Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - March 2024

Beth Baker has no plans to retire or even to slow down

By BETHANNE BRINK-COX Feature Writer

Beth Baker might be one of the busiest women you’ll ever meet.

“I switched to the Red Cross at 62, and it’s the best job I’ve had in my whole life. We were raising a grandson who would graduate in 2021, and I planned to retire then, but this still doesn’t feel like work. I can work from home, I can travel. My husband does, too, and we just take laptops wherever.”

Before that, Baker was a school teacher. When she felt ready to start duct taping children to chairs, and “they frown on that,” she started a crisis daycare center and ran that for eight years.

“United Way approached me and I did fundraising for 14 to 16 years. Fundraisers bounce around a lot. I joined a private school in admissions and they moved me up; raising money for a private school is tough. I applied at the Red Cross and lo and behold, 9 and ½ years later, I’m still at it,” Baker said.

If you think the Red Cross is all about blood drives and crisis

management, well, she said, “I’m still learning the depths of what all we can do. Things like training services and swimming lessons at the Y. Serving the armed forces is what we were founded on. In times of death, birth, good news or bad news, they call us to verify.”

Frequent deployments are tough on families, Baker said, and there are programs at Camp Carson where military kids can go for free and talk about their feelings

“When I am feeling burnt out as a fundraiser I just go out to lift the mission. You can do ride alongs, Evansville was a favorite canteen stop during the war because we had Swans Down cake flour and cake mix manufactured here. We served the best cakes,” Baker said.

Family keeps them busy, too.

“We have three adult kids and seven grandkids. We do yoga and tai chi, and we go to the gym three times a week, ride bikes in season for about eight-14 miles a day. Ballroom dance was on hiatus during COVID, but it’s coming back but people seem to be losing interest in it,” she said.

The Red Cross is a huge national organization, with a multi-billion a year budget, she said.

“We are not federally funded, so all our support comes from donors. We are 90% volunteer driven. Across the country there are 23,00 paid positions, and 300,000 volunteers nationwide,” Baker said.

She is proud of that, with good reason. She went on to say that “90 cents of every dollar donated goes to the missions, and that’s very important to me.”

If you think you can’t be helpful, Baker will tell you otherwise.

“Employee engagement opportunities are really important to younger workers, you know, having their company support the community. This way you can involve them, and they can learn ways to save lives, like smoke alarm events; there is so much so many can do.”

She said there were more than 6,000 Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury

“We did mass feedings and delivered a lot of babies,”

she said. When asked how long she’ll continue this work, Baker smiled and said, “As long as

it’s working.”

With her on board, you can bet it will be for quite some time.

March MPHPL programs for adults

and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.

org. Check the website for the most up-to-date information regarding events. Registration is required for most programs.

Bittersweet Branch Events Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13. Join MPHPL for an hour of bingo

“Morning Makers: Vinyl Travel Cups,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, March 23. Enjoy a morning of crafting and conversation. This session, we’ll be using vinyl to decorate travel cups. Registration is required and limited to

MPHPL cardholders.

Harris Branch Events

“Morning Makers: Vinyl Travel Cups,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Monday, March 4. Enjoy a morning of crafting and conversation. This session, people will be using vinyl to decorate travel cups; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Chapter Chats Book Club,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14. “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge can be picked up in advance at the Harris Branch front desk.

“Slow Cooker Social,” 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19. This program offers a relaxed evening as a slow cooker recipe will be demonstrated. Guests will be able to sample the creation and additional recipes will be shared. Participants are welcome to bring their own slow cooker recipes to share.

Mishawaka Library Events

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, March 2. “True Grit” by Charles Portis can be

picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. Peter De Kever, the Mishawaka historian laureate, will present “Forged in Iron and Gold: The Transcontinental Romance of Charles Crocker and Mary Ann Deming.” Learn about Crocker, who built the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads, his marriage to Deming, and their lives as two of the wealthiest Americans of the 19th century.

“Copycat Cooking: Mint Milkshakes,” 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 14. This fun cooking program explores popular foods and recreating the recipes. This month, MPHPL will recreate a seasonal favorite, the green-mint milkshake. Participants will get to taste their recreations and leave with the recipe; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Morning Makers: Vinyl Travel Cups,” 10:30-11:30

a.m. Friday, March 15. Enjoy a morning of crafting and conversation. This session, people will be using vinyl to decorate travel cups; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Delectable Lit,” 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 21. In this unique book and food club, you get the chance to combine the two. “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie can be picked up in advance at the front desk. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program.

VITA continues at the Mishawaka Library through April 9. Those making $64,000 or less can receive free tax services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, sponsored locally by Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. VITA assistance will be available at the downtown Mishawaka Library every Tuesday. To make an appointment or learn more about this opportunity, call Goodwill Industries directly (574) 800-1361.

BETH BAKER

Mishawaka Historical Museum keeps local history alive

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

Opened to the public in March 2023, the Mishawaka Historical Museum, located in the heart of historic Mishawaka, 121 S. Main St., is one of Mishawaka’s kept secrets — but it shouldn’t be! The museum is packed to the brim with artifacts from iconic and historic moments in Mishawaka’s past.

The museum’s doors are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets cost just $5 per adult, $3 per child aged 6-18 and children under five can enter for free.

Peter Dekever, president and curator of the museum, estimates there are around 700 artifacts on exhibit at any given time in the museum, and that number does not include the additional 400 pictures of artifacts shown in a slideshow on a monitor displayed in the heart of the museum.

Dekever offers a guided tour of the museum, “as guided as you want it to be.” Dekever is a life-long Mishawaka resident, the author of three Mishawakabased history books and the Historian Laureate for Mishawaka. Dekever is a wealth of knowledge and passionate about each artifact on every display, so there is no doubt you will leave with more knowledge than you arrive with.

“We want people to stay as long as they can,” Dekever mentioned, “because when they are here, they are learning.”

The museum’s displays range from iconic Mishawakans, military heritage, church and faith, Dodge manufacturing, historic landmarks, a model train set that runs and so much more. Everywhere you look, your eye is met with a piece of history.

“The train is definitely a museum favorite,” Dekever explained, “it runs for two minutes and everyone aged 2 to 102 loves it.”

The model train set was donated from Don Heirman’s personal collection after his passing. Heirmain is the founder and past president of the museum. His passion for Mishawaka history lives on every time the model train set engine runs.

There are artifacts from all decades, so every visitor will find something that interests them. Most recently, Adam Driver from “Star Wars” was inducted into the museum’s famous Mishawakans display. However, there are many items that date back to the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, but some artifacts date back even further — the 1800s.

“I think anyone can easily spend two or three hours in here,” Dekever mentioned, “and we rotate artifacts so there is always reason to come back.”

The current rotating exhibit displays the costume of Princess Mishawaka and some artifacts from the sesquicentennial celebration. The upcoming rotating exhibit, set to debut in

March, will have boy scout artifacts on display. The rotating displays change around every six months to make space for new artifacts. To make a donation, as the museum is a nonprofit, or to find more information about the museum visit mishawakamuseum.org/. The museum can also be reached by calling (574) 217-8807.

MUSEUM RIBBON CUTTING Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood makes a speech during the Mishawaka Historical Museum’s ribbon cutting ceremony. The museum has been open to

Longtime usher enjoys Notre Dame sports

By BETHANNE BRINK-COX Feature Writer

Bob Budney, 82, and he has been an usher for the past 57 years at Notre Dame football games.

“I’ve done a lot of sports there for both men and women’s teams: tennis, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, you name it. So, I stay pretty busy.”

Budney said when he got

out of the service, his neighbor asked if I wanted to usher, and he said yes. “But I was not a Notre Dame fan then. I’d go with my brother-in-law and root for the other team. But once I started ushering, well, they’re just so enjoyable to watch and it’s unbelievable how friendly the football players are. Sometimes, I’ll be at the mud door, where the players come in and out, and they all push their knuck-

les toward me and fist bump and the coaches are so friendly, too.”

He doesn’t do the football games anymore. Now he is an usher at the Guglielmino Athletics Complex, which is affectionately called the “Gug,” he said. Budney works as an usher at the home game weekends.

Budney’s wife has retired from Notre Dame. When asked if they go to watch team practice, he explained that you have to be on the guest list.

“Players start practicing five or six weeks before, I think it is. I think within the next year or two we’re gonna be right up there. We got a good recruiting, and some guys stayed an extra year,” Budney said.

Asked if there was a waiting list to become an usher, Budney replied, “Well, right now you can get in to usher because it’s off season, you know.”

After so many years ushering, when asked if he had regulars,

he chuckled.

“Oh yeah. I recognize a lot of them, mostly couples. Like in basketball, I’m always in the same area. People come in on ramp eight and say ‘hi,’ and ‘how are you doing.’ For sure they’re regulars and they know where their seats are. You don’t have to do much, just greet them and come in.”

Budney stays busy with other things, too.

“I’m in two golf leagues at the Notre Dame course, but we won’t be golfing this year, because they’re redoing the course and building two dorms on the course.”

