Senior Life - March 2025 by The Papers Inc.

Lepird’s Model Train Hobby See Page 6

Goshen Historical Museum volunteers make

LILLI DWYER

The second floor of the Goshen Historical Museum stood empty and unused, covered in soot from a fire in the 1970s, for decades. Now, it’s open to the public thanks to the efforts of some of the museum’s board members and volunteers, including Executive Director Ron Hoke, Building Manager Steve Hrynewycz, Board President Jane Iwema, Ellen Straw, Chuck Rink, and Growth Coordinator Danae Wirth.

There is now a furnished apartment and a medical examination room complete with an antique dentist’s chair.

“It was a team effort for

sure,” said Hoke.

Honorary board members Bob and Betty Cripe gave the museum seed money for the project. About $150,000 came from Indiana Historical Society and Elkhart County Community Foundation grants, with the rest donated by the community.

Work on the second floor made up a chunk of the 6,000 volunteer hours that go into running the Goshen Historical Society every year, according to Wirth.

“If you were a researcher, you were researching who lived up there. ... If you were a sessioner, you were sessioning items and looking at

Continued on page 2

Protect What Matters Most

ROOM WITH A VIEW Visitors Susie Folker, left, and Tammy Packard look out the windows of the Goshen Historical Museum’s second floor onto Main Street. The living room of the apartment features a windup Victrola and other antique furniture.

Text and Photos By

Staff Writer

A PIECE OF GOSHEN HISTORY Executive Director Ron Hoke has a chat with Danae Wirth, left, next to the roll-top desk in Goshen Historical Museum’s recently opened second floor. The desk once stood in a Goshen drug store and is a favorite item of volunteer Ellen Straw, who helped decorate the apartment.

Wiley has ‘the best job in the world’

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Scott Wiley, a Warsaw native and member relations manager for the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, said his position is “the best job in the world.”

Wiley attended Warsaw Community High School and graduated from Spring Arbor College in 1984 with a degree in business administration and sports administration. He started off his professional career with the Detroit Pistons as a video production intern before making his way into corporate sales.

“All my life has been in marketing and public relations. Same career, different places,” he noted.

Missing his hometown, Wiley returned to Warsaw and went into business with a colleague, Doug Ferguson. The two started

temporary job agency, Flexible Personnel, together. After success there, the men started another one, called HR America. Eventually, however, Wiley was ready for something else.

“I spent my days in board rooms, and that wasn’t me,” he said.

Wiley served as executive director of the Baker Youth Club, opening up satellite clubs and implementing a second-shift club for workers who had few places to go after leaving work at 11 p.m. Afterward, he moved on to the marketing department of Bowen Health. All the while, he was also an ambassador to the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce.

Through a position at Lakeland Christian Academy, he became the chamber’s member relations manager in 2020.

Every day at the chamber is

different. Part of Wiley’s job is to help the 750 businesses the chamber represents, whether that be through making videos to promote them on Facebook, doing a radio interview with a business owner or helping someone get a facade grant for their building, just to name a few activities.

Wiley mentioned that as a Christian, he tries to be a servant in his work, and helping community members to promote their new businesses through his position at the chamber helps him facilitate that.

He also has an abiding love for the community of Warsaw and wants to help it grow.

“Living here, it’s great because I see so many I used to work with, who I grew up with,” he said.

Wiley believes a high degree of honesty is needed to be successful in sales and public relations.

elkhartsymphony.org

PASSION AND POETRY

Sunday, March 30, 2025, 4 P.M. Lerner Theatre, Elkhart, IN Soo Han, Conn-Selmer Endowed Music Director

Guests: Goshen High School Symphony Orchestra

The Lerner Theatre is the setting for this captivating side-by-side concert with the Goshen High School Symphony Orchestra. Passion and Poetry brings together established and budding musicians from all throughout Elkhart County, and guides the audience through a repertoire including Suppe, Poet & Peasant Overture; Hanson, Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 ‘Romantic’; and collaborative works with the Goshen High School Symphony.

For information and tickets, visit elkhartsymphony.org

Goshen Historical

Continued from page 1

the things (in storage) that would go up there,” she said. “Jane worked very closely with Ron on the fundraising and mailings, they were very persistent.”

After two years of fundraising, planning, construction and redecorating, the second floor opened in December 2024.

According to Goshen city directories, the first tenant after the building was constructed in 1888 was Dr. Louella Day. It continued to be rented by doctors and dentists until it became a residence in 1941.

Through looking at historical photographs and GHS research, the team was able to put together a picture of what the apartment would have looked like at the time.

In 2017, GHS’ John Hertzler interviewed Georgia Snyder, who had lived in the apartment with her husband as a young expectant mother in the 40s. From her, GHS learned about the experiences of carrying coal for the furnace and ice for the ice box up the stairs — a problem alleviated by the newly built elevator. They also found out the floors

HEALTH SCREENINGS

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 • 2-4PM

We will offer:

Blood pressure screens

Wiley will be transitioning to part time work at the end of March, but he still finds the impact the chamber makes on the community the most rewarding part of his job.

“We can help them in so many different ways,” he said. “If you don’t have time to blow your own horn, we’ll blow it for you.”

were actually oak underneath the soot and linoleum.

Once the apartment was cleaned, Hoke said, “the original fixtures were all up here. It was like a time capsule.”

Much of the furniture had been in storage at the museum for a long time, so GHS had an opportunity to display what they had.

Straw, who also does the display windows in the front of the museum, has been with GHS since 2016. She is trained in interior design and had a hand in decorating the apartment. She cites the roll-top desk from Cap Johnson’s Drug Store as one of her favorite items.

In a personal touch, the table in the dining room was made by Straw’s father in the 40s, when he worked at a veneer plant in Goshen.

“I really like it. It was made here in Goshen ... everybody can appreciate the work he did,” she said.

Hoke said he feels “satisfied” with the project now that it’s complete.

Exhibits like this, he mentioned, can be useful educational tools. Students often come through the museum on field trips and “it makes the tours for the kids more impactful, I think. ... Now that we have an apartment in front we can actually put the equipment in context. We have the old wringer washer, we have the old windup Victrola machine. We can actually show them, okay, this is what it looked like.”

The Goshen Historical Museum, 124 S. Main St., Goshen, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

SCOTT WILEY

Free elder law workshop for groups

Book a free educational workshop for your group with leading elder law and estate planning attorney, Cliff Rice. Rice has been actively practicing law for over 50 years and has received the Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, the highest peer rating given to attorneys ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise and ethical standards. His practice is concentrated solely on estate planning and elder law; he has taught estate planning to CPA’s, insurance professionals, certified financial planners and attorneys for over 50 years in many states.

Our Elder Law Workshop is a free workshop for everyone who would like to learn more about:

• New laws to help prevent the loss of your home and life savings in the event of a longterm or catastrophic illness. Don’t let the nursing home take everything you worked for your whole life! Nursing home costs are almost $100,000 per year.

• Probate: How to avoid potential lengthy delays and how to eliminate or minimize court,

By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney

attorney and executor fees.

• If I die first and my spouse remarries, could my kids be disinherited?

• Kids’ spouses: Protect kids against divorces (current or future), and keep money in the line to your grandchildren.

• Blended families: His/her/ our kids — what you must do to prevent the state from disinheriting your own separate children!

• In-home healthcare instructions — to help keep you in your own home as long as possible, and therefore to main-

Home sweet user-friendly home

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

While hanging around the house during the chilly winter, you might have noticed some things no longer are quite right.

Have you noticed it’s taking more and more muscle maneuver to get out of your favorite recliner? And after sinking into that comfortable old sofa you could use a little help getting up and around again. It’s not going to get any easier because you’re going to keep on getting older.

You don’t have to start thinking of the expense of replacing these pieces of furniture with higher and pricier pieces.

Look around for a few decorative bricks or pieces of wood to place under the chair and sofa legs. Make sure they’re not too high and the furniture is mounted solidly so it — and you — won’t tip over.

Take a look at the chairs

around the house. Rungs in front can be in the way when you get up.

