55 and Better — July 30, 2024 by Current Publishing

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Sussan O., patient

Physical therapy plan key after total knee replacement surgery

Compiled by the staff of Therapy On Wheels

More than 600,000 total knee replacement procedures are performed each year in the United States. As our population ages and obesity levels continue to increase, knee replacement surgeries are expected to increase.

One of the most important success factors following a total knee replacement is physical therapy and a lifelong exercise program.

Physical therapy typically begins during the hospital stay with the initial goal of getting the individual up and walking, decreasing swelling in the knee and increasing range of motion. On the day of surgery, you likely will be using a walker and taking a few steps with the physical therapist.

In the next few weeks, you will be doing a variety of exercises with the therapist, including — but not limited to — leg raises, ankle pumps, knee straightening and supported knee bends with a goal of reaching 90-degree flexion.

In three to six weeks, you can expect use of a cane or no device at all for walking. You will start doing normal daily tasks at home, such as making your own coffee, showering, dressing, etc. You will also work on scar mobilization and strengthening as you progress.

In seven to 12 weeks, you should have a wide range of motion and will continue with scar mobilization and strengthening as needed.

Therapy On Wheels physical therapists can help you recover from your knee replacement in the comfort of your own home as an outpatient. Contact the office at 317-332-9861 for information or visit our website at therapyonwheelsinc.com.

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Applegate & Dillman’s Young Adult Advance

Seniors benefit from visits to podiatrist

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf

As people age, foot health becomes increasingly important, and seeing a podiatrist can be essential for maintaining healthy feet and overall well-being. For individuals above the age of 55, there are several reasons why it is beneficial to schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist. One of the primary reasons to see a podiatrist for people 55 and older is to address any existing foot conditions or injuries. As we age, our feet are more

prone to developing various issues such as bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses and fungal infections. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort and difficulty walking, making it essential to seek professional treatment from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the feet, diagnose any problems and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

Additionally, podiatrists can help older adults manage chronic conditions that may affect foot health, such as diabetes and arthritis. Diabetes can

lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, increasing the risk of developing foot ulcers and infections. Arthritis can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints of the feet, making it challenging to move around comfortably. Podiatrists can work with patients to develop personalized care plans to effectively manage these conditions and minimize their impact on foot health.

Furthermore, podiatrists can provide valuable guidance on proper foot care and footwear for older

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How much water do you need each day?

Commentary by Tasha Lane

Water is the most essential nutrient you put into your system each day. Without it, your body could only survive for about three days, depending on your current hydration status

Unfortunately, there is not one simple answer to this question. Hydration needs can be affected by many factors, including activity level, time of year (hot or cold), sex, age, medications and general health status. If you have a specific health condition, such as kidney disease or congestive heart failure, for example, you should follow the specific guidelines given to you by your provider or care team.

Adequate hydration is important for food digestion, nutrient absorption, blood pressure, temperature control, joint and muscle health, as well as most metabolic functions. For clarification, I am going to place water into the category of “fluid intake.” The reason for this is because fluids such as milk, juice, coffee and other drinks provide hydration as well. Dietary habits are also vital because foods can provide approximately 20 percent of fluid needs when fruits and vegetables are part of your daily diet routine.

As we age, the chemistry in our body changes, and we start to not “feel” thirsty. There is reduced function in our kidneys and less capacity to store fluids. Think about those nightly trips to the bathroom! All of this

can make staying hydrated difficult.

Standard recommendations

According to the Institute of Medicine, males aged 19 and older should drink approximately 13 cups (8 oz. per cup) of fluids per day and females aged 19 and older should drink approximately 9 cups per day. As a general rule for the aging population, the National Council of Aging recommends calculating one-third of your body weight and drinking an equal number of ounces of fluid per day. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should drink about 40 ounces, or five cups, of fluids.

How do I know if I am getting enough water?

Symptoms of dehydration can include dizziness, confusion (decreased cognitive function), frequent urinary tract infections, abnormal or unexplained fatigue or weakness, dry mouth and muscle cramps. One common way to detect dehydration early is to pay attention to your urine. If you are going to the bathroom less frequently or have dark-yellow urine with a strong odor, you could be under-hydrated.