He also is a “grandpa taxi.”

“I pick the granddaughter up from school a lot. She plays volleyball and softball, and will be a freshman at St. Joseph High School,” he said.

He also helps Notre Dame students move in and move out when it’s time.”

But there’s no question he’s a

true Notre Dame fan.

“I really enjoy softball, all of it, the coaching staff, the parents, the players. The way they talk about Notre Dame, they’re just one big happy family and so friendly,” he said.

Budney didn’t go in for a lot of sports in school.

“I played baseball in high school, though,” he said.

As for his military service, he laughed.

“It was from 1963-65. It was weird because I drove a tank and jumped out of planes. It was the only unit that did both like that,” Budney said.

You might think 57 years as an usher is a long time, but Budney has a ways to go to break the record. That was set by a man named Ray Gervais, who served 65 years as an usher at Notre Dame.

If you would like to become an usher at Notre Dame, you can email ushers@nd.edu or call (574) 631-9529.

Figg seeks re-election

By RANDY FIGG

“What does a council member do?” I am asked this question a lot. The simple answer is meetings. Last year alone, I attended a total of 403 meetings, spanning across various committees and affiliations.

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However, the detailed answer lies in the realm of budgeting. As a council member, I am part of the fiscal body responsible for overseeing our county’s finances. Take, for example, the arduous task of managing the 2024 budget, which spans a hefty 242 pages. The budgeting process kicks off in July, and it entails numerous meetings with every department head to ensure thoroughness

and accuracy. In 2022, I dedicated a significant amount of time, approximately 41 hours, to these meetings. Last year, that number almost reached 40 hours. It’s worth noting that all nine council members attend these sessions, although occasional absences may occur due to conflicting work schedules.

Between June and October, there were a total of seven revisions to the budget book before the final vote, which took place in October. As a testament to the detailed required, I recall spending nearly four hours on Labor Day scrutinizing all 242 pages line-by-line. This effort led to the discovery and subsequent correction

of four errors, underscoring the importance of attention to detail in our fiscal responsibilities.

Another part of the council duties is zoning for the unincorporated parts of the county. I am the chair of the land-use committee. The zoning requests are decided by the council.

Legislative authority to author bills or ordinances. Last year, the council voted for a small property tax deduction for 55 and older. There are some restrictions. Please visit sjcindiana.com to see if you qualify.

I do have an opponent in the primary May 7. Early voting starts April 9. I ask for your vote.

50 years ago Blast To The Past —

‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’

John Denver

“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.

“Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry.

“Sunshine on the water looks so lovely.

“Sunshine almost always makes me high.”

By RANDAL C. HILL

“I had written the song in a fit of melancholy one dismal late-winter/early-spring day in Minnesota — the kind of day that makes every Minnesotan think about going down to Mexico,” John Denver recalled. “The snow was melting, and it was too cold to go outside and have fun. I was ready for spring. You want to get outdoors again, and you’re waiting for the sun to shine, and you remember how sometimes just the sun itself can make you feel good.”

To Denver, his visualization of a perfect day, one warm and satisfying and wonderful, brought him feelings of contentment — pure joy, actually — that he wanted to share with the world.

The message of his gentle acoustic-guitar tune focused on the virtues of the love of nature and the love of life itself.

Denver had struggled for years before finding international success. His first three RCA Records albums— “Rhymes and Reasons,” “Take Me to Tomorrow” and “Whose Garden Was This?” — had failed to catch fire. Then came “Poems, Prayers and Promises.” Folk-music lovers became fans, cash registers “ka-chinged” and he rode a rocket to stardom. As time went by in the early 1970s, he found celebrity with an evergrowing audience who appreciated his heartwarming tunes

that often dealt with finding pleasure in the simplest things.

The original 1971 version of “Sunshine on My Shoulders” was a long album track — it ran over five minutes — on “Poems, Prayers and Promises.” Denver’s ever-growing fan base had focused on the LP’s breakout hit single of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and seemingly paid little attention to what would become John’s first Number One single two years later.

In late 1973, he and RCA Records decided that “Sunshine on My Shoulders” from his first hit album could make a great 45 if redone right. With RCA’s approval, John shaved off two minutes of running time on his re-recording, and added strings and woodwinds made it more “commercial.”

The changes made paid off, as

that release became the first of four Number One John Denver singles released during the 1970s.

The song received a boost when it was used in a 1973 made-for-TV movie called “Sunshine.” John explained, “It was the true story of Lyn Helton, a

courageous lady who chose to live her short life to the fullest even though she knew she would die of a rare bone cancer in a matter of months. It seems that in the last year of her life, she found some happiness in my music. I was most honored to have my song used as part of

that television show.”

“If I had a day that I could give you

“I’d give to you a day just like today

“If I had a song that I could sing you

“I’d sing a song to make you feel this way.”

JOHN DENVER

A Boomer Blast To The Past

A kernel of truth: A movie tradition

Mary Ellen and I went out to see a movie last week with our friends, Bob and Cathy.

“Are you going to get popcorn again, Mary Ellen?”

“I have to.

NUTSHELL

By DICK WOLFSIE

It’s been a movie tradition for me since high school.”

“So was necking in the balcony, but you cut that out completely after we got married.”

Once we reach the theater, the tension rises.

”Dick, I’ll find seats for the four of us. You wait in line for the popcorn.”

“Why do I have to wait in line? I don’t even like popcorn. And when I come into

the movie theater, you’ll forget to look around for me. Then I walk aimlessly up and down the aisles while people stare at me. Everyone assumes I’m all alone and have no one to sit with. Or I’ll wave my cell phone flashlight to get your attention and all three of you slump down in your seats while you laugh hysterically. At the Tom Cruise movie, I never found where you guys were sitting, but I did get my 10,000 steps in searching for you.”

Of course, I do wait in line and buy the popcorn as directed. It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip off. And I don’t let my wife forget it…

“Did you know, Mary Ellen, that when I was a kid, popcorn in the theater was only a quarter?”

“Yes, and here’s another update: the actors in films are

talking now.”

And then there’s eating the popcorn. Mary Ellen takes one piece from the top of the box with two fingers, then bites off half at a time. Yes, two bites per kernel. She claims that this helps her rhythm and draws her into the movie.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch my wife’s arm go down to the box, up to her mouth. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. For two hours. AHHHHHH!

She pretty much follows a similar routine at home. After we have searched for a good flick or series on Netflix, Mary Ellen is at the stove to make popcorn the oldfashioned way — just oil and popcorn in a pot. Which she meticulously jiggles at the right speed so every kernel is popped. The movie starts and the routine begins. One piece at a time, every 10 seconds

for the entire show. About 500 times. If she preferred M&Ms, she’d weigh 400 pounds.

Here’s the right way to eat popcorn in a movie: Dig way down into the container, which spews the popcorn all over the person in the seat next to you. Take an entire handful, shake the kernels up in your fist like a pair of dice and throw several into your mouth at one time. Then while still chewing, reload

and prepare to fire again. This is how Orville Redenbacher wanted you to do it. You could look it up. Heaven knows why there aren’t instructions on the popcorn box.

The next day her fitness trainer, Justin, asked her if she had been doing her upper body exercises.

“Yes, I did them for three hours last night,” she said. “When we went to see ‘Oppenheimer’ at the movies.”

cided to move forward with my plans for the nine-unit apartment building, located in Argos. Lily Assist is a more affordable option as you will not be paying for a 24-hour attendant; only the services that are needed.”

that each person needs. Lily Assist is independence of a private apartment at an affordable cost.

Lily Assist was created by a nurse case manager who has aging parents who struggled with the dilemma of staying independent for as long as possible and the basic care and help they required to stay healthy.

“The peace of mind my family has experienced with home help and the downsized living arrangements feels like a miracle. The relief knowing they get the help the need, such as meals, cleaning, laundry, entertainment, when we are not able to be there has been such a stress relief. I wanted to bring it to others,” said Tawnya Thayer, RN BSN, the owner of Lily Assist. “That is why I de-

Several levels of care packages are available. You pick a package that is right for you and it’s all included.

Each apartment includes all appliances, a washer and dryer, brand new, tiled walk-in showers, private front porch for sitting and a private back patio.

Lily Assist has a planned lighted gazebo to be placed in the center of the courtyard, which will be a gathering event for residents to socialize as Lily Assist will be planning cookouts, music, events, and a small garden area for the residents to enjoy. A community room for coffee time, bingo, and movie night is also in the works.

“We look forward to helping,” said Thayer.

Call Lily Assist by contacting Tawnya at (574) 952-2929 or Maribel at (574) 933-3316.

John

for his

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

When John Overmyer heard he was picked by the Indiana High School Athletic Association for the distinguished media service award, he was taken by surprise.

“IHSAA called me the end of October that I had been selected for the media award winner in this district. I was really surprised by that,” Overmyer said. “A very humbling experience for me. I was very honored that the IHSAA would even consider me for something of that magnitude.”

