Wild Ones president supports the chapter’s activities
By BETHANNE BRINK-COX Feature Writer
What do you know about the Wild Ones? No, it’s not the old Marlon Brando movie.
President Jodi Magalski would love to tell you about it and about her role in it.
“I grew up in northeast Ohio, but I’ve resided in South Bend since 2006. During the pandemic, I was not working for long periods of time and read articles on native plants, which led me to the writings of Doug Tallamy. When things shut down and the city went quiet, I could suddenly hear the birds and noticed all the wildlife around us,” she said.
The whole movement to use native plants in home landscapes for the benefit of wildlife, and the planet, really met this need, she felt.
“A lot of us were feeling
PROMOTING EDUCATION Wild Ones promotes education about using native plants in home landscapes for the benefit of wildlife.
Shown at a spring plant sale in the front row from left are Libby
hopeless. Doing something positive, reconnecting to the natural world helped a lot.
This tangible, positive experience, digging in the earth, nurturing wonderful plants
brought fabulous insects to my yard; yes, butterflies are insects,” Magalski explained.
run,” Magalski explained.
Wild Ones holds monthly meetings with educational presentations at Pinhook Park, South Bend, and everyone is always welcome.
In 2021, she met Barbara Kerby, and decided to start a Wild Ones chapter for South Bend.
“We now have this amazing group of folks who brought different skills, knowledge and interests, helping our chapter to grow well beyond my expectations,” she said.
This is her first year serving as the chapter’s president. She is one of a board of 13 working to support the chapter’s activities.
Wild Ones serves as a resource for private individuals, schools, commercial property owners, and community decision makers as they move toward ethical choices in land use and in the redefinition of current guidelines and ordinances affecting the landscape.
“Our South Bend chapter serves this mission, promoting biodiversity and environmentally sound practices. I love that our whole purpose is education, pure and simple, and we are entirely member
“We also provide information tables at community events, host native plant sales, and provide presentations for other organizations,” she said.
Wild Ones maintains an informative website and puts out a quarterly newsletter, and collaborates on community projects with parks and other groups.
“We also offer site visits for individuals, who are looking for good information and resources to get started on their native plant journey at home,” Magalski said.
The Healthy Habitat Certification Program is free for everyone, and people have the option to purchase a yard sign once they are certified.
In September, Wild Ones will be collaborating with the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative, South Bend Elkhart Audubon Society, Indiana Native Plant Society North Chapter, and many other community partners to host Doug Tallamy. Tallamy is an entomologist and author who has inspired so many, she said.
“Our chapter is really growing fast; it’s a bit of a whirlwind sometimes, but our members are so supportive,” Magalski explained.
A couple of its members gave a house concert last week, and they donated all of the proceeds to the chapter. Last month, a member had a garage sale and donated the proceeds.
“So many more have supported us along the way, especially those who were already doing this work long before our group even learned about native plants and their importance,” she said. “The community is excited about the Wild Ones mission and the momentum is growing every day. It’s a movement and a community, and we welcome everyone to get involved.”
For more information, visit southbend.wildones.org.
Feil, Jennifer Renbarger, Ann Garvey, President Jodi Magalski, Asa Wood, Brian Klen, and James Kerby. In back is Barbara Kerby. Photo provided by Jodi Magalski.
Free Community Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair Sept. 19
Aging Connections of Michiana is hosting a free Community Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.
The event will be held on the second floor of the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center of the new Four Winds Hotel, which is located next to the Four Winds Casino, 3000 Prairie Ave., South Bend. Free parking and valet parking is available. There will be health screenings and resources, information to stay active and healthy, veterans resources, entertainment and raffle prizes.
Interact with Local Resources
Attendees can speak with 90-plus aging resources to help them transition seamlessly through any phase of life. This is a “one-stop-shopping” event for community members looking to connect with valuable local resources.
Free Entertainment
The opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and include The Miller’s Vets Color Guard from The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center and the national anthem, performed by Wende Roberts, marketing director from Morningstar Hospice.
On the main stage, “The King of Romance” Show, and Englebert Humperdinck with Curt Lechner, will begin at 11 a.m.
At noon, the Forever Learning Center’s Solid Silver Dancers perform and at 1:30 p.m. Curt Lechner will be back with “The Essence of Elvis.”
Four Winds Senior Day perks include: 25% off Edgewater, Timbers, The Buffet, and Kankakee Grille. Club members earn 100 points at Four Winds when they visit a
kiosk between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to receive $10 instant credit/ free slot.
“We look forward to our second annual event at the Four Winds Hotel’s Event Center. Last year was so much fun and we had a lot of great resources for attendees. This year will be even better with 90-plus exhibitors offering veterans resources, aging information, health screenings, and raffle prizes, with great entertainment available all day,” said Malana Maher, president and founder of Aging Connections of Michiana. “Our organization provides professional and community education; our members provide the continuum of aging resources. That means we are a resourcing organization. We connect individuals with the services and providers that best meet their current needs. So, we encourage everyone to attend this free event to discover ways we can help.”
Founded in 2020, Aging Con-
nections is a nonprofit, grassroots cooperative of individuals and organizations working together in partnership to promote its program of work. Their programs include educational offerings, promoting
business, building community and relationships, and serving our aging population, for the benefit of each other, other professionals, and the communities we serve.
Aging Connections currently
serves northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. For additional information regarding Aging Connections or to see updated event information, visit agingconnections. org
RESOURCE FAIR Aging Connections of Michiana is hosting a free Community Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Four Winds Hotel in South Bend.
Photo provided.
McLean is a life-long learner
By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer
Janna McLean became interested in biology by the time she had entered high school.
“[Ninth grade] is the year we dissected the earthworm and I was amazed at how complex a worm is!” McLean explained. The passion for science followed her through high school and into her education at Hope College, in Holland, Mich., where she ma-
jored in biology with an English minor.
“I loved my biology classes, particularly one I took my senior year, embryology. That course taught about how an organism develops from a fertilized egg to a complex organism,” McLean recalled. “I was particularly drawn to the genetic control of development, and based on that interest, I decided to pursue a PhD in biology. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself
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into, but I knew I wasn’t ready to be finished learning yet.”
After collecting her undergraduate diploma, McLean attended Carnegie Mellon for six years to acquire her PhD. Her first year of graduate school, McLean’s schedule was filled with rigorous courses.
“After my first year, I was working in the laboratory all day. Some years I was a teaching assistant for a class and I always took a seminar course each semester,” McLean explained. “But, the majority of my time was spent actually doing research, doing experiments and reading papers written by other researchers in the same area. My research involved cloning a gene in the common fruit fly, or drosophila melanogaster.”
McLean focused her studies and research on the common fruit fly because it is what biologists call a “model organism” — which means researchers can study the genes of drosophila and learn about genes of other organisms, including humans.
After completing her PhD, McLean did post-doctoral research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her post-doctoral research, McLean continued to work with drosophila.
LIFELONG LEARNER Janna McLean is a lifelong learner. She graduated from Hope College with a biology major and English minor. From there, she continued her education and earned her PhD. She taught at numerous educational institutions. At 61, she is back in college to earn her Masters of Library and Information Science degree through Indiana University Indianapolis. Photo provided by Janna McLean.
role model for them.”
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“While I was a post-doctoral researcher, I had the opportunity to work with some Girl Scout groups and teach them about genetics and working with fruit flies. I enjoyed seeing their passion for science, but I also was sensitive to the challenges I knew they would face as women in science,” McLean explained. “There were certainly challenges being a woman in science in the late 1980’s and early 90’s. I only had one female professor in college and most of the professors in grad school were men. And that helped make me want to become a professor. I wanted to help other young women follow their passion. I wanted to be a positive
McLean taught as an Assistant Professor of Biology before she moved up as Associate Professor of Biology at Truman State University. She served as the department chair for the university for three years before she moved onto Colorado State University-Pueblo. There, she was biology chair and interim Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics for two years. Through her work as dean, she was promoted to professor. Eventually, McLean felt homesick for the Midwest and she took a position at Olivet Nazarene University as Dean of Arts and Sciences for five years. In 2014, she accepted a position at Bethel and became Dean of Arts and Science and biology professor.
“All through my years as a faculty member — from Truman
on — I attended workshops and professional development seminars and read books about ways to teach well. I was always learning how to improve my teaching,” McLean admitted. “I also continued to do research with students so I was always reading papers about the research others were doing that was similar to what we were doing in my laboratory. So, even as a professor, I was always learning.”
After her retirement from teaching, McLean accepted a part-time job at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library. Working at the library reignited her passion for literature, as she is now enrolled at Indiana University Indianapolis to earn her Masters of Library Information Sciences. She is on track to graduate from the program in summer 2025.