Now that you’re up and heading to the kitchen to get a mug to fill with coffee, ask yourself if the coffee cup shelf is too high and hard to reach. Is the cabinet too high? And what about the one in the bathroom? While you’re there, check the height of the towel racks.

You might consider installing grab bars in the shower, by the toilet, and along the stairs and hallway.

Which gives you a moment to see if there’s enough light, as well and checking on the location and visibility of light switches. These can be replaced with larger switches that have internal lights of their own.

Small light-activated lights can be plugged in around the house to help you move around at night.

Replace lamps that require

reaching up and searching for the toggle or switch to turn off and on with those that have the switch in their base or easy-to reach power cord.

To help you move around safely at any time, get rid of those loose rugs lying around. Make sure your bathtub and shower have non-slip bottoms. Attach non-slip edges on stairs and steps.

Reflecting on the fact that aging is accompanied by infirmities, you can consider how to make arrangements for getting around the house in a wheelchair.

Ramps can replace steps wherever possible. Cupboards under the kitchen and bathroom sinks might be removed and the space left open for access.

Doorknobs can be replaced with handles that are much easier to use. Some doorways may have to be widened when someone does become confined to a wheelchair.

tain your own privacy, your own dignity, comfortable familiar surroundings. So you get to remain with your pets, your own room and also to avoid unnecessary placement in a nursing home as long as possible.

• Why putting property in children’s names can be a big mistake.

You will enjoy the relaxed and informative manner of his presentation. Call today to schedule this workshop for your group! (800) 303-7423. If you would like to attend one of our monthly public seminars, go to riceandrice.com/workshops.

“Great session on estate planning by Rice and Rice! I learned a lot and realize I need to update my will and other documents. Scheduled an appointment the night of the seminar to get the ball rolling. Thanks!” — Linda L.

“A very educational and enlightening workshop. Very well presented and easy to understand.” — Karen R.

“Great seminar! Very informative and looking forward to our free consultation.” — Ed O.

OFFERING FREE WORKSHOPS Rice and Rice is now booking free educational workshops on various aspects of elder law, or attend one of their monthly public seminars. Check out riceandrice.com/ workshops for more information. Shown is Cliff Rice conducting one of the workshops. Photo provided by Rice and Rice.

Grief is an individual experience

Grief is a very individual experience, or as I like to say, “it is the same but different for everyone.” Sometime in our life we will all lose someone that we hold dear to us, a spouse, parent, sibling or good friend and it will impact on our life significantly. It will change our view of life and how we understand life but in different ways depending on our personality, age and our view of life. As we begin to understand that even though it is painful, grief can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and

living. It can help strengthen our desire to move on leading meaningful, full lives.

The important part of “moving on” is understanding that grief is all about love. After all, we only grieve for those that we loved, whether it be a spouse, family member, a relationship or even a family pet. If we are experiencing deep grief, it is because we experience deep love. We can never lose what we loved so deeply because it becomes part of us.

“To become a deeper man is

CORPORATE OFFICE

the privilege of those who have suffered.”

By TOM ROSE Author and Speaker Coping with Grief

- Oscar Wilde I have learned over the past years on my grief journey that a griever must find a way to express himself, to find the words. Then they must share their feelings and say those words, and of course they need to know those words have been heard.

“Grief shared is halved, Joy shared is doubled.”

- An old proverb

In the process of writing my book, “Balloon in a Box,” I un-

derstand it can be hard to put into words the wide range of emotions that the griever is experiencing. Those emotions may include sadness, loneliness, regret, guilt, anger, and sadness, among many. Please note that I said it may include these as I have been told by many that they have not experienced all of these emotions. As an example, several people have shared that they have never experienced anger.

“Grief is like living two lives. One is where you pretend that everything is alright and the other is where your heart silently screams out in pain.”

- Author unknown

Our individual experiences with grief may depend upon our support from family and friends. But most importantly the depth of our religious beliefs. God will help, just ask!

He will not abandon you during your time of grief. He will always be there; all you need to do is go to him. With God as our driver on the journey we may encounter less potholes and bumps in the road. Having Him with us makes the journey a lot smoother.

“Hear my cry O God; Attend my prayer.

From the end of the earth

I will cry to you.

When my heart is overwhelmed

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Surviving grief may require making changes in the way we live our life. We must learn to move past the emotions of grief, in particular guilt and regret. We must face the reality that life continues and we must embrace the changes. Yes, life continues... embrace the changes.

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Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition

Joseph Edition

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then I root for Notre

GOSHEN

VIVIAN SCHLABACH GOSHEN

“Ohio State, because that’s where I’m from originally. But if it’s women’s basketball,

Dame.”

DOROTHY BURKHART WARSAW “Notre Dame.”

JERRY DAVIS WARSAW “Notre Dame.”

RICK SUMMERS WARSAW “Louisville.”

Aging in place: What it means and how you can do it effectively

By KEVIN HAINES, Aging in Place Consultant TL Jackson Construction

Aging in place, or AIP, means staying in your home as long as possible instead of alternatives like assisted living or moving in with friends or relatives. According to a recent AARP report, almost 80% of people over 50 would like to remain in their home for the long term. Let’s be honest with ourselves: as we age, things become more challenging and issues with balance, mobility, vision or an illness may make it difficult to live independently. However, modifications can be made to your home that can keep you there. Furthermore, with the cost of assisted living averaging $66,000 per year, modifications can be a more affordable option.

Modifications can include things like ramps, stair lifts, first level roll-in showers with grab bars, first floor bedrooms and elevators. They can also include simple things like lever style doorknobs, improved lighting and the removal of trip hazards.

In conjunction with adjustments to your home, there are many organizations in the surrounding communities that provide home help services for things like light

cleaning, bill paying, bathing, cooking and a long list of support programs.

AIP is all about retaining your independence, staying safe, making life easier and remaining in your comfort-

“My

able and familiar environment. If you want those things, the process is very simple. Reach out to a Certified Age in Place Specialist and schedule an assessment of your home. TL Jackson

Construction has two CAPS available to perform a free, no obligation assessment. They will make recommendations based on your individual needs for both now and in the future. It’s best to plan ahead! To learn more or speak with one of our CAPS professionals, contact TL Jackson Construction at (574) 5273224 or visit TLJackson.com/ AIP.

Replacing my missing tiles

By DICK WOLFSIE

I tend to lose stuff. Once, I lost a cell phone and found it in the freezer. Then, I misplaced my wallet and found it at the bottom of the dog food canister. There is a logical explanation for both of those incidents — sort of.

My wife has told me many times that I am clearly a loser. She’s witnessed many of my misplacements, so I accept that label. But when her mother first met me, she told Mary Ellen I was a loser. She knew that after one visit. How perceptive.

To prevent further device separation, I bought a Tile.

This ingenious product, about the size of a credit card, slips into your wallet and allows you to discover where you left your billfold by looking at a GPS map posted on your phone or computer. The screen gives the exact location of your valuables. Your cell phone also makes a beeping noise as you get closer to where your wallet is hiding.

The problem was that when I sat down anywhere, the pressure on my wallet in my pocket against the chair set off the Tile: BUZZ! BEEP! You’ve heard of a butt call. This was a trouser arouser. This sound confirmed that my wallet was nearby. Of course, it was nearby. It was in my pants. This was an unnecessary alert. And very annoying. It kept sounding off one morning at breakfast until my friends asked me to remove the Tile from my back

pocket and place it on the table. An hour later, I walked out of the restaurant without my Tile. I didn’t realize it was missing until the following week. I had no idea where I left it.

Later that evening, my wife and I were headed out for dinner, but I couldn’t find my wallet. Mary Ellen said, “why not use your Tile to locate it?”

“I lost my Tile.”

“Wait a second. Are you telling me you spent $50 on a device to find your wallet and you then lost the device you bought to find your wallet?”

“Yup, you nailed it.”

“Now what are you going to do?”

“I am going on Amazon to see if they make another techie item that I can buy to find the Tile that I bought to find things I can’t find.”

