Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - August 2024 by The Papers Inc.

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August 2024

Foster Grandparent program

Text and Photos

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

“It’s a win-win deal because our foster grandparents get social interaction and out of their house, and the students get another positive role model in their life, and no child can have too many of those,” Mary Bradfield, program director, explained.

“Our grandparents are spread out between 11 posts, ranging from nurseries to daycares to schools.”

The Foster Grandparent program bridges the generation gap between seniors and community youth by pairing volunteers with special needs or exceptional students in need of mentoring and support. Grandparents provide one-on-one attention, assisting with reading, schoolwork and other activities that aid in the growth of the student’s academic and social development.

To be eligible to be a foster grandparent, you must be at least 55, have a limited income, pass a fingerprint and background check, complete 20 hours of training, be able to serve at least 15 hours per week and, of course, enjoy working with children.

“Because of privacy issues, we work with teachers and we give them an assignment plan, which provides us with the student’s first names and last name initial,” Bradfield explained. “The teacher picks the kids and we sign a memorandum of understanding. This program has been in the school system for years so they know to pick that student that needs that extra pinch of help.”

Each grandparent is paired with three students, although they “grandparent whoever needs it.”

The Foster Grandparent program has been growing since its creation, every year steadily increasing the number of grandparents. However,

once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many grandparents had to quit the program due to health concerns. Since the pandemic, the program has found it hard to bounce back to its original numbers. Currently, the program has about 35 grandparents.

The effect of the program has been clear. Since the implementation of the program in community schools, test scores have seen improvement.

“The program is advantageous for both parties. The foster grandparent can fill a hole in the child’s heart that was left by a passed grandparent or parent. Teachers have an extra set of hands,” Bradfield suggested. “The foster grandparent is given a sense of purpose through the love and good they pour into their students and classrooms.”

In addition to socializing with school youth and faculty, the foster grandparents gather monthly for an in-service. The monthly in-services run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and provides two presentations or experiences that aim to enrich the lives of the grandparents.

Recent in-service presentations and experiences include mediation drumming, budgeting, energy assistance, sign language demonstration, chronic diseases and various field trips around the county. Breakfast and lunch are served at the in-service.

“Because they participate and enrich their lives, we are able to pay them a small stipend. A lot of grandparents rely on the stipend to make ends meet,” Bradfield explained.

After completing the in-service presentation, the grandparents are awarded with a stipend that comes in the form of a grocery gift card.

For more information on REAL Service’s Foster Grandparent program, contact Mary Bradfield at mary. bradfield@realservices.org or by calling (574) 233-8205.

TIME SHEETS Mary Bradfield, right, reminds foster grandparents, Flora Richardson and Marie Lindsey, to turn in their time sheets.

PARTICIPATION PERK — A participation perk of REAL Service’s Foster Grandparent program is the small stipend that helps get some grandparents through to the end of the month. Grandparents pictured from left are Loucindy Pruitt, Diane Riley, Barb Jones, Lucille Barnes, Terry Summers and Mary Ellen Derucki.

Forever Learning Institute flourishes under Finnessy

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

Eve Finnessy has been the executive director of Forever Learning Institute for nearly 8 years. Forever Learning Institute is a school that promotes “lifelong learning.” The all-volunteer organization allows community seniors the opportunity to further their education in a variety of different topics while keeping their social skills sharp.

“It’s a very unique organization in that our instructors are not necessarily trained teachers but credentialed in a specific subject area.They are just as likely to be teaching and leading discussions on topics they love to think about or do,” Finnessy explained. “Because of that model, Forever Learning offers very unusual courses. Where else can you delve into the assassination of President Kennedy, learn to juggle and study Korean culture — all topics offered at Forever Learning this fall.”

As the executive director, she wears a lot of hats which also include: bookkeeper, scheduler, event planner, marketer, and is “pretty good at cleaning whiteboards and resetting classrooms.”

“Our organization makes an enormous difference in the lives of so many people,” Finnessy declared. “Forever Learning provides a home for those of us that are investigating new ideas and opportunities, as well as a support network for times of struggle. It’s a family with a big heart.”

Forever Learning Institute keeps Finnessy busy during the semester; fall semester

begins the first full week following Labor Day and spring semester typically begins the first week of March. However, her work begins before the school bell even rings.

“Each semester begins with an invitation to potential instructors for course descriptions and availability,” Finnessy said.

Then, Finnessy creates a schedule for a 10-week semester that becomes the institute’s Course Guide. Nearly 5,000 guides are printed, distributed by mail and throughout the libraries. Finnessy also works to keep the institute’s online catalog and registration system current.

While classes are in session, Finnesy and the program’s assistant, Toni Dunlap-Manthey, work to interact with and assist teachers, volunteers and students in any way they can.

Outside of the semesters, Finnessy works to create partnerships within the community.

“A large part of my job is to represent our school to the wider Michiana community, keeping an eye out for opportunities to grow our program and bring Forever Learning to more area seniors,” Finnessy explained.

Through a partnership with the South Bend Civic Theater, institute students were invited to a special performance of “Sweet Delilah Swim Club.” This partnership also brought Aaron Nichols, executive director of the theater, to teach a play reading class at the institute.

This month, Forever Learning Institute will celebrate its’ 50th anniversary by hosting a

gala at the Morris Park Country Club.

“Celebrating our 50th anniversary comes with much discussion on where the organization began and where we would like to be 50 years from now. I think everyone is

extremely optimistic about our future. We intend to continue to grow and partner with more organizations to bring ever more opportunities for engagement to this age group,” Finnessy noted. “We are endlessly curious, creative

and involved. The third age is truly the best time of life, and we intend to celebrate that forever.”

For more information about Forever Learning Institute, visit foreverlearninginstitute. org/ or call (574) 282-1901.

Reverse mortgage movers still hustling

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Among the newest reverse mortgage wrinkles promoted by lenders in the business is the fact that any unused balance grows at the same interest rate as the rate being charged on the line of credit.

That means, if you borrow $100,000 at 5% interest rate and plan to use it only as a line of credit, that loan against your mortgage grows

to $105,000 in a year. If you pull $25,000 out of that loan, the remainder will grow by 5% a year.

And it keeps on growing by 5% a year.

While reverse mortgages sound enticing when considering its main selling point — borrow on the equity of your house and never have to pay anything back as long as you live in it — the devilish details include, among other things, exorbitant fees and an annual

Tuesday, August 27 th 1pm-2pm & 5:30-6:30pm

No one should have to face Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia alone. Our in-house support group, open to the community, connects you with friends and professionals to help you navigate through this disease, not only for your loved one but also for yourself, as a caregiver. Light refreshments will be served.

Space is limited for these complimentary events. Please RSVP by calling 574-247-1866 or visiting us online.

review to make sure you’ve paid the taxes, maintained the property and kept it insured. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay off the loan if you and your spouse are forced to move into a nursing home after a mishap or because of agerelated infirmities.

As a lawyer acquaintance strongly advised years go, “If you don’t need the money, don’t even think about a reverse mortgage.”

50 YEARS OF LEARNING Eve Finnessy has been the executive director of Forever Learning Institute for nearly eight years. Under Finnessy’s leadership, the institute will celebrate its’ 50th anniversary later this month. Photo provided.

Permafrost puts bounce in Yukon-Alaska trek

By IGOR LOBANOV

Mature Life Features

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

But the queerest they ever did see

Was the night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

I cremated Sam McGee. - Robert W. Service

Our path was peppered with the yarns spun by the young bank-employee-turned-poet whose imagination fired up such tales as “The Cremation of Sam McGee” and “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” that grew out the Klondike Gold Rush of ‘98.

The Fahrenheit temperature in this vast and sparsely populated landscape of rolling grasslands, lakes and jagged mountains ranges from the mid-90’s in summer to the minus-60’s in winter, the latter fact not lost on Sam McGee — and confirmed by his final request to be cremated to avoid eternal exposure to the cold.

Our journey took us overland from Skagway, Alaska, to its capital, Fairbanks, by way of the Yukon.

Seven-block-long Skagway plays up its past as a jumpingoff place for those heading north to the Klondike.

Black and white photos of would be miners struggling up the snowy slopes of the Chilkoot Pass line the walls of Skagway’s museum. Among other displays are a 31-foot Haida Indian canoe carved from a single red cedar tree that could carry up to a dozen natives on voyages far at sea, and a large quilt made of duck neck feathers.

We also encountered the first of several shows that enlivened our odyssey. “Days of ‘98” begins

Technology helps keep you at home

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

As the aging population grows, so grows the need for facilities and workers to provide senior care.

Complicating matters is the fact that many folks intend to grow old at home.

Technology may have come to the rescue for folks who are still alert and physically unchallenged.

in the town’s theater lobby with visitors at gambling tables wagering play money and trying to abide by a ridiculous set of rules. It’s all in fun, of course, to get the audience in the mood for a show that mixes Robert Service readings, cowboy ballads, and a musical hero-villain melodrama.

The next morning, we boarded a White Pass and Yukon Route train for a two-hour journey up though the Sitka spruce-, hemlock-, and pine-covered slopes of the pass, then across the lakestrewn summit to the Canadian border.

Skagway is the southern terminus of the railway’s 67-mile route to Carcross in the Yukon Territory. Buses carry passengers the remaining few miles to its capital, Whitehorse.

We left the train in Fraser, British Columbia, and transferred to a Princess Tours vehicle for a highway journey there. Normally, we would have been aboard a luxurious, air conditioned motorcoach. On this day, no coaches were available so we rolled along in a borrowed school bus, eventually reaching the legendary, and now fully paved, Alaska Highway a few miles east of the city.

