Senior Life St. Joseph Edition October 2021

Free

Living Life After 50

Marshall County Council on Aging Presents . . .

Marshall County

SENIOR EXPO 2021 Thursday, October 21, 2021 8 am - 3 pm

Vol. 35, No. 5

October 2021

Plymouth High School

1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

St. Joseph Edition Reaching South Bend And Surrounding Counties

n o i t i r t u N body, for the

n o i t c a r e t social in l u o s e h t r fo

MADE WITH LOVE — Bernard Love, a 21-year employee of REAL Services, plates portions of hot meal entrees.

COUNTING MILK — Tammy Allee counts milk cartons that will be placed in the delivery bags for volunteers to distribute to clients on their routes.

See Story On Page 3 Don’t Lose Your Home And Life Savings!

• Nearly half of all seniors will spend time in a nursing home.

• Locally, nursing homes cost about $7,500 per month.

• Many seniors lose their homes and life savings.

• We can help preserve your assets from spend-down.

• Even if you do not have long-term care insurance.

• We can also help avoid will contests and probate.

Elder Law and Estate Planning

FREE WORKSHOPS:

Reservations Required. Call Today to Reserve Your Seat!

Monday, Oct. 11 or Monday, Oct. 18 6:00 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

902 E. University Drive, Granger, IN 46530 For Persons 65 or Older, Seating is Limited. Come Join Us!

2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Key Positions

Zeiger seeks to find new uses for old properties

By TIM ASHLEY Staff Writer Todd Zeiger remembers his childhood when he was often curious about different buildings he would see when traveling with his parents.

“That’s what fueled my interest” in preserving historic buildings, he said, and also growing up on the family farm just south of South Bend. He is the fourth generation of the family to live there.

For the past 23 years Zeiger has been the director of the Northern Regional Office of Indiana Landmarks in South Bend. Prior to becoming director in 1998, he had worked for two years for Indiana Landmarks in a different position.

Zeiger also has three years of experience as a curator for the Oliver Mansion at what

was then the Northern Indiana Center for History. And for five years prior to that, he ran the Near Northwest Neighborhood Inc. in South Bend, a community development corporation.

As director of the regional office for Indiana Landmarks, what he does is “always changing,” he noted. Indiana Landmarks deals with a wide variety of historic preservation projects, including all levels and types of buildings from different eras, bridges, fountains, etc.

“If it has historical significance, we get involved,” Zeiger said, adding he “has a passion for finding new uses for old properties.”

In early September, Zeiger was at a historic house on Park Avenue located in a historic district. He is not sure when it was originally built, but

I

guessed it was prior to 1900.

Indiana Landmarks purchased the house from the estate of the house’s last owner and will eventually put it on the market to find a buyer after it is renovated.

Indiana Landmarks actually wanted the empty lot next to the house even more and purchased it with plans to move another old house to it.

Zeiger also teaches a historic preservation class at Notre Dame and the students are taking on the project. They will research the history of the house and get a good hands-on experience in preservation.

Private homeowners are often given technical assistance, he said. “We are contacted by others, but we also seek out projects too,” Zeiger noted.

“We see what can be done.

People call us when they are concerned about maybe losing a building.”

Another recent preservation project is converting the old Marquette School in South Bend into apartments. The 70,000-square-foot building will house 46 apartment units.

Zeiger said when it comes to historic preservation, “you pick your battles.” Not everything can be saved and some things

It’s easy! Simply find the black cat on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, October 11.

Brought To You By

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542

I Spy September winner is Shirley Phillips.

The slice of pie was located on page 4 in Senior St. Joseph; page 12 in Senior Elko; page 11 in Senior Allen and on page 6 in Senior Northwest.

HOME PRESERVATION — Todd Zeiger stands in the stairway of an old house on Park Avenue in South Bend that was purchased by Indiana Landmarks. It will be sold after renovation. Photo by Tim Ashley. are simply not worth saving.

“We need to be selective,” he said. “The building could be too far gone,” adding, though, “we haven’t walked away from too many and we don’t give up easily.”

Historic preservation projects often move slowly, he added, and require patience to

Downsizing Made Easy Free Consultation

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

®

Where the future takes shape.™

INDIANA

MICHIGAN

574-255-5858

269-683-2211

3010 Hickory Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545

603 E. Main St. Niles, MI 49120

Helen Quick, Realtor , SRES , CSHP ®

®

®

Cell: 574-220-7450

helen@helenquick.com | www.helenquick.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

deal with.

He also acts as a resource to help spread the workload, noting Indiana Landmarks can’t do everything by itself. Zeiger works with historic preservation commissions, community development corporations and other organizations.

Some projects have been lost, such as the old train station in Syracuse and the former Silver Lake High School, both in Kosciusko County.

The regional office in South Bend covers the area from the Illinois to Ohio state lines, north to the Michigan border and south to Miami County.

Zeiger is a 1984 graduate of South Bend Riley High School and later attended Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, where he earned a degree in historic preservation in 1988.

He is married to Terri and they have a married daughter, Lindsey, who is married to Gib Spaulding, and also daughter Rachael and son Jacob.

Nunemaker’s Coin Shop A Family Business Since 1962

Call Toll Free 1-877-510-9785 • Buying all gold coins & silver coins • Old U.S. currency and old U.S. coins • Gold & diamond jewelry • All sterling silver items

Chicago Trail Village Part of the Hamilton Grove Community in New Carlisle, IN

Live here for the best of your life!

Feel free to explore the continuing care living community at Chicago Trail Village! Alleviate the hassles of homeownership while having priority access to assisted living and healthcare. Here, you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, replacing broken appliances, or even snow removal. Maintenance-free living means we take care of it so you don’t have to! Best of all: rent is based on income. Your new home is waiting for you!

TTY Access via Relay – 711 31891 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN www.greencroft.org | (574) 654-2300 Follow us on Facebook!

We Buy • Sell • Trade Gold & Diamond Jewelry 2516 Lincolnway West Mishawaka, IN 46544 www.nunemakers.com Open: Mon.-Sat. Free In Store Appraisals!

574-288-7464

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3

Nutrition for the body, social interaction for the soul

to pay for purchases.

• Each month, the Healthy Foods Card is automatically loaded with $50; unspent dollars don’t roll over to the next month.

• Shop at participating stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and others, for approved foods and drinks.

• Scan the barcode on the back of the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout

prescription medications and over-the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how to avoid problems. Attendees will learn how to use simple tools to help feel more empowered about health and the health care received.

There are six topics reviewed in these sessions: • Understanding changes associated with aging • Aging sensitivity • Valuing cultural and generational diversity • Medication and the older adult • Substance abuse • Addiction • Older adults and an enhanced quality of life.

The WISE program is from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20; Friday, Oct. 22; Monday, Oct. 25; Wednesday, Oct. 27; and Friday, Oct. 29, at Linden House, 715 E. Fulmer Road, Mishawaka. Call Deborah Meeks at (574) 258-0535 for information.

For qualified members the Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H5619-054 (HMO D-SNP) includes a Healthy Foods Card to help pay for groceries at participating stores.

Are you 60 or older and looking for an opportunity to learn how to stay healthy and meet new people?

The WISE program, presented by trained facilitators from REAL Services, discusses health and wellness uniquely for older adults. Topics contain useful information, perspective and enjoyable discussion from developed wisdom to concerning high-risk behaviors in older adults. Also included are active engagement activities in topics including health and wellness, medication use and misuse, stress management, depression and substance abuse. Qualifying attendees will receive a $30 gift card.

People will learn about the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. They will also celebrate this stage of life and all the benefits that come with it. The program will discuss risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy. Examine how alcohol,

Purdue Extension hosting virtual classes

Purdue Extension of St. Joseph County is hosting a virtual class called “Understanding the Opioid Crisis” as part of the health and human sciences series.

It will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The last part to the series will discuss “Holiday

Food Safety.”

People may register at https:// bit.ly/Fall2021Series or call (574) 235-9605.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend this program, contact Olivia Western prior to the meeting at owestern@purdue. edu.

BOXED AND READY — Hot meals and sandwich plates are boxed every weekday morning for distribution to nutrition centers and homebound clients in St. Joseph County and Elkhart. the rest have contact with a friendly person when their meal is delivered.

“For about 35% of our clients, the volunteers are the only people they see on a regular basis,” Hawthorne said.

Like many organizations, volunteers are appreciated. But

there is also a need for donations, too.

For information on becoming a volunteer or to donate, visit www.realservices.org.

For more information or to get meals delivered, call (574) 256-1649 or email ghawthorne@realservices.org.

$50 monthly allowance $50 monthly for groceries $50 monthly allowance

for groceries for groceries

allowance

The Healthy Foods Card provides money to purchase approved food at participating stores

$50 monthly allowance provides money to $50 monthly allowance purchase approved food at participating stores for groceries for groceries The Healthy Foods Card provides money to The Healthy Foods Card provides money to The Healthy Foods Card purchase approved food at participating stores

For qualified members the Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H5619-054 (HMO D-SNP) includes a Healthy Foods Card to help pay for groceries participating The Healthy Foods at Card provides money to purchase approved food atstores. participating

stores purchase approved food at participating stores • For qualified members the Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE Each month, the Healthy Foods aCard is automatically H5619-054 (HMO D-SNP) includes Healthy Foods Card loaded with $50; unspent don’t roll over to the next month. to help pay dollars for groceries at participating stores.

Shop month, at participating stores, Walmart others, the Healthy Foods Card isWalgreens, automatically loaded with $50; Gold Plus SNP-DE Forincluding qualified members theand Humana •• Each for approved foods and drinks. unspent dollars don’t roll over to the next month.

H5619-054 (HMO D-SNP) a Healthy Foods Card Scan the barcode on the back of the Healthy Foods Card atincludes the checkout at participating stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and others, • Shop to help pay for groceries at participating stores. to pay for purchases. for approved foods and drinks.

For qualified members the of Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE Scan the barcode on the back the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout • Each month, Healthy Foods Card is automatically loaded wit For qualified members the Humana Gold Plusthe SNP-DE

• • Wright Each month, theAngela Healthy Foods Card is automatically loaded with $50; • Call a licensed Humana agent forsales approved foods and loaded drinks.with $50; Each month, the Healthy Foods Card is automatically 574-210-8254 (TTY: • unspent dollars don’t roll over to 711) the next month. unspent dollars don’t roll•over to the the next Scan barcode Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.

– 5month. p.m.on the back of the Healthy Foods Card at the c at participating stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and others, • Shop Shop at participatingawright13@humana.com stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and others, to pay for purchases.

H5619-054 (HMO D-SNP) includes a Healthy Foods Card

unspent dollars don’t H5619-054 (HMO includes a Healthy Foods Cardroll over to the next month. to help forD-SNP) groceries at participating Callpay a licensed Humana sales agent stores.

Shop at participating stores, including Walgreens, Walmart and to help pay for groceries at participating stores.

Angela Wright 574-210-8254 (TTY: 711) toFriday, pay for purchases.

Monday 8 a.m.

– 5 p.m. for approved foods and –drinks. for approved foods and drinks. awright13@humana.com

• the barcode on the back of the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout • Scan the barcode on the back of the Healthy Foods Card at the checkout • Scan to pay for purchases. to pay for purchases.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Sarai Jimenez Angela Wright 574‑209‑2616 (TTY: 711) Call a licensed Humana sales agent 574-210-8254 (TTY: 711) Call a licensed Humana sales agent Monday – Friday, 8Monday a.m. – 5–p.m.

Angela Wright Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Angela Wright 574-210-8254 (TTY: 711) awright13@humana.com 574-210-8254 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 –a.m.

– 5 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.