Later that week, I was fiddling with my phone. Suddenly, I got a prompt that

said, “the last time you used your Tile was at Another Broken Egg Cafe three weeks ago.”

This is where our group meets for breakfast. I leave things there all the time, except a tip (just kidding).

I retrieved my Tile from the café and discovered the battery was low, which is not rechargeable. I bought a new Tile and asked my AI program what to do next. They gave me a dozen steps to replace the dead Tile with a fresh one. Years ago, I had an uncle who had a problem with booze and went for help. His Twelve Steps were probably easier to follow than the 12 I got from AI.

Recently, I returned a few items at a local department store and did a little browsing.

“Can I help you find anything?” the clerk asked. If he only knew.

Safety, Comfort, & Savings

ELEGANT AGE-IN-PLACE MODIFICATIONS

Age often brings challenges, but Age-in-Place (AIP) modifications ensure safety and independence with features like no-step entries, walk-in showers, and more. We can provide it all within a beautiful and elegant design you’ll love!

The average annual cost of an assisted living facility is $66,000 per year. With AIP modifications, you can stay in the home you love and save tens of thousands of dollars too!

parents were afraid to move to assisted living but we were concerned they’d get hurt at home. The modifications have been perfect and more affordable than the alternative. They are thrilled!”

• Keep your independence & control

• Stay in a familiar environment

• Maintain connections & routines

• Enhance comfort & safety

• Avoid assisted living facilities

• Save money in the long term

TALK TO AN AIP SPECIALIST

Call 574-527-3224 for a free consultation with a Certified Age-in-Place specialist or visit TLJackson.com/AIP

NUTSHELL

Jeff Lepird enjoys sharing model train hobby

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Model trains are something Milford resident Jeff Lepird has enjoyed since he was kid, but his passion for the hobby has grown in recent years. Lepird joined the Elkhart Model Railroad Club four years ago and has enjoyed getting to know the craft.

“Lot of fun to obviously run trains, but learn new skills, too. There are a lot people with diverse backgrounds at the club to help you learn new things,” Lepird said.

Through the knowledge he has gained through the club, Lepird has aspirations to design his own layout at home. He hopes to begin construction for the new layout in his basement next year.

“I had always had model layouts at home over the years and being a member of the club allowed me to incorporate new skills to my layout in my home. Currently in the design stage right now,” Lepird said.

The Elkhart Model Railroad Club will host its annual train show Saturday March, 15 at the Claywood Event Center in Nappanee. Leprid suggests the train show to those who are wanting to learn more about the hobby.

“It’s an exciting train show that we do every year,” Leprid said. “It’s our main fundraiser that we do for the club. One hundred and fifty vendors and

tables. New and used merchandise. Operating layouts from several travel clubs in the area.”

Part of the passion Lepird has for trains is that he grew up around Goshen, where trains are always on the move. His parents would buy him train sets as a boy and his passion continued to grow.

“I grew up right next to the railroad tracks and I was fascinated by them as kid,” Lepird said. “Started out as a hobby as a kid and carried right over to adulthood. It’s truly a hobby for just about all ages. Our club has members who are 80 years and older and some who are about 16 years old.”

His youngest son, Issac, is a member of the club. His wife, Mary, helps with the train show.

Lepird currently works as a delivery driver but when he is not on the job he is fine tuning his model train skills.This includes technical skills such wiring the electrical components together, and skills for detail painting and model making.

“Most models need to have some basic skills as far as electrical work. How to run wires safely. Basic hardware skills, too. Your local hardware store can steer you in the right direction,” Lepird said. “You can start as a sheet of plywood on a table and work up all the way to a whole basement.”

He encourages those wanting to get started to learn from a

local model train club.

“Really, when I joined the model railroad club is when it expanded,” Lepird said. “I upgraded the layout I had to a digital operating system to allow you to control multiple trains at a time. Control the audio and lights of the trains individually.”

ALL ABOARD — Milford

resident Jeff Lepird enjoys the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona Pa. Photo provided by Jeff Lepird.

NEW ROUTE — A model train owned by Jeff Lepird runs a layout at the Elkhart Model Railroad Club. Photo provided by Jeff Lepird.

Why choose a faith-based, nonprofit senior living community

By GREENCROFT COMMUNITIES

Choosing a senior living community or healthcare provider is about more than amenities and care levels — it’s about values that guide every action. A faith-based, nonprofit senior living community offers an environment of holistic well-being, support and long term stability.

Faith-based communities are driven by spiritual and moral values that foster compassion, empathy and respect for each individual’s dignity. Nonprofits prioritize residents’ well-being, focusing on quality care and personal growth over profit. This commitment ensures decisions are made with residents’ best interests at heart.

In faith-based nonprofits, residents are the true stakeholders. Revenue is reinvested into the community, enhancing programs, improving facilities and supporting team education. This creates a sustainable environment where all improvements benefit everyone.

Wellness in faith-based

communities includes physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. Spiritual life programs, pastoral care and interfaith gatherings help residents explore their faith and find solace during life’s transitions. This holistic approach acknowledges that healing goes beyond medical care, supporting residents in all aspects of their lives.

Without the pressure of satisfying external investors, faith-based nonprofits focus on long term sustainability. Revenue is used to improve facilities, recruit skilled team members, and adapt to healthcare needs, ensuring consistent improvements for residents over time.

Choosing a faith-based, nonprofit senior living community means partnering with an organization where integrity, empathy and service are daily practices. It’s a community focused on compassionate care, meaningful relationships, and doing good in the world — always putting people before profit.

For a mission-driven, compassionate community, consider Greencroft Communities, with six locations in Northern

As a caregiver, you manage multiple responsibilities for your loved one in addition to your own. When you need help, The Thelma A. Schrock Adult Day Services program is here for you – at least five hours a day or a few days per week.

In the Homestead’s intimate atmosphere, each member benefits from a variety of health, social, and therapeutic activities designed to encourage meaningful engagement, purpose, and creativity.

The Homestead gives the caregiver and participant both the freedom to flourish.

We are available five days a week, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, call 574-537-4181.

Indiana — DeMotte, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Middlebury, South Bend and New Carlisle.

Greencroft is dedicated to providing holistic care and long term stability while serving

both residents and the wider community with compassion and integrity.

ATTENDING TO ALL ASPECT OF LIFE— Along with addressing resident’s physical needs, Greencroft Communities offer spiritual life programs, pastoral care and interfaith gatherings to help residents explore their faith and find solace during life’s transitions. Photo provided by Greencroft Communities.

Five benefits you can apply for

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website — www.SSA.gov — offers a convenient way to apply online for benefits.

You can apply for:

Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits — You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Apply at ssa. gov/retirement.

Disability Benefits — You can use our online application at ssa.gov/disability to apply for disability benefits if you: Are age 18 or older.

Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, you can appeal our deci-

sion online and request a review of the determination we made. Visitssa.gov/apply/appeal-decision-we-made.

Supplemental Security Income — SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited income and few resources. People age 65 and older without disabilities who have limited income and resources may also be eligible for SSI. Some adults with disabilities who meet certain requirements may complete the application process online. To learn more, visit ssa.gov/ssi. If you cannot visit our website, you can call (800)-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may contact our TTY/TDD number, (800) 325-0778.)

Medicare — Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

People age 65 or older. Younger workers who have received disability benefits for 24 months.

People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Note: They do not have a two-year waiting period.

If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare up to three months before turning age 65 at ssa.gov/medicare. You should consider your Medicare options even if you are still working and covered under an employer group health plan (or your spouse’s employer health plan through their active employment).

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs — The Extra Help program helps Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug costs, like deductibles and copays. People on Medicare who need assistance with the cost of their medications can apply for Extra Help at ssa.gov/ medicare/part-d-extra-help. Share this information with those who need it.

APPLY FOR

efits Social

Mature money matters

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Financial Advice Costs Money

Free advice is easy to get. Everybody hands it out.

You can be told readily what kind of car to buy, what movie to see, what foods to eat, and what stocks to buy without even asking. We all know that free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.

