Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - July 2024

Stancati changes lives, including her own

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

“The best part of my job is when someone ‘gets’ it and goes on to become productive mothers, fathers, sons, daughters ... citizens!” explained Maria Stancati, executive director of Dismas House, a transitional home and program for citizens reintegrating into society from incarceration. “Yes, we are a house full of felons — but that doesn’t make us bad people. We’re just people who made mistakes. Dismas House is just a family!”

Stancati earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in communications from St. Mary’s of Orchard Lake. She continued her education at Purdue Northwestern, where she earned a Master’s degree in communication.

As she was studying for her Master’s degree, Stancati worked as a permanent building substitute teacher at Clay High School. She received her teaching certificate from

Indiana University South Bend and taught for nearly a decade between Clay High School, Edison Intermediate, Navarre Intermediate and Elkhart Memorial.

“(But) my life then dramatically changed and I was sentenced to serve one year at Rockville Women’s Penitentiary,” Stancati mentioned. “Judge Freese then modified my sentence to Dismas House and day reporting at DuComb Center.”

Maria Kaczmarek-McGirr, former executive director of Dismas House, took Stancati to a South Bend Rotary Club meeting where she met Debie Coble. Coble offered Stancati a part-time temporary position as a case manager for the 2nd Chance Program at Goodwill Industries of Northern Indiana in June 2011. By August of the same year, she was offered the position as permanent full-time.

“In May 2012, I was promoted again to business services representative,” Stancati gleamed. “I loved going to talk to businesses

about my clients and when they stated that they had once hired a returning citizen, but it didn’t work out so they wouldn’t hire another one. I would ask if they would hire me and usually they said ‘yes.’ I would reply, ‘I’ve got a felony, so can you please change your view on returning citizens?”

Stancati graduated from the Dismas Program in 2011 and continued to volunteer to cook a meal once a month with her friends who had also recently graduated from the program. She joined the Dismas House Board of Directors in 2012 and resigned just a few years later in 2014 so she could accept a program director job. Stancati officially became the executive director of Dismas House in 2018.

“Dismas House has already evolved into our own nonprofit under my leadership,” Stancati explained. Her first official business as executive director was to separate Dismas House from Dismas Inc. in Nashville, Tenn. “I would love to see more

Dismas Houses open throughout the state!”

Dismas House typically accepts individuals from Parole District 8, which includes St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Starke, Pulaski, Fulton, White, Cass, Miami, Wabash, Howard and Tipton counties, but Dismas can accept individuals from other areas in Indiana as long as applicants have ties to the community.

repeated history of violence.

For more information about Dimas House, call (574) 2338522 or visit dismashouseofindiana.org/what-we-do/ and dismashouseofindiana.org/whowe-are/. For more information about volunteer opportunities at Dismas House, visit dismashouseofindiana.org/volunteerwith-us/.

Generally, Dismas helps people transition from incarceration, but can house individuals on community corrections or transition programs and those court ordered by judges. Dismas House does not take sex offenders, arsonists or people with a

“When someone first arrives at Dismas, I give them a big hug and tell them, ‘welcome home!’ Dismas is their home. Sometimes it’s someone’s first home — some people grew up couch surfing with their mom, dad or parents,” Stancati explained. “I am passionate about the Dismas program because it works!”

DISMAS HOUSE ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER Maria Stancati, executive director of Dismas House, is shown at the 37th Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction held in April. As a nonprofit, almost half of Dismas House’s budget comes from individual donations. Photo provided by Maria Stancati.

Unity Gardens provide fresh produce and community

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

With the ever increasing price of groceries, fresh produce, now more than ever, has become inaccessible for many community members and their families. The Unity Gardens aim to fight the inaccessibility of fresh, healthy groceries by offering it to be picked for free. There are approximately 40 Unity Gardens stretched across St. Joseph county and surrounding communities that are lush with free, pickable, healthy produce.

“Unity Gardens are like an edible park where the community has unencumbered access to fresh, healthy food and nurturing green space,” Sara Stewart, executive director of the Unity Gardens, explained. “Unity Gardens is a cultural value shift where everyone grows food that is free to pick for all.”

Each Unity Garden can choose which produce it would like to grow, so produce varies from garden to garden.

The main garden, LaSalle Square Unity Garden at 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend, lives on about seven acres of rows of crops, orchard, native plantings, chickens and goats and an accessibility garden. Unity Gardens are open 24 hours a day, but are staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday to help community members find whatever produce they are looking for.

At the main garden, pickers will find produce such as lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peppers

and tomatoes, among other items.

However, at St. Andrews Unity Garden, 52455 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, pickers will find produce such as Greek pepperocini, Jamaican scotch bonnett, carrots and black beauty squash.

The variety allows community members to try a bunch of new produce that local supermarkets may not carry.

Unity Gardens’ mission is simple: to improve community health.

To find a list of the area’s Unity Gardens, visit theunitygardens.org/gardens.html.

“Food is a fundamental issue,” Stewart mentioned. “Having a resource like Unity Gardens helps bridge the gap of food insecurity while also unifying and building community. There’s no judgment here.”

In addition to providing

fresh produce, Unity Gardens offers a variety of classes that are free and open to anyone. Classes are typically 60 to 90 minutes long and are hosted at the Welcome Center, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend. Classes include Yoga in the Garden, Lunch ‘n Learn, Garden Party Workshops, Revolutionary Leadership, Career Preparedness Workshop and Art in the Garden. For more information about what classes and events Unity Garden has to offer, visit theunitygardens.org/events.html.

Volunteers are the life blood of Unity Gardens. Volunteering at Unity Gardens is a great way to get outdoors, breathe fresh air and pour love back into your community. Working in the garden is a day-by-day activity, depending on what the weather has in store.

Volunteer work can range

from starting seeds into pots, weeding, mulching paths, painting signs and everything in between. Volunteers are asked to wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty, closed-toed shoes, sunblock and bug spray. Unity Gardens provides gardening gloves and any tools or equipment needed.

For more information about Unity Gardens, classes and events or volunteer opportunities, contact Sara Stewart by calling or texting (574) 315-4361 or by emailing sara@ theunitygardens.org.

CLASSES AND EVENTS Unity Gardens offers a jam packed event calendar full of free classes that all community members are encouraged to participate in. Classes range from Yoga

Center, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend. Photo provided by Sara Stewart.

DIGGING AND PLANTING Sara Stewart, executive director of Unity Gardens, works on digging and planting more fresh produce at the main Unity Garden. Photo provided by Sara Stewart.

Michalos born into ‘a family of volunteers’

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

Barbara Michalos, a lifelong South Bend resident, was born into “a family of volunteers.” Her mother was a member of Tri Kappa Sorority and her father was a Cub Scout leader and volunteer Little League coach.

“As a grade schooler, I remember filling shoe boxes full of toiletries for the nursing

home residents at the holidays, visiting members of the nursing home and collecting items to be donated along with other family volunteer opportunities,” Michalos reminisced. “In high school, I was a Candy Striper, delivering floral arrangements and magazines to patients in local hospitals, and was a volunteer swim coach with Special Olympics Indiana. While attending Ball State University, I was a den mother for a group

CORPORATE OFFICE

of kids with disabilities with Cub Scouts and volunteered in the preschool program at Logan Center. As my children entered school and activities, I volunteered to support their interests.”

Currently, Michalos fills her time by acting as the president of the board of directors at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, and she is on a local volunteer committee to bring a Miracle League Park to Mishawaka.

Until recently, Michalos has been a lifelong dog owner. As a child, she had a dog, guinea pigs, and her siblings raised chickens and rabbits for 4-H. As her children grew up, they had a dog, cats and kittens and hamsters.

“I can tell you that our pets provided companionship and comfort, and having them was a great teacher of routine and responsibility to our children,” Michalos explained. “Most of all, they brought joy and laughter to our family and friends.”

