55 and Better — October 20, 2026 by Current Publishing

Issue 27 | AUTUMN 2026

AND BETTER

Carmel resident entertains fellow senior center residents, guests

MAKE EVERY SEASON MORE MEMORABLE (317) 648-5458

55+ LIVING

55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

DISPATCHES A Salute to Veterans — The Hamilton County Historical Society presents A Salute to Veterans through Nov. 14, showcasing military uniforms from throughout the nation’s 250 years. The exhibit displays uniforms worn or owned by Hamilton County residents and is presented in conjunction with the Clay Township Military Library and Museum in Carmel and other county veterans. The Hamilton County Historical Society Museum is free for tours and open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also will be open Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. For more, visit hamiltoncoinhs.com. Community Center accepts ‘SilverSneakers’ — The Fishers Community Center accepts insurance-based memberships, such as SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Silver&Fit and Active&Fit. Insurance-based memberships provide the same access as regular memberships, but fees are processed directly through the member’s insurance. For more, visit fisherscommunitycenter.com/insurance. Cross-county public transit service offered — A new public transit service that takes riders between Hamilton and Hancock counties has launched through a Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, Hamilton County Express and RIDE Hancock partnership. OneCall Connect helps riders navigate a public transportation funding rule that doesn’t allow transit providers to cross county lines. The new service, which offers users a flat one-way fee of $8, has a transfer point in McCordsville where riders switch between each county’s ADA-accessible transit providers. To book a trip weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 317-327-7433 at least 48 hours in advance. Forever Young Club — The City of Lawrence hosts a weekly event with games, fun and fellowship geared toward active older adults, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd.

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55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

When arthritis affects your feet and ankles

MERIDIAN AUDIOLOGY WANTS TO PREPARE YOU FOR HEARING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf The holidays are fast approaching! And with holidays come family gatherings and parties with your friends or coworkers. And if you can’t hear well, it can cause frustration and miscommunication. We want to provide you with some tips for hearing better at your holiday gatherings: If you’re the one with the hearing loss: • Arrive at gatherings relaxed and well-rested in order to hear your best • Sit toward the middle of the table, where you’re able to see everyone’s face and lips for speechreading • Choose a seat with a wall behind you to avoid background noise and distance yourself from a bustling kitchen, if possible • Use smartphone apps or a remote microphone if you have them • Sit with an ally who understands your hearing loss and can help you • Have one-on-one conversations in other rooms, or away from the noise • Give yourself frequent breaks, as group settings are tiring physically and mentally • Don’t bluff—tell the other person you didn’t hear and ask them to repeat or rephrase for you • Accept that you won’t hear everything, and neither will anyone else! If you’re hosting someone with hearing loss, consider: • Keep background music low and turn it off during

F From left, Kira VonBlon, M.S. and Dr. Alison Wyss Au.D. of Meridian Audiology.

dinnertime when conversations are key • Use smaller round tables that allow guests to hear dinner table conversation and see faces for speechreading • Skip large centerpieces that block faces and visual clues • Avoid dim lighting—ensure lights are bright enough to see faces • Speak clearly while facing guests, and avoid talking while chewing or drinking • Do your best to minimize household noises during conversations—running water, dishwasher, dogs barking, kids playing nearby all interfere with listening (https://www. hearingloss.org/find-support/ social/holiday-hints/) If you have difficulty with hearing and understanding others, please call and make an appointment. We’ll be happy to help you look at your current hearing aids, check your hearing or determine if new hearing aids are your best option! Meridian Audiology, LLC Independently owned and operated by Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira S. VonBlon, M.S. Licensed Audiologists

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55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

or many adults over 55, arthritis is a familiar condition that can affect the knees, hips, hands – and the feet and ankles. Because our feet support us throughout the day, arthritis in these areas can have a significant impact on mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Arthritis occurs when the joints become inflamed or the protective cartilage that cushions the bones begins to deteriorate. Osteoarthritis, often associated with aging and years of wear and tear, is one of the most common forms affecting the foot and ankle. Previous injuries, excess weight, certain medical conditions and family history can also increase the likelihood of developing arthritis.

Recognizing the symptoms

Foot and ankle arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness around an affected joint. Some people notice discomfort when they first get out of bed or after sitting for an extended period. Pain may become more noticeable with walking, standing, or climbing stairs. Arthritis can also cause reduced joint motion and make certain shoes uncomfortable. In more advanced cases, changes in the shape of the foot or ankle may develop, making it increasingly difficult to remain active.