Fighting loneliness —
How to pick the purr-fect pet
Text and Photos By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer
According to the National Library of Medicine, social isolation has been associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality from all causes, has been associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of developing dementia, 29% increased risk of incident coronary heart disease and 32% increased risk of stroke.
“Having a pet instantly makes you feel less lonely,” Genny Brown, executive director of the Humane Society of Saint Joseph County, explained. “They are endless vessels of love and attention.”
By following these simple tips, you can welcome a pet into their fur-ever home.
Energy Levels
Choose a pet with an energy level that matches your own.
Older pets can often have lower energy levels and make great companions for seniors.
“Every pet has their own personality,” Brown explained.
“Finding a pet that matches not only your energy level but also your personality is important.”
Health And Mobility
Make sure you can handle the physical demands of caring for a pet, such as walking a dog or bending over to clean a litter box.
“When looking for a companion, consider if you will be able to lift it into a car in case of emergency,” Brown suggested. “A bigger dog may also pull or tug its leash on a walk in a way a smaller dog may not.”
Living Arrangements
Ensure your living situation is pet-friendly. Check if pets are allowed in your living situation and if there are any breed or size restrictions.
“Many places do require pet deposits, whether it’s a onetime fee or a month-to-month fee varies place to place, but it is something to be aware of so you’re in compliance with any leasing agreements,” Brown suggested.
Support System
Have a support system in place. Make sure you have
friends or family who can help with pet care if you are unable to do so temporarily. Additionally, have a plan in place for the pet’s care in case of an emergency.
“Make sure your support system knows everything about your pet’s routine,” Brown said. “Do they know what vet they go to? When they like to eat breakfast and dinner? Where do they like to be pet? Where do they not like to be pet?”
Pet Needs
Research the specific needs of the pet you are considering. Different breeds and species have different care requirements.
“Dogs are more demanding, in the sense that they need more outside exercise and enrichment,” Brown stated. “Cats do not need as much attention but they need their litter box cleaned and their supplies, like the 40-pound litter buckets, are heavy.”
Some breeds require more upkeep then others. Grooming is very necessary for some breeds of pets, but can get expense to upkeep for the owner.
Training
Consider adopting a pet that is already trained. Older pets are often house-trained and may require less effort in terms of training.
“A pet that doesn’t necessarily have formal training can still be taught,” Brown said. “There are a lot of good resources between virtual training, veterinaries, pet stores or local trainers.”
Pet-Proofing
Make any necessary adjustments to your home to make it safe and comfortable for your new pet.
“Bringing a pet home is very similar to bringing a baby home,” Brown said. “Crate training is a great way to create a neutral space for your pet.”
Pet Identification
Make sure your pet has proper identification, such as a microchip and a collar with tags, in case they get lost.
“I can tell you from our data, if a pet comes in with a microchip it is more likely to get reclaimed within 48 hours,” Brown explained.
Judge Jason Cichowicz brings crisis stabilization to at-risk youth
After being elected as St. Joseph County’s Probate Court Judge in 2018, Judge Jason Cichowicz committed to “working to create a safer, stronger community” and showing a willingness to roll up his sleeves and put in the necessary work to accomplish that goal. That work over the last six years has been showing positive results.
As Probate Court Judge, Cichowicz is responsible for the management of the Juvenile Justice Center and its 150-plus staff
members. Although the children housed here are considered at-risk, the priority and focus is the rehabilitation of those children. The goal is to provide the resources necessary to allow those at-risk youth to lead healthy and productive lives.
One such success story is the enactment of a crisis stabilization program in the JJC. Today’s generation is facing a fast and constant changing environment with many challenges resulting from generational
issues beyond their control. Issues surrounding mental health, substance abuse, and poverty are causing many families and children to hit moments of crisis in manners not seen in previous generations.
Recognizing this trend, Cichowicz implemented a crisis stabilization program, which utilizes modern techniques to conduct a more comprehensive intake and case management system. It prioritizes mental health assessment. This allows
staff to quickly and accurately identify high-risk juveniles and get them the appropriate resources they need for their care.
Under Cichowicz’s leadership, this revolutionary program is one of only two in the entire state, putting St. Joseph County on the cutting edge of treating at-risk youth.
In his next term, Cichowicz will continue to make mental health and well-being a priority to rehabilitate at-risk youth.
Many places in Indiana require a pet license for dogs and cats, including St. Joe County. The pet license helps identify the pet’s owners and it ensures the pet is up-todate on the rabies vaccine, which is a state law.
The adoption center at the Humane Society of Saint Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, is open for walk-in visitors from 2-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Appointments are encouraged, especially if you are interested in adopting. For more information, call (574) 255-4726.
Mike Burmeister enjoys role as voice of the Knights
By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer
When Mike Burmeister had a chance to be a public address announcer for sporting events at Marian High School in Mishawaka, it was an easy decision. Over 20 years later he is still assisting the athletic programs for the Knights where he can.
“I love being involved. I feel close to the kids and the players,” Burmeister said. “A lot of the girls that were on the Marian team were friends with my daughter. To stay close to the students, it made me feel younger.”
Burmeister began public address announcing for the girls basketball team in 2003 and has been assisting in the press box for football games as a spotter. The past five years he has been the announcer for boys basketball games, too.
Growing up in Mishawaka, Burmeister says sports was one of the factors that made him excited about Marian. He also credits his parents, Tom and Judy.
“Moved to Mishawaka when I was two. The football team had great success in the ‘70s. One of my earliest memories was when I was nine years old driving down to Indianapolis to watch them play in the state championship game,” Burmeister said. “My parents put the bug in my ear about Marian and wanted me to go to the Catholic school there. When they drove you down three hours to see your team win a state championship it was pretty special. It made you want to be a part of it.”
Burmeister would graduate from Marian in 1982 and competed in wrestling with the Knights. Today, Burmeister plays golf, practices yoga and does occasional weightlifting to stay healthy.
He studied mathematics at Purdue University and moved to Chicago and Indianapolis for work. A chance to move back home and work for Crowe LLP emerged in 1995.
“When they said it was in South Bend I was very excited. My wife was very excited for
us to have the chance to move back home,” Burmeister said. “It was a great move for our family and has been a blessing.”
He and his wife Cate share two children in Meghan and Peter. Both are Marian alumni. Multiple nieces and nephews have also graduated from Marian. Burmeister even served on the school board.
A program through the school he aides is “Knights in Need.” It’s a method the school uses to support to the community.
“I support a lot of the things that go on there. They have a Knights in Need program that helps families that have some type of a tragedy. I’ve been a big supporter of that program. They have an annual golf outing,” Burmeister said. “I think that’s a special program that’s a service to others that our faith instills in us. Makes you want to give to others. Marian has their ‘learn, serve, lead’ motto and they live that.”
His support for Marian see no signs of slowing down any time soon.
“It’s a special place and they do a great job integrating all aspects of life. Faith and sports and academics. They have their focus all across the things that matter to us,” Burmeister said.
Vote Loris Zappia for probate court judge
By LORIS ZAPPIA Guest Writer
This is my first article in Senior Life, and I’d like to introduce myself to all of the readers. I am Loris Zappia, a local lawyer who is running for the position of probate court judge in St. Joseph County. For the next several months, I will tell you a little about my background, who I am, and what I hope to achieve.
Election Day is Nov. 5. I am hoping to earn your vote. I am a proud Italian- American, born and raised in South Bend. My father was also a South Bend native; my mother is from Italy. I attended local schools, including St. Joseph High School,
where I was a wrestler. I paid for my own tuition by working at the Capri restaurant, and later I worked at Memorial Hospital serving food and washing dishes. I learned there are no shortcuts to attaining a strong work ethic. Hard work teaches discipline and grit.
I continued to work and pay my way through school in various jobs while attending Holy Cross Junior College, IU Bloomington, and eventually law school. I have practiced law in civil litigation for more than 30 years. I have helped injured people recover just compensation so they can get on with their lives.
I also have worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney for
about 25 years in the prosecutor’s problem-solving courts, including drug treatment and veterans’ courts.
I have served under both Republican and Democratic prosecutors. I am committed to justice for the most vulnerable among us, especially juveniles, the mentally disabled and seniors. None of them deserve to be exploited, manipulated or abused.
I also believe integrity matters in our judges. I will bring that integrity to the bench. I am asking for your vote. Vote Zappia Nov. 5 or watch for early voting opportunities.
deserve and an apartment you can afford.
• Spacious One and Two Bedroom Apartments
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LORIS ZAPPIA
VOICE OF THE KNIGHTS — Mike Burmeister has been an announcer at Marian High School games since 2003. Photo by Nathan Pace.
