55 and Better — April 25, 2023

PASSIONAL PAINTER

Carmel resident donates watercolors to nonprofit

Cancer care as convenient as it is leading-edge. iuhealth.org/cancer

Balance: A conundrum of life, but there are answers

Commentary by Tom Weesner

In our early adult years, we often struggled with balance. We asked, “How can we get everything done and balance what is really important in life?”

Webster’s Dictionary’s first definition of balance fits this early part of our life: “Striving to have different elements in the correct proportions.” Whether it was our careers, family, bills, or volunteering, balancing priorities when we were young was challenging.

When we reach our retirement years, we have our proportion balance of time figured out – activities with children and grandchildren, hobbies and serving others. Now, Webster’s second definition of balance becomes relevant: “An even distribution of weight allowing one to physically stay upright and steady.”

We again start struggling to keep our balance –only this time, it is our physical balance. We have less mobility and strength, yet here we are, with time for the grandkids and hobbies, and we don’t feel our best. We work hard our whole life, striving to balance time for what is really important, only to have a new challenge arise — our physical balance.

There is good news! We can create better physical balance for our bodies.

According to Dr. Carol Weesner, medical director at Motion 4 Life Fitness, “Despite the many age-related changes that contribute to balance and mobility

issues, growing evidence suggests we can reverse, or at least slow, the rate of decline. Proper exercise as

a stand-alone strategy has shown improvements in balance and mobility and reduction in fall risk and fall incidents for older adults.”

The National Association of Sports Medicine states, “Early in life, your eyes, ears, muscles, brain and nerves learn to work together to keep you upright and steady on your feet. But with age, balancing skills tend to become less dependable, especially if you don’t use them regularly. Staying physically active can help you keep your balance as you age by keeping your nerves, muscles and reflexes in good working order.”

Weesner agrees and emphasizes, “Many falls are preventable. A balance assessment, physical activity program and home safety modifications have been shown to significantly lower fall risk and incidents.”

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Rumi, the 13th-century poet, stated, “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” Schedule a balance and gait assessment today, so you can let go of your physical balance fears and hold on to your grandkids a little tighter.”

Leon Walker works out at Motion 4 Life Fitness. (Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life Fitness)

Tom Weesner is the president of Motion 4 Life Fitness

Life remains busy for Sycamore Reserve resident

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

Darlene Park has traveled the world, with Greece and Italy among her favorite stops, though she said, “I’ve loved everywhere I’ve been.”

She estimates she has been on 25 to 30 cruises.

And she counts Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland (she volunteered in the children’s correspondence department at the White House while there) and Mississippi among places she has called home.

Her journey has led her to Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis, where Park, 77, has resided since February 2022. Although her globetrotting days might be behind her, Park continues to lead an active life, one filled with friends, outings to watch plays, dining out, games and a book club she started at Sycamore Reserve.

“I’ve led a very full life. I’ve been very active everywhere I’ve been,” she said.

Park was living in the Gulfport-Biloxi area of Mississippi with her second husband, Richard Park, when he was moved into an assisted living facility because of Parkinson’s disease. While he was there, Darlene Park developed an eye condition, blepharospasm, and also fell and broke her leg.

Richard Park died in January 2021. Their house would be too difficult for Darlene Park to maintain alone, especially in hurricane country. With the help of CarePatrol Senior Placement Services, she began looking for independent senior living facilities in Indianapolis. She had lived in Indianapolis previously; it’s where she met Richard, and she has friends in the area.

Living at Sycamore Reserve has given her peace of mind. The staff make her feel at home.

“They’re wonderful here,” she said. “No. 1, your stress level comes down so much because you don’t have to worry about a house, meals, transportation, socialization. You’re still independent. You can come and go.”

Park also is thankful that pets are allowed. She has two Siamese cats.

When she’s not out and about, Park enjoys games and books. She and a small group of fellow Sycamore Reserve residents play an American version of mahjong, a tile-based Chinese game. And Park belongs to three books clubs, including one in Mississippi she stays in touch with via FaceTime.

