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October 2026

Northwest editioN reachiNg seNiors iN illiaNa: cook, lake & Porter couNties

Vol. 30, No. 7

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Crafting with Becky –

Growing a county park program Text and Photos By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer Coming off surgery from earlier this year, Becky Kreiger wanted to get back to work and provide something new for park users. Recalling her love of appliqué quilting, Kreiger, director of recreation for Porter County Parks and Recreation, thought about quilting, but with a twist - no sewing, just gluing. Since August, Kreiger has been teaching two monthly classes, Canvas Quilting and Crafting with Becky. Attendance has been slow to develop, but, with time and word of mouth, Kreiger hopes the program can draw more participants of all ages. “We’re making a quilt without sewing,” Kreiger explained. Kreiger has containers loaded with fabrics, trim and buttons. The fabrics, she explained, are pre-interfaced to make them stiffer. Kreiger offers participants the basic theme for the month, then lets them select the fabrics and other materials for their individual projects. Choosing the fabric, Kreiger said, can be the biggest challenge. Participants must sort through fabrics of different sizes and shapes. Kreiger provides participants with templates for different shapes, such as flowers, vases and even bees. Students then select the color for their back-

MUMS THE WORD — Shannon Dres of Valparaiso paints the vase for an abstract mums class at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Porter County Parks and Recreation sponsors the monthly class. ground, which they paint onto the canvas. Having done the painting and cutting of fabrics for the vase and flowers, participants are encouraged to photograph their preliminary project with their cellphones. Eventually, the pieces are assembled and framed. Students get to see and show off their finished 11-inch-by-14-inch projects, their teacher said. “Hopefully, students come back next month for a different class,” Kreiger noted. Project themes vary, depending on the season. The initial class focused on cows, with flowers in September. Scarecrows are coming in October, followed by turkeys in

November and Christmas trees and gnomes to finish the year. For the September Crafting with Becky class, Kreiger chose an abstract mum theme. Also done on an 11-inch-by-14-inch canvas, the work features cut-in pieces, with banded cotton tips used for painting. Kreiger likens the project to abstract pointillism, an art form using tiny dots of various colors, which become blended in the viewer’s eye. Some of Kreiger’s students are already involved in other crafts. Jane Pecor of Chesterton has participated in quilting, watercolors and reading. Continued on page 2

SAMPLE PROJECT — Becky Kreiger, director of recreation for Porter County Parks and Recreation, displays a sample work during a Canvas Quilting class. The parks department offers the monthly class at Sunset Farm County Park in Valparaiso.

PIECING TOGETHER — Missy Scharfenberg assembles pieces of her fabric vase and flowers at a Canvas Quilting class at Sunset Farm County Park.

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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

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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Key Positions

Lansing firefighter still enjoying serving community, educating public By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer Although Tom Langdon didn’t have early aspirations of being a firefighter like so many young boys do, there’s no doubt it is what he was meant to do. He now has more than three decades of experience in the fire service and has more seniority than any other member of the Lansing Fire Department in Lansing, Ill. Early on, Langdon’s goal was to go into business and marketing. He earned an associate’s degree from Moraine Valley Community College with plans to transfer to Northern Illinois University, but when he was slightly short on credits and trying to cram in summer classes to meet the qualifications, he decided to go a different route. While many who enter the fire service are drawn to the

excitement of the fire side, Langdon was more interested in the medical side of the profession. “I looked at it through the medical side initially. My mom and sisters were nurses. My dad and brothers were electricians. I didn’t want to be an electrician, so I looked at what else interested me,” he said. An experience coordinating a successful community blood drive in Boy Scouts also piqued his interest in the medical field. The Evergreen Park native went to his local firehouse, where officials agreed to sponsor him through Emergency Medical Technician school, and he re-enrolled at MVCC for classes. “I was so enthralled. I couldn’t get enough of it. I was so focused. Friends would try to distract me when I was studying and just couldn’t. I fell in love with it,” he said. “Then I got to the fire side and it was even better. I was always

athletic and active. It was a challenge, and I was using athletic skills to do the job.” He soon went on to complete paramedic training through Christ Hospital. After simultaneously working with Daley’s Ambulance, as an emergency technician at Ingalls Hospital and as a firefighter/EMT on the Evergreen Park Fire Department, Langdon tested for several area departments at the urging of his former father-in-law, who was part of a suburban department. “Back then, it was really hard to get on a department full time. I tested at four departments. One had 800 applications for two open positions,” he said. One of those was Lansing. “I tested well there, and they were the first department to call.” As the first full-time firefighter to come from outside the village, it took a little bit

HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE — Tom Langdon of the Lansing Fire Department was honored last year when he received the Fire Prevention Life Safety Award for the State of Illinois. He has served on the Lansing Fire Department for 33 years with a focus on public education. He is shown with his wife Jessica. of time to be fully accepted, but before long, he knew it was home. A fellow firefighter, Mike Winters, who went on to become a high-ranking officer and a leader in establishing the firefighters’ union, helped him a great deal. “Without Mike, a Continued on page 4

