Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - February 2025 by The Papers Inc.

Bike

South Bend moves downtown

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

The South Bend Bike Garage is bringing its services repair downtown with its recent move to 119 W. Wayne St., South Bend.

“Our goal is to have as many people out biking as possible,” said Garage Manager Dave Calhoun. Established in 2019, South Bend Bike Garage has three main programs, available for anyone to use. Through Fix-A-Bike, volunteers teach people how to repair their bikes with provided tools and parts available at cost. EarnA-Bike allows volunteers to donate 6 hours of time to the garage and fix up a bike to take home with them. With Buy-A-Bike, people can choose one of the garage’s fixed-up bikes to purchase.

“We don’t charge for labor, only for parts, because we buy those parts,” said volunteer Karen Haun. Haun is an avid biker who runs front-of-house operations at the garage each week.

All bikes South Bend Bike Garage offers are donated. The organization accepts both monetary donations and bikes and bike parts. Bike drop-offs can be made during the garage’s open hours, 5-8

p.m. Wednesdays.

With the recent move, Haun said, there will be more volunteer opportunities as the organization works on fixing up the space.

“It needs paint, it still has carpet on the floor that needs to be scraped off, we’ll have plenty more work for volunteers to do that don’t know anything about bikes,” she explained.

While many visitors to the garage are college students, a variety of people make use of the services.

“We get homeless people who have a bike and need to get it fixed. People come to us, for the most part, that can’t afford to get it fixed,” said Haun.

Some visitors to the garage are even international students who rely on bikes because they’re inexperienced with driving on the right side of the road.

“Now I expect it to be 50/50, people downtown that bikes are their only form of transportation, and college students. ... You don’t think about it, but there are a lot of Notre Dame students that don’t have a lot of money,” she went on.

As a volunteer-run organization, South Bend Bike Garage also relies on a mix

of people to keep it running.

“It’s a combination of all different backgrounds with a common goal, just trying to help other people,” Haun said with a smile. She considers the

Continued on page 3

MECHANICAL EXPERTISE Garage Manager Dave Calhoun, right, discusses repairs for

child’s bike.

Key Positions Symphony director inspired by

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Long before Alastair Willis became the director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, his musical education began at the piano when his father was stationed in Moscow. After the family moved to England, he followed his older sister down the path of brass instruments.

Willis studied music at Bristol University and acquired a teaching degree at Kingston University in England, then earned a master’s degree in conducting from Rice University in Dallas, Texas.

His first job out of school was with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He moved on to the Seattle Symphony and stayed there for 19 years. Five years ago, he and his wife came to South Bend.

Willis cites his older sister, Sarah Willis, as one of his biggest inspirations. Later, some of the conductors he played for while in school pushed him to become a conductor himself.

“These conductors showed me that music is more than just black and white notes on the page, that a chord, a

symphony, a harmony can transform you, can move you. If you allow it, music can really inspire you,” he said.

“I started taking conducting lessons, I realized that if I wanted to get any better I had a lot to learn. I still have a lot to learn. ... The freshness of music is mind boggling to this day.”

The motive behind his work, he said, “is to make sure there’s one less uninspiring conductor in the world.“

Willis does not find himself in front of an orchestra every day.

“I’ve got tons of business emails. About 95% is dealing with everything else, how I wish it was the other way around,” he remarked.

He describes the job of a music director as threefold: preparation, or learning the music; execution, in the form of rehearsals and concerts; and reflection, determining what went well during that program and what could be improved upon next time.

He also doesn’t work alone.

Along with conducting, Willis collaborates with the symphony’s board of directors to determine a season’s programming.

“Putting on concerts costs

MAESTRO Alastair Willis, director of the South Bend Symphony

He spends six to 12 weeks a year guest conducting with other symphonies as well, meaning he travels frequently.

A symphony director needs to have a vast repertoire of

money, if you have a concert with a really large orchestra that’s not impossible, but it’s going to be more expensive, so you have to make up for that with a program elsewhere in the season that doesn’t cost so much,” he explained, adding, “It takes a village, I’m just one person in the village.”

musical knowledge, with perhaps thousands of pieces, but a variety of other skills are needed to succeed beyond that.

“You have to be a good people person, because the mentality of a cello player is not the same as the mentality of a brass player, let’s say. It’s just different, and you have to know how to connect with each player,” Willis explained. “That translates off the podium to being approachable to the staff, the board and the community.”

Music industry knowledge is also vital, keeping tabs on up-and-coming composers whose work sparks an interest and soloists who could perform with the symphony. Most importantly, Willis concluded, “You’ve just got to love what you, and fortunately, I do.”

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Orchestra, not only conducts but collaborates with the board of directors on how the symphony can connect with its community. He describes his motivation in his work as making sure “there’s one less uninspiring conductor in the world.”

Photo provided by South Bend Symphony Orchestra.

70s Flashback —

It is better to avoid that room!

In late summer 1974, Stephen King and family rented a house in Boulder, Colo. “I had written ‘Carrie’ and ‘Salem’s Lot.’

By RANDAL C. HILL

They were both set in Maine, because that’s where I’m from,” King explains. “I said to my wife, ‘I think it’s time to set a book somewhere else.’ ”

They chose to go to Colorado, which Stephen described as “a spooky state with mountains and high passes and the wind howling and the wolves.” In other words, a perfect place to generate another horror story — and hopefully hit a third literary home run.

Late in October, he and Tabatha decided to get away for a weekend by themselves. Boulder locals suggested the Stanley Hotel, a funky old lodge in nearby Estes Park. However, nobody told the Kings of the rumor that one particular room in the Stanley Hotel was haunted.

When Stephen and Tabitha arrived at the rundown inn, they found that it was shutting down for the season. In fact, the Kings were the only paying guests there that night, Oct. 30, one day before Halloween. Assigned the presidential suite — room 217 — they walked to their room down long corridors, passing fire

South Bend Bike

Continued from page 1 benefit of the garage to be the help and hands-on experience people can find there.

“It’s helping people repair their bikes that otherwise would not get them repaired. ... And giving bikes to kids, that’s probably the best part, because they don’t always know they’re going to get a bike for free. When they come in and ask how much it is, I say, ‘it’s free,’ and their face just lights up. ... I think about how this is something they’re going to remember this for the rest of their lives, when they volunteered at the bike garage,” she said.

Calhoun and Haun, both in their 60s, also remain active through biking.

“I think it’s incredibly healthy,” said Haun. “A lot of people, when they have to give up running, they take up biking. It’s much easier on your joints. ... And it’s a way to socialize after you retire.”

For more information on how to get involved or donate to South Bend Bike Garage, visit sbbikegarage.com or call (574) 207-6537. The garage can also be found on Facebook.

hoses neatly rolled up on the walls.

That night the couple ate dinner (their only option was a meal of beef) at the hotel’s restaurant. Tabatha then retired to bed, but Stephen decided to go to the bar for a drink. Once back in room 217, he drifted off to sleep — for a while: “That night, I dreamed of my 3-year-old son running through the corridors, looking back, eyes wide, screaming. He was being chased by a firehose.

I woke up with a tremendous jerk, sweating all over, within an inch of falling out of bed.

I got up, lit a cigarette, and by the time the cigarette was done, I had the ‘bones’ of a book firmly set in my mind.”

That book, of course, would become “The Shining,” with the Stanley now being called the Overlook Hotel.

It was only later the Kings

learned about the supposed haunting of the room they occupied. One night in 1911, it was told, the Stanley’s chambermaid, Elizabeth Wilson, was making her rounds and lighting acetylene lanterns throughout the hotel. What she didn’t know was that, on the second floor, a flammable gas leakage had occurred, which had slowly filled the entire wing. As Wilson entered room 217, she lit a match beneath the lamp. The massive explosion that followed rocked the hotel and destroyed the room, including the flooring. Elizabeth dropped into the dining room below but amazingly suffered only two broken ankles.