Park said she is pleased the Sycamore Reserve book club has nine members. They read a book and meet for discussion, and perhaps some wine, on the second Monday of each month. She is surprised at how well the book club has been received.

“I didn’t think it would work,” she said, laughing. “We have the best of the best in the book club.”

Park misses her friends and other aspects of her life in Mississippi, including golf and her involvement with philanthropic efforts. Although she is happy and active at Sycamore Reserve, Park, who worked in the travel industry for 29 years, also misses frequent travels.

“I’m hoping it’s not over with completely,” she said. “I’ve been so many places, done so much. If it’s over, it’s over. Unfortunately, there comes a time in everybody’s life when things are going to change. It’s got to be accepted. I think I’m able to do that.”

Tana Meko, Hammertoe Patient

“To be able to have the procedure done in the office and walk out with only an exercise to do and no pain is marvelous! I hated wearing the boot for several weeks after my prior hammertoe surgery. I can now wear any shoes that I want. My toes no longer turn under!”

Darlene Park has lived at Sycamore Reserve since February 2022.(Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reserve)

Early intervention crucial to foot health

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

As the years pass, our bodies change, and unfortunately, our feet don’t escape unaffected by this aging process. Foot problems typically begin in our 40s and 50s. Visiting our office at the first sign of a foot problem and maintaining regular visits can help you continue an active lifestyle and keep your independence as you age.

Common foot conditions in older adults

Early intervention can help to ensure that these common foot conditions don’t limit your mobility or

quality of life.

Heel pain

Your plantar fascia is the band of connective tissue running from your heel along the bottom of your foot. When your Achilles tendon tightens, it causes your plantar fascia to strain, causing inflammation and pain called plantar fasciitis. We can treat your pain and relieve the inflammation.

Bunions

While often caused by heredity, bunions develop over time and are typically the result of internal pressure on your big toe joint. Other contributing factors

can include wearing narrow shoes and high heels. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the bunion.

Hammertoes

This toe deformity develops when your weakened toe muscles change your body’s physical structure. Your toe may appear bent, with the toe joint rising prominently. At our office, we offer the flexor tenotomy – an in-office, incision-free procedure.

Continued on Page 7

Get one-on-one help with your Medicare questions.

I’m Vicki Reasner, a licensed sales agent in Boone, Hamilton and Central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience to:

I’m Vicki Reasner, a licensed sales agent in Boone, Hamilton and Central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of my knowledge and experience to:

• Take the confusion out of Medicare

• Take the confusion out of Medicare

• Get help comparing plans

• Receive one-on-one service

• Receive one-on-one service

• Make enrolling in a plan easier

• Get help comparing plans

I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence.

• Make enrolling in a plan easier I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence.

It’s time to take advantage.

Vicki Reasner

Licensed Sales Agent 3174072807, TTY 711

vsreasner@gmail.com

www.MyUHCagent.com/vicki.reasner

Three tips for protecting your estate in an economic downturn

Commentary by Lisa Dillman

The current economic landscape has rattled the confidence of all of us. Though the future can seem uncertain, there are steps you can take to set yourself up for success and protect your estate from longterm consequences.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few tips for protecting your estate in times of uncertainty:

• Prioritize a thorough estate and asset protection plan: People often think of estate planning as a luxury, not a necessity, during economic downturns, but the opposite couldn’t be truer. Investing in an estate plan ensures you, your beneficiaries and your assets are safeguarded during turbulent times and is a small price to pay to protect your nest egg.

• Review your investment strategy: Now is a good time to sit down with your financial advisor and review your portfolio. How do you hold your wealth? Whether it is in cash, real estate, stocks or bonds – evaluate your assets and determine if any tweaks or changes need to be made.

• Consider tax liability: During periods of inflation, real estate often sees a price increase. If you own real estate, this increase in value could expose your beneficiaries to future tax liability. There are ways to avoid this liability with vehicles like irrevocable trusts and charitable trusts. For example, assets held in an irrevocable trust generally become exempt from the grantor’s taxable estate. If real estate is part of your portfolio, consider these tools for reducing tax liability.