That doesn’t mean paid-for advice is always worth the cost. But financial advice is at least worth checking the price. Not every financial advisor is a shyster looking to suck your portfolio into his or her Swiss bank account. Nor is every financial advisor prescient and

able to offer 100 % guarantees that every one of their decisions is fool proof.

When searching for a fiscal advisor, a key factor is fees — how they get paid for advising — and how to allocate the money you’re diverting into your retirement fund.

Some take a commission on each transaction. Others charge an hourly rate for the time they spend with you and servicing your account. There are those who pocket a percentage of your portfolio as they work at making it grow.

After you’ve found somebody you think understands and supports your best interests and you’ve checked with other clients to check their experiences, make sure you know how

and how much you’ll be paying for their advice.

Keep The Weather Out Of The House

Take a few tours around the house to see what needs repairing.

You might have noticed read-

There are five

ily that the screen door needs replacing and the back porch should be repainted, and those steps need to be repaired.

If you haven’t noticed the following yet, you might check it out.

Manually check the frames

of all windows and doors to see if they leak and you can feel a draft. Repairing them can save you a lot of money by lowering air-conditioning bills during hot weather and less heating cost in the cold season.

Moving can be taxing

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

What to do after quitting work and where to do it eats up a lot of planning time.

Factors range from downsizing to cut day to day living costs to moving closer to the grandkids relocating to a more

amiable climate.

Often overlooked are the hidden costs of making a move that will make your retirement years as comfortable as you hope. Such as the taxes.

Moving out of the country does not allow you to evade U.S. taxes, but there are an array of regulations that need studying

to determine how much you will have to pay depending on what type of documentation you have.

Thousands of expatriates live in comfortable communities in Mexico, the most popular retirement country for U.S. retirees, where reports reveal a Continued on page 9

BENEFITS

LINE

different ben-

Security offers that can be applied for online. Check ssa. gov to apply for those benefits. Photo provided by Social Security Administration.

Blast To The Past! —

‘You Are So Beautiful’ lifted Crocker into Top 5 on weekly Billboard Hot 100 chart

Joe Cocker

Do you recognize these heartfelt song lyrics?

“Such joy and happiness you bring

“Just like a dream

“You’re like a guiding light

“Shining in the night

By RANDAL C. HILL

“You’re heaven’s gift to me” Unless you’re a diehard Billy Preston fan, the answer is probably no. If you are, though, you may remember these words from his recording of “You Are So Beautiful,” a tune composed by Preston and collaborator Bruce Fisher. It was written as a loving tribute to Billy’s mother, a stage actress.

However, your recollections of “You Are So Beautiful” most likely come from English singer Joe Cocker.

He first came to prominence in the States via the 1970 “Woodstock” movie, which featured the

Moving can

Continued from page 8

couple can live comfortably for between $2,000 and $3,000 a month.

Many expatriate Canadians look forward to getting back home to spend time at the family cottage or in their old neighborhood.

Those thinking of returning or escaping to Canada have to do some arithmetic to determine the tax rate on their level of income.

The highest-taxing province is Quebec, with neighbor Ontario settling down among the lowest.

On the other hand, New Yorkers and Californians have become aware of their burdensome state taxes and are slipping away to Florida, Texas and Arizona.

Among the tax-friendliest states, according to a Bottom Line report, are Florida, Texas,

Alaska, Nevada and Wyoming. It takes more than just moving to escape high-tax states. You have to cut all linkages. You have to sell any and all property in the state you’re moving from and establish your address in the new location.

Co-owning any property can put you in a position of owing taxes in the state you leave. For example, co-signing a mortgage loan for one of your children may establish you as a property owner in that state.

Snowbirds fall into a trap by thinking all they have to do is switch their address from the burdensome-tax northern state to the more affordable sunshine state. The tax man looks at such things as which is the larger home, how much time you spend in each residence, and where you keep your stuff.

sandpaper-voiced Cocker — he smoked 80 cigarettes a day— with his amazing performance of “A Little Help from My Friends,” the Ringo Starr-led opening track of the Beatles’ “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album.

At Woodstock, in Joe’s capable hands, “Friends” became a rousing yet tortured anthem as he flailed his arms, jerked his body about, played air guitar and air drums, and transported himself to another world for eight riveting minutes as attendees watched slack-jawed.

Born in 1944, Cocker grew up in the rundown steel-manufacturing center of Sheffield. A school dropout, he worked as a gas-company apprentice while drifting in and out of different pub bands. He hated the workaday world and never forsook his lifelong dream of becoming a recording star, having fallen sway to pioneer American rockers such as Elvis and Chuck Berry before Ray Charles’s “What’d I Say” blew Joe’s 15-year-old mind in the summer of 1959.

In Charles, Cocker found his mentor and set about working endless hours learning to emulate the American’s approach to singing.

Since the mid-1950s, Charles had shown the world a voice and a style that he used to fashion a new form of black pop music by

fusing gospel with rhythm and blues (R & B), creating an aural stew that music fans worldwide embraced with gusto. Like several UK singers of the 1960s — Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon, Tom Jones — Joe Cocker managed to sound Black, which was something that British artists often saw as a coveted achievement.

Years later, Ray Charles himself said, “I would never say Joe Cocker is a disciple of mine. He’s an equal of mine.”

In early 1975, “You Are So Beautiful” lifted Joe into the Top Five on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 chart. A tinkling piano introduces the composition before

lush strings carry him away with passionate ecstasy, proving that he could be both breathlessly gentle and gloriously stirring within the confines of a single recording.

“You are so beautiful to me

“Can’t you see

“You’re everything I hoped for

“You’re everything I need

“You are so beautiful to me

“To me”

These were the only words that Joe Cocker needed to show the world that Billy Preston’s original version could be pared down to just 32 words of raw, Ray Charles-like emotion.

Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.

Walls

Ceilings Window And Door Trim

Stairways

Woodwork Staining

Stairways

Woodwork Staining

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

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Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Drywall Repair

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Great Service – Reasonable Rates References Available Upon Request.

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574-304-5075

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JOE COCKER

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Independence | Dignity | Strength

1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205

info@realservices.org

realservices.org Real Services, Inc.

Tickets Live!

May 8, 2025 | 11:30am - 1:00pm

Join Us for REAL Talk!

Century Center: 120 S. Dr MLK Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601

Nominations open thru March 15th realservices.org/get-involved/excellence/

Energy Assistance

REAL Services assists low-income households with electric and heating expenses during the winter months with funding provided through federal and state government. realservices.org/services/energy-assistance/

REAL Talk offers free presentations and community connections. Topics target those 60 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.

March Events: Nutrition Awareness

Mar. 11 | 11:00am | YMCA of South Bend

Mar. 20 | 11:00am | OWLS

Mar. 25 | 11:30am | Salvation Army of Elkhart (Lunch)

Reserve lunch by 3/21 | (574) 284-7184

Mar. 28 | 11:30am | 1 ROOF (Lunch) Reserve lunch by 3/21 | (574) 284-7189

Reserve your spot by visiting realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/

Chix. & Waffles Sweet Potatoes Broccoli, Tropical Fruit

Beef Stew, Cauliflower Dinner Roll Pineapple Cup

Corned Beef Boiled Egg Peas & Pearl Onions Irish Soda Bread Special Dessert

Chix. & Dumplings

Mash. Potatoes, Broccoli, Dinner Roll Graham Cracker Bites

Hot Dog/Bun Potato Wedges, Corn Cherry Apple Crunch Bar

Turkey Manhattan Over Bread Mash. Potatoes/gravy Peas, Fig Bar

Maple Must. Pork Roast. Root Veg. Brussels’ Sprouts Bread, Cinn. Applesauce

Meatloaf w/gravy

Scall. Potatoes, Peas Bread, Mixed Fruit Cup

Meal Site Locations (Elkhart County)