Since then, guests in room 217 have reported bizarre events occurring within its four walls. Rumors have described personal items being moved around the room or

WATCH OUT In Stephen King’s 1977 novel, “The Shining,” you can never be sure what’s lurking in the eerie halls of the Overlook Hotel.

lights being turned on and off. Some unmarried couples have even reported feeling a cold force between their sleeping

bodies — proof, it is claimed, that straight-laced Mrs. Wilson is still there, watching out for any “funny business.”

Sutton uses her energy to help Unity Gardens grow

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

“I’ve always done some volunteering. For me it was always important to be of service. ... My parents were big believers in giving back to whoever needed their help,” said South Bend native Barb Sutton.

One of nine kids, she was raised on the west side of the city. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University South Bend and a master’s

degree in nonprofit management from Notre Dame University.

Sutton worked at Notre Dame for 21 years and stayed in South Bend when her department moved in 2007. From then until 2017, she worked for Child and Parent Services in Elkhart, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting victims.

“I found that I really liked it, I liked being of service to others rather than worrying so much about the bottom line. It was

more about outcomes for people,” she remarked.

Though she technically retired from CAPS, she took another job helping with VITA tax prep until 2022. Retirement has never stuck for Sutton.

“I don’t sit around, I have too much energy,” she explained.

CORPORATE OFFICE

diamond at the old St. Joseph’s High School was given to the organization. Sutton and a team of regular volunteers, mainly seniors, have been gardening there for two years now.

Sutton values both working in the garden and meeting the people who come to pick. Tomatoes are a favorite plant of hers, and sweet potatoes present a challenge she enjoys.

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Fourteen years ago, Sutton met Sara Stewart, executive director and board president of Unity Gardens. The nonprofit provides free fresh produce for anyone to pick and opportunities to get hands-on in the dirt. Sutton became interested because her own yard was too shady for effective gardening

Over time, she has gotten deeply involved with Unity Gardens. Sutton is now a bookkeeper for the organization, as well as a member of its board.

Two years ago, a baseball

“Because it was a ball field, it was all rock hard clay, so we built a garden on top of it. Some raised beds, and some we just covered with cardboard, mulch and compost. ... We built up a garden and started planting,” Sutton recalled.

“We design, we plant, we maintain and we hope that people will come and pick,” she said of her activities in the garden. “I think in our little garden, we had about 500 folks that came and picked over the course of last summer. We don’t care who they are, how much they make, where they’re from. Bring your grocery bag and get what you need.”

“I take them on as my baby. You have to cover the dirt with plastic so that it keep the warmth in the field. They grow in Georgia, and it’s not like Georgia weather here,” she said.

Sutton also volunteers as an usher and docent at Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and was president of her neighborhood association for 15 years before stepping into her current role as treasurer.

When not working on her volunteer activities, Sutton spends time with family, listens to audiobooks, travels and tours different botanical gardens. She has four kids and eight grandkids.

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HOW A GARDEN GROWS Barb Sutton prepares to grow some sweet potatoes in her South Bend home. A lover of plants, Sutton is a bookkeeper and volunteer for Unity Gardens, among many other activities. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

Neil Sedaka

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

When you’re a celebrated recording star whose career suddenly goes south, there’s little chance that you’ll ever regain your place of prominence on the hit charts. But sometimes the good winds of fate blow your way, and, unexpectedly, you find a whole new — and adoring — audience.

Neil Sedaka, born in Brooklyn in 1939, was a piano prodigy who played the classics but who was also drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll that blasted from his bedroom radio. When Sedaka was 13, an apartment neighbor introduced Sedaka to 16-year-old Howie Greenfield, an aspiring poet/ lyric writer from the same building. They hit it off immediately, and with Greenfield

providing the words, Sedaka sold 25 million teen-oriented singles before the Beatles swept him from radio playlists in 1964.

Six years later, Sedaka kept his properties here but moved his family to England, where he recorded three hit albums. In 1972, he met longtime fan Elton John, who invited Sedaka to join John’s newly created Rocket Records label.

Sedaka and Greenfield had ended their partnership; Sedaka thus hooked up with another New York lyricist, Phil Cody.

Later, Cody recalled helping with the former hitmaker’s mid-1970s comeback: “Neil had a house in the Catskills. We got together one morning, and he played the melody to ‘Laughter in the Rain.’ I just sat there with a blank stare on my face. I had nothing. I had totally nothing.

“I excused myself and went out. We were up in the country, so I just took a walk and sat down in a field, smoked a joint, and nodded off under a tree. I got myself

up a couple of hours later and walked back. Neil was still there. I sat down, picked up a yellow pad of paper, and in five minutes I had most of the song done.”

Cody’s lyrics recalled moments of an earlier, more innocent time, when the thrill of new love defined a wondrous and meaningful relationship:

“Strolling along country roads with my baby

“It starts to rain, it begins to pour

“Without an umbrella we’re soaked to the skin

“I feel a shiver run up my spine

“I feel the warmth of her hand in mine”

And then came that oft-repeated chorus:

“Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain

“Walking hand in hand with the one I love

“Ooh, how I love the rainy days

“And the happy way I feel inside”

There’s a good chance that Sedaka’s tune conjured up

Medigap now guaranteed for Medicare users under 65

A new bill, Senate Enrolled Act 215, was introduced and passed in Indiana recently.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 1, there will be guaranteed issue into Medigap plans for people under 65. What does this mean? This means after Dec. 31, 2024, any Medicare Supplement Plan, or Medigap, which is available to those with Medicare, will also have to provide that same plan, or an equivalent, available for those with Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease.

Anyone on Medicare under the age of 65, prior to Jan. 1, will have a six-month window to sign up for a Medigap Plan, guaranteed. This would be Wednesday, Jan. 1 to Monday, June 30.

Anyone enrolling into Medicare under the age of 65, after Monday, Jan. 1, will be granted their own six-month guaranteed enrollment window starting from the first day of the month their Medicare begins.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 1, the following rules will apply to health insurance providers:

• Issuers may not deny or condition issuance of Medicare supplement policy because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition of an individual.

• Issuers may not charge a premium rate for Plans A, B, or D, which exceeds the premium rate an issuer charges to those age 65 for same Medicare supplement policy.

• Issuers may not charge a premium rate for any other standardized letter Medicare

supplement policy, which exceeds 200% of premium charged to those age 65 for the same Medicare supplement policy.

• Issuers may not issue policy that contains a waiting period or pre-existing condition limitation or exclusion.

If you have questions about the bill, or anything else related to Medicare, contact State Health Insurance Assistance Program for free, impartial assistance.

S.H.I.P. is a free and impartial health insurance counsel-

ing program for people with Medicare. S.H.I.P. does not sell insurance. S.H.I.P. is provided by the Administration for Community Living and the Indiana Department of Insurance. It is part of a federal network of state health insurance assistance programs located in every state. All of its services are free.

Follow S.H.I.P. on social media for informative Medicare-related videos, updates, and announcements. S.H.I.P. is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

memories from a decade earlier, when the Ronettes described a similar moment:

“Walking in the rain

“And wishing on the stars up above

“And being so in love”

Neil recorded “Laughter in the Rain” in Los Angeles in 1974. It quickly became a UK

hit that same year. In 1975, he joyfully rode his new Rocket Records single to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart here in the states. Ironically, while four Liverpool lads had trashed Sedaka’s early career, it was a Brit who resurrected it a decade later.

Notre Dame fan shows love to community with backyard pub

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

The walls of St. Peters Pub showcase the passions of Robert Kloska they feature Jesus and his mother, his family and Notre Dame football.

“There are so many meaningful things in the pub that I could never pick a favorite,” Kloska said.

Kloska transformed a detached carriage house into a family gathering spot in his South Bend home located just off of Notre Dame’s campus. He calls the structure St. Peter’s Pub and aims for it to be used as a little portal to heaven.