5 p.m. awright13@humana.com awright13@humana.com

606 N. Main St. Mishawaka, IN 46545

NOW OFFERING

weekly pill packs

A simpler way to take your Medication ... On Time

FOR MORE INFO CALL 574-255-2988 WE OFFER FREE DELIVERY IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

Humana is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Medicaid program. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract

WISE program facilitated

by REAL Services staff

Wheels routes, 29 nutrition sites are also served out of the kitchen. Deliveries happen at about 8:30 a.m. and the volunteers who will be taking the meals to clients’ homes collect their meals, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“We work to keep our Meals on Wheels routes to an hour or less,” Hawthorne said. “It’s tough, as some volunteers go more than an hour because we are short volunteers. We need 25 to 30 additional volunteers to help us meet the need of our clients.”

More volunteers mean services could expand to other areas in which there have been no routes established. This means the agency could serve even more individuals and give families with senior members peace of mind.

There is no waiting list, Hawthorne said. Anyone who needs this service can get it.

“We made the determination that we do not want anyone going hungry,” he said.

While Hawthorne’s staff and volunteers keep hunger at bay, they also help relieve the social isolation many of the Meals on Wheels clients experience.

“We try to provide socialization to our clients by having daily contact,” he said.

Some of that is fulfilled at the nutrition sites where seniors gather for the meal;

Angela Wright 574-210-8254 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. awright13@humana.com

“One of the basic needs in life is food and water,” said George Hawthorne, director of Meals on Wheels for REAL Services in South Bend. “People have to eat to survive.”

Monday through Friday, the staff and volunteers involved in the Meals on Wheels program prepare 1,000 hot or cold meals for homebound people in the community. The meals fulfill the basic survival needs, but also provide someone to check up on them and make sure the clients are OK. “You are looking at people who are no longer able to prepare meals for themselves,” Hawthorne said. “There are a lot of reasons why this happens

— physical and cognitive reasons — and that is why Meals on Wheels is important.”

REAL Services was established in 1966. The Congregate and Meals on Wheels programs were the first two programs established in 1968, Hawthorne explained. These two meal programs served as pilot programs for the United States Older Americans Act Funding. It is a program that has evolved and served as a model for other programs throughout the nation.

The effort to ensure homebound people in St. Joseph and the city of Elkhart receive a nutritious meal takes a team of staff members and volunteers.

Each weekday, the cooks begin at 2:30 a.m. in the REAL Services industrial kitchen on Garst Street in South Bend.

In addition to the Meals on

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Text and Photos

By LOIS TOMASZEWSKI Feature Writer

The Healthy Foods Card provides money to purchase approved food at participating stores

for groceries

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Humana Coordinated Care Care plan plan with withaaMedicare Medicarecontract contractand andaacontract contractwith with Humana is a Coordinated the Enrollment in in this thisHumana Humanaplan plandepends dependson oncontract contract the Medicaid program. Enrollment renewal. to Humana Humana Gold Gold Plus PlusSNP-DE SNP-DEH5619-054 H5619-054(HMO (HMOD-SNP).

D-SNP).At At renewal. Applicable Applicable to Humana, is important important you you are are treated treatedfairly. fairly. Humana HumanaInc. Inc.and andits itssubsidiaries subsidiaries Humana, it it is comply applicable Federal Federal civil civil rights rightslaws lawsand anddo donot notdiscriminate discriminateon onthe the comply with with applicable basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 assistance services, (Spanish): free of charge, are available to español, you. Call tiene 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español ATENCIÓN: Si habla a su disposición (TTY: 711).gratuitos Españolde (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla tiene a su disposición servicios asistencia lingüística.

Llameespañol, al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁 繁 servicios gratuitos注 de意：如果 asistencia al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 體中文 您使lingüística. 用繁 體中文Llame ，您可以 免費獲 得語言援助服務 。請 致電 (Chinese): 體中文 (Chinese):(TTY 注意：如果您使 用繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 :711) 。

1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。

Y0040_GHHKRMLTE21_M

Y0040_GHHKRMLTE21_M

H5619-054-000-2021

H5619-054-000-2021

4 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Spotlight

Jones rewarded by volunteer efforts

By LOIS TOMASZEWSKI Feature Writer After Vicki Jones retired from a 40-year career in medical assisting, she turned to a different kind of assisting — working with riders at Reins of Life, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic riding lessons.

“I always loved horses, and after I retired I needed something to do,” Jones said.

Jones, 71, is a South Bend native. The South Bend location of Reins of Life is located near her home and Jones signed up to volunteer. She didn’t have any experience with horses, although her medical knowledge helped her better interact with the students at Reins of Life.

“It was helpful for me because I could understand [the challenges] people with disabilities face,” Jones said.

Senior Life-St. Joseph St. Joseph Senior Life 23,750 Circulation Northwest Senior Life 22,400 Circulation Now Also In Eastern Illinois

Elkhart/Kosciusko Senior Life 15,000 Circulation

Allen Senior Life 23,000 Circulation

When You Need To Reach Adults 50 Years And Better, We Have

4 Great Newspapers!

REE F 0 5 Over 84,1 ilable At va onthly A ations Copies M onvenient Loc C 1,250

CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

The organization helps those with cognitive and physical disabilities. Therapeutic riding lessons have been taught at Reins of Life since 1978. It provides lessons for students from 3 years of age to 80 years young with developmental, cognitive and emotional disabilities. The organization operates on 30 acres in South Bend and 46 acres in Michigan City.

“Reins of Life is a good organization, and it helps people so much,” Jones said. “It’s heartwarming to work here.”

About five years ago, Jones started volunteering. She attended training and learned the procedure for working as a side walker — a part of a two- to three-person team that assists riders during their lessons. The side walker is there to make sure the rider stays safely onboard the horse. She learned how to lead the horse during a lesson, another part of the team. She is now an ambassador and assists in the carriage driving program at the facility. “[Reins of Life staff] taught me everything I needed to know,” Jones said.

As a volunteer she is active in many functions of the organization aside from her role working directly with students and horses. She helps with fundraising, too.

The best part of being a Reins of Life volunteer, Jones said, is the interaction she experiences with the riders she assists. For this self-described people person, Reins of Life gives her the opportunity to see riders gain confidence and master skills at all levels. It is different from

TAKING THE REINS — Vicki Jones is pictured with Havana.

Jones is a volunteer at Reins of Life. Photo provided by Reins of Life. her part-time job at a local golf course.

Jones said she has seen children who could not walk be able to do so due to the muscle strength riding horses provides.

She has seen confidence grow in riders, and seeing her students grow “gives me such great plea-

Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the senior citizens in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan . Each of the four editions focus on local information for each area . Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated .

STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rbaumgartner@the-papers .com Carrie Goralczyk, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cgoralczyk@the-papers .com Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . smeadows@the-papers .com Bill Hays, Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bhays@the-papers .com Account Executives Cathy Wilson . . . . . . cwilson@the-papers .com • 1-866-580-1138 Ext . 2402 Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rsalinas@the-papers .com Commercial Printing Customer Service Tina Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tcarson@the-papers .com Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rkrygowski@the-papers .com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers .com Phoebe Banks, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pmuthart@the-papers .com Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers .com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior St . Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $34 for one year; and $58 for two years . (Select one edition .) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt .

ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative . The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers . Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers .

PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software . Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files . ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD .

Check our website at www .the-papers .com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically . Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers . com . If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it .

REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life .

sure,” she said.

Volunteers are always needed. Jones is enthusiastic about suggesting that people who are looking for something meaningful to do should consider signing up. Potential volunteers must be physically able to walk to assist riders during the lessons, but there are other tasks that need people to help, such as feeding the horses and working in the office.

“It’s such a rewarding experience,” Jones said. “I think everyone would like it, too.”

Learn the history of the Lincoln Highway Oct. 6 “Why Fall in when you can Walk in?”  Walk-in tubs for safe and therapeutic bathing

 ADA compliant low threshold showers Free - no pressure estimates 833-801-TUBS (8827)

Best price you will find!

www.indianawalkintubs.com Locally owned & operated

WANTED: ANTIQUES I Buy All Types, Including Military Items, Guns, Vintage Toys, Old Advertising, Coins, Pocket Watches & Much More!

Over 15 Years Experience

Call Matt 219.794.6500

Jeff Blair, president of the Indiana Lincoln Highway Association, will explore the history of the Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways in the United States.

“Insights in History” is taking place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at The History Museum, 808 W. Washington St., South Bend. Reservations are needed and admission is $3.

“Insights in History” is sponsored by Tuesley Hall Konopa LLP. Blair will chronicle the highway’s beginning and describe its route, which began in New York City, crossed through Indiana and ended in San Francisco. A tour of Lincoln Highway photos will be offered.

For information, call The History Museum, South Bend, at (574) 235-9664 or visit www. historymuseumsb.org.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5

‘Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves’ was never liked by Cher Cher Thomas “Snuff” Garrett was a Dallas high school dropout who became a Lubbock, TexA Boomer Blast as, disc jockey To The Past at age 17 and

By RANDAL befriended C. HILL local music star Buddy Holly. Two years later, Garrett became a staff producer at Liberty Records in Los Angeles.

Garrett wasn’t a musician, but he did have the uncanny knack of finding — and later producing — hit songs. During the ‘60s, he created million-sellers for the likes of Bobby Vee (a Buddy Holly soundalike) and Gary Lewis & the

Playboys.

Garrett lived in the Hollywood Hills, next door to Salvatore and Cherilyn Bono — better known in the entertainment world as Sonny and Cher. (As with Garrett, both were also high-school dropouts.) In 1965, the husband-and-wife duo had rocketed to international fame when their ATCO single “I Got You Babe” became one of the biggest pop successes of the decade. But two years later, neither the pair together nor Cher on her own found themselves putting out any hits.

Then, in 1971, Cher signed with Kapp Records, hopeful of finding a successful song that would return her to prominence.

Garrett asked songwriter pal Bob Stone to come up with something noteworthy that would bring Cher a hit and an audience beyond teenyboppers. Stone

responded with an adult-level story-song called “Gypsies and White Trash.” Garrett sensed that Stone’s creation had hit potential but obviously needed some tweaking to avoid controversy. The result was one of the finest pop tunes of Cher’s career — and one she never really liked.

The melodramatic “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” unfolds at near-breakneck speed — it lasts just 2 1/2 minutes — but unfurls a poignant tale of poverty and misfortune.

“I was born in the wagon of a travelin’ show “My mama used to dance for the money they’d throw” Cher as the 16-year-old narrator tells of meeting a 21-year-old drifter in Mobile, Ala. Her family befriends him, feeds him and gives him a ride to Memphis. He travels

OLYMPICS FAN — The Milton Home residents heard from one of their own last month. Resident Emily Ruiz was part of the XXVI Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 as one of the judges for The East Race Waterway, South Bend. Ruiz was keeping track and watching this year’s summer Olympics. The residents enjoyed hearing Ruiz’s history and seeing her two jackets and hat she wore in 1996. The Milton Home is located in South Bend. Photo provided by Milton Home.

on from there, deserting the girl: “Three months later, I’m a gal in trouble “And I haven’t seen him for a while.”

The narrator’s daughter is, as she herself was, born in a wagon.

Now the teenager is the one who must dance for money when men of the visited towns come to do their ogling. Hypocritically, those who frequent the traveling show later reject the gypsy families as lowlife carnies and grifters.

Cher all but spits out the words in a sort of punkish anger that ren-

ders Stone’s lyrics both haunting and depressing.

“Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” held the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for two weeks. Cher never liked her comeback hit and dismissed it as “a song I recorded in, like, an hour.” In concert, she would pare the tune to 90 seconds by eliminating a verse and a chorus. We’ll never know the reason for Cher’s antipathy toward the song, but it does seem an odd way to treat Stone’s creation that had granted her a rare return to stardom in the music world.

PAIN IN YOUR KNEES, HIPS AND/OR BACK? YOUR SHOES COULD BE THE PROBLEM. CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT If you are diabetic and on Medicare you may have little to no cost!

