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Living Life After 50
Allen County edition ReAChing FoRt WAyne And SuRRounding CountieS
January 2026
Vol. 38, No. 9
STOCKING THE SHELVES — Joyce Wood volunteers for Community Harvest Food Bank four days a week. She helps stock the Community Cupboard.
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CATS AND CUDDLES — Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control volunteer Jerri Martin cuddles a cat at the shelter where she volunteers.
Local volunteers find purpose, connection Text and Photos By CINDY LARSON Feature Writer After the hoopla of the holidays subsides, the quietness of January settles in. Once the presents are put away and the decorations are down, you might find yourself looking for something to do.
How about volunteering? Whatever your interests and capabilities, you likely will find a volunteer activity you will enjoy. Even better, you can revel in the fact that you are making the world a better place. If you don’t know where to start, visit the Volunteer Center at volunteerfortwayne.
org. People can register online. The center partners with more than 140 organizations. One can stop by its office at 3401 Lake Ave., Suite 4, Fort Wayne, or call (260) 424-3505. If you’re housebound, you can still volunteer by sending letters and cards to nursing home residents, veterans and hospice patients.
If you’re crafty, you can knit scarves, hats and mittens, decorate paper bags for the Franciscan Center’s sack lunches, or make dog treats for animals at Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. Jerri Martin, 72, has chosen to spend her time volunteering at Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. She has “done a
little bit of everything” over her 20 years of volunteering. She started out doing dog washes. Now she does cat care one morning a week for two to four hours. She cleans out crates, empties litter boxes, and makes sure the cats have fresh water, food and clean bedding. And she plays and cuddles. Continued on page 2
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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Key Positions
Lions Club director helps fund new playground By LINDA LIPP Feature Writer Financing and building a public playground is more than just child’s play. That’s what Steve Stewart and other members of the New Haven Lions Club learned when they took on the creation of an accessible playground at Werling Park. The idea came from Stewart, a fairly new member of the club, who now admits he had no idea what he was getting himself into. Stewart serves on the board of directors for the New Haven Lions Club. A long-time employee of AT&T, Stewart retired in the early part of the COVID pandemic. He mostly lounged around the house for a year and a half, until his wife, Christina, told him he needed to “join a club and do something. Get out of here.” Stewart subsequently ran into someone he’d known in high school who’d become a “big shot” with Lions International. “I asked him if I was too old to join the Lions, and he said ‘no, you’re not,’” Stewart recalled. “Turns out he was right. I’m one of the youngest ones there.” Lions International is one of the world’s largest, if not the largest, charitable organizations in the world. “Anytime there’s a disaster anywhere in the world, they’re
usually the first ones there to help,” he said. In addition to supporting the Lions International initiatives, the local clubs have their own projects. The New Haven club, which has about 25 members, raises money each year to award scholarships to deserving students at three high schools. It also donates to food pantries, the Fort Wayne Zoo and to Kate’s Cart, which provides books for hospitalized children. And while that’s all great and helps a lot of people, Stewart said, he thought it would be even better to build something lasting. Werling Park, he had noticed, has a great walking path circling the park, but there’s nothing there for children. So, he suggested, why not build a playground? The club agreed it was a good idea. “Let’s do it,” they told Stewart. “You’re in charge.” Stewart got a playground equipment catalog and priced equipment he estimated would cost about $17,000. That number seemed doable. When he met with the parks department and a representative of the playground manufacturer, he found out he was wrong. Estimates started to climb to $50,000, $75,000, even $100,000. Stewart started knocking on doors and writing letters. He got off to a pretty good start.
FAITHFUL FUNDRAISER — Steve Stewart spearheaded fundraising for an accessible playground in New Haven. Stewart serves on the board of directors for the New Haven Lions Club. Photo provided by Steve Stewart. His first donation, $4,000, came from Hartman Brothers, a local heating and air conditioning company. He also got a pledge from Anthony Wayne Services to match $25,000 in other donations. After that, it was calling on local businesses almost every day, adding to the total $50
or $100 at a time. Four-figure donations were rare. Nearly two years in, the club finally had raised almost $25,000. “We’d asked everybody more than once. The community had given all it could give,” Stewart said. The club decided to donate what it had collected to the
parks department and let them take it from there. With the matching AWS funds, the check totaled $50,151.03. The parks department expects to order the equipment and install it in the summer. It will be the first accessible playground in New Haven.
She jokingly calls herself a “foster failure” because she fell in love with both a dog and a cat she fostered and adopted. She just couldn’t send them back to the shelter. She has set up a room in her house for the kittens because her older, adopted cat doesn’t like them.
Jeoff Dingeldein, volunteer coordinator for Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control, said the volunteers are essential. “We could not function without our volunteers,” he said. About 150 volunteers donated more than 12,000 hours in 2025.
At 80, Joyce Wood works from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. four days a week at Community Harvest Food Bank. She helps stock the Community Cupboard, a kind of mom-and-pop grocery store inside the facility that lets people with referrals from member agencies shop by weight. Wood has volunteered for eight years. She lost her daughter eight years ago and needed something to do. She has met lots of people at the food pantry, and they greet each other jovially. It’s obvious she’s well thought of - they’ve given her a nickname, Cheesecake, for her affinity for the dessert. She married very young, at 16, and the young couple struggled financially. “We managed, but it wasn’t easy,” she said. “Back then, we didn’t have food pantries.” She was married the first time for three years. Then she married her second husband, who died after 25 years. Her third husband died after 11 years. Throughout the years, she worked different jobs in retail and as a school cook until she retired after having a stroke several years ago. The socialization is also a benefit. “I enjoy meeting people and talking to them,” she said. “If I want to take a break, I do. I’m my own boss.”
Local volunteers Continued from page 1
She said she’s “helping those kittens and cats to have a good life. And it’s fun.” “If it wasn’t for volunteers, more cats would be euthanized,” she said. Sometimes she gets scratched or bitten.
“Yeah, you just deal with it,” she said. Martin also fosters dogs and cats from the shelter at her own home. She keeps litters of kittens until they reach 2 pounds, then returns them to the shelter for spaying, neutering and adoption.
Start the New Year Feeling Strong and Supported Turnstone’s Fitness & Aquatic Center offers inclusive exercise opportunities designed for all abilities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Build strength, improve balance, and stay active with programs that meet you where you are.
Join in January! The $25 enrollment fee is waived for all new members. Offer ends January 31, 2026.
For more information, visit Turnstone.org/services/fitness-aquatic or call (260) 483-2100.
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 3
70s Flashback -
Jim Jacobs: Scorning his success Picture this: You’re a one-time stage actor who, along with a fellow stage actor, has created a book that becomes a winBy RANDAL ning stage C. HILL play that becomes a hit movie that begats a best-selling soundtrack. You both become millionaire success stories, yet you often complain about the changes that eventually made your R-rated creation palatable to a mainstream audience. What’s going on here? When the stage musical “Grease” closed on Broadway in 1980, it had been playing there for a record-breaking 3,388 performances. But what had premiered in 1971 in a seedy Chicago nightclub as a raunchy musical with an amateur cast had been radically transformed on its journey to Big Time Theater. Stage actors Jim Jacobs and friend Warren Casey had based their original tale on Jacobs’s experiences at Taft High School in northwest Chicago. The “Grease” story - first as a book, then as a music-tinged play - followed the misadventures of rowdy blue-collar hoods there. “It was about having leather jackets and
beehive hairdos,” claimed Jacobs, “about doing a lot of smoking and spitting on the sidewalk.” The original “Grease” picked up momentum as it morphed from off-Broadway to the great White Way itself. During the transition, much of the original crude content had been diluted in order to not offend any theatergoers. In filming the story in 1978, Paramount Pictures initially tapped Henry Winkler for the pivotal role of Danny. Winkler, though, famed as Fonzie on TV’s “Happy Days,” rejected the offer for fear of being typecast. Thus, John Travolta from TV’s “Welcome Back Kotter” was ushered in as the male headliner. The primary female lead of Sandy, pitched first to Carrie Fisher, then to Marie Osmond, went to Australian recording star Olivia Newton-John. A young-looking 29, in order to appear even more youthful alongside the 23-year-old Travolta, she was filmed using “soft” camera lenses. Both stars were, of course, a bit long in the tooth to be portraying adolescents, but Jacobs staunchly defended the casting, admitting, “You may say Olivia Newton-John was too old, but look at Stockard Channing. Stockard’s my age.” (Jim was born in 1942, Stockard two years later.) On the silver screen, “Grease”
proved to be a music-saturated romantic comedy about a tough local hood (Travolta) and an Australian transfer student (Newton-John) who develop an attraction for each other during a summer fling. Later, as Sandy prepares to return home, she’s convinced that she’ll never see Danny again, but he assures her that summer is only a beginning for them as a couple. The campy frolic sold nearly $400 million worth of tickets as a movie, and the two-disc soundtrack, with sales of 30 million copies, became one of history’s biggest albums ever. There’s little doubt that Jacobs enjoyed his success, but years later we found him still grumbling: “We had written the show as the real nitty-gritty story of the kids I went to school with. It went from an in-your-face show about delinquents to a gang of lovable people singing rock ‘n’ roll.” Bibliography - Internet: Durant, Sabine. “Interview: Did You Get Very Far? Aha, Aha,” July 6, 1993, independent.co.uk, the first two quotes are from here’; “Grease.” broadwaymusicalhome. com; “Grease” (film); “Grease” (musical), Jim Jacobs, Warren Casey, en.wikipedia.org; “Grease,” stageagent.com; Horwitz, Jane. “For co-creator Jim Jacobs, ‘Grease’ Is Still the Word (Even If It’s Cleaned Up),” Feb. 2, 2010. washingtonpost.com, the third
THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION — Shown is the original poster from Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s production ‘Grease.” Image from Original Chicago, Donna Jacobs Costello’s Facebook page. quote is from here; Robin, Marcy, “ ‘Grease:’ 10 Facts You’ve Proba-
bly Never Heard,” June 15, 2015, biography.com.