Overmyer, was presented the award from the IHSAA Jan. 18, when Clay High School hosted Riley High School. Overmyer serves as sports information director at Clay in addition to streaming area sporting events for his own company in Broadcastsport.net. He said the night and award ceremony was special thanks to all the support he had in attendance.

“I will tell you it was very, very overwhelming. I’ve been a teacher in South Bend since 1999 except for a few years where I went to Elkhart. It was just amazing with the support of the people that were out there. A lot of my friends, colleagues and people I’ve known for a long time,” Overmeyer said.

He says his best man in his wedding drove out from Columbia City for award presentation.

Overmyer began his broadcasting company over 20 years ago in 2003 but has been a teacher in school corporation even longer.

When he first began he was not sure how his company would go. Now, he has students he has taught in the school district working for him, including his one son, Josh, he shares with his wife Pam.

“We took the chance and it’s been very fruitful for us, and we’ve been in business for 21 years with a very small staff,” Overmyer said. “There are a lot of parents or grandparents that live out of town and can’t see their kid play. I’ve added more teams, added more staff to my company. We weren’t really sure how this was going to work. It started off kind of slow but in the last 10 years we’ve really blossomed.”

Overmyer says his passion for sports media began when he was growing up in South Bend back in the 1970s.

“Went to Notre Dame basketball games with my neighbors. They had season tickets. I’d see these guys wearing headsets talking to the coaches and I thought that was pretty cool,” Overmyer said.

He graduated from John Adams High School in 1982 where he learned about radio broadcasts after school. He studied broadcast journalism at Ball State University and has been applying it to his teaching in the South Bend Community School Corporation.

Some adversity did occur this past year when South Bend Community School Corporation made the decision to close Clay High School after the current school year.

“It’s tough when you close a

Legal answers available online

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

While there are still folks who do not have a computer in their household, everyone has access to a computer, either through their grandchildren, friends or a local library or community center.

That being said, there’s an array of sources for help if you have a legal questions or problems.

Keep in mind, however, that information gathered this way should not be taken as gospel, but only as preliminary research and a guide to get you to ask the right questions when you finally get yourself an attorney. And beware of the online sites that urge you to hire one of their lawyers.

Nolo, a major publisher of law books, offers through their website answers to questions on a wide range of topics, from consumer protection to crimi-

DISTINGUISHED CAREER

John Overmyer was picked by the Indiana High School Athletic Association for the distinguished media service award. Overmyer serves as sports information director at Clay High School in addition to streaming area sporting events for his own company. Photo provided.

school. It’s a really good school. It was hard to hear they are going to close this school and displace all these students and displace all these teachers. I know a lot of these kids. I know a lot of these families. They are going to make some tough decisions on where they are going to go to school next year. It’s been heartbreaking to see that. It’s hard to see them close a high school, especially one I’ve been a part of rather heavily of the last five years.”

Overmyer is helping to preserve some of the athletic history of Clay High School. He is also trying to inspire a few more students like the way he was impacted by teachers growing up.

“I try to pass that passion to my students,” Overmyer said. “Not that everybody is going to be a broadcaster. They are getting the basic communication skills if anything.”

nal law to civil suits and Social Security to elder law and estate planning. As you become more comfortable searching the Web, you’ll probably find other sites on your own that offer legal aid. If you have a question about or quarrel with a local, state or federal government agency, you can usually get to the source of your quandary by typing the locale and name of the agency into your search engine.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

The History Museum presents lecture on Belle Gunness March 17

Bruce Johnson, La Porte County historian, will present the lecture “The Story of Belle Gunness” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at The History Museum.

Admission is $5 general and $3 members. Seating is limited. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online at historymuseumSB.org.

In his presentation, Johnson will talk about what happened when the LaPorte farmhouse of Belle Gunness burned down April 27, 1908. Remains of several bodies were found in the basement rubble, but it’s unclear if it was Belle who perished. In the weeks that followed, the mystery of her life began to unravel as more bodies were discovered buried on her farm.

Guests are invited to enjoy the exhibit Indiana Lore both before and following the program. The exhibit, presented in conjunction with the Indiana Historical Society, showcases larger-thanlife legends and folklore of the Hoosier state. Through historic photos and original art by the Braintwins, Indiana Lore traces the roots of Indiana’s tall tales, from the green-eyed ghost of a bulldog guarding a grave at Terre Haute’s Highland Lawn Cemetery to the Grey Lady who lurks in the children’s book section of Evansville’s Willard Library.

These mysterious and mesmerizing campfire stories spark imaginations and illuminate another side of Hoosier history. Featured are stories from the St. Joseph River Valley, like Hazel McNalley, who is accused of murdering her children, whom she claimed had been only dolls.

As you peruse the exhibit, see if you can tell truth from myth, and learn how legends and lore can help understand the world around us.

For information, call (574) 2359664 or visit historymuseumSB. org.

INDIANA LORE — Pictured are Belle Gunness and her family. The LaPorte farmhouse of Belle Gunness burned down April 27, 1908. Photo provided by The History Museum.

70’s Flashback —

Stephen King’s surprise gift

By RANDAL C. HILL

It was the early 1970s, and times were tough for Stephen and Tabitha King. They had married young soon after graduating from the University of Maine and produced two children in as many years. Stephen taught English at a private high school near Bangor, and Tabitha worked second shift at a Dunkin’ Donuts shop downtown.

Stephen had always wanted to be a writer, and Tabitha had set up a makeshift desk in the laundry room of their rented double-wide trailer they called

Heartburn medications can lead to broken bones

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

Older folks bedevilled by heartburn may have to forego their favorite antacids to spare their bones.

Even short-term use of popular acid-reducing heartburn drugs may raise the risk of hip fractures, according to a Kaiser Permanente study.

Increased risks of bone breaks appeared two years after patients started taking such medications as Prevacid, Zantac and Tagamet. Some popular brands of these drugs include Nerium, Prilosec, Protonix and Aciphex.

The increased risk with shortterm use of such acid-suppressing drugs suggests it may be associated with increased risk of hip fractures.

People at risk of osteoporosis should talk to their doctor about other treatment options.

Data analyzed on nearly 40,000 patients taking acidreducing drugs compared with more than 130,000 patients not taking the drugs revealed that people aged 50 to 59 who had been on acid-reducing medication for more than two years had the biggest increase in fracture risk.

A Canadian study revealed that long-term use of acid-reducing medications quadrupled the risk of hip fractures.

Some investigators have speculated that the association between these drugs and osteoporosis may result from poor absorption of calcium through the stomach.

Since certain forms of calcium do not dissolve easily in the stomach, and since acidic conditions can enhance the dissolution of calcium, it has been suggested that the reduction in stomach acid caused by these drugs may result in poor calcium absorption.

home outside of town. To supplement his teacher’s pay, King wrote short stories for men’s magazines. Occasionally a small check would appear in their mailbox, and the Kings were once more saved from a possible trip to the welfare office.

Stephen came up with a book idea about a girl named Carrie White, a lonely social outcast being raised by an unbalanced religious fanatic mother. King based his character on a pair of ostracized girls that he remembered from his own school days.

In his tale, Carrie White is afraid she’s bleeding to death when she experiences her first period while showering after gym class, and her unsympathetic classmates cruelly tease and taunt her. But Carrie eventually discovers that she can use telekinesis (the supposed ability to move objects just by thinking about them) to enact revenge on those who have made her school life a living hell.

Three pages into “Carrie,” though, King decided his idea simply wasn’t working out. He wadded up what he had typed and tossed the single-spaced sheets into his wastebasket.

The next day, while cleaning Stephen’s writing area, Tabitha found and read the discarded balls of paper. When Stephen came home from school, Tabitha said, “You’ve got something here.”

With his wife’s encouragement and guidance, Stephen spent the next nine months bringing “Carrie” to fruition. After 30 publishers rejected his creation, Doubleday Publishing Company finally offered a $2,500 advance for the hardcover release of Stephen’s book. It wasn’t enough to let him quit teaching, but it was the most money he had ever earned from a single writing project. The Kings moved into a cramped and rundown Bangor apartment.

“Carrie” sold just 13,000 copies, not enough to let Stephen write full time. But a Sunday phone call changed everything when King learned that Signet Books wanted to buy the paperback rights to “Carrie” for a mind-blowing $400,000, of which, due to various publishing contracts he had signed, Stephen would receive half that amount. Still, it was like winning the literary lottery.

The phone had rung on Mother’s Day afternoon of 1974. Tabitha had taken both children

to their grandmother’s house and was on her way home. Stephen decided to surprise his wife with a gift — something unusual, extravagant and expensive! He walked to downtown Bangor, where the only

place open was a hometown drug store. When Tabitha returned home, Stephen couldn’t wait to show her his unwrapped gift.

It became the first hair dryer that Tabitha had ever owned.