Crafting Continued from page 1

Canvas quilting, Pecor said, is “something new to do and try. I may never do this again, but at least I tried it.” Missy Scharfenberg, formerly of Chesterton, is into scrapbooking, genealogy, junk journaling and making seasonal holiday crafts. She enjoys the social aspect of crafting. “Just meeting people, learning new ideas from them, seeing other techniques,” Scharfenberg said. “There’s a lot you can learn.” Shannon Dres of Valparaiso, working on her abstract mums, also dabbles in macrame, diamond art, pottery art, nail art, scrapbooking, blankets, dollhouse making, painting and crocheting. “I just love the arts,” Dres said. “It gets my mind off other things so I can create.” Having also taken acrylic art classes at the county park, Dres added, “I don’t work, so I need something.” Kreiger is no stranger to crafts. Her interests include painting, sewing, button art, general crafts, quilting, appliqué sweatshirts, anything with gnomes and gardening. It was Kreiger’s button art that drew others to her, as they inquired if she would teach any classes. Kreiger said maybe and started some classes in the spring. With other programming taking up summertime, Kreiger resumed classes in the fall. Future crafting classes include embroidered pumpkins, turkeys and small holiday ornaments. Visit Porter County Parks and Recreation’s website for park programs and schedules.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 3

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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Spotlight

Retiree fuses glass artifacts to ‘dance in mind’s eye’ By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer

“A guy came to town and held a class on blowing glass. I was not very good at it,” he confessed. “Then I got a kiln, and it became easier for me. There were more opportunities to work with glass in a different way.” According to fusedglass.org, the basic idea is that art objects can be created by melting glass in a kiln. An accessible and rewarding art form for many people worldwide, fused glass is growing in popularity. Unlike stained glass, fused

Dave Morris’s display at the Chesterton European Market is simple, yet it draws people. Morris is the man behind FIG – Fabulous Intentions Glass. As the artisan explained the name, “I intend to make it fabulous. Then you decide if the glass really is fabulous.” A 73-year-old retiree, Morris got into fused glass eight years ago. It was not easy at first.

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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 Account Executives Rebecca Berggren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . slwest@the-papers.com • 219-241-5483 Erica Wolak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ewolak@the-papers.com • 219-718-1610 Lauren Zeugner, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lzeugner@the-papers.com 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 Rebecca Berggren at 219-241-5483 or slwest@the-papers.com; or Erica Wolak at 219-718-1610 or ewolak@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.

SENIOR CRAFTSMAN — Dave Morris stands beside a table of fused glass objects he made in his home and displays at street markets in the area. Photo by Steve Euvino. glass has no “lead lines.” Dimensional (non-flat) pieces can be created without having to cut and assemble hundreds of smaller pieces. Unlike blown glass, the learning curve with fused glass is relatively short; there are far fewer physical demands on the artist; and anyone’s garage can be converted into a well-equipped fused glass studio. Having worked for the Illinois Tollway as a computer consultant in web-based project management, Morris likes that word “studio.” He works in his basement, but the term “studio” makes him feel “more efficient.” From that basement studio, Morris creates trays, pendants, earrings, Christmas ornaments, plates, soap dishes and little suncatchers. Morris, who once collected paperweights, noted, “Glass enchants me. Even though glass is a rigid material, when creatively

designed, glass flows, moves and even dances in the mind’s eye.” His customers, he said, are looking for “something pretty, something different.” Popular items include pendants and trays. “Women use them as trinket trays for earrings and necklaces, and they place them by their bed or sink,” Morris explained. For Morris, working with glass is “fun, creative, and it keeps me out of trouble.” Fused glass was also a blessing during the pandemic. “It was something to do, and you could do it by yourself,” he said. That’s not to say that this glass art form is not without challenges. “You need a kiln, and they’re kind of expensive,” Morris said. “You’ve got to really want to do it and be serious about it.” Depending on one’s budget, a kiln for glass fusing can run from a couple of hundred dollars to nearly $30,000.

These days, Morris displays his wares at the Chesterton European Market and Farmed and Forged Market in LaPorte. He also has a website and is on Instagram and Facebook. Depending on the object, the time varies for completion, Morris said. Much of the time, he noted, has to do with the kiln. Some projects may take 10 hours in the kiln, while others take several days. Chatting with two eventual buyers, Morris promoted his work as “inexpensive presents.” One woman bought a pendant for herself; the other bought a tray for her coffee table. Over time, Morris has learned something about human nature through his clientele. Pendants, for example, “are a lot like jewelry,” he said. “People who are very decisive know what they want right away. Others have to look at everything and take their time. They need a lot of time.”