Treatment can help

Treatment depends on the severity of arthritis and which joints are involved. Fortunately, surgery is not always necessary. Conservative treatments may

include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, activity modification, physical therapy, and medications to help control pain and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on the feet and ankles. For some patients, injections may provide temporary relief when inflammation and pain are more significant. When arthritis becomes severe and significantly interferes with daily activities, surgical options may be considered. Depending on the location and severity of the arthritis, procedures can range from removing damaged bone or correcting deformities to joint fusion or joint replacement.

Don’t ignore persistent foot pain

Foot and ankle pain should not simply be accepted as a normal part of getting older. Early evaluation can help identify arthritis and other conditions that may be contributing to discomfort. A podiatrist can examine your feet and ankles, review your symptoms, and recommend an individualized treatment plan designed to help you remain active and independent. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you take comfortable steps toward maintaining an active lifestyle. Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are boardcertified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.

2026 SR - CURRENT 55 AD - Medicare - v5.qxp_Layout 1 10/13/26 10:44 AM Page 1

Catherine Dillman moved into Sycamore Reserve Senior Living Center more than two months ago. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reserve)

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Wednesday, October 28th Sycamore Reserve resident enjoys new home By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

atherine Dillman is a newcomer to Sycamore Reserve, but she is feeling quite at home. Dillman, who moved in a little more than two months ago, is enjoying meeting new people at the Indianapolis senior living center. “I love the people that are here and I’m very happy with it,” she said. “I’ve been to the roundtable discussions and some of the devotional things in the morning. My niece and I have been decorating my apartment, so I haven’t participated that much in the activities.” She is eager to work with the garden club in the spring. “I love flowers and vegetables and I’d kind of rather be outside than inside,” said Dillman, who lives with her black cat, Halle. The 84-year-old Dillman grew up in Westfield, graduating from Westfield High School in 1960. Her father was a farmer. “When I graduated, there were only 39 people in my graduating class,” she said. There were 715 in the 2026 class at WHS.

After marrying, she moved to Indianapolis. Several years after her husband Larry Dillman died in 2001, she moved to Carmel for about 14 years. “God never gave me children of my own, so my husband and I managed kids,” she said. “My husband was a coach, umpire and referee for sports. That’s what we did for recreation.” Dillman said softball was her main hobby. Her husband played fast pitch softball when he was younger. “We had a young girls team in slowpitch and the 18-and-under boys team,” she said. “In Indianapolis, they started slow-pitch co-ed teams, and Larry and I were in that for 22 years. Plus, he was a nationally ranked umpire, so we traveled quite a bit in the summer.” Dillman hasn’t been able to get to many softball games because a pinched nerve in her hip has kept her from driving the past three years. Dillman worked in the home loan department of the Veterans Administration for nearly 40 years. Her husband worked for the U.S. Postal Service and the state of Indiana Motorcycle Division. For more, visit sycamorereserve.com.

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55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

Retired Butler professor writes sales book By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

aniel McQuiston found his calling was teaching. Now professor emeritus of marketing at Butler University, McQuiston has put his years of experience and research to use. His book, “The Serving Salesperson: Seven Pillars to Transform The Customer Relationship,” was released in June. The idea for the book was formed 25 years ago when the 75-year-old Carmel resident became aware of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Robert Greenleaf was an executive at AT&T. “His idea was you take the organizational pyramid and turn it upside down where rather than the boss being at the top and filtering down to the employees, employees (are) at the top and then filter down to the boss,” he said. Instead of the supervisor issuing orders, the attitude would be what the supervisor could do to help the salesperson accomplish what he needs. At one point, Butler conducted a

Retired Butler University professor Daniel McQuiston wrote a book, “The Serving Salesperson.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

symposium with the Greenleaf Center. “I started reading some of it and said, ’This is very applicable to what’s successful in sales,’” McQuiston said. “It’s the authenticity, the honesty, the integrity and so forth. I was talking to my dean about some research I was thinking of doing. He leaned back and said, ‘You should write a book on being a serving salesperson.’ So, that seed got planted. That was probably around 2001.” McQuiston began conducting seminars and management development

sessions. He said he viewed his role as preparing students for their first job in sales. “When I had nonsales groups, I would ask what salespeople did that you really liked,” he said. “I’d hear the same answers — integrity, honesty and hard work. You know all of this, but I was in a seminar one time and there was a woman who was sitting right down there in front and she said, ‘The best salespeople, the ones I like best, I feel they’re there to serve me rather than serving themselves.’” McQuiston said the entire audience agreed, which led him to again consider a book. He said it couldn’t be a book based on his beliefs. “So, I said this can’t be an ‘I think’ book because nobody cares what I think,” he said. “Sad, but true.” McQuiston said he identified some serving salespeople, men and women, and asked what they do to serve their customers. He asked them to give him the name of another serving salesperson. He would interview them and then ask for more names. He eventually in-