Faith

Preacher’s kid grows up with the salvation message at the center of family life

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I grew up with a mom and dad who loved the Lord,” stated Gary Shurgott, Osceola. “My father was a minister and sometimes I felt pressured to be an example. My mother always said the only unpardonable sin is not accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I grew up with that message and knew it was very important that I, too, follow Jesus.” One day when Shurgott and his sister were sitting in the back seat of the car, their dad remarked, “It’s about time he thinks about it.”

Shurgott explained, “I somehow knew that dad was talking about me making a decision to follow Jesus. I was in eighth grade at the time.”

It wasn’t long after that car ride that Shurgott and

his sister both made a public commitment to Jesus Christ at the church altar.

“I remember the hymn to this day. We were singing ‘Softly and Tenderly,’ such a fitting song. The chorus says, ‘Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home.’”

In the fall of 1968, Shurgott was baptized.

“Remembering Jesus’ words to repent and sin no more, I was often troubled. I was at the age where I began noticing girls. I asked God to forgive me daily.”

The first time Shurgott saw her, he was in love.

“I exclaimed to myself, ‘Who is that?’ She was beautiful. I decided that someday I was going to ask her out.”

Shurgott struggled with his weight. In high school he weighed 238 pounds. He was much heavier than was

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comfortable for his 5 feet, 7 inch frame.

“I knew she wouldn’t go out with me as heavy as I was. So, I decided to lose weight. I worked hard and lost 78 pounds. I was down to 160 and feeling pretty good about myself,” he said.

The dream girl turned him down when he asked for a date; however, he credits her for saving his life.

“After I lost weight, I noticed a welt on my side in 1975. When I was overweight, it was covered up. Now it was very visible and I was scared.”

With tears in his eyes, his dad told him to get dressed. After a visit to the doctor, Shurgott was scheduled for an operation.

“The growth was the size of a man’s fist, and it definitely was cancer. It was stage one, so no other treatment was needed. I’ve been cancer-free ever since,” he said.

At first, Shurgott was frightened his cancer would come back.

“I was out of high school and in the workforce by that time. I couldn’t stop thinking about that cancer. So, I began replacing my negative thoughts with silent prayer. I drew closer to the Lord and finally understood what following Jesus was all about. I developed a faith walk all my own.”

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Shurgott is a member of Elkhart Church of Christ. He’s been a leader at the church for years. He’s been a deacon and often gives the message before the weekly communion service. He’s presently a trustee at the church, a job he’s held for many years. Being a road driver for Hallcon, Shurgott meets people from all walks of life as he transports them to particular destinations.

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“When I get a chance, I tell them I’m what the media calls a born-again Christian. That starts some interesting conversations,” he said.

SB-749217-1

SB-749217-1

ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOMES

BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN – Gary Shurgott, Osceola, loves the Lord. Being a road driver for Hallcon, Shurgott meets people from all walks of life as he transports them to particular destinations. When he communicates the fact that he’s a born-again Christian, he experiences some interesting conversations with his passengers.

Photo by Laurie Lechlitner.

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.

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events this month: seated strength, 10-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; chair yoga, 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday; empowered movement, 5 p.m. Tuesday; general cancer support group,

5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6; beginning yarn work, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday; Debbie’s Wig Salon, 1 p.m. Thursday; Kim’s Bra Boutique, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13; men’s group, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26.

—o—

The community is invited to learn about the environmental and gardening benefits of food waste composting at home during a free educational presentation at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, in the social hall of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend. Experts from the St. Joseph County

Soil and Water Conservation District and the Solid Waste Management District of St. Joseph County will discuss various ways to compost at home, whether you have a garden or not.

There will also be a display of sample composting devices, including a kitchen counter-top device and backyard bins.

—o—

Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake for a sweet program on how maple trees produce sugar and how we turn that sugar into maple syrup. The presentation will include visits to the Sugar Bush, where maple trees are

Studebaker National Museum unveils new exhibit

The Studebaker National Museum has announced the unveiling of its latest exhibition, “Radiator Mascots: Art, Style and Story.” This captivating exhibition will take visitors on a journey through automotive history with a selection of mascots from several early automobile companies.

Mascot designs varied greatly, including mythological figures, brand iconography, animals, human figures, and an array of after-market accessory mascots of all kinds.

The exhibition showcases an impressive collection of radiator mascots, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s, and highlights the intricate

Pickpockets feast on travelers

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

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

Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly a most dangerous place for visitors as pickpockets mingle freely amidst the 6 million pilgrims that visit each year.

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

Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions. Step into a building — a store, restaurant or museum — and ask a staff member for the information you seek.

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

craftsmanship and unique designs.

From the elegant curves of the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy to the bold presence of the Packard Cormorant, each mascot tells its own story, reflecting the cultural and artistic influences of its time.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the evolution of radiator mascots, from their early origins as functional accessories to their transformation into iconic symbols of luxury, prestige, and style.

As radiator-filler caps retreated under the hood during the 1930s, the radiator mascot evolved into the hood ornament and remains to this very day. The exhibition delves into the stories behind some of the most famous mascots, shedding light on the designers and artisans who brought these captivating creations to life.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Radiator Mascots: Art, Style & Story’ to our visitors,” said Kyle Sater, curator of the Studebaker National Museum. “This exhibition offers a unique

Iperspective on automotive history, highlighting the intersection of art, design, and engineering. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an art aficionado, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Radiator Mascots: Art, Style and Story” will be on display at the Studebaker National Museum through Sunday, May 5. Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind exhibition and discover the fascinating world of radiator mascots.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin St., just west of downtown South Bend. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth age 6-18. For an additional cost, visitors can tour The History Museum, which adjoins the Studebaker National Museum.

For more information, call the museum at (574) 235-9714 or toll free at (888) 391-5600 or visit studebakermuseum.org.

tapped, and the Sugar House, where syrup is cooked. The program will be followed by refreshments and a brief meeting where you can hear updates about volunteer opportunities and other ways the Friends organization supports the parks.

The program is free and will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Glenn Bauer Shelter at Bendix Woods County Park. For information and directions, call (574) 654-3155.

Bendix Woods County Park’s main entrance is located at 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle.

“Overhead and Underfoot: Winter’s Secrets” is a learnand-explore program offered by the St. Joseph County Parks. It will be at 8:30 a.m. March 9. Meet a naturalist at Bendix Woods County Park Glenn Bauer shelter for an indoor introduction to the surprising amount of migrating, courting and rebirth occurring during this last month of winter. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action as it begins its post-winter awakening. Program fee is $7 per person. Registration and payment are required by March 5.

It’s

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The

Along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, REAL Services recognizes March as National Nutrition Month®. This year's campaign is Beyond the Table, which encourages all of us to think more broadly about nutrition, and how what we consume impacts our daily lives. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides the following tips on eating healthy not only this month, but all year long.

1. Eat Breakfast

Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grain, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies add color, flavor, and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to your plate.

3. Watch Your Portion Sizes

Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods.

4. Get to Know Food Labels

Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you choose foods and drinks to meet your nutrient needs.

5. Drink More Water

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, especially if you are active,an older adult, or live or work in hot conditions.

6. Follow Food Safety Guidelines

Reduce your chances of getting sick with proper food safety. This includes: regular hand washing, separating raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the appropriate internal temperature, and refrigerating food promptly.

7. Slow Down at Mealtime

Instead of eating on the run, try sitting down and focusing on the food you're about to eat.

8. Supplement with Caution

If you're considering a vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement, consult a RDN or your healthcare provider to discuss your options.

REAL Services is proud to help older adults with their nutritional needs. Our Senior Nutrition Program invites you to come to the table. This provides an opportunity for community members ages 60 and over to gather for a meal, an activity, and connection.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General referred to loneliness and social isolation a public health crisis, with older adults being at the greatest risk. Making time to share a meal can help with these growing problems. Studies show that people who regularly dine with others report eating healthier and having an overall higher quality of life than those who dine alone. Reduced hunger is more common as we age, as a result, seniors often skip meals or eat less balanced and nutritious meals. This makes eating with others even more important.

Our Senior Nutrition Programs offers nutritious meals Monday - Fridays from 10:00 am- 1:30 pm at various locations. Lunch is served at 11:30 am. Please call us one business day prior to reserve your meal. This program is donation-based, and your donation directly impacts the amount of people we can feed. For more information and an updated listing of our Nutrition Site locations, visit www.realservices.org/services/meals-andnutrition.

REAL Services also offers Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels delivers nutritionally balanced meals to homebound persons or those who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Individuals may receive one or two meals per day Monday through Friday. Meals are delivered by a friendly volunteer during lunchtime.

We can accommodate various dietary needs such as diabetic, lactose-free, no salt added, puree, low fat, low cholesterol, mechanical soft, vegetarian, and renal. Meals are prepared at our commercial kitchen in South Bend. We deliver to Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. To learn more, call (574) 256-1649 or email mow@realservices.org.

We encourage you to take charge of your health and join us in celebrating National Nutrition Month® with us. We will have fun activities centered around nutrition at our Nutrition Sites and will provide additional resources throughout the month.