Elkhart

Bristol UMC

201 Division St. | (574) 848-7182

St. Paul's UMC

405 W. Beardsley | (574) 320-5863

Riverside Terrace

181 N. Elkhart Ave. | (574) 320-5995

Stratford Commons 2601 Oakland Ave. | (574) 320-5996

Goshen Greencroft Manor II

1425 Greencroft Dr., Manor II | (574) 971-6016

Polish Sausage/Bun German Potatoes

Sauerkraut, Carrots Pineapple Cup

Cheeseburger/Bun

Red Skin Potatoes Stewed Tom., Jello

BBQ Chix. Mac & Cheese

California Blend Veg. Bread, Cobbler

Ham & Beans

Carrots, Cornbread Fresh Fruit

Chix. Mush. Rice Casserole

Mixed Veg., Bread Nutty Buddy Bar

Bourbon Chix. Rosemary Potatoes Asparagus, Rye Bread Pear Cup

Stuffed Gr. Peppers Mash. Potatoes Carrots, Dinner Roll Peaches

Sweet & Sour Meatballs w/Rice

Stir Fry Veg., Egg Roll Pineapple Cup

Kosciusko County Mentone Community Room 101 W. Main St. | (574) 353-7555 North Webster Community Center 301 N. Main St., Suite D | (574) 834-1193 Pierceton 205 N. First St. | (574) 526-1060

Silver Lake Lion's Building 108 N. Harrison St. | (260) 450-2416

March 17th | Grand Opening 133 N. William St. South Bend 46601

The new Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center will be a vibrant hub for active aging, offering residents aged 60 and over a diverse range of recreation, health, and enrichment programs designed to promote wellness, connection, and lifelong learning.

Learn more by visiting realservices.org/portage-commons/

Chix. Drumstick Garlic Mashers Gr. Beans, Bread Mandarin Oranges

Chili w/beans

Baby Bakers, Broccoli Crackers, Brownie

Crust. Haddock

Scall. Potatoes, Gr. Beans Bread, Choc. Pudding

American Goulash Cauliflower Ciabatta Bread Warm Spiced Apples

Syracuse Lakeside Park Center 1013 N. Long Drive | (574) 457-2631

Warsaw Retired Tigers Senior Apartments 320 W. Main St. | (574) 267-0037

Warsaw Senior Activity Center 800 N. Park Ave. | (574) 267-0026

realservices.org/meals-and-nutrition/

Free Resources for Caregivers

Toll-Free Helpline

MON - FRI: 8:00AM - 4:30PM EST 1-888-303-0180

Caregiver Support Groups

ST. JOSEPH & ELKHART COUNTY (574) 232-4121

Memory Screenings

CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 232-4121

Family Consultations CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 381-8983

Leep Theatre Presents: Mar. 7th Driving Miss Daisy

Mar. 14th The Quiet Man

Mar. 21 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mar. 28th The Pursuit of Happyness FREE ADMISSION

Vince Turner surprised by hall of fame induction

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Vince Turner had moved on from sports media years ago, so he acknowledges he was caught off guard when he heard the news he made this year’s hall of fame class for the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Turner viewed being inducted with his peer, Curt Rallo from the South Bend Tribune, as an added honor.

“First of all, very humbling. I have to admit I was a surprised. It’s been a long time since I was in the business,”

Turner said. “It’s a thrill to be going in the same class as Curt Rallo. I got to cover a lot of same events that Curt covered. Curt understands what athletes go through. Understands what coaches deal with. For me to be welcomed with Curt is just a really big honor.”

Turner worked three different career paths. He spent 20 years in newspaper and radio sports at the Elkhart Truth and WTRC Radio; worked play-by-play for high school football and basketball; and also did four seasons of Notre

Dame basketball and was a Notre Dame football correspondent for WFAN in New York.

He would later have a nonprofit career as the development director at Bashor Children’s Home, overseeing the mission’s fundraising efforts and leading to major capital campaign. Turner then moved on to Mutual Bank, where he served as regional manager for 12 years before retiring in 2020.

“I loved what I did, especially here in Elkhart County. Seven years at the newspaper and 13 at the radio station. It was a great 20-year run but I always knew I wasn’t going to be 50 years old climbing bleachers,” Turner said. “God opened up some opportunities for me. The Bashor Children’s Home gig was great. We built a building, remodeled the campus and did some good things. I got recruited by the bank and had a nice run there. I’ve been very blessed.”

Turner did not stay retired for very long as he assists the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. He is the host of a podcast through the chamber called “The Sound of Goshen.”

Q. What’s happening at Senior Talk Michiana?

A. Senior Talk Michiana is pleased to announce the addition of an events calendar to its weekly episodes, continuing its commitment to providing valuable information to seniors in the Michiana area. The calendar will feature listings and details on special events organized by senior organizations.

In the upcoming April 3rd episode, listeners can look forward to information about the 2025 Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair, scheduled for April 17th at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Additionally, the April 10th episode will introduce a new event, the Senior Oasis Tent at the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, taking place on April 25th, 26th, and 27th.

Sponsorship for the podcast comes from Aging Connections of Michiana, Senior Life

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

“I didn’t do retirement very well,” Turner said. “I sat out a year and came here, primarily to do podcast work. It’s been fun. I came into the work interviewing people and now I’m riding off into the sunset interviewing people,” Turner said. “I really like being able to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. That’s a great opportunity as well.”

Originally from Columbia City, Turner appreciates the wisdom he gained from covering sports in Elkhart County.

“What I learned, especially from dealing with coaches while I was covering sports, made me a better manager when I went into the children’s home and when I went into banking,” Turner said.

Turner and his wife Pat, a retired teacher, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

He advises young media members to follow their passions, but also don’t make the story about themselves.

“My biggest philosophy, whether it was writing or broadcasting, was I tried to stay out of the way of

the game. I think too many broadcasters try to be the game. My goal was to try and bring the game to people who couldn’t be there,” Turn-

er said.

The ISSA will have its induction ceremony Sunday, April 6, at the Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood.

Newspapers, and Goshen Home Medical. Tailored specifically for seniors, the podcast serves as a vital resource, offering essential information about services and organizations available in Michiana. Its aim is to help seniors stay informed about the myriad of options that can enhance their quality of life.

Listeners can access the podcast through free subscriptions available on Spotify and Facebook.

Episodes are available at: www.thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.

Rose and Rose Associates Senior Talk Michiana 574-596-6256

www.thomaslrose.com www.cookingtogether.com roseandrose@comcast.net

Elder Law

Q: How may a disclaimer be helpful to use when a spouse passes with a pour over Will which purports to distribute all probate assets into a Credit Shelter – By Pass Trust (the “Family Trust”), created under the Family Revocable Living Trust Agreement, which then further directs the same to be held for the lifetime of the surviving spouse and ultimate distribution to the children?

A: The surviving spouse should consider effectuating a legal disclaimer which requires the Family Trust to treat the surviving spouse as predeceased thereby allowing the final disposition of all of the assets owned solely by the deceased spouse at the time of his or her death to be transferred free and clear of the Family Trust and directly to their children, share and share alike, per stirpes. Upon doing so, the surviving spouse and Personal Representative of the Estate and primary income and principal beneficiary of the Family Trust, can

allow the immediate transfer all of the assets owned solely by the deceased spouse at the time of his or her death directly to the children, free and clear of the Family Trust. This strategy is especially useful when the surviving spouse has enough of his or her own assets that he or she does not need to tie up the remainder of the deceased spouse’s assets into a complex irrevocable trust originally established to save death taxes which may no longer be relevant because of the repeal of Indiana inheritances taxes and the extremely high current federal estate tax exemption amount of $13,990,000.00 per spouse.

Tom Rose

Kurt R. Bachman, Partner

ELKHART COUNTY SPORTS PRO — Vince Turner covered sports in Elkhart County for both newspapers and radio stations. Photo provided by the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

70s Flashback —

He was known as ‘Harrison the Headache’

By RANDAL C. HILL

He’s one of the world’s biggest box-office stars, but to those who once worked alongside Harrison Ford, his later success no doubt left many people scratching their heads in amazement.

