BLUEBIRD WATCH Jo and
John Brugos of Valparaiso, volunteers at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest in Valparaiso, stand beside a bluebird box for monitor ing the endangered bird. Looking on is fellow vol unteer David Parry, left, also of Valparaiso.
Text and Photos by
STEVE EUVINO
Feature Writer
David Parry of Valparaiso does gardening and leads tours. Cory Gale of Crown Point removes invasive species, assists visitors, and helps at the Railway Garden. Jo and John Brugos of Valparaiso count bluebirds.
These seniors all are volunteers at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest.
Located in rural Valparaiso, Gabis Arboretum is a living laboratory with 300 acres of landscapes that feature a restored prairie, display gardens, wetlands and miles of hiking trails through woodlands.
Gabis Arboretum can always use volunteers, said Leslie Kiser, visitor services and volunteer coordinator. Considered the heart of Gabis’s operation, volunteers may serve as docents; lead guided hikes and field trips; help with outreach and at special events; horticulture and gardening,
including removal of invasive species; help with research; and assist at the Railway Garden or the arboretum’s Acorn Concert Series.
“It helps me give back to the community,” said Parry. “I really enjoy the people here and the Gabis team is tremendous.”
“I love being outside in God’s creation,” said Gale, “and I enjoy assisting the people.”
Gale is an eradicator, removing invasive plant life, and also assists with gardening and tours.
The Brugoses are bird watchers. Using bluebird boxes spread about the arboretum, they keep track of these endangered birds and then report their findings to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, N.Y.
Their findings reveal a high this year of 137 bluebirds in the arboretum, a 38% increase over 2023. The boxes have holes for birds to enter, hatch and then leave.
“I’m outdoors, and I’ve always had a big interest in birds,” Jo
said. “For us, it’s a lot of knowledge, and I enjoy the people I work with.”
John added, “Besides doing something for science, there’s a social aspect. We’re doing something for ourselves and interacting with others.”
Exercise is also involved, John said, as volunteers occasionally walk a few miles for research, “sometimes not under the best conditions.”
While the bluebird project has grown, volunteers are also keeping track of tree swallows.
“We’re working with scientific people,” Parry noted. “I like the interaction and I’m always learning something. It’s an educational experience for everyone.”
Kiser estimated that half of Gabis’ current 75 active volunteers are seniors. The arboretum reported 4,180 volunteer hours during 2023 and already this year 2,715 hours were reported through August.
Hours and schedules vary,
Continued on page 2
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Each Thursday morning, you can hear Pam Skaltas of Valparaiso on WVLP 103.1 FM letting listeners in on important things going on in the community. The public radio station has a mix of music and talk shows. Skaltas was a guest on a Thursday morning show three years ago and it led to her hosting an hour-long show of her own.
“I became a host by being a guest on the show that runs prior to ours on Thursdays, called ‘Community Matters.’
Another gal and I went on to talk about volunteer work and we were offered a time slot,” she said. “We named it ‘We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends’ because we really do and without them we wouldn’t have a show. We hear from people about great things going on right here in our community and meet new interesting friends every week.”
Although she had no radio experience, Skaltas was eager
Continued from page 1
Kiser said, with some volunteers more active than others.
“It depends on their interests and where they would like to spend their time,” Kiser noted.
Gabis provides its volunteers with a monthly Victory Volunteer Day. This program includes an educational component that might include guest speakers, field trips, guided hikes and picnics.
Volunteers who rack up service hours may also qualify for additional training and Gabis membership. Gale earned enough hours and training to become a certified Indiana Master Naturalist.
to jump in and take the opportunity to highlight positive things going on around her.
“We have learned as we go and have had great guests who are so enthusiastic about what they do that the hour flies by. I’ve always lived in the Valparaiso area and thought I knew pretty much all the goings on, but this show has really opened my eyes,” said Skaltas.
She recently brought a cohost, Janet Williams, on board. “Janet is involved in so many organizations and through her and others we have found great guests. They inform us of so many different needs in the community. The wildlife rescues are always interesting and we love lively talks with organizations having fund raisers to promote,” said Skaltas.
As a retiree, Skaltas has filled her time with meaningful volunteer work. “I’ve been retired for years now but I kept busy with volunteer work which I’ve done most of my life. It’s not just helpful for those you volunteer for. It’s helpful
The arboretum also welcomes the opportunity to work with local businesses and organizations to plan group volunteer days.
For more information of Gabis Arboretum volunteering, visit gabisarboretum@ pnw.edu.
ONE LARGE TRAIN SET
Cory Gale of Crown Point, a volunteer at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest, stands beside the Railway Garden at the Valparaiso facility. Gale volunteers at several Gabis locations, including the outdoor historical railroad with 3,000 lineal feet of hand-laid track.
for you as a volunteer to keep active and out there. It’s so important to stay social. Everyone who’s looking for something to be a part of should look into the many ways to volunteer,” she said. “I hope to continue as long as it’s still fun and interesting and WVLP 103.1FM continues to have me.”
One of Skaltas’ volunteer ventures is with the Community Resale Group, which sells gently-loved items and donates proceeds to different causes. “At this time the Community Resale Group and Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe at 1515 Roosevelt Road in Valparaiso are kind enough to underwrite the show and we really appreciate it,” she said.
Skaltas retired from Fagan Pharmacy in Valparaiso where she was a mastectomy and lymphedema fitter. Prior to that she was a pharmacy technician. She and her husband, Mike, have been married for 40 years. They have two children — a daughter, Angela, and son, Jordan — as well as two grandchildren, ages 11 and 12.
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
From the moment she accompanied her great aunt, Hudie Wise, to her classroom to be a teacher’s helper at age 8, Kaye Frataccia Seibert knew that teaching was what she wanted to do.
“I was influenced to go into teaching by my great aunt when I was in third grade. She was a wonderful teacher at the Ball State/Burris Lab School in Muncie, where I
grew up. She invited me to her class to ‘help’ her teach one day,” said Frataccia Seibert. “It was so interesting and inspiring that I knew right then, at 8 years old, that I wanted to be a teacher. I never changed my mind or regretted my decision.”
She went on to earn a Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in education from Ball State University in English, Spanish and reading education. “I began teaching in Indiana in the mid 70s, continued
teaching in Dallas, Texas, and finished my career in Valparaiso at Ben Franklin Middle School where I was an eighth grade Spanish teacher and eighth grade team leader,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to study at the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Monterrey, Mexico. My classes there were in Spanish and helped to build my foundation for teaching the language.”
After more than 20 years in teaching, she retired in 2012.
While she and her husband, Dr. Ric Frataccia, were living in Texas, he was recruited to be principal at Northview Elementary in Valparaiso and the couple moved there in 1988. He later became a superintendent of schools. The couple was married 45 years before he passed away in 2018.