Michalos took her passion for animals to a volunteer opportunity at the HSSJC in 2006 because her daughter, Megan, was interested in a volunteer position while she was in high school because she was planning to pursue a degree in Animal Sciences.

rescues in Indiana and Illinois.

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EDITORIAL DEADLINES

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Although there is no “typical” day in her volunteering, some of Michalos’ usual duties include fundraising, event planning, day-of-event volunteering, dishwashing, laundry, cleaning cat cages, walking dogs and providing cat enrichment. She has also been responsible for transporting animals to various

“Two rats, a rabbit and a bird have shared my back seat to the Indy area on a transport,” Michalos shared with a chuckle. Without the help of volunteers, many not-for-profit organizations would cease to exist. According to Double The Donation, one-third of the nonprofit workforce are volunteers and 62% of surveyed nonprofits state recruiting volunteers is “a big problem.”

“It is so important that we serve as volunteer role models for the younger generation,” Michalos stated. “Volunteering allows you to make a difference in your community, making it a better place for all. You are able to make a positive contribution to the greater good. Our communities offer so many options to positively impact the lives of others, whether two- or fourlegged.”x

The night disco didn’t die

Sometimes a promotional stunt can work too well.

soon loudly demolishing records during their on-air shifts.

On a July evening in 1979, a melee ensued at Chicago’s Cominskey Park that resulted in six people being injured and 39 being arrested for disorderly conduct. Why?

By RANDAL C. HILL

During a stunt called Disco Demolition Night, thousands of attendees stormed the diamond following the first game of a double-header between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. With many rioters amped-up on beer and drugs, rowdies tore up turf, set infield fires, climbed foul poles, upended the batting case, and (literally) stole the bases. Police in riot gear intervened, and the White Sox had to forfeit the second game.

The year before, irreverent Chicago radio DJ Steve Dahl had helmed the highly rated “Steve Dahl’s Rude Awakening” show on Top 40 powerhouse WDAIFM. But near the end of 1978, WDAI switched formats from rock ‘n’ roll to disco music — and fired Dahl on Christmas Eve. He was devastated and immediately focused his anger on a music form he had always despised.

Disco, pioneered by gays, Blacks and Latinos, had risen from the 1970s underground into the mainstream following the success of such recording artists as Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and KC and the Sunshine Band, as well as the commercial clout of the film and soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever.”

In March 1979, still distraught about disco’s influence, Dhal landed a morning gig at Chicago album-rock outlet WLUP-FM. He and the overnight DJ there (a fellow disco-music hater) were

With some other radio pals — and the son of the White Sox’s owner — Dahl created a promotion idea he thought could grant him heroic status: He would destroy disco music forever, while at the same time raising the often-pitiful attendance figures at Cominskey Park. (The 52,000-capacity stadium usually drew crowds of about 16,000 on any given White Sox game day.)

Set for July 12, the DJ’s scheme was labeled Disco Demolition Night.

The admission charge that night was a disco record and 98 cents (WLUP-FM’s frequency was 98.0). Dahl’s scheme had called for the collecting of the records, piling them into a dumpster in center field, and blowing everything to smithereens. Dahl hoped the stunt might draw a

few thousand extra folks to the park. Wrong. On the night of July 12, Cominskey Park sold out, with 40,000 restless souls milling about outside.

With the first game over (the White Sox lost 4-1), Dahl, in military regalia, circled the

playing field in a Jeep before whipping the crowd into a frenzy with chants of “Disco Sucks!”

The “fun” began when a powerful explosive charge set off in the dumpster rocketed thousands of discs into the sky.

Dahl’s escapade didn’t end

disco’s reign, any more than Buddy Holly’s death marked “the day the music died.” By the early 1980s, disco’s popularity had faded, but because of changing musical trends and not one rock jock’s stunt gone awry one Chicago evening many years ago.

A STUNT Disco Demolition Night was a promotional stunt to end disco music by DJ Steve Dahl and others who disliked disco music. The event took place in a double header at Cominskey Park between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. Photo provided.

Celebrate your independence with Social Security

• Change your address. (Social Security beneficiaries

• Get a replacement SSA1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.

• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.

You can create your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Our blog at blog.ssa.gov features news and information about our programs and services. You can subscribe and get notified each time we post a new blog so you can stay informed. From the blog, you can also connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

With so many services and helpful information available online, we are here for you when you need us. Learn more at ssa.gov.

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE Celebrate independence with Social Security’s online resources like the Social Security Statement and the benefits estimator tool that helps people not yet receiving benefits. Photo provided by Social Security.

Avoid potential headaches with a proper estate plan

Historically, wealth is squandered within three generations because families deal with real-life issues such as these:

• Lawsuits

• Divorce

• Bankruptcy

• Nursing home expense

• Family disputes

Any one of these occurrences can hit home and wipe out an entire inheritance in just one generation! Plan now for both the financial and non-financial components of passing your legacy to the next generation.

You and your surviving family members will have a number of burdens and fears put to rest if your legacy can be planned with some of these potential stumbling blocks in mind:

• If your surviving spouse gets remarried, your children’s inheritance can be lost and other common mistakes made with blended families. In the

event your surviving spouse remarries, a new set of pitfalls can arise that could have your hard-earned assets going to the new spouse instead of your children and future beneficiaries.

• How your beneficiaries can fall victim to divorces (“ex” in-laws), lawsuits or inexperienced financial decisions.

Most people give their assets outright to their heirs when they and their spouse are gone … this is a huge mistake! This type of planning almost always fails to protect your loved ones from these real-life occurrences.

• How your family can be torn apart over something as seemingly minor as “who gets Grandmother’s quilt.”

The biggest fights in families aren’t about money, stocks or real estate. They are about the little things that hold memo-

By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Granger

ries. The most traditional estate plans fail to protect and pass on these valuable items.

Most families also find it important to preserve the wisdom, life lessons and history of the family. Traditional estate planning does not address these non-financial assets. Having a proper estate plan will help you to avoid your own potential hidden headaches by helping you protect your family and your legacy. Our goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to ensure that none of these life-wrenching events happen to you or your fam-

ily. Since our practice focuses exclusively on elder law and estate planning, it is our priority to be on top of the continuous changes in the law and techniques we can make available to you. Learn more about the benefits and protections of an estate plan by attending our estate planning/medicaid planning seminar at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Granger, at 6 p.m. Monday, July 22; or 6 p.m. Monday, July 29. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call now: (800) 303-7423, or visit our website at riceandrice.com to RSVP.

Michiana Italian American History Project stories, memories sought

The DeAmicis Society, DiLoreto Club, Italian American Relief Association, and Italian American Heritage Society of Notre Dame/Michiana, in conjunction with Italia-Michiana, are seeking stories and memories for the Michiana Italian American History Project.

A website, italia-michiana. com, has been developed for individuals wishing to provide information. A form is available on its website and can be downloaded and either emailed to info@italia-michiana.com or dropped off at any of the sponsoring clubs.

Information provided to the Michiana Italian American History Project will be con-

sidered for an exhibit, which is opening at The History Museum Aug. 3. To be considered, information must be provided by July 1.

In addition, data will continually be collected and added to the Italia-Michiana database. By submitting information, individuals agree to having it published and displayed; however, no personal details, including telephone numbers, email addresses, and street addresses, will be released.

• Information being sought includes:

• Names of family and their Italian origins

• Occupations

• Businesses owned

• Immigration history (year, where settled)

• Significant events

• Accomplishments and awards

• Family stories and traditions

• Memories of growing up Italian American

• Photographs

A second phase of collecting Italian American history involves filming individuals and groups telling their stories. The vision is to produce a video documentary, with assistance of members of the Italian Studies Program at the University of Notre Dame.

For information, visit italiamichiana.com.

It’s always softball season somewhere

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

For South Bend native Don Torok, life is focused on either playing softball or getting in shape for softball. Torok, 73, has been playing in a senior league in the Michiana area since the turn of the century.