In June 1972, George Lucas filmed “American Graffiti,” using the California city of Petaluma as a stand-in for his hometown of Modesto. Ford turned 30 during that shoot, but folks who witnessed his behavior then would have never labeled him the most mature of the film’s young cast.

Lucas had hand-picked his actors for their chemistry onscreen, but during “down times” some of the performers proved to be less — much less — than professional.

Harrison, who doesn’t appear

till near the end of the story, portrayed Bob Falfa, a sneering, aggressive hotshot from out of town who roared around in a souped-up 1955 Chevy while looking to dethrone John Milner (Paul Le Mat), the undisputed king of Modesto’s street racers.

Away from the set, Ford and Le Mat partied hard at Petaluma’s Holiday Inn, where George and the crew were established. Sometimes, Harrison and Paul roared their movie cars up and down the quiet main street, urinated in the hotel’s soft-drink machine, and tried (unsuccessfully) to set fire to Lucas’s room as a prank.

One “sport” for the pair was to race each other in a climb to the peak of the Holiday Inn sign and set empty beer bottles on the top railing.

Their adolescent behavior terrorized some of the young “American Graffiti” females. Candy Clark (who played Debbie) said, “Harrison and Paul were pretty wild. They were drinking a lot of beer in those days. I found them very intimi-

dating, like Hell’s Angel’s types.” How bad was that behavior? In one instance, Ford and Le Mat hurled empty beer bottles from their balcony into the parking lot. This sparked an argument with the more serious Richard Dreyfuss (the Curt character). “There was this huge commotion down the hall from me,” Cindy Williams—Laurie in the story—recalled. “Harrison ended up chucking Richard into the swimming pool from the second story.”

George may have let the annoying behavior slide, but the hotel folks didn’t. Harrison was ejected from the Holiday Inn and relegated to the nearby Howard Johnson hotel.

One issue that Lucas had was Ford’s long hair, something cool in 1972 but hardly de rigueur in 1962, the year of the film’s storyline. George wanted Falfa to wear a “flat top.” Harrison balked but countered with, “How about me wearing a white cowboy hat?” Lucas remembered some of the Modesto hot-rodders cruising town while wearing

There could be ‘a very good year’ in your 60s

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Frank Sinatra had “a mess of good years” according to a recording he made popular in the mid-1960s.

He cited 17, 21 and 35 as very good years but never got around to a year that many oldsters deem pretty good themselves — 65.

It’s been a target for generations since the German Reichstag tagged it in the 1880s as the age at which workers could retire and receive a government pension. It was seen as a shrewd move because it staved off socialist unrest that was spreading across Europe at a time when most people didn’t live that long.

Things have changed a lot since then, but the magic of age 65 still glitters.

While the goal posts have shifted a bit, the practice persists to apply just before that milestone for Medicare, Social Security and any company pension so you can quit the job and enjoy a life of leisure — fishing, camping, visiting grandchildren, travel, you name it.

Those moving goalposts have complicated matters a bit. The Social Security retirement age is sliding slowly up the scale, as are the earliest and latest dates you can apply.

This affects planning because it affects the amount your monthly check will be during your retirement years.

Full retirement age at this juncture is 67 years. You can still apply for and receive benefits at

age 62, but your monthly check may be almost one-third less than benefits for those who hold off until their full retirement age.

If you wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security, your income can be about 25% above the full retirement age norm.

The aging population is, of course, affecting all this. So is the changing pattern of retirement as more workers opt to remain on the job past age 65. Almost 25% of the adult population over 65 is

still working.

Deciding which year is best for you to retire is no longer as simple as it used to be.

It seems that as we live longer, we work longer, especially with the growing trend toward home offices that offer opportunities for an array of professional service providers — accountants, bookkeepers, tax preparers, and computer gurus, for example — to work well up in their years.

Stetsons, so he agreed to Ford’s suggestion. However, near the movie’s finale, Harrison’s hat falls off after the ill-fated drag race, and his long locks are readily displayed as Ford stumbles about after crashing his car.

The future superstar would later admit, “I was a bit of a carouser in those days, and I was in the company of other hell-raisers. If I’d been in the company of priests, I would have behaved differently.”

HARRISON FORD AS ‘BOB FALFE’ IN AMERICAN GRAFFITI

Bledsoe knows Jesus

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I come from a family of six children,” stated Debbie Bledsoe, Elkhart. “Surprisingly, when I was growing up, I often felt alone. My sister Peggy had some health problems we were dealing with as a family. My life was not carefree. When I asked Jesus into my heart as a child, I knew he was always with me. I wasn’t alone anymore and that was such a comfort to me.”

It was Bledsoe’s grandmother who took her to church. “I was 4 years old, and grandma always gave me a shiny 50-cent piece to put in the offering plate. That was a big deal to me.”

Bledsoe asked Jesus into her heart when she was 11 years old. “I was at Epworth Forest Camp. We were fasting to raise money for the starving people in Haiti. We were there over the weekend and were sponsored for each hour we fasted. It gave us an understanding of what it feels like to be hungry. One of the counselors took me aside and led me in the sinner’s prayer. I took Jesus with me in my heart wherever I went.”

Again, Bledsoe felt the sense of community at church heartwarming. “There were a lot of youth activities when I was growing up. It gave me a sense of comradery.”

Her family church is Calvary Methodist, Elkhart. “The Methodist Church has gone through a lot of transition in recent years,” she explained. “But Calvary is our home church. The one I started out in. We’ve had family weddings and funerals there. It’s home to me.”

At Calvary, Bledsoe is part of the staff parish committee.

“We’re kind of the H.R. to the

paid staff members at church. Our job is to support the pastor and other staff members. We also deal with any concerns the congregation has. I’ve been on this committee for six years.”

She’s also on the missions committee. “We’re in charge of fund raisers for various organizations in the community, such as Church Community Services. We also have a small food pantry box outside the church for homeless people to get some needed food and supplies that we help support.”

This is Bledsoe’s first year attending Bible Study Fellowship. “It runs through the school year, and I love it. We’re studying the book of Revelations and have some deep discussions. I gain such insight hearing other people’s views on particular portions of Scripture. It gives me a better understanding.” Her group meets at Grace Church, Granger.

Her life’s verse comes from Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me,” Bledsoe quoted, “Life is full of adversity. With Jesus on my side, I can do it. I can push through to the other side, where life it better.”

Bledsoe is a licensed clinical social worker who has a private practice in mental health counseling and serves as a bereavement counselor at the Center for Hospice in Goshen. “I think I’m able to show the love of Jesus best by being authentic and accepting people where they are in life.”

She continued, “I had a client who was such a good person. But she was an atheist. When she was close to death, she asked me to visit her at home. I had the privilege of leading her to faith in Jesus Christ.”

Jesus loves individuals. She takes comfort in the fact that the Lord is always with her. Photo provided by

The Lerner Theatre celebrates 100 years with heartfelt community series

The historic Lerner Theatre, a beloved centerpiece and cultural treasure of downtown Elkhart, is thrilled to announce a brand new community series, “The Lerner Loves You,” a free series designed to thank the community for its continued support and connection throughout the last 100 years. The series, made possible by the Elkhart County CVB, offers

a heartfelt love note from The Lerner to the people it serves, and promises to showcase a number of upcoming events in film, live music, entertainment and more in gratitude for the Elkhart community.

With a mix of timeless film classics and family favorites selected from the last 100 years, “The Lerner Loves You” pays homage to The Lerner’s many years as a movie theater known as “The ELCO.” The series will take place monthly on select Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., now till June, offering audiences the chance to enjoy films on the Lerner’s grand screen free of charge. Each film will be shown in the Lerner Theatre’s auditorium, inviting guests to experience the magic of cinema in a setting like no other. Seating is first come, first served.

“The Elkhart County CVB invites everyone to join us in celebrating more than a century of arts, culture, and unforgettable moments. By offering this gift to the community which has supported The Lerner over the years, we are highlighting the central role the Lerner has played in anchoring downtown Elkhart’s arts scene and the community of makers that call Elkhart County home,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB. Upcoming Films Sunday, March 23 — A 1961

animated adventure featuring a daring escape from a villainous fashionista with an obsession for spotted puppies.