Present and past intersect in Whitehorse, the area’s major population center. The imposing bulk of a Wal-Mart squats blocks from a small river steamer on the Yukon River reminiscent of the fleet of sternwheelers that bore the hordes of Klondikebound gold seekers north to the swampy creek banks around Dawson City farther north.

The MacBride Museum, and other museums here, celebrate the region’s cultural and natural history. Galleries exhibit carvings from Inuit Indian craftsmen. Skits in the long-running Frantic Follies in the Westmark Whitehorse Inn focus on the Klondike Gold Rush.

Among many summer events in Whitehorse are a midnight sun golf tournament in June and the 486-mile Yukon River Bathtub Race to Dawson in August.

Continuing west on the Alaska Highway the following day, we reached the massive Kluane National Park and Reserve, with its backdrop of serrated crags in the St. Elias Range, then traced

ation in the park, and a telescope aimed at the slope where, during late spring and early fall, Dall sheep graze.

A sign cautions hikers to watch for grizzly and black bears.

The safest view of area wildlife, albeit the stuffed variety, is at the small Kluane Museum in Burwash Landing at mile marker 1,093. The nondescript wood-frame building holds superb wildlife dioramas.

Just before the Alaska border we reached the settlement of Beaver Creek. We stayed at The Westmark Hotel, a renovated army barracks with comfortable twin bed and no television rooms.

the shoreline of 40-mile-long Kluane Lake whose mirror calm waters reflected the barren face of Sheep Mountain.

The Sheep Mountain Visitor Centre has interpretive programs, information on recre-

Family style meals include an all-you-can-eat ribs and salmon feast accompanied by a show featuring Sigmund Romberg melodies.

Our return to Alaskan soil was bouncy as we stepped down from our coach to experience tundra first hand, er, foot. Walking on the grass and moss

growth above the permafrost is like bouncing gently on a trampoline.

Canadian and U.S. Customs are 20 miles apart in this region where the border is a 600-milelong, 20-foot-wide swath of cleared land.

Near Delta Junction, we came upon one of the few remaining roadhouses on this once rugged track. Rika’s, first opened during World War I, later was an oasis for early truckers on the Alaska Highway where they could get a room, a meal, and a cup of coffee for a $1 each.

Tok, a bit farther on, claims to be the sled dog capital of Alaska. Dog mushing is the state’s official sport and many residents here raise Siberian huskies.

Finally, Fairbanks, where you can still pan for gold, drive a dog sled team, see the Northern Lights, and even visit the Malamute Saloon where, ‘tis said, “Pitched on his head, and pumped full of lead, was Dangerous Dan McGrew.”

When seniors leave the house, they can use cellphones, wristwatches and global position systems to help monitors keep track of their moves. Medical alert bracelets help seniors get help when they fall, sensors can be installed to automatically turn off stoves, and devices

installed

prevent

YUKON TRAIN A White Pass and Yukon Route train climbs through the rugged landscape endured by the hordes of would-be gold miners headed for the Klondike. Photo provided.

Gee gives back to community youth through CASA

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

Joy Gee has devoted the last decade of her life to serving as an advocate for the community’s most vulnerable children by volunteering her time at the St. Joseph County Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children.

“Volunteering with vulnerable youth has changed me in the most amazing way!” Gee exclaimed. “The resilience some

of my kids has exhibited over the years has been inspirational to my own life.”

Gee recalled a special moment to her when one of the kids she worked with was to be adopted by a family and then the family pulled out at the last minute. Gee had to deliver the shattering news to the child.

“This 11-year old cried and I cried with him. I placed my hand under his chin and I looked him in his eyes and I told him, ‘I am so sorry you

CORPORATE OFFICE

have to learn at this young age that life can be unfair. However, it doesn’t mean it won’t turn out good,’” Gee recalled. “Later, he called me and said, ‘thank you for making me feel better. You are my Joy.’”

This memory sums up everything Gee loves about her time as a CASA volunteer: sharing and playing an active role in the highs and being able to be a strong support during the lows of the children she serves. Watching families reunified or children adopted into loving homes are “tear-jerking moments” for the volunteers on the case.

Gee had a desire to give back to her St. Joseph County community, so she began researching organizations she could be a part of when she ran across CASA’s website. To become a CASA volunteer, Gee submitted an application, interviewed, passed a background check and screen and passed 35 hours of pre-service training. Because Gee carries more than one case

at a time, she can clock between 30-38 hours per month. Because no two cases are the same, no two days are the same for Gee. Her main responsibility as a CASA is to visit the children and make sure they are safe. She regularly attends Child Family Team Meetings where everyone involved in the case comes together to discuss the case, address any issues and come to an agreement that is in the best interest of the child. Gee is also responsible for writing reports to the courts, making recommendations on what her belief for the best interest of the child is.

“It is my belief more people should spend their time volunteering to be a part of the change they desire to see. We need more people to get off the sidelines and come to the front lines and pay it forward,” Gee said. “I would say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering, ‘just do it!’ I was unsure at first, but I jumped in and never regretted it for a moment.”

over a

To fill out a volunteer application, visit in-stjoseph. evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication. For more information, contact Amanda Buccholz at abuchholz@jjconline.org.

Studebaker Museum unveils new exhibition — ‘Backyard

to the Brickyard: Studebaker at Indy’

Calling all racing fans. Did you know that Studebaker fielded a factory-backed Indianapolis 500 team in 1932 and 1933?

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This summer, don’t miss a special showing in the AM General Atrium with the museum’s newest acquisition — the 1933 No. 34 Studebaker Special, alongside the 1932 No. 18 car,

courtesy of the Cleary family, and the No. 22 car, courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

This is a rare and special opportunity to see three of the four remaining Studebakerbuilt Indy cars together again for the first time in over a decade. The exhibit runs through Monday, Sept. 2; don’t miss this

once in a lifetime exhibition.

The Indianapolis 500 is considered by many to be America’s greatest racing spectacle. Many legendary names have competed on the 2.5 mile oval on Indianapolis’ west side.

After successful showings by private entries with Studebaker-powered cars in the early Continued on page 5

Joy Gee has

decade

experience serving as a St. Joseph County CASA volunteer. Photo provided.

INDY CARS These Studebaker racing cars will be on display through Monday, Sept. 2. Studebaker fielded a factory-backed Indianapolis 500 team in 1932 and 1933. Photo provided by the museum.

August Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library programs for adults

Below is the MPHPL August calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured by calling (574) 259-5277 or online; check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events and to register. Registration is required for most programs.

Bittersweet Branch Events

Sunflower Coasters, 10:3011:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Embrace your creative side crafting with twine, yarn and

other materials to make a sunflower drink coaster.

Harris Branch Events

“Chapter Chats” Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman can be picked up in advance at the Harris branch front desk.

“Air Fryer Fest,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Take a break from the kitchen and relax as the MPHPL staff demonstrates how to make an

air fryer recipe. Sample the creation and receive additional recipes to try at home. Participants are welcome to bring their own air fryer recipes to share.

Mishawaka Library Events

“Storytime with Devin Cannady,” 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2. Mishawaka native, Devin Cannady, a professional basketball player and first-time author, will read his self-published book “Aliya Can.”

Vote Cichowicz for judge

Judge Jason Cichowicz has announced his re-election campaign for St. Joseph County Probate Court.

After being elected as St. Joseph County’s Probate Court Judge in 2018, Cichowicz quickly set his sights on improving the safety and well-being of the community. The immense progress his administration has made in such a short amount of time prompted one county council member to remark, “Judge Cichowicz has done more for the probate court and at-risk youth than I have seen in my professional lifetime.”

In just one term, Cichowicz expanded the Court Appointed Special Advocate program, eliminating the wait list and ensuring all children moving

through the system have a dedicated advocate.

He also enacted the first crisis stabilization program in the County Probate Court system to provide more appropriate resources quickly to youth in a state of crisis. He has enacted measures to improve court efficiency and create stronger partnerships with local schools to address student truancy issues.

Cichowicz credits his experience, both in life and professionally, as a major driver for his success as Probate Court Judge. Originally from South Bend’s west side, he earned his Bachelor’s of Business degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School while work-

Backyard to the Brickyard

Continued from page 4 1930s, the Studebaker Corporation entered the fray with a factory-backed team in 1932. All five cars finished the race, with the No. 22 car, driven by Cliff Bergere, finishing a team best third.

The Studebaker team returned in 1933 with four of the cars featuring new

streamlined bodies. The No. 34 car, driven by Tony Gulotta, finished a team best seventh, and the lowest finish was a mere 12th.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin St., just west of downtown South Bend. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m.

ing in the construction trade.

After graduating law school, he became a practicing attorney who built his own practice while also spending over 10 years as a public defender, focused on family and children advocacy. He maintained dual roles until he was elected to his first term as St. Joseph County Probate Court Judge.

Cichowicz and his wife, Elizabeth, sweethearts since childhood, are proud parents of two children. Known as a dedicated family man, local youth sports coach, and community advocate, Cichowicz is running for a second term to build upon his success and ensure greater outcomes for at-risk youth to create a stronger future for the community.

Sunday. Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth ages 6-18. For more information, call the museum at (574) 235-9714 or toll free at (888) 391-5600 or visit studebakermuseum.org. For an additional cost, visitors can tour The History Museum, which adjoins the Studebaker National Museum.

Cannady graduated from Marian High School in 2015, where he played basketball for all four years. He played college basketball at Princeton University, where he earned a sociology degree. Cannady’s resume includes playing for several professional teams, including the Orlando Magic and the Birmingham Squadron.

Cannady will also sign copies of his book. Each family in attendance will receive a free autographed copy. Everyone is welcome to attend this special event; no registration is required.

“Colorful Creations” Acrylic Painting, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sept. 3. Adults age 60 and older are invited to register for this grant-funded, five-week art series, taught by Linda Pieri. Registrants will learn the basics of acrylic painting while socializing and connecting with others. Each week, participants will walk away with a unique canvas painting. Register once for all five sessions of this series.