terviewed 33 salespeople and came up with seven practices of a serving salesperson. He wrote an article about it. When McQuiston was retiring, the advice given to him by his financial representative was, “You don’t retire from something, you retire to something.” So, he decided it was time to make it a book with the help of two research professors at Butler. He interviewed two dozen MBA students on what salespeople do that creates value for them. McQuiston and the professors created an electronic survey. “We got back over 300 usable responses, and so we took that and analyzed it, and (that’s) where I have the seven pillars of a serving salesperson,” he said. McQuiston provides a step-by-step approach to achieving each pillar. “I just want people to be successful,” he said. “It’s been shown time and time again that companies that have a servant leadership mentality are just more successful. They’re more profitable. They have less turnover. Their employContinued on Page 8

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55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

ees are happier.” The seven pillars are: 1. Set Serving as Your True North 2. Blend Passion and Perseverance 3. Sharpen Your EQ 4. Build Trust Through the Human Touch 5. Communicate for Impact 6. Facilitate the Journey 7. Guide the Transformation A chapter is devoted to each of the pillars. McQuiston said his parents set an example for him. “I grew up in what could be called a servant-led household as both of my parents had a true serving mentality,” he said. ”My father was a member of the Battle Creek (Mich.) Board of Education for 44 years, served on any number of community boards and in his retirement was a fundraiser for nonprofits. For 33 years, my mother ran the local children’s theater and focused on giving kids the opportunity to be on a stage they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Even today, 15 years after her passing, I get messages on the impact she had on people’s lives.” McQuiston and his wife, Cathy, have two daughters and four grandchildren. McQuiston didn’t start out to be in the academic world. “I tried working for a living once and I didn’t like it. They expected results and everything,” he said jokingly. “No, the short story is that I was rather unfocused when I graduated from college.” McQuiston, who earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, said his undergraduate performance was less than stellar. When he was 25, he decided to get more serious and went back to get a Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. After getting his MBA, he earned a doctorate from Ohio State University. While at Bowling Green, he did a graduate assistantship in 1979-80. “I got to do a little teaching and I thought I like this environment and it just so happened they needed somebody to teach a sales class,” he said. “I thought, ‘Well, let’s try this and see if I like it,’ and I did, so I decided to pursue academics as a career.” After earning his doctorate, McQuiston taught at IU for five years. After that, he spent 31 years at Butler University before retiring in 2021. The book is available on amazon.com.

The men’s group at the annual camping renewal trip. (Photo courtesy of Tom Weesner)

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The sounds of silence Commentary by Tom Weesner

“

’m giddy!” After hearing these two words, we know that in just six weeks we will be together – a collective of men and young sons on our annual camping renewal at Pokagon State Park in Angola. And there, we will hear the sounds of silence — raccoons in the trash, wind, raindrops and walnuts crashing through the leaves before hitting the ground (or us). Yet, these background instruments are just warmup for the symphony created by a group of men building brotherhood through acceptance, strengthening selves through solitude and conversation and setting an example for the next generation of men. We have been gathering annually for the last 27 years. It is my seventh year, and for something that began as a father and sons adventure, the “family” has expanded to friends and strangers. Chuck, a 21-year attendee said, “I’m lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of cool people. Once a year we get together and enjoy the conversation of what this last year has done for us, what we expect out of the next year, and on top of that, lets us build a relationship that can grow and be nurtured in between that one-year camping trip.” Why do we return each year? In the guys’ words, “family,” “fellowship,” “building connections,” “lots of guitars,” “euchre” and traditions like Aunt Jean’s chocolate cake, berry cobbler and thick steaks grilled over the fire — and, of course, the first Christmas music of the year. And the amazing thing? For many, we only see or talk to one another once a year, yet when we camp, it is as if a day hasn’t passed. The relevance? As men, we are faced

with thousands of images daily of what it is to be a man. Many of which are created by whom? In our noisy world of work, traffic, messages and social media, we often find ourselves lost, disconnected and in need of support. We call our group “Man-Up,” precisely to dispel the notion that to be a man you need to be “macho,” “unemotional,” or “judgmental.” Rather, that in the face of adversity, men can listen to, share with and support one another in this difficult life. Larry said it best: “We all have a good time and a trust that has been built up over so many years. We also have a nearly unbreakable bond because we can accept each other for who we are, regardless of situation, regardless of background, regardless of political and religious ideologies — it doesn’t matter.” And so, when you silence the noise of everyday life, the strumming of new chords is heard — conversation, acceptance, support and love — men becoming better men and setting examples for their sons. In Larry’s words, “When it is all said and done, and I’m driving home tomorrow, there’s going to be a bit of sadness, but it gives me new insight and new drive and new focus to look at the coming year.” Men’s mental health is as important as physical health. So, take a walk away from the everyday freneticism of work, light and noise pollution. And when you return, call that friend or relative and just say, “I care about you.”