If you’re overwhelmed or feeling unsure, we encourage you to turn to your key advisors, such as your attorney, financial planner, and accountant, to review and discuss your estate plan. By planning in advance, you and your family have more options, control and peace of mind.

Continued from Page 6

Arthritis

You may notice arthritis symptoms in your foot and ankle. Unfortunately, we can’t cure osteoarthritis. But we can slow its progression with early intervention and monitoring.

Diabetes-related problems

Diabetes can be tough on the feet. We’ll thoroughly examine your feet and look for sores that aren’t healing and a loss of feeling in your feet.

Getting older means changes, but those changes don’t have to add up to foot pain. With early intervention and regular appointments, we can keep those changes from affecting your mobility and quality of life.

A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

Lisa Dillman is an attorney at Applegate & Dillman Elder Law. The firm has offices in Indianapolis, Carmel and Zionsville. Find out more at applegate-dillman.com.

“If you’re overwhelmed or feeling unsure, we encourage you to turn to your key advisors, such as your attorney, financial planner, and accountant, to review and discuss your estate plan.”

TRANSORAL ROBOTIC SURGERY: COULD YOU BE A CANDIDATE?

Expert: Dr. Michael W. Sim, surgeon specializing in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

April is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness

Month, a time to bring awareness to these conditions. For some head and neck cancers, tumors form in the back of the throat and voice box. These areas are normally difficult to reach. Thankfully, advancements in robotic surgery technology, such as transoral robotic surgery, has helped surgeons reach these areas.

What are head and neck cancers?

Head and neck cancers are, as they sound, any cancers that occur within the head and the neck. Many types of cancer fall under this category. This includes those on the skin of the head and neck, inside the nose and sinuses, mouth and throat, salivary glands, thyroid gland and at the base of the skull.

What is transoral robotic surgery (TORS)?

TORS is a robotic surgery technique that allows for removal of tumors in difficult-toreach areas of the back of the throat and voice box. It is a minimally invasive procedure with access through the mouth. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia where you will be completely asleep. A surgeon operates the specialized robotic arms. This allows for grasping and precise incisions (small cuts) in the tissue. It also gives 3D and magnified views of the affected area.

Surgeons at IU Health are the first in Indiana to perform this robotic surgery with the newest, state-of-the-art robotic platform that uses a single port for the robotic instruments. This procedure is performed at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel as well as IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis.

What is TORS used to treat?

TORS is used to treat:

• Oropharynx cancer, including tumors of the tonsil, tongue base and upper throat

• Larynx cancer, including tumors of the upper part of the voice box

• Hypopharynx cancer, including tumors of the lower throat

• Lingual tonsil hypertrophy and lingual tonsillitis, over-enlarged tonsil tissue at the tongue base that can affect breathing and swallowing and cause chronic infection

What are the benefits of TORS?

The benefits of TORS include:

• Shorter operative times for patients compared to open surgery

• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

• Decreased risk of long-term swallowing and speech issues

• Reduced amount of radiation and chemotherapy needed, and sometimes even no need for further treatment after the procedure

What are the risks of TORS?

The risks of the procedure include:

• Postoperative bleeding

• Difficulty breathing

• Pneumonia

• Difficulty swallowing

What is HPV-positive oropharynx cancer, and how does it relate to TORS?

Currently close to 70% of throat cancers in the U.S. are caused by HPV infections. It is more common in men. HPV-positive throat cancer affects men four times more than women.

HPV-positive throat cancer surpassed cervical cancer as the most common HPV-related cancer in the U.S. Fortunately, HPV-positive oropharynx cancer is very treatable. For qualified patients, TORS allows reduced radiation treatments and eliminates the need for chemotherapy.

The Indiana University Robotic Head and Neck Surgery Program is conducting a clinical trial to study the effects of the reduced radiation after surgery. It is one of the few head and neck surgical trials in the nation, and the only one primarily done in Indiana.

