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Allen County edition ReAChing FoRt WAyne And SuRRounding CountieS Vol. 39, No. 6
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Movie filmed in Huntington
PREMIERES IN HOLLYWOOD
Text and Photos By CATHY SHOUSE Feature Writer
RED CARPET — Paris Brosnan responds to reporters while on the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of “Seniors” last month in California.
LEAD ACTORS — John Rhys-Davies and Paris Brosnan, who are lead actors in “Seniors,” pose on the red carpet with Paris’s father, Pierce Brosnan, the actor who played James Bond and numerous other roles.
One of Lance Clark’s favorite quotes is from “Chariots of Fire,” a movie about a runner who sees running as a way to glorify God. Clark, a Huntington University film professor, makes movies to glorify God while teaching the next generation of filmmakers. Last month, Clark traveled to Hollywood, where “Seniors,” his directorial debut, premiered on the big screen. The movie was filmed in Huntington by Forester Film LLC, Huntington University’s professional film production company. A struggling Korean War veteran and a young man in his senior year of high school are the film’s main characters. John Rhys-Davies, known for his roles in “Indiana Jones” and “The Lord of the Rings,” and Paris Brosnan, son of actor Pierce Brosnan, play the lead roles. “The entire experience was almost surreal,” Clark said. “To see ‘Seniors’ have its Hollywood premiere at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, walk the red carpet with our cast, students and supporters, and then sit in that theater and hear an audience applaud the film was something I will never forget.” Following the screening, the ac-
tors, Clark and others participated in a question-and-answer session on stage. Rhys-Davies, who has a longtime connection to Pierce Brosnan, told the audience, “I like working with young people. You’ve got a damn good school there in Huntington.” Brosnan thanked Matt Shouse for telling him about the script. Shouse, an Huntington University graduate who works in Los Angeles, is one of several Huntington University alumni Clark tapped for the project. More than 50 students and interns also worked on the film while being mentored by industry professionals. “Matt Shouse was guest speaking in one of my upper-level film classes,” Clark said. “He was showcasing some of his model photography when Paris Brosnan’s picture popped up on the screen. From that moment, I knew Paris had to be my ‘Ori’ (character) in ‘Seniors.’ We negotiated for several months.” Early on premiere night, Pierce Brosnan and his family entered the buildContinued on page 2
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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Key Positions
Better Business Bureau expands under Diaz leadership By NGOZI ROGERS Feature Writer The Better Business Bureau was created to fight false advertising. Today, that mission has expanded to not only protect consumers but also help businesses and serve the community. Jan Diaz, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, is up for the challenge. Diaz has been involved with the BBB for nearly 20 years. Initially, the organization was one of her clients. She later served as a judge for the Torch Awards for Ethics and the Students of Integrity Scholarship Awards before joining the board of directors. Diaz became chief operating officer Jan. 1, 2025, and was elected president and CEO later that year. “The Better Business Bureau is one of the best organizations I’ve worked for,” Diaz said. “One of integrity, working with businesses, helping consumers and being involved in the community. I really love what I get to do every day.”
Diaz will get to do even more with the nearly $1 million renovation of the BBB headquarters at 4011 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. A groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 5 unveiled plans that include a 2,400-squarefoot expansion with additional meeting and training spaces and a production studio. “We will be able to help businesses in ways of content marketing, like videography, taking headshots, doing podcasts and allowing them to tell their story, which is really, really important,” Diaz said. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027. The renovation and expansion of services are among the accomplishments Diaz is most proud of. Another is making the organization a better place to work. “I have really been doing things intentionally to retain the employees,” Diaz said. Those efforts include employer-paid short-term disability, additional paid holidays and two “just because” days intended to support employees’ mental health. “There are periods in a per-
Movie filmed
son’s life when they need help,” Diaz said. “And employers, I think, are beginning to be more sensitive to this.” The BBB serves 23 counties in northern Indiana. It educates consumers about scams, investigates suspected fraud, mediates complaints involving businesses and provides lists of accredited businesses and trusted charities. The organization also helps businesses become accredited, expand their brands, manage customer relationships and receive assistance with marketing, sales and technology. For Diaz, the work is about providing information and helping people - and she knows the impact of one conversation can be difficult to predict. About 25 years ago, Diaz remembers talking to a woman she frequently saw at a coffee shop. “She asked me, ‘Do you have your college degree?’ And I said, ‘No,’” Diaz said. The woman, who was also African American, was a pharmaceutical representative. She had received her degree a few years earlier and told Diaz
HONORING COMMUNITY LEADERS — Jan Diaz, BBB president and CEO, left, presented the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Integrity to Shelly Koelper, BBB board chair, right. Photo provided by Jan Diaz. it was the best thing that had happened to her. She encouraged Diaz to do the same. Diaz decided to finish her degree even though she was married, had a teenage son, worked full time, traveled for work and cared for her mother. Sadly, her mother died before Diaz graduated. Still, Diaz said the experience taught her to remain open to new opportunities.
“I would tell others, be open, because you just never know what door that is going to open up for you,” she said. That door ultimately led her to the BBB. Learn more about the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana and purchase tickets for the 2026 Torch Awards, scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, at bbb.org.
Continued from page 1
ing and stepped onto the red carpet, creating an electric atmosphere. The Brosnan family also mingled with guests at the after-party. “What struck me in Hollywood was the humanity of it all,” Clark said. “It is easy to think about ‘Hollywood’ in terms of celebrities and red carpets, but ultimately you are meeting people, building relationships and sharing a story together.” Clark said getting to know Paris through the film and having Pierce and Keely Brosnan attend the premiere were highlights
MEET THE FILMMAKERS — From left, John Rhys-Davies, actor; Paris Brosnan, actor; Lance Clark, director; Matt Webb, producer; and Jim Orr, director of photography, participate in a “Meet the Film-
makers” event following the premiere of “Seniors” at the Indiewood Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 16.
of the evening. “They were incredibly gracious and clearly very
that moment together was one of the highlights of the evening for me.”
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The film carries the Christian themes for which Huntington University films are known. One of its takeaway lines is, “Love is the bottom line.” Huntington University professor Matt Webb produced “Seniors,” which had a $900,000 budget funded through a combination of donors and a limited number of private investors. Thousands of actors responded to a casting call for secondary roles. “Seniors” won the Grand Prize for Best Feature at the Indiewood Film Festival in Los Angeles. It is also a selection of the Heartland International Film Festival and will open in select Indianapolis theaters Oct. 23. Digital distribution will follow. The movie will be in the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis for three showings: Oct. 9, 10, 13. To buy tickets, visit tickets.heartlandfilm.org. Then it will be in limited theaters starting Oct. 23. Disclosure: Matt Shouse is related to Cathy Shouse.
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 3
70s Flashback -
Revenge of the Spider Woman Sigourney Weaver’s personal Yellow Brick Road seemed paved with gold. But was it? Let’s tick some boxes. By RANDAL Born into C. HILL a wealthy show-business family. Check. Went to posh private schools and colleges. Check. Possessed a classically beautiful face and slender body. Check. Became an overnight film sensation. Check. Now, here’s the reality of a
Registration opens for Howl-OWalkoween Registration is open for the annual Howl-O-Walkoween fundraising event, a pet-friendly twist on a traditional Halloween costume contest. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Promenade Park pavilion in Fort Wayne. It will kick off the downtown Fright Night festivities. Howl-O-Walkoween supports humane education programs and community outreach efforts at Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. The family-friendly event is open to social pets and spectators. Activities will include a costume contest, raffles, food trucks, vendors, free professional pet and family portraits, and plenty of Halloween costumes. Registration for the costume contest is $30 for the entire family. There will be four categories for costume prizes at the event, along with an online contest for those who do not have social pets to bring to the event. Participation in the costume contest is not required; general admission is free. Registration for the costume contest is available through the Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control website, fwacc.org, under events. More information also is available on the shelter’s Facebook page.