“St. Peter’s Pub is a place to come and feel loved,” Kiosk said. “It is a place for laughter and conversation. A place to relax. Sometimes we talk about important things like God and the meaning of life. Other times we have just ordinary conversations about anything. Although we give away beer and wine and whiskey for free, I don’t want people to come and drink too much. I don’t want a vibe of negativity or heated arguments. I don’t want bad language or inappropriate comments. I just want it to be a wholesome place where people can feel God’s love by feeling welcome.”

On nights before a Notre Dame home football game, the pub is filled with friends and family. When Notre Dame hosted Indiana University on Dec. 20, for the college football playoff the Notre Dame Glee Club visited and sang Christmas carols around the bonfire outside.

Opening up their property to such a variety of people might seem strange to many but for Kloska it is a mission. Kloska battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the 2000s multiple times. The cancer treatments took a toll on the finances for Kloska and his wife, Margy. In their time of need the community rallied behind them. Mishawaka Marian High School, where their five kids attended, had a fundraiser that paid down their large medical debt. Their mechanic even provided transportation when one car gave out.

“When I was going through all my chemotherapy and radiation and stem cell transplants, family, friends and neighbors rallied around our family in a remarkable way.

It is hard to put into words the quality and quantity of the things they did for us. If I lived to be a thousand years old, I could never pay forward all the grace and gifts that have been given to me. The pub is my effort to try.”

St. Peter’s Pub was at one point a shed that had fallen into disrepair. Previously, it was used by the neighborhood as a place of prayer for those fighting in World War II. One in particular was Notre Dame football alumnus Joe Ruetze. When the Kloska’s purchased the home in 2003, a series of renovations were needed for the home and for the structure that would become St. Peter’s Pub. Kloska felt the place was ready to have a bar and St. Peter’s Pub was born. For Kloska, the pub is serving a need in the community in addition to watching Notre Dame football.

“I believe that our world is suffering from a crisis of friendship,” Kloska said. “I talk to lots of men and they often confide to me that they really don’t have any close friends. Well we all know that

human beings were made for friendship. It is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. It occurred to me that we had the perfect place to create a meeting spot for the community. Then we put in the bar and the magic really started to happen. People felt welcome to stay and they immediately could see that this was a place to stop and have a conversation over a beer.”

Thumbing a ride

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

I thought of a time many years ago, when I was just a young man.

I would often travel hundreds of miles by using the thumb on my hand.

After the war and then beyond,

I traveled light and I traveled alone.

And ranged across a part of this land.

Using my thumb to guide me home.

My Army time had taught me, what I didn’t need to know.

But now I knew I needed something.

So off to college I did go.

My thumb would still be handy, when my car was on the outs.

I knew I always had a back up.

With my thumb I had no doubts.

Along came a job and better pay.

My thumbing days were through.

And soon a wife and then some kids.

Just what is a fellow to do?

Those days were nearly a lifetime ago.

Hitchhiking was part of my glory. A time to search and find myself.

With more adventures for my story.

CROWDED NIGHT — St. Peter’s Pub has a full house to listen to a piano player on the night before a Notre Dame football game. Photo provided Robert Kloska.

MEDIA INTERVIEW — Robert Kloska interviews for a local television station about the impact St. Peter’s Pub has on the Notre Dame area. Photo provided by Robert Kloska.

Navigating grief and sadness

Navigating the journey of grief, which can also be viewed as a journey of love, often involves experiencing sadness that can appear unexpectedly and sometimes linger longer than anticipated. Sadness is typically defined as a feeling of unhappiness, particularly in response to adverse events and it encompasses emotional pain linked to loss, despair, helplessness, disappointment and sorrow. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, sadness is an emotional state ranging from mild to severe, generally triggered by the loss of something deeply valued. It’s important to note that persistent sadness is a key symptom of major depressive disorders.

In prior discussions surround-

ing grief, the loneliness that often accompanies it was highlighted. Sadness is an integral component of that loneliness, often surfacing in ways that can feel overwhelming. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and disinterest in activities that previously brought joy.

Acknowledging sadness is a crucial first step in managing it. It’s essential to accept these feelings and strive to control them, as they are a natural part of the love journey and can be likened to the concept of a “Balloon in a Box.” Engaging with others for support can be beneficial, connecting with friends and loved ones can help improve your emotional state. Additionally, investing time in

BY TOM ROSE Coping with Grief

self-care activities such as walking, pursuing hobbies, reading, cooking and enjoying sports can be effective. Many find solace

in music; for example, jazz or artists like Frank Sinatra can evoke powerful emotions tied to the experience of sadness.

It’s vital to remember that sadness is a common experience during grief, and even years later, some days may still feel particularly difficult. Accepting that not every day will be positive is part of the healing process. As someone once wisely advised, “it is what it is; put on your big boy pants and deal with it.”

Moreover, seeking to shield oneself from sadness can inadvertently lead to a denial of happiness. The balance of emotions is essential; as it’s been stated, “happiness would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” Viewing sadness as a gift can be transformative em-

bracing it rather than rushing through it allows for personal growth and an enriched appreciation of joy.

For those finding sadness overwhelming or grappling with depression, it’s important to seek professional help.

Editors Note: Tom Rose is the author of “Balloon in a Box: Coping with Grief,” available on Amazon, at Fables Books in Goshen, and on his website, thomaslrose.com. He offers speaking engagements and facilitates grief groups. Feedback can be directed to rosenadrose@comcast.net or (574) 596-6256. Additionally, Tom hosts the weekly podcast “Senior Talk Michiana,” accessible on Spotify and through his website at thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.

Important documents should be copied, stored safely

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Everyone should know that you must keep copies of your income tax returns. The length of time varies from four to seven years. But, since you’re keeping copies anyhow, why not keep them for seven to 10 years to work for you in case questions arise in the corridors of the federal, state, or city income tax agencies that may be affected.

The copies you keep can

spare you a lot of grief by documenting your tax trail over the years you retain your records. Put into a safety deposit box or safe along with these tax returns should be copies of your home mortgage. And add a list of any renovations, addition, or improvements made to your residence.

Q. What is Senior Talk Michiana?

A. Senior Talk Michiana is a dedicated podcast tailored specifically for seniors, offering valuable information regarding services, organizations, and events. It serves as a vital resource, helping seniors stay informed about the multitude of options available to enhance their quality of life.

The inspiration came from founder Tom Rose, who, following the passing of his wife, authored a heartfelt book titled Balloon in a Box: Coping with Grief, which resonated with many and led to 145 speaking engagements thus far, many focused on senior organizations. From these speaking engagements he realized the enormous task of reaching over 250,000 seniors in Michiana.

Aging Connections of Michiana is a group that comprises over 250 senior services organizations hosting resource

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

fairs and events designed to connect seniors directly with service providers.

Senior Talk Michiana, complements these efforts through its weekly podcast, offering seniors an additional platform where they can listen to the representatives from various organizations.

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

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

Rose and Rose Associates

Senior Talk Michiana

574-596-6256

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

Advertising Opportunities

Q. Isn’t your paper only read by older senior citizens on limited incomes?

A. According to audit statistics, 80% of our readers are under the age of 75. 65% of our readers have a household income of over $50,000 per year. Nearly 40% of these readers earn more than $75,000 per year. Are households with an income larger than $50,000 your target market?

You also should add copies or a list of all insurance policies. Included in this pile should be copies of your Social Security card, birth and marriage certificates, divorce papers, military identity and discharge documents, and any other personal papers.

If so, consider advertising in Senior Life! Call or send me an e-mail today!

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Tom Rose

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

February MPHPL programs for adults

Below is the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s February calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured at (574) 2595277 or check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events or to register. Registration is required for events.

Bittersweet Branch Events

“Paint with Us!,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb 6. Embrace your artistic side and create watercolor bookmarks. Design options will be provided, but participants are welcome to create their own designs as well. All experience levels welcome.

Winter Reading Wrap-Up Party, 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Stop by the Winter Reading Wrap-Up Party, turn in your complete challenge card and receive a free book. All are welcome.