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the library.

“Sensational Salads with Nicky Foust,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Nicky Foust from Chefs for Seniors, a passionate health-conscious chef with over 20 years of experience in the food service industry, will demonstrate how to prepare a hearty salad. By the end of the program, guests will leave with a sample of a delicious dish and a new recipe; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Cooking Classics: Sweet Pickles,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26. Try your hand at an

easy culinary creation in an engaging atmosphere with others; limited to MPHPL library cardholders.

Virtual Library Events

“Virtual Sweet Treat Tasting,” 6-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. Indulge your sweet tooth with others virtually. This program will feature plenty of nostalgic treats and other delicious favorites. Participants will receive goodies to sample and learn about the history of some favorite beloved snacks. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants. Limit one snack kit per household.

Community Events

“Storytime at the Mishawaka Market,” 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 4, and Aug. 25. Stop by the Mishawaka Market and join MPHPL for two special storytimes this month. Grab a free copy of the latest MPHPL program guide and children will receive a take-home craft while supplies last. No registration is required. If inclement weather occurs, this event will be canceled.

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge wraps up Monday, Aug. 5. Challenge cards can be picked up at any MPHPL location or can be downloaded online by visiting mphpl.org/summerreading. All ages can take part. Adult participants must have a library card. All participants who turn in their completed challenge cards by Aug. 5 earn a free book from a pre-selected list.

MPHPL is gathering feedback on why you did or didn’t take part in the free reading challenge. To share your feedback, visit mphpl.org to complete the brief online survey by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.

Bob Torok still playing in league he saved

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

When an area softball league for seniors was in danger of closing up, Bob Torok volunteered to take it over. The South Bend native wanted the league in Mishawaka to keep going.

“At the banquet they said, ‘Hey, we’re done. No one wants to run this league anymore.’ I said, ‘I will do it if you let me run a real league,’” Torok said.

It was 2001 and Torok was excited to find a league he could compete in his 50s. Going up against younger players, Torok thought his days playing in a league were over.

“I just couldn’t keep up. So what ended up happening is my best friend was like, ‘Hey, they have a senior softball program in Mishawaka.’ I went out there and I loved it,” Torok said.

Once Torok took over the league in 2001, he began marketing the league to indi-

viduals instead of finding full teams. Torok also dropped the age of the players to qualify to 52. He says the results were immediate.

“The guys came out of the woodwork. The league just blew up. It just continued to grow and grow and grow. This thing just took off. It’s a fine league,” Torok said.

Players have different teammates each year, eliminating the problem of having one or two dominant teams taking over the league each year and having issues between them.

“We didn’t want that bitterness when we were young. There are teams that don’t like each other,” Torok said. “The camaraderie is the big thing. We all know we’re old but we still like coming out and playing the game that we love.”

The Mishawaka league recently split off and half went to the Byers Softball Complex in South Bend. Torok, 78, plays there now with his younger brother Don, 73, at the facility

located off of Mayflower Road on the west side of the city.

Since taking over the league, Torok says the league has seen over 1,000 different players averaging between 100 and 150 players a year. Torok is confident the league will continue to grow.

“It’s still going to go on. It’s still going to be here long after I’m gone. This is my 25th year in senior softball. Been in this thing a long time,” Torok said.

One of the factors of the league Torok takes pride in is player safety. The rules and the field itself are done in a way to limit collisions between players. To score a run, a runner can cross a line behind home plate instead of worrying about a possible collision with the catcher.

“We have special rules and we have special safety rules. There is never a collision at home plate. Because there are two home plates. As long as the ball gets to the catcher on the real home plate it’s a force

Museums offer free admission to military personnel, families

The History Museum is joining with museums in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, to offer free admission to U.S. military personnel and their families until Sept. 2, Armed Forces Day to Labor Day, as part of the Blue Star Museums program. A military ID is required.

Admission to the museum includes visits to all exhibits as well as guided tours of the Oliver Mansion. The museum

is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Daily tours of the Oliver Mansion are offered.

The History Museum is the site of the Oliver Mansion, a 38-room historic house which was once home to the J. D. Oliver family. All furnishings are original to the home, providing a wonderful glimpse of how the family lived. Two acres of lush gardens surround the Oliver Mansion. In The History

Museum’s galleries, discover compelling stories of history, from the prehistoric era to present-day cities.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, The Department of Defense, and museums across the country.

For information, call The History Museum at (574) 2359664, ext. 6256 or visit historymuseumSB.org.

out,” Torok said. “We try to be as safe as we can. Some pitchers use a pitching net.”

Ultimately, Torok is just happy he can enjoy a physical activity like softball with his friends at 78. He makes the determination each winter on whether or not he can play again in the upcoming summer.

“I always want to play next year. It’s always up to the good

Lord. If I still feel I can do this then I’ll play. You always want to play. The question is can you play? You don’t want to be detriment,” Torok said. “The ability to come and still play the game we loved as kids means a lot to us. Otherwise we would be sitting at home doing nothing. Everyone looks forward to it. Nice weather and good friends.”

REACHING FIRST — Bob Torok runs to first base after a hit in a June game at the South Bend senior softball league. Photo by Nathan Pace.

50 Years Go —

‘Waterloo’ was ABBA’s international smash hit

ABBA

From 1974 to 1982, Sweden’s ABBA quartet sold a reported 400 million discs while leaving behind a legacy of now-classic creations.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

And, along the way, ABBA heard no complaints from the owner of a Swedish fish-canning factory. (More about that later.)

ABBA consisted of two married couples from Stockholm: Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog, and Benny Anderson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Ulvaeus and Anderson had worked together for years in various groups. In 1971, they released a Top 5 Swedish single — “Hello, Old Man” —which, for the first time, featured their wives accompanying them on the recording. Later Bjorn and Benny 45s didn’t do as well, though,

and for the next three years the musicians struggled to keep their names alive on the music scene.

Enter Stig Anderson. An ex-teacher who had written hundreds of songs during the 1960s, he had started Polar Records in the early 1970s. Now he needed to find the right artists to send him on a rocket ride to success and, hopefully, wealth. Anderson met his goal with Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson and their fetching wives. He named the quartet ABBA, using the first initial of each of their names.

Now he needed to get them noticed in a big way.

The Eurovision Song Contest had been held annually since 1956 and was often a highlight of the European TV year. Up to 600 million viewers watched each event, with hopeful participants representing their home countries, performing original three-minute songs. The prize handed to the winner seemed absurd: a 1950s-style glass radio microphone. The wide-ranging — and all-important — exposure, though, was priceless.

ABBA entered the contest in 1974 with the Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson-created “Waterloo,” which lyrically compared a young woman’s surrender to her suitor’s advances to Napoleon’s being vanquished at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815:

“Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war “Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore”

(History buffs will delight in pointing out that, while Napoleon was beaten at that battle, he didn’t actually surrender until six weeks later.)

That Eurovision night, Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson were visible and providing onstage instrumentation (Ulvaeus played guitar, Benny Anderson keyboards), but the spotlight mainly fell on their gorgeous wives, resplendent in flashy outfits and frolicking in well-choreographed steps. The ladies blew more than a few million minds that night, as ABBA swept away the evening’s competition.

Starting with the international smash hit of “Waterloo,” ABBA eventually released hit after hit worldwide. In

America, 14 of their Atlantic Records reached Billboard’s Top 40 singles charts, with one— “Dancing Queen” — streaking to Number One in 1977. In 2010, the group was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A little-known fact is that before Stig Anderson could register the name ABBA, he

had to obtain permission to use that name, as a Swedish fish-canning company named Abba Seafood had been around since 1838. Agnetha Faltskog later recalled that the company owner had initially grumbled, “Okay, as long as you don’t make us feel ashamed for what you’re doing.”

Professional Services

Probate Pitfalls: Effects on Taxes and Creditor Claims

One of the major pitfalls of probate is its potential impact on estate taxes. Probate assets are subject to estate taxes, which can significantly reduce the size of the inheritance left to beneficiaries. This is especially true if the estate is large, as the tax rate increases proportionally with the value of the estate. Furthermore, probate can also lead to double taxation; the assets may be subject to estate taxes, and the income from these assets may also be subject to income taxes. In addition to taxes, probate can also subject the estate to creditor claims. When an estate goes through probate, creditors are notified and given a chance to make claims against the estate for any unpaid debts.

Ryan Hahn Trust Administrator

Before any assets are distributed to the beneficiaries, the debts must first be settled. This process can reduce the value of the estate and delay asset distribution. Moreover, the public nature of probate can expose the estate to fraudulent claims, adding another layer of complexity and potential loss.

Ryan Hahn

Administrator

Professional Forum . . .

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

Advertising with us is a Breeze Advertising with us is a Breeze

Q. Where are Senior Life Newspapers distributed?

A. Each Senior Life Newspaper is distributed to over 300 locations each month and is free for public pickup and supported by advertisers. Locations for distribution are chosen with the 50+ aged person in mind and include Grocery Stores, Libraries, Senior Centers, Restaurants, Senior Communities, Banks, Apartment Complexes, Doctor Offices, Drug Stores, Farmer’s Market, Resale locations, Churches, Convenient Stores, and Retail Stores. There are four distinct issues of Senior Life Newspaper including St. Joseph County (extending to LaPorte and Marshall in IN and Berrien & Cass in MI), Elkhart (extending to LaGrange, Noble, Kosciusko and Wabash in IN and St. Joseph MI, Allen (Ft. Wayne) County (extending into DeKalb, Noble, Whitley, Huntington, Wells and Adams Counties), and our Northwest issue covering Lake & Porter Counties. Total distribution each month is 84,150!