‘Dirty Dancing In Concert’ at the Embassy in February The Embassy Theatre, Lionsgate and GEA Live are bringing “Dirty Dancing in Concert” to the Embassy Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Patrons will have the time of their lives in the romance of this beloved classic with an unforgettably fun evening. Based on the iconic Academy Award-winning film, which was released 38 years ago, “Dirty Dancing in Concert” is bringing its magic back for a world tour in 2026 spanning more than 100 cities. Tickets are on sale now. Guests attending will have an unparalleled experience as they revisit the enduring love story of Baby and Johnny. The event will feature a screening of the digitally remastered movie while a live band and vocalists perform the hit songs in sync with a full-size screen on stage. The show continues on with an incredible after party, where the audience is encouraged to sing and dance to their favorite songs from the feature film and relive their best movie memories. “’Dirty Dancing’ has always been more than just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate across generations,” said Floris Douwes, producer and managing director at GEA Live. “We’re ecstatic to have the opportunity to bring this live-to-film celebration back to audiences around the world, combining the magic of the original film with the energy of a live
concert. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the 50th, this experience invites fans to fall in love with Baby and Johnny all over again and dance the night away.” A timeless classic, Lionsgate’s “Dirty Dancing” is the story of summertime romance with a beloved soundtrack and memorable dance scenes. Released in 1987, the film became an international box office
phenomenon. It was directed by Emile Ardolino, written by Eleanor Bergstein, produced by Linda Gottlieb, and starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, alongside Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes and Kelly Bishop. The soundtrack generated two multi-platinum albums and numerous singles, including the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song “(I’ve
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Had) The Time of My Life.” With a global box office total of over $214 million, it won over audiences all around the world. The film also spawned a television series, multiple competition reality shows, a prequel film, a stage production with sold-out performances around the world, a made-for-television musical adaptation and a Lionsgate sequel film in development.
Pricing is: $32.50, $41, $52.50, $68.50 and $88.50 (plus applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com and the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, by calling (260) 424-5665 or in person at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to performances.
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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Spotlight
For Barry Crosbie, Bluffton is home By CINDY LARSON Feature Writer
been heavily involved for years. “I love the fair a lot,” he said. So it was a joyous surprise this year when he was named grand marshal of the parade. When he was notified, “I started crying. It meant so much to me.” Street fairs were a big deal back in the day. In 1959, the Chicago Tribune came to Bluffton to cover the event. Crosbie and his twin brother,
One could say Barry Crosbie is a man about Bluffton. At 71, he has lived in Bluffton all his life and calls it a “great community to live in.” “I’m not bragging,” he said, but he estimates “90% of the people know my name.” Bluffton is known for its street fair, and Crosbie has
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Garry - two cute 5-year-olds at the time - were featured in the Tribune’s story. “I don’t think I’ve ever missed a fair,” Crosbie said, noting that “crowds aren’t as big as they used to be.” Crosbie knows so many people in Bluffton because he currently works three jobs. He is a visitor representative at Bluffton Regional Medical Center, a role he describes as similar to a doorman. He parks cars and tries to make people feel welcome. He has held the position for 20 years. He also owns a yard-care business, mowing about 45 to 50 yards each week. In the fall, he picks up leaves. In addition, Crosbie works at the Bluffton City Gym, where he runs the boys basketball program. He has coached boys in fifth through eighth grades for 30 years. “Every job I’ve ever done has been around people,” he said. “I just think Bluffton is a great community to live in,” he added. Crosbie said his family name has been well known in Bluffton for years. His father was the first man in Bluffton to roll a perfect 300 game in bowling. “I try to go to the fair every night,” he said. He enjoys the fair food and playing arcade games. One year, he won 150 stuffed animals. He plans to work as long as he can. “I gotta be around people,” Crosbie said. “I like the people of Bluffton,” he added. “The community is generous. They’re great people to work with. People care about people.” He and his wife, Jo Ellen, attend two church services each week - A City on the Hill Church and Life Community Church - because they enjoy
LIFELONG RESIDENT — Barry Crosbie of Bluffton has lived in the town all his life. He is holding a photo of him and his twin brother, Garry. Photo provided. them both. And Crosbie wants to give credit where credit is due for
his fortunate life. “I want to give God all the glory,” he said.
Got the blues? Hit the door By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features The first step toward combating loneliness could to be just walking out your front door, according to mental-health experts. Feeling isolated and alone has become a growing problem in today’s society. One simple solution is simply to get involved in an activity that interests you. Outdoor activities can bring in-
teraction with others who have similar interests, whether that includes taking scuba diving or canoeing lessons, joining a bicycle or camping club, getting involved in community outreach or church groups, or any number of creative alternatives. Whatever activity you pick, make sure it’s something you like. Make lifestyle changes that will stick, and new and better relationships will follow. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 5
Sports
By PHOEBE MUTHART Editor
“I enjoy what I do and love what I do,” she said. “If I help one person reach their goal, I feel like I’ve done something right.” Tinker is also active in the community. In 2019, she received the Outstanding Community Service in Southeast Fort Wayne Award from Transitional Health Inc. In 2024, she received the Unsung Hero Award from the Indiana Black Expo, Fort Wayne Chapter. Her sister has taught a dance class for eight years, which Tinker also attends to stay fit. In addition to teaching fitness classes, Tinker, 53, has worked for the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office for nearly 30 years. Her advice to others looking to get in shape: “It’s never too late to start.”
Need some motivation to get more physical and active this year? Dorothy Tinker might just inspire you. A fitness instructor, Tinker has been active her entire life. However, after seeing a photo of herself on Facebook several years ago, she realized she needed to get back in shape. “I didn’t like the way I looked,” Tinker said. Unhappy with her appearance, she decided to start going to the gym. That was 11 years ago. Today, Tinker is a CardioFit instructor, motivating others in her classes to reach their potential. Growing up, Tinker ran track in high school and was always an athlete. After graduating, she married and had children. Both of her sons were athletes. Tinker conducts classes twice a week and has been a fitness instructor at the McMillen Park Community Center for more than 12 years. She began taking fitness classes in 2012 and was asked to lead classes
a year later. She later became certified to teach CardioFit and boot camp classes and is also a personal trainer. While some days it can be difficult to find the motivation to work out, let alone lead a class, Tinker said she knows she will feel better afterward. “It’s mind over matter. Getting to class is half the battle,” she said. “If I’m asking them to do it, then I need to do it, too. My motto is a healthy body, a healthy you. If you look good, you feel good. I also empower, uplift and encourage others.” Tinker said participants in her classes are like family. “We keep each other motivated,” she said. “They uplift me. We have men and women.” Her classes include cardio, strength training, step dancing, chair exercises and workouts using drumsticks. “It’s a variety, and I do boot camp, too,” she said. “They don’t come to class and get the same thing every time. We work on legs and abs, too. I am helping others as well as myself.” After working out, Tinker said she feels refreshed and accomplished.
