Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - March 2023

Aging Connections: Achieving together what cannot be done alone

Joseph, Kosciusko, Lake, Porter, Allen and Marshall. The organization networks with any business that has to with senior citizens.

Aging Connections of Michiana Inc. is a grassroots cooperative venture of individuals and regional organizations partnering together to catalyze and promote a mission of providing quality, educational programs and community resources.

Founded by Malana Maher in March 2020, the nonprofit organization assists senior citizens by providing helpful resources. Maher, who has been in health care almost her entire career, was thinking about retiring at the time but, she said, “divine intervention” stepped in. COVID had hit the country hard, and Maher said her idea came to her and “things just started happening.”

“We are trying to find ways to help our area seniors,” she said. “We offer opportunities for businesses to build relationships, promote member services to those looking for professional resources, and serve our aging population. This is for the benefit of each other and the community at large.”

ACOM has grown since 2020 and now serves the following counties: Elkhart, St.

“Our members offer a wide variety of resources,” she said. “This includes assisted living, respite care, hospice and medical and nonmedical home care.”

Other organizations include aging-focused real estate companies, dementia services and memory care, elder group homes, independent living, skilled nursing homes, nurse practitioners, orthopedic surgeons and adult day services.

ACOM focuses on two things: education and resources for professionals and resources for the community and individuals.

“We are here to help one another together,” Maher said.

Last year, ACOM had one senior resource fair and this year there will be two fairs. The first one is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Elkhart Aquatic Center. The second one is Thursday, Sept. 7, at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend.

Key Positions

Manager of volunteer services enjoys helping area seniors

tors and coordinators to grow and support volunteers.

Some people have a passion for helping the elderly, and Sandy Chambers is one of those individuals. She is the manager of volunteer services at REAL Services.

REAL Services is a nonprofit organization. Founded in 1966, it provides programs that promote nutrition, selfsufficiency, education and protection for 30,000 people in northern Indiana each year.

Chambers started her job at started REAL Services in March 2022. She works closely with program direc-

“My passion lies in keeping the aged and disabled members of our community happily living independently in their own homes,” she said.

Chambers grew up in Michiana and graduated from Riley High School in 1993.

“I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, and I enjoy the older population,” Chambers stated.

She attended Ivy Tech Community College where she studied business management. She had worked at REAL Services once before, working part time for REAL Services’ nutrition program in 1999. She also previ-

ously worked at the St. Joseph County Literacy Council and Boardwalk Retirement Community in Elkhart and had a job at Hannah’s House in Mishawaka.

As the volunteer services manager, her duties include training and retaining volunteers.

“I primarily recruit volunteers for our various programs,” she said. “We have over 20 programs that we run.”

One of those programs is Meals on Wheels. She trains and recruits volunteer delivery drivers. On average, there are about 150 volunteers per month delivering meals to homebound residents.

“We do need more volunteers,” she stressed. “We deliver over 400 meals daily in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. We could use about 20 more drivers.”

Businesses and community service clubs are also welcome to volunteer, she said.

Chambers said she enjoys meeting new people and likes the variety in her daily duties.

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.

“I see new faces every day,” she said. “The biggest challenge, however, is meeting the community’s needs and finding volunteers.”

The importance of volunteering is multifaceted, she said.

“The first is making a difference in someone’s life, which in turn brings joy and satisfaction to those they serve, but I also enjoy the volunteers themselves,” she noted. “The reward is as great as the gift of time for everyone involved.”

She and her husband, Alvin, have two daughters and two granddaughters. She enjoys doing crafts, baking and camping.

To volunteer, visit realservices. org/get-involved/volunteer or call Chambers at (574) 284-7138.

I Spy February winner is Teresa Heckler. The groundhog was located on page 5 in Senior Elko, page 18 in Senior St. Joseph, page 15 in Senior Allen and page 18 in Senior Northwest.

Bob Herbert: Superman of food rescue

“Efficiently rescue, source and redistribute food items that are in high demand by food pantries, soup kitchens and community organizations that serve food-insecure individuals and families.”

That’s the mission of the South Bend’s Cultivate Food Rescue, a nonprofit organization that operates and works with surrounding communities.

Bob Herbert is the director of operations with Cultivate Food Rescue and seems to have made the company’s mission a personal one. Herbert is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has worked in the food service industry for over 40 years.

“I started off as a volunteer. I covered working in the kitchen as a chef for two to three months while we were looking for someone to fill the position.

I’ve done pretty much every job in here and the director of operations was the original cofounder, and he decided to move on and wait for somebody who could fill his shoes and I guess I happened to walk into the place at the right time.”

One of the organization’s programs is their Backpack Program. Herbert is incredibly proud of the work they do to help children in the community.

The Backpack Program provides healthy, nutritious meals to students who need them during the weekends. So far, they provide these meals with seven school systems: South Bend, Success Academy, Elkhart, Wa-Nee, Bremen, Plymouth and Marshall-Starke County Head Start. They produce about 7,500 frozen meals, servicing about 1,100 K-12 students every week.

The program is designed for students who need food over the weekends when they are out of school.

“What we do is we drop off six meals — called a backpack — on Fridays to school systems for children who don’t have food across the weekend. This keeps them nutritionally stable all the way through to where they return to school on Monday.”

In January, the organization received 190,000 pounds of food and sent out 174,000 pounds in the same month, most of which, if it weren’t for Herbert and his organization, would have found its way to a dump, just as 40% of food in this country does.

“We are at a transitional point in this country. We have a lot of people in need,” said Herbert.

“In the 1970s, this country was really pretty filthy-dirty — smokestacks, trash on the roads. The streams and rivers were polluted. I’m serious, our country was heading down a bad place. Our leaders realized

this in the 1970s and really started to press for reeducating our society about pollution. Before that started, there were no recycling centers. EPA didn’t exist. There was none of that stuff we take for granted today,” said Herbert.

“I grew up on the East Coast and tributaries of the Atlantic Ocean. I’ve gone back there in the last 10 years to waters I used to swim in, that were polluted back then. Really, it’s noticeably 100% better than where they were in the ‘70s.

“And you have to think about it, our population has more than doubled since. We’re a cleaner country. That’s a h--- of a statement. And the only way we got there was with our government’s leadership, focusing on change in our culture.

“So that’s exactly where we are, at the forefront with the food waste in our country.”

Herbert’s passion for what he does is incredibly infectious.

“This is a great place to work. There are so many great things that go on inside these four walls every single day.

“I would also like to share this. We interface with so many good people. There are people trying to do good things, trying to help people. I interface with people doing good things, every single day. How can I have a bad day?” said Herbert.

“I wear this hat when I’m not working to have somebody walk up to me, who I don’t even know, and say ‘I want to thank you very much. Those frozen meals helped my family for months to get ahead.’ It’s just out of the blue people walk up to me, ‘Thank you, what you guys are doing to help, it saved my life.’

“And I gotta tell you what, that’ll change you.”

provides healthy, nutritious meals to students who need them during the weekends

If anyone would like to get in touch with Herbert, find out more information about the organization, learn what

organizations and communities they partner with or sign up to volunteer, visit cultivatefoodrescue.com.

It was 50 years ago — ‘Rocky Mountain High’ became controversial

John Denver and his wife, Annie, moved to Aspen, Colo., in December 1970, hoping to purchase a home in the couple’s favorite

part of their favorite state. What they discovered was that everything cost much more than they could afford. The two thus bought land in a nearby scenic valley, with plans to build a house the next year — if John’s career continued its ascent.

The success of “Rocky Mountain High” would put their minds at ease.

“He was born in the summer of his 27th year.

“Comin’ home to a place he’d never been before.

“He left yesterday behind him, “You might say he was born again.

“You might say he found the key for every door.”

In his autobiography, “Take Me Home,” Denver stated, “I remember, almost to the moment, when that song started to take shape in my head.” He recalled how he and Annie and some friends had hiked up to Lake Williams to camp below the stars and watch the Perseids meteor showers. (They are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear to hail lies in the constellation Perseus.)