“You don’t come out to play softball to get in shape, you get in shape to play softball,” Torok said. “My thing that helps me is I try to stay in shape throughout the whole year. That’s how I know that when I come out to play I won’t hurt myself.”

Torok plays in a league for adults over the age of 62 and for adults over 52 at the Byers Softball Complex. The facility is located off of Mayflower Road on the west side of South Bend.

The league for people 52 and over is nicknamed the “junior league,” something Torok says he

hopes to participate in another year.

“I can stick with them maybe another year or two,” Torok said. “I am playing with guys 20 years younger than me, some of them are.”

Torok graduated from South Bend Saint Joseph High School in 1969 and would join a softball league in the 70s. He says success for his adult softball teams was not hard to find.

“We were a pretty good team. As a matter of fact, we qualified for the regionals. National regionals in Ohio,” Torok said.

“I think we got in either first or second place in a tournament in Indiana. It was fun though, we went pretty far for it just being a local team.”

For Torok, softball is not just a summer activity. He plays during the winter, too, in sunny Florida.

“I’m what they call a snowbird player,” Torok said. “Now they

have 300 players total in that league.”

Being over 70, Torok has surprised teammates with the distance he can hit a pitch. He says he has hit close to 250’ over the shorter wall designated for the senior leagues.

On defense, Torok can be spotted playing shortstop, a position that typically requires the most amount of athleticism. His secret is to stay active and be intentional about his health.

“In your mind, when you come out here and you’re running you think you’re 20 years younger and you’re not. I do a lot of stretching. I try to keep my weight down. You have to do that if you want to keep on playing, at least competitively.”

He played at the senior league in Mishawaka for close to 20 years before making the two leagues at the Byers complex his softball home in the last

I did an about face

Torok

two years.

Torok says he has seen occasions where the league has helped a senior citizen athlete discover a health issue before it became critical.

“We had a couple guys where if they were not playing softball they might be dead. They found out they had a heart problem. They went to check it out and found a blockage,” Torok said.

Torok encourages seniors in

the area to find a team sport to play and a league to join. While everyone wants to win, he says the relationships built through the league matters the most.

“Two weeks later you can’t remember if you won or lost,” Torok said. “It’s nice to have the camaraderie, get to know the guys. It’s fun, it’s a social thing, too. You look forward to it and it gets you out and it gets you moving.”

By DICK WOLFSIE

I’m a little compulsive about credit cards, so I go to the appropriate website every morning to see what we owe and then check our bank balance. It’s a quick routine, made even easier by the facial recognition programs that eliminate the need for passwords.

But this morning, they didn’t know me.

Face not recognized. Try again.

Try what again? All I did was look at my smartphone. It’s not like entering your password incorrectly. I couldn’t have entered the wrong face. Okay, I’ll try one more time.

Face still not recognized. Try again.

Worried, I raced into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. My hair was askew. I needed a shave, and I had huge bags under my eyes. Who is that, I wondered? I didn’t even recognize myself. But I needed to know my balance. I combed my hair, shaved, and applied a little of my wife’s foundation under my eyes. This had to work. But no.

Your face is really not recognized this time. Use password.

Mary Ellen was in the kitchen having coffee. I walked over to the table. “Who are you?” she asked. “You never look this good in the morning. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“That’s what the bank said.”

“You’ve been to the bank already?”

As you may recall, my wife is very security minded. She told me that using facial recognition on my smartphone is not safe. I wondered why.

“Because, Dick, if you are

robbed, the thief may just ask you to look into the phone and then he can check our bank account and what we owe on our credit cards.”

“Mary Ellen, he’s going to rob me whether we have an overdue balance or not. What will he think: I can’t rob this guy; he only has $122 in his checking account. He owes Comcast Cable $160.”

“Well, I don’t like the whole idea. And, by the way, it wouldn’t work for me, anyway. I’d have to wait every morning to check our balance until I had makeup on.”

I wasn’t getting anywhere with Mary Ellen, so I called my friend, Bob.

“Bob, it’s Dick. I have a problem. I’m not being recognized.”

“Of course, you haven’t been on TV in four years and you don’t have a famous dog anymore.”

“I don’t mean recognized on

the street. I mean recognized by the bank. Do they recognize you at the bank?”

“Of course, they recognize me. I’m 6’4” and completely bald.”

“Bob, I’m going to try this one more time. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is check my balance…”

“At your age, good idea. Get out of bed slowly.”

That day I had an appointment with my barber. I brought an old photo of myself before all this trouble started. I showed it to Buddy and told him I wanted to look just like I do in this selfie.

“Dick, I can’t do that. First of all, your hair is all gray now and you have less of it, and I can’t give you sideburns.”

The next morning, I tried again, but still no luck. I tried again and again. There was only one solution.

I had to reset my face.

Photo by Nathan Pace.

NUTSHELL

Was ‘Please Come to Boston’

Dave Loggins

Was “Please Come to Boston” a true story? Let’s find out.

David Allen Loggins was born in 1947 in Mountain City, Tenn.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

A second cousin to musician Kenny Loggins (“Footloose”), after high school Loggins sold insurance before deciding to become a professional singer/guitarist/songwriter.

In 1972, he contracted with Nashville’s Vanguard Records as a solo artist. His album “Personal Belongings” tanked, but Three Dog Night lifted one of Loggins’s LP’s tracks — “Pieces of April” — which became the group’s 14th Top 20 hit. (A YouTube comparison, though, shows that Loggins had the superior version.)

“Pieces of April,” however, did nothing to advance the

brand name of Dave Loggins, so he pressed on. In 1974, Epic Records had him record the album “Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop).” “Please Come to Boston” became the lead-off single, and that held the key to Loggin’s (fleeting) success.

In the ballad, a travelingmusician narrator pleads with the love of his life back home to join him on the tour road:

“Please come to Boston for the springtime

“I’m stayin’ here with some friends

And they’ve got lots of room”

Then

“Please come to Denver with the snowfall

”We’ll move up into the mountains so far

“That we can’t be found”

And finally

“Please come to L.A. to live forever

“A California life alone

“Is just too hard to bear”

The woman he misses may love the vagabond, but she always refuses to join him:

“And she said, Hey, ramblin’ boy

“Now won’t you settle

down?

“There ain’t no gold and there ain’t nobody like me

“I’m the Number One fan of the man from Tennessee”

Near the tale’s end, the narrator comes clean about how conflicted he is about his situation:

“Now this drifter’s world goes ‘round and ‘round

“And I doubt it’s ever gonna stop

“But of all the dreams I’ve lost or found

“And all that I ain’t got

“I still need to lean to

“Somebody I can sing to”

His lone Top 5 hit explores the tension tug-of-war between a musician’s yearning for the tour road and the desire for a stable relationship; Loggins’s inspiration for the song followed a 1972 tour with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (“Mr. Bojangles”) that included stops in Boston, Denver and Los Angeles, all locales new to Loggins.

As with so many other story-songs—“Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Honey,” “The Boxer” — music fans often wonder if such tear-jerkers are based on truth or are created from scratch. “The story is almost

true,” the Grammy-nominated Loggins explains, “except that there wasn’t anyone waiting, so I made her up, in effect making the longing for someone stronger. It was a recap to my first trip to each of these cities and out of innocence. That was how

I saw each one. The fact of having no one to come home to made the chorus easy to write.”

Were “Cat’s in the Cradle,” “Honey” and “The Boxer” true tales? Nope, each creation was also a well-crafted work of pure fiction.

Professional Services

Understanding probate basics

Probate is the legal process that takes place after a person’s death to authenticate their will, settle debts, and distribute assets. Probate can be a lengthy, expensive, and public process that you may want to avoid for the sake of your loved ones.