Sunday, April 13 — A 1985 comedic mystery that brings a classic board game to life as a group of dinner guests tries to solve a deadly puzzle.

Sunday, May 25 — A 1997 biographical drama following the meteoric rise and tragic loss of a beloved Latin music icon.

Sunday, June 15 — A 2018 action-packed story of a hero protecting his hidden, technologically advanced homeland from a dangerous uprising. Due to a licensing issue, The Lerner could not list the names of the films.

Find out more at thelerner.com or The Lerner Box Office, (574) 293-4469

The Lerner Theatre, an Elkhart landmark celebrating 100 years, is part of a revival, a new era for the arts, commerce and life in the heart of our community. The Lerner Theatre is a city owned and operated facility, built in 1924. With the completion of an $18-million-dollar renovation in 2011, The Lerner Theatre has truly put the “heart” back in downtown Elkhart. The Lerner is evidence of this rebirth with its timeless, never-lost quality of an old theater reborn as a state of the art performance and event facility.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Debbie Bledsoe, Elkhart, is a licensed clinical social worker who has a private practice in mental health counseling and serves as a bereavement counselor at Center for Hospice, Goshen. She loves each of her clients unconditionally, the way

Debbie Bledsoe.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Brentwood at Elkhart Assisted Living

3109 E. Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 266-4508

https://brentwoodatelkhartassistedliving.com

Licensed Assisted Living, Physical & Occupational Therapy On-Site, Nurses 24 Hours Per Day, Private Apartments, Respite Care, Activities, Studio/1 BR/2 BR Apaartments, Pet Friendly.

Greencroft — Goshen

1225 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen, IN 46527-0819 (574) 537-4000 • www.greencroft.org

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

Greenleaf Health Campus

1201 East Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 206-0086 • www.GreenleafHS.com

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Pharmacy On Premises, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Hellenic Senior Living

2528 Bypass Road, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 389-1776

https://elkhart.ahepaseniorliving.org/

Licensed Assisted Living, Medicaid Waiver Accepted, 24 Hour Medical Care, Restaurant Style Dining, Therapy, Private Apartments, Daily Activities, Pet Friendly. Stop In To Tour Today!

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

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

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill

Majestic Care of Goshen

Goshen

2400 W. College Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0351

www.MajesticCare.com/Location/Goshen

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Mason Health Care

900 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580 (574) 371-2500 • www.masonhealthandrehab.com

Orchard Pointe Health Campus

702 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-3333 • www.orchardpointehc.com

Offering Memory Care, Assisted & Independent Living Apartments and Skilled Services. We’ll meet you with the appropriate level of care wherever you are — whether you’re fully independent or looking for additional assistance. Call us.

Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

The Waters of Wakarusa-Assisted Living Facility

303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.

Waterford Crossing (Healthcare)

1332 Waterford Crossing Circle, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 534-3920 • www.trilogyhs.com

Waterford Crossing (Assisted Living)

1212 Waterford Circle, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 537-0300 • www.waterfordcrossingsl.com

Licensed Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Unit, Memory Support Unit On Campus, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Daily Activities

343 S. Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 295-0096 • www.woodlandmanornursingandrehab.com

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

Woodland Manor

Not driving doesn’t have to drive you nuts

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

A neighbor well up in years bounces from furious to frustrated whenever he considers driving.

Family members keep casting hints and harpoons about his diminishing driving skills — loss of hearing, slow reaction time, eyesight not what it used to be, confusion in traffic, and on and on and on.

So he lets his children drive him wherever he has to go — mainly medical appointments, although they do get out for dinner now and then.

But he gets back at them, without their knowledge. They haven’t taken away his keys.

When everyone’s away, he shuffles out to the garage, climbs in behind the wheel and takes the family flier for a drive — around the block, around the

parking lot of a neighboring mall and back into the garage.

He hasn’t told his family about these excursions but he’s made sure he’s told a few of his friends and neighbors.

He could point out to those siblings and children who criticize his driving that older drivers are involved in fewer collisions and traffic fatalities on average than 70-plus-yearold motorists just a few years ago.

One reason is safer cars. But the trend is important because the number of older drivers is growing as the population ages.

At the same time, thanks to lifestyles, diet and medical advances, today’s geriatric drivers are healthier and more fit than their predecessors a generation or two ago.

As long as you feel capable of driving and handling traffic situations, you should feel

comfortable keeping your keys. Be aware at the same time that many forms of dementia, dizziness from sugar lows or simply old age, narrowing eyesight and several other disabilities that can diminish your ability to drive can strike silently and quickly.

You can take stock on when it might be time to give up your car keys.

Ask yourself if you can still read traffic signs readily and if you get lost or confused, especially in heavy traffic. Make sure your bad back doesn’t stop you from looking around to see of all is clear when you want to change lanes.

Do family and friends still ride with you when you’re driving?

And do you still like to drive? Giving up our car keys means giving up our independence to most of us. That

Mature Travel Matters

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

AARP Opens

Discount Doors To Travel

An American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP 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. Save Time, Money At Alternate Sites Travelers flock to Florence and plunk down a chunk of cash (or put a dent in their credit card) for a ticket to cram into line at the Accademia Galleria to ooh and aah at Michelangelo’s statue of David.

Just minutes away, a copy of this world-famous work and

those of other Renaissance greats can be viewed leisurely and for free in the city’s Piazza della Signoria.

If you’re traveling through Italy, you can pop into the church of San Pietro in Vincoli overlooking the Coliseum in the heart of Rome and stand quietly and for free within touching distance of another of Michelangelo’s eternal works: Moses, which was commissioned by Pope Julius II at the same time he hired the artist to paint the ceiling of the Sistine chapel.

This is just one example of how you can save time and money by looking around for alternates.

doesn’t have to be true.

The money you save on car payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking and tolls can pay for more than enough

cab rides. You can still go where you want to go whenever you want to, and you don’t have to drive.

Eat, sleep vital for travel comfort

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Traveling not only enriches your life, it improves your overall well-being and self-confidence in myriad ways.

But jet lag can have an unwanted side effect. Rewinding our internal clock to adjust to a new time zone can cripple our enjoyment when you land far away from home.

Pilots and flight attendants deal with this phenomenon as part of their job. And they have some advice to hand out on how to ease the pressures of jet travel.

Start off simply by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated will ward off that feeling of weakness and lightheadedness when you step off the airplane. Coffee or alcohol intake just before or during your trip only exacerbates the problem. Just

drink plenty of water.

Sleep also helps you get acclimated, especially after long international flights. If it’s night time when you land, take a quick nap to get your through the day. Seasoned travelers suggest you allow yourself one day before you dive into business or sightseeing after your arrive.

Booking a flight that works best for you also is important.

Some folks can’t sleep crammed into a red-eye middle seat. So purchase a ticket for a plane that gets you there just a bit before local bedtime so you can rest comfortably after you arrive.

And don’t forget to eat.

Some flight crew members have been known to pack a sandwich in their bags so they’ll have something to eat before they go to bed.

Acceptance of life

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

Different pursuits, different hobbies.

It’s interesting what people might do.

Passions gained are lifelong friends.

They will always be a part of you.

And so I find that I like to write.

My years grow less but I have more time.

I would not say my life is perfect.

But I would say it’s mostly fine.

I speak only from my own experience.

Perhaps with others I would relate.

Old age provides an interesting transition.

Some things to love, some things to hate.

As one who likes to analyze, this is what I will extol.

There needs to be acceptance involved, when it comes to things you can’t control.

Times of trouble, times of joy.

There’s enough to pass around.

But even when the road is rocky,

There’s still some worth that might be found.

The goal is simply to survive today.

And to keep your roots dug deep.

So even in the chill of night, you’ll have a warmth that you might keep.

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Coffin house was an Underground Railroad ‘Grand Central Station’

In the first half of the 19th century, the Underground Railroad ran through the little town of Fountain City (then Newport). The so-called “Grand Central Station” of the system was the home of Levi and Catharine Coffin. Levi Coffin, who publicly spoke out against slavery, jokingly referred to himself as the “president” of the Underground Railroad.