To learn more about National Nutrition Month® and the Beyond the Table campaign, visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

For more information about REAL Services' nutrition programs and other services we provide that may be helpful to you, call our Aging and Disability Resource Center at (574) 233-8205.

Nutrition tips are provided by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

We are here to help. Call (574) 233-8205 with questions or for referral needs of services available in our communities.

There is an on-going need for REAL volunteers Would you like to give an hour of your time for your neighbors in need?

Join us today! Call: (574) 284-7138

E-mail: volunteer@realservices.org

REAL

March is National Nutrition Month®!

What is REAL Talk?

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY

Join us for REAL Talk!

What is REAL Talk?

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

Join us for REAL Talk!

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

What is REAL Talk?

What is REAL Talk?

What is REAL Talk?

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

Who can attend?

Who can attend?

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

REAL Talk is an opportunity for community members to gather to listen to a presentation, have a snack, and make new friends. We offer a wide range of topics such as health, finances, energy saving tips, caregiving, and more.

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

How can I sign up?

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

How can I sign up?

In March, we are partnering with St. Joseph Health System to learn about various health topics such as lung and respiratory care and diabetes prevention.

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

Who can attend?

Who can attend?

Who can attend?

1Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

Elkhart County Public Library

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 900 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

Elkhart County 300 Elkhart,

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

How can I sign up?

How can I sign up?

How can I sign up?

900 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

Second Thursday of every month

1Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center 405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

300 S 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

April will be here before you know it! We will be discussing diabetic foot care, what you need to know about vaping, and energizing the brain through expressive arts.

Fourth Friday of every month

OWLS Active Aging Center 2715 E Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516

Last Tuesday Visit www.myepl.org

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

Fourth Friday of every month

Call (574) 393-8809 to register

Second Thursday of every month Call (574) 233-9471 to register or visit www.realservices.org

Call (574) 393-8809 to register

Who can attend?

Call (574) 233-9471 to register or visit www.realservices.org

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

Last Tuesday of every other month. Visit www.myepl.org to register

Third Thursday of every month. Call (574) 336-2652 to register

St Joseph County

1Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center

Mishawaka: 100 Center Hi -Rise

1Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center 405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

1Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center 405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

Konnie (574) 259 -1611

South Bend: Sanctuary at Trinity

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 900 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

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

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 900 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 900 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46601

Towers 316 S. St Joseph St Anita (574) 234 -7278

Elkhart County Public Library 300 S 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

Elkhart County Public Library 300 S 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

LaPorte County

Elkhart County Public Library 300 S 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

REAL Talk is open to the public. However, all sessions are geared toward those ages 60 and older.

Farington Apartments 1220 Farington Circle

Don Johnson (574) 291 -5597

Second Thursday of every month

LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111

Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885

OWLS Active Aging Center 2715 E Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516

OWLS Active Aging Center 2715 E Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516

OWLS Active Aging Center 2715 E Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516

Marshall County

Argos: B & R Community Bldg

152 S Michigan St

Fourth Friday of every month

Fourth Friday of every month

Fourth Friday of every month

Call (574) 393-8809 to register

Call (574) 393-8809 to register

North Liberty: 300 S. Main St.

Call (574) 393-8809 to register

How can I sign up?

Belinda (574) 284 -7179

Osceola: United Methodist Church 421 Beech Rd

Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E Monroe

Second Thursday of every month Call (574) 233-9471 to register or visit www.realservices.org

Second Thursday of every month Call (574) 233-9471 to register or visit www.realservices.org

David (574) 232 -4934

Call (574) 233-9471 to register or visit www.realservices.org

Charles Black Center 3419 W

Washington Aurelia (574) 235 -9446

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square

3224 Ardmore Trail Dorothy (574) 286 0916

Last Tuesday of every other month. Visit www.myepl.org to register

Last Tuesday of every other month. Visit www.myepl.org to register

Last Tuesday of every other month. Visit www.myepl.org to register

Michigan City: Simeon Square 1207 S

Woodland Jerri (219) 380 -1439

SMRT Center 301 Grant Ave

Jill (219) 872 -0942

To sign up and learn more, visit www.realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/or call any of the numbers listed below.

Third Thursday of every month. Call (574) 336-2652 to register

Third Thursday of every month.

Third Thursday of every month.

Becky (574) 892-9669

Call (574) 336-2652 to register

Call (574) 336-2652 to register

Bourbon: Senior Center on North Harris, Jan (574) 342 -7031

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments

500 S Montgomery St

Gary (574) 993-2944

Elkhart County Public Library

300 S 2nd St. Elkhart, IN 46516

Last Tuesday of every other month. Visit www.myepl.org to register

Important information you need to know about Medicaid

Nursing homes are expensive, and without careful planning an extended stay can easily bankrupt all but the most affluent families. Considering that the median cost of a nursing home in the U.S. is $9,872 a month, with costs over $100,000 per year, you’re looking at a bill of $200,000 to $1 million dollars for your family member with Alzheimer’s disease, whose nursing home stay is typically two to 10 years or more.

What most people don’t realize is that, as a general rule, the government will only

pay the nursing home bill if a single person has spent down to $2,000. Medicare will only cover you for a maximum of 100 days, if they cover you at all. Social Security won’t pay all these bills, either. Only Medicaid will cover you — if you qualify!

individuals entitled to nursing facility services;

• Prescribed drug coverage. In some cases, Medicaid will even cover the cost of care while you can remain living in your own home.

taxes and probate fees when they pass to the children at the time the surviving spouse passes away.

My book, “How To Protect Your Family’s Assets From Devastating Nursing Home Costs,” explains in English what the rules are and how you can qualify for Medicaid coverage yet still protect your home and life savings. Receive your free copy when you do planning with Rice & Rice during the month of March or April.

By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Granger

Once you have been approved for Medicaid, virtually all of your medical bills will be paid by the program. In most states, Medicaid will cover:

• Ambulatory services to individuals entitled to institutional care;

• Home health services to

There are unique opportunities for married couples when it comes to protecting assets from nursing home spend-downs. If advance planning is done with an experienced attorney in the field of Medicaid law, the assets of the first spouse to die can be placed in a special type of trust, sometimes referred to as a “Safe Harbor Trust.”

Assets passing to provide for the care of the surviving spouse in this way can be fully protected from nursing home spend-downs. They are available for care and needs during the lifetime of the surviving spouse, and they may also be better protected from death

At Rice & Rice Attorneys, we count almost 25 separate Medicaid planning techniques that can be used to save money from the nursing home for married couples, and almost as many such valuable techniques for single persons.

Legal help is available at Rice & Rice Attorneys, 1237 East University Drive, Granger. Call (800) 303-7423 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation, or to attend one of our estate planning/Medicaid planning seminars at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Granger, 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, or 6 p.m. Monday, March 25. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call now or visit our website at riceandrice.com.

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

Cardinal Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

1121 E. LaSalle Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 287-6501 • www.asc.com

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

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.

Hamilton Grove

Healthwin

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

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

Heritage Point Assisted Living & Memory Care

1215 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545

Phone (574) 247-7400

www.HeritagePointRet.com

Licensed Memory Care Assisted Living: Industry Leaders and Experts with 20+ years Proven Expertise in Memory Care Exclusive Meaningful Moments® Program Designed for Residents with Memory Loss. 24-Hour Nursing, Private, Semi-Private and Companion Rooms, Respite Care, Pet Therapy.

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

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

Morningview 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

How to spot a scam

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

Now is the perfect time to protect yourself from scams that can damage your finances and reputation. We can work together to keep your personal information safe!

Stay informed of the latest scam trends

Fraudsters continue to change their tactics. Make sure you understand the latest scam trends at ssa.gov/ scam. Stay informed by:

Following reliable news sources.

Subscribing to scam alert newsletters.

Staying connected with your local law enforcement agencies.

The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to identify and avoid scams.

Think carefully before sharing personal information

Phishing is one of the main ways that scammers attempt to trick people into providing personal information. Pay close attention to emails or messages asking for your username, password, or other personal information.

Scammers pretend to be from familiar organizations to gain your trust. Stay alert when receiving calls that you

did not request claiming to be from banks, government agencies, or other well-known companies.

When in doubt, contact the organization directly through official channels to verify that the request is real before sharing any personal information or making payment.

Use strong passwords

Create strong, unique passwords like a phrase with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use passwords that are easy to guess like birthdays or names.

Consider using a password manager to generate unique passwords and securely store them for each of your online accounts.

Be savvy with QR codes

QR codes are increasing in popularity. They’re in restaurants, on parking meters, in emails, and on social media.

Scammers have noticed! They are physically placing fake QR codes on top of official ones or creating fake QR codes on social media advertisements to get access to your personal information.

Never scan random QR codes. If the QR code looks odd or altered, do not scan it.

Protect your social media profiles

Take a moment to review the privacy settings on your

social media platforms and limit the amount of personal information you share publicly.

Fraudsters may use your social media posts to personalize scams or get access to your accounts without your permission. Regularly check your friends list and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious accounts.