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“While he got involved in the schools, I began to immerse myself in the community and volunteered at a variety of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The beginning of my community involvement was twofold. Other than teaching, I got involved in the Welcome Wagon and made friends that I still have today. Very soon, I began to serve in a variety of positions on the United Way of Porter County Board, including board chair and campaign co-chair,” she said. “Because United Way was so far-reaching, I was exposed to over 40 organizations in the community. This allowed me to get to meet many people and find many opportunities to serve in Porter County. I will be forever grateful to Sharon Kish and her leadership with United Way and her confidence in me.”
After her tenure with Unit-
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ed Way, she volunteered with several organizations, including Valparaiso Parks Foundation as co-chair of Valplayso and Flounder 7 Friends Skatepark, Hilltop Neighborhood House, Memorial Opera House Foundation, Tri Kappa Valparaiso, Ivy Tech Circle of Ivy, Valparaiso Community Schools board, Don Quijote Foundation Board, Girls to
Women mentor through Our Greater Good, grief counselor at Calvary Church, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Boys and Girls Club capital campaign and Valparaiso Creative Council board.
In 2022, she married John Seibert. When the two are not volunteering, they enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Editor’s note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has saved clients of that firm over three million dollars by fighting mistakes or fraud in the Medicare system.
On Aug. 5, I sent a critical letter to the CEO of a medical firm and the chiefs of some of the company’s departments. The letter was written to alert the CEO that several departments of the company were not working well and were hurting our client.
With some editing to protect privacy, here is the letter that I wrote to help the client.
Dear Executives,
Unfortunately, I am writing you because some people under your management are NOT doing their jobs well. In order to help our client, I had to send this letter and its attachments to you.
In early July, I phoned your patient billing service and got a recording of the fax num-
By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care Insurance Services
ber for sending a fax and the address for sending a letter. I sent the letter on July 8, 2024. Our client got another bill from your firm. So, I sent another letter on Aug. 2, 2024. Then, today, the first letter of July 8 was returned by the U.S. Mail for being undeliverable. What is going on
with your company? It seems as though you do not want to respond to anything that alerts you to a problem in your systems.
Today, I phoned the Merrillville office of your firm. Someone there said that she would forward my call to your Patient Billing department. But instead, she disconnected my call.
Please, pay attention to the previous correspondence so that I will not need to help the client file complaints against your firm for its bad business practices with state or federal officials.
all the help that i am giving this client is free of charge. This insurance agency goes the “extra mile” to help our clients with such billing matters to demonstrate that we really do care for our clients. If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why not switch to a firm that does?
By RICE & RICE Attorneys at Law Valparaiso
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to celebrate longstanding Hoosier businesses, awarding the Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Award to 48 businesses in recognition of each company’s longevity and its impact on the state’s economy, communities and people.
Rice & Rice Attorneys was among those recognized in the ceremony, receiving the Half Century Award for being in business over 50 years.
“Indiana continues to prove why we have one of the best economic climates for entrepreneurship and small business creation,” said Holcomb. “That strong economic foundation was set by these businesses that have chosen to call the Hoosier state home for the last 50 to 100 years. The lifeblood of our growing economy is our Hoosier entrepreneurs and business owners who had the courage to turn a vision into reality, and I’m honored to recognize each and every one of these leaders today for their exemplary commitment to our state and their communities.”
The Governor’s Century and
Half Century Business Awards honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for a minimum of 100 or 50 consecutive years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
More than 1,250 Indiana companies have been recognized during the award’s 33-year history. “I have the best job in the world,” said Attorney Cliff Rice, Rice & Rice Attorneys founding partner. “Every day, I meet with wonderful people who love their families, and want to protect their loved ones, keep them out of court, save money and make things easier for them in the future. All we do at Rice & Rice is estate planning and Medicaid planning, and we have been practicing law for over 50 years.”
Rice & Rice Attorneys was founded in Valparaiso in 1972. Attorneys Cliff and Donna Rice are both law and marriage partners, and have shared many years of working together to serve families in northwest Indiana. They are members of the American Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, Wyoming Bar Association, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Wealth Counsel and The Freedom Practice.
Rice & Rice Attorneys has achieved the Martindale-Hub-
the
bell AV Preeminent Rating, a peer rating for the highest professional excellence in ethical standards, exceptional legal ability and significant experience, and also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The professional
staff of Rice & Rice Attorneys brings decades of experience to the estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration processes.
More than 15,000 families in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan have worked with Rice & Rice
Attorneys to create their estate plans. Rice & Rice offers a free, no-obligation consultation. To find out how Rice & Rice Attorneys can assist in your estate planning and elder law needs, call (800) 303-7423 or visit at riceandrice.com.
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
After 43 years working on college campuses, Phyllis Schroeder has seen things that tugged at her heart.
In one instance, a young male student believed he was transgender, but his parents would not pay his medical bills.
In another case, Schroeder helped a student from the south side of Chicago get into college. After facing many challenges, the sobbing student came to her office to report his grades were all As.
Maybe that’s why she got involved with the Deepening Our Welcome process at Christ Lutheran Church. In 2020, the Valparaiso church began examining how it could be more welcoming to the marginalized, including people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
“We began exploring how we could be more inviting to the community,” Schroeder said.
Following several years of meetings and presentations, the
church voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new welcoming statement that includes respect for all people, regardless of sexual orientation and skin color.
“You are welcome here, just as you are!” the statement reads. “We celebrate all the ways we are made in the image of God, seeking to see God in everyone.”
The process, Schroeder said, included presentations by church members with gay or transgender relatives. At a youth session, people spoke about struggling with their sexual identity and were searching for support.
Christ Lutheran has since become a member of Reconciling In Christ, a Lutheran initiative started in 1974 to promote inclusion. This program advocates for acceptance, full participation and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions in the Lutheran Church.
A widow residing in Valparaiso, Schroeder attended VU for theology, later working
as student life coordinator at Oklahoma State University and retiring as director of financial aid at VU.
She loved her job and believes she found her vocation in working with people, not just numbers, “doing what God is calling you to do.”
Schroeder was looking for a church, and after her husband, David, died, she tried Christ Lutheran. A couple saw her and encouraged her to sit with them every week and pray together for a year.
“I decided I wanted to stay,” Schroeder said. “People I’d never met took me in.”
A member for nine years, she has served Christ Lutheran on its church council, worship and music committee, Communion assistant and social ministry.
Schroeder sees one’s faith life as “living out that role that God has called us to, which is not always clear. What does my faith have to say in this congregation?Let’s talk about this, and try to understand that we all go through some terrible
situations. How is God calling me to respond? I don’t always do it very well.”
When it comes to Scripture, Schroeder cites Micah 6:8 — “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God.”
“It’s a call. What does God ask of you?” Schroeder explained. “To do that in all the difficult situations you find yourself, to discern what is God really calling me to do in that situation.”
About this time last year, Mary Ellen and I spent our anniversary downtown at a charming little bed and breakfast. It was our way of celebrating 43 years since we fell in love. To com-
memorate this, I fell out of bed. I did not expect it to happen again, but it has occurred several times in the last year or so — once with me almost ending up in the ER after hitting my noggin. This confirmed Mary Ellen’s longtime assertion that I should have my head examined. After my most recent crash landing, we knew something had to be done.