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strenuous climb to stardom and respect. Born Susan Weaver in Manhattan in 1949, by age 12 she stood nearly six feet tall. “I was like a big spider moving around, knocking things over. Being that tall made me want to disappear.” In middle school, she adopted the monicker Sigourney from a minor character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” (“I felt too tall to have a short name like Susie or Sue.”) At Stanford, she earned a BA degree in English and was set to enter the PhD program before deciding that the courses that lay ahead promised to be tedious. What to do? “I’d always done theater in extracurricular ways … I applied to the Yale Drama School and got in.” Elizabeth Weaver, a former Hitchcock actress, worried her daughter wasn’t cut out for the acting world. (“Dear, they will eat you alive!”) A few Yale professors brought even more discouragement; Weaver admits, “They told me I had no talent and that I’d never get anywhere.” Later, with a Yale drama MFA in hand, Weaver found agents often grumbling about her unusual height when she auditioned for various roles. This beefed up her resolve: “I thought, I’m never going to get it, so I’m going to go in and do what I want and not care at all about what they’re looking for.” That whimsical approach sometimes worked. Weaver became an occasional understudy in a few stage plays, shot some TV ads, landed blink-or-you’ll-miss-her film roles. Then she met British movie director Ridley Scott, who was seeking an unknown actor with a commanding presence
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to star in “Alien,” his forthcoming sci-fi fright fest. The original role called for a man, but that would soon change. Weaver explains, “The writers took a male part and made it into (Ellen) Ripley.” Scott’s wordsmiths assumed that theatergoers wouldn’t expect a woman to be the lone survivor from an ill-fated spaceship after a grotesque outer-space beast kills everyone on board but her. (Ellen manages to eventually slay the evil creature.) “I had doubts that I could play her as strongly as she needed to be played,” says Weaver. “But it was fun exploring that side of myself. Women don’t get to do that very often.” Dubbed the movie world’s first action heroine with “Alien,” Weaver later professed, “I think I’ve been successful playing strong women because I’m vulnerable; I don’t try to pretend that I have the answers.” “Alien” became a 1979 blockbuster and threw open doors for the actor to shine in such future winners as “Ghostbusters,” “Gorillas in the Mist,” “Working Girl” and “Avatar.” That once-gangly girl? Gone. Replaced by a Hollywood heavyweight. We’re glad she didn’t disappear. Bibliography Magazine: Stoynoff, Natasha. “The One and Only Sigourney.” AARP: The Magazine. Dec. 2025/Jan. 2026. The first, third, fourth, fifth and seventh quotes are from here. Internet: Alien (movie), Sigourney Weaver. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org. Brooks, Xan. “The First Action Heroine.” Oct. 12, 2009. theguardian.com. The sixth
SIGOURNEY WEAVER quote is from here. Durang, Christopher. “New Again: Sigourney Weaver.” July 9, 2012. interviewmagazine.com. The second quote is from here. Grant, Drew. “The Badass: Sigourney Weaver Still Larger Than Life.” Dec. 21, 2016.
observer.com. “Why Sigourney Weaver Gave Herself a New Name.” (No author listed) Sept. 15, 2021. cbc.ca. DVD: “Alien.” foxconnect.com. 1979, 2017.
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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Spotlight
Dennis Schebig helping children get medical help By JUDI LOOMIS Feature Writer
Shriners, a philanthropic fraternity whose primary mission is helping children. “All Shriners are first Masons,” Schebig said. “Shriners have 22 hospitals around the country, including Mexico. My duty is to transport children to those hospitals, primarily to Chicago, and we provide the children’s medical care regardless of the family’s ability to pay. I got involved almost immediately upon becoming a
At 80 years young, Dennis Schebig is still making a difference in the community. Schebig retired from the Fort Wayne Police Department and later from Service Champ, a national distribution warehouse for the quick-lube industry, where he worked for 17 years. These days, he devotes much of his time to the
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www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the adults over 50 in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Each of the four editions focus on local news, features, photos and profiles for each area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. CORPORATE OFFICE The Papers Incorporated, 206 S. Main St., P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, 574-658-4111 STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rbaumgartner@the-papers.com Annette Weaver, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aweaver@the-papers.com Kristin DeVittorio, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . kdevittorio@the-papers.com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers.com Phoebe Muthart, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pmuthart@the-papers.com Account Executive Kim Lamley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .slallen@the-papers.com • 260-760-7022 Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15th Month Prior St. Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $43.50 for one year; and $73.50 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. To order a subscription, call 574-658-4111. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. To advertise contact Kim Lamley at 260-760-7022 or slallen@the-papers.com. PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers.com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life.
Master Mason. I love children!” Schebig has transported a child with a cleft palate at least six or seven times to and from Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “It is heartwarming,” Schebig said. “This same little girl came up to me at our Night of Hope and Inspiration and was all smiles. She told me she finally got her permanent teeth and can now eat hard foods. I could not tell she ever had a cleft palate. She is a wonderful young lady!” Shriners provides treatment for children until they are 22 years old, Schebig said. He estimates he has made more than 325 trips to hospitals in either Dayton, Ohio, or Chicago, and each trip has been a “labor of love.” Mizpah Shrine has seven vans used to transport patients, including three in Fort Wayne. One of the Fort Wayne vans is specifically equipped for wheelchair transportation. Typically, Schebig transports one parent and the patient, although many times both parents make the trip. Shriners provides families with a food voucher, allowing them to eat breakfast or lunch as time permits. Schebig said there have been several times when four Shriners vans were at the Chicago hospital at the same time. He points out that Shriners hospitals are different from typical hospitals. He describes Shriners as a very “happy place.” “I intend to do this as long as I am physically able and God gives me breath,” Schebig said. Schebig lives in New Haven and has been married to his wife, Vickie, for 50 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren. For more information about Shriners Children’s, visit donate.shrinerschildrens.org.
TRANSPORTING CHILDREN — Dennis Schebig transports children to and from Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago. A New Haven resident, Schebig retired from the Fort Wayne Police Department. Photo provided by Dennis Schebig.
Ships that sail By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer While watching a podcast recently, (like, about two minutes ago), I briefly gave a serious thought: “That’s a skill I’d like to know.” Working with epoxy and slabs of wood? How on earth do I think I could? Then I thought of things I might, want to do before I die. Eyesight weak, what I seek,
lies mostly in my mind. Through my words with nouns and verbs, there is a purpose that I find. While I may dream of a rugged hike, or a trip to a foreign place. I am of an age and attitude where I now like a slower pace. I will recall and I will visit, if only in my mind. And in my words of recollection, I’ll find joy a second time.
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 5
Blast To The Past -
The story behind ‘Magic Man’ Heart
There’s a little-known story - and it’s a doozy - behind “Magic Man,” Heart’s first Top 10 A Boomer Blast single. To The Past Born in By RANDAL 1950 in C. HILL Bothell, Wash., (15 miles northeast of Seattle), Ann Wilson began singing at age 6 in an effort to overcome shyness and rid herself of a stutter. In doing so, she developed a voice of might and self-assurance and later formed a singing/writing partnership with her guitar-playing sister Nancy, who was four years younger. They joined an all-male band called Heart, stepping into the spotlight and building a loyal fan base in the area. In time, Heart problems
began to loom large. In 1974, the Vietnam-era draft board tapped guitarist/band manager Michael Fisher for military duty. Opposed to the war, Fisher fled north to Vancouver, B.C. Ann, his then-girlfriend, opted to follow him, as did Nancy later. (She had hooked up with Roger Fisher, Michael’s band-member brother.) Ann had been living at home and studying art in college when she announced her decision. She later recalled for Rolling Stone magazine, “My mom was, like, ‘You’re so young and immature. Do you even use birth control?’ Back then you didn’t talk to your mother about that kind of stuff.” The “Magic Man” lyrics reveal much of the story. “Come on home, girl,” Mama cried on the phone “Too soon to lose my baby yet, my girl should be at home” “But try to understand, try to understand “Try, try, try to understand, he’s a Magic Man, Mama
“He’s a magic man” Michael was two years older than Ann but light years ahead of her in sophistication, and his allure proved hard to resist. “Come on home, girl,” he’d said with a smile “I cast my spell of love on you, a woman from a child “But try to understand, try to understand “Oh, oh, try, try, try to understand “He’s a Magic Man. “Oh, he’s got the magic hands” Mrs. Wilson was resolute that her daughter stay in America. Ann: “She would go, ‘You don’t know what you’re doing!’ She had no idea about the reality in the 70s of girls and boys and free love and whatever … She was formidable, but I won in this case.” Nancy followed soon afterward. In Vancouver, Heart landed numerous gigs and eventually made a demo tape at the local Mushroom Studios. “Dreamboat Annie,” the hauntingly
Home Instead helps seniors remain independent at home By CHRISTIE LIVINGSTON Business Development Manager Home Instead As we grow older, staying in a familiar home can provide comfort, independence and a sense of security. For many seniors, however, everyday tasks can become more challenging. Home Instead can provide the extra support seniors need while allowing them to remain in the place they know and love. Home Instead care services can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Assistance may include help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands and companionship. Having someone close by to help with daily activities can make life easier and provide confidence for both seniors and their families. Home Instead offers many benefits to help seniors maintain their independence. Rather than having to move away from home, many older adults can continue living in familiar surroundings with the appropriate level of assistance. Schedules can be adjusted as needs change, providing
flexibility for seniors and their families. Home Instead also offers families access to a portal called Family Room. This allows family members to stay informed about their loved one’s care and know that a trusted caregiver is there and what they are doing while on shift. Family Room is a great “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
way to keep everyone connected, whether family members live nearby or out of state. Every senior deserves to feel safe, respected and supported. With personalized home care from Home Instead, older adults can receive the assistance they need while continuing to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of home. “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
SISTERS — Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy in 1998. Photo by John Mathew Smith & celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, via Wikipedia. exquisite titular track from Heart’s debut album, became a hit on Canadian Top 40 radio. Opening for a Rod Stewart concert also helped to up the buzz on the band. Two other Wilson-created works earned radio airplay -“Crazy on You” and “Magic Man,” the latter Heart’s first foray into Billboard’s Top Ten list in America, and the beginning of years of best-selling releases on different labels. “(Magic Man) is about leaving home.” Ann maintains. “It’s like looking back on a love affair of the past from this great distance … to look back on all that naivete and just what it’s
like when you fall in love for the first time.” Bibliography Internet: Bienstock, Richard. “’Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson: Our Life in 15 Songs.’” July 12, 2016. rollingstone.com. All quotes are from here. Heart (band), “Magic Man.” (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org. “Magic Man” by Heart. (No author or date listed) songfacts. com. Uitti, Jacob. “Behind the Song: Heart’s Ann Wilson Looks Back on ‘Magic Man.’” Feb. 10, 2021. americansongwriter.com. Full Color Circulars/Inserts Newsletters Postcards Booklets/ Catalogs Full Color Brochures
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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Simple ways to make recycling more effective
NEW CLUBHOUSE — A new clubhouse is under construction at The Orchard, Golden Years Homestead’s 55-plus independent living community near New Haven. Photo provided by Golden Years Homestead.