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will serve one free small hot chocolate per person. John Dudley Magic Show will present two, 45-minute shows; the first begins at 1 p.m., and the last starts at 2 p.m. The show is free, but you must reserve your spot to attend. Registration opens Feb. 7 and closes at 9 a.m. Feb. 22, or when full.

Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. Join MPHPL for an hour of bingo and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.

Harris Branch Events

Chapter Chats Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. “The Assassination of the Archduke” by Greg King and Sue Woolmans, can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

“Air Fryer Fest,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Enjoy a relaxing evening as the library does the cooking and demonstrates an air fryer recipe. You will be able to sample the creation as additional recipes will be shared for you to try at home. Participants are welcome to bring their own air fryer recipes to share.

“Floral Wall Art,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Participants will use a combination of flowers, scrapbook paper and a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. This fun event is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or welcome spring early.

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. “Before the Fall” by Noah Hawley, can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11. John E. Thompson will discuss his graphic narrative book, “The Comely Widow: The Crimes of Serial Killer Belle Gunness,” about the horrific true crimes of the prolific LaPorte serial killer. Thompson will also discuss his use of comic character analogs to depict the people involved. He will discuss Gunness’s crimes, the historical context in which these crimes occurred, the inspiration for the comic characters depicted and the history of American comic strips.

“Floral Wall Art,” 10:3011:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Participants will use a combination of flowers, scrapbook paper and a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. This fun event is a terrific way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or welcome spring early.

“Copycat Cooking: Sweet

Drinks,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Join this fun cooking program where you explore popular foods and learn to recreate them; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Cooking Classics: Red Blossom Cookies,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Try your hand at easy culinary creations and experiment with assorted flavors to make irresistibly delicious goodies; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

Virtual Event

“Virtual Chocolate Tasting,” 6-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. Indulge your sweet tooth at a virtual tasting. Participants will receive an assortment of chocolates to try while learning the history of this beloved treat. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants. Limit one kit per household.

Winter Reading Challenge Concludes

The 2025 MPHPL Winter Reading Challenge wraps up Friday, Feb. 28. Challenge cards can be picked up at any MPHPL location or can be downloaded

online by visiting mphpl.org/ reading-challenge. The challenge is open to all ages, but adult participants must possess a library card. Everyone who submits their completed challenge cards by Feb. 28, will receive a free book from a pre-selected list. MPHPL is gathering feedback on why you did or didn’t take part in their free reading challenge. To share feedback, visit the above website to complete the brief online survey by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 16.

VITA Free Tax Assistance returns to the downtown Mishawaka Library on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 4. Individuals earning $64,000 or less can access free tax services through the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which is locally sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. VITA assistance will be offered at the downtown Mishawaka Library every Tuesday from Feb. 4 to April 15.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about this service, call Goodwill Industries at (574) 800-1361.

Lubeznik Arts Festival now accepting artist applications

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is now accepting artist applications for its 43rd annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer in Michigan City. Artists can apply at www. zapplication.org/event-info. php?ID=13120, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/ events. Applications must be submitted by April 3, to be considered for this year’s juried festival.

Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: paint-

ing, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-media.

Fine craft: functional, clay/ ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textile, paper.

Jewelry.

Photography: Traditional and digital techniques.

Sculptural objects: non-functional, all media.

Wearable art: wearable and accessories.

At this year’s festival, $3,000 in artist awards will be distributed.

The Lubeznik Arts Festival

is taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17 (Central time) in Michigan City. It draws children and adults from the northwest Indiana region and beyond to LCA’s grounds and galleries. Festival-goers enjoy fine arts and crafts from over 80 artists from across the nation, indoor exhibits, family art making, live demos, beer and wine, delicious local food vendors and more.

Last year’s festival brought more than 3,200 visitors to LCA over the course of the twoday event.

For more information about the Lubeznik Arts Festival, contact Jessie Sexton, marketing manager, at jsexton@ LubeznikCenter.org or call (219) 874-4900.

Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.

Walls Ceilings Window And Door Trim Stairways

Woodwork Staining

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Woodwork Staining

Small Patch Repair

Drywall Repair

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Drywall Repair

Small Patch Repair

Drywall Repair

Great Service – Reasonable Rates References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075

Great Service – Reasonable Rates References Available Upon Request.

574-304-5075

winner of the I Spy Contest for January is Marilyn Kostry from Granger. The snowman was located on page 6 in Senior Life Allen; page 19 in Senior

Joseph.

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

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 “Girls in the Boat” by Alice Austen. “Girls in the Boat” is the story of a group of smart, fiery young women inspired by the true stories of the U.S. wom-

en’s Olympic rowing team. Performances will take place in the Warner Studio, at the South Bend Civic Theatre, 403 N. Main St., South Bend. Evening show times are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 6, 7, and 8. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 and 9. Tickets are general admission and range in price from $35-$27 and can be purchased at sbct.org or by calling the box office at (574) 234-1112.

—o—

Click and GO! Cross Country Skiing, Friday, Feb. 7, at St. Patrick’s County Park, South

Bend. Cost: $15 per person; ski equipment included. Enjoy the winter wonderland on skis. Learn the basics of skiing and hit the trails with a cross-country skiing lesson. Weather and ski trail conditions permitting; arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Other ski dates are Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28.

—o—

Tapping Day is Saturday, Feb. 8, at Bendix Woods Park, New Carlisle. The sap will soon be running and it’s time to tap maple trees. Volunteers are needed

to get the Bendix Woods Sugar Bush ready for making maple syrup.

Experienced sugar-makers will take you out into the woods to show you how to tap maple trees and hang tubing used to collect sap. This activity is outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. All tools and materials will be provided. Meet at the Sauk Trail Shelter. Registration required. The date will be chosen based on the best-fit weather for the start of the season. Call (574) 654-3155 to register.

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events in February: 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Seated Strength; 1 p.m. Mondays, Craft, 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, Melt; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Support Squad and Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Dominoes, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba.

Consider dementia demands

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

A lot of time has been spent talking about how to travel with the grandkids. How to

keep them from getting bored and to bathrooms on time and visiting sites that will keep them entertained.

But how about travelling with a grandma or grandpa

who slips in and out of reality? Travellers at any level of dementia require special care. Being on the road, whether in an airplane or automobile, means that person’s routine

Apartment Living

has been altered, which can disorient and even panic them. So you may have to make sure you’re always holding their hand and talking them through airport security or a restaurant

washroom or motel lobby. Before launching your trip, make sure you have the stamina to take over their care when their stamina gives out.

Independence | Dignity | Strength

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

info@realservices.org

realservices.org Real Services, Inc.

Save the Date!

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

Join Us for REAL Talk!

Giving Back

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

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

Energy Assistance

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

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

February Events: Be Heart Smart

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

Feb. 20 | 11:00am | OWLS

Feb. 25 | 11:30am | Salvation Army of Elkhart (Lunch) Reserve lunch by 2/21 | (574) 284-7184

Feb. 28 | 11:30am | 1 ROOF (Lunch) Reserve lunch by 2/25 | (574) 393-8809

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

Your generous contribution will enable us to keep fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of those in our community.

MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT

MAKE A RECURRING GIFT

BBQ Chicken

Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce

Italian Veg. Blend Gar. Bread, Tropical Fruit

Chicken & Dumplings

Mash. Potatoes, Broccoli Roll, Graham Cracker Bites

Turkey Tetrazzini

California Veg. Gar. Bread Mandarin Oranges

Maple Must. Pork Chop Roast. Root Veg. Bread, Cinn. Applesauce

Meatloaf w/ Gravy Scall. Potatoes, Peas Bread, Mixed Fruit Cup

Sausage, Gr. Bean Potato Cass.