2402 MISHAWAKA AVE. SOUTH BEND, IN 46615

LEATHER BANANA 2402 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend

800-915-9015 Or 574-254-0517

When living alone is no longer an option

You deserve the best forever home

You will find the comforts of home, the safety and security of 24-hour care, the relief of chore-free living, the joy of new-found friendships. All in a unique, intimate setting on the St. Joe River, close to downtown South Bend and Notre Dame.

• Assisted Living Apartments • Private Pay & Medicaid Waiver accepted • Apartments accommodating couples • Undergoing extensive renovations – inside & out • Long term and short term care as well • So, you can start here and stay here

The Best Kept Secret on the St. Joseph River!

Led by: Dorothy White, RN, MSN, FNP and Bert Sappenfield, Certified Alzheimer’s Trainer Call Dorothy with any questions at (219) 369-1247.

206 Marion Street | South Bend, IN 46601 Learn more at themiltonhome.com or call 574-233-0165 ext.2405

6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Chia jam — or is it dessert?

From My Table To Yours

By Cat Wilson

I found this recipe for healthy chia jam, but I didn’t have any strawberries, so I tried it with blueberries — oohla-la, it was like warm blueberry pie, but a healthy two ingredient pie. Chia seeds are normally added to something with moisture where they soften and expand; often used as a thickener.

Some noted ways to use these heathy seeds: 1. Smoothies. A tablespoon or less of fresh seeds.

2. Salad Dressings. Chia seeds blend well with salad dressing ingredients such as olive oil and vinegars.

3. Pudding. You may find chia pudding on the menu at organic cafes and health food

stores, or make at home.

4. Baked Goods. If you’re not a fan of chia seeds’ gelatin-like texture, try adding them to baked goods.

They don’t have much flavor, but when used to make foods, they add a ton of nutritional value.

Two tablespoons of chia seeds has: • 5 grams omega-3 fatty acids.

• 10 grams of fiber.

• 5 grams of protein.

• 17% of daily calcium needs.

• 12% daily iron requirements.

• 23% of daily magnesium.

I seriously ate half this as a dessert while still warm and the other half the next day cold. So it could be a jam, but it’s a dessert for me.

Healthy Chia Jam — Berry Yield: 1 cup Total Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (I used blueberries) 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional) Instructions: 1. Use fresh or frozen berries.

If using strawberries, cut the

HEALTHY CHIA JAM — BERRY tops off and chop strawberries into chunks to speed up the cooking process.

2. Place the berries in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until the fruit begins to break down and bubble. I was tempted to add a little water but thankfully didn’t.

No water needs to be added.

3. Stir occasionally, and use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries into the

desired consistency. It takes about 7-10 minutes for the fruit to break apart and cook down and begin to bubble.

4. Turn down to low and add the chia seeds and maple syrup (if using), and stir well as the fruit sauce begins to thicken.

5. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

6. Serve immediately, or transfer the jam to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It also freezes well. www.eatplant-based.com Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers. com.

Professional Forum EXPANDING — Interested Businesses Call Cathy Wilson 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2402 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column

Professional Services

Professional Forum . . .

Your exclusive opportunity to present common questions or concerns “Adults 50 Years And Better” may have relating to your product(s) or service.

Advertising with us is a Breeze

Q. When should I begin Estate Planning?

A.

If you are over the age of 18, there is no time like the present to begin creating an estate plan. The only time an estate plan can be made is while you are alive and have the legal capacity to make decisions. Creating an estate plan can avoid the need for establishing a guardianship if you later become legally incapacitated. If you are unable to manage your own affairs or have some disability that affects your legal capacity, then making an estate plan may be difficult or even impossible. The plan you create could be challenged and overturned by

Meg M. Loitz, JD

Vice President & Trust Officer anyone who believes that you did not have legal capacity at the time your estate plan was created. So, when is the best time to start planning? The absolute best time to start an estate plan is now. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your individual situation.

DISCLOSURE: This information is not designed, meant, nor does it constitute the rendering of legal or tax advice. You should consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here. Trust services provided by MEMBERS Trust Company are not federally insured, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union or any affiliated entity, involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principle. MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller or the Currency.

Meg M. Loitz, J.D. Vice President & Trust Officer Wealth Management Center 110 South Main Street South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 245-4735, ext. 5153

Q. What is the likelihood I will get a response if placing an ad in Senior Life?

A.

If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50, Senior Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers are 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services from the ads they see in Senior Life (74.8%). Call or send me an email today to discuss adding Senior Life into your marketing strategy.

Cathy Wilson, Account Executive Serving South Bend and Surrounding Counties (574) 298-8806 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2402 cwilson@the-papers.com

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

Nutrition Sites And Menus For

October 2021 Nutrition Sites

REAL Services provides a hot, nutritious meal to those 60 and over on a donation basis. Call the closest nutrition site before 11 a.m. and order a meal for the next day. It is that easy. Have lunch with friends and your neighbors. Come be a bigger part of your community.

IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Lapaz: Cornerstone Community Church, 1375 Maple Road, Plymouth, Alice Thomas, (574) 309-7061 Mishawaka: 100 Center, 100 Center Hi-Rise, Kathy Hootman, (574) 259-1611; Battell Center, 904 N. Main St., (574) 256-2325 Osceola: United Methodist Church, 421 Beech Road, Darlene Chambers, (574) 674-6503

MONDAY Your donation counts.

Even small donations make a big difference.

We provide over 160,000 meals each year to seniors.

4

11

Polish Sausage Mashed Potatoes Sauerkraut Applesauce Wheat Bread

Loaded Baked Potato W/Taco Meat & Cheese Broccoli Bread Stick Brownie

18

25

Spaghetti Italian Veggie Blend Garlic Bread Pear Cup

Mushroom & Swiss Burger Potato Wedges Creamed Corn

South Bend: Sanctuary at Trinity Towers, 316 S. St. Joseph St., Anita, (574) 234-7278; Fairington Apartments, 1220 Fairington Circle, Don Johnson, (574) 291-5597; Karl King Riverbend Tower, 515 E. Monroe, Donna Hossea, (574) 232-4934; The Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington, Aurelia, (574) 235-9446; Heritage Place at LaSalle Square, located at 3224 Ardmore Trail, Jane Myers, (574) 286-0916

TUES.

IN MARSHALL COUNTY Argos: B&R Community Bldg., 152 S. Michigan St., Eileen Price, (574) 892-9669 Bourbon: 805 N. Harris St., Jan, (574) 3427031 Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments, 500 S. Montgomery St., Gary, (574) 993-2944 Plymouth: Garden Court West, 400 W. Washington St., Linda, (574) 935-0047

IN LAPORTE COUNTY LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apartments, 1111 Longwood Dr., Bldg. B, LaPorte, IN 46350, Carol Leyva, (219) 380-1885; Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe St., Donna, (219) 380-1711 Michigan City: Smrt Neighborhood Center, 301 Grant St., Gerry Lubiniecki, (219) 872-0942; Simeon Square, 1207 S. Woodland Ave., Marge Watson, (219) 380-1439

WEDNESDAY

THURS.

FRIDAY 1

Wasted meals are costly.

Please, if you cannot make it for any reason, please call to cancel.

All Meals Served With Milk Menus Subject To Change

5

12

Meatloaf Bread Cauliflower Lima Beans Spiced Peaches

Vegetable Lasagna Italian Green Beans Garlic Bread Spiced Apples

6

Biscuit & Gravy Potatoes O’Brien Cinnamon Apples Yogurt

13

19 Glazed Chicken Breast

20

26 Smothered Pork Chop

27

Garlic Mashers California Blend Veg. Bread Tropical Fruit Cup

Scalloped Potatoes Broccoli Wheat Bread

Ham & Beans Spinach Cornbread Mandarin Oranges

BBQ Pork On Bun Pickled Beets Corn Blueberry Cobbler

Chicken Parmesan Stewed Tomatoes Cauliflower Pear Cup

7

14

BBQ Chicken Breast Baked Beans Corn Bread Pudding

8

15

Chef Salad Ranch Dressing Boiled Egg Dinner Roll Cherry Applesauce

21 Sweet & Sour Chicken

22

28

29

Rice Stir Fry Veggies Mini Egg Roll

Vegetable Alfredo French Green Beans Wheat Bread Apple Cobbler

Sliced Turkey Gravy Mashed Potatoes California Veg. Blend Pudding

Philly Cheese Steak German Potato Salad Broccoli Mandarin Oranges

Potato Crusted Fish Rice Pilaf Green Beans Wheat Bread Cookie Egg & Sausage On English Muffin Diced Potatoes Fruit Cup

Hot Dog On Bun Mac & Cheese Sugar Snap Peas Fresh Fruit

Tickets now on sale for The History Museum’s ‘Mystery at the Mansion’ Tickets are now on sale for The History Museum’s “Mystery at the Mansion: Sealed with a Kiss,” taking place Friday, Oct. 15 and 29.

Tours leave every 15 minutes, with the first tour at 5:30 p.m. Tours are limited and reservations are strongly recommended.

This year’s “Mystery at the Mansion” turns the clock back to 1955 and what a year it is.

“The Seven-Year Itch,” starring Marilyn Monroe, has just been released and the Brooklyn Dodgers have taken the World Series against the New York Yankees. Closer to home, industrial espionage is underway at Ball-Band, with design plans for the self-sealing fuel cell, intended for the military, now in jeopardy. Participants will need to listen carefully to all the clues to discover the villain.

“Mystery at the Mansion” is a popular annual event at The History Museum. As participants walk through the elegant 38-room Oliver Mansion, they listen to the characters’ dialogues, with the rooms of

the house as a backdrop to each scene. Details of the crime surface as the play unfolds. This popular mystery needs good investigative skills to track down “whodunit.” Those who solve the case win a chance at the grand prize.

The story has been written by local author, Roger Chrastil, who scripted past “Mystery at the Mansion” plays, as well as The History Museum’s Christmas at Copshaholm specialty tours. Chrastil has also written several other works, including the plays “An Immigrant’s Story and “Or Does It Explode?” both of which were performed at the museum.

The Oliver Mansion, once home to the J.D. Oliver family, is a historic house museum owned and operated by The History Museum. The Oliver family moved into the threestory, 12,000 square-foot house Jan. 1, 1897. The Victorian mansion would be home to the family for the next 75 years. All of the mansion’s furnishings are original, showing the house just as it appeared when the

family lived there. The Oliver Mansion (named Copshaholm by the family) is listed on the National Register of

Historic Places.

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

are $20 for adults and $15 for members. Purchase online at historymuseumSB.org. Masks are required at this event.

CHECK OUT THE ALL-NEW SENIOR LIFE WEBSITE! ✔Current issues ✔Past issues ✔Puzzles ✔Recipes ✔Contests ✔Senior Guides There’s something for everyone, across every platform!

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

8 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

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 Oct. 18 at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

RiverBend Cancer Services — Chair yoga, 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday; Debbie’s Wig

• • • •

Salon, 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 and 21; Zumba, 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday; Kim’s Bra Boutique, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13; Tai Chi, 3 p.m. every Thursday; gentle yoga, 5:30 p.m. every Monday; Bites and Bits, noon Tuesday, Oct. 10; general cancer support group, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 6 and 20; seated strength, 10 a.m. every Monday; RiverBend Book Club; 5 p.m., every Monday, except Oct. 18; writing

workshop, 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5 and 12; Gyna Girls, 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4; Tuesday Tribe, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5; Caregiver Homes Presentation, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7; Primped and Pampered, 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8 and 15; Book Chat, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 27; HER2+ Breast Cancer Presentation, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 14; Pumpkin painting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20; Men’s group, 5:30 p.m.

574-271-2929 TTY: 711 www.emeraldpointeapt.com

100 CENTER HI-RISE 100 N. Center St., Mishawaka, IN 46544

Peaceful Riverfront Community

* Income based rent * Utilities included * Pet friendly * Location! Location! Location!

KARL KING HOLDINGS, LLC

NOW LEASING

Discover what our residents already know, You are going to love living here.

Preference given to applicants 62+ whose income is below $15,450 for one person and $17,650 for two people.