Am I a candidate for transoral robotic surgery? This will depend on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the amount of lymph node spread in the neck, and overall health of the patient. In general, smaller tumors in the throat are ideal for TORS, but patients will need to be evaluated in the office to see if the surgery is right for them.

How do I know which treatment route is best for me? Fortunately, HPV-associated throat cancer is very treatable. Both nonsurgical treatment via chemotherapy and radiation and surgical treatment via TORS are highly effective treatment methods. At IU Health, patients are evaluated by head and neck surgical oncologists.. Their cases are then presented to a team of head and neck cancer experts across many specialties. These providers come to an agreement about the best treatment options for patients. This allows for the highest level of care possible for best outcomes.

Learn more about IU Health’s transoral robotic surgery program at iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/ transoral-robotic-surgery-tors.

Michael W. Sim, MD

Surgeons at IU Health are the first in Indiana to perform this robotic surgery with the newest, state-of-the-art robotic platform that uses a single port for the robotic instruments. This procedure is performed at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel as well as IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis.

Cancer care as convenient as it is leading-edge.

Patients facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey turn to Indiana University Health seeking highly skilled and compassionate care from our pioneering team—a partnership between Indiana University Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine. At the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center, that team approach to care is delivered in a remarkable healing environment. IU Health knows the cancer journey can be difficult for patients and their family, which is why we are committed to caring for patients close to home.

Carmel resident donates watercolors to nonprofit

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Susan Langeman found it’s never too late to master a new skill.

The 82-year-old Carmel resident took up painting with watercolors five years ago.

“I had never done watercolors before and it was always kind of intimidating to me, but I love it. It’s really nice,” Langeman said  Langeman said there was a group at PrimeLife Enrichment in Carmel painting with watercolors.

“I’ve done oils and that is really easy,” Langeman said. “I really liked that, but I thought I’d be afraid because once you put it on, it’s on. It’s not like oils. I started with it, and it’s been wonderful. I really enjoy it.”

She takes a 2 1/2-hour class on Wednesdays at PrimeLife.

Langeman displays her paintings at PrimeLife and she has donated them to the Indiana Wish Fund, which auctions the paintings off and keeps the proceeds.

“The first one I did was a head of a lady with lots of colored hair,” she said. “It was kind of wild looking. They got $400 for that one, which I was so thrilled because I’ve never sold one before. I usually give them away. I’m glad they can get something for them. For me, it’s just fun to do. I can get lost in it. It’s like being in another world. It’s good therapy. It encompasses you.”

Langeman, who has arthritis in her ankles and hands, said painting helps her hands because of the constant movement.

“When you really love doing something, nothing stands in your way,” she said.

Langeman, an education major, took an art course at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne.

“My roommate happened to be an art major,” Langeman said. “I had to do art work for an advertisement, and the teacher said, ‘That’s not your work, that’s your roommate’s work.’ I said, ‘No, it’s not. It’s mine.’ Anything I did in the class she never gave me an A because she figured it was my roommate’s work. So, I thought I didn’t want to have anything to do with art, until we had five kids and I was homebound. I started painting on glass and painting little jars. It was cartoony-type stuff that I did. I got into doing crafts and I used to sell a lot of crafts.”

Continued on Page 11

Susan Langeman works on her watercolors at her Carmel home. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Langeman said two stores in New York and one in Connecticut regularly purchased her crafts. There would be items such as mice dressed in vests. She taught crafts at a community center in Richfield, Conn,

Langeman is from Flushing, N.Y., and her husband, Walt, is from Canada. They met in Fort Wayne while he was attending Indiana Tech.

The couple, who have been married for 60 years, moved to Carmel from New Jersey in 1987. Their youngest two children, Michael and Cindy, graduated from Carmel High School. The oldest three children are Debbie, Nancy and Carol. Carol and Cindy live in Pendleton. Debbie and Nancy live in Fishers, and Michael lives in Carmel. Langeman has 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Langeman taught third and fourth grade at St. Luke Catholic School in

Indianapolis.

“I taught religious education for 58 years. COVID put me out of business,” Langeman said.