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By Dr. Folasade Imeokparia, breast surgeon at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

very October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important Dr. Folasade reminder to Imeokparia prioritize breast health, learn about breast cancer risk factors and stay up to date on recommended screenings. While awareness campaigns often highlight the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, they also provide an opportunity to focus on something equally important: early detection. Understanding breast cancer and knowing when to get screened can help people take an active role in their health and may lead to better outcomes if cancer is found. UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, although men can also develop the disease. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin growing uncontrollably. There are several different types of breast cancer, and they can develop in different areas of the breast. Some cancers grow slowly, while others are more aggressive. Because every cancer is unique, providers use specialized testing to better understand the characteristics of a tumor and develop an individualized treatment plan. What works for one patient may not be the best option for another, which is why personalized care plays such an important role in breast cancer treatment.

This imaging test uses low-dose radiation to look for changes or abnormalities in breast tissue that may not yet be noticeable during a physical exam. For women at average risk, conversations about screening mammograms should begin around age 40. Women ages 50 to 74 are generally recommended to receive a mammogram every other year unless their healthcare provider suggests a different screening schedule. For women with dense breast tissue, additional imaging may be recommended. In some cases, an ultrasound is used alongside a mammogram to improve cancer detection and provide a more complete picture of breast health.

THE POWER OF EARLY DETECTION One of the most effective ways to improve breast cancer outcomes is to find cancer early, before symptoms develop or the disease has had a chance to spread. Breast cancer is often detected through routine screening or when a lump is felt in the breast. When found early, treatment options may be less extensive, and outcomes can improve significantly. In fact, early detection can increase a woman’s fiveyear survival rate to 97%.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN ABNORMAL SCREENING? Receiving a call after a mammogram can be unsettling, but it does not automatically mean cancer is present. Additional testing is often needed to gather more information. Depending on the situation, follow-up testing may include diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, MRI or a biopsy. These tests help providers determine whether cancer is present, identify its location and understand the stage of the disease.

WHY MAMMOGRAMS MATTER A mammogram remains one of the most important tools for early breast cancer detection.

TREATMENT CONTINUES TO ADVANCE Breast cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years. Depending on the type and

55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

stage of cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapies designed to attack specific cancer cells. Surgical options may include a lumpectomy, which removes only the tumor, or a mastectomy, which removes breast tissue. Some patients may also choose breast reconstruction as part of their treatment journey. Advances in research and clinical trials continue to create new opportunities for more personalized and effective treatments, helping patients receive care tailored to their specific diagnosis. TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR BREAST HEALTH Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It is a reminder to schedule preventive screenings, understand your personal risk factors and pay attention to any changes in your body. Whether you’re approaching your first mammogram or simply looking to learn more about breast health, taking proactive steps today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer, and staying informed is an important part of protecting your long-term health. IU Health offers online mammogram scheduling at convenient locations throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Learn more at iuhealth.org/mammo.

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55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

Carmel resident entertains fellow senior center residents, guests By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ouise Newman never gets tired of playing the piano. The 95-year-old, who everyone calls Lou, plays daily where she lives at StoryPoint Carmel, formerly Woodland Terrace of Carmel. There is a piano in the main area. “We have a piano or keyboard in every major room in this facility,” said Newman, who also has a piano in her apartment. “We even have one in the memory care unit. We have a small choir here that I accompany, and once a month we go down to the memory care. It’s amazing how people don’t know their own children’s names but they know the words to some of the old songs.” Newman plays whenever anyone gets a tour of the facility. “They seem to be impressed when they walk in to hear piano music,” she said. “I play after meals and maybe at night at request.” Newman can play approximately 500 songs. “Music has been the biggest part of keeping me going,” she said. “People stop by the piano every day, they say, ‘I was so down this morning, but when I heard your music, it made me happy.’ So, how can you not play?” Newman plays music from the Great American Songbook and Broadway show tunes. She said sometimes when she plays a song, someone says it was their wedding song. Her late husband, Lenny, was an accordionist. “We played together in nursing homes, retirement centers, like we did in Bloomington,” Newman said. They even played in weddings.