New clubhouse takes shape at The Orchard Construction is progressing on schedule on a new clubhouse and indoor pickleball court at The Orchard, Golden Years Homestead’s 55-plus independent living community near New Haven. The structure is now in place, and crews are installing structural brackets and exterior sheathing. The building is expected to be under roof soon, followed by utility rough-in work. Shawnee Construction and Engineering is serving as the contractor for the project. A grand opening is planned for summer 2027. The clubhouse will feature approximately 8,500 square feet of finished space, including
an indoor pickleball court, fitness center, library, craft room, activity and gathering spaces, and a fully equipped kitchen. “It is exciting to see the clubhouse taking shape and to imagine our residents enjoying these new spaces,” said Shauna Shafer, executive director of Golden Years Homestead. “The clubhouse will give residents even more opportunities to stay active, build friendships and come together as a community.” Golden Years Homestead is a faith-based, nonprofit continuing care retirement community and an affiliate of Greencroft Communities. Serving residents since 1971, the 43-acre campus offers independent living, assisted living and
skilled nursing services in a welcoming and supportive environment. About Greencroft Communities Greencroft Communities is a faith-based, nonprofit provider of senior housing and health care services. The organization operates nine campuses across Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing services. Greencroft serves approximately 2,450 residents and employs more than 1,200 team members. For more information, visit Greencroft.org or contact Aimee Riemke, vice president of marketing, at Aimee.Riemke@ GreencroftCommunities.org.
Feature Impact - Recycling is a simple way households can reduce waste and help protect natural resources. While many communities offer curbside recycling programs, some people still wonder if they’re doing it correctly or if they’re missing opportunities to recycle more. To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make recycling part of your everyday routine. Know What Your Local Program Accepts Recycling rules vary depending on your city or waste management provider. Most curbside programs include items like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and plastics, but others, such as glass, may require drop-off recycling. Review your community guidelines so recyclables don’t accidentally end up in the regular trash. Create A Simple Sorting System Set up clearly labeled bins, separated for paper, plastics and metals, in a high-traffic area such as the kitchen, garage or laundry room.
Rinse Before You Recycle Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and may cause entire batches of materials to be rejected during the recycling process. Quickly rinsing yogurt cups, jars or soup cans of leftover residue helps keep recycling streams clean and more likely to be processed properly. Break Down Boxes Cardboard boxes are among the most commonly recycled household materials. Flattening boxes before placing them in the recycling bin saves space and allows collection trucks to hold more. Compost Food Scraps Not everything belongs in the recycling bin, particularly food waste. Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces. Finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds or houseplants, turning kitchen waste into a valuable resource. Find more ideas for making recycling a natural part of your household routine at eLivingtoday.com.
Professional Forum Interested Businesses Call Kim Lamley 260-760-7022 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column
Elder Law Q. Does a joint owner on my bank account inherit all the money in that account when I die? A. Yes. If you add a joint owner on
your bank account, that individual continues as the surviving owner of the account at your death, thereby inheriting any remaining funds. Please be aware that adding a joint owner does more than just transfer money at your death. It also allows the joint owner access during your life. If your intentions are solely to transfer funds at death, a better method is to keep the account in your name alone, and add a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation, also referred to as a Payable on Death (POD) designation. This keeps the account solely
Medicare Insurance
Q. Why do I keep getting calls about Medicare? A. Calls could be legitimate outreach from your insurance Plan to gather information
Janell M. Sprinkle
Attorney at Law jmsprinkle@beersmallers.com under your control during your life, while authorizing an individual to receive the remaining funds at your death. Alternatively, if your intentions are to allow someone access during your life, but prevent them from inheriting the funds at death, naming that individual as a power of attorney, either on a single account, or over all your accounts, is the best method. Suite 1100 110 West Berry Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
that Medicare requires them to collect. Unfortunately, some calls can also be from call centers or bad insurance agents that are violating the Medicare Sales and Marketing Guidelines that prohibits unsolicited calls to Medicare Beneficiaries. This would also include individuals who come to your home unannounced. Some tips to help avoid getting scammed. • Treat unexpected Medicare calls and/or visits with skepticism, even friendly ones • Never give your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details to someone who contacts you • Remember that Medicare generally reaches out by mail first and does not call to ask for your Medicare number or banking information Legitimate calls from your Plan would generally be to talk to you about Mail Order
Executive Vice President drug program; collecting information for the Health Risk Assessment that Medicare requires; to confirm that you have received your Plan information and understand what coverage you have. Calls from your insurance company should never be about changing your plan. If someone is trying to sell you something or enroll you into something different – they are in violation of the Medicare guidelines. Questions about how your Medicare plan? We’re here to answer them! Give us a call at (260) 484-7010.
Get expert guidance for health and life insurance plans. 9921 Dupont Circle West Suite 217 Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Telephone (260) 426-9706
DISCLAIMER: Janell Sprinkle 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. Janell Sprinkle 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. Janell Sprinkle 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.