Probate can be an expensive process, with court fees, legal fees, and other expenses putting a burden on your estate. The executor of your will must allocate a portion of your assets to cover these expenses, reducing the amount that beneficiaries will receive. These fees and expenses will vary depending on the size of your estate, location, and legal requirements.

Probate is a public process. Court documents with your beneficiaries’ names, addresses, and other confidential information will be exposed. This lack of privacy

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can lead to unwanted attention, including solicitation from creditors or scammers. Through efficient estate planning, you can limit the assets that go through probate, or even bypass it altogether, safeguarding your estate and ensuring a smoother transition of assets to your beneficiaries.

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Q. Where are Senior Life Newspapers distributed?

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!

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

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.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra celebrates the country’s independence with the Shein Trust Community Series “Salute to Freedom” concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Under the baton of Music Director Alastair Willis, the orchestra will captivate audiences with patriotic tunes, tributes to the armed forces, popular songs, and a special performance by South Bend’s Danny Lerman. This is a

free, family-friendly concert.

Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake: Backyard Pollinator Habitats, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, Spicer Lake Nature Preserve, New Carlisle. Discover how to provide important habitat for pollinators right in your own backyard. The presentation will be followed by a potluck supper and a brief meeting where you can hear updates about volunteer opportunities and other ways the Friends organization supports the parks. Free and bring a dish to pass.

—o—

Simplicity Night Hike, 8-10

p.m. Friday, July 12, Brown Barn, 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend. Celebrate National Simplicity Day by ending your evening with a night hike. Take a leisurely

stroll on the trails and then relax by the fire. Bring your favorite beverage in a mug and pair it with provided cheese and crackers. Cost: $5 per person. Registration and payment required by July 10. Call (574) 654-3155 to register.

—o—

Evening paddle, 6-8 p.m. July 17, at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park, Osceola. End your day by taking a leisurely kayak trip. Enjoy two hours of paddling on the serene waters of Baugo Creek. Other evening paddle opportunity is Aug. 7. Registration and payment required by July 15. Call (574) 654-3155 to register. Cost: $20 per person. Explore on your own or canoe/ kayak the St. Joseph River. Enjoy a short trip form Keller Park to

St. Patrick’s County Park. Arrive at St. Patrick’s County Park at 7 a.m. The shuttle departs for Keller Park at 7:30 a.m. Space is limited. Registration and payment required by July 10.

To register or check availability, call (574) 654-3155. Other early bird opportunity this summer is Aug. 10. No gate fee until 10 a.m.

Cost: $20 per vessel for early bird canoe/kayak.

—o—

Nature On the Go at the River Ramble, 1- 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, St. Patrick’s County Park, South Bend.

Drop in on a nature-themed program at a unique outdoor play park, the River Ramble. Activities are geared toward families and include a nature-themed craft. Free but pay gate fee.

Looking good feels good

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

When you look good, you feel good.

While you don’t necessarily feel terrible when you look lousy, you probably would feel a lot better if you looked better.

In other words, clothes do help make the man, or woman. And you can make yourself feel better by dressing better around the house.

Just because you live alone and don’t go out much (you should be going out more, by the way) doesn’t mean you should shrug around the house in an old bathrobe or housecoat and

shabby slippers. You can be just as comfortable in some complimentary clothing. You’ll feel better by donning a pair of slacks, comfortable shirt, and casual shoes, or, if you’re a woman, a lively skirt, bright blouse, and comfortable shoes.

You will probably feel a lot more like getting out and about, which will enrich your life because others will react to your enhanced physical and psychic personality.

The daily routine of getting dressed is an opportunity to express yourself and strengthen your feelings of self worth. While aging decreases the ease at which these and other chores can be

done, so do such infirmities and arthritis, stroke, and loss of vision.

To get you started on this simple road to self-esteem, go through your wardrobe and toss out anything that’s worn, dated or doesn’t fit.

Organize what’s remaining by color so your selection for the day will be made easier. Put matching slacks, shirts, blouses, and sweaters together.

If you’re having problems with buttons and other clothing closures, take your existing wardrobe to a tailor to replace them with Velcro closings and larger zippers. You can also sew loops into

Living Apartment

the sides of slacks, skirts, and underwear so they can be pulled up easily with a finger.

Now go shop for clothing to fill the gaps. Look for garments with Velcro closures, and large zippers or snaps, or slacks and skirts with elastic waist bands. Buy tops with large neck openings to slip over your head easily. Consider such accessories as clip-on ties and ponchos.

Shoes can be a half size larger to accommodate aching and stiffening feet. Larger clothing can also be more comfortable without looking baggy or illfitting.

Give yourself plenty of time to

“Birdies, Brews and Bites,” Mishawaka Business Association’s annual golf outing, will be Wednesday, Aug. 21, at EberhartPetro Municipal Golf Course. Lunch will be at noon and scramble start is at 1 p.m. For information, visit mishawakabusiness.org.

—o—

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays, seated strength; 11:15 a.m. Mondays, breath works; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Mary’s Garden Club; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Knitting Krew; 9 a.m. Fridays, Walking Club.

dress in the mornings. It should be a statement — “Look, here I am!” — not a chore.

There are some simple grooming steps you can take to make yourself look, and feel, better.

Keep your hair cut short. It’s much easier to wash, dry and care for. Toss out the old safety razor and get yourself a rechargeable electric shaver. This cuts down on the nicks and cuts caused by shaking or arthritic hands.

And keep your teeth clean. Gum disease, plaque, and cavities still can be avoided with daily brushing and flossing.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Barrett believes healing from grief starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“Losing a child at any age is devastating,” stated Karen Barrett, South Bend. “When I lost my daughter, Amy, she was 45, I was grief stricken. But I also was filled with peace at her passing. I believe healing from grief starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ. He gives us the comfort we need when we are struggling.”

With a smile, Barrett shared, “In 2020, my grandson was getting ready to leave our house. My typical parting words were usually, ‘You’re my number one best boy.’ Yet, at that time when I was saying this, the Lord touched my heart. ‘I’m supposed to be number

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one in your life,’ he reminded me. I dedicated my life to him that moment and spent the next year in heavy Bible study. God was getting me ready for the crisis.”

In 2021, Amy got sick.

“She was so uncomfortable and was suffering so much. It was frustrating for all of us, because the doctors couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was wrong with her. She passed away June 2021,” she said.

Barrett, who has a mystical relationship with the Lord, had a dream that was very comforting.

“I saw Amy in heaven and knew God was taking care of her,” she said.

Looking with spiritual eyes, Barrett saw God’s fingerprints in what could have been viewed as a family tragedy.

“My grandson, Amy’s son, quit school and moved in with his other grandparents. But as he processed his grief, his life changed. He finished high school and enrolled in college,” she said.

Life also changed for Barrett and her husband.

“Charlie and I began attending a GriefShare support group at our church. Eventually, we ended up leading a few groups. We’ve made lasting friendships with people in the groups,” she said.

Barrett and one of the ladies who attended GriefShare have come together to structure an AfterGrief support group.”

One of the things Barrett has learned in reaching out to those in grief is to listen first.

“I’ll ask them to tell me the fun things they did with their loved one. I might ask them to tell me their loved one’s best qualities, just letting them open up about their relationship with the person,” she said.

When they come to the point

of asking why the death happened, Barrett will challenge them.

“I ask them if they are a believer in Jesus Christ. If they are, I’ll explain that God has a plan for each of our lives. When they are feeling sad and lonely, they need to lean in and trust God,” Barrett said.

One of the people she was consoling was sitting beside his teenage daughter. He remarked that since losing his wife, he had nothing to live for.

“I reminded him that his daughter loves and needs him, especially in her grief. Sometimes people need to be reminded that they have a responsibility to other family members,” she said.

Barrett and her husband, Charlie, have been married for 31 years.

“Our feelings are fickle,” she explained. “If I were depending on my feelings, our marriage would have had some bumpy roads. The key to a happy marriage is a great deal of prayer and commitment. We’re in it for the long haul.”