50 Years Ago Blast From The Past — Writers of ‘The Night Chicago Died’ didn’t have
Paper Lace
A Boomer Blast To The Past
By RANDAL C. HILL
If you’re part of a lucrative songwriting team, you’ll want to take pains to be accurate if you’re describing a historic event, especially one that occurred in another country. Otherwise, you just might end up with egg on your face, as happened with the Number One hit “The Night Chicago Died.”
In England, Mitch Murray and Peter Callendar were pop-music creators responsible for such best-selling 45s as Georgie Fame’s “The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde,” Vanity Fare’s “Hitchin’ a Ride” and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods’ “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero.”
But these partners didn’t have their facts straight with “The Night Chicago Died,” which breathlessly — and erroneously — told of a Chicago gun battle with Al Capone’s
gang, and a heroic cop who miraculously survived an ordeal that killed 100 officers. (Gangs sometimes had shootouts with each other but not usually with police officers.)
“The Night Chicago Died” was unlike any other successful disc. Rather than being offered an instrumental lead-in followed by a vocal, we were instead snapped to attention by a throbbing drumbeat, a shrieking synthesizer that simulated wailing police sirens, and a passionate spoken introduction by Paper Lace lead singer Phil Wright:
“Daddy was a cop/On the east side of Chicago
“Back in the USA/Back in the bad old days”
Throughout the song, the ear-candy chorus — repeated over and over and over — had many of us singing along after just one listen:
“I heard my mama cry/I heard her pray the night Chicago died
“Brother, what a night it really was/Brother, what a fight it really was “Glory be”
Paper Lace, an English quartet first called Music Box, was formed in 1967 in Nottingham, home of the Robin Hood legend
and at one time the cloth and paper lace-making capital of the world (hence the band’s name). The group was organized by drummer and primary vocalist Wright and three musical pals.
Paper Lace’s hit was originally conceived to be a UK-only release before Mercury Records honchos in America decided that it had hit potential here —which it did, reaching the peak of the Billboard charts (and making Number Three
in the UK) before the band became another “one-hit wonder.”
Songfacts.com is a website dedicated to behind-the-scenes information about popular recordings. It was there that Mitch Murray, one-half of the team behind “The Night Chicago Died,” emailed a note that read, “As co-writer of this song, I feel qualified to settle some of the questions involving ‘The Night Chicago Died.’ My writing partner, Peter Callander, and I are both British,
and we had never been to Chicago at the time we wrote the song. Having been brought up on a tasty diet of American gangster movies, the term ‘east side’ usually meant the seamy side of a city. Of course, looking back, it was used about New York, not Chicago. We were obviously a little careless with our research.” Obviously, Mitch.
When Murray signed off, he pointed out that he hailed from the (hip) west side of London.
Professional Services
Q. How do Charitable Lead Trusts work?
A. A Charitable Lead Trust (“CLT”) provides a stream of income to one or more charities as the “lead” beneficiary. The trust can be set for a specific term of years or for the life of a person. After the income stream ends, the remaining balance will be distributed to other beneficiaries, like spouses, children, or other loved ones. For more information about trusts, grantors, and beneficiaries, see What is a Trust?
Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator
When establishing a Charitable Lead Trust, the grantor pays gift tax on the expected final distribution to family members. This is calculated by using the § 7520 interest rate in effect at the time of creation. If the trust assets grow at a higher rate than the § 7520 rate, the additional growth passes to the grantor’s family without any estate tax due. In other words, the grantor will pay less overall estate tax while donating to a meaningful cause.
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Q. Where are Senior Life Newspapers distributed?
A. Each Senior Life Newspaper is distributed to over 300 locations each month and is free for public pickup and supported by advertisers. Locations for distribution are chosen with the 50+ aged person in mind and include Grocery Stores, Libraries, Senior Centers, Restaurants, Senior Communities, Banks, Apartment Complexes, Doctor Offices, Drug Stores, Farmer’s Market, Resale locations, Churches, Convenient Stores, and Retail Stores.
There are four distinct issues of Senior Life Newspaper including St. Joseph County (extending to LaPorte and Marshall in IN and Berrien & Cass in MI), Elkhart (extending to LaGrange, Noble, Kosciusko and Wabash in IN and St. Joseph MI, Allen (Ft. Wayne) County (extending into DeKalb, Noble, Whitley, Huntington, Wells and Adams Counties), and our Northwest issue covering Lake & Porter Counties.
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‘THE NIGHT CHICAGO DIED’ BY PAPER LACE WAS A NUMBER ONE HIT.
Understanding the need for a representative payee
peace of mind knowing someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits. Find more information about:
• Advance Designation at ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.
• Representative Payees at ssa.gov/payee.
• Publications about representative payees at ssa.gov/ payee/newpubs.
If you know someone who needs help managing their monthly benefits, please consider becoming a representative payee. You can also help by sharing this information with friends and family.
HELP AVAILABLE Persons who need help managing their monthly Social Security benefit can have a representative payee appointed who will be responsible for receiving and managing Social Security benefits. Photo provided by Social Security.
Charity should make economic sense
donated just under $375 billion to one or more charities in this country in 2023.
Yet many donors don’t adequately screen the organizations they support. They should make their charitable choices as carefully as other personal and financial decisions so they’ll get the best bang for their buck. In
other words, so the money they donate will be put to the best use and not swallowed by the organization’s administrators. It’s also the giver’s responsibility to learn how their gifts and bequests will best benefit everyone — the donors, their heirs, the nonprofit community, and those who benefit from the non-profits’ activities. This
takes care and planning that many are unwilling to make. It’s up to you, before fashioning any donation or legacy, to find out how the transaction and transfer of assets will be handled and who will get them. Giving as much as you feel comfortable with is only the beginning. Sidestepping the crowds of crooks constantly circling the unwary is your next step.
Scam and rip-off artists have found a new avenue, the Internet, in addition to regular mail, telephone, and knocking on doors to thrust an open hand at the open-hearted.
Before considering any donation, know your charity. Ask for an annual report and check with your nearest Better Business Bureau. You can also visit with groups listed as recipients of the charitable largesse.
Don’t be fooled by the name or gulled by a sob story, and don’t be pressured into giving. Make all donations in the name of the charity, not the fundraiser.
Whenever you’re solicited by phone or in person, call the local police department or chamber of commerce as well as the proclaimed benefiting organization to verify the information.
One scheme never ends: after almost every flood, fire, hurricane or earthquake, imposters bombard cyberspace and telephones with requests for aid and assistance for victims of the disaster.
If you wish, you can discuss with your tax preparer and attorney how to establish charitable bequests, coordinate charity with lifetime gifts to family members, and keep records to satisfy tax-code requirements as well as structuring charitable life
income funds, and
UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA
Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.
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Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival Professional Company presents “As You Like It” at 7:30 p.m. until Sept. 1, at Patricia George Decio Theatre, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center; matinee performances are at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit shakespeare.nd.edu.
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Local author and adventurer, Aaron Helman, shares stories from his books “An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County” and “Ride the Jack Rabbit” about Richard Risley Carlisle, Edward Bonney, and the mysterious Tyner Huckleberry Queen at The History Museum’s “Insights in History: Three Crazy Characters of Local History.” The event is at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4. Admission is $3 or $1 for members. Reservations are required by Sept. 2. A tour of the exhibit “Material Matters”
will also be offered. For information, call The History Museum at (574) 2359664, ext. 6256 or visit historymuseumSB.org.
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St. Joseph County Parks will be hosting an evening with the bats at St. Patrick’s County Park, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Harvest Room of the White Barn. The presentation will address bat species found in Indiana and the presenter will demonstrate how bats are evaluated after being removed from a mist net for scientific data. Afterward, participants will also enjoy a “bat-nana” split while watching bats exit the Red Barn.
Program fee is $5 per person. Pre-registration and payment are required by Sept. 2. For more information or to register, call (574) 654-3155.
St. Patrick’s County Park is located on Laurel Road, north of Auten Road, South Bend.
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The South Bend Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Director Alastair Willis, opens the 92nd season and the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series with “The Rite of Spring” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Discounts, priority
seating, and other exclusive benefits are available to season subscribers. Subscribe at southbendsymphony.org or call (574) 232-6343.
Single tickets start at $21. Buy online at southbendsymphony.org, call Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office (574) 235-9190 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; or in-person at the Morris Box Office, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance; or stop by the symphony’s office, 127 N. Michigan St., South Bend, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.
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RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays, seated strength; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Garden Club; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Knitting Krew; 9 a.m. Fridays, Walking Club; 10 a.m. Thursdays, yarn work; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba; 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, zen coloring/ BYO craft.
September MPHPL programs for adults
Below is the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s September calendar of events for adults; check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events. Registration required for most programs. Registration can be secured by calling (574) 259-5277.