Michelle Walters
260-484-7010
Fort Wayne’s Health Insurance Shop
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 7
MEDICAID MEDICAID WAIVER WAIVER
Motorist checklist for Fall Car Care Month in October The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends that car owners follow its Fall Car Care month checklist and inspect their vehicles before the temperatures drop and severe weather hits. Heating, Wipers & Lights • Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. • Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. • Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Tires & Brakes • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. • During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. • Have the brakes checked. The braking
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A.A.TheTheState StateofofIndiana Indianaoffers offersseveral several RUSS YOUNG system is the vehicle’s most important safety item. Gas, Oil & Filters • Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing. • Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. • Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
2405 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-436-2886
Hours of Operation: The shop follows a consistent schedule throughout the work week: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM / Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Waivers totosupport Waivers supportboth botholder olderadults adultsand and individuals individualswith withdisabilities. disabilities.ByByconnecting connecting with anan Aging with Aging& &Disability DisabilityResource ResourceCenter Center Abbey AbbeyGraves Graves (ADRC), wewecan (ADRC), canprovide provideyou youwith withanan ADRC ADRCDirector Director overview overviewofofeach eachWaiver Waiverand andthe theprocess process required totoenroll. required enroll. Meanwhile, the ADRC Meanwhile, the ADRCcan canoffer offer information informationononnon-waiver non-waiverservices services The process The processbegins beginsbybyapplying applyingtotoeach each including includingHome-Delivered Home-DeliveredMeals Mealsand and Waiver relevanttotoyour yourfamily. family.For Forolder older Waiver relevant CHOICE(Community (Communityand andHome Home CHOICE adults, contactyour yourlocal localArea AreaAgency Agencyonon Options adults, contact OptionstotoInstitutional InstitutionalCare Carefor forthe the Aging. individualswith withintellectual intellectual Aging. ForForindividuals Elderlyand andDisabled). Disabled).Our OurOptions Options Elderly disabilities(IDD), (IDD),you youwill willneed needtotogogodirectly directly Counselors disabilities Counselorscan canreview reviewyour yourcurrent current through BureauofofDisability DisabilityServices Services insurancecoverage; coverage;asasyou youmay mayqualify qualify through thetheBureau insurance (BDS) applyforforthetheIDD IDDWaivers. Waivers.You Youcan can forforthe theLow-Income Low-IncomeSubsidy Subsidy(LIS) (LIS)oror (BDS) totoapply begin processononthetheIndiana IndianaFSSA FSSA MedicareSavings SavingsPrograms Programs(MSP), (MSP), begin thetheprocess Medicare website. whichcan canprovide provideaacost costsavings. savings. website. which Once approved,your yourfamily familymember memberwill willbebe We Weencourage encouragethose thoseon onthe thewaitlist waitlisttoto Once approved, placed waitinglist.list.Waiting Waitingtimes timesforfor check checkininwith withquestions questionsororconcerns concerns placed onona awaiting MedicaidWaiver Waiverservices servicesvary varydepending depending regarding regardingwaitlist waitliststatus. status.Call Call Medicaid specificprogram, program,funding fundingcaps capsand and 260-469-3036 260-469-3036totocontact contactthe theADRC. ADRC. onon thethe specific individualneeds. needs. individual 8101W.W.Jefferson JeffersonBlvd. Blvd.Fort FortWayne, Wayne,ININ46804 46804 8101 www.agingihs.org | 260.745.1200 www.agingihs.org | 260.745.1200
Professional Forum Interested Businesses Call Kim Lamley 260-760-7022 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column
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Q. Where are Senior Life Newspapers distributed? A. Each Senior Life Newspaper is dis-
tributed to over 300 locations each month and is free for public pickup and supported by advertisers. Locations for distribution are chosen with the 50+ aged person in mind and include grocery stores, libraries, senior centers, restaurants, senior communities, banks, gas stations, apartment complexes, doctor offices, drug stores, farmer’s markets, resale locations, churches, convenient stores, and retail stores. There are four distinct issues of Senior Life Newspaper including: • Allen — including Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whit-
Kim Lamley,
Account Executive ley counties • Elko — including Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble and Wabash counties. • Northwest — including Lake, Porter counties in IN and Cook county in IL • St. Joseph — including LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties in IN and Berrien and Cass counties in MI Call today for more information on how we can help your business reach the Senior Life loyal audience. Serving Fort Wayne and Surrounding Counties 260-760-7022 slallen@the-papers.com
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8 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Faith
Linn turns broadcasting career toward Bible teaching By JUDI LOOMIS Feature Writer If you could choose between attending church or reading the Bible, which would you choose? Why not both? “The Bible Hour” has provided an opportunity to do just that. It began in 2015, created by one man who left the news business and developed a unique way of presenting the teachings of the Bible. Paul Theodore “Ted” Linn took his Bible teaching to the Chapel from September through November 2025. Linn teaches through the Bible in restructured chronological order - 366 lessons based on teaching one section for one hour a week, much like reading through the Bible in chronological order every day for a year. The audience was a typical Sunday morning class at the Chapel, but then COVID-19 hit, and Linn didn’t teach for a year. “The Chapel allowed me to return to the sanctuary on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m., and people started showing
up for that teaching in March of 2021 until May of 2022, when the Chapel wanted the sanctuary back on Sunday evenings,” Linn said. All was not lost. Linn took his Bible teaching to Oak Park Church in June 2022 and continued there through November 2025. Since then, Linn said he has been on the sidelines, waiting for the next opportunity to share his unique Bible teaching. “People have never heard of anything like this. It is unique,” Linn said. “The Bible is taught from a news point of view because my 43 and 1/2year career was in broadcast news. I have no theological training, but you wouldn’t know it from these lessons. They’re very intellectual.” Linn is disciplined about keeping his lessons to one hour, which is where “The Bible Hour” gets its name. “When I taught at 5 p.m., we were out at 6 p.m. There are no offerings. No nursery, and they are out in one hour,” Linn said. Attendees receive what Linn refers to as a “one-
sheet,” which contains seven points with fill-in-the-blank spaces. “People love that,” he said. “The one-sheets themselves are masterpieces.” Who is welcome to Linn’s Bible study classes? “I have often said that anyone 7 years old or older should be in my class,” Linn said. “I am taking nothing away from kids’ church, but they’ll get more out of this teaching than that.” Linn said his goal is to glorify God through his teaching. “I do this to glorify the one true God,” he said. “This teaching, and this way, reveals the mind of God in context. Not cherry-picking verses. It’s a time study, and you understand God’s mind through his word.” Linn welcomes opportunities to teach lessons or sections of the Bible study wherever the program is considered special and needed. He is looking for a place and a new audience. Linn can be reached at tedlinn54@ gmail.com.
BIBLE STUDY TIME — Paul Theodore “Ted” Linn founded “The Bible Hour” after retiring from a career in news broadcasting and began teaching the Bible. Photo provided by Paul Linn.
City roof replacement program now open Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is accepting applications for its roof program, which offers qualified homeowners a zero-interest loan to cover the cost of roof replacement. Loans of up to $20,000 will be secured by a mortgage and repaid through monthly installments over 10 years. The process can take up to
six months before a new roof is installed. To qualify, applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence, the home must be located within Fort Wayne city limits, and household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income. For a family of four, the income limit is $76,100. Residents can review pro-
gram guidelines and apply online at engage.cityoffortwayne.org/2026-roof-program. The online application is the fastest way to apply. Residents who do not have internet access or prefer a paper application may call (260) 427-8585. Callers will answer a few brief questions and leave their contact information. A representative from the Office of Housing
and Neighborhood Services will return calls in the order they are received to determine eligibility. Residents needing language assistance may contact Language Services Network at (260) 426-6764. “The city’s homeowner repair programs, like the roof program, help us improve our housing stock and stabilize neighborhoods while also
Phone: 877-718-1306 Website: www.homehealthcareindiana.com
helping residents improve their homes affordably,” Community Development Director Jonathan Leist said. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding is limited; applications will be reviewed on a first-completed, first-processed basis. Participation is available on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE 333 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Phone: (260) 918-0933 www.brightstarcare.com/fort-wayne
A Division of The Papers Incorporated
Corporate Office P.O. Box 188 206 S. Main, Milford, IN 46542
(574) 658-4111 866-580-1138 ext. 2401 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com To solve a Sudoku puzzle, fill a 9x9 grid with numbers 1-9, ensuring that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains each number only once, using logic and deduction.
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For Answers See Page 15
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 9
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
Science Central to host single reimagined Mixology fundraiser Science Central is reimagining its fundraising events with Mixology 2026, an immersive evening combining cocktails, whiskey, science, entertainment and hands-on experiences.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. Previously presented as separate fundraising experiences, Mixology and W2 are coming together for one expanded
event, bringing the best of both experiences under one roof while raising funds to support Science Central and its mission to inspire curiosity and learning through hands-on
History Center announces Sunday Lecture Series The History Center has announced the presenters for the 2026-27 George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series. All lectures begin at 2 p.m. at the History Center and are free to the public. The series is made possible through the generous support of the Floyd and Betty Lou Lancia Family Foundation. The series begins Sunday, Oct. 4, with “50 Years of ARCH: A Half Century Retrospective,” presented by Michael Galbraith. Although historic preservation and historical museums are closely related, preserving the built landscape of buildings, bridges and other structures is a separate discipline. ARCH, the historic preservation organization serving Fort Wayne, Allen
County and northeast Indiana, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. In his presentation, Galbraith will explore ARCH’s success stories, lessons learned from failures and unique challenges during the past 50 years. The 2026-27 schedule is: Oct. 4: Michael Galbraith -“50 Years of ARCH: A Half Century Retrospective” Nov. 1: Geoff Paddock - “Indiana Political Trailblazers” Jan. 3, 2027: Shaun Dauksas - “Knute Rockne and Professional Football in Fort Wayne” Feb. 7, 2027: Connie Haas Zuber - “From Segregation to Upscale: Roosevelt Barnes Sr.’s Groundbreaking Legacy” March 7, 2027: Dan Kruse - “100 Years of Playing the
Beautiful Game” April 4, 2027: Joey Lax-Salinas - “Fading Ads of Indiana” May 2, 2027: George Bachnivsky - “The Architect’s Drawings: Brentwood Tolan and the Allen County Courthouse.” June 6, 2027: Joe Springer - “Amish Mennonite Immigrants to Allen and Adams Counties.” The History Center serves present and future generations by collecting, preserving and sharing historic artifacts, documents and images that describe the people, places and events that define Fort Wayne and Allen County history. The center is located at 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne.