This is about a medical concern I had last summer. I’m fine, but this is my only chance to write funny stuff about a IN A lung biopsy. NUTSHELL I hope. By DICK When I arWOLFSIE rived at the hospital, I met Jill, the RN, and immediately asked her if the doctor assigned to me was good at what he did. Jill confirmed he was “the best we have here.” I admire nurses, but I don’t think they are as forthcoming as waitresses. “How’s the tilapia tonight, Tina?” “Not so good; it’s a little fishy. I’d try something else.” You don’t get this kind of honesty from your average nurse. “Is this Dr. Jones a good radiologist?”
amusing (he apparently reads I had to confirm my name and appropriately, but then just to “He’s no Dr. Smith, but I’m sure you’ll will be OK. Maybe throw her off, I asked her who my column every week), he’d date of birth again. This time you should try someone else.” the strange woman was sitting note it on my chart. it was because the hospital will Jill explained to me that after next to me. During the four hours I was not buy you a meal if you’re the procedure I would return I told the nurses how there, the staff constantly just having a $69 heart scan. to the recovery area and would incredibly nice everyone had asked my name and date of The food was good, but I’m not be allowed out of bed for been. She informed me that the birth, confirming that I was the a messy eater. When I was any reason for two hours. “So I right person getting the correct digging in, the wrist port for my staff treats everyone the same am going to encourage you to go procedure, and also to see if the IV got clogged up with mashed way, no matter who they are. to the bathroom now,” she said. But just to be sure, I told her meds they had administered potatoes. The nurse said she “How are you going to do anyway: Richard Wolfsie, March were affecting my ability to was required to note it on my that?” I asked. 5, 1947. recall information. Sometimes medical records. Technically, it The nurse seemed confused the same people asked me this was a blockage. by my attempt at being funny, question over and over again, Mary Ellen came back into but my wife became absolutely so I started to worry about their the recovery room and sat by hysterical at this remark. There memories. the bed. Jill came in and asked was even some talk of sedating Later, the staff brought me my name and date of birth her. lunch, but before I took a bite, for the 15th time. I responded I wanted to know if I was the physician’s first patient that morning, because the needle probe requires really good aim and I was hoping he had a chance to warm up on someone else first. When I saw the doctor, he informed me that we’d be talking to each other during the biopsy, but I would have no memory of what I said. He We are proud to provide compassionate care. promised me that, in the very Compassioncare. Meets Excellence unlikely eventWe I said something are proud to Where provide compassionate
FITNESS FANATIC — Dorothy Tinker teaches fitness classes in Fort Wayne. At 53, she enjoys being active and leading others who want to get in shape. Photo provided by Dorothy Tinker.
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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Blast to the Past! —
‘50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’ Paul Simon Paul Simon, in partnership with heavenly voiced Art Garfunkel, established himself as a major A Boomer Blast recording To The Past force during By RANDAL the 1960s. C. HILL When Simon and Garfunkel went their separate ways in 1970, each continued as a solo act. While Garfunkel recorded a few successful albums, Simon consistently did him better, especially with “Still Crazy After All These Years,” his solo LP that reached Number One on Billboard. It is from this disc that “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” came, following such previous hits as “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Loves Me Like a Rock.” In 1975, Paul and his first wife, Peggy Harper, called it quits after six years of marriage. One day, Simon had their 3-year-old son Harper at his Manhattan apartment, and Paul was trying to teach the lad how to rhyme words. Paul’s enjoyable endeavors ended up working their way into “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” a masterfully crafted piece of storytelling. Here Simon presents a snapshot of the tale as a dialogue, almost as a scene from a movie, as we witness his protagonist rushing from the ruins of a marriage into a (hopefully) better situation this time around. Unlike numerous country classics, Paul’s creation of a divorce song doesn’t get bogged
down with self-pity or overwrought reflection. One can almost imagine the New Yorkborn musical poet slyly winking as his rhyming list unfolds without a trace of viciousness or callousness. He recorded “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” around the rat-a-tat-tat of a military-style drumbeat and was backed up by three women singers of note - Valerie Simpson, Patti Austin and Phoebe Snow; their voices, though, are pushed into the background so as not to distract from Paul’s playful poetry. During the narrator’s journey, his awaiting lady friend offers what she thinks will help assuage Simon’s concerns about his departure: “The problem is all inside your head,” she said to me “The answer is easy if you take it logically “I’d like to help you in your struggle to be free “There must be 50 ways to leave your lover.” Did Paul actually did come up with exactly 50 clever lines involving the abandoning of a relationship? The answer is yes, but only five survived the limitations of a vinyl 45 at the time: “You just slip out the back, Jack “Make a new plan, Stan “You don’t need to be coy, Roy “Hop on the bus, Gus “Just drop off the key, Lee.” Paul Simon fans were thus deprived of a number of clever gems: “Act like a slob, Bob “Flee to a cave, Dave “Keep on lyin’, Brian “Offer to pay alimony, Tony “Finally use that canoe, Lou “Jump off the Staten Island ferry, Jerry “Say they’re not funny, Sunny.” Paul has married twice more
A 2011 PHOTO — Paul Simon playing his guitar at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., May 27, 2011. Photo by Matthew Straubmuller, ffrom flickr.com/photos/imatty35/5766935439/imatty35/. - to actress Carrie Fisher, then to singer Edie Brickell. He has always dismissed “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” as merely “a nonsense song.” Nonsense? Hardly. In fact, this clever concoction proves that you were really on the
ball, Paul! Bibliography - Book: Bronson, Fred. “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Third Edition),” (p. 428) New York: Billboard Publications, Inc., 1992. Internet: Breihan, Tom. “’50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’
by Paul Simon,” Aug. 23, 2019; stereogum.com. The Simon quote is from here; Leonetti, Michael. “The Other 45 Ways to Leave Your Lover That Paul Simon Didn’t Want You to See,” April 6, 2020, pointsincase. com.
Fight off ageism from healthcare By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features There’s a tendency for Full Color Circulars/Inserts Newsletters Postcards Booklets/ Catalogs Full Color Brochures
Your Print
solution Rodger Salinas
Ext. 2432 • rsalinas@the-papers.com
InkJet/Bulk Mailing Service Saddle-Stitch Bindery Newspapers Magazines Perfect Bind
1-800-733-4111
206 S. Main St., Milford • the-papers.com
health-care professionals to pass off complaints by old folks as just that - complaints. Medicines and medical treatments and procedures that might be prescribed for younger patients aren’t considered for older patients by many doctors. There’s the vintage joke about the doctor telling his nonagenarian patient that he should expect his left knee to hurt because it’s 90 years old. The patient then reminds the doc that his right knee is the same age and feels fine.
Seniors who feel their condition is being ignored should tell whoever their dealing to sit down and listen to how they feel. It might help to schedule an appointment and bring another person with you. They can help you articulate your condition and questions, as well as observe if you’re being treated like a child by your medical team. If you still feel like you’re being shrugged off, start looking for another doctor. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWSPAPERS & NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS The Audio Reading Service is for individuals of any age with visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading printed materials. This is a free service of the Allen County Public Library.
CONTACT US:
AUDIOREADER@ACPL.INFO (260) 421-1376
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 7
Elder Law
Commitment to Customer Care
Q. Who makes decisions for me if I don’t have a power of attorney? A. A power of attorney is a
Q. How does R&L Automotive handle phone calls from customers? A: Every call is answered with a friendly greeting. Staff are trained to listen carefully, provide clear information, and make sure customers feel valued from the very first hello.
Q: What happens if a custom‑ er leaves a message? A: R&L Automotive guarantees that all calls are returned the same business day. If a message comes in after hours, customers can expect a call back first thing the next morning.
Q: Why is same‑day commu‑ nication so important?
A: Owner and staff believe that timely responses build trust. “When someone’s car needs attention, waiting days for a call back isn’t acceptable. We make sure our customers know we’re here for them right away,”
RUSS YOUNG says the team.
Q: What kind of questions do customers usually ask over the phone?
A: Most callers want to schedule service, ask about pricing, or check on the status of their vehicle. R&L Automotive provides straightforward answers and, when needed, follows up with detailed information after consulting technicians.
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document that allows you to name someone else to transact business and make decisions for you. Often, we think about the power of attorney acting when someone no longer has mental capacity to handle their own decision making. If you do not have a power of attorney and you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself, some interested party will need to work through the court system to be appointed as your guardian. Generally, the guardian is someone who knows you and is willing to step forward. After a person is appointed
Heidi B. Adair Attorney at Law
as your guardian, that person is empowered to do things for you. The negative of a guardianship is the costs associated with setting it up and the ongoing reporting that must be given to the court. It is a far better practice to execute a power of attorney document well before you have diminished capacity. Suite 1100 110 West Berry Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 Telephone (260) 426-9706
DISCLAIMER: Heidi B. Adair and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, appreciate the opportunity to provide insight into legal topics of interest. The content of this article is designed to provide information of general interest to the public and is not intended to offer legal advice about specific situations or problems. Heidi B. Adair and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, do not intend to create an attorney-client relationship by offering this information, and anyone’s review of the information shall not be deemed to create such a relationship. You should consult a lawyer if you have a legal matter requiring attention. Heidi B. Adair and Beers Mallers, LLP Attorneys At Law, also advise that any information you send to this newsletter shall not be deemed secure or confidential. Please visit our office to ensure complete confidentiality.
Professional Forum Interested Businesses Call Kim Lamley 260-760-7022 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column
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Q. I am concerned that my spouse is showing signs of dementia – signs that they argue with me are just them getting older. I’m worried. Where can I go for help? Signs of dementia are often mistaken for signs of normal aging, such as forgetting names of people, trouble finding familiar places or performing routine tasks and uncharacteristic personality traits. While we may become more set in our ways as we age, our core personality traits will remain. If you see significant, unexplained changes in mood and personality, you have a reason for concern. You and your loved one need to see a healthcare professional who can perform physical and cognitive tests to determine a diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s or other condition. You and your spouse are about to begin a dementia journey that will be unique to both you as the caregiver and your loved one.
