her ineptitude, Julia Child set a goal of becoming a master cook. She enrolled in the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, the only female student there. After finishing the rigorous course, she and two friends ran a cooking school out of various Paris apartment kitchens.

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

When the Childs returned to America, they settled in Cambridge, Mass.

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

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

Viewers were charmed by her cheery enthusiasm, her bellowing, warbly voice, and her ability to laugh at herself when she goofed up. (The programs were broadcast live.) “Doing television, you want amusing things,” she explained. “Something fun and unusual. I think

also on television you want to do things loud; people love the ‘whamming’ noises.” Viewers loved the way she ended each episode with a hearty “Bon appétit!”

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

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

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

Not all presidents were lovable

east-west maritime travel time in half.

There are several Presidents history students should study to understand what made the United States of America the dominant global nation. Today’s young people, for the most part, take for granted their country’s position in the world.

It was no accident how we got here. There was a lot of kicking, screaming, name-calling, and even threats of impeachment along the way. The nation’s White House has been occupied by some rather controversial figures.

While the 45th White House occupant, President Donald Trump, was an easy “love him or hate him” subject, he isn’t much different than President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the controversial turn-of-the 20th century president who found himself in the Oval Office due to the assassination of President William McKinley.

Roosevelt was placed in the vice presidency by the Republicans to get rid of him. As governor of New York, he had been such a thorn to old-guard GOP politicians. They wanted to put him where they thought he couldn’t do any harm. It backfired. Once in the presidency, “T.R.” created havoc in both government and business with a vast variety of reforms. Among other monikers, he became known as the “Trust Buster.”

His foreign policy became known as the “Big Stick” foreign policy — “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” He believed in a strong Navy and had its “Great White Fleet” circle the globe to demonstrate our nation’s growing power.

He also oversaw the historic, but controversial, building of the Panama Canal that opened the Atlantic to the Pacific and cut

The other Roosevelt, Franklin D., often has been called America’s greatest president. He served more than 12 years, guiding the nation through the dark years of the 1930s Great Depression into five years of World War II. Many of his policies and actions were challenged in the courts and remain a subject of controversy such as Social Security. But, to date no one has returned their monthly checks.

Arguably, one of our best chief executives was Harry S. Truman. During the 20th century, he was the only high school graduate to become president. Known among detractors as “His Accidency,” Truman became president in 1945 when Roosevelt died a few weeks into his fourth term.

As vice president, Truman wasn’t told about the $2 billion atom-bomb project until he took over the presidency. Five months later, he made the historic decision to drop two bombs on Japan. It remains one of history’s most important, yet controversial decisions.

The Cold War began with Truman and lasted for more than 40 years until President Ronald Reagan caused the Soviet Union to collapse trying to keep up militarily.

Richard Nixon was great on foreign affairs, but dishonest domestically, ending his tenure with a resignation in the wake of Watergate.

If you supported and defended or were upset, confused, baffled, and dismayed with former President Trump, you might try spending a few hours studying our most controversial of presidents, Andrew Jackson.

During the War of 1812, Jackson led a force of inexperienced volunteers against overwhelming British forces to win the Battle

of New Orleans. He had at least two duels during his tumultuous life, and was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, (a title he gave himself), was committed to representing and protecting the “Common Man,” a banner to be carried by several future chief executives. As president between 1829 and 1837. Jackson might have been the closest we’ve had to a dictator. Some presidents have seemed beyond controversial because of instantaneous world-wide mass media, whereas Jackson was more explosive, but only limited media kept the nation informed of that.

Jackson forever changed history in setting the executive branch on an equal footing with

Congress by assuming the ability to shape law and government policies.

He believed the presidency should have broad authority and was widely criticized for expanding its power. Like others, he was known for rewarding his supporters with government jobs.

During his watch both the economy and the Native American population suffered. He was responsible for the moving the indigenous peoples from their traditional home lands in the East to the Oklahoma territory. The movement was known as the “Trail of Tears.”

The placement of Jackson on the $20 bill is ironic. He vehemently opposed paper money while attempting the destruction of the National Bank. He even cautioned about paper

money in his farewell address. Students of history should enjoy comparing Andy Jackson to Donald Trump.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Train excursions

Continued from page 13

dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events (including school groups) can be arranged by contacting the depot.

Visit the Hoosier Valley

Railroad Museum at hoosiervalley.org for a complete schedule of events.

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

It was 50 years ago —

‘Monster Mash’ a Halloween novelty tune

Bobby “Boris” Pickett

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

Pickett sang lead with a Hollywood band called the Cordials. One evening, while

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

And were they ever right!