“Imagine a moonless night in the Rockies in the dead of summer and you have it. … We were right below the tree line, just about 10,000 feet. ... Around midnight, I got up and could see the shadow from the starlight, there was so much light from the stars. I went back and lay down in front of our tent, thinking about how in nature all things, large and small, were interwoven, when swoosh, a meteor went smoking by. … It got bigger and bigger until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. It was raining fire in the sky.”

He began work on a folk tune about the experience

with friend Mike Taylor, an acoustic guitarist who had performed with Denver and had also moved to Aspen. The result was Denver’s autobiographical “Rocky Mountain High.” After Denver tweaked it for several months, the resulting RCA Records single became a Top 10 classic.

“The Colorado Rocky Mountain high.

“I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky.

“The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby.

“Rocky Mountain high.”

However, his creation became controversial when some listeners thought the word “high” referred to drug use. (Nine times we hear “high in Colorado” in the background whenever the line Rocky Mountain high is sung.)

This led Denver to testify before a Senate hearing. “My song ‘Rocky Mountain High’ was banned from many radio stations as a drug-related song,” he said. “This was obviously done by people who had never seen or been to the Rocky Mountains and also had never experienced the elation, celebration of life or the joy in living that one feels when observing something as wondrous as the Perseides meteor shower.”

End of discussion.

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In 1915, “Where the Columbines Grow” became Colorado’s state song. In 1973, “Rocky Mountain High” was added as the official second one.

Let the glycemic index be a guide

sugar spiking, as it would with sugar or refined carbohydrates like bread and baked goods.

The GI is based on 50 grams of whichever food,with a measurement of how high the blood glucose peaks two hours after consumption. That translates to 1 cup of pasta, but it also translates to 7 cups of carrots, so you need to consider the food groups.

Some people insist “a calorie is a calorie” and it doesn’t matter if you are eating 1,500 calories of marshmallows or 1,500 calories of vegetables, to which I would say, “Not so fast.”

Our bodies convert what we eat to energy — glucose, and since marshmallows are already sugar, which is at the top of the glycemic index, our body very quickly converts the calories into glucose, which makes blood sugar soar. Conversely, 1,500 calories of vegetables slowly digest without blood

The GI can also change based on the ripeness of fruit, whether an item is cooked and even whether it is overcooked, as that breaks down the cellular structure causing the food to be more easily digested.

For vegetables: Low GI

Broccoli, 10

Cabbage, 10

Mushrooms, 10

Chillies, 10

Lettuce, 10 Red peppers, 10

Onions, 10

Eggplant/aubergine, 15

Cauliflower, 15

Tomatoes, 15

Green beans, 15 Raw carrots, 16 Frozen green peas, 39 Boiled carrots, 41 Frozen sweet corn, 47 To the high end: High GI Pumpkin, 75 Parsnips, 97 Let’s look at bread: Medium GI Pita, white, 57 Hamburger bun, 61 Wholemeal Rye, 62 Croissant, 67 High GI White, 71 Bagel, 72 French baguette, 95 And beans: Low GI Lentils, red, 21 Lentils, green, 30 Haricot/navy beans, 31 Yellow split peas, 32 Butter beans, 36 Chickpeas, 42 Pinto beans, 45 Black-eyed beans, 50 Kidney beans (canned), 52 And snack food:

Jason Banicki running for South Bend city clerk

I am a lifelong resident of South Bend. I graduated from Washington High School and Indiana University. Over the years, I have volunteered as a coach with Matthy’s and Chet Waggoner Little Leagues, as well as with the local challenger division of Little League.

I am running for South Bend’s city clerk because I am a proven leader who can develop a team in the clerk’s of-

fice that will deliver results for the people of South Bend.

I have spent most of the last decade working in sales management in the retail environment, and before that I was a corrections officer in St. Joseph County.

While working in management, my responsibilities included conducting interviews, making hiring decisions, writing and administering performance reviews and growing sales while controlling expenses including payroll.

I led a project where we completed a major restructuring of the store’s layout — ahead of schedule and under budget.

As a corrections officer, I was responsible for the care, custody and control of the people detained in the facility. I also worked as a classification

officer, and worked and trained people in the booking area.

I have excelled in my various roles due to my attention to detail, ability to lead teams through a combination of development and accountability and a desire to learn from those around me.

Previously, I ran for South Bend Common Council 6th District in 2019. I have helped candidates on previous campaigns by knocking on doors, making phone calls, distributing literature or offering advice.

I grew up in a family where public service was common, from my grandfather to my mother, aunts, uncles and cousins. I want to use my skills and experiences to be the next in a long line of public servants. Remember to vote Tuesday, May 2.

Aging Connections:

Continued from page 1 ing Institute,” which is located in the church, Maher said.

Maher said she often directs people to the agency’s website where there are veteran and aging resources. Resources are sorted by category.

In addition, members can send and receive emails through Listserv at https:// gaggle.email/join/acom@gaggle. email.

This is the email group for Aging Connections of Michiana. Enter your details to join the

email list.

“The nice thing is anybody can be on it, but only members can send information,” Maher said.

Maher said the bottom line is, “We all help each other.” Each meeting has an educational presentation.

The following ACOM meetings are held in St. Joseph County:

• 3:30-4:45 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, Eisen Room, 209 Lin-

colnway East, Mishawaka.

• 3:30-4:45 p.m. except the first and last Tuesday, Chicory Cafe, 114 W. First St., Mishawaka.

• 4-6 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month; the location varies.

For more information or a list of other meetings, visit agingconnections.org or email Malana Maher, malana.maher@agingconnections.org.

To make a donation, visit facebook.com/agingconnections and select the “Donate” button.

High GI

Donuts, 76 Water crackers, 78

Puffed crispbread, 81 Pretzels, 83 Rice cakes, 87 Scones, 92

Do you see where I’m going here? Two pieces of toast for breakfast, a sandwich and chips for lunch and pizza for dinner has never been ideal. Planning out your day will always serve you better. Knowledge will always serve you better. Commitment

will always serve you better.

As a guideline, low GI is 55 or less, medium GI is 56-69 and high GI is 70 or more. Sweet potato over white potato, corn over flour, 100% whole wheat over white flour. And, of course, whole food over processed.

To your health.

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@thepapers.com.

MEDICAID WAIVER ACCEPTED

• Nursing staff that coordinate all aspects of a residents nursing and medical needs

• Licensed nurses on-site 24hrs/day

• Rounding physician

• Medication management

• Nutritional and dietary support

• Social activities daily and specialized events

• Housekeeping and laundry

• Beauty salon and spa

• Specializing in Dementia & Alzheimer Care

• Assisted living in a safe, secure environment

• Secure outdoor patio

Sue Schneider: At the forefront of the nation’s fastest growing sport

the sport uses a Wiffle ball.

Originally from Chicago, current South Bend resident of South Bend Sue Schneider has a hobby many may have never heard of — the sport of pickleball.

Somewhere at the cross section of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton, pickleball has, for the past four years, been the fastest growing sport in America. It was invented 1965, just outside of Seattle, by three fathers looking for something new to entertain their children.

It’s played on a court half the size of a tennis court. Nowadays, pickleball is played using a composite paddle, which is smaller than a tennis rack, but larger than a Ping-Pong paddle. Instead of a vinegar-soaked cucumber being volleyed over the net, as one might expect,

“The rules have changed a lot over time,” said Schneider. “Whenever people felt a particular rule made the game too easy, they changed them or added something to make it a little more difficult.”

“The way I got started with the sport is sibling rivalry. I’m the oldest of six kids. My siblings and I usually get together once a year, and about a year and a half ago, my brothers were all playing pickleball. They told my sister and me, we had to be ready.

“I think the thing about pickleball is that it’s an easy game to pick up. Once you know the general rules and how the serving works and how the scoring works, you can go out and play with anybody who’s on the court. People are pretty accepting of newcomers once they have the basic knowledge,

which they can get in about two hours with some instruction, whether that be self-instructed or from YouTube.”