Kelly Zolman
GUIDE Nurse Practitioner AIHS now offers both clinical and social support through our GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program at no cost to qualified Medicare beneficiaries. Participants receive a diagnosis, personalized support to help stay at home, annual clinical assessment and dementia symptom management and ongoing caregiver education and support. Please know that you are not alone. The GUIDE Care Team will guide you through your journey with dementia.
8101 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804 www.agingihs.org | 260.745.1200
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8 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA quilting supplies and more. Cash only. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild.com. —o— The Embassy Theatre and Outback Presents are proud to announce that stand-up comedian and renowned storyteller Ali Siddiq is bringing his In The Shadows Tour to the historic Embassy Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets went on sale Thursday, Oct. 30. Pricing: $32, $42 and $54 (plus applicable fees). VIP opportunities available. Tickets can be purchased at fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com and the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy (260) 424-5665 at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. —o— The John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Kiwanis ChocolateFest, a chocolate-themed fundraising event benefiting Riley Hospital for Children and other children’s charities, programs and projects serving underserved and underprivileged youth throughout Allen County and Northeast Indiana. The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, (doors open at
5:30 p.m.) at Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne. Held the Friday before Valentine’s Day, ChocolateFest offers an evening designed to delight chocolate lovers while supporting a meaningful cause. Tickets are $65 each and will include the whole experience!. Companies so inclined, may purchase a corporate VIP table of eight for $750. VIP tables, located in a prime area, will have a special centerpiece with the donor’s name, recognition in the donor summary brochure and other benefits. For more information, to reserve your tickets, become a sponsor or donate silent auction items, contact the John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation at (260) 637-8184. There will be no tickets available for purchase at the door. Tickets are also available at givebutter. com/c/ChocolateFest2026. —o— The Embassy Theatre is excited to announce Down the Line 20 featuring five local bands, each paying tribute to a different era of music. This signature Embassy show will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets are now on sale. Tickets for this all-ages, general admission show are
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$20 if purchased at the box office. If purchased online, tickets are $23.50 (plus applicable convenience fees). The week of the show, ticket prices will increase to $25 at the box office and $28.50 online (plus convenience fees). Visit fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com or the STAR Bank Box Office at the Embassy (260) 424-5665, located at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission attendees. A limited early entry option is available for $30 at the box office or $33.50 online (plus convenience fees). —o— The Embassy Theatre and Outback Presents have partners to bring the Killers of Tony standup show to Fort Wayne at 7 p.m. March 20. Pricing: $36.75, $46.75, $56.75 and $66.75 (plus applicable fees). Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com and at the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. —o— Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Fern’s Fairylight Express until April 12. All aboard the BoContinued on page 10
Living
@RiverfrontFW on Facebook for weekly themes and announcements. —o— Legal Issues Seminar: A 90-minute seminar open to the public will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. (The church is located about two blocks south of the Dupont Road and Coldwater Road intersection.) During the seminar, there will be information on wills, trusts, power of attorney, medical representatives, estate planning, probate and other legal issues. There will also be a time for questions. There is no cost for this seminar and no registration required. The presenter will be Roy F. Kiplinger, owner of the Kiplinger Law Firm, P.C. He has been practicing law for over 30 years. His office is located at 229 W. Berry St., Suite 200, Fort Wayne. —o— Appleseed Quilters Guild February monthly meeting will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Mizpah Shrine Center, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne. This will be the Annual Guild Garage Sale, including patterns, fabric, quilts,
Apartment
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 20th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number. —o— Appleseed Quilters Guild January monthly meeting will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Mizpah Shrine Center, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne. The meeting will feature Speaker Stephanie Scheele, Vera Bradley Foundation. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild. com. —o— Play in the Park: Winter Nights Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne. Play in the Park: Winter Nights, in partnership with FortLan, brings families and friends together for evenings packed with board games, group challenges and cozy fun. Whether you’re competing, collaborating or simply watching the action, this event brightens even the chilliest nights. Follow
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 9
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
Family history and genealogy workshops The Family History and Genealogy Workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning about researching genealogy. This group is sponsored by the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana, Inc. A workshop will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, in The Genealogy Center on the second floor of the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne. The topic for this workshop will be researching census records, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records and other legal documents.
Family Tree Maker Users Group The Family Tree Maker Users Group is open to anyone interested in learning how to use genealogy software such as Legacy, Roots Magic, and Family Tree Maker. The Users Group is free; no registration required. The Family Tree Maker Users Group will meet at at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in The Genealogy Center on the second floor of the Allen County Public Library. The topic for this session will be data entry and correct reference information.
CONTEMPORARY GLASS — The Fort Wayne Museum of Art recently received a large gift of contemporary studio glass from Dena and Ralph Lowenbach consisting of 96 contemporary works of art. Photo provided by the museum.
Museum ignites new season of glass with major gift The Fort Wayne Museum of Art recently received a large gift of contemporary studio glass from Dena and Ralph Lowenbach consisting of 96 contemporary works of art from the Lowenbach’s personal collection. A partial list of artists represented in the donation includes Karen LaMonte, Duncan McClellan, Vladimira Klumpar, Michael Pavlik and Judith Shechter. According to Charles Shepard, president and CEO, this gift will catapult the museum into its next century of collecting. Ralph and his late wife, Dena Lowenbach, are New Jersey-based collectors who built a remarkable collection of
contemporary glass sculptures, which will now find a permanent and public home in Fort Wayne, for everyone to enjoy. Collectors, like the couple, spend a lifetime supporting artists with their acquisitions, and because of their forward-thinking generosity, the collection now lives on in the public realm. Selected works from the Lowenbach collection are now on display in the newest addition to the museum’s exhibition space - the Illumination Gallery. This new gallery highlights 70 studio glass sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection. In celebration of the entire Lowenbach donation, the museum
plans to have an exhibition this winter. It will introduce visitors to the gifted works. General admission to the museum is free for FWMoA members, $10 adults, $8 for children 2-17, college students with valid ID, and seniors 65plus. Children under 2 are free. Veterans, active military personnel, their spouses and children 17 and under in the same household receive free admission. General admission is free the second Thursday of the month. FWMoA gallery hours are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit fwmoa.org.
Fort Wayne Farm Show set for Jan. 13–15 The Fort Wayne Farm Show will return Jan. 13-15, welcoming more than 25,000 farmers and agricultural industry professionals from across the Midwest. The show is known for featuring the latest in farm technology and innovation, offering the region’s largest selection of farm equipment and services under one roof. The Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with Purdue Cooperative Extension Services, will present daily educational seminars focused on current agricultural topics. A highlight of this year’s event is a grand prize giveaway of a 54-inch Toro TimeCutter
zero-turn lawnmower, donated by Plevna Implement, 1503 Wiant Drive, Garrett. Entry is free. The Indiana FFA Scholarship Foundation will host benefit auctions at 1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Proceeds support FFA scholarships, with the annual auction raising more than $20,000 for the foundation. The Fort Wayne Farm Show is produced by Tradexpos Inc., which also produces the North American Farm and Power Show in Owatonna, Minn., and the Topeka Farm Show in Kansas. Show hours are: • From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. • From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14. • From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15. Admission is free. More information is available at tradexpos.com.
Check out all of our publications online:
inkfreenews.com thepapersonline.com themailjournal.com shoppingguidenews.com autorv.com themunicipal.com glo-mag.com lakelifemagazine.com homelivingplacesandspaces.com seniorlifenewspapers.com
PARK DONATION — Steven Stewart of the New Haven Lions Club presented a check for $50,151.03 to Nick Goranson, director of the New Haven Parks and Recreation Department, and Irv Arnold, president of the New Haven Parks and Recreation board. The donation is to provide an accessible playground for Werling Park, New Haven. The New Haven Lions Club has been raising funds for the playground since February 2024. “It is the hope of the members of New Haven Lions Club that all children will play on and enjoy the new playground,” said Stewart. Photo provided by Steven Stewart.
I It’s easy! Simply find the ‘Winter Wear’ on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. Thiss will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25.
(Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, January 12, 2026. Brought To You By
206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542
The winner of the I Spy Contest for December is Bonnie Woodlee from Elkhart. The ‘Winter Trimmings’ were located on page 6 in Senior Life Allen; page 17 in Senior Life Northwest; page 16 in Senior Life Elko and page 1 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
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10 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Faith
Dance, faith and family shape Dyson’s life By LINDA LIPP Feature Writer There’s an old adage that says if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. They don’t get much busier than 85-year-old Janice Dyson. She raised five children, taught dance for more than 70 years, helped organize the annual craft bazaar at the New Haven United Methodist Church for 12 years, taught Sunday school there for 17 years, designs and sews her own craft items, and does alterations. Among other things. Woven into all of them are three themes: faith, family and tap dancing. Born near Philadelphia, Dyson moved with her family to Fort Wayne when she was 10. She loved to dance, and her father made a foldable, movable wooden floor that she could tap on. One day, when she was tap dancing on the board outside, a little girl came by and asked if Dyson could give her lessons. She checked with her own dance teacher first, then jumped in with both feet. “The next thing I knew, I had 40 students,” she recalled.