(574) 256-0616 TTY 711 Please Call For Details

Where The City’s Finest Call Home

Income t en Based R

Pet Friend

ies All Utilit d Include

ka; park behind the building in the lot off Berry Street. For more information, call Sandy at (574) 213-4637.

Fall rummage and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe St., Dowagiac, Mich. Fall and Halloween decor and more. Bake sale features homemade food.

Any questions, call Darlene at (269) 782-8551.

Apartment Living

1, 2 and 3 Bedroom apartments Wheelchair access Utilities included FREE applications for seniors on Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

53880 Generations Dr. South Bend, IN 46635

Tuesday, Oct. 26; Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10.

All events require registration. Call (574) 287-4197. For more classes and events, visit www.riverbendcancerservices.org.

The ALS Caregiver Support Group of Northern Indiana — Meeting 5:30-7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Senior One Care, 3131 Grape Road, Mishawa-

ly

Apartments for the Independent Senior (62 and older, 1FBDFGVM 3JWFSGSPOU $PNNVOJUZ handicap/disabled)

,"3- ,*/( 508&3

8IFSF 5IF $JUZ T 'JOFTU $BMM )PNF Street, South Bend, IN 46601

515 E. Monroe F *ODPN 282-2896 (574) U FE 3FO

#BT TTY:

1-800-743-3333

/08 -

&"4*/

(

N0 .

O7W & */A ( LE S 5G 7BMVFE *I' BU N

JUJFT "MM 6UJM FE *ODMVE

BEAUTIFUL 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS "QBSUNFOUT GPS UIF *OEFQFOEF Designed for Seniors 62+ BOE PMEFS IBOEJDBQ EJTBCMFE

& .POSPF 4USFFU 4PVUI #FOE */ t

& .POSPF 4USFFU 4PVUI #FOE */ t

t 55: t 55: • Rent Based On Income • Income Restrictions Apply $BMM 0S 4UPQ #Z 'PS " 1FSTPOBM 5PVS LBSMLJOH !IPUNBJM DPN • Accepting Residency Applications • Social Services Coordinator On Site

806 GREEN PINE CT. | MISHAWAKA, IN | 574-256-5688 | WHISPERINGPINESAPARTMENTS.NET

Linden House of Mishawaka Sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

Accepting Applications Must Be 62+ Rent Based On Income Mobility Accessible Units

Taking Applications For Waiting List

Call (574) 258-0777

715 E. Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN Evergreen Real Estate Services

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING Persons 62 years of age and older AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING or persons with disabilities WELCOME! FairingtonSouthBend.com 1220 Fairington Circle FairingtonSouthBend.com FairingtonSouthBend.com South Bend, IN 46614 FairingtonSouthBend.com 1220 Fairington Circle

53871 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635

(574) 243-1300 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

Office Hours Monday-Friday

810 S. Merrifield Ave. Mishawaka, IN 46544

(574) 252-4466 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

www.ahepahousing.org

1220TFairington Fairington Circle 574.291.2031 1220 Circle South Bend, IN 46614 South Bend,IN IN46614 46614 1220800.326.9193 Fairington Circle South Bend, TDD #713 South Bend, IN 46614 T 574.291.2031 T 574.291.2031 T 574.291.2031 574.291.2031 TTY 711 #713 TDDT 800.326.9193 #713 EQUAL HOUSING TDD 800.326.9193 TDD 800.326.9193 #713OPPORTUNITY

Spacious 1 Bedroom Apartments RENT BASED ON INCOME

Mobility Accessible Units | On Bus Route Very Pet Friendly | On Site Service Coordinator

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9

Sports

Local bicyclist rides with passion and purpose

By TIM ASHLEY Staff Writer Bicycling is ultimately an activity the whole family can enjoy, but there are clearly different levels of bicycling.

Perhaps you have driven on a rural road and noticed a bicycler pedaling at a high rate of speed on a bicycle with the drop handle bars. They are also usually wearing shorts specifically designed for bicycling, helmets, biking jerseys, gloves, sunglasses and other equipment.

Chris Vanden Bossche, a retired Notre Dame University professor now 71 years of age, fits that description. He can routinely be seen bicycling on rural county roads throughout Michiana and beyond. He is a member of the Michiana Bicycle Association, serves on its board and schedules rides for the association.

In addition, he serves on the board of directors for the Bike Michiana Coalition.

A native of South Bend, Vanden Bossche said he really became active in bicycling in 2004. “I had always liked riding and I needed to get more exercise,” he said, “and this seemed like a good way to do it.”

He started riding with MBA, went to a ride “and really loved it,” recalling he purchased a new bicycle two months later.

The first ride with MBA in 2004 was 19 miles up to and around Garver Lake in Michigan. “I had never ridden that far,” he said, noting he had mainly commuted on a bike back and forth to work. “I had no concept of a longer ride.”

That same weekend in June 2004, Vanden Bossche did a 40-mile ride and by September was doing up to 100 mile rides.

“You can go farther than you think,” he commented.

He said he really enjoys the social aspect of bicycling. “It is a way to meet people,” he said.

“People who are out of your normal orbit. We help each other out,” such as by taking turns riding at the front of the line.

Bicycling also allows him to see the countryside, he said, which is obviously not as likely when behind the steering wheel of an automobile going 50 or 60 miles per hour.

Vanden Bossche said he normally rides three times each week, including Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings on MBA rides, which are offered by the association five days per week during the normal biking season. He also rides Saturday mornings with an informal group — “they call us the hard core older guys.”

Typical rides during the summer are 60 miles. “We will ride anytime the roads are clear,” talking about riding even during the winter months if the temperature doesn’t drop much below the freezing mark.

“We have the right kind of winter clothing,” he said.

Route rides are mixed up and have different starting locations. Distances are different, too, depending on how far a person wants to ride.

Rides are designed to be mostly on back roads or quiet country roads, though sometimes, for example, busier roads will have to be used to cross rivers. “We have a pretty good network of paved country roads,” Vanden Bossche said.

He added on a flat road “we move along” and cruise at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

Having the right equipment helps the overall bicycle riding experience, he noted. Cycling shorts are especially important are designed to prevent chafing. Jerseys absorb sweat better, a helmet is for safety and sunglasses keep the dirt and grit out of the eyes.

Thinner tires are used on

bicycles, but Vanden Bossche said the trend is going to a wider tire. “You get a smoother ride with more air volume and cushion,” he said.

He also uses a GPS unit with routes uploaded from the MBA website and the unit tells him where he needs to turn.

Chris lives in South Bend with his wife, Laura, and they also enjoy walking and hiking.

RIDING FOR ENJOYMENT — Chris Vanden Bossche is an avid bicycler and is shown riding in Leeper Park in South Bend.

Photo by Tim Ashley.

Help is just a phone call away!

CapTel™ Captioned Telephone – The Amplified Telephone that includes Written, Word-for-Word Captions of Everything the Caller Says!

Service provided by InTRAC and phones available at no charge to those who qualify.

877-446-8722 www.relayindiana.com

10 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Marshall County Senior Expo is Oct. 21 to senior residents of Marshall County by appointment.

The expo is made possible by the Marshall County Council on Aging, with the generous support of these sponsors: Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home, Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office, Miller’s Merry Manor, Pilgrim Manor, Saint Joseph Health System, NIPSCO and TCU Insurance.

The hours of the expo are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or questions, contact Marshall County Council on Aging at (574) 936-9904 or toll-free (866) 936-9904.

The senior expo will follow local health recommendations regarding COVID-19, which may include masks, sanitizing, limited attendance and/or screenings. Any public safety protocols in place at the time of the expo will be strictly enforced.

Great things are ahead at this year’s Marshall County Council on Aging Senior Expo.

This year’s expo will be Thursday, Oct. 21, at Plymouth High School, No. 1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth.

The expo will once again feature free admission, over 50 vendors, refreshments, entertainment, many door prizes and health screenings.

The free health screenings include blood pressure, hearing testing, video otoscopic exam, depression screening, grip strength, glaucoma screening and oximetry. Flu shots will also be available. Saint Joseph Health System will have its MMR unit available for mammograms.

The entertainment will have new acts, while also bringing back favorites. All ages are welcome, and transportation will be provided free of charge

SENIOR EXPO — Marshall County Council on Aging Senior Expo is Oct. 21 in Plymouth. Photo provided by Marshall County Council on Aging.

2021 Thursday, October 21, 2021

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

8 am - 3 pm

Corporate sponsors: Corporate sponsors: Corporate sponsors: Marshall

Marshall

County Corporate sponsors: County Marshall

Corporate

Prosecutor’s County Prosecutor’s Office Prosecutor’s Office Office Marshall County Prosecutor’s sponsors: Office

Corporate Corporate sponsors: sponsors: Corporate The 2021 Senior Expo willsponsors: follow local health recommendations regarding COVID-19, which may include masks, sanitizing, limited attendance, and/or screenings. Any public safety protocols in place at the time of the Expo will Marshall be strictly enforced.

County Corporate sponsors: Prosecutor’s Marshall Marshall County County Prosecutor’s Prosecutor’s Office Office

Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office

Office

Virtual Tours Available Marshall Family Visitations County Prosecutor’s Convenient To Shopping & Restaurants Office

55+

Assisted Living Community

Exceptional and Affor dable

“Inspiring Purposeful Lives For All” Apartment Amenities

Services

Home-like Qualities:

Helpful services arranged to make your days fulfilled and comfortable:

• Private Studio and one-bedroom apartments • Full, private bathroom • Kitchenette with sink, refrigerator and microwave • Ample closet space • Individually controlled heating and air conditioning • Emergency call devices • Pre-wired for telephone and cable TV • Mini-blinds provided

• 24-hour staffing • Assistance with transportation needs

• Assistance with daily living

Call (574) 252-7225 3630 Hickory Road

O F M I S H AWA K A

www.silverbirchliving.com

• On-site Beauty/ Barber services

To Learn More

(Near Edison) •

Time and rest battle colds

Live Tou rs Now Ava ilable Schedule Today

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Colds have been compared to, among other things, hangovers — the only thing that cures both of them is time.

Youngsters catch a half dozen or so colds a year, while adults average a couple or so.

During these complex COVID-19 times, it’s difficult to tell if you’ve been attacked by the original virus or a variant, or if you’ve contracted the flu, or if you have a cold.

If you and your doctor have narrowed down your event to the common cold, what do you take for it?

Home remedies abound.

Many oldsters may remember the mustard plaster: a poultice of mustard-seed powder

pressed between two towels and placed over the chest while you slept. It was supposed to sweat the ills out of your body and stop the cough accompanying your cold.

It’s still being used.

Also on the cure-yourself list is to totter off to bed with a box of tissue handy for blowing your nose. To help you sleep, a shot of brandy, straight or in a glass of warm water, is often recommended.

Staying hydrated has become more popular and so has gargling a warm saltwater solution to relieve a scratchy throat.

A worldwide cure for almost anything is a nice warm bowl of chicken soup. Supporters of this remedy concede it may not always help, but it can’t hurt.

The array of cold remedies at your nearby pharmacy have been rated no better than what you can come up with at home.

For example, combining honey, lemon and ginger in a jigger of warm water is a tasty bit of relief. Adding a bit of whisky or rum doesn’t hurt.

Garlic in any form is regarded by many cultures as a hefty weapon against the common cold.

How can anyone resist the offer of a nice cup of warm tea while wrapped in a shawl and seated in a recliner beside a warm stove.

And, back to the beginning, getting rid of a cold takes nothing but rest and time. Everything else you do is an effort to be comfortable.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 11

By KRISTIN WARNKE Healthwin Specialized Care has been selected for the 2021 Best of South Bend Award in the physical therapy clinic category by the South Bend Award Program.

Each year the South Bend Award Program identifies companies we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the South

Bend area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The South Bend Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the South Bend Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About South Bend Award Program The South Bend Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local busi-

nesses throughout the South Bend area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The South Bend Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups.

Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

I have book recalls had no time to read it because it was in the middle of COVID, and, not quite frankly, I had nothing else to do.

So, I endured it…all 784 pages.

Then a couple of weeks later I was on a Zoom meting with my church book club. I got pretty puffed up about my recent accomplishment and dropped the name of that 4-pound opus I had completed.

“Wow, Dick,” said a friend, “that’s quite a hefty read. I’m impressed. Was he the Civil War general who had six wives and 13 children?”

Was he? How could I not remember? Why did I even bother reading that biography? Next time Bob burdens me with an obligation like that, whenever he drops

by I’ll just keep moving the bookmark forward. He’ll never know the difference.

I’m drawn mostly to nonfiction, which is all about getting information I can use to try to look smart when I am out of with my snooty friends. But since I don’t recall most of what I’ve read. I’m wondering what the point is. This past month, I read a fascinating book by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson called “Cosmic

Queries.” I enjoyed his stories.

For example, I never knew how they first determined the speed of light. But now if someone would ask me how they figured it was 186,000 miles per second, I’d have to say, “I knew that once like for about 20 minutes, last week. Not anymore.”

Years ago, I read “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” by Bill Bryson. I couldn’t put the book down, but the day after I finished it, I remembered the history of nearly nothing.

My wife is into fiction, which gets her a lot of free passes. She’ll say to a friend, “I just finished a great story, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing,’” and the most probing questions she’ll hear is: “Oh, did you like it?” Occasionally someone will ask what it’s about and all she has to say is: “I don’t want to ruin it for you.” That’s the end of the conversation.

I’ve written several books. You may have one of them sitting around your house that you have never looked at. Don’t worry; if we ever run into each other, I won’t question you about it. Honestly, I don’t even remember what I wrote.

We have a rewarding oppor tunity for you . . .

• Flexible Schedule 2 Hrs. to 24-Hr. Live-in Assignments Assignments • Caregiver Awards

NOW HIRING!

• Caregiver Referral Program

SENIORS WELCOME!

• Weekly Pay Date • Education Opportunities Opportunities

• Serving: St. Joseph & Elkhart Counties, IN Berrien & Cass Counties, MI

Caregiver Testimonial:

“I work for this company and they are awesome! They make you feel like family and make it their mission to provide great care.”

310 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46615

(574) 232-8487 rkarczewski@abc-seniors.com • www.abc-michiana.com www.abc-michiana.com Independently owned and operated offices throughout the United States and Canada

Non-medical in-home care • Assisted living services

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES

A Sterling Healthcare Community

MEDICAID WAIVER ACCEPTED

ua

are for Quality o C fL lity ife

Do you have a lot of books in your home that you’ve never read? For my 74th birthday, almost everybody in my family gave me a book.

IN A Altogether, I NUTSHELL did the math

By DICK and I was WOLFSIE given more than 3,000 pages to read.

I went through all the books in my house and there were hundreds on the shelves. I calculated that I have read about half of them cover to cover and skimmed about a fourth of them. That leaves many that I have never even looked at. Where did they come from? Did I buy them? Were they gifts? Who have I insulted by not reading them?

I have one book called “William Tecumseh Sherman: In the Service of My Country: A Life.” My friend Bob gave me this monstrosity last year for Christmas, so I felt I had to plow through it or I’d appear ungrateful. And I couldn’t claim I

Do you enjoy helping people?

Q

Healthwin receives 2021 Physical Therapy Clinic Award

When living alone • Social activities daily and specialized events is no • Housekeeping and longer laundry an option • Beauty salon and spa

• Nursing staff that coordinate all aspects of a residents nursing and medical needs • Licensed nurses on-site 24hrs/day • Rounding physician • Medication management • Nutritional and dietary support

• Specializing in Dementia & Alzheimer Care • Assisted living in a safe, secure environment • Secure outdoor patio

You deserve the best forever

Providing Specialized & Personalized Short Term Rehabilitation Physical - Occupational Speech Therapies Transition From Hospital To Home - Returning You To What Matters Most Treatment Plan Tailored Specifically For You 20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637

Phone: 574.272.0100 • healthwin.org GIVE US A CALL TODAY

home You will find the comforts of home, the safety and security of 24-hour care, the relief of chore-free living, the joy of new-found friendships. All in a unique, intimate setting on the St. Joe River, close to downtown South Bend and Notre Dame.

• Assisted Living Apartments • Private Pay & Medicaid Waiver accepted • Apartments accommodating couples • Undergoing extensive renovations – inside & out • Long term and short term care as well • So, you can start here and stay here

Call Today, We Are Here Help!

The Best Keptto Secret on the St. Joseph River!

WORKING 24/7 TO KEEP YOUR LOVED ONE SAFE & THRIVING 206SOUTH Marion Street | SouthINDIANA Bend, IN 46601 475 N. NILES AVENUE, BEND, 46617 Learn more at

574-246-4123

themiltonhome.com or call 574-233-0165 ext.2405

WWW.MORNINGVIEW-ALF.COM

12 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Renovated common areaToday! at Mishawaka Start Your New Retirement Library has reopened to the public Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library has announced renovations to the commons area inside the library are now complete.

The work began in March when the library was closed to in-person patron services due to the pandemic. At the open of business Sept. 13, the area reopened to the public.

Guests will find a new layout for the area where they can gather solo or in a collaborative setting. Space is arranged to accommodate groups, and the modernized furniture has the flexibility for movement to expand gatherings of all sizes.

Director Donna Meeks said, “We want the new common area to feel like a library living room where you can meet a friend for coffee, use our free Wi-Fi or digital apps and do

some digital downloading or perhaps mobile printing. A library is no longer just a place to check out books; there are so many programs and services for the public. We just want to make sure everyone knows we are open and this space is here to serve their needs.”

Three glass partitions inside the common area provide working space for groups of three or more. Renovations also include convenient power and USB charging ports to meet the landscape of the 21st century.

Patrons can use the seating in the common area on a firstcome, first-served basis.

A second renovation project to create an official designated quiet zone area at the library is expected to be completed later this fall.

The library is located at 209

NEWLY RENOVATED — The newly-renovated common area inside the Mishawaka Public Library is now open. Photo provided by the library.

Lincolnway East, Mishawaka.

For information, visit www.

mphpl.org or call (574) 2595277.

Experience Life at St. Paul’s!

Start Your New Retirement Today!

Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation gives money to aid in hunger relief Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has received a $10,000 grant from The Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation to support its “Meat” the Need initiative.

According to Feeding America, approximately 36,000 St. Joseph County residents regularly struggle with food insecurity — 11,560 of which are children. Deb Treesh, executive director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be used to pay processing fees on donated livestock and deer, with the meat being given to agencies serving food insecure residents within Indiana.

“More than ever families are struggling to buy groceries.

Food banks, pantries and soup kitchens work to protect the most vulnerable and underserved in our communities and these agencies continue to face increased demand,” said Amber Zecca, fund development director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

“To donate, farmers and hunters just need to take their livestock or deer to a local participating meat processor; call ahead to schedule livestock. After processing, local food banks and pantries are called to pick up the donation. There is absolutely no charge to donors.”

“The Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation’s contribution will allow us to continue and expand on our mission of hunger relief by providing 32,000 more meals through local hunger relief agencies.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our efforts in responding to the needs of those in the community facing hunger,” said Debra Treesh, executive director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

For more information, visit www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org or call (260) 233-1444.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

Faith

McConnell strives to be patient and empathetic working with homeless and addicted people in 2007.

When it comes to dealing with the homeless and those struggling with various addictions, McConnell understands what they are facing because “I lived it.”

“I understand homeless from firsthand experience, not from reading a book or talking to someone. I give people a chance. Their problems and addictions don’t happen overnight and those issues can’t be solved just by giving them a bed and a meal. One has to have patience and empathy for these people.”

Helping others is what God expects, she said, and “we are to be a living testimony of his works.” She strives to show that to people because they will believe what they see more than what they hear.

McConnell is a member of Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ in South Bend.

She has also volunteered her time as a cook and working in the clothing room at St. Margaret’s House in South Bend, has volunteered with the Northern Indiana Food Bank and is a caregiver for the elderly.

Pets grieve the loss of a loved ones Just as we mourn the loss of a pet, the death of their owner can be just as traumatic to the pet. If you define grief as a huge sense of loss combined with the anxiety of trying to come to terms with that loss, then yes, pets grieve both physically and psychologically, showing symptoms similar to those of grieving children.

Pets can suffer loss of appetite, changes in sleeping habits, and may become lethargic or withdrawn. Dogs may lose interest in walks, while cats often groom excessively. They may become clingy, or distance themselves, choosing to grieve alone.

So how can you help your pet if they are grieving? Stick to your usual routine. Keep normal meal and walk times, while giving them lots of affection.

Petting or massaging can help soothe an animal. If your pet has lost their appetite, provide some favorite foods but avoid treats to quiet barks, whines or meows as it may reinforce the unwanted behavior and result in a new bad habit. Be patient; pets are just expressing their emotions.

When the owner dies outside the home, it will seem to them the person has simply disappeared. A pet may begin to search for them or wait for their return. Because we can’t explain what has taken place, this waiting may only add to their anxiety.

One question I encounter as a funeral director is if you should allow your pet to see their deceased owner. Evidence

shows that pets (cats in particular) that see the body of their owner do not wait or search for them. It seems that being allowed to smell or nuzzle their deceased friend can help start the grieving process. It appears animals may instinctively understand that their companion is dead and cannot return.

Every animal (human or

otherwise) will mourn for a different period of time. When a loved one dies, it can be hard to be mindful of a pet’s grief while simultaneously dealing with your own, but remember that caring for your pet and helping them through their grief can also bring you comfort while you grieve. Love shared is love felt.

LaPorte, IN 219.362.2457

Michigan City, IN 219.874.7414

ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOMES

824 South Mayflower Road South Bend, IN 46619 Facebook: St. Joseph Funeral Home www.SJFH.net

Continuing to provide the best services for your family — • Funeral Live Streaming of Services St. Joseph Home & Cemetery, those you proudly brought you The Wall That Heals, would like to continue to • Indoor or Outdoor Viewing honor our Veterans and Home Town Heroes with a & Services Available St. Joseph Funeral Home & Cemetery, those you proudly $1,000 discount on allwould Full Traditional and to brought you The Wall That Heals, like to continue • We will create a service that Full Cremation Funerals with burials at our cemetery! honor our Veterans and Home Town Heroes with a

Kovenz Memorial Michigan City Monuments

ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOMES & CEMETERY

15% OFF

~ Quality Memorials Since 1934 ~

We Are Open! Call Now!

celebrates your loved one.

Please contact us for more details at www.sjfh.net or (574) 288-4685

$1,000 discount on all Full Traditional and

Please contact us for more details Cremation Funerals with burials at our cemetery!

St.Full Joseph Funeral Home & Cemetery, where memories are shared, tears shed, love is felt and is found.

You belong here. atare www.sjfh.net orrefuge (574) 288-4685 Please contact us for more details at www.sjfh.net or (574) 288-4685

St. Joseph Joseph Funeral Funeral Home Home & Cemetery, where St. & Cemetery, where memories memoriesare areshared, shared, ST. JOSEPH tearsare are shed, loveFUNERAL felt and andHOME refuge&is found. tears shed, love isisfelt refuge isCEMETERY found. You Youbelong belonghere. here.

824 South Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN 46619

Facebook: St. Joseph Funeral Home

ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY

Thinking About Senior Living?

824 South Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN 46619

As an independent senior living community, The Village at Arborwood provides you with the comforts and luxuries of home without the work or worry!

Facebook: St. Joseph Funeral Home

We Make It All About You! Customize your living options to meet your unique needs.

Stop in today to see what you’re missing.

Granger and Mishawaka’s Premie Independent Seniorvisit Living us today Come Community

and see all that we have to offer!

The Village aT arborwood

SB-286430-1

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

At The Village at Arborwood you will find the lifestyle you deserve and an apartment you can afford.