55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

Lou Newman plays piano at StoryPoint Carmel. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Newman started out playing short tunes when she was 6 years old and then took lessons at age 7 in her hometown of New Madrid, Mo. “My parents had a ready-to-wear store and a used furniture store across the street,” she said. Newman accompanied the school choir on piano and for people competing in vocal competitions. Her reasons for playing weren’t always altruistic. “I found if I had to practice my piano, I had to do it after dinner, so my sisters had to do the dishes and I got out of that job,” she said. Newman attended Interlochen (Mich.) Arts Camp when she was 14.

“They picked 18 (campers) to sing in the choir, and I asked the director, ‘Why on earth would you pick me to sing in the choir when you have so many with really fine voices?’” Newman said. “He said, ‘That’s why I picked you. I need voices that will blend in, not stand out.’” She said her husband knew many members in her family before he met her. “One day I got a call, ‘This is Lenny. I hear that we’re probably going to be getting married, but I’d like for us to meet first,’” said Newman, who was a freshman at the University of Wisconsin at the time. “I said, ‘I think that would be a good idea.’” Instead of flying home to Memphis

from Madison, Wis., where her family had moved, Lenny suggested he pick her up at the airport in St. Louis. Her parents, who knew him, said that would be fine. Newman said Lenny, a Purdue University graduate, picked her up at the airport and then went to her cousin’s house. “He sat on the piano bench and played ‘Back Home Again,’ and I moved him over and played, ‘In Indiana.’ He said, ‘You’ll do just fine.’ He called his mother that night and said, ‘I’m going to be marrying this girl.’” Lenny was a Purdue cheerleader but Continued on Page 13

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From left, Lou Newman at the piano with Dee Bloom and Heidi Newman. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Continued from Page 12 was in the crowd when the bleachers collapsed in 1947 during a basketball game at Lambert Fieldhouse in West Lafayette. Three students died and many spectators were injured. It blew out Leonard’s eardrums. He was living in St. Louis because he had ear surgeries there. The couple lived in Lenny’s hometown of Jasper for nearly 40 years. “At one point, we counted over 20 instruments in our living room,” Newman said. “That included the recorders, little banjos and percussion instruments, but there was always music around.” Newman used to play with a tennis group at an indoor facility in French Lick, “We ended up around the piano after tennis and the girls were all singing, so that was a nice tradition we had for several years,” Newman said, When Lenny retired following heart bypass surgery, they sold the department store and kept the jewelry store for several years before they sold it and moved to Bloomington because three of the couple’s five children lived in the

Indianapolis and Bloomington areas. Newman said they were in Bloomington only two weeks before her husband found himself the board of one of the Indiana University music school’s competitions. “We were asked to join the board of the Friends of Music, which is the fundraiser for the music school,” Newman said. While in Bloomington, the couple recorded music videos of Lenny and Lou’s Second Kitchen Collective, which can be found on YouTube. “It’s mind-blowing how they flow together,” said their daughter, Heidi Newman. The home piano was a gift from Lenny with the inscription, “To Lou with a heart full of deepest love for 25 years of perfect harmony, Lenny.” The couple, who were married 67 years, moved to StoryPoint about 10 years ago. Lenny died in 2019 at the age of 91. Daughter Dee Bloom lives in Carmel. Heidi lives in Indianapolis. Son Marty lives in the Lawrence area of Indianapolis. Son Alan lives in Phoenix and daughter Shelley Smuckler lives in St. Louis.

55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

Bill Paradise is in the process of writing his fourth book. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Stratford resident pursues passion for writing, spirituality

55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ill Paradise developed a passion for writing in retirement. The first book The Stratford resident wrote was “You and God,” which is about having a relationship with God. It came out in 2010. His second book, “Cancer, You and God,” was published in 2017. “I’m a bit biased but it’s an interesting book,” he said. “It’s got 21 stories of patients, surviving spouses and healthcare providers and then a lot of reflections on cancer itself.” Paradise, 86, had a minor battle with skin cancer. He had members of his extended family deal with cancer. “In these 21 stories, God is in all of them, one way or another,” he said. “Some of the people I interviewed have died since then.” The book’s subtitle is “Spiritual, mental and emotional help for cancer patients and their loved ones.” Paradise moved to The Stratford in Carmel in July 2025. He spent his career in the health insurance industry, mostly in sales and marketing. He retired from United Healthcare in June 2006. He pre-

viously worked for Anthem and Golden Rule. His fourth book, “Belief in God Makes a Lot of Sense,” is projected to be out by the end of the year. “Modern science makes a lot of sense for belief in God,” he said. The third book he co-authored was “Alzheimer’s: A Patient’s Journey” in 2021. He wrote it with Indianapolis resident Mike Langdon, his friend of 50 years, who was diagnosed in 2017. “He said he wanted to tell his story, but ‘I can’t write it myself,’” he said. “He’s since passed away from Alzheimer’s (in 2023), but it’s a very short book. It’s for a patient, or a spouse or other family members dealing with it. He was a great friend and it was a joy for me to work with him and help tell his story.” When Paradise wrote the first book, he was asked to visit the Indiana’s Women’s Prison in Indianapolis to discuss the book with a small group of inmates. He would go for a six-week period to discuss each section of the book. “It was successful, and I did that for 12 years,” he said. For Paradise, the books are a labor of Continued on Page 15