Mary Ellen purchased an inflatable bed bumper rail from a company called hiccapop. When the box arrived, I thought hic-
capop was one of those fancy energy drinks my wife buys. By the way, I know the “h” in hiccapop should be upper case, but no words in their instructions are capitalized. not one. They think that is clever. i don’t. i think it’s pretentious.
The hiccapop bed rail is a 5-foot-long cylindrical pillow. When you blow it up, it looks like a long white log. You stick it under your fitted sheet on the side of the bed to prevent your potential plummet to the floor. The accompanying instructions
make it clear that this is really intended for toddlers who have made the transition from a crib to a real bed, a transition I made during the Truman administration.
One woman writes on Amazon: The hiccapop keeps my son safe. I no longer have to worry about the little guy falling out of bed. It’s a relief to know my 6-year-old is protected.
Note to readers: Reread that review and substitute the word husband for son, then substitute old man for little guy. Then, replace the number six with the number 77. See how humiliating this whole predicament is for me?
Nettie, our housekeeper, came this week. She told Mary Ellen she wasn’t going to clean in the bedroom because it looked like I was napping.
“Oh, that’s not my husband. That’s his hiccapop.”
“Well, whoever he is, I can’t vacuum until he gets out of bed.”
The hiccapop business is very consumer-oriented.
“If you ever need parts, we will send them to you free of charge,” the company declares in its instructions. Question: Have you ever needed to replace
parts in a pillow?
They provide a warranty for the pillow “...even if your dog chews it accidentally.” I have no clue what that means. Barney, our old beagle, once chewed up Mary Ellen’s brand new shoes.
“Why don’t you scold him?” Mary Ellen asked me.
“Because it wasn’t his fault. He ate them accidentally.”
Finally, concerned about having their other baby hiccapop product ideas ripped off, the company issued this warning in their accompanying brochure: “To you beef-witted design pirates, do NOT copy our stuff, or we will sue you.”
I have never heard that expression, but there’s nothing more threatening than a wellplaced meat metaphor.
By the way, the product really works. I have not rolled off the side of the bed since we installed the bumper, but I may have to return it and get a new one. I’m still a restless sleeper with a lot of nervous energy. Because of that, I chewed into my hiccapop one night while sleeping and it deflated.
Mary Ellen forgave me. I told her it was an accident.
By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration
You may know someone who gets a monthly Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment and who also needs help managing their money. We can appoint a person or an organization to act as a “representative payee” responsible for receiving and managing a person’s Social Security benefits or SSI payments.
When we assign a representative payee, we select someone who knows the beneficiary’s needs and can make decisions about how to best use their benefits for their care and well-being. An application is required, and an in-person interview may be needed. You
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Partying into the wee hours of the morning are events of the long ago for most seniors as they become accustomed to bedtimes shortly after the evening news.
Hosting night-time festivities for friends and family decreases as a result, so why not invite everyone over for Sunday — or Saturday — brunch. Or Tuesday — or Thursday — afternoon tea.
You’re likely to get better response since everyone will be able to drive home in daylight.
And you’ll probably save money on the food and refreshments since your guests will likely down less wine with the array of less-expensive finger food you prepare for them.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Crooks have been focussing on health fairs that are increasing in popularity among the growing seniors crowd.
Scammers offer free genetic screening. All they need, they say, is a cheek swab and your Medicare number to pay for the screening.
The crooks then bill Medicare several thousands of dollars, which it normally rejects, and the person being screened is billed.
If you feel you could use or would benefit from genetic screening, discuss the matter with your family doctor.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
can call us at (800) 772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
Most representative payees are responsible for completing an annual form to account for the benefit payments they receive and manage. They must complete this form and return it to Social Security by mail or, if they have a personal my Social Security account, they can file it online using the Representative Payee portal. Account holders can also get a benefit verification letter and manage direct deposit and wage reporting for their beneficiaries. Learn more about the portal at ssa.gov/myaccount/ rep-payee.
You also have the option to identify up to three people to serve as your future representative payee and help manage your benefits, if the need arises. We call this Advance Designation. We offer Advance
Designation to capable adults and emancipated minors who are applying for or already receiving Social Security benefits, SSI, or Special Veterans Benefits. With Advance Designation, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits. Find more information about:
• Advance Designation at ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.
• Representative Payees at ssa.gov/payee.
• Publications about representative payees at ssa.gov/ payee/newpubs.
If you know someone who needs help managing their monthly benefits, please consider becoming a representative payee. You can also help by sharing this information with friends and family.
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
What down is it? At Chesterton High School, check with Paul Blosser. For 55 seasons, this retired teacher and coach has been handling the down marker, which these days is an LED sign.
Back in 1969, the CHS athletic director asked Blosser and Max Fishero if they would work the chains.
What started one season kept going, Blosser, 82, said. “Our goal was to make it to 50 years,” he said,
Blosser did, but sadly Fishero died before his 49th season.
“I love my sports,” said Blosser, a Chesterton resident.
“Basketball saved my life. It got me off the farm and gave me an education. Now I want to give back.”
Blosser, who played at Bremen High School, attended Bethel College in Mishawaka, where he played four years of basketball and one season of baseball.
Blosser was in education and school sports for 46 years. That included New Prairie and the since-merged Jackson high schools. The former track, cross country, baseball and basketball coach moved to the Duneland School Corporation, where the social studies teacher coached middle school basketball and later was a varsity assistant for CHS boys basketball.
This retiree had remained active in sports. He played industrial leagues hoops until age 36. He went from running to actively walking, in which he has racked up more than 6,000 miles.
“I try to keep healthy. It’s not always joyful, but I work out every day,” he said. “I’ve always tried to eat right, exercise and keep active.”
Blosser does four things he believes helps — eat healthy, exercise, read to keep his mind active and be lucky.
Don’t forget good genes, though. Blosser’s father Russell, who played on the 1932-33 Wakarusa state-finalist basketball
team, reached age 90.
While working the sidelines, Blosser enjoys seeing the kids compete.
“We have some great times in the Duneland Conference,” he said. “You learn a lot from the kids. We’ve got some really talented kids who’ve gone on to do great things. These kids want to compete. They want to be there and have fun. New guys come in and the quality continues.”
Sports, Blosser continued, “gives you tremendous discipline. You have to prepare every time. There’s a work ethic, which maybe I also got from farming. You want to compete and challenge yourself to do your very best.”
Blosser has seen changes over the years. His downs marker has gone from flipped numbers to digital. Markers that once had spikes now have rubber tips.
Another difference is today’s athlete, many of whom play year-round at school sports or AAU. Most of Blosser’s contemporaries were farmers with
PAUL BLOSSER
family chores.
While working the visitor sideline, Blosser has observed “coaching has gotten a lot better, and they’re treating players a lot better.”