Stew Tomatoes, Roll Warm Spiced Apples

Sausage Gravy, Biscuit Scrambled Eggs

Breakfast Potatoes Banana, Yogurt

Mac. & Cheese

Cal. Blend Veg. Bread, Cobbler

Ham & Beans Carrots, Cornbread Fresh Fruit

Bruschetta Chicken Gar. Mashers Cal. Veg., Bread Mandarin Oranges

Baked Ziti w/ Sausage Salad, Gr. Beans, Texas Toast, Spiced Peaches

Stuffed Gr. Peppers Mashed Potatoes, Carrots Roll, Peaches

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

Sweet & Sour Chicken w/ Rice, Stir Fry Veg. Egg Roll, Pineapple Cup

Stuffed Baked Potato Cheese & Taco Meat Breadstick, Oreo Cookies

Sloppy Joe on Bun Baked Beans, Mix Veg. Straw. Applesauce

Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken Salad Slider Succotash, Peach Cup

Minestrone Soup

Chicken Salad Slider Succotash, Peach Cup

Tuna Cass. w/ Peas Glazed Carrots Roll, Jello

We welcome Seniors to join our program and access daily nutritional meals while increasing your socialization. Meals are prepared fresh daily in our Kitchen. Lunch site locations are open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. To make a reservation, please call the meal site director at your preferred location listed below. We look forward to serving you.

Mishawaka

100 Center High Rise Apartments

100 N. Center St. | (574) 259-1611

Battell Center

904 N. Main St. | (574) 256-2325

North Liberty

North Liberty Community Center

300 S. Main St. | (574) 381-8980

| (574) 381-8981 Meal Site Locations (Saint Joseph County)

realservices.org/give-back/ realservices.org/meals-and-nutrition/

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

Walkerton

American Legion Hall 302 Kentucky St. | (574) 334-1047 South Bend Sanctuary Trinity Tower 316 Dr. MLK. Jr. Blvd. N. | (574) 234-7278

Fairington Apartments 1220 E. Fairington Circle | (574) 291-5597

Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E. Monroe St. | (574) 232-4934 Charles Black Center 3419 W. Washington | (574) 229-5911

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

1ROOF

Crusted

Join Us for National Caregiver Day Event!

February 21, 2025 | 10:00am - 3:00pm

Celebrate National Caregiver Day (NCGD) at Milton Village with a variety of activities designed to relax, inspire, and entertain. From pampering and live music to creative arts and engaging games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Event Schedule:

10am Teddy the Service Dog Center for Hospice

10am-1pm Tom Rose: Guest Author of ‘Balloon in a Box’ Book Sale $20, $7 back to ALZNI

10am-3pm Expressive Arts w/ Kristina Fuller

11:30-11:45am Jazzercise

12-1pm Lunch

1pm & 2pm Music by Joe Collins

1-3pm Texas Hold ’em

2pm Drumming Circle w/ Joe Collins

Additional Activities: Massages by Shelley Buck, Mocktails with Keri Morante, Pampering by Mary Kay with Joan Garber & More!

Special thanks Aloft Hotel and Rise n Roll for Donating for this Special Event!

Free Resources for Caregivers

Toll-Free Helpline

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

Caregiver Support Groups

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

Memory Screenings CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 232-4121

Family Consultations CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 381-8983

Steve Coyle uses faith to inspire change in chaplain ministry

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Steve Coyle has been serving St. Joseph County for almost a half century thanks to his first career as a police officer and his current profession of being a chaplain to the St. Joseph County Jail.

“I’m the longest county employee,’ Coyle said. “I’ve seen a lot of change. I’ve worked for about nine different sheriffs. No one else can say that. I’ve really enjoyed both careers. Of course sheriffs have different personalities and some favor ministry more. Some favor mental health programs more. The number of services we’ve been able to have has been up and down according to the sheriffs.”

Coyle says he gave his life to Christ in 1972. He has been sharing his Christian faith in the decades that followed and became an ordained minister in the ’80s through World Harvest Bible College. Coyle ran for sheriff after he retired but lost. A friend of his was elected and asked Coyle if he would want to be chaplain.

Some of the toughest aspects for Coyle has been seeing the same people get in trouble with the law and sometimes that is

across multiple generations.

“What’s sad is the same people I dealt with in the ‘70s and ‘80s I see in jail now. Of course, obviously they are a lot older,”

Coyle said. “I have histories with a couple generations with certain families. There is a lot of young people and middle age people who grew up without a mom or dad. There is a tendency to drop out of school, get addicted to drugs. You really disqualify yourself from the job market. It’s a sad step down.”

He has has also seen positive outcomes too. He and his wife, Barbara, created Final Word Ministries and Training Center where a Coyle says about a quarter of its members are former inmates.

“People who we’ve had in our ministry have come back and taught classes. Of course they have the best testimony because they can say I sat where you were 15 years ago,” Coyle said.

The ministry raises $10,000 a year to buy bibles for inmates in the jail. Additional ministries feature a mentorship program where former inmates can assist those who are in jail restore their life. Volunteers also assist single mothers in jail and also help those learn how to manage their finances

going forward.

For Coyle, making one’s faith their own is a priority.

“We teach them to minister. At our church you can only sit so long and listen to a guy with a microphone. You got to get up and share what God has done for you,” Coyle said. “The Bible says you overcame through the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony. We make them get up and talk.”

His son, Benjamin, also volunteers with the ministry.

Coyle loves being a chaplain but admits he can only help those who are willing to make changes.

“The best way to get out of a hole is to quit digging,” Coyle said. “Through Christ you can be redeemed and if you’re serious he can help you.I don’t want anybody that wants help. I want those that want change. Unless you want change we really can’t help you.”

Taxing times always around the corner

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

No matter how early you start preparing for tax time, it always seems like you have to do some last-minute scrambling to look for deductions.

Often overlooked are the fees you pay to have your tax-preparation work done.

You also might not know that gambling losses, whether its bingo or the bang-tails, can be deducted up to the amount of any winnings you report.

The above are cited to make you aware of the range of tax-deductible possibilities.

Any post-retirement work you do brings home a raft of possible deductions: travel expenses, dues for professional associations, and home-office costs are but a few.

The last is one of the most

misunderstood tax-deductible items.

First of all, any space you designate as an office in your home won’t qualify if you don’t use it principally and regularly as your place of business.

But if it does qualify, you can deduct a portion of your mortgage, home insurance, utilities and all other costs associated with your residence. You can also install a tax-deductible phone line and purchase a tax-deductible computer along with a desk to set it on and a chair to sit in front of it. The cost of office supplies you require is also deductible.

But be wary of what you deduct here.

The Internal Revenue Service perks up when it sees tax returns with business-related expenses deducted from

income taxes.

And tax cheats are as old as taxes themselves. After all, the Boston Tea Party was thrown by a bunch of folks who refused to pay their taxes.

In the news was a story about the attempt by a Detroit stripper who sought to claim her breast implants as a medical expense. The tax-court judge tossed out her claim but did allow her to write of the operation as an unreimbursed business expense, which gave her a bigger tax break.

In another case, a scrap yard operator was allowed to deduct the cast of cat food as a business expense. He used the food to attract wild cats to keep snakes out of his scrap yard.

The best way to avoid any tax audit is to avoid any attempt at or illusion of cheating.

A first step is to get yourself a tax preparer. This will give your return a polished and professional look.

Then don’t push your luck. Take any and all legitimate deductions. Have your tax preparer play Devil’s Advocate over the matter. If it stands up under his or her scrutiny, you should be able to justify it to an IRS agent if you’re called on it.

BOOK MINISTRY — Steve Coyle passes out books to jail inmates as part of his chaplain ministry. Photo provided by Steve Coyle.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

Hamilton Grove

31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552-0836 (574) 654-2200 • www.greencroft.org/hamiltongrove Independent Living Apartments, HUD Housing and Villas, Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies - Onsite and Outpatient Also Available, Long Term Care and Respite Care. Maintenance Free Living, HUD and accepting the Medicaid Waiver.

Morning View Assisted Living

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Compassionate and trained caregivers on staff 24-hours per day. Accepting Medicaid waiver. Secure units. Assistance with activities of daily living. Daily life enrichment activities. Nutritional and dietary support.