Continued from Page 14 love. Another love is golf, which he plays twice a week with seven other friends. “We play different courses, but Plum Creek in Carmel is our favorite,” he said. Paradise said it’s important to stay active. “I’ve come up with the idea of three Es: engage, exercise and execute,” he said. “So, I engage with other people, and there are a lot of opportunities at The Stratford. People are very interesting and very nice. They come from different backgrounds. I get together with a retired physics professor and retired pastor on a monthly basis. We have great discussions.” Paradise takes part in The Stratford exercise groups

and golfs., “I think it’s important for people to volunteer,” he said. “I think reading is very important, whether fiction or nonfiction, whatever your interest. I think it’s important for people to have a spiritual life.” Paradise attended Saint Fisher University in New York and went to graduate school at the University of Syracuse. Before graduate school, Paradise served a year in the U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1967-68. He was drafted three weeks before he would have been too old for conscription. “I wasn’t out there on the lines but I saw limited combat,” he said. “I made friends who I am still in contact with today.”

Paradise and his wife, Bernie, have been married for 57 years. They were introduced by mutual friends in Washington, D.C., in 1969. “It was love at first sight, and five months later, we were married,” he said. They moved to Indianapolis from Washington, D.C., in 1972, when he began working on a federally funded project. He did that for seven years before moving into an insurance role in 1979. His wife retired as associate director of the Catholic Schools of Indianapolis the same day he did in 2006. They have three children, Naomi, 54, Matthew, 52 and Angela, 49, and eight grandchildren. His first book is out of print, but the other two books are available on Amazon.com

Have Medicare questions? I have answers I’m Kimberly Hughes, a licensed sales agent in Hamilton County, serving central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Make the most of my knowledge and experience to: • Take the confusion out of Medicare

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What Would You Do If You Retired Tomorrow? Commentary by Kyle McCune CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Practitioner Reify Wealth Advisors

Anyone can dream of retirement. Reify helps make it real. “Reify” means to make an abstract idea concrete—and that’s exactly what we do at Reify Wealth Advisors. Whether you envision a flexible semi retirement, travel-filled years, or simply the peace of knowing you’re financially prepared, Reify helps turn that vision into reality with personalized retirement planning tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle.

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Imagine tomorrow is your last day at work. You’ve thought about retirement for years, and now it’s here. You have investment accounts, Social Security on the horizon, maybe a pension. You feel reasonably prepared. Then Monday arrives. Where will your money come from? How much can you spend? Which accounts do you draw from first? When should you claim Social Security? How will your taxes change? During your working years, the goal was simple: save, invest wisely and build a nest egg. In retirement, the question shifts from “How much have I saved?” to “How do I make this last 20, 30 or even 40 years?” That transition requires some thought. Consider Social Security. When you begin benefits can affect your monthly income for life. For married couples, the decision is more complex — each spouse’s claiming strategy can affect household cash flow, including for the surviving spouse. Then there are your investments. Your portfolio’s job changes — instead of just growing for the future, it may need to fund your current lifestyle. That makes market swings and withdrawal timing more important. Taxes are another piece of the puzzle. Retirees often hold traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts, each taxed differently. The order and timing of withdrawals can affect your tax bill, and later on, Required Minimum Distributions add another variable. Even Medicare can be affected by your income. A higher income year can potentially result in higher

Medicare premiums through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. None of these pieces exists in isolation. A Social Security decision affects cash flow. Cash flow affects withdrawals. Withdrawals affect taxes. Taxes affect Medicare premiums. And Medicare premium adjustments can circle back to reduce Social Security payments. One simple decision can snowball. This is why retirement planning is less about finding one perfect answer and more about coordinating the different pieces of your financial life. You don’t have to wait until the day before retirement to figure it all out. The years immediately before retirement can be some of the most valuable years for planning— time to adjust savings, evaluate Social Security strategies, consider future tax implications, review investment risk, and determine whether your expected spending is realistic. A retirement plan shouldn’t be something you create once and put in a drawer. Life changes. Markets change. Tax laws change. Your spending may change. A good plan should be flexible enough to adapt. If you could retire tomorrow, would you know exactly where your next paycheck—or more accurately, your next month’s cash flow—would come from? If the answer isn’t clear, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unprepared. It may simply mean there are still decisions to work through. Working with a financial planner can help bring those decisions together. Rather than looking at investments, taxes, Social Security or retirement income separately, a planner can help you see how the pieces fit together and identify the decisions that deserve attention before you retire.