Dyson was only 12 years old. The dance studio she founded, now run by her daughter, will perform its 74th annual recital this year. Church has always been an important part of Dyson’s life. Her family were Methodists, and when they moved from Fort Wayne to New Haven, they joined the United Methodist Church there. She’s still an active member. “I would never leave the church. I have so many friends there. That’s the church to me friends, serving. Not the minister. Not the building,” she said. “You need to go and be filled every week, but I’m a believer that you could go worship in the woods or sit at home and worship. The church is people.” Dyson and her husband, David, have been married 66 years and raised four daughters and one son together. He worked days, she taught in the evenings in the studio attached to the house, and it took a lot of organization to keep things on track. “I had everything written down - where they had to be, food prepared ahead. They’d come home
and read the note and do what it said,” she recalled. Dyson was also ready to help when her church needed something. Most recently, she cooked all the food sold at the December craft bazaar, which she helped organize. Muffins for breakfast. Soup and sandwiches for later. Everything sold out. Over the years, Dyson estimated, the number of dance students she has taught is probably in the thousands. Add in the first graders she taught in Sunday school, and “I can’t go anywhere without knowing somebody.” She still works with a small group of dance class alumni, who perform mostly at nursing homes. The now-grown dancers include a lawyer, a teacher, a nurse and a firefighter. “We all laugh and reminisce and have a good time,” she said. In her free time, Dyson makes aprons, doll clothes, children’s items, wreaths and other crafts. She uses bits of fabric and recycled materials to create her works and is always looking for new ideas. “I just have to be doing something all the time,” she said.
SMOOTH MOVES — Janice Dyson, who began teaching dance when she was 12, shows off a few moves. She helps organize the annual craft bazaar at the New Haven United Methodist Church for 12 years, and taught Sunday school there for 17 years. Photo provided by Janice Dyson.
Science Central is a Pinnacle Award Winner Science Central is now a Pinnacle Award Winner. The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration has recognized content provider, Science Central, for receiving outstanding ratings for its live virtual programs. “The Pinnacle Awards cel-
ebrate the best of the best in live, virtual learning,” said Dr. Tania Lyon, director of Strategic Learning Systems at CILC. “These content providers don’t just deliver programs — they ignite curiosity, create real connections with people and make learning unforgettable.”
Each year, content providers, representing museums, science centers, art galleries, zoos, aquariums, musicians and authors from around the world, are acknowledged for their “Programs of Distinction” and for receiving top-tier evaluations by educators and activity directors.
As a four-time recipient of this annual award, Science Central stands out as an exemplary, live virtual program content creator. Science Central’s Live Virtual Programs provide hands-on curriculum in an engaging and exciting assortment of labs and demonstrations through live we-
binars. Participants can choose programs that best fit their specific needs. Visit ScienceCentral. org/educators to learn more. Science Central is located at 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. For more information, contact Science Central at (260) 4242400.
The center is located at 710 Opportunity Drive, Columbia City. Pixie bingo, 9 a.m. on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month. Line dancing, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Euchre, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Friday. Bible study with Cheryl, 9 a.m. Tuesday. Alzheimer/Dementia by Aging & In Home Services, 10 a.m on the first Thursday of each month. Chair exercises, 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Drumming for Joy with Lindsay, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesday. Blood pressure check, 10:45 a.m. the second Wednesday. Health class with Darcy Hoopingarner, 11 a.m. on the
first Monday. Birthday lunch/entertainment, second Thursday of each month. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and entertainment is at 12:15 p.m. Rotary, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Tenderloin lunch, 11:30 a.m. the third Monday of each month. Entertainment is at 12:15 p.m. Dominoes, noon Tuesday. Rural Respite with Aging and In Home Services, noon to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Miller’s craft/games, 12:15 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month. Afternoon euchre, 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Hand and foot card game, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Bible study with Bob, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Euchre tournament, 12:30
p.m. on the third Thursday. Painting with Evie, 12:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Mah Jongg, 1 p.m. every other Monday. The League, 1:30 p.m. every third Tuesday. Cash Bingo, 5 p.m. Thursday starting mid-January. Grieving with Kim, 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday. —o— McMillen Park Community Center For information, visit fortwayneparks.org or call (260) 427-6000. The center is located at 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne. Pickleball, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Open gym, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Adult open gym, 6-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Adult yoga, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday and noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Volleyball, 6-8 p.m. Monday. Badminton, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. CardioFit, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Essential steps, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Yoga for seniors, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Yoga for adults, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Men’s basketball league, 6-9 p.m. Thursday.
UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA Continued from page 8
tanical Conservatory’s journey of discovery, imagination and botanical wonder. This winter, step into a one-of-a-kind exhibit where the magic of trains transports you to a whimsical world as part of an enchanting story by local Author/ Illustrator Talitha Shipman. Read along and join your new favorite characters, Fern, Bug and Sprout on an unforgettable adventure through Fairy Glen. “Comfort Keepers was an invaluable asset in my toolbox regarding my mother’s home healthcare requirements. I was able to go to work and concentrate on other aspects of my mother’s healthcare needs. It gave me a “peace of mind” feeling on a daily basis knowing that their qualified staff would handle things at mom’s house and keep me updated. Comfort Keepers is a local outstanding healthcare organization; I would recommend them for any in-home healthcare needs” Robert G.R. Son of client, Fort Wayne
Experience the magical transformation of the Fairylight Express as you work together to get it back on track. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne. —o— Woodlands Senior Activity Center For more information, call (260) 248-8944 or visit whitleycountycouncilonaging.org. “Comfort Keepers is an outstanding healthcare organization in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas. Their professional staff worked with my son to set up a well-balanced healthcare plan that allowed me to stay at my own home and enjoy my later years. Thus, I was able to do everyday activities on my terms. They helped me with personal hygiene needs, light housework, meal preparation, and medication reminders. They treated me like family.” K. Ellen L. Client, Fort Wayne
Concordia Cemetery & Cremation Gardens Burial Lots Mausoleum Crypts Cremation Options 5365 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN DON REMENSCHNEIDER Superintendent
(260) 749-9836
www.concordiacemetery.com
TODD BUSICK Family Advisor
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 11
EGYPT’S ENDURING MONUMENT — One of the massive Giza Pyramids that tower over the Egyptian Desert, on the outskirts of metropolitan Giza. Photo from dreamstime, Mature Life Features.
STONE SENTINEL — The Great Sphinx of Giza, a limestone statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, guards the adjacent Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza necropolis. Photo from Fyllis Hockman, Mature Life Features.
6,000 years of history survive in Egypt By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features I’m looking over the Nile River from a hotel balcony in Cairo, Egypt - a fantasy land I’ve heard about my whole life. I needed to revel in the moment. I was about to begin a magical journey through 6,000 years of history, and then accept the hard truth. How do you recapture 60 centuries of history in words? All I can do is let you experience a little bit of Egypt the way I did. Consider first a stop at the Egyptian Museum as an introduction to the many iconic sites across the country. Amid the many monochromatic miles lies Sakkara, a sprawling complex of temples, pyramids and crypts. The largest of the many tombs is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. It dates back to 2650 B.C.E. and remains the oldest stone structure in the world.
The statue of Ramses II in Memphis that’s 3,200 years old is an intimidating size about 36 feet tall, and that’s with its legs cut off. Ramses reigned for 67 years, the longest of all the pharaohs, and was the most prolific builder of temples. His list of 55 wives and 115 children is pretty impressive, too. The Valley of the Kings outside Luxor takes you deeper into the tombs of the most famous of Egypt’s rulers. These pharaohs had their tombs chiseled deep into the sides of desolate cliffs. Because they had been sealed so long, the walls preserved their colors to look as if they were just painted. Deeply etched carvings depicted in hieroglyphic symbols described the journey to the afterlife appear as if they were recently crafted. Our guide, Hussien, spoke fluent hieroglyphics and could read the walls like a storybook. Thus, we learned
of the royal lives of the kings and the everyday lives of the villagers from 5,000 years ago. Sort of ironic that our country celebrates the historic lives of the colonists who lived 250 years ago in Williamsburg. Pyramids have always been a fanciful figment far away and so long ago, but nothing I could personally relate to - until now. Landscapes were reshaped to the ego of the pharaoh to ensure his safe journey into the next life along with all the accoutrements - jewelry, foodstuffs, furniture, chariots, weapons - he had acquired. The Pyramids of Giza pretty much define Egypt. No matter what else you see, this probably will be where your mind’s eye returns whenever you look back on the trip. The Great Pyramid, at 480 feet tall and built more than 4,500 years ago, is the last of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World to still stand.