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka

820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com

Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Healthwin

20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 272-0100 • www.healthwin.org

A Specialized Care Facility. Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

54515 933 N., P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 287-1838 • www.holycrossvillage.com

Dujarie House, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

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

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

Majestic Care of South Bend

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

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

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com

Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

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

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

Southfield Village

6450 Miami Circle, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 231-1000 • www.greencroft.org

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

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

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

www.tanglewoodtraceseniorliving.com

Offering Retirement Villas, Independent and Licensed Assisted Living, Therapy Services, Respite Care, Social and Recreational Activities, Pets Welcome, Transportation, Beauty Shop and Spa Services Available.

303

Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

I think I have circular logic

My wife has given me an 11:59 p.m. curfew. Let me explain.

I feel compelled to take a certain number of steps daily.

By DICK WOLFSIE

I did a lot of research on the optimum number for a guy my age. But the chart I was referring to asked: “Born in 1950 or before?

Please consult a doctor before making a move.”

I could have made it easy on myself. You know, maybe 1,000

a day, 1,500 at most. But on my smartphone, I clicked 15,000 by mistake. Now, I was stuck. I never go back on my own word, and I wouldn’t have been able to reset the app if I wanted to.

The problem with getting to 15,000 steps is I don’t have time to reach my daily goal. If you watched me jog, more like a lumber, you would realize how time consuming this venture is for me.

I start on the Monon Trail most mornings. I wave to the people in wheelchairs, folks with canes, and women pushing babes in carriages as they zoom past me.

Recently, I started running in my basement at night to get in more steps. I’d dash around

REAL SERVICES, INC.

1151 South Michigan Street

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

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

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE

AT EDISON LAKES

1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545

(574) 247-1866

www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

the ping pong table, negotiate the couch, creep along the wall where the TV sits, and then circle around the treadmill.

“WAIT,” you say. “You have a treadmill in your basement? Why aren’t you using that to exercise?” The answer is simple: I’m not some kind of exercise nut. Who goes on a treadmill at 11 at night?

The late night dash was not helping me accomplish my goal for several reasons. First, I started to get very bored with my basement routine. True, I did see a few photos and paintings I had never noticed before. I also discovered a half bath in what I thought was an extra closet.

Then, I had a great idea. I

decided to begin trotting around the neighborhood at precisely midnight. You see, my walking app automatically resets to zero at midnight, so that is my first opportunity to get a jump on the next day’s steps. I won’t make my goal unless I get a head start on my 15,000. Please tell me you understand what I’m saying.

I knew Mary Ellen would disapprove. When she heard I was considering this endeavor, she forbade me from doing it. I got away with this a few times by constantly checking to see she was fast asleep before I snuck out.

Then, after I rounded our neighborhood last week and headed back down the street, I saw a woman in our driveway. It

was Mary Ellen in her nightgown, but she also wore a very angry face. She had apparently awakened to find me missing and realized what I was doing. Yes, she had caught me running around on her.

She rightly told me in no uncertain terms how dangerous my behavior was. I wanted to deny I had done this, but not only had I been caught red-footed, but several neighbors had video of me on their Ring doorbells.

I have promised never to do this stupid thing again. First, it’s really dangerous. Second, standing in our driveway every night at 1 a.m. in her nightgown could blemish my wife’s untarnished reputation.

SIGNATURE HealthCARE OF BREMEN

316 Woodies Lane Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494

SHCofBremen.com

liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

250 East Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-8700

saintjosephPACE@trinity-health.org

Helping seniors live safely at home. PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

Starting at $895 each.

Portage, IN 46368

Free Hearing test & evaluation. Full service hearing provider. We honor most health insurance including United, EPIC, Medicare Supplement & AARP hearing provider. WE DO NOT SELL AMPLIFIERS

www.abc-michiana.com

FOOT SOLUTIONS

323 Florence Ave., Granger, IN 46530 (574) 272-3668

granger@footsolutions.com

Better Health Through Your Feet! Solutions for Plantar Facitis Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, morton’s neuroma, sore knees, sore ankles and more. Call for your FREE foot analysis.

COMFORT KEEPERS 6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

Provides In-Home Care Services through our interactive caregiving approach, personal care, companionship and housekeeping, transportation, respite care, dementia care.

FOOT CARE

NUTSHELL

Nip your migraines in the bud

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

Migraine sufferers take note: don’t try to stave off that encroaching headache through sheer willpower.

Most people who treat their migraines with triptans — among the most popular and effective medications — will find they work best if taken early in the attack, before skin sensitivity develops, according to research.

As their headaches progress, nearly four out of five migraine sufferers develop skin hypersensitivity (merely touching their hair, scalp, or skin around the eyes becomes painful). A Harvard Medical

School study shows that once this hypersensitivity takes root, it’s too late to abort the painful attack with one of the several triptan medications available on the market.

However, if a triptan is taken before sensitivity develops, it is likely to completely relieve the pain.

Other research suggests two-thirds of people with migraines are pain-free within four hours if they take sumatriptan early enough in the attack.

Some 39 million Americans get migraine headaches.

People who suffer from migraines often are reluctant to take medication at the first sign of the attack for various

HOME CARE SERVICES

HOME INSTEAD

3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479

www.homeinstead.com/343

From companionship to transportation to loving care, to us it’s personal.

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste. 201 South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 931-0712

villagecaregiving.com

Nations Largest Privately Owned And Operated Home Care Agency. VA Provider. We Accept A Variety Of Payment Options. Call Today!

VISITING ANGELS OF MICHIANA

3840 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 323-6756

jfinnessy@visitingangels.com

Nonmedical services include: Customized Memory Care Program, Housekeeping, Transportation, Bathing, Dressing, Transferring, Companionship, Meals, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care. We are a VA Provider.“We’re Here for You — Always!”

reasons. The medications are expensive and insurance companies may limit the monthly allowance.

In a recent study, 691 people who get migraines were included in a test. A placebo was given to 236 when they go a migraine; 233 were given 50mg. of sumatriptan, and 222 were given 100 mg. of sumatriptan. All were required to take the medication within two hours of the start of the migraine.

After four hours, 71 (30%) of the placebo group were pain free, compared to 142 (61%) of the 50 mg. group and 151 (68%) of the 100 mg. group.

The incidence of side effects,

such as dizziness and sleepiness, was about the same with the higher dosage of sumatriptan as with the lower. If the medication was taken earlier, the side effects were less than if it was taken later.

A similar study focusing on

NORACARE

1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992

info@noracare.us

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The importance of self-care as a caregiver

By JOSEPH COLLINS, AD, QMCP Program Manager Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana Powered by REAL Services, Inc.

Being a caregiver can be a deeply

and meaningful role, yet it is also emotionally, physically and mentally demanding. Whether one is caring for a loved one with chronic illness, a family member with disabilities or an aging relative, the demands of caregiving can easily lead to burnout if the caregiver’s own needs are neglected. This is why self-care is not just important but essential, for anyone in a caregiving role.

First and foremost, self-care is crucial for a caregiver’s mental health. Constantly attending to the needs of others without taking time to rest,

can lead to anxiety, depression and overwhelming stress. Caregivers may feel isolated and alone, as their focus is often entirely on the person they care for, leaving little time for socializing, engaging in hobbies or pursuing personal interests. By making time for self-care, caregivers can prevent these negative, mental health outcomes. Simple activities like reading, journaling or even taking a walk can provide a much-needed mental break and help caregivers to process their emotions.

Physical health is another area where self-care is indispensable. Caregiving can be physically exhausting, with tasks like lifting, assisting with mobility and ensuring a loved one is safe, requires a lot of energy. Without proper self-care, caregivers risk physical injuries, fatigue and a decline in their own well-be-

ing. Ensuring regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep can help caregivers stay physically strong and capable of performing their duties. The reality is that without good health, caregivers cannot effectively care for anyone else.

Equally important is the ability to maintain personal relationships. Caregiving can be all-consuming, but neglecting relationships with family, friends and even romantic partners can lead to feelings of resentment or emotional distance.