Carmel Comedy Club to host monthly programs for seniors By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

We have a new website! Scan the QR Code and follow the info to connect to Karen Sigman Agency.

armel Comedy Club founder Debbie Hughes understands many older adults might not want to attend an evening comedy show. However, she figures they might be up for some afternoon laughs. “Laughter is the best medicine,” Hughes said. “It also provides socialization outside of the living environment. From the seniors’ perspective, they enjoy going out during the daytime and not being out at nighttime. We want to bring laughter and joy into their lives.” Hughes, who performs as Lady Wisecrack, said a matinee series will be called “Lady Wisecrack Presents You Crack Me Up.” The matinees will debut at 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at Meridian Music School’s Goodwin Hall, 845 West Carmel Dr., Carmel. The venue has 60 seats. “There are going to be local, regional and national comedians,” she said. Included in the admission cost will be coffee, light appetizers and finger food desert. The admission prices will likely vary. The schedule of comedians will be on carmelcitycomedyin.com.. The series is planned on the first Friday of each month. Hughes said her goal is to show Carmel is a senior-friendly city. In that spirit, Carmel Comedy Club also will host another monthly series. “The Laughing into Longevity” series begins at 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at Goodwin Hall. The plan is to present it on the first Thursday of each month. Hughes said the series is designed to bring humor to issues the aging might face. Carol Applegate, a retired elder law attorney and chair of Mayoral Advisory Commission on Seniors, will join the discussion. The first session is “Hard of Hearing.”

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www.karensigmanagency.com Debbie Hughes is the founder of Carmel Comedy Club. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Hughes)

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Hughes said an expert such as an audiologist might be included. She said the plan is to use humor to get seniors and their family members to discuss senior aging issues. “So, we’re providing the comedy that’s relatable to the audience about hard of hearing and then there will be speakers on the point,” she said. “There could be an audiologist there or a hearing aid representative. We’re going to be looking for resources to help elderly access how to improve their hearing.” Hughes said sponsorship is being sought for the program. The Carmel Comedy Club began presenting shows at The Cat in Carmel in June. For more, visit carmelcitycomedyin. com.

“Laughter is the best medicine. It also provides socialization out of the living environment.”

— Debbie Hughes 55 AND BETTER Autumn 2026

How often should you update your estate plan? Commentary by Christine Stolle

early one in four Americans with an estate plan has never updated it since it was created. If that’s you, your plan may no longer reflect your life, your wishes, or even the people you intended to protect. Creating an estate plan is important, but it should not be set aside forever. As your life, family, and assets change, your plan may no longer reflect your wishes or your loved ones’ needs. For Indiana families, reviewing an estate plan every few years is a good habit, as is reviewing it after major life changes. At Dillman & Owen, our estate planning attorneys help families create, review, and update estate plans so their wishes are clear and their loved ones are protected. Why estate plans need to be updated An estate plan is meant to guide important decisions if you become incapacitated or pass away. It may include a will, trust, powers of attorney, health care directives, HIPAA authorization,

beneficiary designations, and other planning tools. Outdated documents may name the wrong decision-maker, omit a new child or grandchild, or overlook a home, business, retirement account, or other major asset acquired after the plan was created. Updates help your documents match your life. When should you review your estate plan? Review your estate plan every three to five years. A review does not always require changes; it may simply confirm your plan still works. Review sooner after a significant life or family change. Major life changes that may require an update You may need to update your estate plan after: • Marriage or divorce • Birth or adoption of a child • Death of a spouse, child, beneficiary, trustee, or named decision-maker • A serious illness or disability

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• A child becoming an adult • A change in family relationships • Moving to or from Indiana • Buying or selling a home • Starting, selling, or closing a business • Receiving an inheritance • A major change in retirement accounts, investments, or life insurance • A loved one developing special needs or long-term care concerns These changes can affect who should inherit, who should make decisions, and how your property should be managed. Review the people named in your plan One of the most important parts of an estate plan is choosing the right people to act for you. These may include a personal representative, trustee, financial power of attorney, health care representative, or guardian for minor children. Someone who was the right choice ten years ago may no longer be the best fit today. They may have moved away, passed away, developed health concerns, or become less involved in your life. Confirm that everyone named is still willing, able, and appropriate for the role. Check beneficiary designations too Your will or trust is only part of the picture. Some assets pass by beneficiary designation, including many retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts. If these designations are outdated, they may override what you intended in your broader estate plan. For example, an old beneficiary form may still name a former spouse, omit a child, or fail to reflect a trust you created later. Review beneficiary designations whenever you update your estate plan. Why legal updates matter Estate planning laws, tax rules, health care forms, and Medicaid planning considerations can change over time. Your documents may still be legally valid, but that does not always mean they are the best fit for your current situation. An Indiana estate planning attorney can help review your documents, explain whether updates are needed, and make sure your plan is still structured around your goals. Updating your plan does not have to be a complete restart Updating a plan does not always mean starting over. A limited update,