Schneider began to teach as an instructor at Forever Learning Institute, an organization dedicated for those 50 and older, to continue their education and community involvement, regardless of age.

At FLI, Schneider took a role instructing pickleball, although she clarified that she is more of a “facilitator” rather than an instructor, as she isn’t certified or a professional. She regularly attends classes that are taught by certified professional picklers and incorporates those lessons in her own class.

Her classes at FLI last about 10 weeks, and last September she facilitated a group of 16 people and finished around Thanksgiving.

“Those people are still playing. We found a church that will let us play and those same people are still playing every Thursday afternoon.”

If anyone in the community is interested in adventuring into the sport of pickleball, Schneider recommends they get involved with the Michiana Pickleball Club Facebook page. Membership can be purchased for $20 at michianapickleballers.org.

The website also lists local pickleball courts, including Gospel Center Church, South Bend Racquet Club, O’Brien Recreation Center, Morris Park Country Club and The Beacon

Resource Center. There are locations listed for Elkhart, Goshen, and Michigan.

Last year, the city of South Bend was awarded $1.6 million in renovation of 17 basketball and tennis courts. The restorations are being done propitiously for all the picklers out there, a testament to the sport’s growing popularity.

Tax breaks

Long-term-care insurance premium costs are deductible as a medical expense but vary for difference age groups.

Our team of caregivers works together to provide our patients and residents with the ability to reach their highest level of physical and social well-being in a home-like environment. To learn more about our short-term rehabilitation and extended care services, or taking a tour, call us at (269) 684-2810.

1211 Stateline Rd, Niles, MI 49120 www.peplinskigroup.com/west-woods-of-niles

North Woods

Taxpayers 71 and older can claim up to $5,640, seniors 61 to 70 can claim up to $4,510, and folks 51 to 60 can deduct up to $1,690.

You can also get a tax break if you pay extra for a vehicle license plate that advocates a charitable cause.

Check with you tax preparer to see how much you qualify for in any of these instances.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

EDISON LAKES

Aging is more than a numbers game

Claiming age is just a number doesn’t add up. What number is it? Do you pick a favorite number and use it forever? Or is it the number of days you’ve been alive and alert? A sizeable number of folks wonder what age they’re going to be in heaven. A wrong number could be hell.

No matter how we regard our age, we have come to understand that aging increases the risk factor for many diseases, including cancers

and degenerative disorders such as dementia, and the likelihood of suffering several chronic illnesses.

Genes have long played a role in how we age. If your parents lived relatively healthy lives and edged close to the century mark before dying, your chances of living a lengthy and relatively healthy life are pretty good. If you take care of yourself. While the global search for the Fountain of Youth is still in full force, diet and lifestyle are a couple of traditional tools you can use to stretch out your time here on Earth.

Not everyone agrees on what attributes contribute to successful aging. Some are vegetarians, others sweat through regular gym sessions. Many work as long as they can and keep busy by volunteering when they leave the labor force.

Science has opened up several doorways we explore to slow down the process that changes our body as we age. Fasting has become one of the most popular. The benefits of intermittent fasting have been found to be favorable in tests and studies among both animals and

humans. Varying the times and types of one’s food intake has shown signs of slowing own the attacks of metabolic disorders and some common age-related liver diseases.

A word of caution to everyone. Before making any changes to diet or daily-living habits, always discuss your situation and plans with your primary-care physician.

Researchers also are delving into ways to revitalize one’s immune system, which diminishes over time. They’re targets are cells that can be replenished to combat

everything from wrinkles to cancer.

Maintaining healthy bones slows down the aging process. Folks past their 50s should test their bone measurement and mass regularly. Ask your doctor about dietary supplements and foods that can slow down bone loss.

As you read this, scientists, lab workers and researchers are working diligently in such exotic fields as tissue rejuvenation and cellular senescence and regeneration to keep us, as well as themselves, aging gracefully.

V-mail and the South Bend soldier

I never met Pfc. Joseph H. Andert Jr., mainly because I wasn’t born yet while he served in World War II. However, I was privileged to “meet” this GI through numerous V-mail letters he sent home to his family, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Andert Sr. and Gene (a possible brother).

These V-mail letters were purchased by this writer from an online auction site. The first letter started with “9, 2, 44.” The last letter ended at the end of September 1944. Back in 1944, the Andert family lived at “1707 Catalpa Ave., South Bend 14, Indiana USA.”

It should be noted that V-mail was developed to save space and weight on the cargo and mail plane. The GIs would write their letters on fullsize V-mail forms and then a camera would make miniature photos that would be put on microfilm and then printed to send out to the GI families or friends.

Pfc. Andert Jr’s. first letter starts on 9, 2, 44, to “Dear Mom, Dad, Gene.” Continuing, Joseph writes, “Well you can send me some candy and

tobacco. That’s all I can think of right now. I don’t need anything to wear. We have enough of that.”

Joseph continues, “The food we git (sic) here is good. Well I will write real soon again. Lots of love and kisses to all. Joe.” Real soon indeed, as “Joe” sends his second letter out

the very same day on 9, 2, 44. These V-mail letters do not say where Andert is stationed as he writes home. The postmarks only, in part, state: “APO Postmaster.”

Any information welcome to: Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544. Lawson is a longtime writer laureate of area history and human interest stories.

‘Happily Ever After Tea’ at The History Museum

South Bend’s The History Museum will present a “Happily Ever After Tea” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in conjunction with the exhibit “Unveiled: Wedding Traditions.”

Tickets are $30/adults; $25/ members; $15/youth ages 6-17; and $5/children 5 and under. Reservations are required by Thursday, March 2 and can be made at historymuseumsb.org.

Taking place in the Leighton Gallery, the tea features tables of eight, each decorated to reflect all the joy of a wedding reception. This one-of-akind experience offers a menu of savories, sweets and classic teas and is catered by the Oliver Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Tours of “Unveiled: Wedding Traditions” will be offered at the tea. Through engaging vignettes featuring photo-

graphs, gowns, jewelry and more, the exhibit showcases the museum’s historic clothing collection and items on loan from the community’s diverse populations.

The history and heritage of these unions provide an interesting glimpse of these traditions.

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

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 March 15 at pmuthart@thepapers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers chair yoga, 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday; empowered movement, 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday; gentle yoga, 5:30 p.m. every Monday; and seated strength, 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday. Registration is required for all fitness classes. Call (574) 287-4197 to sign up.

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The Kroc Center’s Healthy Aging program begins Monday, March 6. The program includes fall prevention education, appropriate group workout sessions, gym orientations, fitness assessments, dietary education

and small group personal training sessions. The program is grant funded and completely free to participants. Participants do not need to be a member of the Kroc Center. To register, visit mykroc.org or call (574) 233-9471.

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Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia support group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. at North Woods Village Memory Care Assisted Living, 1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka. Call (274) 247-1866 for more information.

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Wellness Initiative for Senior Education meets from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Thursday, March 16, at Centre Township Public Library, 1150 Kern Road, South Bend. WISE is a six-week program. Register for the free program by calling Tre Goodhue at (574) 282-4658, ext. 4558.

History Museum opens nominations for African-American Legacy Award

The History Museum is accepting nominations now through Friday, March 31, for its inaugural African-American Legacy Award. Presentation of the award will take place Tuesday, June 13, at a special luncheon at The History Museum.

The African-American Legacy Award is presented annually by The History Museum to recognize individuals who have been instrumental in collecting, preserving and disseminating African-American history in the St. Joseph River Valley, either working directly with The History Museum or within the African-American community.

Brian Harding, executive director of The History Museum, said, “We are proud to launch the African-American Legacy Award and to call for nominations for this year’s award.

“African-Americans played an important role in the development of the St. Joseph River Valley and their history is important to understanding the people of this region, the state of Indiana and our country. Learning about this history is important for all and helps us grow stronger as a community.

“The African-American Legacy Award is given to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of African-Americans, to honor the legacies and achievements of past generations, to shine a light on those in the present and to influence efforts that will impact the future.”