The sideline guys’ jobs can also be challenging, especially with large players heading
their way. A quarterback once knocked Blosser over, but otherwise he has remained safe by being wary.
“I have to get out of the way. I see it,” he said. “It is dangerous, and you gotta keep your eyes open and have an escape route, especially at my age.”
A. A Charitable Lead Trust (“CLT”) provides a stream of income to one or more charities as the “lead” beneficiary. The trust can be set for a specific term of years or for the life of a person. After the income stream ends, the remaining balance will be distributed to other beneficiaries, like spouses, children, or other loved ones. For more information about trusts, grantors, and beneficiaries, see What is a Trust?
When establishing a Charitable Lead Trust, the grantor pays gift tax on the expected final distribution to family members. This is calculated by using the § 7520 interest rate in effect at the time of creation. If the trust assets grow at a higher rate than the § 7520 rate, the additional growth passes to the grantor’s family without any estate tax due. In other words, the grantor will pay less overall estate tax while donating to a meaningful cause.
A. If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50, Senior Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers average 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services from the ads they see in Senior Life
Can you imagine a TV series changing the fortunes of a major business?
From 1977 to 1987, millions of television viewers set aside
By RANDAL C. HILL
Saturday nights to enjoy Aaron Spelling’s ratings behemoth
“The Love Boat” on ABC-TV.
As goes an old saying, nobody loved the show except the public. Critics detested it, citing corny jokes and absurd storylines. Some early cynics even predicted that Spelling’s offering would sink faster than the Titanic.
Wrong!
“The Love Boat” was based on a 1976 TV movie of the same name, which itself had been built around a 1974 book by former cruise director Jeraldine Saunders. She breathlessly claimed to witness numerous lovey-dovey stories while asea.
Each of Aaron’s more than 250 hour-long episodes usually presented three separate story arcs, with numerous celebrity actors having their issues resolved just before the credits rolled.
Hundreds of famous folks made guest appearances, and the show’s success also allowed Spelling a personal side benefit:
“I was able to fulfill my own dreams by hiring some of the great old Hollywood legends as guest stars. The studios weren’t banging their doors down with offers, but these actors still had lots of talent, and I was happy to provide an outlet.” Such VIPs from Tinseltown’s golden years included Lana Turner, Olivia de Havilland, Shelley Winters and Ginger Rogers.
Each episode brought together the ensemble cast of Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), the onboard doctor Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell), cruise director Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), bartender Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), and purser “Gopher” Smith (Fred Grandy).
Together the crew steered the high-seas celebrities toward romance-drenched situations by igniting PG-rated new romances or salvaging faltering alliances.
Some of the show’s scenes were filmed during actual voyages on Pacific Cruises’s Pacific Princess, as well as two sister ships, the Island Princess and the Sun Princess. Real-life passengers were often used as extras rather than professional actors.
Then there was that iconic theme song, recorded by crooner Jack Jones — best known for “Wives and Lovers” — with his “The Love Boat” becoming a Top 40 single.
In 1970, about half a million people took cruises. Within three decades, that number had zoomed to 5 million, thanks in large part to the exuberant in-
terest brought about after “The Love Boat” showcased the glamorous world of ocean cruising.
One of the show’s scriptwriters, Michael L. Grace, said, “’The Love Boat’ really created the industry. You had 50 million people watching, and they all wanted to go on a cruise.” To cater to the sudden rush of interest, a boom in cruise-ship building exploded in full force by the early 1980s and continued well into the next decade.
Gavin MacLeod once explained, “People always ask us why ‘The Love Boat’ was so popular. I always say it gave people something to dream about. They would dream about being out on the open seas on a cruise and discovering the world’s greatest destinations, dreaming about love and, of course, happy endings, since the shows always ended on a high note.”
Legacy Foundation, the community foundation for Lake County, has launched its newest community-based initiative, “Community Heart & Soul,” a national model designed to help build stronger, healthier and more economically vibrant communities through a resident-driven planning process.
“Building upon our Neighborhood Spotlight initiative, Community Heart & Soul will bring residents and municipal leaders together to develop a plan for the future,” said Legacy Foundation President
and CEO Kelly Anoe. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Community Heart & Soul to implement this unique opportunity with Lake County communities and residents.”
Through this partnership, Legacy Foundation will encourage meaningful public participation to help residents identify what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.
This fall, Legacy Foundation will select one community to receive training, technical as-
sistance and supporting funds to implement the Community Heart & Soul process over a two-to-five-year period. Any Lake County town or city with a population of 40,000 or less will be eligible to apply.
Legacy Foundation will be hosting a Community Heart & Soul Information Workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Lake County Public Library, Merrillville branch, 1919 81st Ave. This workshop is open to anyone in Lake County interested in learning about the Community
Live On Stage, Inc. and Lakeshore Community Concerts announce the Broadway male vocal trio “Bachelors of Broadway” as part of their 2024-25 concert season.
Three of Broadway’s most dynamic male vocalists will be performing the biggest hits from the most beloved musicals of all time in a special concert at at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Performed by three of New
York City’s top theatrical performers, Bachelors of Broadway offers soaring and thrilling melodies in contemporary three-part vocal harmony. Brought to you by the creators of Shades of Bublé and Two on Tap, this show breathes new life into vintage classics from the Golden Age of Broadway with visually dynamic multimedia elements and lush symphonic arrangements of songs from both contemporary
and classic musicals, including Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, West Side Story and more.
Single tickets available on the day of the performance for $30. Note that there is a new venue this season, the Highland High School Auditorium, 9135 Erie St., Highland. For more information, contact Carolyn Borchardt at (219) 932-9795 or by email at cborc86914@aol.com.
Heart & Soul process for their community, including residents, municipal leaders and nonprofit organizations.
“We are excited to kick off Community Heart & Soul in Lake County at this workshop event,” explained Legacy Foundation Grants and Partnerships Director Maranda En-
gquist. “We encourage anyone who is interested in learning about Heart & Soul for their community to attend.”
To learn more about Community Heart & Soul in Lake County and to register for the upcoming Information Workshop, visit legacyfdn.org/heartsoul.
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
The boy was only 4 years old. Exploring the back side of his yard.
He imagined it a wild place. For him it wasn’t very hard. And then he saw a toad, that was hopping on the lawn. He followed it for a while, and tried to hop along. Now he has a sudden thought, to capture it if he can.
The third try is the charm, as he grabs it with his hand.
That boy is soon to learn, as he holds that toad so tight, that often as a defense, a toad will urinate in fright. That boy will become a man, and respect all living things.
Shaped in part by a frightened toad.
The mystery never ends. I somehow lost the original of this poem, but I liked it enough to try to rewrite it. It’s pretty close.
When I was about 10, I tried to impress a neighbor girl by putting a toad in my mouth.
Same results.
Join Purdue Extension master home food preservation instructors to learn the basics of boiling water bath canning through education and a hands-on workshop. Participants will prepare and process a recipe to take home after the workshop.