Lansing firefighter Continued from page 2

lot that benefited this community wouldn’t have happened. He was a big influence and a big mentor to me,” he said. Langdon loved everything about the job, especially that he was able to help people, and he became the go-to guy for public education. He did puppet shows, manned the safety trailer, visited schools, taught community CPR and took any opportunity to help educate the public on fire prevention. He now has the title of Community Risk Reduction Public Education Coordinator, and he continues to lead the Steps to Safety program for seniors on how to prevent falls and the Learn Not to Burn program aimed at early elementary school students. Last year, he received the

Fire Prevention Life Safety Award from the state of Illinois. He was invited to a ceremony in the state’s capital, with his wife, to accept the honor after being nominated by his deputy chief, chief and a teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School, where he did a lot of public education. In November, he will celebrate 33 years of service to the village of Lansing. In 2000, he was promoted to engineer/ paramedic. He has seen many changes to the profession and department over the years, most of them positive, and he plans to continue to serve “as long as I’m physically able to and as long as I still enjoy it,” he said. Langdon and his wife, Jessica, are the parents of one daughter and one son.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 5

S. 0. S. - Speaking Of Seniors -

Medicare tardiness hurts seniors company and Medicare were slow to update her information, two bills did not get paid, and she got bills and a letter from a collection firm. The client did not do anything wrong. Medicare and her new insurance company were slow and

inefficient about updating the information in her Medicare file. On July 8, 2026, the client and I called Medicare and all the billers to straighten out the errors. It took two hours to do all that. It takes longer if I must type letters or help a client file a complaint.

It would be wonderful if Medicare could require an insurance company to be quick to update Medicare or pay a civil penalty for slow and unprofessional processing that makes Medicare updates tardy. Why not motivate insurance compa-

nies to hire and train people to give good service to seniors on Medicare or pay fines for failing to give good, timely service? Woodrow Wilcox has saved clients of Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville over $3 million by fixing incorrect and wrongful bills.

I am ruffing it to be the perfect mate By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care Insurance Services On July 8, 2026, a client came to my office for a follow-up visit. We worked for two hours to fix a problem. The problem was caused by Medicare and her new Medicare supplement insurance company. She came to our agency to apply for a policy with a new insurance company. We sent her application on Nov. 1, 2025. Her new policy became effective Jan. 1, 2026. But the insurance company did not notify Medicare to send her claims to it until March 5, 2026, and Medicare did not update her file until April 23, 2026. Because the insurance

Millions of people watch “Survivor,” “The Bachelor,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother” and “Love Island.” Are they good IN A shows? I NUTSHELL have no clue. By DICK I’ve never WOLFSIE watched one. 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 husband’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 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.

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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Finance

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

Gov. Braun extends tax filing deadline for Hoosiers impacted by August storms Gov. Mike Braun has extended the tax filing deadline for Hoosier families impacted by the August 2026 disaster. He recently announced the Internal Revenue Service and the Indiana Department of Revenue are allowing thousands of affected individuals and businesses extra time to file various tax returns and make tax payments. “These storms brought unprecedented devastation to our state and require an unparalleled level of cooperation between state and federal partners to bring relief,” said Braun. “Extending these tax deadlines gives Hoosiers additional time to get back on their feet and focus on their family’s recovery before worrying about forms and fees.” Following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began on Aug. 11, the IRS and DOR have granted an extension to individuals and households that reside or have a business in Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin,

Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union and Wayne counties. Certain federal and state tax-filing deadlines falling between Aug. 11 and Feb. 1, 2027, will now have until Feb. 1, 2027, to file. The IRS is also granting the same extension on federal tax-payment deadlines. This new deadline includes individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2025 individual income tax return. However, tax payments related to those 2025 returns are not eligible for this new deadline because they were due on April 15, 2026. If any affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice that references an original due date within the postponement period, they should call the number on the notice to have the IRS or DOR abate the penalty. To see a list of affected tax types, visit DOR’s disaster relief page. For information on federal deadlines, visit the IRS.

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.

ServSafe Food Manager one day class and exam ServSafe educates food service workers about food safety. ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest ServSafe certification. It satisfies Indiana requirements to become a certified food protection manager. Purdue University Extension in Lake County will be offering ServSafe food manager training and an exam from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10. The training will be held locally at Purdue University Extension’s Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Register at cvent. me/a9Xb0v. For more information, contact Linda Curley, regional extension educator in health and human sciences, at lcurley@ purdue.edu or (219) 755-3240.

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.