To be eligible for the award, an individual:

• Must be or have been a resident of the St. Joseph River Valley for at least 10 years. The St. Joseph River Valley is considered by the museum to be nine counties in Indiana — LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Stark, Marshall, Kosciusko, Pulaski and Fulton — and three in Michigan — Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph.

Fifth Annual Concours d’Elegance submission deadline is March 17

The fifth annual Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm will be held Saturday, July 8, at Copshaholm Mansion in South Bend’s West Washington Street Historic District.

It is hosted by the Studebaker National Museum.

The vehicle applications are now open for the, copresented by LaVine Restorations and The JBS Collection. This exclusive gathering celebrates automotive design, engineering and culture. The Concours will open to the public at 10 a.m. and will close at 4 p.m. The pass in review and awards ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.

The 2023 featured marques are Oldsmobile and Jaguar. Full classic Indianapolis-built automobiles will be showcased, as will 12- and 16-cylinder full-classic motorcars.

Wagon, an open class for American-built station wagons.

• The Best Thing on Wheels, Oldsmobile, a class for Oldsmobile-branded automobiles.

• The Centennial Club, pre1923 automobiles, an open class for all automobiles built in 1923 or prior.

• The Corvette at 70, Corvettes of all years (35-year rule waived for this class).

• Grace, Space and Pace Jaguar, SS and Jaguar automobiles.

• Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Harley-Davidson bikes made prior to 1987.

• Haul of Fame, pickup trucks, an open class for pickup trucks.

• Multi-cylinder motoring, an open class for automobiles with 12- or 16-cylinder engines.

• New Deal Motoring, 1933-1942, an open class for 1933-1942 “affordable” automobiles.

• Studebaker’s Finest, The Raymond Loewy Era, a class for 1938-1955 Studebakers, 1956 Hawks, and Studebaker Avanti.

The submission deadline is Friday, March 17. Owners will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by Friday, April 7.

For more information, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org.

• Must not have previously received the award.

• Has demonstrated leadership and creativity in promoting African-American history.

• Has increased understanding of and appreciation for the heritage of African-Americans.

• Has had significant impact on the local community promoting African-American history.

• Has recognized efforts that are exceptional or have gone above and beyond their job.

Nominations can be made by an individual or organization by completing an online application or by downloading the application and mailing to:

African-American Legacy Award Committee, The History Museum

808 W. Washington St. South Bend, IN 46601.

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

The Concours at Copshaholm will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Corvette and vehicles over 100 years old in the Centennial Club class. Other class highlights include American station wagons, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, pick-up trucks and Raymond Loewy-era Studebakers. Rounding out the show field will be “New Deal Motoring” featuring popularpriced cars built between 1933 and 1942.

Awards will be presented in all classes, as well as Best of Show and other special awards of distinction. The Concours at Copshaholm’s chief judge is renowned automotive scholar and historian Matt Short. Judging will be French traditional. The awards ceremony will be narrated by automotive historian and raconteur, Bill Rothermel.

To submit a car for application, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org/vehicleapplication. The full class list:

• The American Station

• Indianapolis Classics, Cole, Duesenberg, Marmon, National, Stutz, a class for all Indianapolis-built full classic automobiles.

Brentwood at LaPorte proudly offers the award-winning and industryleading Vibrant Life® and Elevate® dining programs. We offer independent and assisted living options, respite care, and our signature, person-centered Generations Memory Care. Bring your furry friend along to one of the few petfriendly senior communities in the area.

Five common estate planning mistakes to avoid

Trust and estate planning is an important part of ensuring the security of your family’s future. Here are five common trust and estate planning mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Not Planning Ahead

Failing to have an estate plan in place can be a costly mistake. Without a valid will or trust, assets may not be distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. Without an estate

plan in place, it’s likely that probate proceedings will take much longer than if one had been created beforehand, resulting in increased legal costs for those involved.

2. Failing To Update Your Plan Regularly Laws and regulations change over time, and without updating your estate plan, parts of it could no longer be valid or effective. Changes in life circumstances also affect how you achieve estate planning goals.

3. Not Including Funeral And Burial Wishes

If you don’t include funeral and burial wishes in your estate plan, your family may struggle to make important decisions about your service or memorial. Without these instructions, family members often feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to honor their loved one’s memory.

4. Neglecting Tax Considerations

When it comes to trust and estate planning, one of the most important considerations is taxes. Estate planning professionals can determine what strategy is best to reduce taxes, such as set-

ting up trusts, donating money/ property to charitable organizations, or distributing assets to family members with lower tax brackets.

5. Failing To Plan For Incapacity

Incapacity planning is an often overlooked but essential part of the estate planning process. Without this important step, you could be leaving your loved ones with a difficult decision in the event you cannot make decisions for yourself.

DISCLOSURE

This information is not de-

signed, meant, or constitute the rendering of legal or tax advice. One should consult with an attorney or tax advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here.

Trust services provided by Members Trust Company are not federally insured, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or any affiliated entity and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principle. Members Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the office of the comptroller or the currency.

Falls are meant to be avoided

It can happen slowly. Once it starts, it’s a slippery slope

You hear a crack in your back when you get out of bed. Then you can’t pop up out of your chair like you used to. Along with our average body aches and creaks, our sense of balance weakens as we age increasing our risk of falling.

This is accompanied by a risk of fractures, which can lead to medical complications and a de-

crease in long-term mobility and independence.

Typically, there will be some warning signs. You’ll stumble, having near falls, or fall without a fracture. These are red flags.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these red flags, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician immediately.

Decaying vision, loss of hearing, shaky balance, pain and many other age-related conditions can contribute to falling. Discuss these concerns with

Professional Services

Q. What documents are included in an Estate Plan?

A. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes four important documents:

1. Revocable Living Trust - A revocable living trust includes two plans, describing what you want to have happen to your property after you’re gone and to you if you become incapacitated.

2. Pour-Over Will - A pour-over will ensures any remaining assets will automatically transfer or “pour over” into an established trust. If the creator of a trust forgets to title an asset in the name of the trust, this will inform the probate court that the asset should be distributed to the trustee and beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust.

3. Financial Power of Attorney (POA) -

your doctor and ask about any additional solutions, such as an assessment by a specialist, physical therapy, or medication.

In addition to meeting with a doctor, there are some fallprevention tips you can tape to your refrigerator door. Keep all pathways clear. Remove all furniture and rugs that are in your way to avoid tripping as you go about your daily routine.

Use assisting devices. Put up handrails in your bathroom and along stairways and install

floor treads in your shower and bathtub. Get yourself a cane or walker if your balance is unsteady.

Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles, bones and balance. Swimming, walking, biking, yoga, and tai chi are just a few of the activities that help you fight falling.

Vitamins and supplements can help. For example, Vitamin D and calcium help maintain bone strength, which reduces your risk of fractures if you fall. Before taking any such dosage,

talk the matter over with your doctor. And ask what effect your current medication may have on your balance.

Be prepared for an emergency. Place emergency numbers near your home phone and list them in your cellphone.

Schedule regular appointments with specialists, such as eye and hearing doctors.

Wear sturdy and comfortable footwear. And don’t do anything quickly. Mature

Ryan Hahn Trust

Administrator

A POA is a legal document that authorizes someone to act upon your behalf in financial matters.

4. Advance Healthcare Directive - An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that specifies what actions should be taken for your health if you are no longer able to make decisions because of illness or incapacity.

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.

Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator

Management

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.

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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!

Call today for more information on how you can advertise in Senior Life.

Pam Gunterman reaches out with the love of Jesus

putting the Scripture to music that helps listeners retain and connect more.”

“Our Christian faith should be an integral part of our everyday life,” stated Pam Gunterman of Bremen. “Following Jesus is not just for Sunday. We should share his example by reaching out to the world with love and compassion.”

Gunterman has attended St. Dominic Catholic Church in Bremen for 40 years.