Call today for more information on how you can advertise in Senior Life.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Marla Schroeder, Publication Manager/ Advertising Sales Serving South Bend and Surrounding

ABBA LEAVES BEHIND A LEGACY OF CLASSIC CREATIONS

Defending against scammers who target your Social Security benefits

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action.

• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.

• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.

• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Securityrelated problem.

• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

For more information on scams visit ssa.gov/scam. Share this information with anyone who may need it.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SCAMS Visit ssa.gov

ways to defeat scammers and identify scams. Photo provided by Social Security Administration.

By DICK WOLFSIE

This is the longest time I have ever been home alone. My wife is in Boston with my sister, Linda. Before Mary Ellen left, she gave me precise directions on what to do and what not to do. My wife hopes that when she returns from her trip, she will walk into a house that looks somewhat like the one she left.

Mary Ellen’s plane gets in this Saturday at 3:45 p.m. She should walk in the door at about 4:30 p.m. Our housekeeper is scheduled to leave that day at 4:15, just before Mary Ellen arrives. After Nettie leaves, I am not allowed to cook anything or

open the fridge. I can’t walk out the front door and then come back in the house unless I take off my shoes. And if I go outside barefoot, then I’m not allowed to come back in the house at all.

Mary Ellen is particularly concerned with our cat, Angel. This cat hates me. Every time she sees me she snarls and her hair stands up on her back. She tries to bite me when I come near Mary Ellen. That’s why I haven’t kissed my wife good night in 14 years.

But Mary Ellen wants me to play with Angel because she doesn’t want Angel to miss her too much, get bored, or wish she had someone to snuggle with. Hey, what about me? That’s in the rules, as well. I’m not allowed to have anyone to snuggle with.

After Mary Ellen had been gone about a week, I sent her this note:

Hi Mary Ellen,

I just wanted to update you on what’s going on here at home.

Angel is fine. She did get out once, but she seems very content to be on the roof. I’m sure she’ll be okay, even if we have that expected tornado.

I borrowed your Prius one day to save on gas.

Bad news: I hit a guy in the rear.

Good News: No damage to your car. He was a pedestrian. When I came home the other day, I heard this dinging noise in the house. I thought maybe Angel was playing with her toys. But no, it was the fridge signaling me the freezer door had been left open. But only for 12 hours. Don’t worry, I refroze everything that had melted. Then someone told me this wasn’t a safe thing to do. You might want to Google every item on the list attached to see which foods are deadly to refreeze.

I am proud that I ran the dishwasher all by myself. I couldn’t find the dishwasher soap you said to use so I just put in some liquid hand soap. Did you know bubbles can stick to the ceiling? The house is so festive now. We should do this next Christmas.

The lawn has not been cut in two weeks. Not my fault. We have no mower. I left the garage door open one night. All my beer is gone, too. I hope whoever took all my winter coats off the garage rack will donate a few to kids who need them. Spring is here, so I’m sure the crook will find good use for all your gardening tools.

Finally, our son is doing great. He just pulled into the driveway. He’s going up on the roof to chase Angel.

NUTSHELL

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

—o—

The South Bend Civic Theatre presents “Anything Goes.” Performances will take place in the Wilson Auditorium of the South Bend Civic Theatre, 403 N. Main St., South Bend. Evening show times are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11. Tickets are reserved seating and range in price from $27-$35 and can be purchased at sbct.org or by calling the box office at (574) 234-1112.

Ticket link is ci.ovationtix. com/35243/production/1180178.

—o—

“Insights in History” lecture will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at The History Museum. Mo Miller talks about her lifelong passion for dollhouses. She will share information

about some miniatures and dollhouses that are showcased in “Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses” as well as some that will not be on view in the exhibit.

Admission is $3, general; $1, members. Reservations are required by Monday, Aug. 5.

A tour of “Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses” will be offered. The exhibit chronicles the history of dollhouses from as far back as the 1700s, when some showed the wealth of European manors, while others taught medieval children how to keep house.

It showcases over 20 dollhouses, including Barbie’s Dream House, a handmade “Mouse Mansion,” a house built to teach fire safety and even the Studebaker family’s dollhouse.

For information, call The History Museum at (574) 235-9664 or visit historymuseumSB.org. —o—

Evening paddle, 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park, Osceola. End your day by taking a leisurely kayak trip.

Enjoy two hours of paddling on the serene waters of Baugo Creek. Pre-registration and payment are required by the Monday prior. Call (574) 6543155 to register. Cost: $20 per person.

Explore on your own on with a canoe or kayak on the St. Joseph River Saturday, Aug. 10. Enjoy a short trip from Keller Park to St. Patrick’s County Park. Arrive at St. Patrick’s County Park at 7 a.m. The shuttle departs for Keller Park at 7:30 a.m. Space is limited. To register or check availability, call (574) 654-3155. No gate fee until 10 a.m. Cost: $20 per vessel for early bird canoe/ kayak.

—o—

Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival Professional Company presents “As You Like It” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 to Sept. 1, at Patricia George Decio Theatre, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center; matinee performances are at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit shakespeare.nd.edu.

—o—

“Birdies, Brews and Bites,”

Mishawaka Business Association’s annual golf outing, will be Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course. Lunch will be at noon and scramble start is at 1 p.m. For information, visit mishawakabusiness.org.

—o—

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays, seated strength; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Garden Club; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Knitting Krew; 9 a.m. Fridays, Walking Club; 10 a.m. Thursdays, yarn work; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba.

—o—

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Director Alastair Willis,

opens the 92nd season and the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series with “The Rite of Spring” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Discounts, priority seating, and other exclusive benefits are available to season subscribers. Subscribe at southbendsymphony.org or call (574) 232-6343.

Single tickets start at $21. Buy online at southbendsymphony.org, call Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office (574) 235-9190 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; or in-person at the Morris Box Office, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance; or stop by the Symphony Office, 127 N. Michigan St., South Bend, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

Hope Ministry Partnerships director helps give the gift of amazing grace to the homeless

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“Some remember us as Hope Rescue Mission in South Bend,” stated Steve Matteson. “We’ve changed our name to Hope Ministries. We’re not a homeless shelter where a person can come in off the street, stay for one night, and head out after. We strive to help the whole person. The people who come to us have often experienced severe trauma. Some are from abusive families. Often, they were traumatized since birth. They suffer from abandonment issues. Some self-medicate through alcohol and drugs. Through our classes and services, many find stability. But the greatest gift we can offer them is a personal relationship

with Jesus Christ. When they are a new person in Christ, they suddenly realize that the Gospel is good news and grace is amazing.”

Matteson is director of ministry partnerships for Hope Ministries.

“I was born in a parsonage. My dad was a pastor. I’m sure I opened my heart to Jesus in Sunday School class and probably VBS. But when I was 11 years old, I can remember sitting in church on a Sunday night and hearing the Lord speak to my heart. That night I said yes to Jesus, and it was a firm commitment and conscious decision,” he said.

Matteson’s conversion did not affect the way he looked on the outside.

“I was the firstborn son in

our family. I was still a churchgoing youth. But inside, I gained a clear understanding on who I was in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t so much that what I did changed. It was really who I am that changed,” he said.

When Matteson started his classes at Bethel University, Mishawaka, he thought he wanted to be an elementary school teacher.

“In my sophomore year, I felt a call to ministry. So, I ended up graduating with a Christian ministry degree.”

After graduation, he became the youth pastor at New Paris Missionary Church for three and a half years. Then he spent a year working for Bethel Publishing in Elkhart.

“My career at Bethel University started as director of admissions for 10 years. Then I was in academic services for another 10 years. Finally, I was in the development office for my final 10 years. Working at the college was definitely a ministry, but these were administrative jobs, support roles,” he noted.

Coming to Hope Ministries has taken Matteson full circle.

“Before I decided to become a staff member, I was on the board of directors of Hope. I began to meet the population of homeless people and appreciate them. But more importantly, I

right, stands beside his wife, Diane. He’s director of ministry partnerships for Hope Ministries, South Bend. Getting away on a family vacation helps him relax. When he gets back, he has a renewed perspective and is able to serve the individuals and families who come to Hope for assistance. Photo provided by Steve Matteson.

began to understand why they are there,” he said. Some of the scars from the

homeless individual’s past color the way they view the present and future.

“We seek to get to the root of their problems and give them hope. We have core classes that address the issues they face,” he said. “Some of them will be with us for up to two years. By the time they are finished, we hope they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have learned to view their world as a place of possibilities and opportunities.”

Now, Matteson feels like he is able to minister in a handson way.

“I’m a mentor and friend to a group of men. It gives me great joy. Touching lives is what ministry is all about,” he said.

Seasonal savings

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

As summer approaches closing time, it’s time to stock up on t-shirts, shorts and swim suits. Of course, you already picked up your parkas and snowboards as spring slipped by a few months ago.

Post-season shopping can save you money and still keep your closet comfortably stocked with new clothing.

VACATION SPOT Steve Matteson,

Hoosier

Valley Railroad Museum — Diesel, steam and twilight train excursions for family fun

By LORETTA KOSLOSKE Ridership Specialist

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, located in North Judson, runs regular diesel and/or steam train excursions every Saturday, and some select Sundays from May to September, and for special holiday events. Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or a vintage coach and/or caboose, while rolling down the tracks through the northwest Indiana countryside.

Regular train excursions are round-trip from the depot

and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices begin at $10. Purchasing tickets online is recommended, as seating is limited.

Be sure to visit the museum and grounds, where admission is always free.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a bygone era.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season. The fall brings Pumpkin, Twilight and Halloween Trains, while Santa Trains run in late November and December. Times, prices and excursion length for these special events may vary from regular train excursions. Remember that seating is limited, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance before excursions sell out.