United Way offers relief to families facing hardship after storms In the weeks following the devastating Aug. 11 storms that affected communities across the region, United Way Northwest Indiana has been working behind the scenes to secure grant funding and mobilize generous donors to help individuals and families facing financial hardship as they recover. The storms left thousands of Northwest Indiana residents navigating the consequences of power outages, property damage, temporary housing, disrupted childcare, missed work and unexpected expenses. While insurance, FEMA and other forms of assistance may help address some of the immediate costs, many households may still face financial gaps as they work to return to stability. Through grants and generous contributions from donors who have stepped forward to support storm recovery, United Way Northwest Indiana has established an initial $500,000 in disaster relief funds to support eligible households whose financial circumstances were affected by the August storms. “Recovery is about more than clearing debris and restoring power. For many families, the financial effects of these storms will continue long after the immediate crisis has passed,”

said Chris White, CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “We are grateful to the foundations, organizations and generous donors who have stepped up to make sure our neighbors have somewhere to turn. Our role is to help bridge the gaps that remain.” The assistance is particularly focused on households that were already working to make ends meet and may now be facing additional financial pressure because of circumstances beyond their control. White continued, “We know that a missed paycheck, unexpected housing costs, disrupted child care or expenses not covered by insurance can create a significant setback for any household.” Individuals and families who experienced hardship as a result of the Aug. 11 storms are encouraged to visit United Way Northwest Indiana’s Storm Recovery Assistance page at unitedwaynwi.org/storm-recovery-assistance to fill out an eligibility application. Applications will be reviewed according to program eligibility requirements and available funding. For individuals who may not qualify for this assistance, United Way NWI will work to connect them with other resources and support that may be available.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 7

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 single. A Boomer Blast Born in To The Past 1950 in By RANDAL Bothell, C. HILL 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 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.

SISTERS — Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy in 1998. Photo by John Mathew Smith & celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, via Wikipedia. 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:

OCTOBER SPECIAL

Evaluation does not guarantee results. Individual results vary. Offer expires 11/4/26

Heart’s Ann Wilson Looks Back on ‘Magic Man.’” Feb. 10, 2021. americansongwriter.com.

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8 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Sports

Fitness instructor and dance coach is former Indiana Colts cheerleader By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer If you happen to slip into a class at the YMCA in Valparaiso, you might be getting a bit of instruction from not just a fitness professional, but one who was on a national stage as a cheerleader for the Indiana Colts. Melissa Martin of Valparaiso spent five years as an Indiana Colts cheerleader, also serving as a captain and being selected as a Pro Bowl Cheerleader. Martin was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in LaPorte, graduating from LaPorte High School. “My mother had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly,” said Martin. “At the time, I was living in Indianapolis and working downtown Indy. A co-worker who was a cheerleader convinced me to try out, and the passing of my mother was putting me in a different life path mentality.” Cheerleading turned out to be a great experience for her in many ways. “Honestly, there were so many great parts … sisterhood, meeting people, networking, volunteering, education, confidence building, dancing, meeting celebrities, traveling.” Since 2022, she has been

instructing classes at the Valparaiso YMCA, and currently, you can find her teaching Shine Dance Fitness, Werq Dance Fitness and Pilates Reformer. If you’re walking the halls on a random weekday, you can often recognize her classes by the extremely upbeat sounds and beats that might make you feel like you’re at a nightclub rather than a fitness center. Martin aims to make her classes feel invigorating, rather than like something you dread going to. Her students leave feeling energized after the brief dance party. She’s even taken her classes off-site to bring joy to others by staging a flash mob at the local farmers market. Her thoughts on staying active as you age are simple: “What are you waiting for? Move it or lose it! It’s a must,” she said. Martin wears a lot of hats, and in addition to teaching classes at the YMCA, she is also a licensed esthetician, athletic trainer, and varsity assistant coach and head JV coach for the Vikettes Dance Team at Valparaiso High School. When she’s not working, she enjoys dancing, spending time with her pup and texting memes to her family in Florida.

MAKING CLASS FUN — Melissa Martin, a former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader teaches classes at the Valparaiso YMCA. She strives to make her classes fun and upbeat so students feel like they’re in a nightclub instead of a fitness center. Photo provided.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 9

life. on purpose. A Healthy Lifestyle as You Age

Healthy Reminders

for Adults over 50! 1. Take Your Medication as Directed

All medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, include directions for safe use. Be sure to follow all printed guidelines and the advice of your doctor to ensure that the medicine works safely and effectively.

2. Don’t Overdo It

Using alcohol and medications unintentionally or to cope with big life changes is called substance misuse. Help can begin with diagnosis, addressing chronic health issues, rebuilding support systems and starting treatment.

3. Check in with Your Mood

Feeling persistently sad or that you don’t have value can indicate depression, especially when these feelings affect your daily routine. Depression can be treated with talk therapy and/or medication. You can also lower the risk of depression when you prepare for major life changes, stay physically active, and share how you are feeling with family or friends.

4. Find Purpose Each Day

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Feeling that your life has purpose is a key to fulfillment. It can impact your health positively, and may also slow down aging and increase longevity. Make choices and plan activities based on what is enjoyable, interesting, and important to you.

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10 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

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 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’llmiss-her film roles. Then she met British movie director Ridley Scott, who was

seeking an unknown actor with a commanding presence 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.”

SIGOURNEY WEAVER 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 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.