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

“I was working in the lab late one night

“When my eyes beheld an eerie sight

“For my monster from his slab began to rise

“And suddenly to my surprise

“(He did the Mash)

“He did the Monster Mash

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

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

“He did the Monster Mash.”

The lyrics are, of course, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein.” In Pickett’s rendition, a benevolent monster throws a dance party that features other horrorbased creatures of lore (Dracula, the Wolfman, etc.).

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

his own label, Garpax Records.

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

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

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

Pickett’s novelty became a

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

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

Pickpockets feast on travelers

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

Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly high on the list of most dangerous place for visitors as pickpockets mingle freely with the more than 6 million pilgrims that visit each year.

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

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

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

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

Some restless retire in an RV

Ah, yes, life on the open road that beckoned all through your working life is just around the corner.

You’ve already picked out or about to pick up that RV — recreation vehicle to the unaware — that will transport you and your spouse to any nook or cranny you feel like filling on the spur of the moment. You might even drop in on the grandkids on special occasions.

Not only will you be free to roam, you’re dumping all the chores and woes of owning a home — no more mowing the lawn, putting up storm windows, caulking doorways, replacing rugs, repairing plumbing, and on and on.

It’s been reported that some 1 million American households are contained full time in RVs. More than 30 million households own one.

Atop the list of benefits cited for RV living is the lowered cost of living. Retirees who’ve dumped their mortgages for the RV life admit they’ve had to make lifestyle changes, but they had to make such changes anyhow since their retirement income didn’t match their working-life income. And they don’t have to pay property taxes.

RVers have found there are plenty of places to park. For example, WalMart, Home Depot and Lowes offer overnight stays in most cases. Passes can be purchased for national parks that often provide electrical, water, sewer and cable hookups. Seasoned on-the-roaders have also volunteered their time and talents to national and state parks in exchange for free parking.

You can take the road lesstravelled but you also have to take less stuff since space in your mobile home is limited, which means you’ll spend less money acquiring more stuff. Exploring the highways and byways gives you the opportunity to plan where you want to go and

want to see, although you’ll have to make sure you’re backroad doesn’t pass under any low-lying bridges.

You’re also able to move with the weather. You can fish the northern lakes in summer and zip by colorful autumn leaves to sip seltzer by a southern seashore in winter. You can visit the grandkids en route or they can come camp with you wherever you are.

You can visit those places you’ve always wanted to see whenever you want and stay as long as you want.

Modern technology makes your mobility much easier as GPS has mapped out most of the land. It also can direct you to a host of wineries, museums, parks, post offices and eateries ahead of you.

Which gets us to the subject to food — you can slurp down fresh New England lobster, cram down crab cakes or Cajun food a few days later, and feast on Mexican fare that weekend. And you don’t have to stay “home” since you have motoring access to Canada, Mexico and beyond. Just keep your passport up-to-date.

Before you leap into any new venture, you should take a long look at both the up and down sides.

Right off, there is an assortment of RVs. They range from mammoth bus-sized motorhomes to bouncy two-wheeled pop-up trailers towed behind your car or pickup. The ones you can drive are the most expensive. And driving either a bulky bus or a vehicle towing a trailer is hard work.

Veteran RVers have complained they had to spend a lot of money redecorating and upgrading their quarters.

Insurance coverage gets dicey and pricey depending on what type of vehicle you settle on and, whether you’re towing a trailer or driving your mobile home, your gasoline bill is going to balloon higher.

The cost of health-care insurance and availability of medical

care are major factors to review, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. How do you get to a doctor if you have a heart attack on the road, and

how much will it cost? Where do you pick up your medications?

You also have to monitor and maintain the levels of your shower, sink and drinking water.

Just as important, you’ll have to map out the location of sewage dumping stations because you don’t want that tank to back up.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Take a step back in time at Ford’s Greenfield Village

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

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

realizing it.

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

A highlight for many visitors is taking a ride in a 1900s vintage Model T Ford convertible. These vehicles are originals that were produced just up the road at the Ford Rouge Plant. They’ve been carefully restored and maintained and can carry a total of four passengers. The $10 ride fee is

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well worth it because you get a tour that includes some historical snippets from the driver about the auto you’re riding in, Henry Ford and the various buildings you’re passing.

After the Model T tour, walk over to the 1913 carousel and choose one of the colorful animals to ride. Just a block away is the building that originally housed the Wright Brothers bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Learn how they made the big step from making and repairing bikes to constructing an airplane and making the world’s first sustained flight of a heavier-than-air craft in Kitty Hawk, N.C., in December 1903.