The Barretts have three

daughters, six grandchildren, with one on the way, and five great-grandchildren.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” Barrett concluded.

Loss of spouse usually means loss of income too

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

You’ve worked hard all your life to achieve a modicum of leisure in your retirement years. So has your spouse.

You’ve both prepared wills and trusts to take care of your children after both of you have passed away.

But you probably overlooked each other.

What happens to your spouse when you die? Or when they die?

In addition to the emotional strain from the loss of your friend and partner, the stress of pulling family and friends together for a final farewell, and the closet clean-out that comes later, there are some basic routine financial matters that require attention.

For example, when are the house taxes due? How much are they? How about utility bills? Do you know when they arrive and how much they total?

How do you notify the So-

cial Security Administration of your spouse’s death?

This brings us to a vital area that requires discussion.

In almost all cases, the death of a spouse means an economic loss to the survivor. Primarily because little or no thought was given to the needs of the surviving spouse.

The most common problem is the loss of the dead partner’s Social Security income.

For example, a couple receiving $1,000 each a month earns $24,000 a year. When the husband or wife dies, that income is slashed in half to $12,000 a year. But the bills aren’t lowered.

This loss can be compounded by the loss of income from investment assets.

Let’s say a married couple each brings $500,000 of separately owned assets to create a combined retirement portfolio of $1 million. They decide to withdraw 5% a year, an amount they believe will ensure that they can live comfortably without run-

ning out of money, from that portfolio.

When one dies, his or her half of that portfolio may be passed on to his or her heirs, leaving the surviving spouse with what remains of his or her original $500,000 worth of assets. Using the same 5% withdrawal rate, the survivor’s income is cut in half.

To accommodate this eventuality, the couple should base their spending on what the surviving spouse will need to live or transfer some of their assets to joint ownership to each other’s estate.

Couples should consider two major factors to avoid the loss of income from Social Security and separate assets:

• How much a surviving spouse will need to sustain what was their standard of living while both are alive.

• How long they will likely survive together.

There is another nicety. You might leave a letter for your surviving partner. It can include a personal farewell as well as instructions on who you might like to be notified about your death, who should be given your favorite scarf or sports memorabilia, how to operate the kitchen stove, names and phone numbers of pension advisors at your former company, and the location of the electrical fuse or breaker box, among other bits of information that will make your passing less traumatic.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

GOD’S FINGERPRINTS Karen Barrett, South Bend, was grief stricken when she lost her daughter. But she also understands God always has a plan for people who are following him. She and her husband attend a GriefShare group at their church and have led a few support groups themselves. Photo provided by Karen Barrett.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

July Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library programs for adults

Below is the MPHPL July calendar of events for adults. Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events. Registration is required for most programs. Registration can be secured by calling (574) 259-5277.

Chapter Chats Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 11. “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout can be picked up in advance at the Harris branch front desk.

Morning Makers: Seashell Resin Art, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 19. Embrace your creative side using resin and seashells to create beach decor; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

Mishawaka Library Events

Marvel Escape Room, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. You’re lost in the multiverse and must find your way back home. Can you make it back to Earth-616 before time runs out? Make sure to

bring help; teams must have at least two members. Register for a 20-minute time slot; time preferences will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Cooking Classics: S’mores Cookies, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, July 29. Experiment with different flavors and irresistibly delicious goodies; limited to library cardholders.

In the Community Events

Storytime at the Mishawaka

South Bend Symphony celebrates Fourth of July with free concert July 3

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra celebrates the country’s independence with the Shein Trust Community Series “Salute to Freedom” concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Morris Performing Arts Center.

Under the baton of Music Director Alastair Willis, the orchestra will once again captivate audiences with patriotic tunes, tributes to the armed forces, popular songs, and a

special performance by South Bend’s Danny Lerman. This family-friendly concert is free.

“I am excited to experience the rush of hearing the symphony engulfing and inspiring as I play these beautiful arrangements and orchestrations of my songs,” saxophonist Danny Lerman remarked. “I co-wrote these songs in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and South Bend, and now they are making their way back home to

the South Bend Symphony. It will be a joy to behold sharing them with all of you.”

So, bring your family and celebrate with the South Bend Symphony, and ring in summer with “Salute to Freedom!”

This concert is made possible through the generous support of Shein Trust. In addition, this concert is made possible by partnerships with South Bend Venue Parks and Arts and Morris Performing Arts Center.

See your doctor about headaches

By JAMES GAFFNEY

Mature Life Features

More than 55 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches — more than the total sufferers of diabetes, asthma and coronary heart disease combined — yet few take specific action to gain relief. The National Headache Foundation recommends making a special and separate appointment to discuss your experiences so that your physician can determine your headache diagnosis.

Physicians today understand more about the causes and consequences of headache and are well versed in explaining new medications and offering alternative treatment options. In most cases, your primary care physician is the best person to help you understand your condition and inform you about what can be done to alleviate your headache pain.

How do you know when to consult a doctor specifically about your headache?

The following are a few sure signs.

If your headache:

• Is sudden and severe

• Affects one side of your head

• Is associated with pain in the eye or ear

• Is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or sensitivity to light and sound

• Recurs in a definite pattern, regular time of day, or

circumstances and duration of pain are consistently similar

• Causes confusion or loss of consciousness and is persistent when, previously, you’ve been headache-free

• Interferes with your ability to function normally at work or in social situations

• Is similar to headaches suffered by other members of your family

• Is different from other headaches you

Ihave experienced.

One or more of these symptoms should be sufficient to cause you to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician strictly to discuss your headache problem. Your best ally in helping you cope with your headache is a doctor who knows you and is willing to spend sufficient time to diagnose and treat your problem.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

It’s easy! Simply find the poolside items on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers. com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, July 15, 2024. Brought To You By

Market, 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 14. Stop by the Mishawaka Market and join MPHPL for storytime and a craft. The latest MPHPL program guide will be available. No registration is required. If inclement weather occurs, this event will be canceled.

Summer Reading Challenge

The MPHPL Summer Reading Challenge continues through Monday, Aug. 5. The summer reading challenge has been a staple of the library for decades. Over 1,400 participants completed last year’s challenge.

Challenge cards can be picked up at any MPHPL loca-

tion or downloaded online at mphpl.org/summer-reading. Complete the five squares marked with a beach ball and show your card at a service desk for a small prize.

All participants, who complete the challenge and turn in their cards, earn a free book from a pre-selected list. All ages can take part. Adult participants must have a library card.

MPHPL will host a summer reading wrap-up party starting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bittersweet branch on the last day of the challenge, Monday, Aug. 5. More details will be revealed soon. All are welcome.

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542

The winner of the I Spy Contest for June is Mary L. Price of Elkhart. The Hat & Tie was located on page 8 in Senior Life Allen; page 4 in Senior Life Northwest; page 19 in Senior Life Elko and page 22 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

INDDEEPPEENNDDEENCCE | D DIIGGNIITY | S STTREENNGTH H

Beat the Heat: Summer Safety for Seniors

Summer is officially here! Are you prepared?

While summer is an exciting time to spend time outdoors with friends and family, it is important for older adults to be prepared for the heat. Being well hydrated, putting on sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure are all small steps seniors can take to make summer more enjoyable. Here are some more tips:

Stay Hydrated!

Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask what you should do when it is very hot.

Keep your Space Cool

If you live in a home without air conditioning or fans, try to keep your space as cool as possible. Limit use of the oven; keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day; and

open windows at night. If your living space is hot, try to spend time during midday in a place that has air conditioning. For example, go to the shopping mall, movies, library, senior center, or a friend ’s home. You may also contact your local health department or city to find out if they have airconditioned shelters in your area.