Schemers and scammers Reliable Medicare always in season By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Looking at the 2 million to 3 million massive boulders hauled around the clock from limestone quarries 20 miles away over a 20-year span, I could imagine the 10,000 workers sweating and straining to create this eternal edifice in honor of the pharaoh Khufu. “Take some time to revel in the history embedded in every block of stone and the incomprehensible size of each structure standing tall in the desert sand,” intoned Hussien. From afar, the surface of the pyramid looks smooth. As you get closer, you can see the enormity of each stone, several feet in diameter, carefully placed beside and atop the others. To look at the pyramids astride a camel added a whole new level of authenticity not usually associated with standard sightseeing options. As I climbed newly embedded stairs onto the pyramid itself, I wondered if
Khufu would take offense. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to be impressed by the size of anything else anytime soon. And then we came to the Sphinx - the inscrutable and mysterious Sphinx, equally as old and carved from almost one piece of limestone. The head of a man and the body of a lion represent the combination of intelligence and strength attributed to the pharaohs. While our OAT tour took a deeper dive into other ancient temple complexes as well as a taste of Egyptian lifestyle and culture, archaeologists have announced that they have uncovered yet another trove of ancient artifacts at the necropolis of Sakkara, including mummies and bronze statues dating back 2,500 years. I suspect that will continue to be true for quite some time. After all, it’s been going on for 6,000 years. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
If you are turning 65 or retiring, call us today to set up a time to learn more about Medicare If you are turning Advantage plans. 65 or retiring, call us today to set up a time to learn more about Medicare If you are turning or retiring, With one-to-one support from an65 agent, you can call us today Advantage plans. to set up a time learn more about Medicare get clear, helpful answers to all to your Medicare plans. With one-to-one from an agent, can questions, bigAdvantage and support small. You’ll learn why soyou many
Reliable Medicare plans with benefits get clear, helpful answers to all youras Medicare people choose Medicare Advantage, well Reliable Medicare With one-to-one support from an agent, you can planstowith benefits bigbest and meet small.your You’ll learn why so many asquestions, which plans specific health, built be used get Medicare clear, helpful answersastowell all your Medicare peopleand choose Advantage, budget medication needs. And you can questions, bigyour and specific small. why so many as which best meet health, withplans confidence, knowing that 4 You’ll out oflearn 5 builtplans to bewith used benefits enroll people choose Medicare Advantage, budget and medication needs. And you can members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medicare as well as which plans best meet specific health, built to be used enroll withcoverage. confidence, knowing that 4your out of 5 Advantage budget and medication needs. And you can
A Social Security scam linked to tax time can reach you any time of year via e-mail, telephone or the postal service. The thieves offer refunds of Social Security taxes you’ve paid over the years, an attractive lure during the economic slough in which everyone has been wallowing. This is not, repeat - not - even remotely connected to the Social Security Administration. The schemers usually offer to file a refund claim with the Internal Revenue Service in return for a percentage of the refund and an up-front fee of $100 or thereabouts for doing the paper work. The only sure thing that will happen is that you lose whatever money you send to these crooks. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medicare enroll with confidence, knowing that 4 out of 5 Advantage coverage. members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medica Advantage coverage.
Contact us today at 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711. Contact us today Plans are insured throughat UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711. affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract Contact us today and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. May Member recommendations TTY 711. at2024. 1-844-236-3281, based on Human8, May 2023. © 2025 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Y0066_P1856400_C P1856400
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Call-in service removes barriers to hearing the Gospel Worship Anew has launched a new service to allow aging adults to call in on their telephone to hear the “Worship Anew” program each week. Worship Anew’s mission is to engage and equip aging adults with resources to live a full and abundant life in Jesus Christ. But, for those who have poor eyesight, watching the program can be difficult. The
program is available on the call-in service and will have enhanced audio description to make understanding the program easier. The service also allows anyone, anywhere to hear the program, regardless of local broadcast availability or internet access. “At Worship Anew, we want to make it possible for every
person to hear the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Thus, we’re grateful to remove any barriers that aging adults may have to hearing God’s Word shared,” said Matthew Leighty, executive director. “Many older adults do not have reliable internet access or the ability to navigate digital platforms. Others have vision impairments that make
Some prostate-cancer risks identified By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features Age, diet, race, and nationality all play a role in prostate-cancer risk, according to the American cancer society. So does family history. While the causes of this disease that no one likes to talk about are still unknown, statistics reveal that 60% of the cases are diagnosed in men older than 60 years.
Asian men are the least likely to contract this disease while African-Americans are 70% more at risk than white males. It’s also more common in ethnic groups from northwestern Europe and North America than it is among those from Central and South America and Africa. A sibling or parent with prostate cancer doubles your chances of contracting the disease. Men with a female relative
who has contracted or has a high risk of contracting breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. So do men who have undergone vasectomies. Reducing the consumption of red meat and high-fat dairy products reportedly reduces the risk as does eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
viewing screens difficult or simply prefer the familiarity and simplicity of listening to ‘Worship Anew’ on a traditional telephone. This system makes it extremely easy for aging adults to hear the comforting message of God’s word each week, regardless of their circumstances.” The program is available to hear by calling the Worship Anew office at (888) 286-8002 and selecting the program from the menu options or dialing the call-in service directly at (260) 440-8476. Listeners will be prompted to press any key or say “play” to begin. Additionally, Worship Anew also provides closed captioning for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring that the spoken words and messages are clearly visible on the screen. This feature is available on TV stations nationwide, online, and through the Worship Anew app, making the program
accessible in multiple formats. During hymns, subtitles are displayed, allowing everyone to follow along with the lyrics and join in singing the dearly-loved hymns. The call-in service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing listeners to access spiritual comfort and God’s word whenever they need it most. The newest program will be available by Friday each week. “We hope that aging adults will find comfort in hearing of the love of Christ as shared in God’s word,” Leighty said. The weekly worship program, Worship Anew, is a liturgical service based in the doctrine of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and features well-known and dearly-loved hymns. A rotation of six pastors provides the message each week. To read about all of the ways to watch or listen to Worship Anew, visit worshipanew.org.
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide
Adams Heritage
12011 Whittern Road, Monroeville, IN 46773 (260) 623-6440 • www.adamsheritage.org
Orchard Pointe Health Campus
702 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-3333 • www.orchardpointehc.com
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory, Outpatient Therapy, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care. Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Adams Woodcrest
1300 Mercer Avenue, Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 724-3311 • www.adamswoodcrest.org
Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Memory Care Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Golden Years Homestead 3136 Goeglein Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 749-9655 • Greencroft.org/GoldenYears
Comprehensive care with assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory care, respite care, and on-site/outpatient therapy; Medicare/ Medicaid accepted.
Grand Marquis
300 East Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-5511 • jmull@tgmsi.com Assisted Living; 50+ Community; Pets Allowed; Medicaid Waiver; Private Rooms; Weekly Events; RCAP Program; Conveniently Located; 24/7 Nursing Staff; On-site Therapy; Downtown Lifestyle; Concierge Service; Smoking Area; Restaurant Style Dining
Life Care Center of Fort Wayne
1649 Spy Run Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 422-8520 • www.lcca.com Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled-Licensed Nursing Or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Wound Care, Outpatient Therapy, Medical Transportation, Medicare/Medicaid, Pet Visitation Allowed
Offering Memory Care, Assisted & Independent Living Apartments and Skilled Services. We’ll meet you with the appropriate level of care wherever you are — whether you’re fully independent or looking for additional assistance. Call us.
The Cedars
14409 Sunrise Court, Leo, IN 46765 (260) 627-2191 • www.thecedarsrc.com
Assisted Living, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing Or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid
The Village at Anthony Boulevard
6701 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46816 (260) 447-1591 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org
Assisted Living, Rehab Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid, Outpatient Therapy
The Village at Kendallville
351 North Allen Chapel Road, Kendallville, IN 46755-0429 (260) 347-2256 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org
Rehab Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Outpatient Therapy, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare/Medicaid, 3 Years Deficiency Free Surveys
The Village at Pine Valley
9802 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 469-0600 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org Rehab Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/ Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid, Outpatient Therapy
Contact Kim For More Details! 260-760-7022 slallen@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 13
HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY A COMPLETE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
ADAMS WOODCREST 1300 Mercer Avenue Decatur, IN 46733 Phone: (260) 724-3311 www.adamswoodcrest.org
Independent Living, Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Residential & Assisted Living, Short Term Rehab (PT, OT, ST), Healthcare & Dementia Care, Skilled & Intermediate, Long Term Nursing Care, Life Enrichment Activities, Fitness Center Membership
COMMUNITY SERVICE
HOMEBOUND MEALS PO Box 10179 Fort Wayne, IN 46850 Phone: (260) 422-3296 www.homeboundmealsfw.org
Homebound Meals, Inc. volunteers deliver nutritious, medically tailored meals to seniors and homebound individuals in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.
HOME CARE SERVICES
THE CEDARS 14409 Sunrise Court Leo, IN 46765 Phone: (260) 627-2191 www.thecedarsrc.com
Complete Retirement Amenities: Skilled & Intermediate Long Term Nursing Care, Assisted & Residential Apartments, Total Rehab Unit, Villa Of The Cedars With Condominium Homes - “Come To The Country”
INTEGRITY HOME CARE, LLC Fort Wayne, IN Phone: (260) 452-9691 ajones@integrityhhc.com
“Stay Home With Integrity.” Providing assistance to those in need in the comfort of their own home.