Harris Branch Events
Chapter Chats Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. The September book, “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles, can be picked up in advance at the Harris Branch front desk.
Mishawaka Library Events
Back to the 1980s Trivia Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday,
Sept. 6. Celebrate the most totally tubular decade at this 1980s-themed trivia night, answering trivia about movies, TV, music, clothing and more. The winning team will receive a prize. During this event, MPHPL will also collect donations of non-perishable food items for the Mishawaka Food Pantry. Any participant who donates an item will be entered for a chance to win a small prize. Teams must have two to six members; limited to 15 teams.
Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Discuss
this month’s book selection, “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik. Books can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.
American Heritage Spotlight, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. This month, speaker Matthew Baumgartner will present “Oliver P. Morton: Indiana’s Greatest Governor.” Baumgartner has a history degree from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in medieval studies from the University of Michigan. He is a lifelong U.S. Civil War researcher focusing on the Battle of Monocacy.
MPHPL receives $5,000 grant to host creative programming for adults age 60 and older
The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is receiving a $5,000 grant to host creative aging programming for older adults. MPHPL is among 36 libraries to receive funding through Lifelong Arts Indiana, a program which promotes arts and creativity services for older adults.
“We are thrilled to use this grant to host two, five-week ‘Colorful Creation’ art series for adults in the Michiana community,” said MPHPL community engagement coordinator Stephanie Maggart.
Both art series will be held at the downtown Mishawaka library, 209 Lincolnway East, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
“Colorful Creations at MPHPL: Acrylic Painting,” the first five-week series, will be held on the following Tuesdays: Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3. The program will
focus on the basics of acrylic painting and will be taught by local artist, Linda Pieri. Participants will be able to socialize and connect with other guests each week as they continue to build their artistic painting skills.
“Each week, participants will walk away with a unique canvas painting,” said Maggart.
“Colorful Creations at MPHPL: Watercolor Painting,” the second five-week series, will be held on the following Mondays: Sept. 23 and 30; Oct. 7, 14 and 21. Local artist, Marge Burkholder, will teach the art series. Guests will learn the basics of watercolor painting, while socializing and connecting with others. Each week, participants will leave with their unique watercolor paintings.
“Adults 60 and up are
welcome to register for both five-week art series or just one. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis as folks visit mphpl.org and go to the events calendar to register,” said Maggart. Registration is required; guests only need to register once to be signed up for all five series sessions.
This grant is made possible, in part, by the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the state of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administrations Division of Aging.
Learn more about Lifelong Arts Indiana by visiting the Lifelong Arts Indiana website, in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/training/ lifelong-arts-indiana.
100 N. Center St., Mishawaka, IN 46544 * Income based rent
Discover what our residents already know, You are going to love living
Preference given to applicants 62+ whose income is below $18,700 for one person and $21,400 for two people.
Wiseman knows God loves him unconditionally
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“I remember my mother taking me to church every Sunday,” stated Brian Wiseman, South Bend. “But things at home were hard and unpleasant. Living with a narcissist was hard on me and my siblings. Those who need constant admiration and see themselves as infallible, give the rest of the family the mistaken impression that they don’t measure up.
For a long time, I believed that God saw me in that light as well. But through the years, I am learning that many of our authority figures on earth are not like our heavenly father, who loves us unconditionally.”
Wiseman gave his heart to Jesus at vacation Bible school when he was just 7 years old.
“Something inside me changed. I realized that Jesus died for my sins, and I had an inner desire to know him better. But there was still that nagging voice telling me that I just didn’t measure up. When
you live with an authority figure who doesn’t show love, you have such a hard time opening yourself up to the love of God,” Wiseman said.
Having a traumatic childhood with constant criticism caused Wiseman to want to protect himself.
“My mother was strong in her faith and did her best to protect me and my siblings, but the damage was already done,” Wiseman said.
Wiseman describes his life at home as a slow death.
“I was ripped to pieces emotionally daily. I was dying inside slowly. I started acting out in ways my peers did not always understand,” Wiseman said.
When Wiseman was working at Fairmont in Nappanee, his boss, Greg Zehring, invited him to Southview Church of Christ.
“Greg Zehring became a very special friend. Instead of judging me, he took time to listen and understand me. David Honeycutt was the
pastor there. He too became a great friend. I was beginning to experience unconditional acceptance,” Wiseman said.
Three churches merged and Southview became Deer Run Church, South Bend.
“Greg Zehring was an elder at the church and he baptized me. I also met a man by the name of John McGinnis. I was starting to see positive role models. These men showed me what the love of God, the father really is.”
Two years ago, Wiseman had an accident at work.
“I smashed my foot while driving a tow motor. That caused me to lose a portion of the injured foot. I was off work for a while, I had time to read through my Bible twice. I was still working through severe anxiety. I was always on guard against people hurting me. I wanted to shut down and isolate myself to be safe,” Wiseman said.
Wiseman was reminded in Hebrews 10:25: “Christians should not forsake assembling together.”
“It was important for me to go to church every week,” he said.
He now attends Elkhart Church of Christ and is there every Sunday and Wednesday. He sings in the choir and shares his own music.
“I play guitar and sing,” he said.
Wiseman has learned some valuable lessons as he’s walked through trauma.
“I have forgiven my family member. I even feel sorry for the person. But I know that a relationship is not possible. I’d only be putting myself in the position to be abused,” Wiseman said.
He continued, “I also realize that God loves me just the way I am. I’m still working through issues but know that God accepts me.”
Disaster kit might save the day
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Emergencies spring at us from all sides at any time and appear all sizes.
If it isn’t a springtime flood, summertime tornado, fall forest fire or winter hurricane, it might be a strange virus scrambling around the globe or power lines slashed by some construction crew.
They’re unexpected and can be costly.
That’s why we call them disasters. We’re excluding personal tragedies at this point. We’re talking about events that may leave you isolated and immobile for days or even weeks.
We’re talking about being prepared for extended periods when your electricity goes out and your refrigerator, lights, television set and internet connections aren’t working. We’re talking about when your cell phone runs out of juice
and you have no way to recharge it. And your car doesn’t have enough gas to get you out of the stricken area.
A bit of planning and preparation can carry you a long way through the aftermath of a fire or flood or a terrorist attack on our region’s infrastructure. What will you do if your movement requires a powered wheelchair? If you’re connected to oxygen tanks? Or if you run out of medication?
A simple first step is to put together an emergency kit. It will require regular maintenance because you’re going to stash a week or two’s worth of medication in the package. You’ll have to use up and replace that supply regularly so the medication doesn’t get old and useless.
Next on your list of priorities is water. Emergency experts recommend you start with a three-day supply of water — a gallon a day for each adult. A three-day ration of non-perishable food, usually canned, comes next. And don’t forget a can opener.
Tuck in a flashlight with extra batteries and get batteries for a small battery-operated radio you’re going to add to your kit. This will allow you to get information on disaster developments.
Toss in a first aid kit and add a whistle you can use to call for help.
Pick up some wet wipes and towelettes, trash bags and plastic ties to serve your needs if your toilet is destroyed or not working. A pair of pliers or wrench is a handy tool in any emergency and is small enough to carry around.
Pick up some maps of the locality if you’re not familiar with the area.
This kit may be too heavy to tote so make a smaller one you can grab and haul away with you.
You might also visit with your neighbors to discuss your and their needs and how you can help each other should the lights go out.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Brian Wiseman holds his dog, Luke. Through good Christian male role models, Wiseman is learning God loves him just the way he is and accepts him unconditionally. Photo provided by Brian Wiseman.
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
70s Flashback —
‘The Love Boat’ created cruise control
Can you imagine a TV series changing the fortunes of a major business?
From 1977 to 1987, millions of television viewers set aside
By RANDAL C. HILL
Saturday nights to enjoy Aaron Spelling’s ratings behemoth “The
Love Boat” on ABC-TV.
As goes an old saying, nobody loved the show except the public. Critics detested it, citing corny jokes and absurd storylines.
Some early cynics even predicted that Spelling’s offering would sink faster than the Titanic.
Wrong!
“The Love Boat” was based on a 1976 TV movie of the same name, which itself had been built around a 1974 book by former cruise director Jeraldine Saunders. She breathlessly claimed to
Pack up your troubles for a trip
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
The vacation of your dreams can turn into a nightmare just as your time on a tropical beach can turn terrible.
Hurricane, a fractured wrist, a traffic accident, lost luggage, a missed transportation connection — any of these or many other reasons can be the cause.
Being a bit paranoid when planning your trip can ease
some of the pain should anything happen.
Make sure someone in your family knows where you’re going, what you plan to do and how long you’ll be away. Have that person or someone else be aware that they’ll be called should anything happen to you.