amendment, or new supporting document may be enough. The first step is simply gathering your existing documents and talking through what has changed. From there, your attorney can help determine what needs attention. How long-term care costs can impact your estate Reviewing your estate plan becomes especially important as you or your loved ones age, because the cost of long-term care can quickly erode the assets you hoped to preserve for your family. In Indiana, the median cost of a private nursing home room is $123,918 per year, or about $10,326 per month. A semi-private room costs a median of $107,310 per year. Even non-medical care at home averages about $80,080 annually based on 44 hours of care per week. Many families assume Medicare will cover these expenses, but Medicare generally does not cover ongoing longterm custodial care, such as extended nursing home care or help with activities of daily living. It may cover certain short-term skilled nursing or home health services when specific requirements are met. That means an estate plan that made sense at age 50 may not provide the same protection at age 75. Reviewing your plan with future care needs in mind can provide an opportunity to consider tools such as trusts, updated powers of attorney, and Medicaid planning while more options may still be available. Timing matters. Indiana Medicaid generally reviews certain transfers of assets made during the 60 months before an individual becomes institutionalized and applies for Medicaid. Planning well before a long-term care crisis can therefore provide significantly more flexibility than waiting until care is immediately needed. Meet with an estate planning attorney today Your estate plan should give you peace of mind, not uncertainty. If your documents are several years old, or if your life has changed since they were signed, now may be a good time to review them.

Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. For more, visit dillman-owen.com.

From left, Jonah Smith, tenor saxophone; Derek Ai, alto saxophone; Will Eaton, trumpet; and Junmo Kang, alto saxophone, are all members of Jazz for Discovery and students or recent graduates of Park Tudor High School. (Photo courtesy of Jazz for Discovery)

Carmel teens use jazz to connect generations By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com

or some residents of Carmel-area senior living communities, a Jazz for Discovery performance offers more than entertainment. Familiar melodies can bring back memories of their younger years and create opportunities for residents to connect with the students performing. Founded in 2024 by high school students Derek Ai and Alex Mi, Jazz for Discovery is a student-led jazz band that performs at senior living communities and public venues in Carmel and Indianapolis. The band includes students and recent graduates from Park Tudor School and Carmel High School who share a passion for jazz music. The group has performed nearly 30 times since its founding, including at senior living communities and public venues in Indianapolis such as the Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple. “Jazz is a form of expression where it’s not confined by just a single musical phrase,” said Junmo Kang, vice president of Jazz for Discovery. “I feel like there’s more emotion in it rather than a stagnant piece of music. I think it’s a very good way for us to connect with Carmel.” The students have seen that connection firsthand. During performances, Mi said he has watched residents tap their feet, nod their heads and smile along with the music. Afterward, the students sometimes talk with residents about their musical memories and experiences. During one performance, a resident recognized a song and told the students she had played saxophone in

a jazz band years earlier. Mi recalled that the band may have been based in Noblesville. “It’s these small things that kind of trigger their core memories from their childhood,” Mi said. “I think (that) is a reason why we keep performing.” In addition to connecting with older adults, Jazz for Discovery raises money for N=1 Collaborative, an organization focused on researching rare diseases in children and developing individualized treatments. The students were inspired by the organization’s work, including its efforts to develop Milasen, a drug created to treat a rare neurological condition affecting a child named Mila. According to Kang, Jazz for Discovery has raised more than $2,300 for the organization since its founding. “It’s really rewarding that this has all worked out so great for us, and we’re able to (fundraise while performing),” Ai said. All three student leaders are seniors and want to recruit younger musicians to continue the organization after they graduate in May. Mi said connecting younger and older generations is an important part of the group’s mission, particularly for residents who may experience isolation. “I think it’s important for us to bring the community to them,” Mi said. Jazz for Discovery has performed nearly every weekend during the past two months, although it does not have upcoming performances scheduled. The group hopes to recruit more musicians and connect with more senior living communities throughout the school year. To learn more about Jazz for Discovery, visit jazzfordiscovery.com.

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