STEAM experiences. As part of the reimagined event, guests can purchase a special W2 ticket for access to a new Whiskey Lounge, an elevated experience above the museum floor. The exclusive lounge will feature whiskey tastings and presentations exploring the history and heritage of whiskey. All Mixology guests will also have the opportunity to experience a whiskey tasting and accompanying presentation at a designated time on the main museum floor. Guests can explore the museum while enjoying food, drinks, music, interactive science activities and exhibits, games and opportunities to win prizes. The evening also will feature stories from community members, themed photo opportunities and a photo booth. A highlight of the evening will be a bartending competition, where participants can watch bartenders go head-to-head as they put their creativity and mixology skills to the test. Guests also can participate in the “Duds
Duel” costume contest and are encouraged to bring their best rootin’-tootin’ attire for the Western-inspired celebration. Guests can choose from two elevated ticket experiences. VIP tickets include early access to the museum and exclusive access to a special lounge in Science on a Sphere. W2 tickets include all VIP benefits, plus exclusive access to the Whiskey Lounge and its whiskey tastings and presentations. The reimagined Mixology brings together the spirit of two Science Central fundraising events into one larger celebration, creating more opportunities for guests to enjoy the museum, connect with the community and support Science Central. Whether guests come for the cocktails, whiskey, competition, costumes, science or simply a night out, Mixology 2026 promises an evening of exploration with a Western twist. Tickets are available at sciencecentral.org/support/ fundraising-events/mixology/#mixology_tickets.
Report: Exercise, creative hobbies can help Alzheimer’s patients By TERRI DEE Public News Service The Alzheimer’s Association said keeping your brain and body active in the transition from middle age to the senior years is important for cognitive health. Good habits can play a significant role in combating the development of Alzheimer’s, a disease affecting more than 121,000 Hoosiers. Behaviors showing the onset of the incurable condition include forgetting important dates or events and asking the same questions repeatedly. An inability to remember the names of family members or longtime friends is another significant sign. Heather Snyder, senior vice president of medical and scientific relations for the Alzheimer’s Association, said a person’s overall health and fitness are major factors in their cognitive ability. “We’re often worried about other factors, like our blood pressure, our cholesterol,” Snyder observed. “I think while we’re worrying about those in midlife, we’re not necessarily making the connection that addressing those, or doing something about them, may actually impact our brain health.” The majority of people living
with Alzheimer’s have at least one other chronic condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or stroke. A recent study showed 88% of U.S. adults say maintaining brain health as they age is very important, but only 9% know what to do. Snyder acknowledged there is not a list of specific activities someone can do to prevent Alzheimer’s but learning something new helps engage the brain. Suggested activities to encourage mental stimulation can include working on crossword puzzles, playing cards, listening to music and participating in fun hobbies. “By learning a new language,
you’re engaging your brain, you’re challenging your brain, you’re building new brain connections between your brain cells that are building that resilience,” Snyder outlined. “Other people I’ve met over the years have talked about taking a class that is in economics, but they were an art teacher. Again, learning something new.” Protecting against a head injury, especially falls, managing stress and not smoking were identified as three key lifestyle habits for well-being. The report indicated respondents identified age 35-64 as the most effective life stage for better brain health practices.
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
I It’s easy! Simply find the “Mum”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, October 12, 2026. Brought To You By
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The winner of the I Spy Contest for September is Eugene Anderson from South Bend. The ‘Fall Acorns’ were located on page 11 in Senior Life Allen; page 13 in Senior Life Northwest; page 16 in Senior Life Elko and page 9 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
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10 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 20th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number. —o— Pueblo Garden: Styles of the Southwest: Through Nov. 15, public hours at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Journey into the heart of the Southwest’s botanical heritage this summer and fall. Delight your senses with earthy aromas, vibrant hues and soothing sounds that transport you to a land where tradition meets contemporary design. Encounter adobe-inspired structures and Pueblo gardening techniques, showcasing the resourcefulness and wisdom of indigenous communities. Immerse yourself in a breathtaking botanical display where Southwestern culture comes to life through the timeless beauty of Pueblo style. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation and the O’Rourke-Schof Family Foundation. —o— The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, is featuring “Touching Grass,” an exhibition by Jeremy Stroup, through Nov. 15 during public hours. The exhibit celebrates nature, memory and the sensory experiences of the world around us, encouraging visitors to step away from screens and reconnect with nature. The exhibition is included with regular admission. —o— The Orchard Gallery of Fine Art, 6312-A Covington Road,
Fort Wayne, will feature “Wooden Sculpture by Jerry Krider” and “Fall & Halloween Themed Work by Many Artists” Oct. 2-31. Krider’s work includes small sculptures and puzzles made from exotic and domestic woods, with nature, figurative and biblical themes. The gallery’s front window will feature fall and Halloween-themed artwork by various artists. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call (260) 436-0927 or visit theorchardgallery.com. —o— Appleseed Quilters Guild October monthly meeting will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Mizpah Shrine Center, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne. The night’s program will feature Robin English, Robin’s Nest Quilts, a vintage quilt trunk show and member showand-tell. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact information@ appleseedquiltersguild.com. —o— The New Haven United Women in Faith will hold its annual Fall Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Highway E., New Haven. A $2 bag sale will be held all day Thursday. All proceeds will support the mission work of United Women in Faith, both globally and locally. —o— EAA Chapter 2 will host its annual Chili Fly-In/Drive-In Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Smith Field Airport, Hangar 2, 426 W. Ludwig Road, Fort Wayne. Chili, chips, a drink and dessert will be served. Admission is free, with donations accepted for
youth aviation activities. The event also will feature aircraft and classic and collectible cars. —o— The Fort Wayne Flax and Fleecers Guild will meet from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Salomon Farm Wolf Family Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. The meeting topic will be ways to use handspun yarn. The guild meets the second Tuesday of each month to learn and share about hand spinning and related fiber arts. Meetings are free and open to the public. Annual guild memberships are available. For more information, email fwflaxandfleecersguild@gmail.com or visit the guild’s Facebook page. —o— The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will present “Vivid-Pix Memory Station — What It Is and How It Preserves Stories” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at The Genealogy Center, second floor of the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne. Rick Voight, CEO of Vivid-Pix, will present the program. The program will be offered in person and via Zoom. Registration for the virtual program is available at acgsi.org. The program is free and open to the public. The Family History and Genealogy Workshop will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, followed by the Family Tree Maker Users Group at 2:15 p.m. Both meetings will be held at The Genealogy Center. The workshops are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. —o— Join in Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, for the annual Fall Gift and Craft Bazaar at the Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Door prizes and concessions will be
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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.
Southeast Fort Wayne
Apartment Fort Wayne Northeast
available. For more information, visit allencountyfairgroundsin. com. —o— The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 241 will host its 11th annual Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7605 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Proceeds will benefit veterans and their families and local charities. For reservations, call Vicki at (260) 750-8021, Jean at (260) 438-4386 or Diana at (260) 431-7183. —o— Woodlands Senior Activity Center For more information, call (260) 248-8944 or visit whitleycountycouncilonaging.org. 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
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 11
Sports
Curling: A winter sport option for seniors By JUDI LOOMIS Feature Writer Regardless of age or ability, there’s a winter sport just waiting for you to get involved. Curling, the age-old sport of throwing a “curling stone” across a sheet of ice to score points, is becoming a favorite pastime for seniors. In fact, the Fort Wayne Curling Club estimates that 33% or more of its members are age 55 and older. Regardless of gender, age or ability, you may want to learn the game. “Quite a few of our members are in their 70s, and we have had members as old as 82 competing in leagues,” said Craig Fischer, president and co-founder of the Fort Wayne Curling Club. “I have personally played
against curlers in their 90s.” Fischer explains that the club provides accommodations for people of varying skill levels and abilities, including those with disabilities. “The most common example of such an accommodation is the delivery stick, which allows people to deliver the curling stone without bending down,” Fischer said. “The delivery stick is legal in all leagues and tournaments. In fact, wheelchair curling is a Paralympic sport, and this year the Fort Wayne Curling Club will be hosting the Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles National Championships in January 2027.” Many seniors who have hopped on board the proverbial “stone-throwing” bandwagon said they were extremely bored, especially during the winter
months. Feedback from those who participate in the sport has been universally positive. “People find that the club is a welcoming environment, and our instructors are kind and supportive,” Fischer said. “The biggest complaint we generally get is that our ice room is 40 degrees, so participants should be sure that they dress for the cooler temperatures.” Fischer suggests the best way to get started is to sign up online for a “Learn to Curl” session or contact him at Craig@ fortwaynecurling.com. Learn to Curl sessions include one hour of on-ice instruction followed by 90 minutes of game play against other new curlers with coaches. The cost is $20 to participate in a Learn to Curl session. Those who wish to join a six-week rookie league can do
CURLING — The curling season in Fort Wayne runs from mid-September through early April. Photo from shutterstock.com. so for $100. The curling season in Fort Wayne runs from mid-September through early April. Fort Wayne Curling Club is located at 3837 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne. Lawn bowls, a combination
of bocce and curling, is played on a finely-manicured green. The Fort Wayne Curling Club recently added lawn bowls and croquet to its offerings. Lawn bowls and croquet run from mid-May through the end of October.