ASSISTED, INDEPENDENT LIVING & NURSING CARE HOME HEALTH CARE
LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE 1649 Spy Run Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Phone: (260) 422-8520 www.lifecarecenteroffortwaynein.com
Newly remodeled facility, top-of-the-line service for rehab patients. Rapid rehab program, separate wing with 30 rehab suites — private single bed for short-term patients. Medicare, Medicaid & insurances accepted.
BRIGHTSTAR 333 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Phone: (260) 918-0933 www.brightstarcare.com/fort-wayne
Enthusiastic, kind personal level client care connection, 24/7 support enables clients to check on loved ones. Rigorous caregiver screen/background check ensures optimal security & family peace of mind.
HOME PET CARE
• Creating A Higher Standard of Care • Board certified audiologists by the American Board of Audiology serving Fort Wayne since 1967. • Offices located in Fort Wayne, Auburn and Angola. PROVIDING • Hearing Evaluations, Hearing Aids, Assistive Listening Devices and Auditory Training • FREE TRIAL HEARING AID PROGRAM
AT HOME HEALERS HOMECARE LLC 7230 Engle Road, Suite 205 Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Phone: (260) 702-0897 care@athomehealershc.com www.athomehealershc.com Personalized centered care: post surgery, Alzheimers & Dementia specialized support, Veteran & personal assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming), light housekeeping, daily/weekly meal prep, appointment transportation. No minimum hourly contract, 24/HR care, two nurse owned & operated, FREE in-home assessment!
COMFORT KEEPERS 3182 Mallard Cove Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Phone: (260) 484-5858 MollyTritch@comfortkeepers.com Comfort Keepers provides award winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities.
MEMORY CARE
A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE
AUDIOLOGY
CARTER HEARING CLINICS 1335 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 NORTHEAST: 3136 Goeglein Rd., Suite A Phone: (260) 436-6400 or (877) 436-6401 www.carterhearingclinics.com
IN-HOME CARE
HUMANE FORT WAYNE IN-HOME SERVICES 901 Leesburg Road Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Phone: (260) 744-0454 www.humanefw.org/get-help/pet-promises/
This FREE program helps seniors care for their pets. Services include grooming, walking, waste clean-up, wellness checks, transportation and more.
LIFE CARE CENTER OF FORT WAYNE 1649 Spy Run Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Phone: (260) 422-8520 www.lcca.com
Denton Hall, Memory Care Unit We offer a premier special care unit for those with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. We provide a safe, homelike environment to increase and/or maintain each resident’s level of function at its highest sustainable stage.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
HOOSIER PHYSICAL THERAPY Michael F. Barile, D.C., P.T. 3030 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Phone: (260) 420-4400 www.hoosierpt.com Medicare Assignment Accepted “Personalized Care”
Call Kim At 260-760-7022 To Join Our Health Services Directory
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14 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Travel
FORMER HOSPITAL — The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, Del., is the former site of a hospital that treated wounded from both sides. Photo by Jon Bilous, Dreamstime.com.
HISTORICAL SITE — Independence Hall National Historical Park, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Photo by F11 photo, Dreamstime.com.
From Liberty Hall To The High Seas:
America marks its semiquincentennial By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist In Philadelphia recently, a crowd gathered to enjoy a “Musical Medley,” a reenactment of George Washington’s commissioning and wreath-laying at the tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. It was a collection of historic ships along the Delaware River which people checked out and were allowed to board. Other folks have been climbing into an Airstream travel trailer which is making a yearlong cross-country tour. Once inside, they’re recording stories of their family history, honoring
a local hero or simply describing what it means to them to be an American. These are among countless examples of activities being undertaken, and planned, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. They all recall the moment when the Founding Fathers, gathered in Philadelphia, declared independence of the 13 American colonies from Great Britain. This historic event joined together disparate people with equally diverse backgrounds. It included Virginia, where Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first permanent
Memories in Motion
“Memories to Last a Lifetime”
English settlement in the New World. The Massachusetts Plymouth Colony, created in 1620. And Maryland, founded by Lord Baltimore in 1632. These and other states, and cities, have planned a year-long list of festivities to recognize and honor this special birthday. Some will be solemn and serious, others less so. All will attract people from near and far who are seeking to recall and commemorate the nation’s birth, past and accomplishments. Wherever you live, whatever your interests there’s sure to be a choice of exciting, and educational, events that you may wish to take in. Indiana will do its part to join in the celebration. Among activities in the Hoosier State will be Pioneer Day, a Colonial Fair and a deep dive into the
EXTENDED SAILINGS — American Cruise Lines’ American Symphony will provided extended sailings honoring the nation’s founding. Photo by American Cruise Lines. events and causes of the American Revolution. The festivities in Philadelphia is part of a year-long
party. The Declaration of Independence and wording of the U.S. Constitution were both Continued on page 15
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Including Visit to Historic Lambeau Field Steve and Sheila Magsamen, Tour Managers Decatur & Fort Wayne Departures une 27-30, 2022………..Mississippi Riverboat Cruise HONORING REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS — The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War 260-432-8488 www.memoriesinmotion.net Soldier, located in Washington Square, Philadelphia, Pa., honors the thousands of soldiers who died during the American Revolutionary War. Photo by Ark. Neyman, Dreamstime.com. uly 29 – August 10, 2022…….….Nova Scotia, Canada
ept. 13-16, 2022……………….Niagara Falls, Canada
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January 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 15
Travel
RIVER CRUISES — American Cruise Lines’ American Eagle will be launching extended river cruises throughout 2026. Photo provided by American Eagle
America marks Continued from page 14
debated and signed there at Independence Hall. Close by is the Liberty Bell, which was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens to public meetings and proclamations. At the Museum of the American Revolution, located just steps away from Independence Hall, immersive galleries, interactive exhibits and theater experiences relate compelling stories of the people and complex events that helped to spark the rebellion. Celebration of the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the self-proclaimed City of Brotherly Love got underway this fall with a parade
of ships along the Delaware River, a Toast to the Navy gala, and a gathering meeting at the tavern, which was the birthplace of the Marine Corps. States also will get into the action. A web-based hub has been posted which helps residents of, and visitors to, Delaware locate sites associated with the semiquincentennial remembrance. It includes a three-day Revolutionary War driving itinerary; a calendar of events listing special exhibitions and other related activities, and an overview places with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. These include Cooch’s Bridge, sight of the only sig-
nificant military action in the state, and the Grand Opera House, former site of a hospital that treated wounded from both sides during the fighting. A road trip through Massachusetts is like an immersion in history. That state kicked off its fetes by reliving the Battle of Lexington when - on April 19, 1775 - the British sent 700 soldiers from Boston to destroy ammunition and other supplies and the town’s militia confronted them, leaving eight colonists dead. George Washington wrote “Teh first blood was spilt,” and the American Revolutionary War had begun. After Lexington, the British marched to Concord
MIDNIGHT RIDE — A statue of Paul Revere commemorates his midnight ride. Photo by Jorge Salcedo, Dreamstime.com. to ransack more equipment. Among displays at that town’s museum is the iron-and-glass lantern that Paul Revere famously carried during the “midnight ride” recalled in the familiar poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Events in Philadelphia and along the Delaware River recalling and recounting the genesis of the U.S. Navy aren’t the only water-related activities planned. American Cruise
Check your cruise requirements, then check again By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Seasoned travelers are aware of the multi-leveled airline fees to take into account when making travel plans but the fine print in cruise clauses can also be costly. Stories abound of hefty cancellation fees, especially by first-timers who take the word of their travel agent or cruise customer-service representative that there will be a full refund if the buyers have to cancel
their voyage. The fine print in many cases will clarify that there is a 75% cancellation fee so the refund is but 25% of the total cost. Cruise lines have been raking in easy money from folks who don’t read their contracts carefully. Wannabe cruisers also are making all kinds of mistakes, from not remembering to check their testing requirements to overlooking their passport expiration.
Representatives of the cruise lines may be able to assure people with health conditions or impairments that they can be accommodated comfortably aboard ship, but there’s no mention of the problems they might have boarding the airliner that will fly them to and from the vessel. A major mistake many make is ignoring international travel requirements. Entry requirements vary by country. Even if you’ve sailed on a cruise lines’ ships before, rules and regulations
have changed. If you have a voucher for future cruise credits, check the expiration date on the voucher. What happens if you get sick on the voyage? Get sufficient travel insurance to cover you should you be quarantined in a foreign port for a couple of weeks and the cost to get you home. After you’ve done all this, confirm and re-confirm your travel requirements before your cruise because requirements change. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
Bursitis doesn’t have to become a pain in the neck
By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features
You pick up your newborn grandchild and feel all of the joy and love in your heart that a proud grandparent is expected to experience when a throbbing pain in your shoulder ruins that special moment. Bursitis happens. It occurs when a bursa is inflamed. We each have about 160 bursae in our body. These little, fluid-filled sacs cushion pressure and lubricate points between our bones, tendons, and muscles near our joints. They’re lined with synovial cells that produce a lubricant to reduce friction. This cushioning and lubrication allow our joints to move easily.