HVRM is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events, including school groups, can

The

Pack up your troubles

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 apartment, house and property while you’re away.

be arranged by contacting the depot

Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website for a complete schedule of

events. Order tickets at hoosiervalley.org, or call the depot at (574) 896-3950 on Saturdays or days when train excursions are scheduled.

STEAMING AHEAD

Bock Lumber No. 1 Steam Engine is shown departing the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Depot with passengers. Photo provided by the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

Attention Caregivers: Join us for the Midwest Dementia Summit!

When the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, life can turn upside down for a caregiver in just a moment. Life suddenly changes. Fortunately, REAL Services ’ Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services program is here to walk alongside you every step of the way of your caregiving journey. Since 1982, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana (ALZNI) has been an important part of our community. In 2013, it became part of the REAL Services’ umbrella. We are proud to provide ongoing support to caregivers.

After much research, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services team noticed a gap in our region. All too often, they heard from caregivers “I wish I would have known that before my loved one was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” Caregivers are often teaching themselves about how to be the best caregiver possible in the moment.

As a result, they decided to host a new event this year—the Midwest Dementia Summit 2024: Innovations in Care. This Summit will be like no other our region has seen in the past. It will feature international, national, and local speakers who will share their caregiving journey, technological and art innovations and the latest

As a result, they decided to host a new event this year the Midwest Dementia Summit 2024: Innovations in Care. This Summit will be like no other our region has seen in the past. It will feature international, national, and local speakers who will share their caregiving journey, technological and art innovations and the latest

research on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There will be two tracks one of family caregivers and one for professional caregivers. The Midwest Dementia Summit 2024: Innovations in Care will bring together professionals, business leaders, and caregivers. They will learn, share, and explore strategies, innovations, and opportunities in the fields of healthcare, community-based services, technology and the arts. The Summit will be November 6-7, 2024 at the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center at Four Winds Casino and Resort. The professional track is $385 and the family track is $99.

Angel Baginske, RN, QMCP, Director of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services states, “South Bend is a center for excellence in Alzheimer ’s and dementia care and caregiver support. Our community is responsive, dedicated and invested in bringing better support and resources to our friends and neighbors. We are committed to breaking the negative stigma this disease carries and focusing on healthier living and early detection screening. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana is proud to bring the Midwest Dementia Summit 2024 to our local

Join us for the Senior Picnic!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

11:00 a.m.

area. This two-day Summit will bring a vast assortment of educational presentations, innovative technology and expressive arts demonstrations supporting our dementia caregiving community. ALZNI is thrilled to bring this incredible event to this area.”

For more information about the Midwest Dementia Summit and to register, visit www.midwestdementiasummit.org, call (574) 284-2646 or email midwestdementiasummit@alzni.org.

Madelyn Martinec,

Madelyn Martinec, Development Director, REAL Services

Madelyn Martinec, Development Director, REAL Services

Development Director, REAL Services

Potawatomi Park,500 S. Greenlawn Avenue

South Bend, IN 46615

Call (574) 229-3254 to purchase tickets

Call (574) 229 3254 to purchase tickets

Did you know giving back to the community is good for your health?

REAL Services has several volunteer opportunities in St. Joseph County!

Opportunities Include:

REAL Friends Telephone Program: Call a local senior in our community and make a new friend!

Meals on Wheels: Deliver meals to homebound community members.

Nothing brightens Meals on Wheels program participants like a friendly volunteer!

Nutrition Sites: Serve a meal and spend time with other seniors in St. Joseph County at one of our Nutrition Sites!

Guardianship Volunteer Advocate: Visit with individuals in our Adult Guardianship Program and serve as their advocate!

To find out more and to apply, contact Volunteer Services at (574) 284-7138 or email volunteer@realservices.org.

If you are 60 or over, join REAL Services for the WISE Program! This nocost educational program offers six lessons that cover various topics.

Join us for this fun program, where you’ll meet new people and:

If you are 60 or over, join REAL Services for the WISE Program! This nocost educational program offers six lessons that cover various topics. Join us for this fun program, where you’ll meet new people and:

Join us for this fun program, where you’ll meet new people and:

 Learn about the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices

Celebrate this exciting stage of life and all the benefits that come with it

 Discuss risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy

 Examine how alcohol, prescription medications and over -the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how you can avoid problems

 Learn how to use simple tools to help you feel more empowered about your health and the healthcare you receive

Date: August 28 October 2, 2024

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location:

Location: Roger B. Francis Branch Library

Roger B. Francis Branch Library 52655 N. Ironwood Rd.

Roger B. Francis Branch Library

52655 N. Ironwood Rd.

South Bend, IN 46635

To register, call (574) 284 -7132. Space is limited.

INDEPENDENCE | DIGNITY | STRENGTH

Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy snack. There is no cost for

Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy

Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy snack.

There is no cost for this program.

Come and learn while you enjoy a healthy snack. There is no cost for this program.

August 8: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips for Saving Big (Kroc Center South Bend)

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana invites YOU to Trivia Night!

Join us for an evening of FUN for a great cause!

October 4, 2024

August 8: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips Saving Big (Kroc Center Bend)

August 8: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips for Saving Big (Kroc Center South Bend)

August 15: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips for Saving Big (OWLS Club Elkhart)

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana invites YOU to Trivia Night! Join us for an evening of FUN for a great cause! October 4, 2024 MR Falcons

MR Falcons

3212 Keller St, South Bend, IN 46628

August 15: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips for Saving Big (OWLS Club Elkhart)

August 23: Be an Energy Ninja: Tips for Saving Big (1Roof South Bend)

August 27: Fall Prevention (Elkhart Public Library)

Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn

August 27: Fall Prevention (Elkhart Public Library)

Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn

August 27: Fall Prevention (Elkhart Public Library) Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn

Call (574) 284-7189 to register or learn

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m.

Bring your own food. Drinks available for purchase. The theme is BOARD GAMES!

Come dressed for the theme to win a costume contest prize!

Tickets are $20 each or $180 for a table of 10. Call (574) 284-7104 or email events@realserrvices.org to register.

Come to the Table! Join us for lunch!

St Joseph County

Mishawaka: 100 Center (574) 259-1611

South Bend: Sanctuary at Trinity

Walkerton

(574) 259-1611

Mishawaka: 100 Center (574) 259-1611

Battell Center 904 N Main St (574) 256-2325

North Liberty: 300 S. Main St. (574) 381-8980

Towers 316 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. St (574) 234 -7278

(574) 234 -7278

Towers 316 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. St (574) 234 -7278

Fairington Apartments 1220 Fairington Circle (574) 291 -5597

302 Kentucky Street, Walkerton 574-334-1047

Marshall County Argos: B & R Community Bldg.

Fairington Apartments 1220 Fairington Circle (574) 291 -5597

1 Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center

Marshall County Argos: B & R Community Bldg. 194 S. Michigan St. (574) 892-9669

North Liberty: 300 S. Main St. (574) 381-8980

Osceola: United Methodist Church

421 Beech Rd (574) 674-6503

Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E Monroe (574) 232 -4934

405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend 574-381-8981

1 Roof Southeast Neighborhood Center 405 E. Dubail Ave. South Bend 574-381-8981

LaPorte County

194 S. Michigan St. (574) 892-9669

Marshall County Argos: B & R Community Bldg. 194 S. Michigan St. (574) 892-9669

Bourbon: Senior Center on 805 N. Harris St., (574) 342 -7031

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments

Bourbon: Senior Center on 805 N. Harris St., (574) 342 -7031

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments

LaPorte County

Osceola: United Methodist Church 421 Beech Rd (574) 674-6503

Walkerton: 606 Washington St. (574) 220-2240

Charles Black Center 3419 W Washington (574) 229 -5911

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square

LaPorte County

LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square

3224 Ardmore Trail

Walkerton: 606 Washington St. (574) 220-2240

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square 3224 Ardmore Trail

3224 Ardmore Trail

Dorothy (574) 286 -0916 Street

Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885

LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111 Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments

LaPorte: Cambridge Square Apt. 1111 Longwood Dr Bldg B (219) 380-1885

500 S Montgomery St (574) 993-2944

Bremen: Oakhaven Apartments 500 S Montgomery St (574) 993-2944

500 S Montgomery St (574) 993-2944

Dorothy (574) 286 -0916 Street

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square 3224 Ardmore Trail Dorothy (574) 286 -0916 Street

Dorothy (574) 286 -0916 Street

Michigan City: Simeon Square 1207 S Woodland (219) 380 -1439

SMRT Center

301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720

SMRT Center 301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720

Michigan City: Simeon Square 1207 S Woodland (219) 380 -1439 SMRT Center 301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720

Plymouth: Garden Court West 400 W. Washington St (574) 935-0047

SMRT Center 301 Grant Ave. (219) 207-1720

August Menu All meals are served with milk. Suggested donation $4.25

Plymouth: Garden Court West 400 W. Washington St (574) 935-0047

For Peet’s Sake! The man behind Starbucks

“I came to the richest country in the world, so why are they drinking the lousiest coffee?” —

Alfred Peet

traditionally brewed from freezedried beans.)

By RANDAL C. HILL

Alfred Peet was born in 1920 in the Netherlands. His father ran a small coffee roasting shop, where Mr. Peet utilized only the finest beans for his brews. Alfred Peet learned the business, and in 1955 he emigrated to San Francisco to work for a coffee-and-tea importer.

Once established in the USA, Peet found himself dismayed at the poor quality of American coffee and compared its bland taste to World War II-rationed java. (Back then, our everyday joe was

Determined to teach people to appreciate the richness of a top-notch product, Peet opened a gourmet coffee-and-tea shop in 1966 in Berkeley, Calif. Buying only top-quality beans from high-altitude areas of Costa Rica and Guatemala, Peet roasted everything by hand in the back of his store.