When she stopped working, she was the coordinator for the second-grade religious education program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

When the couple opened Langeman’s Deli and Bagel in the early 1990s, Langeman didn’t have time for art, working 75-plus hours a week. They had three locations at one time.

“I’d start at 4:30 in the morning and sometimes I wouldn’t get home until 10 at night,” she said. “We met some lovely people because I was in the deli part. The one at 86th Street and Ditch Road was a goldmine. It was close to the hospital, and we closed at 2 p.m.”

However, she said when a new owner bought the Greenbriar Shopping Center, it wasn’t renewing leases. The last Langeman Deli, which was open for dinner, was on 79th Street in Indianapolis.

ACTIVE PRIMELIFE MEMBER

Susan Langeman said she spends four to five hours a week painting.

Langeman also participates in four classes a week in water aerobics.

“I used to do six classes, but they changed the time for art class and the water aerobics and they didn’t coincide,” she said.

When she saw the PrimeLife painting class, it piqued her interest.

Walt said PrimeLife has spurred his wife’s painting passion.

“PrimeLife is a godsend. There are so many elderly people and that’s their only means of communication,” he said. “There are so many activities.”

Although she admitted she might be biased, Nancy said her mother’s paintings are phenomenal.

“She creates the artwork and my dad frames it for her, meticulously cutting the backings and wrapping the hangers,” Nancy said.

Susan Langeman pauses with one of her watercolors at her Carmel home. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Welcome to Cousins’ Camp and Camp Grandma

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

Marilyn Hobbs and Roxy Wiley developed a friendship in the late 1960s when they were students at Butler University.

Now grandmothers, the Carmel residents have utilized the camp experience as a means of becoming closer with their offspring’s offspring.

Welcome to Cousins’ Camp and Camp Grandma.

Hobbs and her husband, Charles, have 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 22 to 4. Each year, the couple works around their grandchildren’s school activities, vacations and the like to pinpoint a two- to three-day window of time for everyone to be under the same roof.

Hobbs’ family refers to this longstanding tradition as Cousins’ Camp. Or so it says on the rainbow of T-shirts silk-screened annually since the inaugural Cousins’ Camp (there are 15 different ones to this point).

“I had seen an article about it, and my husband and I started ours in 2008. There were four grandchildren at that time,” Hobbs said. “We wanted to get to know our grandchildren, and we wanted our grandchildren to know us.”

Activities range from a round or two of miniature golf, ceramics, a family kickball game and much more.

“If you try something new, it’s a tradition. The more good memories, the better,” Hobbs said. “They get to see how we operate, and we get to see their personalities emerge.”

Wiley’s experiences have been just as enriching.

A longtime resident of LaPorte before moving to Carmel last August, Wiley recently published a book, “DIY (Do It Yourself) Camp Grandma: a handbook to create an extraordinary experience for grandchildren.”

“I’m a retired teacher. I love kids,” Wiley said. “And I feel everything we can give kids in a positive direction, it’s really important. It’s to create great memories for them. I started it when my five grandkids were preschoolers, and they’re 17 all the way up to 23 now.”

Cousins’ Camp and Camp Grandma are local examples of how bridging generations and uniting cousins can take place despite whatever geographical hurdles might exist in a particular family.

The name chosen depends on the family, though “Camp” tends to be included more often than not.

“One of my main goals was for the cousins to know each other. At that point, their families were in different parts of Indiana,” Wiley said. “Now, one family is in Indiana, and the other in California. But they’re on social media with each other all of the time.”

Now that all her grandkids are older, Wiley and her husband, Gerry, had their final Camp Grandma with a trip to Disney World in December of 2021.

Dr. Charles Hobbs and his wife, Marilyn, with their 10 grandchildren and the T-shirts representing past Cousins’ Camp get-togethers since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Hobbs family)

Her objective now is to spread the word.

Wiley’s 170-page paperback book reveals 10 steps for grandparents to take to make such a camp a reality in their family. Examples and recommendations are provided so that lifelong memories can be made.