When a person has bursitis - inflammation of the bursa - movement or pressure is painful. Overuse, injury and an infection from gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause bursitis. Any bursa can become affected, but the most common places are the shoulder, elbow, ankle, knee, buttocks, hip and thigh. Many cases are mild so lots of people with bursitis sit it out or self-treat and never see a doctor about it. Medical experts estimate one in every 200 patient visits are because of bursitis. Bursitis is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: pain that increases with movement or pressure, tenderness even without
movement, swelling, and loss of movement. Bursitis is caused by an infection and may include these additional symptoms: fever, the affected area is red, and the affected area feels hot when touched. Bursitis can be caused by an injury, infection, or preexisting conditions in which crystals can form in the bursa. An injury can irritate the tissue inside the bursa and cause inflammation. Bursitis caused by an injury usually takes time to develop. Instances of bursitis include: • Tennis elbow: common among tennis players and golfers, repetitive bending of the elbow can lead to injury and inflammation.
• Clergyman’s knee: repeated kneeling can cause injury and swelling to the bursae in the knee. • Shoulder: caused by repeated overhead lifting or reaching upwards. • Ankle: can be caused by walking too much and with the wrong shoes. It’s also common among ice skaters and athletes. • Buttocks: the bursae in that area can become inflamed after sitting on a hard surface, such as a bicycle, for a long time. • Hips: long-distance runners as well as middle-distance runners and sprinters who train a lot can develop hip bursitis. • Thigh: this can be caused by stretching. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
Lines, the largest river cruise company in the country, will launch an array of extended sailings throughout the year in honor of the nation’s founding. They will include Great United States, Spring Across America and Civil War Battlefields itineraries. Whether you prefer to wander by water, mull over museum displays or check out places where important chapters of U.S. history were written, numerous opportunities abound throughout the country to celebrate the nation’s special birthday.
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16 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ January 2026
Finance
A guide to senior downsizing —
A stress-free transition to downsizing Downsizing can be an emotional and overwhelming process, whether you are planning a move to a smaller home or helping a loved one do the same. With the right guidance and support, however, the transition can be smooth and even rewarding. This guide offers practical advice, helpful resources and expert insights to help seniors and their families navigate the downsizing journey with confidence. Where To Start: Planning Ahead Starting early is key to reducing stress. Begin sorting and decluttering well in advance of a move to avoid last-minute pressure. Creating a plan with realistic timelines and goals for sorting, selling and moving can help keep the process manageable. Support is also essential.
Involving family members, friends or professionals can make decision making and logistics easier. It is also helpful to research housing options early, whether that includes a smaller home, a senior living community or a care facility that best fits current and future needs. Sorting And Decluttering: What To Keep, Donate Or Sell When downsizing, focus on keeping essential items and belongings with strong sentimental value that will fit comfortably in the new space. Items that are no longer needed can be donated or gifted to family members, friends or local charities. Valuable items may be sold through estate sales, auctions or online marketplaces. A helpful guideline is the “one-year rule” - if an item has not been
used in the past year, it may be time to let it go. Emotional Challenges And How To Cope Downsizing can bring up strong emotions tied to memories and life transitions. Taking the process step by step allows time to adjust and reduces emotional strain. Preserving memories can also help. Consider photographing sentimental items, digitizing important documents or creating keepsake boxes. Leaning on support networks, including family, friends or support groups, can make it easier to process the emotional aspects of letting go. Real Estate And Moving Assistance Understanding the financial side of downsizing is important. A professional home appraisal can provide clarity and help with planning. Working with a
senior real estate specialist can also make the transition easier, as they understand the unique needs of older adults. Professional movers, organizers or senior move managers can assist with packing and logistics. Planning ahead for moving day with a checklist can help ensure a smooth transition into the new home. Resources And Services Available To Help Several resources are available to support seniors through downsizing. Estate planning attorneys can provide guidance on wills, trusts and personal representative duties. Local charities and donation centers often accept furniture, clothing and household goods. Senior support organizations, such as community centers and AARP, can offer additional assistance and referrals. Professional downsizing services,
including estate sale companies, junk removal services and professional organizers, may also be beneficial. Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone While downsizing can be challenging, it can also open the door to a simpler, more manageable lifestyle. With the right resources and support, the process does not have to be overwhelming. Ness Bros. Senior Relocation services are available to guide individuals and families through every step of the right-sizing process. For assistance, contact relocation specialists at (260) 459-3911 in Fort Wayne or (260) 356-3911 in Huntington. More information is available at NessBros. com, or in person at the offices located at 3344 Mallard Cove Lane in Fort Wayne or 519 N. Jefferson St. in Huntington.
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
into themselves for reasons they and their families are fat, unfit, and unhealthy. And so does everyone else. We’re overweight because we eat too much and exercise too little. We’re too tired to do any exercise because we didn’t get enough sleep the night before. We would do more if our back, legs, shoulder, arms didn’t ache and hurt so much. These are just a few of the excuses. If anything like these affect you, you’re the cause. You can start now to become the solution. Don’t wait for a milestone, like a birthday, summer, or gimme-timeto-get-ready. The best way to get rid of unhealthy behavior is to walk
away from it. That’s right, just walk. Unless you’re suffering a debilitating disease or have some physical infirmity, take a walk right now. You can finish reading this when you get back. If there are reasons you think you should not take a stroll, discuss this with your doctor. You don’t have to buy any equipment or special clothing. Don what you wear to the mall. While some climates are more comfortable than others, you can walk in any weather. Nor do you have to go far. If you’re tired after a block from home, turn around and come back. You can do the same tomorrow or go a little farther. And so on. What you’re doing is developing a habit, taking time to do something that’s good for you. You’ll adjust as you go along. Do you like walking
in the early morning, or is a midday after-lunch trek more enjoyable? Pick your own time. And length of time. Physical fitness gurus long have touted a 10,000-steps-aday - about five miles - program as an avenue to health and fitness. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. Do whatever you can. And enjoy it. There are other variations, whether or not you cover 10,000 steps. Pick your legs up with your knees instead of swinging your feet to move along. This strengthens your hips and adds balance to your legs. Swing your arms straight out in front and as far back as you can as you stride along. That helps limber up and strengthen your aching back muscles. If, as you progress, you feel like heading toward that 10,000-step goal, pick up a
pedometer at a sports-equipment store and track your advancement. At this stage, you also should check with your doctor to make sure you don’t get too ambitious - or too strenuous. You don’t have to do it every day. Taking a day or two off to rest every week can make the outings more pleasant.
Walk away from your poor health “We have met the enemy and he is us,” proclaimed Pogo, the philosophical possum created by the late Walt Kelly. The quote, which was first used on a 1970 poster promoting Earth Day, has been and still can be applied to many aspects of human behavior. Including what we do about our health. While do-gooders blame fast-food chains for stuffing us with calorie- and carbohydrate-crammed cuisine, and look askance at youngsters who’s only exercise is thumb-texting handheld gadgets, they need only look
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
Extension Homemakers seeking donations for The Baby Closet
The Allen County Extension Homemakers are seeking donations to its chosen charity, The Baby Closet, in celebration of Indiana Extension Homemakers Association Week. Donations should be brought to the Purdue Extension office at 4001 Crescent Ave, Fort Wayne. The Baby Closet is always in need of diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6 especially). It has a need for new baby boy clothing, It’sIt’s never too early or tooor late to late plan to forplan your future. never too early too for your future. along with smaller items such as wipes, baby wash and shamOur Services Include It’s never too early or too late to plan for your future. poo, diaper cream, thermomeIt’s never too early or too late to plan for your future. • Assisting in Organizing ters, bottles, pacifiers, rattles BEERSMALLERS.COM BEERSMALLERS.COM • Determining what to Sell, Keep or Donate and crib sheets. Engaged. Responsive. Trusted. 260.426.9706 Contact the Associated • Pack for the Move BEERSMALLERS.COM Engaged. Churches Responsive. Trusted. 260.426.9706 office if you have • Inventory Appraising BEERSMALLERS.COM such as cribs or future. Engaged. Responsive. Trusted. 260.426.9706 It’s never early or too toitems, plan for your • Move Management It’s never too too early or too latelate tolarger plan for your future. Engaged. Responsive. Trusted. 260.426.9706 car seats, to donate. It is locat• Overseeing Repairs, Painting, Cleaning and Staging Home ed at 602 E. Wayne St., Fort for Sale Wayne. Call (260) 422-3528. • Selling Personal Property & Real Estate Every donation helps, big or BEERSMALLERS.COM BEERSMALLERS.COM • Assisting Executors, Attorneys, Trustees small. For more information, call Trusted. Engaged. Responsive. Engaged. Responsive. Trusted. 260.426.9706 Huntington 260.356.3911 | Fort Wayne 260.459.3911 260.426.9706 the Purdue Extension office at www.SeniorRelocationServices.info (260) 481-6827.
Senior Relocation Program
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