How to make hydration easier!

One way to increase fluid intake is to increase foods that are higher in water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, berries and tomatoes. Adding soups, stews and broths to your menu can also help, especially during colder weather.

Many individuals I work with have stated they get bored with water. Try adding some fruit slices to your

Symptoms of dehydration can include dizziness, confusion (decreased cognitive function), frequent urinary tract infections, abnormal or unexplained fatigue or weakness, dry mouth and muscle cramps.

— Tasha Lane

water. Cucumber slices and cut up mint leaves is one of my favorite combinations.

Fluid intake should be part of your daily routine. If you get used to always having some type of fluid with you, it makes consistent intake easier. There are also reusable containers that have timed-graduated markings on them to help you stay on target.

Getting enough fluid intake each day is an important, often missed, part of overall health and wellness. If you are still concerned with your fluid intake, consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian for more information.

Lin, Kim, Benita, Mary Jane, Anne, Jill and Jane

Tasha Lane is a personal trainer, Motion 4 Life Fitness and registered dietitian with Tasha Lane Health and Wellness.

Sycamore Reserve resident enjoys retirement

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

Don Holst has lived quite the life.

The native of Lafayette was born into a large family during the Depression. A U.S. Air Force and Korean War veteran who retired after several years ago as the owner of a travel agency, Holst is enjoying life at the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living facility in Indianapolis.

ing, but a failed eye test prevented him from flying. However, he continued his military career in a variety of nonflying roles.

While stationed in Utah, Holst met his wife, Janet, and was soon sent to Japan and South Korea. He also was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, and at Travis Air Force base in California. He also made up for not participating in sports in high school by taking up bowling, softball and volleyball in the Air Force.

He left the military in 1956 as a staff sergeant.

“I love it here,” Holst said. “It’s a fantastic place and everybody here says that, too. I’ve worked on a farm, been a dishwasher, busboy, soda jerk, waiter, detasseled corn, usher. I’ve always worked and there wasn’t always time to study for school or play sports.”

Holst, 91, did all this before joining the Air Force in 1952.

Holst was on his way to pilot train-

Holst has been married to Janet, also 91, for 71 years. They have three adult children — a son and two daughters — along with four grandchildren.

Holst has also been quite a traveler, which makes sense as he owned and

Continued on Page 7

Shao,

Holst

Continued from Page 6

operated a travel agency for several years.

“I’ve been a little bit everywhere,” Holst said. “I’ve traveled throughout the world and the United States with my wife and have enjoyed it.”

Holst has traveled to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong and Tahiti, among other destinations, and been on more than a dozen cruises.

A Purdue University fan, Holst has been a member of the John Purdue Club for more than 30 years and has struck up friendships with Boilermaker men’s basketball coach Matt Painter and former coach Gene Keady.

“I never went to Purdue, but I had the best basketball seats and used to travel with the team,” Holst said. “Even one time I sat on the bench with Gene. He’s a great guy.”

Shepherd’s Center social program –Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County hosts free social programs for residents 55 and older. The Together Today program is an opportunity for seniors to play cards, enjoy games, engage in conversations and attend educational programs. Together Today meets throughout Hamilton County. Monday sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Church, 504 E. 146th St. in Noblesville. Tuesday sessions begin at 9 a.m. at CrossRoads Church, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. in Westfield. In Carmel, the group meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 E. 106th St. Thursday sessions in Fishers are 10:30 a.m. at Christ The Savior Lutheran Church, 10500 E. 126th St. The Friday group meets at 9:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1207 Conner St. in Noblesville. Learn more at shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org.

Continued from Page 4

adults. They can offer advice on foot exercises to improve strength and flexibility, recommend orthotic inserts or custom-made shoes to provide support and relieve pressure on problem areas and educate.

Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are both board-certified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.

Stay Fit. Stay Connected. Stay Inspired.

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. Call (317) 875-9700 or visit MarquetteSeniorLiving.org to schedule a personal appointment.

ADVERTORIAL

UNDERSTANDING OSTEOPOROSIS: A GUIDE FOR ADULTS 55 AND OLDER

By Hannah Mies, orthopedic surgery nurse practitioner at IU Health Saxony’s Osteoporosis Clinic

As we age, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important.