Wear Sunscreen

Make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it throughout the day, especially if your skin will have continuous exposure to the sun. Wear a hat and other protective clothing, and sunglasses. If you do get sunburned, stay out of the sun until your skin is healed and use cool cloths and moisturizers to treat the affected area.

Dress for the Weather

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton may feel cooler than synthetic fibers.

Join us for the Senior Picnic!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 11:00 a.m.

Potawatomi Park,500 S. Greenlawn Avenue

South Bend, IN 46615

Physical Activity during the Summer

Avoid outdoor exercising and other physical activity when it is very hot. Instead, try to find someplace you can be active while staying cool indoors.

Be Mindful of Medications

Ask your doctor if any of your medications make you more likely to become overheated or sunburned.

By following these tips, you can stay cool this summer!

Adapted from the National Institute on Aging, September 2022

Call (574) 229 3254 to purchase tickets

Tickets are $2.00

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

Although focused on older adults, everyone is welcome! Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy snack. There is no cost for this program.

July 11: Asking for Help: Where to Start (Kroc Center South Bend) July 18: Physical Activity (OWLS Club Elkhart)

July 26: Asking for Help: Where to Start (1Roof South Bend)

Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn more.

YOU can win $25,000 with the REAL Big Raffle! Coupons are $50 each and benefit Meals on Wheels and other programs at REAL Services!

Final grand prize drawing: July 31

Call (574) 284-7104 or email events@realservices.org to request your coupons .

Come to the Table! Join us for lunch!

St Joseph County

Mishawaka: 100 Center

Konnie (574) 259 -1611

Battell Center 904 N Main St (574) 256-2325

North Liberty: 300 S. Main St. (574) 381-8980

Osceola: United Methodist Church 421 Beech Rd (574) 674-6503

Walkerton: 606 Washington St. (574) 220-2240

South Bend: Sanctuary at Trinity

Towers 316 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. St (574) 234 -7278

Fairington Apartments 1220 Fairington Circle (574) 291 -5597

Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E Monroe (574) 232 -4934

Charles Black Center 3419 W Washington (574) 229 -5911

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square 3224 Ardmore Trail

Dorothy (574) 286 -0916

LaPorte County LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111 Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885

Michigan City: Simeon Square 1207 S Woodland (219) 380 -1439

SMRT Center 301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720

July Menu All meals are served with milk. Suggested donation $4.25

Marshall County Argos: B & R Community Bldg. 194 S. Michigan St. (574) 892-9669

Bourbon: Senior Center on 805 N. Harris St., (574) 342 -7031

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments 500 S Montgomery St (574) 993-2944

Plymouth: Garden Court West 400 W. Washington St (574) 935-0047

Don’t forget about nostalgia

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features

When you reach 85 years of life it’s okay to recall the good old days.

Do you remember when it took at least two to three loooong minutes for the radio set to warm up? I remember watching the television station’s test pattern before the day’s programming began. Or we watched the Air Force fly-bys as the “Star Spangled Banner” was played to end each day’s programming, usually around midnight.

In Middle West America, our dads usually left the keys to the family car in the ignition. Car doors were never locked. Some family homes went unlocked around the clock.

As hard as that might be to believe, small town folks in the 1950’s trusted each other. That lasted until 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Nothing in America has ever been that trusting since.

Nobody owned a pure bred dog before that time. Owners hardly ever picked up after their mutt’s leavings.

A quarter was a decent allowance for a small child. And, up until 1964, that coin was minted with real silver. We’d reach into a muddy gutter for

a dropped coin, checking to see if it was a highly collectable “1943” penny.

Your mom wore nylons stockings that came in two pieces. At the service station your dad got his car’s wind shield cleaned and its oil checked while gas was being pumped at less than 30 cents a gallon … all for free every time you filled up. If you bought premium gasoline (also known as “Ethel”) you got your floorboards swept out with a small whisk broom. If your tires needed a check, you didn’t pay for any pumped air. And sometimes you got trading stamps, if Dad remembered to collect them for Mom.

At the grocery store, a box of laundry detergent included free dishes. For us kids a box of Cracker Jacks always had a prize, and a pack of bubble gum included a small comic strip.

In the 1940s and ‘50s it was considered a great privilege to be taken out for lunch or dinner at a cafe with your parents, but it was hard on Dad’s wallet. In 1958, hamburgers were 15 cents each, tenderloin sandwiches were a quarter, and a hot roast beef open-face sandwich cost between 50 to 75 depending upon accompanying vegetable and mashed potatoes and gravy.

To drink? Coffee was a nickel and a bottle of pop in Iowa was

six cents … if you didn’t keep the glass bottle. That was 2 cents extra.

It was about this time that Bill Haley and the Comets burst open the rock ‘n roll era.

To put 1950’s finances into perspective, my weekly allowance up until I graduated from high school in 1958 was $2 and a tank of gas for my car. Going to the drive-in movies with a date was special. Your girlfriend sometimes rode through the admission gate in the car trunk so you could afford two bags of popcorn and an extra candy bar.

In the Midwest you always knew the changes of seasons. Spring had fresh air and the croaking of frogs. Summer was hot and sticky. Fall brought the turning of leaves and the special smell they made as Dad raked and burned them. And winter came along with the first frost. You knew the ground would be frozen soon after.

Most of us kids were in fear for our lives, but it wasn’t because of drive-by shootings, drugs or gangs. It was for fear of getting polio or the Russians dropping “the bomb.” We learned how to survive if it was dropped. We kids were taught to dive under our school desk and cover our heads to stay safe.

Consumables from the drug

store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger. Female products were discreetly placed on the store shelf in plain brown wrapping paper.

Home milk delivery was in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers, newsreels were shown in theaters before the movie, and telephone numbers in the city had a word prefix. Us country folks remember when we had just three or four numbers with no word prefix and nearly everyone was on a party line. My folks’ home number was 3-3-9. My dad’s

business number was 1-1-3. If you didn’t know the number, you just told the operator who or what you wanted and she’d connect you, often listening in to make sure you weren’t passing any government secrets.

U.S. postage “zip” codes and telephone area codes didn’t appear until the late 1950’s.

But with all our progress, don’t you wish now and then you could slip back in time and savor life’s slower pace and share it with the children of today with no personal phone to text someone sitting 10 feet away?

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

Hamilton Grove

31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552-0836 (574) 654-2200 • www.greencroft.org/hamiltongrove

Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, On-site Therapies, Long Term Care and Respite Care. Maintenance Free Living, HUD and accepting the Medicaid Waiver

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

54515 933 N., P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 287-1838 • www.holycrossvillage.com

Dujarie House, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

28070 CR 24 ., Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-6260 • www.hubbardhill.org

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill

Healthwin

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

A Specialized Care Facility. 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

1540 S. Logan Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 257-8629

https://mishawaka.ahepaseniorliving.org/ Assisted Senior Living, Licensed, Studio and One Bedroom Apartments. Family Environment, Dining Room, Activities. Must Meet Income Requirements. Call For A Tour Today.

Lily Assist Apartments

Live Independent with a Helping Hand Tawnya Thayer RN BSN • Argos, IN (574) 952-2929 • info@lilyassist.org

Truly an Affordable Option! One and Two Bedrooms, Private Front Porch, Private Back Patio, Ground Floor, All Appliances Included (with Washer and Dryer), Central Air. lilyassist.org

Majestic Care of South

Bend

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

BILL HALEY AND THE COMETS

Seniors Helping Seniors —

Keeping seniors active and safe in the summer sun

By TERRY CUZZOCREA President/Owner Seniors Helping Seniors

A 2023 study published in the “Journal of Nature Medicine” found that people ages 40-69 who engaged in spurts of movement for even just one or two minutes, three times a day, significantly reduced their risk of death from heart disease or cancer, compared with those who weren’t physically active at all.

“Keeping seniors active has proven health benefits and from what we have seen, usually helps their mood and mental health as well,” said Becky Cuzzocrea, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors. “It’s essential for loved ones to prepare for keeping their seniors active in the safest way possible, as rising temperatures present more risks.”