“I’m a cradle Catholic. I was born into the faith. I made my first confession and first communion in second grade and was confirmed in eighth grade. I attended Catholic school through my freshman year in high school.”

She has always been a practicing Catholic. “I’m a reader and proclaim the Scriptures for the weekly Mass,” she noted.

Singing is an important part of worship for Gunterman, who said, “I’ve been a cantor at St. Dominic’s for 30 years. I love leading the Psalms for the congregation. Many hymns are taken straight from Scripture. And there’s something about

Gunterman taught fifth grade catechism for eight years.

“Kids today face different issues than I faced growing up. Some of the experiences are good and some are bad. They live in a technological world. They are exposed to a lot more and face more pressures than past generations. It’s important they face their world with an active faith,” Gunterman said.

Because Gunterman wanted to grow in her faith as an adult, she joined a Sunday morning adult study group.

“I wanted to continue to learn more about my faith. We review the Scripture that is proclaimed that week and discuss it,” she said.

She’s also part of a small group Bible study.

“It’s amazing that Scripture, written thousands of years ago, is so on target today,” she said. “God’s word is always relevant.”

Some sorrow has also crept into Gunterman’s life.

“I lost my husband, Tony, five years ago,” she said. “My church family, my family, and co-workers were an integral part of my grief journey. It’s comforting to know we are visitors on this earth; we’re only passing through. Tony is in his eternal resting place. I will see him again.”

Gunterman is in a widowers/ widows group at church.

“That’s a great support group. And there’s healing for us when we reach out to others who have recently lost a spouse.”

Her life’s verse is Luke 1:38: “Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your Word.’”

Gunterman strives to be God’s servant, following His will and marching orders.

She recently retired from her job as law office administrator.

“Being a Christian in the workplace and the world requires treating people with respect and kindness ... like Jesus did. I offer prayers for people who are going through struggles and hard times.

Ancient customs of embalming (or not)

The ancient Persians, Syrians and Babylonians immersed their dead in honey, of all things.

Now, this may seem odd, except that honey is a remarkable preservative. People at that time would volunteer for this process before they died. The person would stop eating regular food completely and only eat honey.

According to legend, after about a month your sweat, urine and even feces would turn into honey. Inevitably you would die, because the human

body cannot be sustained on a diet strictly of honey.

Once the person did die, the corpse would be placed into a stone coffin and would be filled to the brim with honey. The coffin was then buried for 100 years so the honey would completely saturate the body.

After 100 years, they would remove the body and break it into pieces to use as oral medication that was said to have amazing, immediate healing properties. Or it would be rubbed on wounds for medicinal reasons to help them heal.

Obviously, acquiring some of this “honey mummy” substance was difficult and extremely expensive because of the lack of volunteers and the amount of time involved. There are records from 323 B.C. indicating that Alexander the Great was said to have been treated so his body could make the long journey from Babylon (where he died) back to Egypt, but obviously not with the honey method.

St. Joseph Funeral Home and Cemetery may be reached at (574) 288-4685 or sjfh.net.

South Bend Symphony Orchestra welcomes Kayhan Kalhor March 4

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra welcomes internationally acclaimed virtuoso Kayhan Kalhor at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The third performance in the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series, this unique combination pairs the sounds of Silkroad ensemble member Kalhor with Brahms’ luxuriant “Symphony No. 2.”

The concert opens with Alexander Borodin’s vigorous “Overture to Prince Igor.”

Kalhor’s prodigious work with the kamancheh, one of the oldest stringed instruments from the Middle East, features in his piece, “Silent City,” written in response to Saddam Hussein’s chemical attack in 1988 on the Iraqi Kurdish city of Halabja.

Kalhor describes writing the piece as seeing it backwards, “I started from the end of what happens. It’s the aftermath. It starts from a soft sound. There

is stillness, there is darkness, and then these long notes can change anytime, anywhere. And then the sound grows and the instruments move higher in the register that they play. And this little stillness, it becomes chaotic loudness. Then it goes away again.”

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful for Jack M. Champaigne and his support of the Masterworks Series.

Jordan Lexus of Mishawaka supports the 90th season guest artists like Kalhor.

Tickets can be purchased online at morriscenter.org/ event/south-bend-symphonymasterworks-silk-road-brahms, at the Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office by calling (574) 235-9190 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday or in-person at the Morris, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance.

To view the 2022-2023 season schedule, visit southbendsymphony.org.

Other times, I may exclaim, ‘Praise God!’ when things are going well for them,” she said.

With two sons, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren, Gunterman wants to leave a spiritual legacy.

“I hope my family members learn from me that faith is important, and it never goes out of style. God is there through the good and the bad. He is there in every moment of our lives.”

Adventures on my Caribbean cruise

Mary Ellen and I just returned from a wonderful Caribbean cruise. But no one wants to read a humor column about how much fun we had. So instead, I’ll put on my grumpy old man hat and describe everything that went wrong.

On our first day, we went snorkeling. It took us about an hour on a catamaran to reach the reef, but the fish in Saint Thomas must have seen us coming, because by the time we put on all of our gear and dove into the bay, there was nary a minnow in sight.

The guide tried to paint a rosy picture of our pricey excursion.

“Have you ever seen so many fish?” he asked.

I answered honestly: “Yes, on the wall of Red Lobster.”

Later, on board the ship, one of my hearing aids stopped working.

“Which one?” asked Mary Ellen.

“Starboard side,” I said. My wife was impressed that I had adopted the proper nautical terminology. But when I turned around to walk toward the lunch buffet, my broken hearing aid was now on the port side of my head. This created a real problem: Mary Ellen never knew which ear to yell into.

Getting on the elevator required us to scan our room card. I kept swiping but the

elevator door didn’t open. A fellow passenger walked by.

“You’re scanning the hand sanitizer dispenser,” he told me.

I complained to the front desk that both pools on the ship lacked a shallow end. They were 5 feet, 9 inches deep everywhere, an inch over the top of my head. Who designed these pools? Retired NBA players?

“Am I the only person to complain about this?” I asked the cruise director.

“No, Mr. Wolfsie, but you are the tallest.”

One night, I carried the TV remote onto the veranda outside our room that overlooked the ocean. The device slipped out of my hand when the ship rocked and it landed in the Atlantic.

“That’s never happened

before,” said the steward. “What were you doing when you dropped it?”

“I was channel surfing,” I told him.

Our room safe required us to choose a security code. I used our old house number. But I must have entered it incorrectly when I programmed it, because I could not unlock it with those same digits later that night. Panicked, I called the security desk.

“How did I get locked out of my own safe?”

“Wait a second, aren’t you the guy who griped about the snorkeling, swiped the hand sanitizer with his key card, complained that the pool has no shallow end and lost his remote in the Atlantic? And did you ever get your hearing aid fixed?”

Wow, word travels fast

at sea.

On the way home, I went to the deli at the airport to get a bite to eat before boarding the plane. All they had was a stale-looking chicken sandwich with wilted lettuce and slimy American cheese. I bought one along with a bottle of water. Mary Ellen took a pass.

“That will be $25,” said the cashier.

“$25? At Costco right here in San Juan, I could get five whole rotisserie chickens for $25.

“Good luck fitting them under your seat, sir.”

Again, despite what you have read, I had a wonderful time. I especially liked our last glorious day in Puerto Rico. As David Letterman would have said, “It was 75 and sunny. Just like me.”

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

www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

See Our Ad In This Issue

DAY CENTER

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.

DENTISTS

PRINCESS CITY DENTAL CARE

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

www.pcdentalcare.com

EmphasisOnComplete,CompassionateCare.Member AmericanSocietyOfGeriatricDentistry.

HOME CARE SERVICES

ALWAYS BEST CARE - MICHIANA 310 N. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 232-8487

www.abc-michiana.com

Leaders in Non-Medical Home Care. VA Provider.

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

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.

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

EPIC, Medicare Supplement & AARP hearing provider.

WE DO NOT SELL AMPLIFIERS

Slam

the scam: How to spot government imposters

• Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/ report-the-scam.

Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.