I am ruffing it with dog-training technique Millions of people watch “Survivor,” “The Bachelor,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother” and “Love Island.” Are they good shows? I IN A have no clue. NUTSHELL I’ve never By DICK watched one. WOLFSIE But here’s one show we should have brought
to the U.S. I saw it on London TV several years ago and recently Googled it to see if it was still on the telly. The show was called “Bring Your Husband to Heel.” The creator of the show claimed you can apply the same principles you use to teach your schnauzer or dachshund to train your husband. The show is no longer running. Either that or it’s simply playing dead. The show only dealt with dogs. As you ladies know, husbands are already like cats. They pay
no attention to you, sleep all day and are always on the wrong side of the door. The difference is that men don’t mind a dirty litter box and, unlike a cat, if you don’t clean a man’s bathroom, he’ll still spend an hour in it every day. The woman who hosted the show claimed her results were undeniable and she trained her husband to be the perfect mate. “Since I started using dog-training techniques, I have not had to do the dishes once,” she said. Yes, it’s great to have clean dishes, but my guess is her hus-
band’s tongue was badly damaged from all the plate-licking. Author’s note: So far, everything I have written is 100% true. But now let’s have some fun. When we got home from England, Mary Ellen was eager to try out a few surefire techniques. I told her I wasn’t going to take this lying down, but I had just rolled over for a treat, so I was in no position to argue. I then decided to really play the part. After dinner, for example, we usually strolled around the lake in our neighborhood. When she
said, “Dick, do you want to go for a walk?” I started rotating my backside in anticipation of our outing. “You’re not taking this seriously, Dick. I am simply applying basic behavioral techniques to our relationship, and you are making a mockery of it.” “You don’t think it’s funny when I get out of the shower and shake instead of using a towel?” “Yes, that was cute, but when I’m driving, it’s dangerous for you to stick your head out the window. And when you come home from
Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide
Adams Heritage
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Grand Marquis
300 East Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-5511 • jmull@tgmsi.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
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Orchard Pointe Health Campus
702 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-3333 • www.orchardpointehc.com
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.
Continued on page 12
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
Contact Kim For More Details! 260-760-7022 slallen@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
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12 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
You Asked, Eye Doctors Answer: Common eye health questions explained StatePoint - If you’ve ever turned to the internet with a question about your eyes whether it’s dryness, blurry vision or an unexpected eye twitch, you’re not alone. Eye doctors hear these same questions from patients every day. To help separate fact from fiction, VSP network doctors Bradley Grant, O.D., of VisionPoint Eye Center in Illinois, and Sonia Chung, O.D., M.Ed. medical director of TSA at Visionworks in Arizona, answer the top questions being asked online and in the exam room. Why are my eyes always dry? Grant: Dry eye is one of the most common and chronic eye conditions we see in patients and occurs when your eyes don’t produce sufficient tears or there is a deficiency in the quality of your tears. The tears you produce when you blink are important because they help keep your eyes hydrated and clear of irritants and provide a clear optical surface for stable vision. Since dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, such as excessive screen time, contact lens us or exposure to smoke and allergens, it’s important to see your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Why do my eyes look red and bloodshot? Chung: Red or bloodshot eyes are often a symptom of an underlying cause, such as allergies, tiredness, dry eyes, contact lens irritation, exposure to smoke or other irritants or infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Some of the simplest ways to get relief include trying preservative-free artificial tears you can purchase over the counter, applying a cold compress to your eyes, avoiding environmental irritants and washing your hands before touching your eyes. Your local eye doctor is a great resource to recommend reputable eye drops and help determine what’s causing redness if it doesn’t improve or keeps coming back. Why does my eye twitch randomly? Grant: Eye twitching, clinically known as eyelid myokymia, happens when the lower eyelid begins to involuntarily spasm. Minor eye twitching often resolves as quickly as it starts. Fatigue, stress, eye strain and caffeine or alcohol consumption are the most common causes. Simple lifestyle changes often help stop twitching. I recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep, increasing
hydration while decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake and minimizing stressors. If eye twitching is due to eye strain or vision-related stress, you may need corrective lenses or an updated prescription. Why is my vision cloudy or blurry? Chung: Cloudy or blurry vision can happen for a few common reasons, including dry eyes, eye strain or prescription changes. It can also be related to conditions like cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens. This is something patients ask about frequently, and at Visionworks, it’s often a reminder that eye changes shouldn’t be ignored, even when they seem minor. Sometimes, blurry vision can be a sign of broader health issues, like diabetes. That’s why it’s important to mention any changes in visual clarity during your exam.
Your eye doctor can help uncover what’s behind it and guide you on next steps. Do I really need to see my eye doctor if my vision is clear and I don’t wear glasses? Grant: A comprehensive eye exam plays an important role in preventive care. During an eye exam, your optometrist can detect signs of more than 270 health conditions, many of which don’t show early warning signs and can impact overall wellness, not just vision. That’s why it’s truly nice to see you every year - an annual eye exam gives us the chance to answer your questions, catch subtle changes, and get a clearer picture of your overall well-being. To schedule your annual eye exam, find a Visionworks location near you at locations.visionworks.com, or locate additional VSP network
OPPORTUNITY — Annual eye exams are a great opportunity to ask questions and talk with your eye doctor if something is bothering you. Photo provided by Azman Jaka. doctors in your area at vsp. com/eye-doctor. When it comes to your eyes, what you see isn’t always the whole story. Annual eye exams provide an opportunity to ask common eye health questions and get personalized answers from an optometrist you trust in the context of your overall health.
I am ruffing Continued from page 11
work, please just use your key. The scratching at the front door is driving me crazy.” Of course, there were some advantages to this experiment. More belly rubs in one week than I got in the previous
30 years of marriage. I am allowed to “go out” as often as I want, but that electric collar is really cramping my style. The spay/neuter brochure that Mary Ellen picked up at the vet does have me a little on edge.
I didn’t want my wife to treat me like a dog anymore. So, one night after dinner out, I gave her roses and champagne. I was looking forward to a very romantic evening. Later that night, she told me to get off the bed.
HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY HOSPICE
STILLWATER HOSPICE 5910 Homestead Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 435-3222 stillwater-hospice.org
Helping families face serious illness and loss with comfort, compassion and guidance through hospice, palliative and adult grief support.
IN-HOME CARE
ABSOLUTE ANGELS IN-HOME CARE PO Box 214 Leo, IN 46765 Phone: (260) 715-7777 www.AbsoluteAngels.org Don@AbsoluteAngels.org Absolute Angels delivers compassionate, reliable care — bringing peace of mind, dignity and heartfelt support to families when it matters most.
IN-HOME CARE
Locally Owned & Operated COMFORT KEEPERS 3182 Mallard Cove Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Phone: (260) 484-5858 ftwayne@comfortkeepers.com Comfort Keepers provides award winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities.
PET AFTERCARE
NATURE’S WAY PET AFTERCARE 6428-C St. Joe Center Road Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Phone: (260) 255-6972 www.natureswaypetaftercare.com
Supporting families every step. Services include: pet euthanasia, cremation, memorial items and grief support. Contact us today to start pre-planning.
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”
SENIOR WELLNESS
STROLL WALKING CLUB 4315 Love Grass Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46845 Phone: (260) 452-6091 www.strollwalkingclub.com • Guided Group Walks • Door to Door Transportation • Built for Seniors • Trusted Local Guides
Call Kim At 260-760-7022 To Join Our Health Services Directory
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 13
7 ways to help someone get help Editor’s Note: Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers 200 plus techniques that can drastically improve your mental health By STAN POPOVICH Guest Columnist There are many reasons why some people are reluctant to get help for their mental health or addiction issues. In addition, many people are not sure what to do when encouraging someone to get the help they need for their mental health. As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to convince a person who is struggling to get some assistance.