It is available for $14.99 at All Things Carmel, 110 W. Main Street, and MacArthur Books, 2169 Glebe St., Suite 100a, both in Carmel. It can also be purchased on Amazon.com and barnesandnoble. com.

Gerry and Roxy Wiley celebrated their final Camp Grandma with a trip to Disney World with their five grandkids in December of 2021. (Photo courtesy of Roxy Wiley)

“I’m a retired teacher. I love kids. And I feel everything we can give kids in a positive direction, it’s really important. It’s to create great memories for them.

I started it when my five grandkids were preschoolers, and they’re 17 all the way up to 23 now.”

– Roxy Wiley

What is mobile occupational and physical therapy?

Commentary by Linda Barnes

Occupational therapy and physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that incorporates different techniques and procedures to help individuals to regain their motion, improve daily living activities, such as walking, balance, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, bathing/ dressing, home safety, fall prevention, maintaining flexibility, etc.

How can occupational and physical therapy benefit you at home? Our OT and PTs are state-licensed therapists who have years of in-home therapy experience that will work with you individually in the comfort of your own home to promote independence.

Have you had recent surgery and need rehabilitation? Do you have chronic pain? Do you want to try to stay in your own home, but need some adaptations to stay there? Do you want to maintain your current function so you can stay at home? Don’t have a ride to your PT appointment?

You do not have to be homebound to receive these and more services. These services are covered through Medicare Part B and your secondary insurance. There is typically minimal or no cost to you.

Some advantages include the following but are not limited to:

• Avoid taxing effort when leaving your home

• Avoid waiting rooms

• Avoid driving to the clinic

• Same therapist with each visit

• Appointments are built around your schedule

• No homebound restrictions

If you have arthritic pain, chronic back pain, need post-surgical rehabilitation, adaptive equipment needs, chronic medical condition, Therapy on Wheels can help. We also provide maintenance therapy once you have reached your goals. This will allow you to maintain your level of independence and stay in your own home. Please call our office 317-3329861 for more information or have your physician fax a referral to 317-893-4453.

Linda Barnes is the owner/president of Therapy on Wheels, Inc.

Marquette is a not-for-pro t senior living community, giving you the life you want to live. With a wide variety of beautifully designed residential options and maintenance-free living, our community gives you the exibility and control over everything you do.

Spiritually connect with us at 4 p.m. daily for Mass in our beautiful chapel. Our community also offers various dining venues, a state-of-the-art aquatic center, and wellness programs for endless opportunities — and it’s all just steps from your front door.

SPRING Move-In Special

Auction house offers senior relocation services

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tim Maniscalo was quickly convinced of the value of Scheerer McCulloch’s services.

When Maniscalo’s father Tom died at age 93 two years ago in Fort Wayne, his family called the auction house, which is based in Fort Wayne.

living home.

Independent Senior Living

Tired of Spring cleaning, cutting grass, cleaning out flower beds, and pulling weeds? Live a maintenancefree life at Sycamore Reserve Senior Living. Let us take care of all those things while you relax and spend time doing the things you love.

Come check out our garden, meet residents, enjoy lunch or dinner with us, or stay a night and see how much you will love living here.

• Month-to-Month Lease

• Gourmet Dining

• Transportation

• Weekly Housekeeping

• Activities & Social Calendar

• 24-Hour On-Site Staff

• Resident Check-In

• Emergency Pendant

• Utilities (Power, Water, Trash)

• High-Speed Internet (WiFi)

• HD Cable TV

“There were five kids in the family and none of them lived in Fort Wayne,” Maniscalo said. “My mother had passed away a few years before that, and we were in a situation where we had all of his possessions. He was a big model train collector. We were just kind of overwhelmed with the whole task. How do we sell this house? Who do we go to sell the trains and things like that? He was a little bit of a pack rat, so we had a lot of stuff he kept over the years.”

Owner Tim McCulloch told him about the complete turnkey service.

“They came in and auctioned off all the personal possessions, furniture, his trains, anything that had value,” Maniscalo said. “They cleaned up the house. The house appraised at $194,000. We sold it that night at a live auction for $254,000. It was a great service, and the way they performed was just great.”