The “Jam and Jelly Canning Workshop” will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point
To register, go to cvent.me/ NEbKMn. The cost is $30 per person. Space is limited for this workshop. If you would like to participate, register soon. For more information, contact Linda Curley at (219) 7553240 or by email at lcurley@ purdue.edu.
If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, contact Curley two weeks prior to the program.
It’s easy! Simply find the apple on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, September 16, 2024. Brought To You By
206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542
The winner of the I Spy Contest for August is Fred Craft, Fort Wayne. The watermelon was located on page 12 in Senior Life Allen; page 23 in Senior Life Northwest; page 2 in Senior Life Elko and page 21 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
ACROSS
1. In the middle of 6. “____, the Beloved Country”
9. Start of “The Night Before Christmas”
13. Anoint
14. *”...three strikes, ____’re out, at the old ball game”
15. Capital of Egypt
16. *Yanees owner, George ____brenner
17. Mandela’s org.
18. Back street
19. *Walk-off move (2 words)
21. *One of MLB countries
23. Start an engine
24. Salvador Dali’s muse
25. Old French coin
28. Select
30. Pass, as time
35. Antonym of is
37. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver
39. Virgo’s brightest star
40. Snack, in Spain
41. Rose oil
43. *Yogi Berra -
295 PA, e.g.
44. *Player’s representative
46. Eyelid affliction
47. Shade of beige
48. *a.k.a. Mr. October
50. Small island
52. In the know
53. Part of armor
55. Octopus’ defense
57. *Last year’s World Series winners
60. *Ronald AcuÒa Jr.’s home base
64. Indian monetary unit
65. Sun, in Mexico
67. ____ Asimov
68. Artemis’ companion
69. E.T.’s craft, acr.
70. Shelf material
71. Cry like a baby
72. Young newt
73. Shermans, in World War II
DOWN
1. It starred Alan Alda from 19721983
2. Digging, so to speak
3. Think
4. More like a fox
5. Madagascar’s hedgehog-like animal
6. Printer cartridge color
7. *Guidry, Cey or Gardenhire
8. New Mexico’s state flower
9. Samoan money
10. *____ card
11. Length times width
12. Tofu ingredient
15. Lock sites
20. Soft palate hanger
22. Kind of beer
24. Speech organ
25. Fretted instrument
26. a.k.a. People of the Middle Waters
27. Remove pegs
29. Auction portions
31. Cathedral recess
32. *____ clock
33. Close call
34. Relish (2 words)
36. NASA’s orange drink
38. *”The Catch” (1954) catcher
42. Rekindled
45. Like theater seating
49. Big-headedness
51. Join the army
54. Matter of debate
56. Buckwheat dish
57. Halo
58. Do like volcano
59. Bluish green
60. Sir Mix-____-____
61. Delhi bread
62. Spill the beans
63. *Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson and Christy
66. Bug enemy
5 bay leaves
smashed
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 cup cane vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat until it starts to shimmer. Add drumsticks and cook until brown on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add thighs to the pot and cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the plate with the drumsticks.
Add onion, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns to the pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic just begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add vinegar and soy sauce and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Return the chicken to the pot and turn to coat with the sauce. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is very tender, about 1 hour.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring often, until reduced by about one-third, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve the chicken with the sauce.
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
An acquaintance recently received news she thought would never happen to her: a rich uncle died and left her some money.
Not a lot, mind you, but it was an inheritance, a totally unexpected legacy.
Most people have some idea what they’d do with a financial windfall.
Pay off the mortgage, buy a new car, take a cruise around the world. It depends on how much money is involved.
But then what? It isn’t easy becoming wealthy overnight. Stories of the profligacy, foolishness or ill-luck of lottery winners pour out of the news media with regularity.
In the case of our neighbor — a senior — she immediately quit her job, paid off the small debt she had, and sought out a financial adviser.
She invested the remainder of her inheritance in safe income-producing financial vehicles to augment her monthly Social Security checks. Then she decided to move to another state to live with one of her children after discussing the matter with them and the rest
of the family. It has been estimated that current retirees will pass on more than some $10 trillion to their heirs.
Many of the beneficiaries of this largess have grown up in poor or modest circumstances or have mismanaged their finances throughout their lives and have little concept of the challenges they face.
The first, of course, is what to do with the money.
Do you put that $10,000, $100,000, or $1 million into the stock market or real estate?
Do you sell the company you inherited, or do you try to keep it running?
Do you keep all the stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in the portfolio that suddenly becomes your property?
Financial planners consistently offer this piece of advice: don’t do anything for awhile.
That’s more difficult than it sounds.
Forty percent of baby boomers who had received an inheritance of at least $50,000 made their financial decisions in less than a week, according to a survey by Oppenheimer Funds.
Whatever the form of the inheritance, whether it’s a
stock portfolio, sports memorabilia collection, or a seaside bed-and-breakfast, you should focus on what you want to do with the windfall: invest it in retirement income, pay debts or make charitable contributions, for example.
Establishing goals will help you manage the money much better.
While the financial facet requires patience and some effort to educate yourself on the best avenues to follow, the emotional side of inheriting can be a much more difficult challenge.
The inheritance is usually intertwined with the death of a loved one and, as a result, associated with grief.
Guilt is often a major emotional component of a legacy, financial planners point out, that leaves the heir feeling uncomfortable with not having earned the money.
There’s also a feeling of isolation tied to inheriting money that is compounded by the discomfort and worry, with good reason, inflicted by friends and family members badgering them for loans and gifts.
The emotional stress causes many folks to get rid of their inheritance as quickly as possible, according to estate
counselors and managers. The inheritors feel they can rid themselves of the guilt and responsibility by giving away the money or spending it as fast as possible.
On the other hand, people who take their time to plan
what to do with an inheritance have been known to husband their wealth and continue living in their current lifestyle with the comfortable assurance that their financial future is secure.
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
You can help prevent falls by making your home safe.
Have handrails on both sides of all stairs from top to bottom, and make sure they are tightly fastened.
Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you’re on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other.
Don’t block your view of the steps. Go down or up the stairs sitting on each step in turn if you think you have problems with your vision or balance.
Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and each end of a long hall.
Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave things on the floor that you might trip on.
All carpets should be fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store.
In bathrooms and powder rooms:
In other living areas:
• Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths.
• Tack all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor.
• Arrange your furniture, especially low coffee tables and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.
• Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you, so that you can get in and out of them easily.
• Stay away from a freshly washed floor.
• Keep the things you use regularly in the kitchen within easy reach.
• Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high; use a “reach stick” instead.
Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is stable and has a handrail on top. Try to have someone stand next to you.
• Don’t let your home get too cold or too hot. Being very cold or very hot can make you dizzy.
• Mount grab-bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
• Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
• Keep night lights on.
In the summer, if your home is not air-conditioned, keep cool with an electric fan and drink lots of liquids and limit physical activity. In the winter, don’t let the nighttime temperature drop below 65 degrees.
In your bedroom:
• Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
• Keep your telephone near your bed.
• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
1. Take Your Medication as Directed
All medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, include directions for safe use. Be sure to follow all printed guidelines and the advice of your doctor to ensure that the medicine works safely and effectively.
2. Don’t Overdo It
Using alcohol and medications unintentionally or to cope with big life changes is called substance misuse. Help can begin with diagnosis, addressing chronic health issues, rebuilding support systems and starting treatment.
3. Check in with Your Mood
Feeling persistently sad or that you don’t have value can indicate depression, especially when these feelings affect your daily routine. Depression can be treated with talk therapy and/or medication. You can also lower the risk of depression when you prepare for major life changes, stay physically active, and share how you are feeling with family or friends.
4. Find Purpose Each Day
Feeling that your life has purpose is a key to fulfillment. It can impact your health positively, and may also slow down aging and increase longevity. Make choices and plan activities based on what is enjoyable, interesting, and important to you.
Learn More When You...
•
•
• Visit www.porterstarke.org
By TERRI SEVERIN Guest Writer
Editor’s note: Darrel Korth of Valparaiso died June 25, 2024, at the age of 104. He is survived by two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarella Korth.
Darrel Korth, an active centenarian, moved years ago from Roselawn to Valparaiso to be closer to his son.
Thirty years back, the town of Roselawn was unknown to me. Following the plane crash of American Eagle 4184 in 1994, in which I lost my sister and four-year-old nephew, I was soon to learn that this small, unassuming town possessed a big heart. A heart personified by Darrel Korth.
From the first responders and county commissioners to the local church and its members, I came to know the best of people during the
worst of times.
From early on, Darrel attended each of our memorial services on Oct. 31 at the roadside in Roselawn, and then joined Flight 4184 families and friends for a communal dinner prepared by the members of the Roselawn Methodist Church.
Darrel and I soon became dear friends. At the urging of his late pastor, Kathy, we exchanged phone numbers and emails. For over 25 years we regularly kept in touch, and I was always quite impressed by his quick response to emails.
Occasionally, I would drive to Indiana from the Chicago suburbs to visit Darrel. On one occasion, after a tour of his tidy townhome, he proudly pointed out all the meals he had prepared and then frozen for future use. When we were ready to depart for lunch, I had expected I would drive but instead I was met with a
Aperion Care - Demotte
bellowing command: “I’ll drive and you follow!” He was a mere 96 years old at the time! I always knew Darrel to be gregarious yet thoughtful. He was witty, had a great sense of humor. and was always kind and well liked. I attended Darrel’s 100th birthday party in Valparaiso, with over 100 of his family and friends in attendance. He made a point to address each and every guest.
Darrel was active and seemed to be constantly on the go with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always spoke lovingly of them. Each year, he would remind me that he’d be out of town for several weeks, fishing with his son. Upon his return, he’d share his adventures and send pictures of his prized catches. These trips continued well into his 100s. For 104 years, Darrel touched many lives, including mine.
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Crown Point Christian Village
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Ignite Medical Resort of Dyer
1532 Calumet Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 515-4700
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Years Ago Blast From The Past —
If you’re part of a lucrative songwriting team, you’ll want to take pains to be accurate if you’re describing a historic event, especially one that occurred in another country. Otherwise, you just might end up with egg on your face, as happened with the Number One hit “The Night Chicago Died.”
By RANDAL C. HILL
In England, Mitch Murray and Peter Callendar were pop-music creators responsible for such best-selling 45s as Georgie Fame’s “The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde,” Vanity Fare’s “Hitchin’ a Ride” and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods’ “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero.”
But these partners didn’t have their facts straight with “The Night Chicago Died,” which breathlessly — and erroneously
— told of a Chicago gun battle with Al Capone’s gang, and a heroic cop who miraculously survived an ordeal that killed 100 officers. (Gangs sometimes had shootouts with each other but not usually with police officers.)
“The Night Chicago Died” was unlike any other successful disc. Rather than being offered an instrumental lead-in followed by a vocal, we were instead snapped to attention by a throbbing drumbeat, a shrieking synthesizer that simulated wailing police sirens, and a passionate spoken introduction by Paper Lace lead singer Phil Wright:
“Daddy was a cop/On the east side of Chicago
“Back in the USA/Back in the bad old days”
Throughout the song, the ear-candy chorus — repeated over and over and over — had many of us singing along after just one listen:
“I heard my mama cry/I heard her pray the night Chicago died
“Brother, what a night it really was/Brother, what a fight it really was “Glory be” Paper Lace, an English quartet
first called Music Box, was formed in 1967 in Nottingham, home of the Robin Hood legend and at one time the cloth and paper lace-making capital of the world (hence the band’s name). The group was organized by drummer and primary vocalist Wright and three musical pals. Paper Lace’s hit was originally conceived to be a UK-only release before Mercury Records honchos in America decided that it had hit potential here —which it did, reaching the peak of the
Billboard charts (and making Number Three in the UK) before the band became another “onehit wonder.”
Songfacts.com is a website dedicated to behind-the-scenes information about popular recordings. It was there that Mitch Murray, one-half of the team behind “The Night Chicago Died,” emailed a note that read, “As co-writer of this song, I feel qualified to settle some of the questions involving ‘The Night Chicago Died.’ My writing partner, Peter Callander,
and I are both British, and we had never been to Chicago at the time we wrote the song. Having been brought up on a tasty diet of American gangster movies, the term ‘east side’ usually meant the seamy side of a city. Of course, looking back, it was used about New York, not Chicago. We were obviously a little careless with our research.” Obviously, Mitch.
When Murray signed off, he pointed out that he hailed from the (hip) west side of London.
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221 W. Division Road, Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-7005 • www.oakgrovecrv.org
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Assisted Living, Private Rooms, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respiratory Therapy), Pet Visitation, Accepts Most Payer Sources. *Saint Anthony is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Gary or the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
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R.E.A.L. Services and USAging in Washington, D.C., have been awarded the 2024 Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit for their exceptional work through the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative. The NAIIS Immunization Excellence Awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations
towards improved vaccination rates within their communities during the past year.
The ADVC initiative is led by USAging, which represents and supports the national network of AAAs and advocates for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs that help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence, and dignity in their homes and communities.
South Bend-based R.E.A.L. Services is a founding member of the ADVC, which works with Area Agencies on Aging and community partners to increase the number of older adults and people with disabilities who receive COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines.
Since May 2023, ADVC partners have administered nearly 500,000 vaccines. In the five-county region served
Legacy Foundation, the community foundation for Lake County, has announced the recipients for the 2024 Heart of Lake County awards, honoring four community leaders who use their time and talents to positively impact Lake County.
Tory Prasco will be presented with the Gold Key Award. Prasco is a partner with Burke Costanza & Carberry, LLP, where he helps clients fulfill their philanthropic goals by incorporating philanthropy into estate planning. He is a long-time volunteer at Legacy Foundation, serving as board chair, board member and on various committees over the last 25 years. Prasco is also on the board of directors of the Crossroads YMCA and St. Catherine’s Hospital, and on the board of trustees of Calumet College of St. Joseph.