1. Talk to the person instead of talking at them: Nobody wants to be lectured or yelled at. The person who is struggling is scared, and they need help overcoming their fears and resistance to getting some guidance. Treat others the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. 2. Find out why the person won’t get help: Ask the individual who is struggling the reasons why they are reluctant to get some assistance. Although most people may not admit it, a sense of fear of the unknown and/or some kind of frustration are usually the main factors. It might take a few tries; however, try to find out what is stopping your friend from getting treatment.
3. Address the reasons why the individual won’t get help: Once you get the reasons why he or she STAN won’t get POPOVICH some help, the next step is to find ways to address those factors that are preventing the individual from getting assistance. Addressing one’s fears and concerns may convince them to take some action that will get their life back on track. 4. Get some advice from a professional: Talk to your doctor or a mental health counselor for recommendations on how
you can help someone who is struggling. A medical professional in the mental health field will be able to give you some ideas and options that you can use to help convince someone you know to get some help. 5. Find someone who understands: Try to find someone who used to struggle with their mental health for their advice. For example, a person who used drugs and alcohol in the past could use their past experiences and insights to convince the individual to seek treatment. A person who used to struggle with addiction or their mental health may be better able to relate to the person who is struggling. 6. Get them to attend a support group: Another way
to convince someone to get help is to get them to go to a mental health support group. This may or may not work depending on the individual, but it is still worth a try. A person who goes to a support group can at least listen to those who are also struggling, which may convince the person to get some assistance. 7. Be persistent: Continue to be persistent with your loved ones in getting them the help they need. Keep in contact with your doctor and any mental health counselor about your progress. If things do not improve, continue to find other alternatives for getting the person some help. For more information, visit managingfear.com.
HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY A COMPLETE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
ADAMS WOODCREST 1300 Mercer Avenue Decatur, IN 46733 Phone: (260) 724-3311 www.adamswoodcrest.org
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HOME CARE SERVICES
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HOME HEALTH CARE
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AUDIOLOGY
HOME HEALTH CARE
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Homefront empowers independent living with compassionate in-home non-medical and medical skilled healthcare, personalized attendant, companion, nursing, and other support services.
HOME PET CARE
A HIGHER STANDARD OF HOME CARE 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.
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.
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 • 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
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Personalized In-Home Care for You or Your Loved Ones
Call Kim At 260-760-7022 To Join Our Health Services Directory
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14 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Travel
Exploring St. Louis’ historic sites By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist
Maybe it was because I had seen references to the St. Louis Arch throughout my life. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the famous span is included on many a “must-see” list. Whatever the reason, my expectations when I recently had an opportunity to visit and ascend in the world-famous structure were high. That may have been why the experience was somewhat of a disappointment. It’s not that the well-known landmark, which towers over the city’s skyline, isn’t impressive. At 630 feet tall, it lays claim to the title of the highest man-made national monument in the United States. It weighs more than 17,000 tons and was built to withstand both earthquakes and strong winds. Those who wish to reach the top of the edifice may hitch a ride, then alight for the short walk to the summit. So why didn’t the happening live up to the hype? For starters, the trip is made in a somewhat cramped tram car. Those who suffer from claustrophobia may experience a bit of it on the way up. Once there, they peer out narrow slit windows for views of the city as far as 30 miles away and of boat and barge traffic making its way along the Mississippi River. If you wish to avoid the journey, or don’t enjoy being crammed into a sardine-like setting, I found the Gateway Arch Museum at the base of the span to be inviting and interesting. It focuses upon the history and significance of the namesake above, with interactive exhibits about westward expansion, the Lewis and Clark Expe-
S & S TRAVEL
Motorcoach Tours 1404 E. Lake Bluff Dr. Kendallville, IN 46755
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dition, and the role played by St. Louis in the history of the United States since the city’s founding in 1764. It served as a hub for trade with regional American Indian tribes, the political capital of the region and a center of commerce along waterways. Arrival of the first steamboat in 1817 changed the city forever. Steamboats opened the area to the West, and St. Louis morphed into a major manufacturing city. Among reminders of the Indigenous culture is Sugarloaf Mound, the sole remaining Mississippian culture mound in present-day St. Louis. Some 40 of these earthen knolls were built within present-day St. Louis by the Native Americans who thrived in the area from about 600 to 1300 A.D. Another architectural gem in town is the Climatron, which houses the Geodesic Dome Conservatory. It incorporates the principles of R. Buckminster Fuller, the architect, systems theorist, author, designer, inventor and futurist. It was the first geodesic dome to be used for that purpose and has been named one of the 100 most significant architectural achievements in United States history. Contrasting with the colorless aluminum of which the dome is made are plantings in the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden. It includes a Japanese Garden, one of the largest in North America; exhibits some of the most distinctive examples of garden sculpture in the country; and displays results of sustainability practices throughout its operation. Dwarfing that spread in size is Forest Park, a 1,326-acre enclave of meadows and trees, prairie wetlands, lakes and ponds. Opened in 1876, it has hosted significant events like the 1904 World’s Fair and Summer Olympics. Known as the “Heart of St. Louis,” it’s home to the city zoo, art and history museums, science center and opera theater.
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW — A view of Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Mo. Photo from Explore St. Louis. Music lovers are likely to find venues in St. Louis where they may hear their favorite sounds. The city has long been a hopping hub of musical activity, and both local artists and visiting performers have been responsible for that. From jazz to blues, soul to hip-hop, the list of something-for-everyone sounds is long and varied. When it’s time to dine in St. Louis, the city offers a choice of local specialties which, if they may sound quirky, I found to be worth introducing to my taste buds. Beginning with breakfast, I quickly came to appreciate an early morning cake fix with a favorite local recipe. Gooey butter cake is practically a rite of passage. The story about this concoction is that a baker accidentally doubled the butter in a cake recipe, resulting in a deliciously gooey custard atop a coffee cake base, all dusted with powdered sugar. While there is a distinct difference between the St. Louis and Kansas City styles of barbecue, both include a generous quantity of barbecue sauce. The St. Louis version is a pork steak which is seasoned, smoked and slathered in
TUCKER MURAL — Shown is a portion of the Tucker Mural in the underground museum at Gateway Arch National Park. The brick mural shows construction workers working on the arch it’s comparison to other national monuments and the builders. Photo by Deb Patterson. tangy, tomato-based BBQ sauce. Whether brunching on butter cake or munching on barbecue, admiring a soaring arch or strolling among a collection of garden sculptures, the choice of things to taste, see and do in St. Louis is
likely to fulfill any visitor’s wish list. After experiencing much that the city has to offer, I would suggest: Come for the Arch, stay for the rest. For more information, log on to stlouis-mo.gov.
Polish-American Heritage Month Potluck Oct. 4 A Polish-American Heritage Month Community Potluck Get-Together will be held from 3-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the
Memorial Park Pavilion, 2301 Maumee Ave., Fort Wayne. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite Polish recipes, side dish, salads or desserts to share. Traditional Polish food will include kielbasa, kapusta, pierogi and kompot, along with fixings for Chicago Maxwell Street Polish sandwiches and classic hot dogs. The event will also feature Polish music, polka tunes, folk songs and dancing. The enclosed pavilion will be open rain or shine. Plenty of parking and handicap accessibility are available.