And don’t forget to have someone keep an eye on your dwelling and property while you’re gone.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
The frightened toad
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
The boy was only 4 years old.
Exploring the back side of his yard.
He imagined it a wild place.
For him it wasn’t very hard.
And then he saw a toad, that was hopping on the lawn.
He followed it for a while, and tried to hop along.
Now he has a sudden thought, to capture it if he can.
The third try is the charm, as he grabs it with his hand.
That boy is soon to learn, as he holds that toad so tight, that often as a defense, a toad will urinate in fright. That boy will become a man, and respect all living things. Shaped in part by a frightened toad.
The mystery never ends. I somehow lost the original of this poem, but I liked it enough to try to rewrite it. It’s pretty close. When I was about 10, I tried to impress a neighbor girl by putting a toad in my mouth. Same results.
witness numerous lovey-dovey stories while asea.
Each of Aaron’s more than 250 hour-long episodes usually presented three separate story arcs, with numerous celebrity actors having their issues resolved just before the credits rolled.
Hundreds of famous folks made guest appearances, and the show’s success also allowed Spelling a personal side benefit: “I was able to fulfill my own dreams by hiring some of the great old Hollywood legends as guest stars. The studios weren’t banging their doors down with offers, but these actors still had lots of talent, and I was happy to provide an outlet.” Such VIPs from Tinseltown’s golden years included Lana Turner, Olivia de Havilland, Shelley Winters and Ginger Rogers.
Each episode brought together the ensemble cast of Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), the onboard doctor Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell), cruise director Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), bartender Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), and purser “Gopher” Smith (Fred Grandy). Together the crew steered the high-seas celebrities toward romance-drenched situations by igniting PG-rated new romances or salvaging faltering alliances.
Some of the show’s scenes were filmed during actual voyages on Pacific Cruises’s Pacific Princess, as well as two sister ships, the Island Princess and the Sun Princess. Real-life passengers were often used as extras rather than professional actors.
“Wives and Lovers” — with his “The Love Boat” becoming a Top 40 single.
In 1970, about half a million people took cruises. Within three decades, that number had zoomed to 5 million, thanks in large part to the exuberant interest brought about after “The Love Boat” showcased the glamorous world of ocean cruising.
One of the show’s scriptwriters, Michael L. Grace, said, “’The Love Boat’ really created the industry. You had 50 million people watching, and they all wanted to go on a cruise.” To cater to the
sudden rush of interest, a boom in cruise-ship building exploded in full force by the early 1980s and continued well into the next decade.
Gavin MacLeod once explained, “People always ask us why ‘The Love Boat’ was so popular. I always say it gave people something to dream about. They would dream about being out on the open seas on a cruise and discovering the world’s greatest destinations, dreaming about love and, of course, happy endings, since the shows always ended on a high note.”
Then there was that iconic theme song, recorded by crooner Jack Jones — best known for
THE CAST OF ‘THE LOVE BOAT.’
INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH
Stay Safe! Stay up-to-date on your Vaccinations
As you get older, your immune system weakens and it can be more difficult to fight off infections. You’re more likely to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles and to have complications that can lead to long -term illness, hospitalization, and even death.
If you have an ongoing health condition like diabetes or heart disease getting vaccinated is especially important. Vaccines can protect you from serious diseases (and related complications) so you can stay healthy as you age. Getting vaccinated can help keep you, your family, and your community healthy.
The most common side effects for all these vaccines are mild and may include pain, swelling, or redness where the vaccine was given. Before getting any vaccine, talk with a doctor or pharmacist* about your health history, including past illnesses and treatments, as well as any allergies. A health care provider can address any concerns you have.
Thanks to a grant from USAging, REAL Services
is able to provide several vaccination clinics for older adults this fall. Several types of vaccines will be offered at each clinic, including COVID, flu, pneumonia , RSV, and shingles. The specific days and times are listed for each clinic below, and a $10 gift card will be offered on a first -come, firstserve basis. If you have health insurance, please bring your health insurance card.
On September 18, REAL Services will be hosting an on-site vaccine clinic located at 1151 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46601 from 10:00 2:00 p.m. They will have vaccines, hosuing and utility information, community resources, health screenings, music, the REAL Grille Food Truck, prizes and more!
We also offer in-home vaccinations for those unable to leave their home. For more information, call (574) 334-6143 or mary.bradfield@realservices.org
Recently, REAL Services was recognized by USAging for their unwavering commitment to
ensuring older adults stay healthy safe. REAL Services and USAging in Washington, D.C. have been awarded the 2024 Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit (NAIIS) for their work through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative. The NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations towards improved vaccination rates within their communities during the past year.
Each vaccine clinic is not only meant to keep older adults safe from disease, but they are meant to empower attendees to speak up about their own unique health concerns.
Adapted form the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
*REAL Services cannot provide medical expertise or advice. Always consult your physician first regarding vaccinations.
INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH
Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy snack. There is no cost for this program.
September 12: Fall Prevention (Kroc Center South Bend)
September 19: Fall Prevention (OWLS Club Elkhart)
September 27: Fall Prevention (1Roof South Bend)
Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn more.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana invites YOU to the Midwest Dementia Summit 2024: Innovations in Care!
If you are a caregiver and want to learn more about Alzheimer ’s, this summit is for YOU!
Midwest Dementia Summit 2024: Innovations in Care will bring together professionals, business leaders, and caregivers. They will learn, share, and explore strategies, innovations, and opportunities in the fields of healthcare, community -based services, technology and the arts.
Join us to hear from international and national speakers such as Eloy Van Hal and Dr. Malaz Boustani!
Learn about the newest technological and art innovations and the latest research on Alzheimer ’ s and other forms of dementia.
There will be two tracks one of family caregivers and one for professional caregivers. The Summit will be November 6 -7, 2024 at the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds Casino and Resort.
The professional track is $385 and the family track is $99.
To register, visit www.midwestdementiasummit.org or call (574) 284 -2646.
REAL Services is grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, such as Beacon Health System and many others!
Come to the Table! Join us for lunch!
St Joseph County
Mishawaka: 100 Center (574) 259-1611
Battell Center 904 N Main St (574) 256-2325
North Liberty: 300 S. Main St. (574) 381-8980
Osceola: United Methodist Church
421 Beech Rd (574) 674-6503
Walkerton
302 Kentucky Street, Walkerton 574-334-1047
South Bend: Sanctuary at Trinity
Towers 316 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. St (574) 234 -7278
Fairington Apartments 1220 Fairington Circle (574) 291 -5597
Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E Monroe (574) 232 -4934
Charles Black Center 3419 W Washington (574) 229 -5911
Heritage Place at LaSalle Square 3224 Ardmore Trail
Dorothy (574) 286 -0916
1 Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center 405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend 574-381 -8981
LaPorte County
LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111 Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885
Michigan City: Simeon Square 1207 S Woodland (219) 380 -1439
SMRT Center
301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720
Marshall County Argos: B & R Community Bldg.
194 S. Michigan St. (574) 892-9669
Bourbon: Senior Center on 805 N. Harris St., (574) 342 -7031
Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments 500 S Montgomery St (574) 993-2944
Plymouth: Garden Court West 400 W. Washington St (574) 935-0047 September Menu All meals are served with milk. Suggested donation $4.25.
My ‘pillow talk’ and hiccapop
About this time last year, Mary Ellen and I spent our anniversary downtown at a charming little bed and breakfast. It was our way of celebrating 43 years since we fell
IN A NUTSHELL
By DICK WOLFSIE
in love. To commemorate this, I fell out of bed.
I did not expect it to happen again, but it has occurred several times in the last year or so — once with me almost ending up in the ER after hitting my noggin. This confirmed Mary Ellen’s longtime assertion that I should have my head examined. After my most recent crash landing, we knew something had to be done.
Mary Ellen purchased an inflatable bed bumper rail from a
company called hiccapop. When the box arrived, I thought hiccapop was one of those fancy energy drinks my wife buys. By the way, I know the “h” in hiccapop should be upper case, but no words in their instructions are capitalized. not one. They think that is clever. i don’t. i think it’s pretentious.
The hiccapop bed rail is a 5-foot-long cylindrical pillow. When you blow it up, it looks like a long white log. You stick it under your fitted sheet on the side of the bed to prevent your potential plummet to the floor. The accompanying instructions make it clear that this is really intended for toddlers who have made the transition from a crib to a real bed, a transition I made during the Truman administration.
One woman writes on Amazon: The hiccapop keeps my son safe. I no longer have to worry about the little guy falling out
of bed. It’s a relief to know my 6-year-old is protected.
Note to readers: Reread that review and substitute the word husband for son, then substitute old man for little guy. Then, replace the number six with the number 77. See how humiliating this whole predicament is for me?
