Free
Living Life After 50
Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Dinner Workshops: Learn How To Avoid Probate and Spending Down See Page 5
Call Now: (219) 462-0809
Cliff Rice
Elder Law Attorney
Advertising Material
June 2026
Northwest editioN reachiNg seNiors iN illiaNa: cook, lake & Porter couNties
Vol. 30, No. 3
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
SENIOR UNIVERSITY By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer There was no turning of the tassels or playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” but the 10 people who received their certificate from Indiana University Northwest in Gary feel just as accomplished as any other graduates this spring. One student wanted to feel more comfortable around a computer. Another’s computer was woefully out-of-date. Another is pursuing her doctorate. The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence at IUN held a Senior Planet: Chrome Essentials course graduation ceremony April 27, featuring a new pilot program designed to close the digital divide for older adults. As part of this pilot initiative, each participant received an HP Chromebook to take home, enabling learning to continue beyond the classroom. Amanda Smith, assistant director of CURE and a course trainer, said the 10 graduates “earned” the notebook. Their perfect attendance, Smith said, represented their “dedication, persistence and willingness to keep learning.” The five-week, 10-session class began in March at the Gary campus. Dr. Ellen Szarleta, director of CURE, thanked the graduates for their “courage to learn.” IUN Chancellor Dr. Arrick Jackson added, “Learning never stops, nor does the ability to make a difference.” The 10 graduates are Marcu Galateanu and Joyce White, both from Hammond; Damian Santay, of Munster; Julie Wiencek, St. John; and Denise Lewis, Seritha Lott, Barbaraa Jean Meeks, Mary Oren, Elizabeth Stephens, and Ayanna Continued on page 2
STUDENT PARTICIPATION — Seniors enrolled in the Chrome Essentials class offered by Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence interact during one of the course’s 10 sessions. Photo provided by IUN.
where learning has no age limits
CLASS ACT — Shown with instructor Amanda Smith, back row, far right, are the graduates of the initial Chrome Essentials course offered by Indiana University Northwest in Gary. Shown are Mar-
cu Galateanu, Denise Lewis, Seritha Scott, Barbara Jean Meeks, Mary Oren, Damian Santay, Elizabeth Stephens, Joyce White, Julie Wiencek and Ayanna Wight.Photo by Steve Euvino.
������������� ������������������ ������������� ������������������ ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������
Porter County Office:506 Evans Avenue Lake County Office:
County 1st Office: Lake Plum County Office: 409Porter E. Lincolnway, Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 57 Street, Suite 203 409Franklin E. Lincolnway, 1st Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222Plum Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Schererville, Indiana 46375 Schererville, Indiana 46375 , LLC Phone: (219) 548-0980Fax: (219) 548-0993 Fax: (219) 548-0993 Phone/Fax: 227-4884 Fax: (219) 548-0993 Phone/Fax: (219)(219) 227-4884 *Certified as an Elder Law Attorney the National Elder Law Foundation *Certified as an Elder Lawby Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation
Connie Bauswell, CELA* Connie L.L.Bauswell, CELA* www.conniebauswell.com www.conniebauswell.com