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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ 15
Travel
You can go home again in southern Italy By LYNNE TIMPANI FRIEDMANN Mature Life Features It took a 6,000-mile journey to get home to this village in Italy’s southernmost region of Calabria, which forms the toe of the peninsula’s boot that tickles Sicily. Three cousins from coastal Reggio di Calabria, the largest and oldest city in the region, accompanied us on the 40-mile drive that took more than an hour to get to Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte. Our first stop was Scilla, where brightly painted fishing boats bobbing at their waterfront moorings made it a much friendlier sight than when it was home to the monstrous six-headed Scylla of Greek mythology. Turning inland, the road developed more twists and turns as we climbed higher through thicker and greener woods. A final hair-pin turn and suddenly we were in the middle of a village. The street was blocked by a few dozen slouching musicians who snapped to attention and began to play. Our visit coincided with the Feast of St. Anthony, one of the village’s five patron saints. We also had to make way for the giants of the festival, two men cloaked in costumes of a 12-foot-tall man and woman
who danced down the street with laughing children in hot pursuit. Santa Cristina has two churches. We stopped briefly at the Old Church before arriving “home” - where Eugenio and Maria Timpani live. They were the parents of my cousins who accompanied us from Reggio. Eugenio greeted me with, “Tu Timpani?” (You’re a Timpani?), to which I replied, “Si.” Then family photos flew out of drawers and cabinets. I opened the photo album I carried from my home in San Diego. A heavy album was placed before me and crackled open to a sepia-toned photo of who I was told was my grandfather. The lean young man standing next to a stairway was Grandpa John (Giovanni), wearing a hat with his sleeves rolled up and his left foot resting on a shovel. Handwritten on the back was “Here I am, working in my garden.” It was dated 1920. Then I distributed copies of a formal portrait of Grandpa John, and we all moved to the kitchen for a couple of hours of noshing and nattering. The antipasto included cured green olives, sun-dried tomatoes the size of your hand, homemade salami, oil that had been pressed from the family’s olive grove and, of course,
MOUNTAIN VILLAGE — Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte sits on a small shoulder in the Aspromonte mountains in Calabria, Italy’s southernmost region. Photo by Lynne Timpani Friedmann. plenty of homemade wine. One course followed another as we feasted on handmade macaroni, lamb braciole, salad, green beans - and bread baked by a cousin who owned a bakery. We also learned the mayor was a cousin. After finishing the meal with cherries, apricots and a pastry the size of a loaf of French bread filled with Chantilly cream, everyone was ready for a nap. Over the decades, the original house was expanded to
Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society annual show Oct. 16-18 The Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society will host its annual three-day show Oct. 16-18 at the Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. The show, themed “Gems Rock the Fort,” will be held in the building east of the Home & Family Arts Building. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for those age 12 and older. Scouts age 18 and younger in uniform are admitted free. Attendees of all ages can enjoy demonstrations, a variety of vendors, children’s games, a fluorescent room, gem sluice, silent auction and other activities. Visitors can shop for unique jewelry and loose gems, have stones set, watch lapidary demonstrations, add fossils and minerals to their collections,
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find materials for their own creations, purchase grab bags and bring minerals for identification. Door prizes also will be awarded. The Fort Wayne-based Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society is an educational, recreational nonprofit club dedicated to the study of geology, mineralogy, lapidary and related earth sciences. The organization promotes fellowship and learning through meetings, programs,
exhibits and other activities. The society meets monthly, sponsors regular field trips and hosts an ongoing monthly Junior program. It is a member of the Midwest Federation and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. For more information, visit the society’s annual show page at threeriversgemandmineral. com/annual-show or find it on Facebook at Three Rivers Gem & Mineral Society.
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more than 5,000 square feet to accommodate immediate and extended family. These dormitory wings are unused most of the year but housed as many as 20 visiting family members for one to three months every summer. After everyone awakened and sipped an espresso, we visited the cemetery with its caretaker, another distant cousin who lived across the street from Eugenio and Maria. The cemetery housed a surprisingly large number of imposing mausoleums. The Timpani mausoleum looked like it might belong to the Rockefellers. Then we visited an older part of the village where homes have long been abandoned, including No. 17, where Grandpa John was born.
Back in the car, we drove into the mountains dense with trees, carpeted with ferns and dotted with wildflowers. This was the site of an annual August picnic that drew up to 100 family members from all over Italy. On our way back, we stopped briefly at the spot on the dusty road where Grandpa John said goodbye in 1905. He and his brother, Joseph, walked the 30 kilometers to Scilla before journeying on to Naples to board a boat to America. We got back just as the statue of St. Anthony left the New Church. As the church bells tolled, the statue was carried down every street followed by the villagers who sang songs and recited prayers. Mature Life Features Copyright 2026
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16 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Allen Edition ■ October 2026
Finance
You Inherited A House: Now what? By KURT NESS Ness Bros. Being named an heir or personal representative of an estate can come with an unexpected responsibility: a house. Along with everything else your family may be dealing with, there are suddenly decisions about insurance, maintenance, belongings, repairs and whether the property should be kept or sold. Where do you begin? First, Don’t Rush Before making major decisions, determine who has the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Probate or other legal steps may be necessary, so consult your estate attorney. In the meantime, secure the property and protect important documents, valuables and sentimental items. Find Out What The House Is Worth One of the biggest questions
heirs face is whether to sell the home as-is or make improvements first. A home that hasn’t been updated in decades doesn’t necessarily need a complete renovation. Before spending estate money, understand the property’s current as-is value, potential market value and selling options. A traditional listing may provide broad market exposure, while an auction can offer a defined timeline and competitive bidding. In some situations, selling as-is may be the most practical choice. Then There’s Everything Inside Before calling a clean-out company or filling a dumpster, determine whether personal property has resale value. Furniture, collectibles, tools, jewelry, vehicles, equipment and household items may be appropriate for auction. Fami-
ly keepsakes can be distributed first, with remaining items sold, donated or removed. You Don’t Have To Know All The Answers When multiple heirs are involved, having objective information about the home’s condition, value and options can also make family decisions easier. For more than 60 years, Ness Bros. has helped families navigate real estate, personal property and major family transitions. Sometimes the best first step isn’t deciding how to sell anything. It’s simply finding out what your options are. If you’re responsible for an inherited home, we’re happy to help you understand the choices available to your family. Call today for a free consultation at (260) 4593911.
Explore enhancements to Social Security account portal By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration Your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/ myaccount is your secure access point to Social Security services. Whether you’re planning for retirement or updating your information, your personal account is designed to make your experience smooth and convenient. What’s New? We’ve updated the online portal with a new design
and enhanced functionality to better align with SSA.gov. The revised layout improves navigation and usability, while maintaining access to all existing tools and features. Key enhancements include: A redesigned Retirement Calculator: Now includes a colorful bar graph, making it easier to compare up to three estimates at a time to help you better understand your retirement options. Consistent design: The updated look and feel matches SSA.gov for a more unified experience across our online services. What Can You Do With Your Online Account? With your personal my Social Security account, you can: Get personalized retirement benefit estimates.
Get estimates for spouse benefits. Check your application status. Set up or change direct deposit. Print a benefit verification letter. Change your address. For a full list of online services available to adults, businesses, government agencies, organizational payees, and other third parties, visit ssa. gov/onlineservices. What Does This Mean For You? These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to improving our service and provide you with a smoother, more reliable online experience. The next time you sign in to your personal my Social Security account, you’ll see a new design and improved tools, making it easier than ever to manage your Social Security information. Remember: Doing business with us is online through your personal my Social Security account is easy, convenient, and secure. Go Digital! Create an account today. Help us spread the word by sharing with your family, friends and on social media.
SAFETY FIRST — Make sure to stay safe and secure when responding to unfamiliar payment requests. Photo provided by Ton Photograph.
What to look for before you send money StatePoint - Digital payments are part of everyday life. Fraud experts warn that scammers are increasingly inserting themselves into these routine digital payment transactions, redirecting money in ways that can be difficult to recover. Many payment scams start with a message that looks real. It may appear to come from a vendor, service provider or someone you are already working with. The message asks you to send a payment or update payment details. Because the request fits into a typical situation, such as paying an invoice or completing a purchase, it can be hard to detect scams. By the time the payment is sent, the money is often gone. “Payment and invoice scams are effective because they often look like routine transactions people are expecting to make. Fraudsters may use compromised accounts, impersonate trusted contacts or create a sense of urgency to redirect funds,” said Joshua Del Valle, executive director of enterprise fraud at PNC Bank. “Taking a moment to independently verify payment requests and payment instructions can help consumers and businesses avoid a costly mistake.” What To Know About Payment And Invoice Scams Messages may appear legitimate: Emails, texts or invoices can closely resemble real communications, including familiar names, logos or ongoing transactions. Sometimes they’re even sent through real communication channels, such as a person’s email, after the account
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has been compromised. Payment details may suddenly change: Requests to “update” wire transfer instructions or send money to a new account are a common warning sign. Scams often involve fast, irreversible payment methods: Wires, payment apps and gift cards are commonly used because funds can be difficult to recover once sent. Fraud can move across channels: A message may be followed by a phone call or text to reinforce the request and create urgency. The Anatomy Of A Scam 1. Contact: You receive a message about a payment, invoice or transaction. 2. Trust: The message appears tied to a real service or relationship. 3. Urgency: You are asked to act quickly to avoid a delay, penalty or disruption. 4. Request: You are directed to send money or change payment details. 5. Extraction: Funds are sent to a fraudulent account. Five Ways To Protect Yourself 1. Verify payment requests directly. Contact the business or person using the official phone number or website rather than relying on the information provided to you. 2. Pause before sending money. Urgency is a common tactic. Take time to confirm the request. 3. Check payment details carefully. Even small changes in account information or small typos in email addresses can signal a scam. 4. Use payment apps carefully. Treat them like cash. Only send money to people you know and have verified. 5. Be cautious with unusual payment methods. Requests to pay with gift cards or other nontraditional methods are red flags. For more information on best practices to help prevent fraud, visit PNC’s Security and Privacy Center. Scams tied to everyday payments can be easy to miss. Taking a moment to verify requests and confirm details can help protect your money and reduce the risk of sending it to the wrong person or place.