He was often gruff with his customers, getting along well with most men but having little patience with women and children. He was also ill-at-ease with the urban Berkeley hipsters, although he did appreciate that such consumers who frequented his shop sometimes called themselves “Peetniks.”

Eventually Peet was visited by three young guys from Seattle. Writer Gordon Bowker, English teacher Jerry Baldwin, and history teacher Zev Siegl were all

WANTED: ANTIQUES

roommates, but it was Bowker who lit the fire for what would become Starbucks when he serendipitously discovered a tasty espresso cappuccino drink at a café in Rome.

Back in Seattle, Bowker frequently drove to Vancouver, B.C., to buy high-quality coffee beans from a specialty shop. His roommates quickly came to appreciate the superior taste of what Bowker bought and, following one of those trips, Bowker proposed the idea of opening a coffee-bean store at Seattle’s touristy Pike Place Market.

However, a pair of problems tossed a metaphorical wet blanket over the scheme: None of the 28-year-olds had any business experience, and nobody knew anything about coffee beyond drinking it.

They approached Alfred Peet for guidance. Surprisingly, he welcomed them with open arms for training. At Peet’s shop, the Seattle trio proved to be quick learners under the stern Dutchman’s mentoring. (Siegl later declared, “He had a depth of knowledge of coffee that was unparalleled in this country. There was nobody in his league.”) Peet even allowed the Seattle threesome to copy his store’s layout. He later called them the sons he never had.

Back home, the trio chose

Starbucks as their business name, after the first mate on the Pequod, Captain Ahab’s whaling ship in “Moby-Dick.” For $137.50 a month, the men rented a storefront in Pike Place Market in 1971 and sold Peet’s coffee beans, tea and spices.

Two years later, Peet convinced them to start their own roast-

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ing operation. They followed his advice and began offering high-quality drinks and food. Later, marketing whiz Howard Schultz convinced Starbucks to grow their successful operation to more than 35,000 stores in 80 countries.

And, all the while, saying goodbye to “lousy” java!

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

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Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

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GOURMET COFFEE SHOP Alfred Peet opened a gourmet coffee and tea shop in Berkeley, Calif., in 1966. He trained three roommates from Seattle who started Starbucks and copied Peet’s store layout.

Forever Learning celebrates 50th anniversary

By FOREVER LEARNING INSTITUTE

Half a century ago, a group of passionate volunteers embarked on a journey to establish the inaugural semester of Forever Learning Institute. Their mission was to create a school to educate and enrich senior adults’ lives through intellectual challenge, spiritual reflection, and social engagement.

This visionary concept was the brainchild of Rev. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C., a forward-thinking Holy Cross priest. Today, Forever Learning stands as a testament to his unique vision, having positively impacted the lives of countless participants over the years.

Fr. Putz’s vision of senior adults sharing and learning together has withstood time. Today, hundreds of senior adults take courses on almost any topic imaginable. In 2024 alone, Forever Learning hosted 190 courses and filled 2,500 class seats with close to 1,700 individual learners.

Not stopping there, Forever Learning also offers senior adults travel opportunities and partners with various community organizations, including Howard Park, South

Bend Civic Theatre, St. Joseph County Parks, The Jewish Federation, The University of Notre Dame, and Southfield Village. These organizations offer space, programming, instructors, and endless support for our senior adults.

While the number of learners who participate in Forever Learning activities is remarkable, the real impact of this small school lies in the individual lives touched each day. Examples abound of older adults who have found a home in this community, leading purposeful and engaging lives.

Helping people to connect and share similar interests has created a focal point for so many area elders, giving a purpose to their days and filling their retirement years with friendships and experiences unavailable in many communities.

Forever Learning Institute’s celebration will kick off with a 50th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Morris Park Country Club. The event will feature a reception and dinner, music by The Jazz Assemblage, a silent auction and a dance performance with Forever’s own Solid Silver Dancers.

As Fr. Putz’s vision contin-

ues to unfold, Forever Learning is excited to plan for the next 50 years, offering ever

more opportunities for learning, discovery, and sharing. Please join us as we celebrate

our senior adults. We invite you to join our vision of living life to its fullest.

Get busy to do nothing

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Most people have figured out what they’re going to do when they retire.

Travel, visit the kids, play golf, grab some coffee with old friends and go fishing are high on the list of plans.

But most people haven’t figured out what they’re going to do when there’s nothing left they want to do.

There’s an art to doing nothing when you know you can do anything you want to do, whenever you want to do it, for as long as you want to do it.

You might want to start practicing.

Recent studies indicate doing nothing — giving your brain a rest — can actually stimulate your mind. Sitting back and doing nothing for a spell can refresh your brain and enhance your creative abilities. When boredom sets in, your brain is actually daydreaming and those dreams can be productive.

However, doing nothing all

the time can calcify your thinking process.

To start doing nothing, get away from your television set, mobile phone, book, jigsaw puzzle or whatever else around you that can draw your attention.

Some experts suggest you start doing something boring, like counting cars streaming by your window or stroll down to the nearby park to stretch out on a bench and stare into the pond or at the overhead clouds.

Killing time by wandering through the internet, meditating or checking messages doesn’t work because they don’t allow your mind to wander,

to daydream. The idea is to eliminate all stimulation and activity so your body, mind and emotions can do nothing.

Even listening to music can be a distraction when you’re trying to do nothing.

If you have to be doing something, try coloring in a coloring book — something that keeps your hands busy but doesn’t require any brain work.

These do-nothing periods can not only boost your awareness as you proceed through the day, they can help develop more creative pastimes to help you enjoy the times when you’re not doing nothing.

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Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka

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Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

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Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

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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.

Southfield Village

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Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

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

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‘Running Wild’ at St. Patrick’s County Park Aug. 17

A trail run and family fun walk to benefit St. Joseph County Parks will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at St. Patrick’s County Park.

The 5K run/walk and the 3K scavenger hunt walk begin at 8:30 a.m.

The 5K chip-timed run course travels through woods, fields, gravel roads and grass. The 3K walk covers similar terrain and includes an option-

al “Wacky Nature” scavenger hunt to search for fun props related to nature in the area. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash for the walk only.

There will be awards for the top three finishers in each age category, overall winners, and overall masters (age 50 and up). The post-event party for registered participants includes door prizes, music and breakfast, including gour-

met egg bakes from Victorian Pantry, fruit, and the event’s signature granola cookies.

“Running Wild” is a green event. To reduce waste, participants are asked to bring their own labeled water bottle to put in coolers at the finish line, and a water re-fill station will be provided. Food waste is composted; certain items are recycled at the event as well. Signage is re-used from year to year. T-shirt orders are limited to pre-ordered shirts, to eliminate dozens of extra T-shirts.

Pre-registration is $25 per individual for the 5K; a late registration fee is $30. Pre-registration fee for those ages 14 and under is $22; late registration fee is $27. The 3K walk pre-registration is $20 per individual and $25 for late registration.

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI

A 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) Nonprofit Organization

REAL SERVICES, INC.

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Provides services to empower our community to live with independence, dignity, and strength. Call us to learn more.

Families or groups registering for the walk only can get the “Wild Herd” discount for three to four participants, any age; $50 pre-registration and $55 late registration.

Same day, onsite registration will be available this year at the late registration fee rates. T-shirts are only available through online preregistration on or before 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 for an additional $12 each, $15 for extended sizes (plus 7% sales tax).

Race packet pickups will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at St. Patrick’s County Park under the Pfeil Pavilion, next to the Red Barn, and on the day of the event from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Late registration fees begin at 12 a.m. Aug. 16. In-person, late walk-in registration will be available from noon to 6

p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at St. Patrick’s County Park under the Pfeil Pavilion, next to the Red Barn and on the morning of the race from 7:30-8:15 a.m. in the Red Barn.

The event is organized by the Friends of St. Joseph County Parks, the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake and St. Joseph County Parks. Proceeds will go toward park facilities, programs, and bus transportation to the parks for school programs.

Online pre-registration ends Thursday, Aug. 15. To volunteer to help with the event, call (574) 654-3155.

For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com/ runningwild.

St. Patrick’s County Park is located on Laurel Road, just north of Auten Road in South Bend.

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FOOT CARE

Explore Kentucky’s rivers and lakes for relaxation and adventure

(StatePoint) If you are looking for a way to beat the heat this summer, visit Kentucky and cool off on the water, in the water, or both. Whether you are looking to relax for a few days, or find some adventure exploring, Kentucky has everything you could want for aquatic adventures.

Spend a few days relaxing at Lake Cumberland floating on the placid waters of one of Kentucky’s most beautiful bodies of water. Better yet, rent a houseboat and enjoy the full experience of lake life.

Houseboats are available to rent from numerous marinas on lakes across the state, but Lake Cumberland is known as the “Houseboating Capital of the World” and has the country’s

largest fleet of rental houseboats. Discover the perfect vessel, from a tiny houseboat for two to 90foot boats that can fit your entire extended family. Many come with amenities, like air conditioning, full kitchens, TVs, private staterooms and even hot tubs and water slides.

Interested in a little more excitement? Try the flat waters at Grayson Lake State Park for stand-up paddleboards, or canoe the rapids at Breaks Interstate Park, from relatively easy Class II and III rapids, to the high adventure Class VI.

Like fishing? Whether you want to cast from the river bank, john boat, or stand waist-deep in the water, you could spend years fishing all around the common-

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wealth and still not hit all the amazing fishing spots in Kentucky’s creeks, dams and lakes. For those looking for a sailing adventure, check out the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. With Kentucky Lake on one side and Lake Barkley on the other, there is more than 300 miles worth of open water to explore.