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over 55. Understanding osteoporosis, its causes, risk factors and preventive measures can help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone. This imbalance leads to bones becoming porous, brittle and more susceptible to fractures. Common fracture sites include the hip, spine, shoulder and wrist, which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

RISK

FACTORS

Several factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

1. Age: Bone density naturally decreases with age.

2. Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, especially post-menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels.

3. Family history: A family history of osteoporosis or fractures can increase risk.

4. Body frame size: Individuals with smaller, thinner frames have a higher risk because they have less bone mass to draw from as they age.

5. Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine consumption, smoking and poor nutrition can contribute to bone loss.

SYMPTOMS

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it progresses without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, some signs can include:

• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra

• Loss of height over time

• A stooped posture

• Bone fractures that occur more easily than expected

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing osteoporosis typically involves a bone density test called a DEXA scan (DualEnergy X-ray Absorptiometry). This test measures bone mineral density (BMD) and helps to predict the risk of fractures.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

While some risk factors like age and genetics are beyond control, there are several strategies to help prevent and manage osteoporosis:

1. Nutrition: Ensure a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are excellent sources. Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, can be obtained from sunlight and certain foods or supplements.

2. Exercise: Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Activities like walking, jogging, dancing and lifting weights can help maintain bone density.

3. Lifestyle choices: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking accelerates bone loss, and excessive alcohol can interfere with the body’s calcium balance.

4. Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help strengthen bones. Bisphosphonates, hormone-related therapy and other medications can slow bone loss and increase bone density.

5. Fall prevention: Reduce the risk of falls by ensuring your living environment is safe. Use assistive devices if necessary, improve home lighting and remove tripping hazards.

LIVING WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

For those diagnosed with osteoporosis, managing the condition involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial to monitor bone health and adjust treatment plans as needed. Support groups and education programs can also provide valuable resources and emotional support.

Osteoporosis is a significant health concern for adults over 55, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, its impact can be minimized. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive strategies, you can take steps to protect your bone health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Prioritize regular screenings, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

If you have questions or would like to speak with an IU Health expert, visit iuhealth.org/joints or call 317-844-9400.

Hannah Mies

BEHIND EVERY IS STRONG KNEE

Medical wake-up call leads Carmel resident to adventures

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Aseries of medical issues in 2017 awakened an adventurous spirit in Debbie Zipes.

“It was kind of a wake-up call from the universe,” she said. “It was, ‘I just get one life. Am I living the one that I want?’”

While recovering from a hysterectomy, a tumor was discovered in her neck.

“One night I was a mess, worried about the surgery, I Googled, ‘What should I do with my life?’” the Carmel resident said. “The website asked if you had a year to live, what would you do. I thought, ‘I just want to travel the world.’ I thought, ‘I don’t have the money to do that, I’m working full time. I have a house.’”

The next day, she met a woman at a party who traveled the world.

“She told me to sell everything, so you have no bills, no debt, so whatever money you would spend on a house or apartment, you just use that for travel,” Zipes said. “I transitioned out of my job. I had the surgery, and all went well.”

Since November 2017, the 60-year-old Zipes has been to six continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Australia. She’s traveled to 28 countries and 110 international cities.

Originally, Zipes planned to start with a bicycle tour of the United States. That changed when a work colleague said she wanted to give her a gift and asked where she wanted to go first.

“She then booked my ticket to Australia with all her frequent flyer miles,” Zipes said. “I booked my first two nights in Sydney and then just winged it from there.”

In the first traveling stint, she was away for five months, going from Australia to New Zealand. Then she went to Bali, Borneo and Singapore.

Her original plan was to take the money from the house and spend it all and then come back and get a job.

“But I was able to get consulting work because I’m in the nonprofit sector,” she said. “So, when I’m still working for these two foundations, I was able to work wherever I was. I could be in the middle of an Australian beach and help

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(Above) Debbie Zipes in Namibia on the south west coast of Africa in 2018. (Below left) Dan Erickson and Debbie Zipes won a pickleball tournament in 2022. (Below right) Zipes at monkey forest in Bali in Indonesia in 2018. (Photos courtesy of Debbie Zipes)

Continued from Page 10

somebody write a grant or whatever. I was able to basically break even (and) bring in enough to cover my travel.”