Whether summer workout

plans for seniors include a quick morning walk or a water exercise class, there are practical ways that loved ones can help their seniors have a positive summer workout experience:

• Encourage lower impact workouts.

• Opt in for water exercise to keep the body cool and the joints healthy, if it’s available near you.

• Keep medications and snacks handy during any outof-home workouts.

• Take water breaks whenever they feel needed and keep lots of water on-hand.

“According to the CDC, people aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems. Because of this, it is even more critical for loved ones and seniors to plan and prepare for their summer activities and workouts for safety purposes” said Cuzzocrea

Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care provides a variety of services to support seniors so that they are able to maintain their independence. These services include companionship, light housekeeping, cooking and shopping support, assistance with personal care, dementia care, pet care and medication reminders. For more information call (574) 385-3900.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Morning View Assisted Living Residences

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

55+, Memory Care Assisted Living, Medicaid Waiver accepted. Spacious apartments at affordable rates. Services available based on your needs. Respite Care, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies. Quality Care for Quality Life. Call us TODAY to schedule a tour!

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.

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

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. HOLY CROSS

Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

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

Skilled Licensed Nursing, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Secured Unit, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-OccupationalPhysical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Full-Time Chaplain. (Formerly Bremen Health Care) Bremen

Southfield Village

St. Paul’s

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

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.

The Waters of Wakarusa-Assisted Living Facility

303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.

mschroeder@the-papers.com

Affordable dental coverage gives older adults a reason to smile

(StatePoint) Maintaining your health and vitality as you age includes taking care of your mouth. Neglecting dental health can make you susceptible to gum disease, lead to poor nutrition, put you at risk for infections, and even impact your emotional well-being.

Yet, many older adults aren’t receiving proper oral care. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that more than one in five Medicare beneficiaries have not visited a dentist in five years, primarily because of cost.

Many people lose their dental coverage when they retire. Fortunately, affordable options are available, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer with Cigna Health Care’s Medicare business.

“While original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental

care, Medicare Advantage plans include everything in Original Medicare and more,” Sobel said. “Many MA plans include some dental coverage, often at no extra cost. Some plans will allow you to see any provider of your choosing, while others require you to use providers within a certain network. Some MA plans even provide no-cost transportation to the dentist.”

Once you have access to dental care, there are compelling reasons to take advantage of it, according to Dr. Cary Sun, chief dental officer with Cigna Dental and Vision, including the following: Preventing gum disease and other oral health issues. Forgoing recommended routine teeth cleanings can increase the risk for cavities, gum disease, infection, and swelling of the gums (gingivitis). This can

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

REAL SERVICES, INC.

1151 South Michigan Street

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

Provides services to empower our community to live with independence, dignity, and strength. Call us to learn more.

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE

AT EDISON LAKES

1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545

(574) 247-1866

www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

escalate into problems, like tooth loss and the need for root canals or crowns, costing thousands of dollars.

If you have a chronic medical condition, like diabetes, gum disease can also put you at greater risk of infection, as bacteria can enter the bloodstream through poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to get regular cleanings with your dentist, to brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, and to floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth. An electric toothbrush or water flosser may make brushing and flossing easier.

Addressing dry mouth. Many older adults take multiple medications. This can result in a condition called “dry mouth,” which can make it hard to chew, swallow or even talk. Dry mouth can also

raise the risk of tooth decay and oral infections. A dentist can help you address this with saliva substitutes or lifestyle changes, such as sipping water and reducing or avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol.

Facilitating good nutrition. Proper nutrition is important for everyone, but particularly for older adults. A healthy mouth makes it easier for you to eat well and enjoy food, while gum disease or ill-fitting dentures can make it hard to chew. If you’re having difficulty eating for any reason, your dentist may be able to help you.

Screening for certain cancers. Cancers of the mouth are more common in older adults. As with all cancers, early detection is critical to effective treatment. An annual oral cancer examination can help detect early signs.

Maintaining your confidence. Having healthy teeth boosts confidence and fosters better communication. You may be more likely to go out, stay active, and meet and interact with new people when you’re proud of your smile. To find MA plans offered in your area, visit Medicare. gov. For information on Cigna Healthcare plans, go to CignaMedicareInformation.com.

“The case for maintaining your dental health is clear and convincing,” Sun said. “Once you’re covered by Medicare, secure dental insurance coverage and see your dentist as recommended to maintain your overall health. Through regular preventive care, you may even be able to avoid more costly and serious procedures later. It’s never too late to get started on a path toward better oral hygiene.”

SAINT JOSEPH PACE

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

saintjosephPACE@trinity-health.org

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

FOOT CARE

FOOT SOLUTIONS

323 Florence Ave., Granger, IN 46530 (574) 272-3668

granger@footsolutions.com

Better Health Through Your Feet! Solutions for plantar facitis, bunions, morton’s neuroma, sore knees, sore ankles and more. Call for your FREE foot analysis.

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

www.homeinstead.com/343

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

Courtesy smooths the road for RV travel

By IGOR LOBANOV Mature Life Features

“You may be on vacation, but don’t leave your manners at home,” urges the late veteran recreational-vehicle traveler

Bernice Beard in her book, “301 Ways to Make RV Travel Safer, Easier and more Fun.”

Much of her writing involves nuts-and-bolts type of information ranging from campground advice to using electronic equipment, and is paired with various travelogue narrations from her travels. Suggestions are based on her own experience, but tips from readers and others are included.

Among her suggestions for exhibiting courtesy on the road:

• Especially when staying in “mixed use” campgrounds, don’t run your generator, vari-

ous appliances, or the vehicle’s engine late at night or early in the morning. You are sharing the area with tent campers, who are there to enjoy the peace and quiet, and closeness to nature that the campground allows.

• Similarly, keep in mind that using the auxiliary generator at rest stops can stir up dust in areas where others may be trying to eat their lunch.

• Drive slowly on dirt roads in the campground so you won’t stir up too much dust for other campers or vehicles that may be following you.

• Never dump refuse or other material except at a dump station or sewer connection in the campground.

• When visiting fellow campers, ask if they would like to see the inside of your vehicle. In return they may invite you to see

HOME CARE SERVICES

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste. 201 South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 931-0712

villagecaregiving.com

NationsLargestPrivatelyOwnedAndOperatedHome CareAgency.VAProvider.WeAcceptAVarietyOf PaymentOptions.CallToday!

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.

theirs. This way, each of you may gain some ideas that you can adopt for your camping style.

• When driving in a caravan, stay at least a quarter of a mile behind the vehicle in front of you. Leaving that amount of space gives you and the driver ahead of you time to maneuver in the event of stopped traffic or unexpected road conditions, and lets those wishing to pass you have more room to get in and out of your lane.

• If there are three or more vehicles close behind you, pull over and let them pass.

• When a trucker passes you, blink your headlights (at night, flash your high beams) to let him know his vehicle has cleared yours and it’s safe to pull back into your lane. If a driver gives you a double blink of his lights, he’s saying, “thank you.”

Included among suggestions about getting along with those traveling with you are:

• Keep in mind that one of the basic tenets of camping is freedom, where each person can choose to relax, cook, read, or remain inside while others may wish to sit out by the campfire.

• RV travel can involve several people, perhaps with diverse personalities, being together day and night in a small space. To get along they need to exhibit patience and accept one another. Even people who have known each other for years may find they are learning new things about their companions.

• You may find certain habits of others bother you. To stay friends, you need to be able to overlook such annoyances. Beard suggests a little trick that can help you do this. Tell

yourself that no one except you is perfect; and so as a perfect person you can be gracious toward those imperfect fellow travelers.

• If you’re uncertain whether you can get along with another couple for an entire trip, plan to go together one way, then return independently. That way, everybody can count on having their own schedule for part of the trip.