Kentucky has plenty of options for those who want to take their aquatic adventures below the surface.Pennyroyal Scuba Center Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville is a one-stop shop for all things scuba. Offering certification classes, and selling just about any piece of scuba equipment you might need, this diver’s paradise features a 22-acre, 120-

foot deep spring-fed quarry with dozens of diver-interest objects placed at various underwater depths. All of them are easy to find and easy to photograph with a waterproofed smartphone.

The options for aquatic adventures in Kentucky do not stop here. To learn more and to plan a trip, visit kentuckytourism.com. Whether you are going north, south, east, west, on top of the water, below the water or just standing near the water; Kentucky has the perfect waterthemed vacation for you.

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South Bend Community Hall of Fame announces 37th annual class, awardees

The South Bend Community Hall of Fame, offered by the South Bend Alumni Association, has announced the newest inductees for its 37th annual class. This year’s ceremony will honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community through their dedication, leadership, and service.

The induction ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Century Center, South Bend.

This year’s class of inductees represents a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including education, business, athletics and community service. Their exemplary achievements and unwavering commitment to the betterment of South Bend have earned them this prestigious recognition.

The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Hon. Andre Gammage. Magistrate Gammage, an Adams High School alumnus, has dedicated over 20 years to serving his community as a defense attorney and now as a magistrate with the St. Joseph Circuit Court. Beyond the courtroom, he mentors youth, leads educational initiatives, and advocates for justice and reintegration, embodying a lifelong commitment to improving South Bend.

• Gary Gilot. He is celebrated for his leadership and transformative impact in South Bend, marked by his innovative engineering solutions and mentorship of students and professionals alike. His dedication to community improvement, exemplified by initiatives like the

Bowman Creek Educational Ecosystem and advancements in smart sewer technology, has significantly contributed to the city’s progress.

• Charlie Hayes. Founder of Charles S. Hayes Inc., a company providing facilities to the telecommunications industry, he has played a pivotal role in improving local communication infrastructure. Additionally, his significant contributions to South Bend’s numerous art museums reflect his deep commitment to supporting and sharing the arts.

• Greg Humnicky. A lifelong advocate of South Bend’s educational and athletic community for over four decades, he has championed equality in sports and inspired countless students and athletes as a teacher, coach, and athletic di-

rector at Clay High School. He is unwavering in his dedication to mentorship, community service, and championing SBCSC students.

• Vickie McIntire. For over 20 years, she has tirelessly championed causes ranging from improving the criminal justice process, aiding abused and underprivileged women, to mentoring juvenile offenders. Her leadership on the Firefly Festival for the Performing Arts Board has brought outstanding music, dance, and theater to thousands of families throughout Michiana.

• Freddie Thon. He has dedicated his life to promoting Latino culture, advocating for minority inclusion, and serving the South Bend community by participating in over 30 community organizations. His

impressive career in business management with Thon Steel, LLC and international sales, alongside his commitment to diversity and inclusion, highlight his profound impact on South Bend.

• Judith Overmeyer. A devoted teacher at John Adams High School for 20 years, she has profoundly impacted the South Bend community through her dedication to mentoring and educating countless students. Under her leadership, the John Adams Mock Trial program became one of the most successful in the country, winning nearly 15 state championships and two national titles.

• In Memoriam: Seabe Gavin Sr. is celebrated for his exceptional athletic achievements and unwavering commitment to his community, having excelled in baseball, football, and boxing, and later having the Seabe Gavin Sr. Youth Baseball/Softball field named after him. A distinguished Navy veteran, his legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire future generations.

2024 Recognition Awards

• Ideal Baldoni Distinguished Public Service Award: Shalon “Shay” Davis

• Contribution to Education Corporate Award: AEP Foundation/Indiana Michigan Power

• Distinguished Community Service Award: 466 Works

• Distinguished Achievement Award: Cynthia Murphy For more information, visit southbendalumni.com or sbaa@ sb.school.

Pickpockets feast on travellers

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Travelling with or moving in and out of a crowd may make you feel safe, but packs of people also hide the cunning who can make off with your wallet or purse.

Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly high on the list of most dangerous place for visitors as pickpockets mingle freely with the more than 6 million pilgrims that visit each year.

In any crowd, women should carry their purse in front of them and men keep their wallet in a side or front trouser pocket.

Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions. Step into a building — a store, restaurant or museum — and ask a staff member for the information you seek.

Five things to know about asthma, summer heat

(StatePoint) Nearly 25 million people of all ages in the United States are living with asthma, a lifelong chronic disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.

Here’s what the American Lung Association wants everyone to know during summer, when extreme heat can make asthma harder to manage.

1. New challenges are emerging.

Beyond traditional asthma triggers like respiratory infections, secondhand smoke and pets, new challenges are emerging. The effects of climate change include extreme heat, poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent and intense wildfires, all of which are making asthma more difficult to manage.

Excessive heat and humidity increase the risk of asthma exacerbation, asthma-related hospitalization and asthmarelated death, especially for children and women. Patients should limit time outdoors during heat waves, seek access to air conditioning and take steps to improve indoor air quality, as humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive.

2. City dwellers are particularly vulnerable.

Two-thirds of the average U.S. city is made up of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks and roofs. Since these surfaces are typically dark and non-porous, they contribute to flooding, increased air pollution, poor health and what is known as “urban heat,”

a phenomenon in which cities experience warmer temperatures than surrounding areas.

Urban heat, combined with pollutants from power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, creates ozone pollution, also known as smog. Those with asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing from both ground-level ozone and particle pollution, as well as from the impacts of extreme weather and airborne allergens.

Sadly, these issues disproportionately impact certain communities. Due to a history of discriminatory practices like systematic denial of mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services on the basis of race and ethnicity, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, are more likely to be living in areas impacted by urban heat and poor air quality.

3. Flooding can harm lung health.

Increased severe storms due to climate change results in more flooding, which can harm lung health. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks, and mold, associated with asthma attacks, can grow anywhere there is water or dampness.

4. Advocacy efforts are underway.

The Smart Surfaces Coalition is made up of 40 national and international organizations committed to making Smart Surfaces the global urban design standard. Smart Surfaces en-

compass a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, trees, solar panels and rain gardens. Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance air quality and improve health, these transformative urban features can cool cities by 5 degrees F, reduce flooding, provide economic benefits and potentially advance environmental justice.

The American Lung Association, an active member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, encourages cities to take these actions:

• Install light-colored roads, parking lots and driveways to reflect sunlight and reduce heat.

• Install solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and provide shade for roofs.

• Plant trees to increase shade.

• Select porous surfaces to collect polluted stormwater, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution.

Other strategies to reduce urban heat, air pollution and ozone levels include using public transportation, carpooling, increasing green spaces and installing cooling centers in extreme conditions.

5. Resources are available.

Educational programming can help people better manage the disease in summer and yearround. Patients can check out the self-management education programs, information and tools available at Lung.org/asthma or call the American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline at (800) LUNG-USA. Living with an

How to say goodbye

By GAYLA J. KONANZ, MSW, LCSW Always Best Care

Some people say, “It’s never easy to say goodbye.” Never, though, is a definitive word that isn’t necessarily accurate. I’m sure there are moments when it is easy to say goodbye. Like when you are leaving work on a Friday afternoon or when you are an exhausted, stressed parent leaving your little humans for a date night. Most goodbyes mean the end of something: leaving a job, the end of a hurtful relationship, death, etc. Though there will be something good in those goodbyes — a new opportunity, freedom from hurt, and possibly the end of physical suffering — there is also pain in the void the goodbyes create. So how do we say a goodbye that honors our grief and allows us hope to keep moving forward?

One thing we must do is acknowledge our grief. We should ask ourselves, “What about the loss do we miss and why? What other hurt, loss, and grief is this experience bringing up?” If we do not look at our feelings, they may come up when we least expect them and in negative ways. Like, when we are angry, get cut off while driving, or face an inconvenience.

Think of unacknowledged grief as a hot coal. When something happens, like spilling our coffee, hot coal can be sparked into a raging fire. But, when we are kind and understanding with ourselves and give ourselves space and time to feel, the hot coal loses some of its heat.

Acknowledging feelings helps us understand ourselves. With that understanding, we can see clearly what we need to handle our grief and deep emotions. And when those needs are met, we can see the good in the coming days

illness, or being the caretaker to someone who is, can take a physical and emotional toll. Patients can get support and knowledge, and connect with others by joining the Lung Association’s Patient and Caregiver Network.

For the 24.8 million Ameri-

cans living with asthma, extreme summer temperatures and emerging environmental threats can make life more difficult. Fortunately, new educational resources and expanded programming can help patients navigate new and old challenges alike.

Vote Derek Dieter for county surveyor

By DEREK DIETER Guest Writer

I am deeply connected to our community, having served 39 years on the South Bend Police Department.

Coaching and mentoring youth has been my passion since 1975, working with hundreds of area youths to better their lives. My dedication to the well-being of St. Joseph County is unwaver-

ing, and I am willing to work collaboratively to address our shared challenges and opportunities.

Vote Derek Dieter for St. Joseph County Surveyor.

DEREK DIETER

Why veterans make great hires

(StatePoint) Honoring members of the military means not only reflecting

but also appreciating the talents and skills of veterans in the

Shining a light on how military skills transfer to corporate America is Brian Armstrong, a Marine Corps veteran who now serves as Wells Fargo’s head of military recruitment.

Having led the safe transport of equipment and security protection forces, on top of serving as a small unit leader overseeing the well-being of fellow Marines, Armstrong acquired skills that easily transfer to everyday business during his military career. And his experience is not unique to him, but shared amongst the hundreds of thousands who transition out of the military to civilian careers each year.

“In the military, you have to

be able to think on your feet,” Armstrong said. “We (veterans) span the breadth of the United States, and we can leverage our unique, diverse perspectives to react and deliver under pressure. Add this to the soft skills we gain during service, and I think veterans are an extremely attractive demographic for employers.”