Zipes, a 1982 North Central High School graduate, returned for about four months to Carmel, where her parents have a home. She considered getting a job to replenish her long-term finances.

“I’m just like, ‘No, I just love this life too much,’” she said. “I got a brochure about Africa and I wanted to go there. Who knows how long these majestic animals are still going to be on the planet? So, I continued my consulting work and took off for Africa.”

She went on safaris in Tanzania and Kenya and then took an all-day hike to see gorillas in Uganda. She then went to Thailand. where she did a stint studying at a Buddhist monastery with monks.

She returned to Carmel in January 2019 to see her family and determine her next adventure. She learned about Workaway, a program where a person can volunteer in exchange for room and board. An artist/musician community in New Mexico reached out to Zipes.

“I thought I’d go for 10 days to check it out,” she said. “I loved it and stayed for nine months.”

During that time, she took a trip to Italy and London for a family trip and wedding. She took a solo trip to Croatia and then went with her parents to see polar bears in Churchill, Canada, for one week before returning to New Mexico.

She was home for two months before going to Costa Rica for a month. She went home to Carmel when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel. She decided to take a bike trip across the United States with another adventurous friend.

After that, she stayed at her parents’ winter home in Bonita Springs, Fla., in December 2020. She started to play pickleball and got matched against Dan Erickson, who was visiting from Minnesota, and his friend.

“Dan said, ‘Let’s switch teams and I’ll take Debbie,’ and we’ve been together ever since,” Zipes said. “In the first five minutes, he said, ‘You are the exact type of person I want to be with.’ We ended up going for a walk. He went home to Minnesota, packed his bags and moved to Florida. We both relocated to Florida for the winters.”

Erickson teaches tennis and pickleball in Florida, but his primary occupation is buying and selling antiques and has

owned antique shops in Minnesota. The couple now does estate sales together. Erickson hadn’t traveled much, but Zipes got him excited about travel.

“I always had a desire to travel, but various factors held me back, like not having a travel partner, cost and logistics,” Erickson said. “It felt like something I’d do eventually but kept postponing. Traveling with Debbie has made the experience much more enjoyable and appealing. She showed me the importance of traveling now rather than waiting for the future, as some opportunities might not be available later in life.

Experiencing different cultures firsthand has been eye-opening. I’m now creating a bucket list of places I want to visit. I’ve also learned that traveling can be affordable, like staying in hostels and biking. Debbie’s adventurous spirit, fun itineraries and flexibility have made our travels unforgettable. Her approach to going with the flow has taught me a new, exciting way to travel.”

Erickson said he enjoys biking and playing pickleball in new places.

“My favorite trip was biking 370 miles along the Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary for three weeks (earlier this year) — meeting people, eating new food and learning about local history along the way,” Erickson said.

Among their other travels, Zipes took Erickson to a yoga meditation trip to Guatemala for a month.

“It’s so amazing to live this life and still stay connected to my work life and help nonprofits around the country,” she said. “There are times I fly to a place and meet on-site. But a lot of times it’s on Zoom. I have clients I’ve known for 15 years.”

Zipes works with statewide after-school networks.

“Every state has an organization focused on expanding after-school and summer programs,” Zipes said.

She works for two organizations that support that -- the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and STEM Next Opportunity Fund.

Zipes wants to explore more in South America, and she has never been to Antarctica. Japan is another place she has yet to visit.

“I hope to inspire others to travel,” she said.

ON THE COVER: Debbie Zipes in Guatemala and yoga retreat in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Zipes)

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Indiana launches PathWays for Aging program

Commentary by Christine Stolle

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has officially launched the Indiana PathWays for Aging program, aiming to enhance Medicaid services for more than 123,000 eligible Hoosiers 60 and older. This new initiative marks a significant step in streamlining and improving the support system for Indiana’s aging population.