• Before starting out on a trip with friends, ask each person what he or she wants to have included in the trip itinerary. Have them write it out, even if it’s only a tentative plan. You can change destinations as you go along.

Her final bit of advice: the RV lifestyle means that domestic duties are not gender-related. Everyone pitches in whenever necessary.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

CLINIC

CARING COVE HOSPICE

3120 N. Home St. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-3017

www.caringcovehospice.com/ We’re here to help by providing personalized exceptional hospice care.

Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Laporte counties.

HEART TO HEART HOSPICE

620 Edison Rd., Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-4475

hearttohearthospice.com

Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.

CHAP Accredited

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.

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.

HOSPICE CARE

LOUISVILLE LANDMARK — A monster baseball bat in front of the Louisville Slugger factory and museum in downtown Louisville is 120-feet tall and weighs 68,000 pounds. A tour of the factory shows visitors how bats were made in the late 1800s and today.

Towering over the Hillerich and Bradsby building at 800 W. Main St. in downtown Louisville is a 120-foot tall baseball bat marking the home of Louisville Slugger bats. The enormous bat weighs 68,000 pounds, is constructed of carbon steel, and has a hollow interior, which can hold 30,000 gallons of water. The diameter at its base is 9 feet, the handle

is 3 feet, 6 inches, and the knob is 6 feet, 6 inches — perfect for a guy like Paul Bunyan. It’s leaning slightly as though it’s ready to be picked up and taken to the plate by the likes of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Ken Griffey Jr. or Derek Jeter. These megastars are just GREAT ESCAPES Text and Photos By ROD KING

a few of those who counted on Louisville Slugger and made it their bat of choice. Lifesize replicas of some of them are scattered throughout the museum along with a host of hands-on exhibits about the game and the bat that put Louisville on the baseball map.

After purchasing admission tickets, tour the factory to see bats being made. The first stop is a lathe operator making a bat like it was done in the late 1880s. It took him around 20 minutes to turn out a single bat.

Maple and white ash from 6,500 acres of timberland, Continued on page 19

to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

FAMOUS PLAYERS BATS Louisville Slugger Museum guests can don gloves and pose for photos with their favorite players’ bats.

THE KING OF SWING George Herman, “Babe” Ruth, started his baseball career as a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, was traded to the Boston Red Sox, and then to the N.Y. Yankees in 1919. He hit a record 60 home runs in 1927 and was in the first class

Louisville Slugger

Continued from page 18 owned by the company in Pennsylvania and New York, is used to make bats. Part of the tour shows how the logs are turned into bats and how the company reforests the property. As the tour progresses, see chunks of bat-size wood moving along a conveyor belt and into a machine, which turns out a bat in just 30 seconds.

Today, around 3,000 full-size bats are made per day and approximately 1.8 million bats of all sizes are produced each year. That number includes the 18-inch souvenir bat each guest receives at the conclusion of the tour.

Back in the museum, stand behind home plate and see a 90-mile per hour fast ball slam into a dummy catcher. In another exhibit, guests are invited to step to the mound and throw a strike. After putting on gloves, visitors are welcome to pick their favorite player’s bat from a rack for a photo opportunity. A short film called “Heart of the Game” glorifies America’s past time.

The story behind the Louisville Slugger baseball bat involves Bud Hillerich. He was a teenage apprentice in his father’s woodworking shop where they made butter churns. Hillerich, an avid baseball enthusiast and amateur player, skipped work one day to watch the Louisville Eclipse play. When Pete Browning broke his bat, Bud offered to make him a new one. According to the story, Browning got three hits in the next game with the bat made by Hillerich. By the way, Pete Browning’s nickname was “The

Road less travelled lures seniors

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Travel and tour operators are reporting a surge in demand for adventure travel by folks 55 and older.

The level of adventure can range from a Serengeti safari with luxurious food and facilities to patrolling the Antarctic among the penguins.

If you’re thinking about an adventurous getaway, check with your doctor to determine just how much activity you can handle. Can you complete the hikes some trips demand, or are you able to handle the canoeing and kayaking on the schedule, or does the food provided match your health and medical requirements?

As with all travel, consider a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical care and evacuation, and expect the unexpected.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Louisville Slugger.” The Louisville Slugger became the company’s registered trademark in 1894 and

Hillerich’s father made him a partner in 1897.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday

“the Louisville

and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. To buy tickets online, visit sluggermuseum.com and get a dollar off the admission price.

Tickets are: adults, $24; seniors 60 plus, $23; children 6-12, $16; and children 5 and under are free.

A TREE’S JOURNEY Maple and white ash trees grown on the Hillerich and Bradsby land in New York and Pennsylvania are the source of wood for Louisville Slugger bats. This exhibit explains how trees are selected, cut and made into baseball bats.

BUTTER CHURN Prior to making baseball bats, the Hillerich woodworking shop in Louisville produced butter churns.

ENTERPRISING TEEN Apprentice Bud Hillerich played hooky from work at his father’s woodworking shop to watch a Louisville Eclipse baseball game in which the team hero broke his bat. Hillerich, left in this vignette, made a new bat for Pete Browning, whose nickname was

Slugger.”

The Studebaker-Packard Corporation’

In a captivating new exhibition, the Studebaker National Museum delves into a tumultuous period of the American auto industry during the mid20th century. Join the museum as it explores the remarkable journey of two automotive giants, the Studebaker Corporation and Packard Motor Car Company, whose merger once held promises of grandeur, yet ended in the shadows of failure.

Seventy years ago, Studebaker and Packard joined forces against a backdrop of internal struggles and fierce competition. Both companies, renowned for their innovation and performance, had carved out niches in the automotive market by the 1920s. Despite

surviving the Great Depression, they faced a new era dominated by the “Big Three” automakers.

The post-war years initially seemed promising, with robust demand propelling sales figures to unprecedented heights. Yet, the winds of change were blowing, and by the mid-1950s, independent automakers found themselves struggling to keep pace with the larger rivals.

Faced with the stark reality of diminishing market share and mounting challenges, Packard and Studebaker recognized the need for decisive action. In a bid for survival, they merged, hoping to pool resources and create a formidable contender against the industry behe-

moths; however, despite its best efforts, the merger failed to yield profitability, and the Packard brand disappeared after 1958 and Studebaker soon followed, ending production in 1966.

Through compelling displays and storytelling, examine the triumphs, the setbacks, and the enduring legacy of the Studebaker-Packard merger in shaping the American auto industry.

“Desperate Times, Desperate Measures: The StudebakerPackard Corporation” will be on display at the Studebaker National Museum through Oct. 20. Don’t miss the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind exhibition and learn about this unusual corporate marriage.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201

Chapin St., just west of downtown South Bend.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth ages 6-18.

I became a caregiver because I really have a passion to care for others.

Even though there are difficult moments when you are a caregiver, you should have a positive outlook. When you stay positive you can really connect

For more information, call (574) 235-9714 or (888) 3915600, or visit studebakermuseum.org.

For an additional cost, visitors can tour The History Museum, which adjoins the Studebaker National Museum.

with the person you are caring for. And when you have a connection, you make so many wonderful memories. I have too many wonderful memories to share. I really love being a caregiver. I’m so grateful to be able to connect with my families. It means so much to me to bond with my clients and their families.

Thinking about a trade-in?

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Keeping your dependable old pickup or SUV oiled and greased until its last gear slips may no longer be the wisest choice of auto ownership.

Advancing technology is making new cars much safer and easier to drive.

And we’re all being made aware that self-driving cars are just down the road a piece. Testing is going on now around the globe.

Should we wait till they get here or take advantage now of such safety features as blind spot warning systems, rear view cameras, and emergency automatic braking systems?

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

1958 PACKARD HAWK “Desperate Times, Desperate Measures: The Studebaker-Packard Corporation” will be on display at the Studebaker National Museum through Oct. 20. Photo provided by the museum.