Nettie, our housekeeper, came this week. She told Mary Ellen she wasn’t going to clean in the bedroom because it looked like I was napping.
“Oh, that’s not my husband. That’s his hiccapop.”
“Well, whoever he is, I can’t vacuum until he gets out of bed.”
The hiccapop business is very consumer-oriented.
“If you ever need parts, we will send them to you free of charge,” the company declares in its instructions. Question: Have you ever needed to replace parts in a pillow?
They provide a warranty for the pillow “...even if your dog chews it accidentally.” I have no clue what that means. Barney, our old beagle, once chewed up Mary Ellen’s brand new shoes.
“Why don’t you scold him?” Mary Ellen asked me.
“Because it wasn’t his fault. He ate them accidentally.”
Finally, concerned about having their other baby hiccapop product ideas ripped off, the company issued this warning in their accompanying brochure: “To you beef-witted design pirates, do NOT copy our stuff, or we will sue you.”
I have never heard that expression, but there’s nothing more threatening than a wellplaced meat metaphor.
By the way, the product really works. I have not rolled off the side of the bed since we installed the bumper, but I may have to return it and get a new one. I’m still a restless sleeper with a lot of nervous energy. Because of that, I chewed into my hiccapop one night while sleeping and it deflated.
Mary Ellen forgave me. I told her it was an accident.
Look after eye strain
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Many parts of your body don’t work as well after your 50 than they did before you strolled through the half-century mark.
A common but overlooked problem is dry eye, which results in itchy and burning eyes. The irritation is often caused by lowered tear production, which decreases with aging and can be exacerbated among snow birds who spend their winters in dry desert climates. Long sessions at your mobile phone, computer, driving, and watching television are also among the causes.
St.
Over-the-counter eye drops can alleviate the condition readily but you should have your eyes medically examined to determine proper treatment.
Another common complaint by the over-50 crowd is “floaters and flashes.” Floaters resemble black spots or cobwebs wandering through your eye and can be constant or episodic. Flashes, which are episodic, are brief flashes of light.
Both normally are harmless but should be checked because they can signal a detached retina, which can lead to blindness.
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide
Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City
1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com
Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care
Hamilton Grove
31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552-0836 (574) 654-2200 • www.greencroft.org/hamiltongrove Independent Living Apartments, HUD Housing and Villas, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies - Onsite and Outpatient Also Available, Long Term Care and Respite Care. Maintenance Free Living, HUD and accepting the Medicaid Waiver.
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
Healthwin
20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 272-0100 • www.healthwin.org
A Specialized Care Facility. Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
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
Lily Assist Apartments
Live Independent with a Helping Hand Tawnya Thayer RN BSN • Argos, IN (574) 952-2929 • info@lilyassist.org
Truly an Affordable Option! One and Two Bedrooms, Private Front Porch, Private Back Patio, Ground Floor, All Appliances Included (with Washer and Dryer), Central Air. lilyassist.org
Majestic Care of South Bend
52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
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.
316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com
liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com
Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.
Southfield Village
6450 Miami Circle, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 231-1000 • www.greencroft.org
Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-OccupationalRespiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/ Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments, Medicare and/or Medicaid
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.
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.
VA aid and benefits for veterans, surviving spouses
Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or if you’re housebound, you can find out if you qualify.
The VA Aid and Attendance Pension, also known as the VA assisted living benefit, is a monthly payment, which can help veterans and their surviving
spouses pay for assisted living and other long-term senior care. Aid And Attendance Pension Eligibility
You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of these requirements:
You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing.
You have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day
*In St. Joseph County 606 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545
AGING CONNECTIONS
*Excludes Prescriptions
Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI
A free online directory for aging & wellness resources. Our members offer a wide variety of services and information for your specific needs. www.agingconnections.org
Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
REAL SERVICES, INC.
1151 South Michigan Street Phone (574) 233-8205 www.realservices.org
Provides services to empower our community to live with independence, dignity, and strength. Call us to learn more.
NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT EDISON LAKES
1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 247-1866
www.northwoodsmemorycare.com
in bed because of an illness. You are a patient in a nursing home, due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).
Housebound Benefits Eligibility
You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability, a disability that doesn’t go away.
Note: You can’t get aid and attendance benefits and housebound benefits at the same time.
How Do I Get This Benefit?
You can apply for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits in one of these ways: Send a completed VA form
to your pension management center.
Fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and mail it to the PMC for your state. You can have your doctor fill out the examination information section.
You can also include with your VA form:
Other evidence, like a doctor’s report, that shows you need aid and attendance or housebound care.
Details about what you normally do during the day and how you get to places.
Details that help show what kind of illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to do things, like take a bath, on your own.
If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out a Request for Nursing Home Infor-
mation in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-0779).
Apply in person; bring your information to a VA regional office near you. To find your nearest VA regional office, visit va.gov/ find-locations/?facilityType=benefits.
For more information, visit va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound.
A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans, who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. Find out if you qualify and how to apply at va.gov/pension/survivors-pension.
Each county in Indiana also as a veterans affairs office. Visit in.gov/dva/locate-your-cvso to locate an office.
(Article courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
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Helping others is all around you
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Helping each other is part of our genes, whether we know it or not, or like it or not.
We help our aging parents, neighbors and friends as they become frail and their abilities to cope with the world around them fade.
Our children learn how to walk and cope with the world around them with our help.
But, whether it’s because of macho or manners, there seems to be resistance to ask for help.
Just think about the cliché couple in a car looking for an address. They waste much time driving around, proclaiming it should be just around the corner when all they would have to do is stop and ask directions
from a passer-by or shop owner who’s familiar with the neighborhood.
They claim they don’t want to look stupid, so they act stupidly.
As we age, many of us think we’ll look like we’re losing it if we ask for help. You read of seniors dying of heart attacks shovelling snow from their driveway. And you hear oldsters complain about their aching back as they heft heavy grocery bags into and out of the trunk of their car.
They should be asking someone for help with these chores. For example, shopping trips can be coordinated with a family member, friend or neighbor who can help with the loading and unloading.
This means you should quit caring about whether or not
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you look self-reliant or lazy.
While “please” and “thank you” should be atop your list of vocabulary used on a daily basis, you can slip “I need your help” right behind them. Get used to this phrase. Use it when you walk up to a cashier in the supermarket. Instead of just dumping our purchases on the moving belt, tell them, “I might need your help with some of this stuff.”
You’ll find the cashier’s attitude friendlier and a bit less businesslike because you’re asking for their help — because studies reveal people actually do want to help each other. All they need is to be asked.
Asking for help most likely will start with members of you family — brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and
in-laws — and expand to friends, colleagues, co-workers and neighbors.
You might be looking for someone to help with your taxes or get you to medical appointments or find the right kinds of plants to make your yard easier to maintain. Be very clear on what you need and when you need it.
Let the person you’re asking know right off that they can say no if they can’t help you. You don’t need or want an explanation. Thank them for listening and ask if there’s someone they know who might be able help you. Then ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.
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Problems
We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.
Rice and Rice presented Half Century Award by Gov. Holcomb
By RICE AND RICE Attorneys at Law Granger
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce
David Rosenberg Thursday, Aug.15, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to celebrate longstanding Hoosier businesses, awarding the Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Award to 48 businesses in recognition of each company’s longevity and its impact on the state’s economy, communities and people. Rice & Rice Attorneys was among those recognized in the ceremony, receiving the Half Century Award for being in business over 50 years.
“Indiana continues to prove why we have one of the best economic climates for entrepreneurship and small business creation,” said Holcomb. “That strong economic foundation was set by these businesses that have chosen to call the Hoosier state home for the last 50 to 100 years. The lifeblood of our growing economy is our Hoosier entrepreneurs and business owners who had the courage to turn a vision into reality, and I’m honored to recognize each and every one of these leaders today for their exemplary commitment to our state and their communities.”
The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More than 1,250 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award’s 33-year history.
“I have the best job in the world,” said attorney Cliff Rice,
Rice & Rice Attorneys founding Rice & Rice Attorneys was Preeminent Rating, a peer rat- tion processes.
HIGH HONOR Rice & Rice Attorneys was recently recognized by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg with the Half-Century Business Award for 50 years of service to the community.
Pictured from left are Holcomb, attorney Cliff Rice, Ami Rice, Gabrielle Tyler, Tracy Healy, and Rosenberg. Photo provided by Rice & Rice Attorneys.
A round-the-clock food and fun
By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features
I looked tentatively at the load of shrimp, blue crabs, gar, sea trout and other nameless denizens of the deep as they poured into the boat. I even volunteered to hold one even more tentatively. And then I was making eye contact with a very cute sting ray and I’m pretty sure we had a moment.