The Corporate Philanthropy Award will be presented to Tolbert & Tolbert, LLC. Since opening their firm in downtown Gary, Partners Michael and Shelice Tolbert have been committed to giving back. The firm prioritizes supporting community initiatives and being active members of the community. Michael and Shelice volunteer regularly, serve as mentors, and provide pro bono service events for residents to receive free law advice.
Ken Schoon will receive the Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award. Schoon is a founding board member at Dunes Learning Center where his passion for and knowledge of local history and geology has helped shape the organization into the center it is today. Schoon previously served on the Munster Town Council,
was a middle and high school science teacher and taught science at Indiana University Northwest.
The Community Spirit Award will be presented to Elena De Jesus. De Jesus has been a registered nurse for almost 50 years and is currently a nurse case manager at Methodist Hospital. She is an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Northwest Indiana and Philippine Professionals Association, where she has previously served as the president of both organizations. De Jesus is a strong advocate for public health and promotes preventative care within the community.
Awards were presented to recipients at the Foundation’s Annual Celebration on Aug. 20, at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville.
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
The vacation of your dreams can turn into a nightmare just as your time on a tropical beach can turn terrible.
Hurricane, a fractured wrist, a traffic accident, lost luggage, a missed transportation connection — any of these or many other reasons can be the cause.
Being a bit paranoid when planning your trip can ease some of the pain should anything happen.
Make sure someone in your family knows where you’re going,
what you plan to do and how long you’ll be away. Have that person or someone else be aware that they’ll be called should anything happen to you.
And don’t forget to have someone keep an eye on your dwelling and property while you’re gone.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
by R.E.A.L. Services, more than 2,100 vaccines were provided through 72 clinics across five counties working with its vaccine partners. R.E.A.L. Services also provided 7,648 units of supportive services, such as transportation to vaccine clinics, assistance with appointments and information, and referral to aging and disability resources. An additional 61 clinics are planned through next March.
“It’s an incredible honor to have our local efforts recognized with this award by the NAIIS,” said R.E.A.L. Services CEO Karla Fales. “It’s a testament to the power of this collaboration and the critical role that area agencies on aging play in promoting life-saving vaccinations, which are a centerpiece of health and healthy aging for all of us.”
The key to the program’s
success was collaboration with local organizations that hosted clinics and helped reach vulnerable populations. “We couldn’t have done this without our community partners who hosted clinics, created special events, and distributed educational materials,” stated program manager Mary Bradfield. Clinic partners included South Bend Civic Theatre, Motels 4 Now, Our Lady of the Road, The Tolson Center, The South Bend Housing Authority, 1Roof Southeast Center, St. Margaret’s House and many others, totaling more than 45 vaccine clinic sites and 70 events.
USAging’s ADVC is supported by the Administration for Community Living through USAging as part of a financial assistance award totaling $74,999,835, with 100-percent funding by ACL/HHS.
The Duneland Exchange Club has announced the “It Takes a Village 7” fundraising event at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. It will take place at The Village Tavern, 128 Lincoln St., Porter.
This annual fundraiser aims to prevent child abuse and promises a day of fun for a great cause. Enjoy music, food and fun while supporting an important cause.
Admission is just $10 and each ticket includes a chance to win a $300 cash prize, courtesy of CST Industries.
The event will feature live music by Ed Strudas and Friends, a bean bags tournament, delicious food and beverages, exciting raffles and silent auctions and several 50/50 drawings.
Paula Deiotte, a member of
the Duneland Exchange Club, encourages everyone to join in the festivities, stating, “Please come out and support our club’s mission, the prevention of child abuse! It’s a day full of fun, food, drink and music, and you get to hang out with some amazing people. Many thanks to the Village Tavern for hosting us and donating food. Also, thanks to our sponsors, donors and Duneland Exchange Club members. Without them, we couldn’t do this!”
Tickets will be available at the door and can also be ordered in advance at dunelandexchangeclub.com, or from any Exchange Club member. Don’t miss out on thisopportunity to support a vital cause while enjoying a day filled with entertainment and community spirit.
ST. AGNES ADULT DAY SVC. CENTER
Specializing in Alzheimer’s Care
1859 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 477-5433
www.stagnesvalpo.org
Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com
Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
Structured Activities, Safe & Secure Surroundings, Health Monitoring
“Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.”
Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI
free online directory for aging & wellness resources. Our members offer a wide variety of services and information for your specific needs. www.agingconnections.org Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3)
HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond www.northshorehealth.org By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 Affordable dental care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Discounted self-pay option.
FREE SPIRIT CHURCH
701 E. Clark St., Crown Point, IN (219) 663-3900
Extremely cost effective funerals from $350. Cremation referrals available. Funeral services, Wake/visitations and reception hall available. Also, Spiritual Counseling For all ages and life situations. Call 219.663.3900 or visit www.TheFreeSpiritChurch.org
BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF LAKE COUNTY
9521 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 0 Highland, IN 46322 (219) 924-0200
www.brightstarcare.com/west-lake-county/ In-Home Nursing, Caregiving & Companionship
• Assist with personal & hygiene care
• Companion care
• Skilled Nursing Care
• Respite care & family relief
• Transportation
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Available 24/7
WE ARE LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED & ACCREDITED BY THE JOINT COMMISSION
VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE
2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100
www.visitingangels.com
Nationally respected, non medical, home care service. Providing CNA’s, HHA’s & Companion Care.
* Assist w/Hygiene
* Meal Preparation
* Medication Reminders
* Light Housekeeping
* Transportation
* Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED
HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA
402 Wall Street, Suite 22
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 462-6529
Fax: (219) 462-9017
www.HTOHH.com
Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.
CHAP Accredited
HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET AREA MUNSTER
www.hospicecalumet.org (219) 922-2732 / (219) 736-2422
• Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Illinois Communities Since 1981
• Hospice Services Are Covered 100% For Patients Who Are Medicare Eligible
• Not-for-profit
• Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House
UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana. (219) 769-8648
Greater Illinois area (312) 427-6000
www.unityhospice.com
Family owned & operated hospice
Offering premier end-of-life care For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care.
MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
8446 Virginia St., Merrillville, IN (219) 756-3663 www.mownwi.org
A non-profit nutrition provider offering Chef Prepared Hot Lunches delivered daily (M-F). All meals are heart healthy & low sodium. Specialized diets are also available, as well as 5 or 7 packs of frozen meals.
Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke & Pulaski counties.
NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS
Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte
By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349
www.northshorehealth.org
Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.
IGNITE MEDICAL RESORTS
2775 Village Point Chesterton, IN (219) 304-6700
1555 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN (219) 323-8700
1532 Calumet Avenue Dyer, IN (219) 515-4700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management
RITE CARE PHARMACY
2075 Indianapolis Blvd. Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 655-5028
GET VACCINATED AT HOME! FREE Service for all Medicare Clients: Flu, Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV, Tdap, Covid, Hep B Accept Medicare, Medicaid & Commercial Ins. FREE Medication Delivery
Hrs: M-F 10 am, 5 pm; Sat 10 am, 1 pm Ritecarehm
RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC 7702 Woodland Drive #130, Indianapolis, IN 46278 (877) 446-8722
Problems hearing on the telephone? We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.