PathWays for Aging is a Medicaid-managed care program designed to improve health outcomes, provide greater choice for aging Hoosiers to remain in their homes or communities, and better manage the rising costs of Medicaid coverage. It is the state’s fourth managed-care program, alongside the Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect. What is PathWays for Aging?

1. Single Point of Contact: PathWays participants will have access to a care coordinator who can help them access services or find resources to meet their needs, simplifying their interaction with the healthcare system.

2. Waivers and Slots: The program introduces two new waivers:

• The PathWays Waiver for individuals aged 60 and older has 39,842 slots, with 29,268 already filled by Hoosiers receiving services, leaving 10,574 slots for newly eligible individuals.

• The Health and Wellness Waiver for individuals 59 and younger has 16,127 slots, 13,190 of which have already been filled, leaving 2,937 slots for newly eligible individuals.

3. Elimination of the Aged and Disabled Waiver: The previous Aged and Disabled Waiver has ended, and eligible individuals will transition to the new waiver. In April, FSSA established a waitlist for the former Aged and Disabled Waiver. Starting this month, the agency will begin inviting eligible individuals on the waiting list to continue the process to access either the PathWays Waiver or the Health and Wellness Waiver.

4. No Overall PathWays Waitlist: No waitlist will exist for the overall PathWays program; however, individuals eligible for waiver services under PathWays may be placed on a waitlist. As of the writing of this article, there are currently 9,015 people on the waiting list for the PathWays Waiver, and 3,762 are on the Health and Wellness Waiver list.

Transition and Next Steps

FSSA will invite a group of individuals to continue the process of receiving services each month as long as capacity remains. Based on the number of slots, the number of people on the waiting list, and the necessary steps, FSSA plans to invite:

• 125 individuals per month to the Health and Wellness HCBS Waiver

• 800 individuals per month to the PathWays HCBS Waiver

• These estimates are based on the required steps following invitation, such as face-to-face level of care assessments and determining functional and Medicaid eligibility. Individuals invited to proceed will receive a letter with further details.

How Do I Begin This Process?

1. Check your eligibility to ensure you meet the age and Medicaid criteria for either the PathWays or Health and Wellness Waiver.

2. If you are not already enrolled in Medicaid, consider consulting with a Medicaid specialist to understand your options and receive guidance on navigating the process.

3. If you are on the waitlist, wait for an invitation from FSSA to proceed with the next steps, including the level of care assessments and eligibility determinations.

4. Participate in required assessments and submit necessary documentation to determine your functional and Medicaid eligibility.

Christine Stolle is a partner at Applegate & Dillman Elder Law and has been practicing law for more than 20 years.

The Journey assists memory care residents

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Journey is a holistic memory care program used by BHI senior living facilities.

The Journey started two years ago. Hickory, which includes 36 private rooms, is an assisted living memory care center that opened in 2013 at Hoosier Village in Zionsville. The Barrington of Carmel is another one of the BHI senior living communities in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

idents to participate. The Indianapolis walk is held the same day.

Ryan, who has been with Hoosier Village for 24 years, said Hoosier Village was originally an orphanage in the early 1900s, but transitioned to care for the elderly in the 1950s. It is the oldest facility of the BHI communities.

“All of the directors of memory care centers got together to collaborate on policies and procedures,” said Rhonda Ryan, director of memory care services at Hickory. “We brought some of the best practices from all facilities and with the guidelines of the Alzheimer’s Association, so we would meet the criteria they have. We’ve coordinated our efforts to be standard across the BHI communities. We’ve all adopted things to different degrees because each campus is unique.”

The Journey provides Montessori-based dementia programming, which emphasizes the use of each resident’s unique capabilities, the ability to improve with practice and the need for as much independence as possible.

Ryan is a certified memory care specialist through the Indiana Institute in Memory Care. It is a 40-hour certification process to be a memory care director.

There is a program for those who care for dementia residents called Core Dementia Care, a 20-hour training course in which the staff participates.

There is a program called Dementia Live for all new employees as they go through orientation.

“It simulates what it might feel like to impair your vision, hearing and sense of touch,” Ryan said. “We’ve instituted support groups on our campuses (and) education sessions for our family members and outsiders. We participate in The Longest Day (walk in June) and the Alzheimer’s Walk as well.”