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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 — Northwest Edition ■ 11

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12 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Faith

Munster man shares gift of music in church role By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer Music has been part of Robert Pastore’s life since the beginning and is a path he seemed destined to follow. “My mother was a piano player and had me and my four brothers singing at home as well as all taking music lessons. She bought me a summer session of voice lessons when I was 17 at South Suburban College,” said Pastore. “I went on to study there for two years, then I studied voice performance in Chicago at Columbia College with graduate studies at Roosevelt University. I enjoyed being a singing waiter at the Primavera Restaurant, singing in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus and from 1994 to 1999 in the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus.” He is a classically trained singer in the bel canto style and an experienced piano and saxophone player. His work continues today as a music director at St. Casimir Church and All Saints in Hammond, where he selects hymns for the liturgical celebrations, schedules organists and prepares the choir. He has been in this part-time position since 2009 and is also a freelance singer at wedding and funeral liturgies throughout the Gary Diocese and the

Chicago Archdiocese. Pastore’s work as a cantor began at St. Joseph Parish in Hammond as a high schooler. He also served at St. Thomas More as a cantor at the youth Mass. “The primary function of the cantor is to encourage participation in the liturgical celebrations as well as to lead the psalm, which is an ancient book of sacred songs in the Hebrew tradition and is intended to always be sung,” he explained. “What I like most about serving as a cantor is putting my gifts at the service of the faithful for the greater glory of God. I also enjoy communal singing with the laity as well as collaborating with organists, trumpet players, violinists and other musicians.” He also serves as a volunteer at the cathedral for diocesan liturgies. He is very active in the pro-life ministry of the diocese and has been the president of Lake County Right to Life since February. Additionally, he has been a volunteer leader with the Cursillo movement in the Gary Diocese since 1994, serving on numerous retreat teams, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Pastore’s full-time job is “helping people sort out the confusing puzzle of their Medi-

care and financial needs as they enter into and live through their retirement years,” through the insurance brokerage in Highland called The Health and Wealth Exchange, which he founded 18 years ago. “My faith is important because, as it is a response to the great gift of grace from God, it is a part of me that I am always aware of in everything I do and in every waking moment. My faith has allowed me to feel grounded on a solid foundation of God’s unconditional love and to understand that God is truth and light in a secular world that so often appears dark and filled with despair,” said Pastore. “I would like to add that I am grateful for the wonderful priests who have been a part of my formation from my childhood to today, including the late Msgr. Joseph Mroczkowski, the late Fr. Steven Gibson, the late Fr. Joseph Viater, Fr. Joe Vamos, and many of our devout clergy.” Married to Vicki, an accomplished pianist and organist, the couple has four grown children who are also involved in church music. He enjoys gardening; attending jazz concerts featuring his children; collecting Murano glass, Capodimonte ceramics and Baccarat crystal figurines; and spending time with his Belgian Malinois, Coco.

CELEBRATING HIS FAITH THROUGH MUSIC — Music has played an important role in Robert Pastore’s life since he was a young boy. Today, he serves St. Casimir Church and All Saints in Hammond as their music director. He also sings at weddings and funeral liturgies. Photo provided.

Residences Senior Living annual Scarecrow Contest offers over $800 in prizes By NATALIE REISEN Director of Sales and Marketing Residences at Coffee Creek Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living in Schererville is inviting schools, nonprofit organizations, youth groups, clubs and businesses to compete in the 14th Annual Scarecrow Contest to win a $500 first prize, a $250 second prize or a loaded gift basket for third prize. Enter by Oct. 9 and choose a setup time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Oct. 16-18. Scan the code on the ad for entry forms and more information on the website, ResidencesSeniorLiving.com/events. Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living in Chesterton is hosting its eighth Annual Scarecrow Contest, offering the same prizes and extending the same opportunities to the same organizations in their surrounding communities. “It’s a very meaningful event for the residents in our senior living communities,” explains Karen Ayresman, executive director of Residences at Deer Creek. “Residents watch with anticipation as the displays are created. They choose their favorites and get in on the voting, too. Voting by the public begins Oct. 19 through Oct. 30 at both locations, with info on Facebook

and the website to invite public viewing and provide instructions for dropping off votes in a drop box in our lobbies.” Participants choose creative themes to showcase their school, youth group, business or nonprofit as they attempt to win for their organization. Displays can be whimsical, scary, patriotic, Halloween-themed or simply depict their mission in the community. Public voting further strengthens the sense of community connections. “Winners will be contacted Nov. 2 to pick up their prizes and pose for photos,” adds Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director of Residences at Coffee Creek. “The Scarecrow Contest is our special, fun opportunity to participate in making connections in our greater communities. It also offers an opportunity for an intergenerational activity. Adults, as well as youth, and, as Karen emphasized, seniors in our residences, all benefit, whether they are creating something beautiful or simply enjoying watching the action and completed displays. The Scarecrow Contest makes winners of everyone - a little prize reward is always appreciated, too! For more information or questions about the Scarecrow Contest, call (219) 864-0700 for Deer Creek or (219) 921-5200 for Coffee Creek.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 13