In early 2022, McCulloch called Maniscalo to tell him he wanted to establish Scheerer McCulloch in central Indiana and would Maniscalo be interested in joining.

“Having experienced the service, I thought it would be a great way to end my career,” said Maniscalo, who became a senior vice president in April 2022. “It was a great opportunity for me. It’s a unique offering we have.”

A Zionsville resident, Maniscalo previously worked for eight years as president and chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau, serving central Indiana. Prior to that, he worked 30 years at Dow AgroSciences.

Maniscalo said the goal is to specialize in either downsizing for those that want to move to a smaller home or perhaps a senior living or assisted

“We specialize in taking the hassle out of downsizing and maximizing the revenue that someone gets for all of their things in their estate,” he said. “We don’t buy your furniture or your car or your house on the cheap. Our goals are very much in line with the owners’ goals or the heirs’ goals.”

For instance, if a senior has a health issue and has to move into assisted living after getting out of rehab, Sheerer McCulloch’s senior relocation service sets up an online auction to sell possessions that wouldn’t be moved.

“We have a trash removal service,” Maniscalo said. “We’ll market the house for about 30 or 40 days. We’ll have two open houses and then do an auction for the real estate. We can do any of those services or we can do all of them.

“If someone wants to have a traditional Realtor, we could still take care of all the personal possessions and get the house ready to show.”

Maniscalo said his team can take photos of possessions and then offer an estimate range on the high and low ends. The same procedure is true for the house. Sheerer McColloch would include in the proposal its expenses costs and commission to give the person an idea what to expect from the estate auction.

Maniscalo said the company is focused on quality.

“Tim McCulloch wants to make certain that everyone is served professionally, and that’s why he does the hiring, because he wants to make sure he has control over that,” Maniscalo said. “We want to make sure when someone comes into your house and we perform a service that we’re professional, we do what we say we’re going to do (and) hopefully under-promise and over-deliver.”

Maniscalo said auctions typically start on a Monday and last a week.

For more, visit scheerermcculloch. com.

Maniscalo

Hamilton County Courts warn of jury duty scam

The Hamilton County Courts are warning residents about a jury duty scam that has bilked dozens of people out of thousands of dollars. Scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed jury duty and have to pay a fine. Victims have reportedly lost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 through gift cards and mobile payments like Zelle and Venmo.

“This scam has been around for a long time,” Capt. Scott Pass with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Unfortunately, the scammers are getting more persistent and convincing, at times posing as sheriff’s deputies and dropping the real names of local judges to add legitimacy to the call. They have also figured out how to spoof their phone numbers to make it look as though the call is local — and in some cases coming from the sheriff’s office.”

When in doubt, Court Administrator Jill Acklin recommends residents hang up and call 317-776-8589.

courts!

Acklin

“These scammers will try to keep you on the phone and threaten legal action if you hang up, but please know we would never do that,” Acklin stated. “Chances are, if you haven’t received a summons or answered a jury questionnaire recently, you have not missed jury duty.”

Pass said the scammers seem to be targeting professionals like attorneys and doctors, who may fear having their licenses revoked if they’re found in contempt of court.

“Please know the Sheriff’s Office would never call you about jury duty and would certainly never ask for money over the phone,” Acklin stated.

Acklin said the same is true with the courts.

“We collect all fines through the Clerk’s Office and would certainly never accept gift cards or payment through mobile apps like Zelle,” Acklin stated. “Plus, if you miss jury duty, chances are we’ll probably call and ask you to reschedule to another date.”

Age restrictions apply to the occupants/owners in this community as permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This means for some communities that a designated percentage of the homes in the community must be occupied by at least one person 55 years or older (80% or 100%, depending on the community). There may also be minimum age requirements for other residents in the home, and/or a certain number of younger residents permitted in the community. These communities publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as age 55 or older housing, and comply with HUD’s rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature Sq. ft. is estimated; actual sq. ft will differ. Prices do not include closing costs and other fees to be paid by buyer (including a builder fee, if applicable, as described