This month, let’s make protecting ourselves against scams a top priority. We can significantly reduce the risk of being scammed by staying informed, being alert and careful, and safeguarding our accounts.

We invite you to watch our video at youtube.com/ watch?v=cyaUWTFLw3c to learn how to identify the red flags. Please share this information with those who may need it — and post it on social media.

Money isn’t everything

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

The good life has been defined as “having health, a financial safety net and the time to do what is important,” according to results of a study

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

conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Interviews with 1,000 people between the ages of 45 and 74 revealed that, while having enough money to be comfortable — a different standard for everyone — remains impor-

St. Paul’s

tant, it’s not the only focus for many.

Living the ‘good life’ for middle-aged and older Americans, the study reports, is equated with having a sense of purpose about their lives. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

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.

SPOTTING A SCAM The Social Security Administration provides information on understanding the latest scam trends on its website.

Important estate planning documents everyone should have in place

By RYAN HAHN Trust Administrator Wealth Management Center

What are some important estate planning documents that everyone should have in place?

A last will and testament Representative or executor to handle your affairs upon death and outlines who you wish to inherit your assets upon death. A trust document allows for the management and allocation

of assets upon incapacitation or death. A trust document also enables individuals to appoint someone with the authority to make financial decisions for the assets the trust owns if they become incapacitated. It’s important for everyone who has assets or property they wish to protect upon disability or after death, as it ensures those assets are distributed in accordance with one’s wishes. When prepared correctly, a trust document can also help avoid probate.

A durable power of attorney is an important legal document that allows you to appoint someone with the authority to make financial and property decisions on your behalf if you

become incapacitated or unable to do so yourself. This document can prevent the need for court intervention to appoint a conservator or guardian to make financial decisions.

A health care directive is a document that allows you to specify your wishes concerning medical care in the event of an emergency or if you become unable to communicate those wishes. A health care directive can help protect your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during difficult times.

By providing detailed instructions regarding your desired course of action for various medical scenarios, you can ensure that any decisions

made regarding your care will reflect your preferences.

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.

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Newlyweds of all ages should talk money

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Getting married is more than linking up with a soulmate.

You’re also taking on a business partner.

Older folks, especially those who have been through at least one previous marriage, should be well aware of that.

Besides sharing bed and breakfast, you have to participate with your partner in grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, birthday and anniversary

shopping, mortgage payments, car payments, credit card payments and tax payments. Not to mention portfolio management and estate planning and other mundane money matters.

The financial stress this causes is one of the leading causes of divorce.

There are a few things seniors mulling matrimony might consider before waltzing down the aisle or rushing off to Las Vegas to pick up a marriage license.

For one thing, credit has become a bit harder to get because

of regulatory revisions regarding everything from condominiums to credit cards.

It means newlyweds-to-be should begin planning their fiscal future at the same time they begin planning their honeymoon.

Discussing finances will give you a good handle on just how long that honeymoon will last.

Your spending habits, for example, as well as those of your spouse-to-be will have an immense impact on how you get along under the same roof. So will both of your bill-

paying records.

So lay all your credit cards on the table.

Exchange statements, as well as bank and credit union statements, for the past several months and credit reports so you both know where each other stands in the credit world.

You’re going to have to decide whether or not you want to open joint accounts and whether or not to maintain separate credit cards. Learning about your spouse’s bankruptcy after you’re married isn’t going to make life

any easier.

It’s also the time to discuss how and what bills will be paid and who will pay them, including how existing debts will be paid.

A good sign of how money matters will go after the wedding is how much you decide to spend on the wedding. Is it more than you can afford? The same with the honeymoon trip.

If you can’t come to comfortable agreements on any of these matters, maybe you should stay single.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Medical virtual visits becoming reality

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

A portion of your virtual world is becoming a reality.

It’s becoming more and more possible and popular to have your doctor visit with you in your living room, or whatever location in your home you choose.

Two developments have focused attention upon and accelerated this movement.

The confusing COVID-19 shutdown/startup/shutdown that spread around the globe and soaked up all our medical attention cut into our ability to meet with our family

physicians and take care of problems ranging from acne to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Not only were we deterred from visiting our doctor’s office, testing and surgeries were pushed out of the way to make room for a pandemic solution.

A lot of cyberspace traffic began to build up as doctors and their medical, technical and accounting staff responded to patients’ concerns by computer and smartphone.

At the same time, Medicare and health-care insurance companies began to revise restrictions and cover patientdoctor video visits.

There still are pebbles on this virtual-reality road.

As one specialist reminded us recently, “You have to be sitting in my chair if I have to clean the wax out of your ears.”

Eliminating the need to visit your family doctor, now known as your primary care physician, who should receive results of any and all tests, diagnoses and opinions prescribed by consulting specialists, is still down the road a ways.

But, to be clear, it’s closer than you think. You can prepare for this transition by taking charge of what you can do for yourself.

Get a thermometer to take

your temperature, bathroom scale to monitor your weight and blood pressure device to log your readings. You can keep a record of these figures to report verbally or email to your doctor.

If you have a complaint — left shoulder pain, dizziness, or anything else — write it down so you can do the same as above, tell or email the information to you doctor or her office medical technicians so they can zero in on your problem.

You can take pictures of a rash or injury and email them to your doctor.

Everyone should have an

up-to-date medical history as well as an up-to-date history of medications you’re taking along with a list of those discontinued. Make sure you include supplements and vitamins you’re taking and include those you quit taking.

Any instructions your doctor gives you during the session should be read back to him, even if they’re emailed to you. This will avoid any confusion and can clarify any bits of information you might not fully understand, especially dealing with the quantity of medication to take and how often.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Low-carb diet vs. low-calorie diet

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

Here’s another reason to cut back on bread, crackers and pasta and not obsess so much on the calories in that yummy osso buco you ate for dinner.

It turns out that a low-carbohydrate diet does much more to burn up excess liver fat than its low-calorie counterparts, according to researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

People on low-carbohydrate diets are more dependent on the oxidation of fat in their liver for energy than those on a low-calorie diet, researchers said.

The findings could have implications for treating obesity and related diseases such as diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Instead of looking at drugs to combat obesity and

the diseases that stem from it, maybe optimizing diet can not only manage and treat these diseases but also prevent them.

Although the study was not designed to determine which diet was more effective for losing weight, the average weight loss for the low-calorie dieters was about five pounds after two weeks, while the low-carbohydrate dieters lost an average 9 1/2 pounds.

Glucose, a form of sugar, and fat are both sources of energy that are metabolized in the liver and used as energy in the body. Glucose can be formed from lactate, amino acids or glycerol.

Researchers found that participants on a low-carbohydrate diet produced more glucose from lactate or amino acids than those on a low-calorie diet.

The different diets produced other differences in glucose

metabolism. For example, people on a low-calorie diet got about 40% of their glucose from glycogen, which comes from ingested carbohydrates and is stored in the liver until the body needs it.

The low-carbohydrate dieters, however, got only 20% of their glucose from glycogen.

Instead of dipping into their

reserve of glycogen, these subjects burned liver fat for energy.

The findings are significant because the accumulation of excess fat in the liver — primarily a form of fat called triglycerides — can result in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. The condition is the most common form of liver

disease in Western countries, and its incidence is growing. NAFLD may affect as many as one-third of U.S. adults.

The disease is associated with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity, and it can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Character helps get you out of debt

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Power corrupts, a wise man once said.

So does credit, as millions of people have learned while they climb and claw their way out of the economic hole they’ve dug for themselves.

Blame is plastered on anything that doesn’t move. The banks made short-sighted

loans. The government didn’t clamp down on those insidious bankers. Mortgage lenders made no-down-payment loans sound so enticing. Credit card companies made it too easy to buy everything without money. Few folks assume any responsibility for their debt. They were confused or cajoled or both by slick talking suits.

So let’s be clear on one thing: if you’re in debt and don’t think

you did it yourself, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to do anything about getting out of that debt. No stimulus package of any size is going to succeed. It takes character as well as cash to become and remain debtfree, or at least in a position to manage all your debt.

First of all, you can collect all your outstanding accounts, from credit card companies to phone firms. If you’re facing the possibility of missing any payments, contact the company concerned immediately.

While creditors don’t look forward to lowering payments or dropping interest rates, you can discuss both to establish a plan that will enable you to eradicate the debt. See if you can eliminate late fees and try to lower the interest rate.

Credit card companies have been known to renegotiate the terms and amount of a debt to cut their losses.

You may need professional help, such as a debt-consolidation service, to work this out.

If you’re sagging under the weight of credit card debt, you might consider a personal loan, which will allow you to spread out (and lower) the payments as well as lower the interest rate.

But act quickly. Ignoring the problem only makes it bigger.

If you’re already late with payments and can see no way to catch up, discuss a debt settlement with the company. Try to work out some deal that will allow you to clear this hurdle without adding to your problem. Beware of debt settlement ads, because many of these firms charge up-front fees and offer no assurance that you’ll be better off when they’re through with you.