In fact, many companies in recent years are catching onto the value veterans bring to the workplace, with veteran employment rates trending upward over the past 10 years, according to Department of Labor Statistics. Nevertheless, veterans do face unique workplace challenges, particularly during the hiring process, from employer bias to dealing with the culture shift of postmilitary life.

Where military recruitment is concerned, Wells Fargo is a good example of a corpora-

tion aligning its actions with its words. For more than 170 years, the company has supported military service members and veterans. In addition to initiatives like home and car donations, grants, and supporting veteran-owned businesses, its dedicated Military Talent Sourcing Team is committed to helping veterans effectively navigate the transition to civilian life. The company’s Military Talent Liaisons are committed to recruiting, counseling, and advocating for military job seekers.

According to Armstrong, other companies can benefit from similar initiatives. The team’s programming includes military-specific hiring events, corporate fellowships, apprenticeships through the Department of Labor, and intensive training programs.

“It’s not just about supporting veterans, it’s also about

how veterans can help a company. Their ability to thrive in differing environments and

music from Bob Pellegrino of Island Breeze and the sound of his steel drums!

circumstances makes them agile and serious-minded in their endeavors,” Armstrong said. “Obviously, we’re not in a military situation in our typical workplace, but I suspect many veterans, like I do, take their corporate roles seriously, the same way they’d get prepared for a mission.”

To learn more about Wells Fargo’s military recruitment initiatives, and its more than 170 years of supporting military veterans and their families, visit wellsfargojobs. com. To learn more about why veterans make great leaders, visit stories.wf.com/why-veterans-make-great-leaders.

Employers can reflect on how making their workplaces more inclusive to veterans can help both their community and their bottom line.

Technology helps keep you at home

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

As the aging population grows, so grows the need for facilities and workers to provide senior care.

Complicating matters is the fact that many folks intend to grow old at home.

Technology may have come to the rescue for folks who are still alert and physically unchallenged.

Camera and sensor systems can be installed that link with the children, siblings or caregivers who monitor the household. There are devices available to dole out the proper medication at the proper time. When seniors leave the house, they can use cellphones, wristwatches and global positioning systems to help monitors keep track of their moves. Medical alert bracelets help seniors get help when they fall, sensors can be installed to automatically turn off stoves, and devices can be installed to prevent bathtub overflowing. Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

HIRE A VET Brian Armstrong and colleague, David Smith, are shown at a Veteran Bridge Home talent panel. Photo provided by StatePoint.

Elite Estate Management offers high standards of care and maintenance

Elite Estate Management is owned by Ken Lindow, a real estate investor committed to caring for tenants with respect and integrity.

His journey began with a single-rental property, where he learned the importance of providing safe and comfortable living spaces for his tenants.

Driven by a passion for real estate and a deep-seated belief in ethical business practices, he grew his business dedicated to offering the best product and service to his tenants.

In due course, he accumulated too many properties to manage alone, so he enlisted the help of third-party management services; however, understanding the challenges faced by both tenants and

Moving away from the all-white kitchen

(StatePoint) With the allwhite kitchen design trend on the decline, you may be wondering how to make updates that appeal to today’s sensibilities. The key is infusing color and depth into your space. Here’s how:

Consider Earthy Wood Tones

Earthy wood tones easily transform a predominantly white space and there are many ways to incorporate this look in your kitchen. Options can be as involved as refinishing your kitchen island with a wooden countertop or swapping in wood cabinet finishes, to as simple as introducing a rolling bar cart into the space. Displaying a few wooden kitchen elements, such as cooking utensils, cutting boards and a napkin holder, can round out the look.

Embrace Matte Black

Matte black appliances are gaining in popularity for good reason – they can elevate your kitchen into a glamorous foodie oasis, and a place where cooking, eating, and gathering with loved ones brings you joy. It’s helpful if those appliances pair form with functionality. When it comes to cooking ranges, check out Verona, which offers professional style Italianmade appliances that combine artistry with the latest cooking technology innovations. The brand’s Ultima Midnight 36inch Range is fully matte black from cooktop to legs for a sleek look and is available in dual fuel or induction.

Alternatively, the Maestro collection from another Italian brand, Lofra, boasts strong versatile design and the highest technical performance. Both brands are exclusively imported by EuroChef USA. For more information, visit eurochefusa. com.

Incorporate Brass Accents

Brass accents can provide dynamism and depth. Consider adding brass hardware to your fridge and updating your faucet and sink basin in a gold or bronze tone. For your cooking range, get inspired by

property owners, he realized that the best way to care for all involved was to purchase the management company, Elite Estate Management. Not only did this move streamline operations, but also ensured that his high standards of care and maintenance were upheld across all his properties and the other properties in the existing portfolio of Elite Estate. Under his leadership, the management company flourishes. Tenants and owners appreciate the entire staff’s responsiveness to their needs and their proactive approach to property upkeep, fostering trust amongst all involved. Through years of hands-on

experience, Lindow has made his motto: “Common Sense Is Our Bottom Line.” He aims to extend his common sense principles and integrity to the broader audience of St. Joseph County through affordable and efficient general maintenance service to homeowners. Beyond business success, Lindow is deeply committed to his family, viewing them as his greatest source of inspiration and support. His values of honesty, respect, and compassion continue to guide every decision, ensuring that both his business and personal life reflect his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER The key to infusing color and depth into your space is using earthy wood tones and matte black appliances with brass accents. Photo provided by StatePoint.

the models available in Lofra’s Dolcevita Collection, which can be customized with brass trim, and gold knobs, providing pops of color in unexpected places, and with 30-60-inch models available, can accommodate kitchens of all sizes.

Beyond the trim of your appliances, you can mix these metals into your space by swapping in new cabinetry

hardware and by adding in an eye-catching brass pedant above your dining area or prep space. Displaying brass cookware on hooks or a rack can offer a rustic and homey feel to an otherwise austere space.

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, as many individuals and families do, consider updates that add color, depth and comfort to the space.

SANIBEL STOOP Hunched over, intently staring at the array of shells on the beach are shellers in the “Sanibel Stoop” position looking for that perfect shell for their collections.

COMPARING FINDS A group of shellers crowd around to see if anyone has stumbled upon the Schapella Junonia, the most valuable shell on the beach. One who finds it usually gets his or her photo taken for the local newspaper.

Sanibel Island still a top shelling spot

In spite of category four Hurricane Ian nearly blasting Sanibel Island off the map Sept. 28, 2022, with 150-mileper-hour winds and an 8- to 15-foot storm surge, the ninemile-long barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico just 45 minutes southwest of Fort Meyers, Fla.,

has retained its world No. one ranking as the top place to find shells.

Shellers from all over the world come to look for treasures that have been washed up on the sandy beaches by the waves or uncovered by the receding tides.

ESCAPES

Shellers are immediately noticeable because they’re all doing the “Sanibel Stoop.” They amble slowly along the sand with their heads down like a blue heron waiting for an unsuspecting fish to swim by. When they spot a special shell, they assume the position, pick it up and carefully examine it. If it’s cracked,

and Photos By ROD KING Continued on page 23

Airports working for your leisure

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

While the airport-airplane experience grows more excruciating, airports around the country are working on some of those rough edges.

Several have introduced therapy dogs to pad around the terminal to soothe irritated travellers. Others have brought in restaurants that offer relaxed dining. Some even offer day passes so locals can get through the security check point to eat and shop as jetliners swoop by their windows. Some of the amenities tucked into airports around the world include movie theaters, ice skating rinks, wedding reception areas and swimming pools. When planning your next trip, you might check to see what airports along the way offer the best pastimes while you’re waiting for take off.

Sanibel Island

Continued from page 22 chipped or imperfect in any way, it’s immediately dropped.

Then there are the crafters, who are on hands and knees sifting through the shell debris for tiny bits to make flowers and other sculptures.

The quality and variety of seashells that wash up daily is due primarily to the fact that the island, which juts into the gulf on an east-west orientation, traps shells that are stirred up by the tides and then deposited in abundance on Sanibel’s white sandy beaches by the waves.

Also contributing to the abundance is the fact that the angle of the land into the water is more like a ramp than the steep drop-off characteristic of Atlantic beaches. Shells found near the lighthouse on the eastern end of the island tend to be smaller, while the middle area gets mostly normal-size shells.

Larger ones turn up on the beaches of Captiva Island, which is tethered to Sanibel by a 100-yard-long bridge.

All of the shells were once the homes of living mollusks. It’s important to make sure the critter is no longer in residence. It’s unlawful to remove a living mollusk and its shell from the beach. If you take one by mistake, your nose will soon let you know.

Some shells are considered very valuable because of their scarcity. If you find a scaphella junonia you’ll actually get your name and photo in the local newspaper.

In 1969, Florida named the horse conch (triplosus giganteus) its official state shell.

It’s only proper that the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is located here. It’s a natural history museum and the only one in the country primarily focused on shells and mollusks. On display are 550,000 colorful shells. In addition, there are nine aquariums with more

than 50 species of marine life and two touch pools. More than 65% of Sanibel is maintained as “foreverwild” lands. The Sanibel-Cap-

tiva Conservation Foundation protects the island from over-development. A large part of the protected property is occupied by the J.N. “Ding”

and civilization —

Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It provides sanctuary to many species of wild animals, birds and native trees and undergrowth. Self-guided walking tours and boat rides take visitors to view the local flora and fauna. All in all, the island has established a

and condos — which seems to be working nicely and providing benefits for all parties.

CLEANING UP Washing stands are provided for shellers to clean up their finds.

SHELL MUSEUM — More than 550,000 shells of every shape and color are displayed at the Bailey Mathews National Shell Museum.