By practicing self-care, caregivers create opportunities for connection and support outside of their caregiving role. These social connections provide emotional fulfillment, reduce stress

and give caregivers a vital outlet to share their challenges and joys.

Self-care also helps caregivers maintain a sense of identity outside of their caregiving role. It is easy to lose oneself when all attention is directed toward others. Engaging in activities that nurture personal passions or pursuing moments of solitude allows caregivers to reclaim a sense of individuality. This can promote a greater sense of fulfillment and balance in life, preventing the caregiver from feeling consumed by the role they have taken on. Moreover, prioritizing selfcare leads to better quality care for the person being cared for. Caregivers who take care of themselves, are more likely to be patient, focused and

emotionally available to their loved ones. It also reduces the likelihood of caregiver burnout, which can result in neglect, resentment or the inability to meet the needs of those they care for. By nurturing their own well-being, caregivers can continue providing compassionate care without sacrificing their own health.

In conclusion, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for caregivers. It is essential for sustaining their physical emotional and mental health, preserving relationships, and ensuring they can continue providing the best care possible. When caregivers take time to care for themselves, they are not only helping themselves but also benefiting the people they care for.

Half-dozen short steps can thwart identity thieves

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Check your after-Christmas bills closely not just for proper amounts, but to make sure the charges were made by you.

The festive season is a feasting season for identity-thieves. These are pernicious parasites who obtain valuable information about their victims: Social Security, military identity, driver’s license, credit card, or banks account numbers — any or all of the above.

They use this information to acquire their own credit cards, bank checks and loans as well as products and services in your name.

Identity theft is the major and fastest-growing consumer fraud crime in the country. And no one is safe.

One third of adults have been hit by ID theft, which occurs every 20 seconds somewhere in the nation.

More than one-third of the ID-theft victims said someone obtained their credit-card information, forged a credit card in their names, and used it to make purchases. Of those victims, 16% said the identity thief was a friend, relative, or co-worker.

Travelers are especially vulnerable as they sight-see while carrying passports, credit cards and other documents that contain information vital to these thieves in the country they’re visiting.

So, at home or away, during the holiday or summer season, here are a few protective measures to take to keep your identity to yourself.

1. Make a list of all your credit card, bank account, and Social Security numbers with the corresponding contact telephone numbers so you can report any problem immediately.

2. Leave your Social Security

card at home. And don’t put it or any other important number, such as driver’s license, on your checks.

3. Beware of spying eyes at your automated teller machine. Don’t think you’re safe just because no one is standing nearby. Cases have been reported where the thieves from afar used binoculars to memorize PINs, or personal identification numbers.

4. Don’t let your credit card out of your sight when a cashier or other company personnel takes it to swipe through the electronic machine. If it is taken to another room, for example, it can be swiped several times — and you’ll be charged several times. Or a crooked clerk may write the number down and sell it to an identity thief.

5. When traveling, whether in this country or abroad, don’t carry financial information in your wallet or checked luggage. Take travelers checks instead of personal checks. Have the post office hold your mail.

6. Stay at a hotel that has a safe in your room or behind the front desk.

If you have been victimized by identity thieves, call the police immediately. And get a copy of the police report so you can show to creditors as you climb back out of the morass these crooks will have created for you.

And the beach goes on in Tortola

Text and Photos

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN

Mature Life Features

My husband and I are travel writers. Which means when we get to a destination, we explore every aspect, constantly seeking out stories.

Until we got to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. That didn’t happen. And it was almost like — dare I say the word? — a vacation.

Let’s back up a bit.

We are a lot older than our last visit 30 years ago when my husband had the temerity to actually hazard driving. To

On a mission to travel

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore — these are but a few of the famous attractions luring travelers.

Among the many overlooked possibilities for those seeking diversion is California’s Mission Trail — the 21-mission El Camino Real that became the foundation of the Golden State.

It’s a 600-mile journey north from the beaches of San Diego to the wine-making Sonoma Valley. It includes the nation’s second-largest urban center attached to missions San Gabriel and San Fernando and one of the country’s most sung-about cities, San Francisco.

Each complex is different and offers a range of experience, from scenic to serene to historic to mid-town hurly-burly.

put the roads in context, they’re dangerous and death-defying. We weren’t trying that again.

But to give them their due, as you drive around the harrowing roads (with someone else driving), sometimes the fear subsides sufficiently to ooh and ahh around every turn at yet another spectacular view. And more so on Tortola than other Caribbean islands. It’s not unusual to hear someone say, “Don’t bother craning your neck — it’s just another magnificent view.”

But we were greatly limited this time in our usual practice of exploring every nook and cranny of a destination. Our program listed a guided island tour, a ferry to Jost Van Dyke island and a lobster fest on Anegada. And we still had 10 days left to enjoy the hotel beach and pool, something we’ve never had time for before.

The beach is pristine, the azure sea inviting, the canopy trees enveloping, and the chaise unimaginably relaxing. The reggae music in the background is toe-tapping enticing.

And I hadn’t even had my first painkiller yet (more on that later).

Sitting on my hotel balcony, another rum drink in hand and listening to the cacophony of coqui tree frogs singing their nightly repertoire, I couldn’t be further away from the ambiance of my usual city life. I was very okay with that.

While swimming is discouraged certain times of the year because of unusually powerful undertows, beaches still reign supreme on the island. There are beaches for snorkeling, some for diving, others for surfing, secluded spots for quiet reflection, while others attract the partying crowd. The BVI, comprised of 60 islands and cays with six inhab-

Wheelchair Help moves to new location

ited, is also the “Sailing Capital of the World.”

One getaway we allowed ourselves was a short ferry ride to Jost Van Dyke, BVI’s smallest inhabited island. White Bay, home of the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar, lives up to its name. So does the Soggy Dollar. Rumor has it that coming off the boats — the only mode of transportation — sailors’ money would get wet on the approach. The bar, home to the original painkiller (we’re still getting to that), was willing to accept their soggy dollars.

People come for the express purpose of having a good time painkillers help. These magical drinks — Pusser’s rum (and only Pusser’s rum) with coconut cream and fruit juice — were created at the bar in the 1970s and has since become the signature drink throughout the BVI. Because of high tides, swimming on Tortola is sometimes discouraged but the water on Jost Van Dyke is calm and inviting. So I took my dip to save my trip. I had been afraid I was going to go home and have to admit I had spent two weeks in Tortola without going into the ocean.

Then I checked out the second-most famous bar on the island. Foxy’s is part of a whole commercial open-air market. It makes Soggy Dollar look like a laid-back neighborhood hangout.

Most of my unknown comrades were there for the atmosphere, loud music and a bar covered with pennants, hats, assorted license plates and dollar bills hanging precariously. Foxy Callwood, who opened the bar in 1968, is a man of many stories, which he is more than happy to share and share and share.

The city center of Road Town, Tortola’s capital, offers the J.R.

O’Neill botanical gardens, a hidden oasis that justifies a trip to town. A labyrinth of interlocking paths engulfed in greenery that is small, large, low, high and enormous, with leaves the size of surfboards. The plants are light, dark, thin, thick, mottled, marbled — a mini-rainforest in the middle of a city.

Did I mention the roosters? They’re everywhere, either strutting about in their feathered finery or repeating their very-early morning greetings several times throughout the day. There’s no stopping them.

TORTOLA NIGHTLIFE Foxy’s, a famous bar on Tortola island.

WELCOMING WAVES Jost Van Dyke beach, a sunny shoreside in the British Virgin Islands.

There’s no denying the fact that the Ark Encounter near Williamstown, Ky., is extremely impressive.

GREAT ESCAPES

Text and Photos

By ROD KING

At 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet tall, it dominates the property and at first glance from the shuttle bus arriving from the parking lot, it’s truly breathtaking. It looks pretty much as pictured in Sunday school, and as you approach, it blocks out the horizon. Bushes in animal shapes line the path, which is great for photo ops.