There will be a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 28 on the Hoosier Village campus. Ryan said it will allow families from Zionsville and other north side res-

“We typically run with a waiting list in all areas of our facility,” Ryan said.

Music and arts and crafts are a big part of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

“We do have things that are spiritual in nature, the morning nature, Bible study and a prayer time with our chaplain (Ron May) on Sunday mornings,” Ryan said. “We also do things that are more sensory, like manicures and music after lunch, so they can relax and enjoy quiet music. There are a lot of different programs with music (performers) coming in. We also do exercise and yoga and things like that for the physical component.”

Ryan said the structure of the memory care center is helping the residents with each day.

“If we need hands-on care like helping them get dressed, we do that,” Ryan said. “Some of our residents are independent. But we walk through the day with them and give them the support they need.”

Several spouses of those with dementia live in another part of Hoosier Village. Ryan said many come to visit daily or take their spouse out.

Ryan said there is a support group for women who have spouses in the memory care facility.

“It’s a monthly luncheon where they can get together and talk about where they are and what they are feeling,” she said. “We also have a men’s support group that our pastor leads on a monthly basis.”

In the past year, Ryan said a monthly educational program was launched for any caregivers or interested parties. There is a short presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

“The nice thing is, the people that are caregivers answer each other’s questions,” Ryan said. “it’s definitely a community group setting.”

Ryan

Center ushers make ultimate connection

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Bob Reynolds and Sue Stromberg, being ushers at the Center for the Performing Arts has been life-changing.

The two made a connection working at a wedding at the Center.

“We had seen each other but didn’t have a chance to visit,” Stromberg said.

Reynolds, 77, started dating Stromberg, 71, in 2018, but then left for Florida because he had sold his Carmel home after his wife and daughter died of cancer.

“When I was down there, all I could think about was Sue,” said Reynolds, who married Stromberg in September 2021.

They were going to get married in a rose garden by the Palladium, but because of steady rain, they had to move indoors at the nearby Pedcor building.

Stromberg, whose first husband died of cancer in 2000, has been volunteering since 2012. Reynolds volunteered as an usher when the Center opened

in 2011 for about seven months but his late wife didn’t enjoy it. He returned as an usher in 2018.

Krista Layfield is the Center’s front-

of-house manager and has supervised the National Bank of Indianapolis Usher Corps since 2021.

Stromberg has donated about 2,300 lifetime hours.

“So, she’s one of our top 20 lifetime contributors, and Bob has about 1,300 hours over the last six years,” Layfield said. “Bob also has volunteered for our sister organization, the Great American Songbook Foundation.”

Layfield said Reynolds was extremely helpful when she took over the volunteers.

“He had a lot of insight as to how things were done and helped me get on board, as well as helping me get to know the other volunteers,” Layfield said. “Bob and Sue volunteer for practically every performance in all of the venues. They are both very flexible and will work in any position we ask of them. They are both also great recruiters and have been instrumental in helping me rebuild the volunteer corps since COVID. Sue is very kind and always has a smile on her face.”

Reynolds said the couple, who live in Westfield, typically volunteer for 11 to 12 events a month.

“It’s like our second home,” Reynolds said.

Stromberg had worked as an instructor at Carmel Middle School with the Special Education Department. Reynolds sold industrial power transmission

products for 26 years and then drove a school bus for 15 years for Carmel, Westfield and Zionsville schools, The couple also volunteers at Grace Church’s food pantry.

Stromberg said she enjoys the variety of shows, including artists she hadn’t heard of prior to performances.

“My favorite show is Harry Connick Jr.,” she said. “It was such a high-energy show and the house was packed.”

The most memorable one for Reynolds was working when Bill Cosby performed at the Palladium not long after it opened.

“This was right before he went south,” said Reynolds, referring to the several sexual assault allegations against Cosby.

Joining the couple as a longtime volunteer is Carmel resident Peg Prough, who joined when the Center opened. Prough, 72, has donated about 2,900 hours and is among the top 10 lifetime contributors. She is a retired Westfield Washington Schools elementary school teacher.