-

• Spacious One and Two Bedroom Apartments • Social Activities and Wellness Programs • A la Carte Services

820 E. Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN 46530 820 E. Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN 574-247-4680 TRS 711 www.villageatarborwood.com (574)-247-4680 • TRS 711 • www.villageatarborwood.com

SB-749217-1

By KATHLEEN MATUSZAK St. Joseph Funeral Home

SELF PORTRAIT — Linda McConnell staffs the front desk during the overnight hours at Center for the Homeless in South Bend. Photo provided by Linda McConnell.

SB-749217-1

Often it takes going through something similar yourself before you can fully understand what others are facing and/or dealing with. Linda McConnell is one of many examples.

Those coming to the Center for the Homeless in downtown South Bend in the middle of the night will likely see the smiling and helpful face of McConnell. She works at the front desk during the third shift.

She was born and raised in South Bend and attended Washington High School. A daughter of an Army man, she lived all over the United States, though.

Prior to giving her life to God on a specific day she remembers — Aug. 23, 2004 — she was homeless herself and “had a substance problem.” She said she was tired of the way she was living and “I knew God was the answer.”

McConnell went to the Nashville (Tennessee) Rescue Mission’s one-year Bible-based program. “That was 17 years ago and I haven’t looked back,” she said. “I give my testimony

at every opportunity to let people see God is real and all you have to do is ask him, trust him and walk with him. My life is so much better because I choose him.

“I am in no way perfect or complete, but my God is both of those things and he is bigger than any problem I face daily.”

She has many responsibilities while staffing the front desk. “I monitor the entire building and guests,” she noted.

“I also record the day’s guest activities, such as new intakes who, for whatever reason, leave and so forth to develop the daily update. I also update the census, which gives an accurate count of all guests at the center, as well as off site.”

McConnell also updates the mail lists, the med key list, the late list (a list of people who are out of work) and the wake up list of people who need a wake up call before 7 a.m.

“I keep different forms and packets up to date as well,” she added.

She has worked at Center for the Homeless for more than eight years and came there from the Nashville Rescue Mission, where she first began

SB-749217-1

By TIM ASHLEY Staff Writer

14 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Problem Solved —

How to fix any customer service problem

By CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT Guest Writer BALL BAND MILK BOTTLE — Shown is Pete DeKever, cofounder of Mishawaka Historical Museum, holding a soon-tobe donated extremely rare Ball Band plant milk bottle. Donation will be from Dr. Greg Lawson’s personal Mishawaka artifact collection. Photos by Greg Lawson.

Mishawaka —

The mystery of the rare Ball Band milk bottle Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a two-part series.

By PASTOR GREG LAWSON M.Min., MSW Guest Writer There were many dairies in Mishawaka back in the 1930s and ’40s — Farmer’s Dairy, Northside Dairy, Riverside Dairy, for example — but all are gone now.

Most all of them supplied milk, cream and much more to homes, stores and factories.

Recently, I was fortunate to meet a lady who offered me a milk bottle, which I had never heard of nor had I even seen. The bottle is so rare, even a local historian had never seen or heard of such a bottle.

The bottle I write of, now in my historical collection, is a Ball Band milk bottle with raised letters identifying it as such. A clue as to the date of this bottle is found on the lower rim in raised letters and numbers: “BB48.” This is assumed to be Ball Band 1948.

Perhaps former employees of Ball Band from 1948 are still alive and know something about this bottle. If not, perhaps sons, daughters, relatives or friends may know, who made this bottle, and whether it was used in the cafeteria or for the employees to use at their table in the lunch room.

In short, can any reader help solve this mystery? This extremely rare Ball Band milk bottle will soon be donated to the

soon-to-open Mishawaka Historical Museum that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Ball Band history and many more historical artifacts pertaining to Mishawaka history.

This writer has been working closely with museum developers Pete DeKever, and his father, Joe, insofar as my personal donations of my own artifacts. I challenge anyone to donate any artifacts they may find or any that may be in their possession that pertain to Mishawaka history. You, the reader, are an important part in preserving Mishawaka history for future generations and those who may wish to visit this historic city.

Comments or memories welcome to: Pastor/Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.

Memory Care

In a perfect world, caring employees would quickly fix your customer service problems.

We don’t CHRISTOPHER live in a perELLIOTT fect world.

That’s the reason I started writing Problem Solved, a customer service advice column. The premise of the feature is simple: I take a seemingly unsolvable customer service problem — and solve it.

And there are a lot of problems.

The Federal Trade Commission received 3.2 million complaints in 2019, an increase of 200,000 complaints from a year before.

It’s just a small fraction of the consumer problems in North America.

The steps to fixing a customer service problem are simple: • Read the fine print before you buy.

• Contact the company and follow their guidelines.

• Appeal your case.

• Find an outside advocate.

• Use the “nuclear” option or go to court.

If you follow the process, chances are you’ll never have to contact me or darken the door of a courtroom. So before we go on, a word of advice: Please don’t skip any of the following steps: 1. Know what you’re buying.

Sounds obvious, right? But it isn’t. Only 1% of consumers read the terms and conditions of their purchase, according to a recent survey by www.proprivacy.com.

Lawyers hide things in the fine print. You may be giving up your rights to a refund or to return the product if you aren’t happy.

Of course, the best way to solve a consumer problem is to ensure you never have one. So the key to fixing a customer service problem is to familiarize yourself with the product or service you’re buying — particularly the fine print.

2. Get in touch with the company.

Step two — also frequently overlooked — is giving the company a chance to fix the problem.

That means returning to the store or going through the customer service department.

The best way to do that is in writing. Why? Because you have a record of the grievance, and you can forward that record to a supervisor, a lawyer or a consumer advocate.

3. Send a brief, polite appeal to a supervisor.

Companies often train their call center employees to tell you there’s no supervisor — but there’s always a supervisor. My nonprofit consumer advocacy site publishes the names, numbers and email addresses of the managers online.

Send a friendly appeal to one of them and include the company’s previous written correspondence,

especially your customer ID and your order number. That will help them find the relevant transaction and hopefully fix it.

4. Find outside help.

If the company won’t help you, it’s time to enlist an outside group’s help. Outside groups can include medical advocates, mediabased advocates such as a TV station’s “On Your Side” segment or a nonprofit organization like mine, Elliott Advocacy.

You’ll want to approach an advocate in the same way you’ve gone through channels so far.

Send a short email outlining your problem. You may need to fill out a form to receive help. Don’t overload the organization with information. Just give it the facts and let them ask for more information if needed.

5. Take it to a higher authority.

If all else fails, contact law enforcement authorities or an attorney and go to court if necessary to resolve your customer service problem. Before you do, there’s one last solution, which I like to call the nuclear option. If you paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute your charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act. How can Problem Solved help?

Problem Solved is the product of decades of consumer advocacy.

I began helping fix customer service problems in the late '90s.

I contacted airlines, hotels and travel agencies and negotiated refunds on behalf of aggrieved customers. In 2010 I wrote a book called “Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals.” I began to receive all kinds of requests for help — and Problem Solved was born.

I started to receive so many requests for help that I founded a nonprofit organization called Elliott Advocacy that helps people with their consumer problems every day.

Our mission is to empower consumers to solve their problems and help those who can’t. So if you’ve run into a problem that you can’t solve, please contact us. My advocacy team and I will do our best to help you.

Problem Solved doesn’t cover every case received. Instead, I write about problems that affect many consumers and offer helpful consumer advice for everyone. The featured cases are always fascinating and comment-worthy, but they also help you become a smarter consumer.

By following my advice for fixing any customer service problem, you’ll probably never need my consumer organization’s services.

Even if you forget everything I’ve said and only remember step 1 — to read the terms and conditions — you’ll avoid 90% of all customer service problems.

But just in case, I’m always here for you.

Christopher Elliott’s latest book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic).

Get help by contacting him at www. elliott.org/help.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 15

FOR LISTING CALL 1-866-580-1138 EXT. 2402

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE HERITAGE POINT ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 1215 Trinity Place Mishawaka, IN 46545 Phone (574) 247-7400 www.HeritagePointRet.com

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT EDISON LAKES 1409 E. Day Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-1866 www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

ASSISTED LIVING GRAND EMERALD PLACE SENIOR LIVING 4010 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 291-2222 www.enlivant.com Licensed Assisted Living, Respite Care & Short-Term Stays Come see our beautifully renovated community!

Grand Emerald Place provides residents (and their pets) with beautiful, spacious apartments and individualized care plans. Our residents thrive by engaging in stimulating activities, such as bingo, tai chi, movie nights, arts and crafts, walking and gardening clubs, and more!

DAY CENTER SAINT JOSEPH PACE 250 East Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-8700 saintjosephPACE@trinity-health.org Helping seniors live safely at home.

PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

DENTISTS PRINCESS CITY DENTAL CARE 2006 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 259-8571 www.pcdentalcare.com Emphasis On Complete, Compassionate Care.

Member American Society Of Geriatric Dentistry.

HEARING AID CENTER NIHC - NORTHERN INDIANA HEARING CENTER 2406 Mishawaka Ave. Willow Creek Office Center South Bend, IN 46615 3179 Willow Creek Road (574) 383-5595 Portage, IN 46368

Starting at $895 each.

Free Hearing test & evaluation.

We honor most health insurance including United Epic Health Insurance & Union.

HOME CARE SERVICES ALWAYS BEST CARE - MICHIANA 310 N. Ironwood Dr. SEE OUR South Bend, IN 46615 AD IN THIS (574) 232-8487 ISSUE www.abc-michiana.com Leaders in Non-Medical Home Care.

VA Provider.

Indiana Medicaid Waiver Provider.

Michigan Medicaid Provider.

Private Pay. Long-term Care Insurance.

Veterans Care Bridge.

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING THE VILLAGE AT ARBORWOOD SEE OUR 820 Cleveland Rd. East AD IN THIS Granger, IN 46530 ISSUE (574) 247-4680 www.villageatarborwood.com A Lifestyle You Deserve, An Apartment You Can Afford.

MEDICAL CLINIC HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE 3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479 www.homeinstead.com/343 From companionship to transportation to loving care, to us it’s personal.

HOSPICE CARE CENTER FOR HOSPICE CARE 501 Comfort Pl. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 243-3100 112 South Center Street Plymouth (574) 935-4511 22579 Old U.S. 20 East Elkhart (574) 264-3321 309 W. Johnson Rd., Suite A LaPorte, IN 46350 (219) 575-7930 1-800-HOSPICE (467-7423) Serving area patients & families since 1980. www.CFHcare.org

HEART TO HEART HOSPICE 620 Edison Rd., Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 CHAP Accredited (574) 855-4475 hearttohearthospice.com Compassionate care from our heart to yours.

Volunteers needed.

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond & LaPorte By appt. or walk-ins welcome.

(219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 www.northshorehealth.org Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS TRANSCEND ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS 17530 Dugdale Dr. South Bend, IN 46635 www.midwestorthotics.com (574) 233-3352 (866) 316-1312 Toll Free - Orthotics - Prosthetics - Gait Analysis We Bill Medicare & Medicaid

REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE SERVICES BRIARCLIFF HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER 5024 W. Western Ave. South Bend, IN 46619 (574) 318-4600 • Fax (574) 400-0619 www.briarcliffsouthbend.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY HAMILTON GROVE 31869 Chicago Trail New Carlisle, IN 46552-0836 (574) 654-2200

HOUSECALL DOCTORS HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC SEE OUR AD IN THIS At-Home Medical Care for ISSUE Elderly & Homebound Patients Providing at-home care from Medical doctors and Nurse Practitioners.

Serving NW Indiana, Indianapolis & Plymouth/So. Bend areas www.housecalldoc.org Toll Free: 800.945.4654

TELEPHONE SERVICES SEE OUR RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC AD IN THIS 7702 Woodland Drive #130 ISSUE Indianapolis, IN 46278 (877) 446-8722 Problems hearing on the telephone? We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.