It is made of 3.3 million board feet of timber from all over the world, making it the world’s biggest timber-frame

structure. Once inside, see how the enormous posts and massive beams go together to support this amazing boat. Enter on the ground level and queue up for a clever, humorous video presentation featuring a skeptical journalist and her crew interviewing Noah as the ark takes shape in the background. Keep their faces in mind because the same crew shows up again to interview the spokesperson for the modern Ark Encounter on deck No. 3.

A long ramp takes you up to deck No. 1 where you learn about the coming flood, see animal exhibits and find out what types of creatures Noah brought on board.

Deck No. 2 details how Noah and his family maintained the ark, cared for and fed thousands of animals, and disposed of their waste during the year they were on board together. The top deck, deck No. 3, is

NOAH’S LIST OF ANIMALS Noah’s list of animal types included 1,398 and a total of 6,744 animals in all. It’s said he did not sleep the entire year on the ark during the flood because he so was busy feeding and caring for the animals.

where the family quarters are located. Dioramas show what the family did. It also focuses on the impact of the flood on

the world.

The $101 million, Christian theme park was in the planning stage for eight years and

under construction for another eight. It’s the brain child of Australian evangelist/creationContinued on page 19

of 3.3 million board feet of timber, including Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, radiata pine and bamboo from all over the world.

CAGED CREATURE Pareiasaur is one of the animal types said to have been taken on the ark.

Ark Encounter

Continued from page 18

ist, Ken Ham, president of Answers in Genesis. All of the displays and exhibits expound the literal interpretation of the Biblical story of Noah and the ark with the express intent of demonstrating that the Bible is correct.

Everything is based on Genesis verses 6-9, which states: “God came to Noah, a man who was blameless in a time of extreme wickedness, and told him to build an ark because the world was going to be flooded.”

Noah was given the dimensions (300 cubits long by 50 cubits wide by 30 cubits high) and instructed that he and his family and two of every kind of animal should get on board when completed. They would be the future of the new world.

Noah, who was already over 500 years old, his wife and their three sons and their wives and some hired hands spent 50 years constructing the ark. Noah supposedly never slept during the year of the flood because all his time was spent caring for 6,000 animals. He lived to be 950.

Ark Encounter also includes Screaming Eagle Zip Lines and Aerial Adventure; Ararat Ridge Zoo, featuring camel and donkey rides and a petting area; Emzara’s Kitchen Restaurant; a pottery store; and an ice cream shop.

Hours through March 8 are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and closed Sunday to Tuesday. Check all dates and hours before coming by visiting

Crossroad Tours Open House June 7, 2025

MASSIVE STRUCTURE At 510-feet long and 51-feet tall, the ark blocks out the horizon and dominates the surrounding property. It is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. The path from the bus station to the ark is lined with animal sculptures.

FAMILY QUARTERS Diorama shows how Noah and his family lived during their year on the ark before the waters receded. Everything on the Ark Encounter is based on Genesis verses 6-9 and God’s instructions to Noah to build the ark and save the animals. It took Noah, his sons and some hired hands 50 years to construct it.

arkencounter.com.

Ticket prices are: adults, $64.99; seniors, $54.99; youth, $31.99; and children 10 and under, free. Ark Encounter is located off Kentucky Highway 36 and I-75 (exit 154) in Williamstown, Ky.

DETAILED DIORAMA

One of Noah’s sons served as resident blacksmith on the ark.

Ticket Prices Round Trip (3-59)- $318.00 (60 & Over)- $293 One Way (3-59)- $185.00 (60 & Over)- $160.00

Crossroad Tours Open House June 7, 2025

Family Fun Tours

March 15, 2025 - Indy Flower & Patio Show

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

N 675

(3-59)- $318.00 (60 & Over)- $293 One Way (3-59)- $185.00 (60 & Over)- $160.00

Diamond Tours

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

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

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

Social Security can help you start or return to work

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and want to start or return to work, we can help. Ticket to Work is a program that supports career development for SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who want to work and achieve financial independence. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. Learn more about the Ticket program at ssa.gov/work or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at (866)-968-7842 or (866)-8332967 (TTY) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our blog article “Celebrate the ADA and Ticket to Work During Disability Pride Month” at blog.

ssa.gov/celebrate-the-ada-andticket-to-work-during-disability-pride-month, also provides additional information on the Ticket program.

The Plan for Achieving Self-Support program also helps people with disabilities start or return to work. A PASS allows you to set aside resources and income other than your SSI for a specified period. With a PASS you can pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate your need for SSI or SSDI benefits. We can refer you to a vocational rehabilitation counselor who can help you figure out your work goal. You can also set up a plan to cover the costs of vocational services (including testing and business planning).

The PASS must be in writing, and we must approve

the plan. You can access the application at ssa.gov/forms/ ssa-545.html. Or contact your local PASS Cadre or local Social Security office for the Form SSA-545-BK. You can get help writing your plan from Ticket service providers, vocational counselors, relatives, and representatives.

For more information about the PASS program, read “Working While Disabled— A Guide to Plan to Achieve Self-Support” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0511017.pdf or “The Red Book —A Guide to Work Incentives” at ssa.gov/redbook.

A job isn’t just a source of income — it can be a vehicle to independence or a step to fulfilling your dreams. Let our Ticket to Work or PASS programs help you achieve your goals.

Here’s one more for the ‘Gipper’

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features

In a way I’m here because of Ronald Reagan. Let me explain.

Growing in Seymour, Iowa, famous people were only known to us as images appearing in magazines, newspapers and film. So, every time Reagan popped up in a movie or occasionally on television, our mother would make some sort of comment about knowing the movie star when he was a sports announcer at WHO radio in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital.

“Reagan was known to radio listeners as “Dutch” Reagan,” Mom would say in a matteroff-fact way. My sister and I would role our eyes with a wink and a nod. Mom saw our disbelieving smirks but was not deterred. When I got a little older, we began to ask her how she knew “the Gipper,”

which was a moniker Reagan picked up from his movie role in “Knute Rockne, All American” when he portrayed Notre Dame football star George Gimp. Mom said she knew him in the mid-30s during the Great Depression.

“I was slinging hash at a coffee shop across the street from the radio station. Dutch came in every morning for breakfast. I usually took his order,” she’d explain.

When there was a slow time, Reagan would chat with Mom about her aspirations. At that time, she was in her mid-20s and saving her money to go to cosmetology school. Money was tight then and she was close to giving up. As her story went, Dutch would keep encouraging her to follow through with that dream.

She did and after graduation she was hired by a small beauty shop in Seymour, Iowa. Had she not followed Reagan’s

advice and not taken that job, she would never have met the man she would marry and become my father.

Jump ahead to 1974. California Gov. Reagan was making a political speech in Phoenix where I was a newspaper editor. As luck would have it, his wife came and sat down beside me. With tongue-in-cheek I passed my business card to Nancy asking her if Dutch would remember Mom?

“Oh yes,” she assured. “He never forgets people he meets.”

Two weeks later I got a letter from the California Governor’s office.

“I remember your mother very well,” he wrote. “Tell her I’m going back to Des Moines this weekend to celebrate WHO’s 50th anniversary. Give her my best regards.”

When I showed Mom the letter, her only remark was a curt, “… told you so.”

Brain calls for more than games

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Keeping your brain active at any time helps maintain your memory, alertness and all round mental health.

But brain games, such as crossword puzzles, may be only make you proficient at playing those games without expanding your brain’s elasticity, according to a Mayo Clinic study.

The key is to get into “cognitively stimulating activities,” according to its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Simply put, you should explore avenues that teach you new things.

For example, you might join a group that builds bird houses or learn a new language or take music lessons as well as doing your crossword puzzles or keeping up on your reading.

TICKET TO SECURITY With the free Ticket to Work and Plan for Achieving Self Support programs, SSI and SSDI members can achieve financial independence. Photo provided by Social Security Administration.

THE ‘GIPPER’ Ronald Reagan, former actor and president of the United States.