Heart to Heart Hospice seeks compassionate volunteers Heart to Heart Hospice is inviting compassionate individuals throughout Lake, Newton, Jasper, Porter, LaPorte and Starke counties to become hospice volunteers and make a lasting impact in the lives of patients and their families. Hospice volunteers play a vital role by providing companionship, emotional support and comfort to patients facing a life-limiting illness. Whether it’s sharing a conversation, reading a favorite book, playing cards, listening to music, running errands, assisting with administrative tasks or supporting special events, every volunteer helps bring dignity, connection and kindness during life’s most important moments. “No medical experience is necessary - just a caring heart and a willingness to make a difference,” said a representative from Heart to Heart Hospice. “Our volunteers become an extension of our hospice family, offering

comfort, compassion and meaningful connections to those we are honored to serve.” Heart to Heart Hospice provides comprehensive training, ongoing support and flexible volunteer opportunities designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests. Volunteers may choose direct patient visits, office support, community outreach, veteran-to-veteran companionship, pet therapy (when applicable) or other specialized volunteer roles. Volunteering with Heart to Heart Hospice offers an opportunity to: • Provide companionship and emotional support to patients. • Support caregivers and families during a difficult time. • Share talents, hobbies or professional skills. • Give back to the community in a meaningful way. • Create lasting memories while making a genuine difference in someone’s life. Community members who are

Editor’s Note: Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers 200 plus techniques that STAN can drastiPOPOVICH cally improve your mental health.

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.

interested in becoming a hospice volunteer are encouraged to contact Heart to Heart Hospice at (219) 252-4860 to learn more about upcoming volunteer training and available opportunities. Heart to Heart Hospice is

committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered hospice care that enhances the quality of life for patients and supports their families with dignity, respect and compassion. Through an interdisciplinary

team of health care professionals and dedicated volunteers, Heart to Heart Hospice delivers exceptional care that focuses on comfort, connection and honoring each patient’s unique journey.

If you can’t live in your home following the August storms FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters in Indiana’s 21 designated counties for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from the August 2026 storms. FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance. Report your housing needs to

FEMA when you apply, and FEMA staff will work with you to determine your eligibility and the type of assistance that meets your housing needs. Displacement Assistance Displacement Assistance is money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot live in your home after the August storms. This money can

be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or in other temporary housing options while you look for temporary housing. Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, call the FEMA Continued on page 14

A PA RT M E N T 7 ways to help LIVING someone get help

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 won’t get some help,

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14 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Struggling to hear? It might be time for a hearing evaluation By TAMMY SPRY Owner Clear Ear Hearing Aid Center The room is full of conversation. Someone tells a joke at the far end of the table, and everyone laughs except you. You catch about half of what your grandson says before nodding along, hoping it was nothing important. Sound familiar? The Signs Often Show Up First at the Table Hearing loss rarely announces itself. It shows up in small ways — asking someone to repeat themselves, turning up the TV a little louder each week or feeling exhausted after a party because following the conversa-

ing dishes and music playing in the background is one of the hardest listening environments there is, even for people with

tion took so much effort. Background noise makes it worse. A crowded room with multiple conversations, clink-

normal hearing. For someone with untreated hearing loss, it can feel overwhelming. Family members often notice

Learn to build brain-healthy habits Building Brain-Healthy Habits is an educational program presented by Linda Curley, health and human sciences extension educator with Purdue University Extension, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This educational program is designed to help participants take proactive steps to support brain health at every stage of life. Attendees will learn about the 10 healthy

habits for your brain, explore the latest brain health research, including recommendations from the U.S. POINTER study, and develop a personalized action plan for building healthier routines. Topics include nutrition, physical activity, sleep and other lifestyle habits that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support long-term brain health. The program emphasizes small, practical

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Clear Ear Clear EarAid Center Hearing Call to schedule your appointment today! Hearing Aid Center Clear Ear Clear Ear Clear Ear Avenue 827 W 45th Hearing Aid Center Hearing Aid Center 827 W 45th Avenue Hearing Aid Center Griffith, IN 46319 Clear Ear Griffith, INAvenue 46319 827 W45th 45th (219) 367-0014 827 W Avenue Hearing Aid Center 827 W 45th Avenue (219) 367-0014 Griffith, IN 46319 Griffith, IN IN 46319 46319 www.clearearhearingaid.com Griffith, www.clearearhearingaid.com (219) 827 W367-0014 45th Avenue

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changes that can make a meaningful difference over time and highlights that it’s never too early or too late to start building brain-healthy habits. Join Linda Curley at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library or at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Lowell Public Library. Each session is 1 1/2 hours. To register, contact the library where you would like to attend: Merrillville Branch: (219) 769-3541 Lowell Public Library: (219) 696-7704 If you need accommodations or an interpreter or translator to attend this program, contact Curley prior to the meeting at (219) 755-3240 or lcurley@purdue.edu.