16 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

Brentwood At LaPorte

2002 Andrew Avenue, LaPorte, IN 46350 (219) 325-1599 • www.meridiansenior.com

Heritage Point Assisted Living & Memory Care 1215 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Phone (574) 247-7400 www.HeritagePointRet.com

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

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

Offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care backed by a team of Skilled Nursing. Private/SemiPrivate Rooms or Residential Apartments. In-Room Hospice, Therapy, and Pet-friendly community. Call to schedule your tour!

Cardinal Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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

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

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

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

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

Chalet of Niles

911 S. 3rd Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-4320 www.admissions@chaletofniles.com

Exceptional Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies. Our emphasis is on helping you rehabilitate and return home as soon as safely possible.

Creekside Village 1420 East Douglas, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 307-7200 • www.ASCSeniorCare.com Short Term Rehabilitation-to-Home Specialization featuring Medicare and Managed Care Skilled Nursing Services and State-of-the-Art Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies. Outpatient Therapy.

Beautiful Private and divided Semi-private rooms. Comprehensive Care for longer stays. Pet visitation encouraged.

Grand Emerald Place Senior Living

4010 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 291-2222 • www.enlivant.com

Licensed Assisted Living, Respite Care & Short-Term Stays Call us to schedule a live, personalized virtual tour of our beautifully renovated community! We provide residents (and their pets) with spacious apartments and individualized care plans. Our residents thrive with stimulating activities such as bingo, tai chi, movies, arts and crafts, walking and gardening clubs and more!

Hamilton Grove

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

Independent Living, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, On-site Therapies, Long Term Care and Respite Care.

Maintenance Free Living, HUD and accepting the Medicaid Waiver

Healthwin

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

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Maintenance Free Homes, Private Rehab Suites, Licensed Locally Owned, Non Profit Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Medicare, Pet Friendly, Beautiful

Morningview Assisted Living Residences 475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES

A Sterling Healthcare Community

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

North Woods Village at Edison Lakes 1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-1866 • http://www.northwoodsmemorycare.com Michiana’s Premier Licensed Memory Care Assisted Living. Offerig “NEW DIRECTIONS” ® program designated specifically for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and their families. Secured building with state-of-the-art monitoring systems. 24/7 nursing care led by a Nationally Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Trainer.

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka 820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center 1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

Saint Joseph Health System - Holy Cross 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-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka

1540 S. Logan Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 257-8629 www.hellenicseniorliving-mishawaka.com

Assisted Living - Beautiful Private Studio & 1 Bedrm. Apt., Walk-In Shower, 24 Hr. Staffing, Therapy, Three Restaurant-Style Meals Daily Plus Snacks, Housekeeping & Laundry, ALL INCLUSIVE Affordable Pricing. Amenities: Salon, Theatre, Activities & Fitness. Medicaid Waiver, Section 8 & Private Pay.

17475 Dugdale Drive, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 247-7500 • www.sjmed.com Offering Rehabilitation and Nursing Care services for seniors, Sanctuary at Holy Cross focuses on wellness for the body, mind and spirit. Our therapies include: aqua, speech, occupational, physical, and therapeutic recreation.

Advertise Your Community Here!

Contact Cathy Wilson For More Details!

(574) 298-8806 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2402 cwilson@the-papers.com

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 17

Senior driving is serious business

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Giving up the car keys is one of the toughest decisions to make as we grow older.

The best way to delay this move is be a safe and stable driver.

It’s become somewhat easier these days as new cars come outfitted with an array of goodies never envisioned just a couple of decades ago — rear view cameras to ease parking and warning systems when you veer out of your lane or get too close to other vehicles, for example.

But the person behind the steering wheel still has to be alert out in traffic.

A first step is to become totally familiar with the vehicle they’re driving. Take a page out of the long-ago learning-to-drive

manual and practice driving in a nearby mall or parking lot when it’s not busy.

Get to know all the gadgets and how they work and the size of the vehicle so you’ll be comfortable in tight traffic situations.

Oldsters who no longer are working should avoid heavy traffic time, such as when commuters travel to or from work, to make their life in the lanes easier.

It pays to walk around the car before getting behind the wheel.

Check the condition of the headlights and taillights, all the tires and the windshield wipers. Keep your automobile in safe working condition. Have the brakes checked regularly. Make sure all the fluids are at their necessary levels. Regular maintenance is an important factor in being a safe driver.

Once you leave the driveway,

pay attention to your driving. A peril these days are car drivers with cell phones. Studies reveal that cell phone drivers are more than five times more likely to get into an accident than an undistracted driver. They’re no better than a drunk driver, whether the phone is hands-free or not.

Adding to the pressure on older drives is the fact that their reaction time gets slower so they should keep extra space between them and cars in front of them.

They should be able to keep up with traffic because a slow driver can become a danger to other motorists.

Keeping yourself healthy is also important. Check your vision and hearing regularly.

Make sure your seat is comfortable and you can reach the dashboard and foot pedals easily.

Feeling nervous on the road is a sign that you might need to take a driving refreshers course.

Or it might be time to hand in your keys.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

Housecall Doctors At-Home Medical and Podiatry Care for Elderly and Homebound Patients ~Dr’s and Nurse Practitioners~ Focusing on preventing readmissions during transition from an acute care setting.

Services Include: • Visits & Assessments • Pharmacy & Equipment Coordination • Diagnostic Testing • Coordination Of Home Health Services

Visit www.housecalldoc.org Or Call Toll Free: 800-945-4654

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

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

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

Bremen

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

(Formerly Bremen Health Care)

Signature HealthCARE of South Bend

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

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

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

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

Silver Birch - Mishawaka

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.

Vannoni Living Center 500 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 855-3937

3630 Hickory Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 252-7225 • www.silverbirchliving.com

1-bedroom apartments. Income-based. Accept Medicaid Waiver for 40 years and older, if disabled. Pet friendly. 24 hr. Staffing, in-house Therapy Services, Wellness-focused activities.

Scenic view of St. Joseph River.

Assisted Living, Private Studio & 1 Bedroom Apt, Full Private Bathroom, 24 Hr. Staffing, Accepting Multiple Types Of Payment Including Private, Medicaid Waiver & Veteran’s Aid & Attendance.

“Inspiring Purposeful Lives For All”

Southfield Village

Promoting Affordable Independence & Affordability.

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

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

Sprenger Health Care of Mishawaka

60257 Bodnar Blvd., Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 222-1234 • www.sprengerhealthcare.com Orthopedic & Short-Term Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Spacious Private Bedrooms, Flat Screen Televisions, Cable, WiFi, Movie Theater, Social Happy Hour Pub, Putting Green, Outdoor Courtyard, Salon/ Barber Services, Scheduled Transportation, Social Activities, Library, ChefDesigned Meals, Reservable Private Dining Room, Pet Visitation Allowed

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, 24-Hour Nursing Care, Outings, Social Activity, Short/Long Term Rehabilitation, Wi-Fi, Beauty Shop, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Medicare/Medicaid Certified AL Lic. #: 14-013331-1

Advertise Your Community Here!

Contact Cathy Wilson For More Details!

(574) 298-8806 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2402 cwilson@the-papers.com

Contact Cathy For More Details! 574.298.8806 cwilson@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Travel

Lose yourself at Charley Creek Gardens Put Charley Creek Gardens on your list of places to go this fall! It’s located in downtown Wabash. It’s a pleasant little sixGREAT acre urban ESCAPES nature Text and Photos preserve/

By ROD KING horticulture center with a creek, foot-bridge, waterfall, public art and walking trails meandering through gardens and wetlands full of colorful native flowers.

There’s no charge, parking is free and its open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk for self-guided walking tours. Guided tours can be arranged by calling (260) 5631020 and groups are welcome.

The thing you’ll probably remember the most about Charlie Creek Gardens its the maze. You

WILDFLOWERS FLOURISH — Garfield Wildflower Meadow was inspired by Garfield creator Jim Davis and is similar to the meadow outside his Muncie studio. can literally lose yourself in this grove of 800, 15-foot-tall arborvitaes. There are a couple openings that lead into the maze, wind along narrow paths to a small circular opening and a statue called Centennial Man which was created by artist Matthew Berg.

The topography of the site is interesting. The upper section where the maze and parking lot are located is flat and mostly open. A short distance from the maze is a trail that takes visitors down into the lower gardens past the 400-gallon-a-minute

GURGLING WATERFALL — More than 400 gallons of water a minute flow over the man-made waterfall in Charley Creek Gardens.

Deborah Wright from Mishawaka celebrated her 55th birthday in Frankenmuth, Mich. and shared her trip with us. She is shown at the renowned Palmer Frankenmuth Gateway Arch holding a St. Joseph Senior Life.

Frankenmuth is nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” and for good reason. The city has German influences everywhere - from its architecture to its food to its culture-infused festivals.

Franconian-style architecture abounds in Frankenmuth and is exhibited by its many houses and commercial buildings sporting marked timbers in square and “x” patterns. The Glockenspiel Tower is a 35-bell clock tower with dancing figurines which chimes and depicts the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin multiple times throughout the day. Another demonstration of German influence is shown at the Figurinespiel Tower at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus. Figurines of children pop out of the tower to tell an animated story about cheese making. A wooden bridge called Holz Brücke spans across the Cass River. It is a spectacle with its 239 feet length, its roof, and the fact that it still carries cars and pedestrians year-round.

Bavarian food and drink is prevalent in Frankenmuth. Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn combined serve more than two million of their world famous pint-sized chicken dinners a year. One can learn to make their own hand-rolled German pretzel to enjoy. Boasting many breweries and wineries, travelers can wet their palate with unique flavors. Authentic Hofbraühaus kegs, imported from Germany, are also offered.

Frankenmuth prides itself on its many festivals. Depending on when one travels, the festival could feature cars, beer, ice carving, dog competitions, or hot air balloons, just to name a few. Oktoberfest is a very popular festival. Celebrating German heritage, this festival actually takes place in September.

And if you know of a Christmas fan, or are one yourself, Frankenmuth is the place to go. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas store. It is open yearround and has many gifts, decorations, and one-of-a-kinds. Around the town, one can find horse carriage rides, Christmas lights and sounds, a musical tree show and a life-sized nativity.

One can stay busy with all the outdoor and indoor activities in Frankenmuth. A riverboat cruise If you are taking a vacation and plan to travel, take along Senior Life and take a picture of a and an aerial park are only two of the activities for friend or yourself reading Senior Life. The photo may be taken anywhere in the United States or those wishing to soak up the scenery. Rainy or cold days provide an opportunity to experience the His- abroad, but needs to be in front of an identifiable landmark.

Send the photo along with your name, address, telephone number and photo identification to: torical Museum, Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum, River Place Shops and not one, but Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 two indoor water parks.

Senior Life will pay you $25 for the picture if it’s published. Winning photos will be pubWho says you have to travel far to experience lished monthly. *Remember to identify your photo (include names of people in photo from left to new things? Only a car ride away, Frankenmuth right, date taken and specific location for our publishing purposes, plus any interesting informashows off Germany’s many pleasures. Thanks Debtion about the location). orah for this amazing journey. Safe travels!

Entry Blank

HERE IS A CHALLENGE FOR YOU...

25

$

Monthly Winner

One Winning Photo Will Be Chosen Each Month For A Year!

GRAND us PRIZE

Pl WINNERS

The Top 3 Photos Will Be Chosen At The End Of The Promotion

1 Prize 250 2nd Prize $100 3rd Prize $50 st

$

‘Take Us Along’ Contest

Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN, 46542 Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ City____________________________State___________ Zip_________

Date Taken____________Specific Location________________________ Description Of Photo (Include Full Names Of People In Photo From Left To Right)

_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

waterfall, across the creek via the bridge to the wetland bog garden, the flower beds and a wide variety of trees.