My trip upon the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat in Jekyll Island, GA, was but one of the adventures on the American Cruise Line Historic South and Golden Isles Intra-Coastal Waterway Cruise from Amelia Island, Fla., to Charleston, S.C.
Overheard from a colleague on the way back to the ship: “If they wouldn’t serve us all that shrimp at meals, we wouldn’t have to go out and catch more.”
So we might as well first discuss mealtimes aboard the American Eagle. There was an Early Riser breakfast before the dining room breakfast and a pretty-much-all-day café in the Sky Lounge bracketing the more formal lunches and dinners. Cookie time at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. provided the obviously very-necessary sustenance in between meals.
One would think the cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvre before dinner might interfere with the more-than-generous dinner options but of course that didn’t happen — and an hour later, no one skimped on the open bar, ice cream treats and popcorn that accompanied the evening entertainment.
Rest assured there was a Fitness Room to counter all those calories but seriously, no one went there. The saving grace? All meals came in half-portions, which themselves were more than sufficient in this Michelin-wannabe restaurant.
The staff — who were not allowed to accept gratuities — were still remarkably agreeable. How often do you request a drink at an establishment that they don’t carry — and by the next night, it’s there? So it was with my Fireball. Need I remind you that we were on a ship at the time? Just as an aside, this ship — accommodating only about 100 passengers — is part of the only line in the world offering small U.S. ships that operate like river cruisers along the nation’s coasts.
If you can find time in between all the food, there are multiple daily excursions offered to St. Simon and Jekyll Islands, Savannah, Hilton Head, Beaufort and Charleston.
On the trolley tour of Savannah, a city I’d never been to before, I wasn’t expecting much, just another nice southern town. I was skeptical when the trolley driver started the tour by claiming that Savannah is the most fascinating town in America — but by the time the tour ended 90 minutes later, I was in total agreement.
The constant patter from Miss Pearl brought this historic wonderland to life.
The picturesque streets were
just begging to be strolled upon with singular homes and stores, houses dating back to the 1700s and 1800s with architectural flourishes of graceful, lace-like iron work adorning balconies, columns and brackets.
Wraparound porches adorned with decorative balustrades and whimsically designed gingerbreading give each structure its personal charm and distinction. Even chain stores like Starbucks, Five Guys and CVS blend into the historic ambience.
Beaufort, S.C., is another historic small town but with movie settings that are fun to visit. You’ll pass by houses rented by the cast and crew of Glory that featured Denzel Washington, settings from Forces of Nature with Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, and the chocolate shop whose candies filled Forrest Gump’s bag of goodies on his bench. Back on board, there were loads of activities. For example, there was an Outrageous Laws game — you probably didn’t know that in Alabama, it is illegal to drive while wearing a blindfold — and the ever-popular Boozy Bingo.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
FORREST GUMP ON HIS BENCH
SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT
Home is where the hazards are
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
You can help prevent falls by making your home safe.
Have handrails on both sides of all stairs from top to bottom, and make sure they are tightly fastened.
Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you’re on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other.
Don’t block your view of the steps. Go down or up the stairs sitting on each step in turn if you think you have problems with your vision or balance.
Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and each end of a long hall.
Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave things on the floor that you might trip on.
All carpets should be fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store.
In bathrooms and powder rooms:
• Mount grab-bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
• Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
• Keep night lights on.
In your bedroom:
• Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
• Keep your telephone near your bed.
In other living areas:
• Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths.
• Tack all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor.
• Arrange your furniture, especially low coffee tables and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.
• Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you, so that you can get in and out of them easily.
• Stay away from a freshly washed floor.
• Keep the things you use regularly in the kitchen within easy reach.
• Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high; use a “reach stick” instead.
Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is stable and has a handrail on top. Try to have someone stand next to you.
• Don’t let your home get too cold or too hot. Being very cold or very hot can make you dizzy.
In the summer, if your home is not air-conditioned, keep cool with an electric fan and drink lots of liquids and limit physical
activity. In the winter, don’t let the nighttime temperature drop below 65 degrees.
• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.
Flying not the only way to go
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Fearful flyers take a lot of time to think about when and whether or not to board another airliner.
Researchers report as many as one out of three people are either afraid or anxious about flying. Data also reveals one out of every four passengers aboard any flight is a white-knuckler.
A late colleague logged thousands of miles in his constant global search for top-grade material for his company, but he remembers none of them. The only way he could get himself to board a plane was to fortify himself with booze so he could fall asleep immediately after he buckled himself in.
Airlines boast of their safety record, and rightly so. Flying
ranks atop the list of travel methods for safety, speed and cost.
But senior travellers who can take their time to get around can shop for a cruise ship to transport them comfortably to and from Rio or Rome without having to be crowded into an uncomfortable seat in an uncomfortable metal tube.
Another maritime alternative is a freighter. While the quarters aren’t as luxurious as a mega-liner, they can be just as comfortable at a third of the cost.
The COVID-19 shutdown and border closings gave everyone a new look at daily living and time to consider how they’re going to live the rest of their lives.
Visiting friends and family has climbed higher up the travel ladder and, since many of them
are within these borders, driving can replace flying.
There’s no doubt flying still is the safest and quickest way to get you there. This becomes especially attractive the farther away your destination is. But it’s not stretching the truth when you say it’s not fun anymore.
Airlines are still squeezing you into a tight seat after you’ve manhandled whatever luggage you’re allowed through airport gates, security, and crowds.
If you do decide to fly, health experts advise you to pick a window seat. This puts you in a position where you’ll have the least number of people sitting near you and keep you away from the busy aisle. Take hand sanitizer with you and, wherever possible, distance yourself from other people, they add.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
Vote Derek Dieter for county surveyor
DEREK DIETER
County Commissioner Derek Dieter, currently representing District 2, is proud to announce his candidacy for St. Joseph County Surveyor. Dieter is committed to representing the interests of all residents of St. Joseph County, harnessing the power of public service to positively influence the community.
Dieter, elected to three consecutive terms on the South Bend City Council, where he also served five years as president, has demonstrated his leadership abilities and commitment to his constituents.
Currently, in the midst of a four-year term as vice president of the St. Joseph County Com-
missioners, he showcases his ability to manage and lead at the county level. With a firm belief in the importance of responsible and effective management of the county’s surveying needs, Dieter is determined to utilize his extensive skills and deep knowledge of the community.
His tenure as an active and hardworking elected leader has prepared him to exceed the responsibilities of the surveyor position, focusing on key priorities, such as drainage management, improving public access to county services, and enhancing infrastructure.
Dieter’s dedication to the community extends beyond his political career. With 39 years of service in the South Bend Police Department and a longstanding commitment to coaching and mentoring youth since 1975, he has made a profound impact on the lives of many in St. Joseph County. His commitment to the
well-being of the county and its residents is unwavering.
As he steps into the race for county surveyor, Dieter is focused on ensuring St. Joseph County’s drainage, services and infrastructure meet the needs of its residents. His vision includes not only competent management of county drains, but also the advancement of county services through easier public access, particularly online. Moreover, his previous roles have equipped him with the necessary experience.
Dieter’s candidacy for St. Joseph County Surveyor is driven by a genuine passion for public service and a vision for a better future for all residents of St. Joseph County. His extensive experience in local government, commitment to community involvement, and clear focus on key priorities makes him the ideal choice for the next St. Joseph County surveyor.
Transform countertop surfaces in just a weekend
(StatePoint) Did you know that you don’t have to spend tons of time or money on home interior updates? In fact, you don’t even have to engage a contractor to elevate your spaces in a big way.
Here are three stunning methods for completely transforming stained, burned or otherwise drab countertop surfaces in your kitchen, bath or other areas of your home. The beauty is that each project costs less than $300, and you can complete one in a weekend, even if you don’t consider yourself especially handy.
1. A marble look: Installing marble countertops can cost thousands of dollars and disrupt your life for weeks, if not months. Fortunately, there’s a way to get the same beautiful, one-of-a-kind look of marble with just a few supplies. The Marble Dream Resurfacing Kit from Daich Coatings is a new stone coating system engineered to be applied in a few simple steps, with no special artistic skill required. Available in both Pristine White and Cosmos Black, every installation will look completely unique based on how you blend the product. After prepping your surface and applying the base coat, the glaze mix and the vein accent colors, you use a blow dryer to push the colors around, deciding for yourself how they get blended, and the direction and strength of the details and finish.
Designed so you can work at a relaxed pace and make changes on the fly, cleanup is a snap for this project. And the water-based, odorless formula is safe too, so you won’t be exposed to anything hazardous. When you’re finished, not only will your countertops look revitalized, they’ll offer superior heat, impact and scratch resistance for greater utility.