“She faithfully volunteers for almost every performance of Civic and ATI shows, and she also volunteers at the Palladium regularly,” Layfield said. “She has gotten to know the staff of the resident companies as well as some of the cast members. She often bakes treats for them, especially on opening nights, and for her fellow volunteers. She is well loved by everyone who has the chance to volunteer with her and is a favorite amongst the house managers. She is very reliable and flexible. She often asks good questions and always has suggestions if things don’t go well or if she sees an issue.”

Prough enjoys the resident companies Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Actors Theatre of Indiana and Civic Theatre.

“They’re all just wonderful arts troupes,” said Prough, who has served as an usher at Clowes Hall since 2000. “I love the arts. Ushering allowed me to greet the patrons and then see most of the shows, depending on if seats are available. I enjoy all the arts, but I love Broadway. The live performance is what is so special to volunteer here.”

Prough said watching the Songbook Academy is probably her favorite.

“It’s great to watch (the participants) grow all week,” she said.

From left, Center for the Performing Arts ushers Sue Stromberg, Bob Reynolds and Peg Prough. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

What is a Hoosier?

Commentary by Ray E. Boomhower

On Jan. 1, 1833, just 17 years after Indiana had become the 19th state, the Indianapolis Journal printed a New Year’s greeting to its readers with a poem by John Finley of Richmond. “The Hoosier’s Nest,” which praised the state and proclaimed that countless “men of every hue and fashion” were flocking to the “Hoosier nation,” received instant acclaim and was reprinted in numerous newspapers throughout the country and even internationally.

Since that first appearance in the Journal, the term “Hoosier” has become one of America’s most recognizable state nicknames.

Throughout its history, Indiana has been seen by many, noted Indiana historian and journalist John Bartlow Martin, as “a bucolic place inhabited by pleasant, simple, neighborly folk.”

Although this “Indiana idea” has undergone a metamorphosis, as rural and agriculture has been supplanted by urban and industrial, those ideas still have a powerful hold on the way in which Hoosiers view their past. “Like any myth,” Martin noted, “it has some truth in it.”

One question about the state always seems to linger in the back of the minds of visitors: “What is a Hoosier?” Since Finley’s poem popularized the term, speculation about the origin of Hoosier has run rampant. The late Indiana historian Jacob Piatt Dunn Jr. conducted lengthy research into the history of the word. Dunn found out that “Hoosier” was used frequently in the South in the 19th century to refer to woodsmen or rough hill people. He traced the word back to “hoozer,” a term from the Cumberland dialect of England. Hoozer is from the Anglo-Saxon word “hoo,” meaning high or hill. In the Cumberland dialect, the word “hoozer” meant anything unusually large, like a hill. Descendants of English immigrants brought the name with them when they settled in the hill country of southern Indiana.

Other theories abound as to the origin of Hoosier, providing the following entertaining anecdotes:

• When a visitor knocked on the door of a pioneer cabin in Indiana, the settler inside would respond, “Who’s yere?” This greeting marked Indiana as the “Who’s yere”

Residents gather at N.L.C. Watt’s general merchandise store, in downtown Richmond near Main and Pearl. This half-plate ambrotype, circa 1855, exhibits early commercial use of the term “Hoosier.” (Photo courtesy of Indiana Historical Society)

or Hoosier state.

• Indiana laborers along the Ohio River were so successful in trouncing or “hushing” their opponents in fights that they became known as “hushers” and eventually Hoosiers.

• There once existed a contractor named Hoosier working on the Louisville and Portland Canal who hired most of his laborers from Indiana. Thereafter, they were known as “Hoosier’s men.”

• James Whitcomb Riley, “The Hoosier Poet,” said that the state’s early settlers were such enthusiastic and vicious fighters that during scuffles they would do anything to win, including biting off noses and ears. A settler coming into a tavern the morning after a fight would encounter missing appendages on the ground and ask, “Whose ear?”

• Indiana author and diplomat Meredith Nicholson had perhaps the best response to the query “What is a Hoosier?” He noted that the “origin of the term ‘Hoosier’ is not known with certainty. But certain it is that … Hoosiers bear their nickname proudly.”

Ray Boomhower is senior editor for Indiana Historical Society press.