If you can’t Continued from page 13

helpline at (800) 621-3362. Lodging Expense Reimbursement Lodging Expense Reimbursement is money to reimburse you for emergency lodging expenses, such as a hotel or motel, if you were displaced from your home due to the August storms. This is a short-term accommodation you incur immediately after a disaster. This money is only available if you do not receive Displacement Assistance. Rental Assistance Rental Assistance can help owners and renters pay for somewhere to live while repairs are made to their primary residence, or until a permanent

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before the person experiencing the loss does. If relatives have mentioned that you seem to be “tuning out” or missing parts of conversations, that feedback is worth taking seriously. Why Ignoring It Affects More Than Just Hearing Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just make it harder to hear — it can quietly strain relationships. Missing jokes, misunderstanding questions or withdrawing from group conversations can lead to isolation, even among people who love spending time together. Clear Ear Hearing Aid Center accepts all major insurance plans, including Blue Cross/ Anthem, USX Highmark, Carpenters, Sheet Metal Local and other unions, Teamsters, United Health, Humana, Hearing Care Solution, Nations, Tru Hearing and Aetna, to name a few. Call (219) 934-9747 for details. Visit clearearhearingaid.com to schedule a free appointment for a hearing test and take the first step toward hearing clearly at your next family gathering.

Stay in the ‘know’

housing solution is identified. The initial award for Rental Assistance may be up to two months. After the initial award, applicants can request continued Rental Assistance. Home Repair/Replacement FEMA Home Repair Assistance can help you fix disaster-related damage to your primary residence. The money is meant to help make your home safe, clean, accessible and livable after a disaster. This may include addressing mold caused by the disaster and providing money to repair or replace damaged wells, septic systems or privately owned roads and bridges. How to Apply for FEMA Assistance If you have insurance, file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance. gov or in Spanish at DisasterAssistance.gov/es, or by calling the FEMA helpline at (800) 6213362.

Our

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 15

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide Aperion Care - Demotte

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16 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

26th annual Turkey Trot set for Thanksgiving morning The Portage Township YMCA will host its 26th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, bringing runners, walkers, families and community members together for a holiday tradition that supports local families in need. The Turkey Trot will begin at 8 a.m. with a free 1K Kids noncompetitive fun run, followed by the professionally timed 5K at 8:30 a.m. The 5K is open to runners and walkers, with walkers and strollers beginning immediately following the 5K runners. The event will take place at the Portage Township YMCA, 3100 Willowcreek Road in Portage. More than a race, the Turkey Trot is an opportunity for the community to start Thanksgiving by giving back. All proceeds from 5K entry fees benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families in the community so they can access YMCA programs and services. “Thanksgiving is a time to come together and recognize the people and organizations that make our community stronger,” said Shannon Burhans, president and CEO of the Portage Township YMCA. “The Turkey Trot gives families a fun way to start their holiday while also helping make sure our neighbors have access to the programs and resources they need. Every registration helps us continue to say yes when someone in our community needs support.” The 5K includes a long-sleeve event shirt and custom finisher medal. Shirts are guaranteed for participants who register by Nov. 1, with additional shirts available for purchase through Nov. 1, while supplies last. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group: 4–7, 8–10, 11–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59 and 60 and up. Free child watch will also

be available during the race, making it easier for parents and caregivers to participate. Race-day packet pickup and day-of registration begin at 7 a.m. The 1K Kids Run will begin at 8 a.m., with participants lining up at 7:50 a.m. The 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m., with runners lining up at 8:20 a.m. Awards are scheduled for approximately 9:15 a.m. Participants looking to prepare for the race can also register for the YMCA’s Couch to Course training group. The eight-week program meets Saturdays from 8 to 9 a.m. at the YMCA from Oct. 1 through Nov. 21. Register For The Turkey Trot Registration, complete race information and details about the Couch to Course training group are available at ymcaofportage. org/turkey-trot/. For more information, visit ymcaofportage.org or call (219) 762-9622.

SIGN UP NOW — Registration is now open for the Portage Township YMCA Turkey Trot. Work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner by participating in either the run or walk. Photo provided by the Portage Township YMCA.