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

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

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

In the late 1920s, Ford was the primary collector of Americana in the world. He was also gathering technological things for the museum, which is next door to the Village. An academy for 25 gifted students is still operating.

Among the famous buildings are the birthplace of William

Continued on page 23

Take a

Continued from page 22

Homes McGuffey who published the McGuffey Reader for children and the McGuffey School, George Washington Carver’s cabin, the home

of Robert Frost, the Noah Webster home, Hermitage slave quarters and a cottage and foundry imported from England. Greenfield Village is a place

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

Yikes! Uncomfortable feelings ahead

When someone experiences a loss, they are flooded with emotions. The list would include difficult, uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, loneliness, defeat and frustration. All these emotions are normal and natural. If you are feeling these emotions, it is okay; your feelings are valid.

One way to know your feelings are valid is to talk to others. That may be easier said

than done. There are many reasons we don’t talk and share our true thoughts. One reason is that talking about uncomfortable feelings is, well, uncomfortable. As humans, we don’t want to feel uncomfortable, so we often ignore those difficult emotions. When we don’t talk, those emotions can take on a weight, which can hold us down. Talking truly takes a weight off our shoulders.

Another reason we don’t talk is because we don’t want to burden others. I hope you can hear that you are not a burden.

The people who care for you want to be there for you and want to know what is going on with you.

It takes courage to open up and share honestly with another. You may find the person you are talking with is unable to talk about difficult emotions. Don’t be discouraged and don’t stop talking. Find another person to share your thoughts.

You may need to tell the person you are communicating

with that they don’t have to solve your problems. Humans are fixers. Let them know that you are just needing to vent and share and you just need them to listen.

Look for people who are in a similar situation. If you have lost a spouse, go to a support group with others who have lost a loved one. Attend activities at a local senior center or community center. When someone has had the same

experience as you, they won’t be afraid of those uncomfortable emotions and will truly understand.

Life is full of ups and downs, hurts and joys. Life is better when we can talk and be heard. Relationships are strengthened, and we know we are not alone.

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Cash in on the new millennium memories

The collectible craze picked up new impetus with the passage of the millennium mark and accelerates as we settle into the 21st century.

It is time to look at the junk in your attic or garage with a bit of greed in your gaze. You’re going to have to clean out that space sooner or later, so you may as well glean the good from the trash. And the good will be divided into “Want to Keep” and “For Sale.” You may want to give some of the trash a for-sale try before junking it.

The first group includes those private and personal items that bring back memories you don’t want to toss out or articles you know you’ll use someday — clamps for the garden hose, a basketball hoop

you’ll put up for the grandchildren, an old sports uniform you might be able to wear to a costume party. How about that old telephone you didn’t throw out.

The most interesting category is the Junque, which can be sold. Those old tail lights from your 1960s Mustang might find a buyer at a nearby auto-parts supplier. Better still, track down a Mustang collectors’ club. The internet is a handy tool for this work.

It’s been written that an antique is anything older than you are. That’s still true, but collectibles broaden the range immeasurably.

The centerfolds from every issue of Playboy or the annual edition of the magazine can bring in a pleasing bit of cash.

Covers of Life, and Saturday Evening Post also are coveted in some circles.

Levis from the ‘50s — the kind you roll up at the cuff — are marketable. So are 78-rpm records, World War II uniforms, old bicycles, coins, fedoras, wooden skis, iceboxes, autographs, straight razors and anything else that isn’t being made anymore.

As smokers near extinction, cigarette lighters and ashtrays are rising in collectible value. Those handy Zippo flip-lid lighters have developed a faithful following. So have souvenirs of Pan Am and Eastern and other airline companies that no longer exist.

The better the condition of any of these items, the better the price you can get for it.

Stories about the trading of sports memorabilia have moved from the sports pages to the business sections as prices have spiraled stratospherically. So much so that fakes have been sprayed into the market and made small fortunes for the copycat crooks.

Check your book pile for first editions before bundling them up as a donation for the nearest library. Posters, old jewelry, out-of-production cameras, ancient typewriters, old picture frames, hub caps, fountain pens, book ends — they’re all possible collectibles.

Barbie Dolls in their original wrap, vintage games that have never been taken out of the box, and never-before played Beatle albums can make it worth your while to seek out buyers.

Swap meets, flea markets and yard sales are not your only venue to turn attic trash into cash.

If you have a pretty good idea of the worth of your antique or collectible, place an ad in a newsletter published by an organization interested in those items.

While everyone else is thinking about collecting the last whatever of the century or the first thingamajig of the new millennium, you can be thinking about how to make money from selling what you’ve collected to everyone else who’s thinking of collecting.