There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

When you identify a potential scammer:

• Hang up right away or ignore the message.

• Never give personal information or money.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We only accept payments electronically through pay.gov, Online Bill Pay or physically by check or money order through our offices. We will never do the following:

• Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

• Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

• Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, cryptocurrency or cash through the U.S. mail.

Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. Stay vigilant and help raise

awareness about Social Securityrelated scams and other government imposter scams. For more information on scams, visit ssa. gov/scam.

Tell your friends and family about government imposter scams. Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial informa-

tion or suffered a financial loss. The important thing is to report the scam right away.

Together, we can “Slam the Scam!”

South Bend Civic Theatre presents ‘Junie B. Jones, The Musical Jr.’

South Bend Civic Theatre presents “Junie B. Jones, The Musical Jr.” March 3-12, at the Wilson Auditorium.

Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie’s best friend, Lucille, has found new best friends and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school.

While in Mr. Scary’s class, Junie has trouble reading the

blackboard, and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

This family-friendly show will feature over 60 local students. Additionally, sign language interpretation courtesy of Community Services with All Deaf will be provided at the Saturday, March

11, performance.

Performances will take place at the Wilson Auditorium, located at the South Bend Civic Theatre, 403 N. Main St., South Bend. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. March 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. Sunday matinee show times are 2 p.m. March 5 and 12.

Tickets can be purchased for $28 to $33 through sbct. org or at (574) 234-1112. Group rates are available.

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)

Serving area patients & families since 1980. www.CFHcare.org

HOUSECALL DOCTORS

HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC At-Home Medical Care for Elderly & Homebound Patients Serving NW Indiana & Plymouth/So. Bend areas www.housecalldoc.org

219-750-9497

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

THE VILLAGE AT ARBORWOOD 820 Cleveland Rd. East Granger, IN 46530 (574) 247-4680

www.villageatarborwood.com

A Lifestyle You Deserve, An Apartment You Can Afford.

See Our Ad In This Issue

MEDICAL CLINIC

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS

TELEPHONE SERVICES

RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC 7702 Woodland Drive #130, Indianapolis, IN 46278 (877) 446-8722

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

THERAPY/CARE MGT. SERVICES

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

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.

SENIOR OUTPATIENT SERVICES

1220 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 333-9747

kate@senioropservices.net

Senior Outpatient Services is a mobile outpatient practice providing PT, OT, ST services to seniors in their homes.

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library offers programs for adults

Below is the MishawakaPenn-Harris Public Library March calendar of events for adults. All reservations for in-person or Zoom attendance may be secured by calling (574) 259-5277 or mphpl.org. Most events require registration. Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events.

In The Community Events

“Chicory Cafe Book Club,”

10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 4. MPHPL is hosting a monthly book club at the Chicory Café of Mishawaka, 114 W. First St. Adults are welcome to join the club and discuss the book of the month, “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie, a copy of which can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the library.

Bittersweet Branch Events

“Yak, Snack and Read: Hybrid Book Club,” 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. A copy of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith can be picked up

in advance at the front desk.

Enjoy a morning of bingo and beverages from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 18. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.

“Overwhelmed by the Thought of Moving: Where to Start and What to Expect,”

10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 30. Kirsten Sharpe, the Realtor for Seniors, will discuss what preparations need to be to move and sell your house.

Harris Branch Events

The Harris Branch is undergoing construction. Currently, the Harris Branch is browse-and-borrow-only until further notice and no events are scheduled due to construction. Hours of operation at the Harris Branch will remain the same. Additional updates will be provided online at mphpl. org.

Mishawaka Library Events

“Delectable Lit,” 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, March 9. In this

unique book and baking club, you get the chance to combine the two. March’s book, “True Grit” by Charles Portis, can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk.

“Cooking Classics: Homemade Pickles,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13. Try your hand at experimenting with assorted flavors to make pickles.

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. This month’s speaker, Mark Doddington, will present about his book, “Haunted Elkhart County.” He was the technology manager for The Northern Indiana Paranormal Society and served as the lead investigator for Stateline Paranormal Exploration and Research.

“Mug ‘n’ Muffin” monthly hybrid book club, 10:15-11 a.m. Thursday, March 16. Enjoy coffee, conversation and muffins. “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” by Amy Tan can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

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.

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

“Date Night with a Book: Woman’s History Month,” 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 23. There will be festive themed activities and light refreshments.

“That’s What I Call Music Trivia Night,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 24. The winning team will receive a small prize. Teams must have two to six members; limited to 15 teams.

“Fresh from the Kitchen,” 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 29.

Zoom Only Events

“Sips and Spines: Historical Fiction,” 7-8 p.m. Friday, March 3.

“Take a Trip to Bulgaria on Zoom,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7.

“Virtual Craft Hour: Embroidered Notebooks,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 17. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants.

“Snack Attack: Pinwheels,” 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, March 24. Try a new simple recipe

during this monthly virtual cooking demonstration session.

“Virtual Popcorn Tasting,” 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants.

The downtown Mishawaka Library and Bittersweet Branch will close at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, for staff training. The Harris branch is always closed Wednesday.

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.

Gilbert adds a new face of Phoenix

By the time you get to Phoenix, you may have heard of Gilbert.

This community of almost 300,000 was facing an impossible task just a couple of years ago. This fourth largest community in the Valley of the Sun was preparing to mark its 100th birthday as the fastest growing city in the country. But it was — and still is — a town.

With a population more than twice the size of Topeka, Kan., it can claim to be the fastest growing town in the nation, and maybe even the biggest town on Earth. It’s the rapid rate of growth that is responsible for its quandary. With a population of less than 2,000 in 1970, it’s grown too fast to give local politicians time to take care of the resolutions and paper work required to call itself a city.

Many of the locals like it that way. It’s more neighborly and friendlier than a city, they say.

And it’s easier to do things here.

To take advantage of the baseball interest spurred by the annual spring training of some 16 teams in the Valley — and the period of benevolent weather — the town renovated a former sports facility and reopened it last year as Cactus Park, a home for youth baseball tournaments, adult softball and kickball leagues with replicas of eight baseball stadiums from around

the country. They can cheer for their favorite local players in Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field, jeer them at St. Louis’ Sportsman’s Park, have a hot dog at Angel Stadium, or grab a pretzel at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks a few miles from the original in downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Gilbert has become a diner’s delight with offerings ranging from zesty ribs to tantalizing tacos. The renovated Heritage District is easy to find. Just head for the town’s trademark water tower, which also straddles the weekly farmer’s market alongside the railway tracks that still carries bellowing diesel-towed trains through the heart of Gilbert.

In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way to establish a rail line connecting Phoenix with Florence, the Pinal County capital about 60 miles southeast of the state capital.

A rail siding was established on property owned by William “Bobby” Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, became known as Gilbert. It was a prime farming center, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. So prosperous was the community that it became known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until the late 1920s.

Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970s when it annexed some 50

square miles of county land and envisioned growth much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Mesa and Chandler.

Getting around this area has been made easy because of foresight and farsighted planning.

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

Major streets are one mile apart forming a grid throughout the East Valley that makes it simple to determine distances between venues.

Locals have grown used to seeing vacant land as opportu-

Southfield Village

nities for corporate buildings, shopping complexes and residential developments to spring up almost as fast as cotton, corn, oranges and olives did a few decades ago.

Mature Life Features

Copyright 2023

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

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.

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West Woods of Niles

1211 State Line Road, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-2810 • www.peplinskigroup.com

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, 24-Hour Nursing Care, Outings, Social Activity, Short/Long Term Rehabilitation, Wi-Fi, Beauty Shop, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Medicare/Medicaid

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Notre Dame Film, Television Theatre presents ‘Dawn’s Early Light’ March 5

Notre Dame’s Department of Film, Television, and Theatre announces “Dawn’s Early Light,” a new musical by Notre Dame student Solomon Duane (2024). It will take place at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s Philbin Studio Theatre until Sunday, March 5.