So, unless you win a lottery, cash alone won’t solve your debt problem. It takes some resolve on your part to rebuild and

Look after your eyes with diet and exercise

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

It’s a no-brainer to be told you have to take care of your eyes.

They enable you to drive, pick out the right fruit in the supermarket, play silly games with your grandkids, soak in the grandeur of the sites when you travel, and watch your favorite movies made from the favorite books you read.

But you’ll probably be taken aback when you’re told your eyes don’t see.

They do the looking so your brain sees.

Your brain directs everything in your body. It tells you when to lift your little finger when drinking tea and when to duck when someone throws a roundhouse punch at you. It also translates the images registered on your retina as you go about your daily living.

Maintaining independence and safety at home

By GAYLA KONANZ, MSW, LCSW

I recently met with an older woman, Louise, and her son, Rob, who were wanting information about non-medical home care services. Rob was extremely kind, not only to me but to his mother as well.

He understood his mother’s limitations and how they were only going to become greater as her Alzheimer’s progressed.

Rob was concerned about her safety, the care of her home, about her hygiene, and her becoming isolated. Louise was concerned about me getting out of her house. She was angry that I was there. She was unhappy about what we were discussing and believed my presence was going to end her independence.

We lose so much as we age. We say, “Fine, I’ll retire. Fine, I’ll hire someone to take care of my lawn. Fine, you can get my doctor’s information. Fine, you can have my car keys.”

So we protect the shreds of what is left of our independence. It’s hard to understand that our children just want the best for us, when we feel like we can take of ourselves.

The truth is, in some cases, having a caregiver can help a person stay independent. With extra care and companionship, a person can stay at the home they and their spouse built. With safe transportation, a person can get back out in the community and thrive.

I don’t know if Louise will let a caregiver in her home. I do know that Rob only wants the best for her.

Always Best Care Senior Services is located at 310 N. Ironwood, South Bend. Call (574) 232-8487.

Since your eyes are vital tools for you to be able to function and flourish, you have to take good care of them.

Your eyes can help you take care of them by helping you pick out your food. What you eat, it turns out, can affect your eyes. Researchers have found that what is known as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts, can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of irreversible loss of vision and blindness after age 50.

These experts also recommend lowering your sugar intake, which increases the risk of glaucoma and cataracts as well as macular degeneration.

A healthy body will help sustain healthy vision so an exercise regimen — just 20 to 30 minutes a day — will help

pump healthy oxygen through all the cells that make up every part of your body, including your eyes.

There are eye exercises you can do to keep both the muscles and lenses flexible as they react to light and shadow. You can do these anywhere, anytime. A simple one is to stretch

your eyes to one side and then the other as you try to see your ears, then look up and try to see your forehead and look down and try to see you chin. You can check with your eye doctor for more help.

Which brings us to the newest and latest technological tools — mobile phones and

computers and high-definition television sets, among others. Take a break from staring into these tools. When you’re sitting at your computer, get up every 20 minutes or so and look out the window. It stretches your eyes while you stretch your legs.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

FSeriously, can it get any easier than putting dinner on a sheet pan and waiting 40 minutes for it to cook? I love, love, love roasted vegetables, so this is my kind of meal.

Keeping in mind that a weekly goal is to have 200 different healthy foods for a variety of phytonutrients, this is a terrific way of consuming a nutrient dense meal. The variations are endless so let’s get going.

Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and basically, you can add any vegetable to the pan. It’s a good plan to cut the vegetables into approximately the same size so they cook evenly. If you have larger pieces, put them on the outside edges of the pan rather than in the middle. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Tips & Options:

Toss vegetables in a bowl with a little olive oil, dressing or marinade.

It’s optional to cover the vegetables with foil for at least the first half of the cooking time. They tend to steam more than broil, but it keeps them from charring.

May be served alone, or over quinoa or farro.

Dress with a herby-yogurt before serving.

Add canned chick peas to any vegetable combination for extra fiber and protein.

You can make it ultra-simple with just:

• Zucchini.

• Potatoes.

• Whole garlic.

Or, seasonal winter vegetables of:

• Brussel sprouts.

• Butternut squash.

• Cauliflower.

• Carrots.

• Broccoli.

Root vegetables are grown underground. They include potatoes, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, garlic, radishes and fennel. I could see using hearty and healthy root vegetables on a sheet pan drizzled with balsamic for a complete dinner.

In the sheet pan meal I made last week I used cauliflower,

red onion, mushrooms, zucchini, poblano peppers, red potatoes and acorn squash. The squash was cooked upside down to keep it moist. Vegetable seasoning was added before

roasting. You can shop for ingredients, or, as I did — look in the refrigerator and when you see lots of vegetables, say — time for a sheet pan dinner!

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@the-papers.com.

Bendix Woods County Park to host Maple 101 program March 6

Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake for a sweet program on how maple trees produce sugar and how to turn sugar into maple syrup.

The presentation will include visits to the Sugar Bush, where maple trees are tapped, and the Sugar House, where syrup

is cooked. The program will be followed by refreshments and a brief meeting where you can hear updates about volunteer opportunities and other ways that the Friends organization supports the parks.

The program is free and will take place 5-7 p.m. Wednes-

day, March 6, in the Glenn Bauer Shelter at Bendix Woods County Park.

For information and directions, call (574) 654-3155.

Bendix Woods County Park’s main entrance is located at 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle.

QUICK AND EASY Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Bean, Bell Pepper and Sausage, seasoned with spring onion and pieces of chili on a baking sheet - one pan favorite meal. Photo from Shutterstock.

Seniors’ activities a lot of talk

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Conversation tops the list of the favorite activities of their senior clients, according to a survey of more than 5,000 professional caregiv-

ers by Home Instead Senior Care.

More than three-quarters (76%) of professional caregivers reported that seniors enjoy this activity most.

While watching television was a close second with 71%,

it seems that sharing memories, talking about current events and history, and discussions of family are more enjoyable to seniors than are reading, crossword puzzles, church functions or bingo.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Money managers need managing

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Money mavins at all levels have had their credibility tested during the deep-dive roller coaster ride through the economy over the past several months.

It gives added credence to a long held view that economists were created to make weather forecasters look good.

Financial advisors are just as prone to honest errors and omissions, as well as crookedness and chicanery (remember Bernie Madoff), as the rest of the population.

A major question many folks have been asking themselves is whether or not their portfolio performance has been harmed by fraudulent fiscal managers.

It’s never too late to walk away from such a situation and

there are some simple steps you can take to take you in the proper direction.

Whether or not you have such concerns, you should be calling your financial advisor during the current recessive/ depressed/inflationary economy to review your situation and strategy.

If you haven’t already, call right now.

Question any and all oddities and anomalies and anything else you don’t understand on your most-recent statement. In most cases, if your advisor is honest and forthright, there will be valid explanations.

Also ask for a meeting. If you get the feeling you’re being avoided or shunted aside, or if your concerns aren’t resolved during a meeting, ask to meet with the advisor’s supervisor.

If you’re still concerned

Don’t let diarrhea ruin your trip

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

With all the different locations and exotic foods at their disposal, travelers can pick up a bout of diarrhea. Fortunately, most people experience a mild form and respond well to regular fluid intake and anti-diarrhea medication, say experts.

Those with underlying diseases, and the very young or elderly, are at greater risk and may require antibiotics or other medications.

Up to 60% of travelers to

developing countries will come down with diarrhea, making it the number one travel ailment.

Despite common knowledge that travelers’ diarrhea is acquired from food and water, many people do not pay attention to what they eat and drink. Preventing travelers’ diarrhea begins with common-sense measures to avoid exposure.

about or convinced that there’s some conniving going on, you should file a written complaint to the state securities regulator, which can be found online at www.nasaa.org, the North American Security Administrators Association website.

If the individual is part of a large firm, send a written complaint to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC lists important questions consumers must ask about their investments at sec. gov/investor/pubs/askquestions.htm. These questions can help clients clarify investment products recommended by their advisor as well as help identify whether or not the advisor is acting prudently.

The most important component is rehydration, putting liquid back into your body. High-risk patients or those with concerns about becoming ill and obtaining medical service and products while abroad should make and take a first aid kit.

‘She’s a real doozie!’: A popular phrase

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features

There were a number of automobiles that made a substantial impact upon the American public during the 20th century.

While some were short-lived, most auto lovers and collectors of today know well these attempts at automotive legend. For the most part there were two outstanding goals: power and luxury.

One of the earliest American racing and luxury automobiles was produced by the Duesenberg Motor Co. The firm was founded in 1913 by brothers August and Frederick Duesenberg in St. Paul, MN, where they began building engines and racing cars.

The brothers moved their operations to Elizabeth, NJ, to manufacture truck engines during World War I. After the war, they moved the company to Indianapolis, home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and established the Duesenberg Automobile & Motor Company.

Duesenberg cars were considered some of the best built and fastest of that era. They won the Indianapolis 500 in 1922, 1924, 1925, and 1927.