One of the features of the lower level is Garfield Wildflower Meadow. It was inspired by Garfield creator Jim Davis and is similar to the meadow outside his Muncie studio. Also a few feet away is the Labyrinth which was designed by artist and sculptor Marty Kermeen. Visitors are urged to walk silently and meditate along its route. The lower park area gives the feeling of being isolated and apart from the day-to-day activities of the Wabash County seat.

The creek flowing through the property was named after Chief Charley of the Miami Indian Tribe that lived in the area in the early 1800s. It flows through his land which includes present-day Falls Cemetery and Wabash City Park on its way to the Wabash River.

Charley Creek Gardens is maintained to preserve, perpetuate and enhance a natural inspirational experience. The non-profit horticulture center is dedicated to the study, conservation and appreciation of native as well as foreign plants through garden displays, education and research.

If you’re a nature lover, drive up to Wabash and spend a couple hours enjoying the peaceful environment at Charley Creek Gardens. Be sure to pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure from a box near the parking lot.

Take a picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy in this beautiful park setting under giant pin oak, maple and birch trees. You can even bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash. Dog refuse bags are available west of the parking area and east of the education and resource center.

The Gardens, which are open 365 days a year, are located at 518 Wabash St. near downtown.

For more information, check out their website at www.charleycreekgardens.org or call (260) 563-1020.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

October 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

Travel

Are you already thinking of a winter getaway south of here?

We have put together a fiveday, four-night motor coach trip from Homosassa, Fla., (75 miles north of Tampa) to Savannah, Jekyll Island and Beaufort, S.C. Free secure parking will be available in Homosassa, so whether you are driving to or from Florida, you could make this part of your trip. People could also even fly Allegiant Air from South Bend into St. Pete/ Clearwater Airport to join us.

I will be your host. So just

hop on and enjoy the fun-filled ride without worrying about the small details, because I will have them covered.

This trip departs Monday, Feb. 28, and returns Friday, March 4, with the double occupancy rate of $575 per person and includes: • Motorcoach transportation equipped with video and a restroom.

• Four-night lodging in the Savannah area.

• Eight meals: four breakfasts and four dinners.

• Guided trolley tour of Savannah, followed by hop on, hop

off privileges.

• Guided tour of gorgeous Beaufort, S.C., plus a visit to Parris Island.

• Evening show at famous Savannah Theatre.

• Guided tour of St. Simons Island.

• Guided tram tour of Jekyll Island.

A daily itinerary is available at www.grouptrips.com/ddresales. A $75 per person deposit is required upon signing; add $179 for single occupancy.

For more information and reservations, contact Dennis Donathen at (574) 220-8032.

MPHPL offering October programs American Heritage Spotlight, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the Mishawaka Library in the Eisen Room. Dr. Matt Baumgartner is the October American Heritage Spotlight guest speaker. Baumgartner will give an informative hourlong presentation on Oliver Morton, who was the governor of Indiana during the Civil War. No registration is required.

“Morning Makers Pinecone Owls,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at the Harris branch.

The Morning Makers October activity will focus on creating festive pinecone owls. Guests can either attend virtually or in person and are encouraged to let their creativity flow with this fun and unique do-ityourself project. Supplies will be provided for free.

Registration is required for both in person and Zoom participation and is limited to MPHPL cardholders.

Lifelong Learning via Zoom, 10:15-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18.

Guests can explore Halloween through short stories, videos, music and more. Registration is required.

R U O T R O P SUP

!

S E S S E N BUSI

Mug ‘n’ Muffin, 10:15-11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, in the Friends Room at the Mishawaka Library or via Zoom. Enjoy coffee, conversation and muffins while discussing the book, “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. The novel can be picked up ahead of time at the front desk and is available digitally, but currently there is a wait list. Registration is required if attending via Zoom; no registration required for in-person attendance.

The Zoom Spice Club, 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26. Each month, Zoom Spice Club registrants receive a free sample pack of a specific spice. The spice of the month is allspice.

Guests will learn about the historical background of the spice and will be given a couple of recipes to try. All adults are welcome to join online via Zoom and discuss opinions, experience and love or hate of the spice of the month.

Registration is required.

Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email registrants. For assistance, call (574) 259-5277.

Lower sporting event costs

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

St. Joseph Office 2930 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085

Call us today at 1-800-535-1070.

DD RESALE PRESENTS SOUTH BEND AND LAPORTE AREA PICK-UPS

Pigeon Forge Dazzling Shows and the Splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains 6 Days - 5 Nights

May 2-7, 2022

$575 pp dbl occ

Mt. Rushmore & Black Hills 7 Days - 6 Nights

Sept. 11-17, 2022

$675 pp dbl occ

TRIPS IN THE WORKS FOR 2022 Nashville Show Trip Grand Canyon & Las Vegas

Early Summer 2022 Oct. 3-14, 2022

FOR OUR SNOWBIRDS Leaving Out Of Homosassa, Florida

February 28-March 4, 2022 To Savannah, GA, Jekyll Island & Beaufort, SC

Diamond Tours is no longer requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, nor show proof of vaccination before travel. Diamond Tours does recommend that if vaccinated to carry your card and encourages you to consider vaccination.

For flyers and more information call Dennis Donathen @ 574.220.8032

www.grouptrips.com/ddresales

SUPPORT OUR BUSINESSES! BU S

KEEP IT LOCAL

T COMMUNI

FREE Prescription Delivery

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features The ballooning prices of sports events is making it financially tougher to be a sports fan.

You can start saving money by sharing tickets — and the cost, of course. This becomes especially economically attractive if the home team makes the playoffs.

There’s an added fillip to savings during the sport season.

Most television sales stores lower their prices in advance of the playoff season. Largescreen TV set prices can be discounted a few hundred dollars in the few weeks leading up to such big games as the Super Bowl or World Series.

New Location: Niles Office 2540 S. 11th St., Niles, MI 49120

ESS IN

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library staff will be working with felt to create a seasonal candy corn, ruffled pumpkin project. Participants can join in person at the Bittersweet Branch at 10:30 a.m. or virtually via Zoom for the hour-long program. Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Currently the event is full, but those who wish to participate in person or via Zoom may still submit a form to be placed on the waiting list.

“Yak, Snack and Read,” 10:3011:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12,via Zoom or at the Harris branch.

The MPHPL Harris Branch invites adults to join one of its longest-running morning book clubs. This month’s book, “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman, can be picked up a month in advance at the Harris branch front desk. The book is available via digital checkout for MPHPL cardholders as well. Registration is required if attending via Zoom; no registration required for in-person attendance. To register to participate via Zoom, visit www.mphpl. org and the click on the events tab at the top of the page.

October 13, 2021 - Firekeeper’s Casino in Battle Creek October 20, 2021 - Our Annual Pink Bag Tour In Honor Of Breast Cancer Month We will be touring Marshall, Michigan. A donation will be given to Secret Sisters or Hope Grows.

October 27-28, 2021 - Frankenmuth, Birch Run Outlet Mall, Bronner’s and an option to make Sausage November 10, 2021 - Firekeeper’s Casino in Battle Creek December 8, 2021 - Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre — “Dashing through the snow.”

MANY DAY TOURS TO FINISH THE YEAR — VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.SIGNALTRAVEL.COM

Y

BY DENNIS DONATHEN

We are always adding trips!

Check out our website for more information www.signaltravel.com Our trips depart from South Bend, Get on board!

Niles & some from LaPorte*

JOBS

DD Resales hosting special winter trip for snowbirds

In St. Joseph County

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE

606 N. Main St. Mishawaka, IN 46545

Our team of caregivers works together to provide our patients and residents with the ability to reach their highest level of physical and social well-being in a home-like environment.

574-255-2988 M-F 9-7 • Sat. 9-5

For only $50/mo. you can be a part of this promotion

To learn more about our short-term rehabilitation and extended care services, or taking a tour, call us at (269) 684-2810.

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

Call or Email Cathy Wilson 574-298-8806 cwilson@the-papers.com

20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Kennedy’s death was ‘The day I died’ On Nov. 22, 1963, entertainer Vaughn Meader got into a cab at the Milwaukee airport.

He later recalled, “The

By RANDAL cabbie said, C. HILL ‘Did you hear about Kennedy in Dallas?’

I said to him, ‘No, how does it go?’ I thought he was telling me a joke.”

Then Meader heard the tragic bulletin on the taxi’s radio. He would refer to it later as “the day I died.”

Famous because of numerous TV appearances and with his face adorning millions of record album covers, he was used to being recognized as America’s top mimic of the president.

In the early 1960s, the New Englander began including JFK impersonations in a musi-

cal comedy act he developed for the Greenwich Village club circuit. Meader found it easy to assume the president’s distinctive accent and persona, and in time even adopted the iconic leader’s hairstyle.

Meader’s debut comedy LP from November 1962 was dubbed “The First Family.”

Written by Bob Booker and Earle Doud, the good-natured Cadence Records parody featured 26-year-old Meader supplying the voices of both JFK and his brother Robert, while Jackie Kennedy was portrayed by theater actress Naomi Brossart. A supporting cast of New York character actors completed the fun.

Tapping into the public’s fascination with the Kennedys, “The First Family,” recorded live before a studio audience, quickly became the fastestselling album in the history of the record industry. It locked down the top position on the

Billboard LP charts for a dozen weeks and by January 1963 had sold 7 million copies. Eventually, it earned a Grammy Award. A March 1963 sequel, “The First Family Volume Two,” became a second hit.

President Kennedy had reportedly enjoyed the sendup — Jackie, not so much — and went so far as to hand out copies of the first LP as Christmas gifts.

On that infamous November Friday afternoon, celebrity Vaughn Meader vanished and was reborn as anonymous Abbott Meader. (Vaughn was his middle name). Copies of his discs were yanked from record store shelves and destroyed, Cadence Records not wanting to appear to be “cashing in” on the tragedy. Meader never did his JFK impression again.

For the next few years, he drifted in and out of alcoholism and drug abuse. In the late 1960s, he experienced a

VAUGHN MEADER religious awakening and in 1970 recorded an album called “The Second Coming,” on which he played a hip Jesus. It didn’t sell.

Meader married four times and divorced three. In later years, he managed a restaurant in Hallowell, Maine, where he became a part-time singing

Licensed Memory Care Assisted Living

pianist who offered sometimesperplexed customers a peculiar mix of gospel and bluegrass tunes.

A lifelong smoker, Meader developed chronic pulmonary disease. To help pay his mounting medical expenses, he sold the movie rights to his life story. The film was never made.

He died at age 68 in October 2004, his little-noted passing a far cry from the time when JFK greeted a Democratic Party-event crowd by wryly announcing with a grin, “Vaughn Meader was busy tonight, so I came myself.”

The passing of cash

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Designed for those with Memory Challenges Secured Community and Courtyard Certified Dementia Practictioners on Staff State-of-the-Art Technology Fall Monitoring

“New Directions”® Tiered Programming Delicious Chef-prepared Meals and Snacks 24-Hour Nursing Care Therapy Respite Stays

SB-569148-1

View all upcoming events online at NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com.

574-247-1866

1409 E. Day Road ka,, IN 46545 Mishawaka,

www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com

Cash used to be king.

But the gradual disappearance of hard-earned money has been accelerated by the COVID-19 shutdowns and mandates that have led to retail outlets refusing to accept cash they fear can carry the constantly adapting virus.

The growing acceptance and usage of online purchasing has also diminished the value of cash.

Credit and debit cards, cellphone apps that transmit payments and electronic storage of money are just a few of the more familiar methods of money management.

Not recognizable by many folks is the mushrooming trade in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, which processes financial transactions in cyberspace.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

AARP opens discount doors to travel

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features An American Association of Retired Persons’ membership is also a ticket to discounted travel.

The membership card can open doors to discounted pricing on airlines, car rentals, hotels, cruise lines and tour packages ranging from British Airways to the Grand Canyon Railway.

You can also shop for a senior discount lifetime pass to the more than 440 sites overseen by the National Park Service.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021