Set in the 1940s amid the flashing colors of the World War II home front and the swinging sounds of the Big Band era, “Dawn’s Early Light” follows the story of an Italian-American family living in Buffalo, N.Y.

When Tommy Zucchiatti decides to enlist in the military, his immigrant father resists, haunted by the pains of a dark past. How much must the family sacrifice to hold on to their American dream?

“Living through the pandemic led Solomon to reflect on his own family’s story,” said Matt Hawkins, FTT’s director of musical theatre, who also directs the production. “He was inspired to explore the ways in which families cope with loss and grief, but through the lens of another catastrophic global event — World War II.”

“Dawn’s Early Light” is the third student-written musical to emerge from the New Works Lab, a program that curates, workshops and produces new musicals. Led by Hawkins, the New Works Lab has previously

work shopped and produced: “An Old Family Recipe” (2021) by Veronica Mansour (2021); and “Stupid Humans” (2019) by Jorge “Jay” Rivera-Herrans (2020), now revised and titled “My Heart Says Go.” A concept album, produced by Hawkins and featuring Javier Muñoz (Hamilton) and Tony Awardwinner Jessie Mueller, is set to be released in March, ahead of a full production at South Bend Civic Theatre in April.

As with previous New Works Lab musicals, students serve in multiple leadership roles on the production. While the costumes, lighting and set are designed by faculty, students fill the roles of choreographer and associate choreographer, orchestrators, associate director and stage manager, among others.

“The Lab offers a unique opportunity to cultivate new voices while giving students significant ownership in the artistic process,” said Hawkins. “‘Dawn’s Early Light’ reflects the input of dozens of student artists, both those in leadership roles on the production and those who took the workshop class last fall.”

The performance schedule is:

• 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 2-4.

• 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, March 5.

Tickets are $7/student, $12/

faculty/staff/senior (65-plus) and $15 general admission. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be purchased online at performingarts. nd.edu, by phone at (574) 631-2800, or in person at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center ticket office. Ticket office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available daily after 5 p.m. in the Stayer Center parking lot, just north of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Patrons may receive free event parking at the Eddy Street Commons parking garage by bringing event tickets and parking tickets to the DPAC ticket office to receive a prepaid parking voucher.

An accessible lot for disabled patrons is available immediately adjacent to the center; a valid hang tag or license plate is required. There is a 10-minute parking zone on the north drive of the center for ticket pickup; during inclement weather, people may drop off guests in this area and proceed to parking.

The History Museum presents talk on history of local theaters

Vaudeville, stage plays, movies ... each has held a distinctive place in the history of local theaters.

Learn more about some of these institutions in a talk by Greta Fisher, costume shop manager of Casaday Costume Company, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at The History

Museum’s “Insights in History.”

Admission is $3. Reservations are required by Feb. 27. “Insights in History” is sponsored by THK Law, LLP.

A tour of “Forging Innovation” will be offered. The exhibit showcases South Bend’s first century of commerce, focusing on the growth of the region as a

hub of science, finance, industry, and transportation.

“Insights in History” is a monthly series that features a lecture in conjunction with an exhibit at The History Museum. For more information, call The History Museum at (574) 235-9664 or visit historymuseumsb.org.

Hapless headlines

More than six decades in the newspaper business has given me the opportunity to collect, correct and clip out headlines that have caused red faces — from embarrassment by those who wrote them and from laughing by those who read them.

Many sneaked through the editorial staff at papers I worked for, others hit the streets in competing pages, a

lot were sent to me by colleagues, and the rest I just read in papers picked up here and there.

Some of you must have seen some of them.

Like:

Police launch campaign to run down jaywalkers

Panda mating fails, veterinarian takes over

Miners refuse to work after death

Juvenile court to try shooting defendant

War dims hope for peace

New study of obesity looks for larger test group

Astronaut takes blame for gas in spacecraft

Kids make nutritious snacks

Homicide victims rarely talk to police

Marijuana issue sent to a joint committee

China may be using sea to hide its submarines

Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons

Man kills himself and runs away

Bugs flying around with wings are flying bugs

Bridges help people cross rivers

Girls’ schools still offering “Something Special” — Head Man arrested for everything

Tiger Woods plays with his own balls, Nike says Rooms with broken air conditioners are hot

State population to double by 2040, babies to blame Greenland meteorite may be from space

Students cook & serve grandparents

Woman missing since she got lost

Man found dead in graveyard City unsure why the sewer smells

Planes forced to land at airports

Hospitals resort to hiring doctors

Statistics show that teen pregnancy drops significantly after 25

Diana Was Still Alive Hours Before She Died

One-armed man applauds the kindness of strangers

Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking

And my all-time favorite: Cold wave linked to temperatures.

Cruising the Great Lakes —

Enlightening and relaxing trip

Editor’s Note: This piece on Cruising the Great Lakes will serve as an introduction to the places the ship stopped and for the next six months those destinations will be highlighted.

Cruising the Great Lakes is just as enjoyable as doing the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. In fact, it has some advantages that make it very attractive.

For starters, it’s closer to home. Then, it’s less crowded because ships only carry around 200 people. And, they stop at familiar places like Niagara Falls, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Detroit, Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and Holland, Mich.

Along the way, it docks in places most people have probably never heard of or would probably never go to, like the world’s deepest natural freshwater port at Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay or Midland with more than 30 beautiful murals.

The Great Lakes are pretty much taken for granted by Midwesterners. On board the Pearl Seas Mist, passengers learn how important they are to the health and welfare

of this area and the entire country. Eighty-four percent of North America’s fresh water comes from the Great Lakes, and they hold onefifth of the world’s fresh water.

The 11-day cruise we took last August departed from Toronto, crossed Lake Ontario and passed through several canals and locks to Niagara Falls. There we donned red plastic ponchos and rode to within 30 yards of the base of Horseshoe Falls. Water crashing off the rocks filled the air with mist.

Cleveland was next on the itinerary and a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to listening to classic performances by many of the hall’s inductees, passengers viewed memorabilia from the stars, including Prince’s famous purple coat and Elvis’s motorcycle.

One section highlighted the fact that when the rock ‘n’ roll revolu-

tion hit, parents were concerned it was corrupting their youngsters and actually petitioned to have it banned from the airwaves.

In Detroit, we visited Greenfield Village and rode the steam locomotive around the property before walking to specific buildings. Coal particles from the engine covered everyone in the open viewing cars. Station employees advised to shake rather than brush. Riding in a 1923 Model T Ford was the highlight.

At Sault Ste. Marie, the ship docked next to a 1917 freighter that is now a maritime museum. Passengers could take a narrated ride through the Soo Locks into Lake Superior and back. In town, a 210foot tower afforded an overview of the locks, which control the world’s busiest inland shipping channel.

At Mackinac Island, the ship moored just a block from the center

Experience Chicago Aug.

Do you on occasion need to drive to O’Hare Airport (and dread it) or maybe to ball game? That’s not the same as experiencing Chicago. Join us for a two-night, three-day luxury motorcoach trip to Chitown, Aug. 22-24.

The trip includes:

• Motor coach transporta-

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tion.

• Two nights lodging in the Chicago area.

• Four meals: two breakfasts and two dinners.

• A visit to the Museum of Science and Industry.

• A visit to the world famous 360 Chicago Observation Deck, formerly the John Hancock Observatory.

• A skyline cruise on Lake Michigan.

• A visit to the historic Navy

Pier and Field Museum of Natural History.

• A night of dinner with entertainment.

All this for only $355 per person, double occupancy. We are going to have good summertime fun and hope you will join us. Just pay a $75 deposit to hold a seat. Visit grouptrips. com/ddresales for details, videos and to sign up. If you have any questions, call Dennis at (574) 220-8032.

DD RESALES PRESENTS

of town where horse-drawn wagons and carriages are available to take visitors past Victorian homes, 17 fudge shops, the historic fort and the Grand Hotel. Only people staying at the hotel are allowed to wander the grounds, enjoy the view from its long porch or enter the lobby.