Although the Duesenberg brothers were world class, selftaught engineers, they weren’t good businessmen. They were unable to sell all the units of their first passenger car, the “Model A.” It was an extremely advanced and expensive auto-

mobile selling at $6,500, which is well over $100,000 in today’s dollars. It offered features such as an overhead camshaft, four-valve cylinder heads, and the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes on a passenger car. Among the celebrities who purchased this model were Hollywood movie stars Tom Mix and Rudolph Valentino.

Model A Duesenberg dealership deliveries did not start until December 1921. Sales lagged and the goal of handbuilding 100 cars each month proved impossible. The company struggled to turn out one per day. In 1922, no more than 150 cars were manufactured and, over a period of six years, only 650 Model A units were built and sold. But each of the handmade cars were classic — a few still exist in museums or with private collectors.

In 1925, after the company was taken over by luxury car builder and businessman Errett Lobban Cord, the new combined company was renamed Duesenberg, Inc.

By the time the Great Depression hit in October 1929, the company had built about 200 cars. An additional 100 orders were filled in 1930.

Two of the newer Model J series reached the whopping price of $25,000, at a time when the average corporate executive earned less than $5,000 a year. A series of minor modifications were carried out, but most of the Model J design remained the same until Cord

closed the factory in 1937.

Unlike most other American manufacturers, Duesenberg did not switch to a fully synchronized gearbox in the mid-1930s, which made the Model J difficult to drive and outdated.

Still, the Model J quickly became one of the most popular luxury cars, as well as a status symbol, in the U.S. and Europe. The very rich and famous drove the Model J, including mobster Al Capone, Hollywood notables Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Mae West, Marion Davies, Tyrone Power, Clark Gable and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, as well as newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, and members of European royalty such as Britain’s Duke of Windsor, Prince Nicholas of Romania, Queen Maria of Yugoslavia, and Kings Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Alfonso XIII of Spain.

By 1929, many New Yorkers rich with stock market money could afford the Model J but, as the Depression deepened, it was the wealthy stars of Hollywood that kept the car’s label alive through much of the 1930s. The car was so imposing and widely respected that many actors, such as James Cagney, posed next to it to promote their careers.

The market for expensive cars was severely hampered by the Great Depression, forcing Duesenberg manufacturing to close down by 1937.

But, as the saying goes, while they were with us, “Those auto-

mobiles were Real Doozies!”

While Duesenberg ceased official production in 1937 after Cord’s financial empire collapsed, the last two true Duesenbergs made were assembled from leftover parts between 1938 and 1940.

Duesenbergs became far less popular during World War II, by the end of which a few Model Js were advertised for a mere $300 to $400, with some ultimately selling as low as $100.

Business rebounded in the 1950s, when classic and vintage cars became popular among collectors. Several Model Js were advertised in the New York Times in the fall of 1950 at prices as low as $500. By 1959 a decent example could be bought for about $4,000 and a few could reach a selling price

of $10,000.

By 1969, the remaining Model Js were selling between $15,000 and $50,000. In April 1974, the first Duesenberg to break six figures was selling for $205,000. The first to sell for more than $1 million was in 1985.

Today, an authentic Model J will sell for anywhere from mid-six figures to well into seven figures. Since the turn of the 21st century, a least one sold for $10 million.

A few reproduction models were produced between 1978 and 2000 by the Elite Heritage Motors of Elroy, WI. The five body designs of the original Model J were offered, each copied from an original. These replicas sold for up to $225,000, but a ‘Real Doozie’ hasn’t been made since 1940.

Get picky about economy class airplane seats

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Legroom — the distance from the point of one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it — has become a common currency among flyers seeking the most comfort in the crowd-

ed cabin in the sky. Known as seat pitch, it ranges from 28 to 34 inches on U.S. carriers. Seat width, which ranges from 17 to 18 inches, is also a comfort consideration. Widebodied aircraft that are squeezing in more rows of seats are most likely to have the narrow-

est economy class seating.

While window seats offer a bit more privacy than an aisle seat and more comfort than a middle seat, it may not have a window at all because not all seating rows line up with the aircraft’s windows.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

1923 MODEL A DUSENBERG

Roman Festival brightens Umbrian

By BEVERLY RAHN SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Why not drop around on Sunday, Riccardo suggested, “We’ll have a few artichokes.”

The retired Alitalia pilot and his wife, Mariolina, were our landlords when we arrived in this medieval central Italy castle town. They were friends when we left.

This fortress overlooks Lake Trasemino, the peninsula’s fourth largest lake, to the north; the manicured Tuscan countryside to the west, and the rolling Umbrian hills to the south and east.

They opted out of big city living in Rome several years ago and occupied our spacious apartment while they built a picture book home in a hillclinging olive grove just below the town’s centuries-old walls.

“I bought this apartment because when I look out that (living room) window, that’s Umbria,” he said.

The Umbria you see is the reddish-yellow brick-and-rock front of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, leaning on a restaurant by an archway that frames the main piazza with its 500-year-old fountain and bars, hair salons, tourist office, stationery and gift shops, grocery stores, butcher shop, and small groups of standing and sitting locals solving the various problems of the day.

As every hiker knows, you walk a hill at your own pace. That’s why no one hurries. Everything here is uphill. It was about a 25-minute trek to Riccardo’s.

We knew we were in for something special as we approached the lane sloping into their farmyard. It was like

breaking into an opera.

About three dozen people wearing the full array of bright yellows, reds, greens — pick a color — were milling about chittering, chattering, and chanting in that Italian singsong from which arias emerged. The accompaniment was provided by Riccardo’s tractor as it hauled dead olive branches to a pile resembling a titanic tumbleweed.

We became a member of the cast immediately because everyone was hauled in to contribute.

“You don’t work, you don’t eat,” was Mariolina’s mandate.

Our immediate chore was to gather mint leaves off the plant stems and chop the stocks off the artichokes — shopping cart-sized mounds of them. Then the mint leaves were minced with garlic and

olive oil. The artichoke stocks were boiled with lemons and the heads are given a good slam on the ground to soften them so the centers could be opened up and crammed with the mint leaf/garlic oil mixture.

Through all this, you had to balance wine — almost everybody brings their own to determine whose is best for bragging rights — with oildrenched bread, cheese, fresh fava beans, and more wine before the fire is ready.

The giant pile of shrubbery is burned and the ashes raked into a flat lava-like bed of coals.

Then you have to tuck your artichoke into the coals to cook. Mariolina’s rule reigned: you only get to eat the one you cooked.

Again, the operatic metaphor arose as each person displayed

a distinctive dance pirouetting around the blistering mound. It takes about 45 minutes for the artichokes to cook in this manner, which gave everyone time to sample more wine with the sausages and pork barbecued on a fire fed with larger chunks of trimmed olive wood.

Then flowed the desserts, all of them homemade.

On our earlier visit, we made it a point to get to the nearby cities and towns that dot our imaginations and the Italian landscape — Assisi, Siena, Orvieto, Cortona, Spello, Perugia, all within an hour’s drive of here — and Rome, Florence and Pisa, each a couple of hours away.

This time, we still got to some new nearby towns — Montepulciano, Torgiano and Narni to cite a few. Mature Life Features Copyright 2024

Photo by Cecil Scaglione.

MPHPL earns rebate check for Harris Branch lighting upgrades

An Indiana Michigan Power representative was on hand at the January Mishawaka-PennHarris Public Library board meeting to deliver a $10,745 rebate check for recent energyefficient lighting upgrades that were implemented at the Harris Branch.

The 24,400-square-foot library was renovated last year and reopened in October. Hundreds of lighting fixtures were replaced with LED energy-efficient lights during the renovation.

the Harris Branch, on average, was approximately $27,600 each

year before the upgrades; the new LED technology is estimated to save around $11,240 annually.

“Comparing our electric bills, before and following the LED lighting upgrade is an eyeopener and proves LED lamps are far more energy efficient and cost effective,” said MPHPL director of operations Dena

a year or more. In addition to monetary savings, investments in efficient-lighting technology positively impact the environment.

“The LED upgrades allow our Harris Branch staff and patrons to benefit from a brighter environment and at the same time,

we are reducing library operating costs for taxpayers plus reducing our carbon footprint,” said MPHPL Director Donna Meeks.

Currently, the downtown Mishawaka Library is undergoing LED lighting upgrades, and the project is expected to be

completed sometime this year.

Learn more about the Harris Branch renovation or the ongoing lighting upgrades by visiting mphpl.org.

To learn more about Indiana Michigan Power rebates and incentives, visit ElectricIdeas. com/SBDI.

According to I&M Power, LED

ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING Indiana Michigan Power gave a $10,745 rebate check to Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library for energy- efficient lighting.

Shown from left are Karen Baldini, MPHPL board member; Jenny McNeil, MPHPL board president; David Straughn, MPHPL board member; Dena Wargo, MPHPL director of operations; Kelsey PoinsatteJones; senior outreach specialist, CLEAResult Indiana Michigan Power; and Dee Dee Gerber, MPHPL board member. Photo provided by the library.