The couple fed, clothed and hid runaway slaves in their eight-room house and transported them in a wagon with a false cargo hold. They continually confounded bounty hunters who came to their door by demanding to see a search warrant. If a bounty hunter actually rode the 12 miles to the county seat to get one, any slaves that had been hidden were long gone. Bounty hunters never searched the house. During their 20 years in Newport they helped more than 2,000 slaves on their way north.

OUTSPOKEN ABOLITIONIST Levi Coffin (in painting above desk) openly defied the Federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 and jokingly referred to himself as president of the Underground Railroad. Everyone in town knew what he was doing, but no one turned him in. GREAT

The Coffins were Quakers who came to Newport from

Simson, Tybee Also: Ft Sumter, Boat Cruises, Charleston Tea, Trolley Tours, Boone Hall Plantation, Atlantic Low Now Planning our Great Adventures.

slaves in the house. All of the slaves that were guests of the Coffins made it to freedom.

FED AND CLOTHED Slaves passing through Grand Central Station crowded around this table to eat, and were given clothing before being passed along to other abolitionists. On some occasions, they had 17

Runaway slave, William Bush, stayed in Newport to help the Coffins in their efforts to assist freedom seekers.

LEVI COFFIN HOUSE Located on U.S. 27 in Fountain City is the house that became known as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad. Its owners, Levi and Catharine Coffin, helped more than 2,000 runaway slaves on their way to Canada. The house is an Indiana State Museum and Historic Site and is a registered National Historic Landmark.

ESCAPES

Coffin house

several business interests.

Everyone in town knew he was defying the Federal Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, but no one turned him in. Others helped by giving money, food, clothing and protection for their work. Catharine Coffin organized sewing circles to make clothing for the freedom seekers.

The house, which is a State Historic Site and is a registered National Historic Landmark, was carefully planned for the purpose of hiding runaways. The dining room, for instance, has five doors leading outside for a quick getaway and two staircases to the second floor. They hid young girls between the straw and feather ticks in a bed, in a secret garret in a bedroom and in the basement.

Levi Coffin wrote a book

about their adventures entitled “Reminiscences,” which was published in 1876.

In 1847, the Coffins moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to operate a wholesale warehouse supplying goods to free labor stores selling products not produced by slave labor. While there, they continued to assist slaves fleeing to Canada. After the Coffins left Newport, the house changed hands several times, and in 1910, it became The Underground Railroad Hotel. Two dollars got customers a comfortable room and breakfast.

Plan to visit the 5,156-square-foot Levi Coffin House Interpretive Center, which opens in September, right next to the original house. It features a theater where visitors will be introduced to the Coffins and explain how they assisted escaping slaves. In adContinued from page 18

DESCRIPTIVE MURAL

Across the street from the Coffin House is this huge mural showing Levi and Catharine Coffin assisting runaway slaves.

dition, exhibits tell individual stories of slaves seeking safety and shows the paths taken to get to freedom in Canada.

Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $11, adults (18-59); seniors (60plus), $9; youth (3-17), $6; and children under 3, free.

Check the website at indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/ levi-catharine-coffin-house for updated times and admission fees.

Who is Crossroad Tours?

By CROSSROADS TOURS TEAM

We are a s of Shipshewana, who pride ourselves on providing great service and treat our custom ers like family.

In 2011, owner Daryl Kauffman became part owner because he wanted to be able to share his love for travel with others. He loved Setra S417 buses (the buses are in the Mercedes Benz family), the way they look, and ride. Currently, seven of the buses are the Setra S417 model.

Beginning in 2016, Kauff man fought a hard battle with cancer, but sadly passed away in 2020. Daryl’s family decid ed to maintain Crossroads Tours. After all was settled, Daryl’s twin brother, Dale Kauffman, took over owner ship.

Why Do We Keep It Going?

This company is not just a charter company, but a way to keep Daryl’s memory and love for travel alive. As the years continue on we strive to make him proud from the heavens above. Where Can You Go?

All 48 states and Canada.

If you want to travel and need a chair lift to help you into the bus, we have a wheel chair accessible bus to offer no barriers to travel.

Why Take A Crossroad

We have a wonderful team of drivers, we love to have a great time and we pride ourselves on our service. It is a fun and safe way to travel and there is so

much of the world to see when sitting on a charter bus, looking the bells and whistles with TV, WiFi, PA system, along with

Crossroad Tours

Crossroad

Crossroad Tours

Open House

June 7, 2025

Family Fun Tours

10,

Family Fun Tours

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

April 6 - 12, 2025 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Beach, South Carolina

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 13,

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

Like a stop to a best friend’s den

A warm surrounding, plenty of mementos and a fireplace. Grab a seat, get a meal and drink a pint. Hear a band or play a game. The welcoming Irish pub, near the intersection of Main and Colfax in South Bend, is a fixture and a beloved place for lunch and dinner.

Fiddler’s Hearth, commonly known as Fid’s, opened in 2002. The owners are Terry and Carol Meehan along with son, Sean. The elder Meehans wanted a change in their lives — he was in construction safety and she was in hospitality. The time was right, and a centralized downtown building was vacant.

The pub has a large following with traveling business people and youth hockey teams, theater-goers, college professors, pickle-

$1 off Specials on Spritzes, Mules, and Mimosas! Fiddler’s Hearth —

ball folks and sports lovers. Many venture outdoors to the alfresco patio dining area complete with Belgian darts. Big-screen televisions are tuned to soccer, hockey and rugby matches with surround sound.

It has received recognition as one of the 13 restaurants in Indiana to visit before you die and the best place to have a cold beer, according to the South Bend Tribune.

What makes it popular is scratch cooking and traditional Celtic foods, according to the Meehans. The site was formerly the Lido supper club, and there is a history of fun on the block.

Fid’s now offers a 10% discount on food and soft drinks from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for Senior Life readers. Just tell Fid’s

the

you read Senior Life for the early-bird discount.

The following all make Fid’s such a great place: Irish music Monday nights, OldTimey music Tuesdays, Open Mic Wednesdays and Thursday is Game Night. Sunday has a carvery, featuring items like roast beef, turkey and sides, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A puppet stage was built previously for the Meehans’ children and it remains at the pub for children to play with.

Weekly At

Seating 11am-2pm

The hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Parking is available on the street, the parking garage or the nearby PNC lot.

Fid’s is the St. Patrick’s Day headquarters. The downtown parade is the Saturday before the holiday and people come there afterward. For St. Patrick’s Day, it starts with a blessing and a prayer.

For Lent, the Meehans asks that customers first support your church’s fish fry and use the pub as a second choice.

Seating 11am-2pm

Carving Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Weekly

Rotating an Additional Roasted Protein at Carving Station

Carving Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Weekly

Two Additional Entrees on the Buffet (including a vegetarian option)

Lastly, the Meehans said it’s a good place to work and there are benefits for full-time staff and is always looking for experienced employees.

Rotating an Additional Roasted Protein at Carving Station

Two Additional Entrees on the Buffet (including a vegetarian option)

Assorted Sides & Condiments Dessert Station

Two Additional Entrees on the Buffet (including a vegetarian option)

Visit fiddlershearth.com for events, schedules and the menu.

$25 per person ($14 ages 6-12 / kids under 6 free)

$25 per person ($14 ages 6-12 / kids under 6 free) Dessert Station Only…$7

Assorted Sides & Condiments Dessert Station

Dessert Station Only…$7

$25 per person ($14 ages 6-12 / kids under 6 free) Dessert Station Only…$7

Reservations at www.fiddlershearth.com

$1 off Specials on Spritzes, Mules, and Mimosas!

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Fiddler’s Hearth is the St. Patrick’s Day headquarters. The downtown parade is

Saturday before the holiday and people come to Fiddler’s Hearth afterward. Fiddler’s Hearth have been sponsors of St. Patrick’s Day East Race “greening” since 2002. Photo provided by Fiddler’s Hearth.