See Our Ad In This Issue
WHALING SHIP MODEL Inside the Bedford Whaling Museum is this 89-foot-long, one-half scale model of the whaling ship Lagota, which sailed the world in the 1800s and early 1900s in search of whales.
STAR Cruising without leaving the country is available through
It takes just 100 passengers to the New England islands.
Been considering a cruise but aren’t sure you want to go on one of those mega-ships with 6,000 other people? Or perhaps you don’t want the hassle of overseas travel to cruise the Greek islands or the far east.
Check this out.
Take a week-long cruise without leaving the U.S. by
traveling on the American Cruise Lines voyage through the New England islands. You’ll be one of just 100 passengers.
The food is outstanding (you can have seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner), the rooms are comfortable, you get a complimentary cocktail hour before dinner each night, informative speakers and entertainment. It doesn’t get any better than that.
But actually it does.
The ship departs from Providence, R.I., and goes to New Bedford, Mass., known as the “City that Lit the World,” to learn about whales, whaling ships and whale oil. At the New Bedford Whaling Museum, you’ll see skeletons of huge whales and go on board an 89-foot-long, one-half scale model of a whaling ship inside the museum to learn about life on board a whaling vessel.
From there you sail off to the peaceful island of Nantucket to view elegant homes of sea captains and merchants, reflecting the prosperity of its seafaring heritage.
OFF TO THE SEA —
This statue of a fisherman about to head to sea is in the harbor at New Bedford, Mass.
Martha’s Vineyard is the next stop. This little island, which was once the center of the east coast whaling industry, is now one of New England’s most chic vacation spots and summer home to some of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
Most Midwesterners have never heard of Block Island, the next stop on the cruise. It was formed 10,000 years ago by glaciers, which left behind 200-foot-high bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it’s a thriving, laid back summer vacation destination.
Newport, R.I., which boasts one of the world’s finest harbors, is best known for its preponderance of elegant mansions, which were constructed by extremely wealthy families in the 1800s.
Continued on page 19
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Travel and tour operators are
reporting a surge in demands for adventure travel by folks 55 and older. The level of adventure can
Continued from page 18
This stop includes a bus tour past many of the mansions and a visit to the Breakers, the lavish 70-room “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt’s overlooking Narragansett Bay. It gives you insight into how the rich and famous lived in the days before income taxes. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour Fort Adams, which protected the harbor back in the 1800s.
Bristol, R.I., is the last stop before returning to Providence. You can sign up to tour another mansion and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame to learn about “The Golden Age of Yachting.”
Perhaps the best part of the trip is the grand finale lobster bake. By the time the ship arrives in port, lobsters, mussels, clams, corn on the cob and chicken have been baking all morning on coals under a tarp on the beach.
At noon, the tarp is lifted to an applause from the passengers, a big cloud of steam escapes into the atmosphere and the feast is revealed. It’s served buffet- style under a big tent and members of the ship’s dining staff assist in removing the juicy lobster meat from the
range from a Serengeti safari with luxurious food and facilities to patrolling the Antarctic among the penguins.
If you’re thinking about an adventurous getaway, check with your doctor to determine just how
much activity you can handle.
Can you complete the hikes some trips demand, or are you able to handle the canoeing and kayaking on the schedule, or does the food provided match your health and medi-
claws and shell. What a finish to an American cruise.
To learn more about the New England Islands cruises, visit americancruiselines.com or call (800) 460-4518. Do it before 2025 fills up.
Imagine
• Numbness
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cal requirements?
As with all travel, consider a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical care and evacuation, and expect the unexpected.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
• Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfor t
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By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features
I looked tentatively at the load of shrimp, blue crabs, gar, sea trout and other nameless denizens of the deep as they poured into the boat. I even volunteered to hold one even more tentatively. And then I was making eye contact with a very cute sting ray and I’m pretty sure we had a moment.
My trip upon the Lady Jane Shrimp Boat in Jekyll Island, Ga., was but one of the adventures on the American Cruise Line Historic South and Golden Isles Intra-Coastal Waterway Cruise from Amelia Island, Fla., to Charleston, S.C.
Overheard from a colleague on the way back to the ship: “If they wouldn’t serve us all that shrimp at meals, we wouldn’t have to go out and catch more.”
So we might as well first discuss mealtimes aboard the American Eagle. There was an Early Riser breakfast before the dining room breakfast and a pretty-much-all-day café in the Sky Lounge bracketing the more formal lunches and dinners. Cookie time at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. provided the obviously very-necessary sustenance in between meals.
One would think the cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvre before dinner might interfere with the
more-than-generous dinner options but of course that didn’t happen — and an hour later, no one skimped on the open bar, ice cream treats and popcorn that accompanied the evening entertainment.
Rest assured there was a Fitness Room to counter all those calories but seriously, no one went there. The saving grace? All meals came in half-portions, which themselves were more than sufficient in this Michelin-wannabe restaurant.
The staff — who were not allowed to accept gratuities — were still remarkably agreeable. How often do you request a drink at an establishment that they don’t carry — and by the next night, it’s there? So it was with my Fireball. Need I remind you that we were on a ship at the time? Just as an aside, this ship — accommodating only about 100 passengers — is part of the only line in the world offering small U.S. ships that operate like river cruisers along the nation’s coasts.
If you can find time in between all the food, there are multiple daily excursions offered to St. Simon and Jekyll Islands, Savannah, Hilton Head, Beaufort and Charleston.
On the trolley tour of Savannah, a city I’d never been to before, I wasn’t expecting much, just another nice southern
town. I was skeptical when the trolley driver started the tour by claiming that Savannah is the most fascinating town in America — but by the time the tour ended 90 minutes later, I was in total agreement.
The constant patter from Miss Pearl brought this historic wonderland to life. The picturesque streets were just begging to be strolled upon with singular homes and stores, houses dating back to the 1700s and 1800s with architectural flourishes of graceful, lace-like
iron work adorning balconies, columns and brackets.
Wraparound porches adorned with decorative balustrades and whimsically designed gingerbreading give each structure its personal charm and distinction. Even chain stores like Starbucks, Five Guys and CVS blend into the historic ambience.
Beaufort, S.C., is another historic small town but with movie settings that are fun to visit. You’ll pass by houses rented by the cast and crew of Glory that
featured Denzel Washington, settings from Forces of Nature with Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, and the chocolate shop whose candies filled Forrest Gump’s bag of goodies on his bench.
Back on board, there were loads of activities. For example, there was an Outrageous Laws game — you probably didn’t know that in Alabama, it is illegal to drive while wearing a blindfold — and the ever-popular Boozy Bingo.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2024