The brand makes installation easy by providing a detailed online video tutorial. Visit youtube. com/watch?v=JJ8487WQIcg to watch and learn more.
2. Real granite finish: Real granite countertops are an elegant, natural upgrade that can take your kitchen or bath to a whole new level. But what if you didn’t have to commit to the complicated construction, scary price tag or long wait time of a full stone slab to get the authentic look and performance of smooth, polished granite? The LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Kit by Daich Coatings allows you to add a premium stone surface — complete with the visual pop of mineral highlights and sparkling accents — right over your existing countertop, without the mess or hassle of tearing out your current surface.
Available in five beautiful colors, you can renew existing countertops made of laminate, wood, concrete, stone and more in just a weekend, and have the flexibility to economically switch to a new look if you’d ever like to refresh.
3. Naturalized, speckled stone: For more of a natural speckled stone appearance, consider the 11 colors available in the SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit, which allows you to tailor your texture. This twostep project takes two days to complete, with results that will
last for many years.
In addition to a range of interior applications, you can also use this kit on exterior surfaces, including bar tops, barbecue areas, tables and more.
Like the other kits, there is no need to remove sinks, plumbing fixtures or your current countertop to make this renovation, and your finished product will be food safe and intact with a polyurethane clear coat.
In just a weekend, you can make totally transformative DIY interior updates in a way that’s cost effective and simple.
A New England islands cruise without leaving the country
Been considering a cruise but aren’t sure you want to go on one of those mega-ships with 6,000 other people? Or perhaps you don’t want the hassle of overseas travel to cruise the Greek islands or the far east.
Check this out. Take a week-long cruise without leaving the U.S. by
traveling on the American Cruise Lines voyage through the New England islands. You’ll be one of just 100 passengers.
The food is outstanding (you can have seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner), the rooms are comfortable, you get a complimentary cocktail hour before dinner each night, informative speakers and entertainment. It doesn’t get any better than that.
But actually it does.
The ship departs from Providence, R.I., and goes to New Bedford, Mass., known as the “City that Lit the World,” to learn about whales, whaling ships and whale oil. At the
Continued on page 23
DD RESALES PRESENTS — 2025 TRIPS —
AMERICAN STAR Cruising without leaving the country is available through American Cruise Lines. It takes just 100 passengers to the New England islands.
LOBSTER BAKE Waiting for cruise passengers on the beach at Bristol, R.I., was a fabulous lobster bake with clams, mussels and corn on the cob.
A New England
Continued from page 22
New Bedford Whaling Museum, you’ll see skeletons of huge whales and go on board an 89-foot-long, one-half scale model of a whaling ship inside the museum to learn about life on board a whaling vessel.
From there you sail off to the peaceful island of Nantucket to view elegant homes of sea captains and merchants, reflecting the prosperity of its seafaring heritage.
Martha’s Vineyard is the next stop. This little island, which was once the center of the east coast whaling industry, is now one of New England’s most chic vacation spots and summer home to some of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
Most Midwesterners have never heard of Block Island, the next stop on the cruise. It was formed 10,000 years ago by glaciers, which left behind 200-foot-high bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it’s a thriving, laid back summer vacation destination.
Newport, R.I., which boasts one of the world’s finest harbors, is best known for its preponderance of elegant mansions, which were constructed by extremely wealthy families in the 1800s.
This stop includes a bus tour past many of the mansions and a visit to the Breakers, the lavish 70-room “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt’s overlooking Narragansett Bay. It gives you insight into how the rich and famous lived in the days before income taxes. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour Fort Adams, which protected the harbor back in the 1800s.
Bristol, R.I., is the last stop before returning to Providence. You can sign up to tour another mansion and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame to learn about “The Golden Age of Yachting.”
Perhaps the best part of the trip is the grand finale lobster bake. By the time the ship arrives in port, lobsters, mussels, clams, corn on the cob and chicken have been baking all
NEWPORT
morning on coals under a tarp on the beach.
At noon, the tarp is lifted to an applause from the passengers, a big cloud of steam escapes into the atmosphere and the feast is revealed. It’s served buffet- style under a big tent and members of the ship’s
dining staff assist in removing the juicy lobster meat from the claws and shell. What a finish to an American cruise.
To learn more about the New England Islands cruises, visit americancruiselines.com or call (800) 460-4518.
Do it before 2025 fills up.
WHALING SHIP MODEL Inside the Bedford Whaling Museum is this 89-foot-long, one-half scale model of the whaling ship Lagota, which sailed the world in the 1800s and early 1900s in search of whales.
IN SEARCH OF WHALE OIL—Fishermen spent years in search of whales and did not return to port until their barrels were full of whale oil.
OFF TO THE SEA — This statue of a fisherman about to head to sea is in the harbor at New Bedford, Mass.
OPULENT
MANSION —Tour the Breakers, the 70-room “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt family overlooking Narragansett Bay. Delve into the life of the rich and famous before income taxes.
Not all presidents were lovable
By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features
There are several Presidents history students should study to understand what made the United States of America the dominant global nation. Today’s young people, for the most part, take for granted their country’s position in the world.
It was no accident how we got here. There was a lot of kicking, screaming, name-calling and even threats of impeachment along the way. The nation’s White House has been occupied by some rather controversial figures.
While the 45th White House occupant, President Donald Trump, was an easy “love him or hate him” subject, he isn’t much different than President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the controversial turn-of-the-20thcentury president who found himself in the Oval Office due to the assassination of President William McKinley.
Roosevelt was placed in the vice presidency by the Republicans to get rid of him. As governor of New York, he had been such a thorn to old guard GOP politicians. They wanted to put him where they thought he couldn’t do any harm. It backfired. Once in the presidency, “T.R.” created havoc in both government and business with a
vast variety of reforms. Among other monikers, he became known as the “Trust Buster.”
His foreign policy became known as the “Big Stick” foreign policy — “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” He believed in a strong Navy and had its “Great White Fleet” circle the globe to demonstrate our nation’s growing power.
He also oversaw the historic, but controversial, building of the Panama Canal that opened the Atlantic to the Pacific and cut east-west maritime travel time in half.
The other Roosevelt, Franklin D., often has been called America’s greatest president. He served more than 12 years, guiding the nation through the dark years of the 1930’s Great Depression into five years of World War II. Many of his policies and actions were challenged in the courts and remain a subject of controversy, such as Social Security. But to date, no one has returned their monthly checks.
Arguably, one of our best chief executives was Harry S. Truman. During the 20th century, he was the only high school graduate to become president. Known among detractors as “His Accidency,” Truman became president in 1945 when Roosevelt died a few weeks into his fourth term.
As vice president, Truman wasn’t told about the $2 billion
atom-bomb project until he took over the presidency. Five months later, he made the historic decision to drop two bombs on Japan. It remains one of history’s most important yet controversial decisions.
The Cold War began with Truman and lasted for more than 40 years until President Ronald Reagan caused the Soviet Union to collapse trying to keep up militarily.
Richard Nixon was great on foreign affairs, but dishonest domestically, ending his tenure with a resignation in the wake of Watergate.
If you supported and defended or were upset, confused, baffled and dismayed with former President Trump, you might try spending a few hours studying our most controversial of presidents, Andrew Jackson.
During the War of 1812, Jackson led a force of inexperienced volunteers against overwhelming British forces to win the Battle of New Orleans. He had at least two duels during his tumultuous life, and was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, (a title he gave himself), was committed to representing and protecting the “Common Man,” a banner to be carried by several future chief executives. As president between 1829 and 1837,
Support Group
Fourth Tuesday of Every Month 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Jackson might have been the closest we’ve had to a dictator.
Some presidents have seemed beyond controversial because of instantaneous worldwide mass media, whereas Jackson was more explosive, but only limited media kept the nation informed of that.
Jackson forever changed history in setting the executive branch on an equal footing with Congress by assuming the ability to shape law and government policies.
He believed the presidency should have broad authority and was widely criticized for expanding its power. Like others, he was known for rewarding his sup-
porters with government jobs.
During his watch both the economy and the Native American population suffered. He was responsible for moving the indigenous peoples from their traditional home lands in the East to the Oklahoma territory. The movement was known as the “Trail of Tears.”
The placement of Jackson on the $20 bill is ironic. He vehemently opposed paper money while attempting the destruction of the National Bank. He even cautioned about paper money in his farewell address.
Students of history should enjoy comparing Andy Jackson to Donald Trump.
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Support Group
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
Fourth Tuesday of Every Month 1:00pm - 2:00pm
1:00pm - 2:00pm
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be provided.
HOME TO THE PRESIDENTS The White House has been home to 46 presidents. Some Americans look back on some presidencies with great pride, but not all presidents were lovable. Photo by Getty Images.