Though tulips were not in season, the city of Holland, Mich., was

festooned with flowers of all kinds. One stop was at Windmill Gardens to see a working mill purchased in the Netherlands, dismantled, shipped to Holland and reassembled.

A demonstration of an antique street organ donated by the people of Holland to honor the U.S. servicemen during World War II was a real treat.

Travel by Bridget offers trips in every direction for 2023

Travel by Bridget LLC is a northern Indiana-based group travel company led by founder Bridget Markin, Bonnie Salyer and former WSBT TV personality Charlie Adams. They have professionally guided trips of value that allow folks to experience travel with a feeling of security without all the stress of planning every day. It’s pretty nice to have a luxury motor coach drop you off and pick you up every step of the way.

Markin and Salyer have been managing group trips for years — Markin at a radio station, Salyer at a travel agency. Since he retired from Channel 22, Adams has worked over 60 group trips worldwide.

Travel by Bridget travelers love how they like to make every passenger feel like they are sitting in first class on a flight. Markin and Salyer always accommodate their passengers with hors d’oeuvres or snacks and soft drinks and often a glass of wine on an overnight trip.

Travel by Bridget uses luxury motor coach transportation, and they are known for how they

make the time on the bus fun with games, great prizes, awardwinning movies and stories from Adams.

They offer many destinations from single-day trips to plays, sporting events, shopping trips and the ever-popular Christmas in Amish Country trip where guests receive a gift at every stop.

Some folks like to get away from the house for a few days, so there are shorter multi-day trips. For those who want to head out for a while, there are cruises and other longer trips.

Travel by Bridget takes great care in creating itineraries that are fresh to destinations they know everyone will enjoy; 99 % of Travel by Bridget guests are repeat customers.

Travel by Bridget picks up in Plymouth, Knox, Lake County, St. Joseph County and other areas depending on the direction of the destination.

Travel by Bridget may be reach at travelbybridgetllc@ gmail.com or travelbybridgetllc. com for more details about 2023 trips.

Travel By Bridget, LLC

Group Travel by Motor Coach and Cruises

2023 TRIPS

Sights & Sounds of Nashville, TN

Tuesday, March 28th to

Friday, March 31st

Three nights stay at The Club Hotel & Suites. Includes shows, touring and more. $827 pp/dbl, $768 pp/tpl, $728 pp/ quad, $998/single

A Bavarian Getaway!

Frankenmuth, MI

Wed., May 17th – Fri., May 19th

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, boat ride, Bronners and so much more. $429 pp/dbl, $379 pp/tpl, $556 pp single

Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Friday, July 21st

Cubs face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:20 pm cst Avoid the traffic and enjoy the ride. Coolers Welcomed. $169 pp

TN

11-16, 2023

nights, 8 meals. Graceland, Memphis Tour, Beale Street, Sun Studio, Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, Gaming at Memphis Area Casino & More

The Ark & The National Air Force Museum – Williamstown, KY

Thurs., July 27th – Fri., July 28th

Overnight stay at The Drury Inn in Franklin, OH. Includes accommodations, admissions, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Seniors $291 pp/dbl, Adults $303 pp/ dbl, Kids 10-17 $275 and kids under 10 are $245

America’s North Coast –Sandusky, OH & Put-in-Bay

Tues., August 22nd –

Thurs., August 24th

A three-day nautical adventure with 3 boat rides and Put-In-Bay. $649 pp/dbl, $594 pp/tpl, $804 single

Lighthouses, Legends & Lore –the Outer Banks of NC Sun., Sept. 10th – Sat., Sept. 16th

Experience beautiful seashore vistas from your oceanfront hotel room, search for wild horses in hummers and so much more. This itinerary is packed with fun and will be the trip of a lifetime!

$1,669 pp/dbl, $1,469 pp/tpl, $2,275 single

Christmas in Branson

Mon., Nov. 6 – Thurs., Nov. 9th

Three night stay in the Hotel Grand Victorian, Branson Showboat Belle, Shows, Shopping and tons of fun!. $966 pp/dbl, $912 pp/tpl, $882 pp/ quad, $1,182 single Woodfield Mall – Schaumburg, IL

Saturday, December 2nd

Save the date for a day of shopping, dinner and fun. $99 pp

Christmas in Amish Country –Shipshewana, IN

Thursday, December 7th

Enjoy 7 – 8 stops in the Amish Country, demonstrations, shopping and traditional Thresher’s Style Dinner. $110 pp

Get the latest information and itineraries at www.travelbybridgetllc.com, call 574.806.1799, or email us at TravelbyBridgetLLC@gmail.com

Sixties Flashback —

When the greatest met the greatest

“Gorgeous George” was born George Raymond Wagner in 1915. He grew up in a tough Houston neighborhood, where he learned to wrestle at the local YMCA and soon established himself as a freestyle champion.

He later became a self-promoting professional wrestler and the sport’s first superstar villain. After growing his blond hair long and dyeing it platinum, Wagner began calling himself Gorgeous George. And that was just the beginning.

The savvy showman also started making entrances that could be labeled bona fide spectacles.

Amid catcalls and jeers from the sellout crowds, George, bathed in a purple spotlight, would stroll slowly down the aisle in a red velvet gown on a red carpet amid the booming strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Once inside the ropes, his valet would spray a scented mist around the ring. After loudly proclaiming his greatness to the people there, George would then usually proceed to vanquish each challenger.

In the late 1940s, in the early days of television, he helped bring professional wrestling — with all its well-rehearsed antics — into America’s living rooms. By the 1950s, George was the best-known wrestler in the world, raking in over $100,000 a year (when the hourly federal minimum wage was $1) and becoming one of the highest paid athletes of his time.

One day in June 1961, at a Las Vegas radio station, he met a rising young boxer from Kentucky named Cassius Clay. Each was there to give an interview to promote an upcoming event in their respective fields at the nearby Convention Center.

Clay went first, calmly and politely answering questions about his future opponent, a Hawaiian named “Duke” Sabedong.

Things changed when George, who was there to wrestle “Classy” Freddie Blassie, took the mic. Asked what Gorgeous George would do if he lost to his opponent, the aging showman thundered, “I’d crawl across the ring and cut my hair off! But that’s not going to happen, because I am the greatest wrestler in the world!”

After the interviews, the 46-year-old George gave the 19-year-old Clay some sage

advice: “Boxing, wrestling, it’s all a show. A lot of people will pay to see someone shut your mouth. So keep on bragging, keep on sassing, and always be outrageous!”

Cassius took the words to heart. As the Louisville Lip, he began boasting that he was the greatest boxer ever. (Like George in his prime, he had the skills to back up those boasts.) Clay would also offer such witticisms as “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked!”

George’s star eventually dimmed, and on the day after Christmas 1963, he died anonymously at 48 of a heart attack. Two months later, on Feb. 25, 1964, Clay, at age 22 a 7-to-1 underdog, defeated heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston. That night, Cassius — soon to become Muhammad Ali — echoed the words of the man who had changed his future and bellowed to the ringside press, “Eat your words! I am the greatest!”

And, truly, he was.

Sugar Camp Days to be held

Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle, is celebrating the 50th annual Sugar Camp Days March 18-19 to celebrate the maple syrup season.

The public is invited to tour the sugar bush, see sap being harvested and visit the sugar house to discover how sap is transformed into golden syrup.

The New Carlisle Lions Club will host a pancake and sausage breakfast both days. The proceeds from the breakfast support Leader Dogs for the Blind, cancer research and community organizations.

At Sugar Camp Days, the public can watch historical crafters demonstrate their trades, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and purchase delicious foods made with maple syrup, such as maple kettle corn, maple cotton candy and maple hot dogs. Maple syrup baked goods, maple candy and Bendix Woods’ pure maple syrup will also be available for purchase.

Sugar Camp Days hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is an $8 per vehicle entrance fee. For more information, call (574) 654-3155 or visit sjcparks.org.

The main entrance to Bendix Woods County Park is located on Timothy Road in New Carlisle, 8 miles west of the U.S. 31 bypass from the SR 2 exit.