Legacy Foundation and Porter County Community Foundation receive $250,000 donation In the wake of the Aug. 11 severe storm, U.S. Steel donated $250,000 to support recovery efforts in the cities of Gary and Portage. To ensure these dollars deliver immediate, meaningful impact where generations of steelworkers have raised their families, U.S. Steel is partnering directly with two of the area’s primary philanthropic stewards: Legacy Foundation and the Porter County Community Foundation. As community foundations, these organizations play a critical role during crises using their deep local roots, established networks of frontline nonprofits and dedicated disaster funds to deploy resources quickly without administrative delays. Through this partnership, a $150,000 grant to the Legacy Foundation and a $100,000 grant to the Porter County Community

Foundation will fuel community relief, storm recovery and community restoration across Gary and Portage. “Northwest Indiana is more than where we produce steel. To our employees and their families, it’s home,” said Scott Buckiso, U.S. Steel’s executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer. “While no single contribution can solve the challenges many people are facing, we hope this support helps where it is needed most. We’re grateful to the Legacy Foundation and the Porter County Community Foundation for the vital work they do every day to strengthen our communities.” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton stated, “U.S. Steel has been a cornerstone of Gary for generations, and its swift action in the wake of the Aug. 11 storm speaks volumes about its ongoing commitment to our people. This

generous $150,000 contribution will provide immediate, tangible relief to the families and neighborhoods that were hit the hardest. By channeling these funds through the trusted hands of the Legacy Foundation, we are ensuring that help reaches our front lines quickly and efficiently. We are incredibly grateful to U.S. Steel for standing with Gary as we rebuild and recover.” Echoing that appreciation for recovery work in neighboring Portage, Portage Mayor Austin Bonta highlighted the importance of prompt regional partnership. “The people of Portage and my team at City Hall are extremely grateful for this generous gift from U.S. Steel, and we appreciate working with the Porter County Community Foundation, a trusted and reliable partner, to administer this gift for the benefit of the Portage community,” Mayor

Bonta said. “When disaster strikes, community foundations are built to step in immediately, bridge critical gaps and ensure resources go exactly where they are needed most,” said Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation. “This generous contribution from U.S. Steel provides vital funding right to our front lines. We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to Gary and their dedication to lifting up our neighbors during tough times.” As cleanup continues across Northwest Indiana, both foundations remain actively engaged on the front lines. To access storm relief assistance, check eligibility or support broader local recovery initiatives, please visit the Legacy Foundation at legacyfdn.org or the Porter County Community Foundation at pccf.gives.

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 17

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NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 www.northshorehealth.org Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

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18 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest 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 Expedition, 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

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW — A view of the Gateway Arch National Park. Photo from Explore St. Louis. 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. 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. 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 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.

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will offer Seniors (age 55+) an A1C & Lipid Panel blood test starting at 8am (8-10 hour fasting required) Must RSVP for the BLOOD TEST: (219) 947-1637

Also Featured: • Diabetes Risk Assessment • Bone Density Screening • Blood Pressure Checks • 30 second Afib Screening

• Healthcare Education, Vendors & Senior Living Resources • Assisted Living, Home Health Care & Hospice Resources • Ask the Pharmacist • Community & Social Service Resources • Chair Massages & Refreshments • Door Prizes and more!

————— For more Health Fair info, please call Aimee at (219) 947-1864 —————

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October 2026 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ 19

Study: Indiana caregivers are overworked, underpaid By TERRI DEE Public News Service AARP data show more than 1 million Hoosiers have roles as family caregivers. The unpaid workers contribute about 860 million hours of work each year and are increasingly filling the roles of medical professionals. If the workers were paid around $19 an hour, their labor would be valued at more than $16.1 billion. Nationally, the amount is more than $1 trillion. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, called family caregivers the “backbone of the nation’s long-term care system.” “That is equal to nearly 24 million full-time workers, or roughly 17% of the entire U.S. full-time workforce,”

Minter-Jordan reported. “Caregivers are stretching their finances, sacrificing their own well-being, and too often they are doing it alone.” AARP pointed out the labor of unpaid family caregivers provides a significant public benefit by providing savings for taxpayers. In a virtual news conference last week, Minter-Jordan stressed federal, state, and local officials need to provide more services to help family caregivers. She noted the report lays out steps lawmakers need to take to support caregivers. “We are advocating for bold solutions, including a national paid family and medical leave policy, greater respite services and resources, such as those now offered in several states, and state and feder-

Duneland Chamber announces candidates participating in forum Candidates will participate in a general candidate forum hosted by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. The event will offer guests the opportunity to meet and hear from candidates representing the Duneland communities and the state of Indiana. The event is free and open to the public. The forum will be videotaped and shared with the community. Current List of Participating Candidates • Andrew Bennett (R) - Porter County prosecutor • Steve Bensing (R) - Portage Township Board • Brian Bowles (R) - Porter County coroner • Mike Brickner (R) - Porter County commissioner, District 2 • Rebecca Buitendorp - Porter County Circuit Court judge • Chris Cleveland (R) - Indiana House District 9 • Barbara Domer (D) - Porter County clerk • Travis Gearhart (L) - Indiana House District 4 • Gary Germann (D) - Porter County prosecutor • Kevin Hagen (D) - Center Township trustee • Chuck Harris (R) - Center Township trustee • Scott Kingan (D) - Porter County assessor • Julia Kocal (D) - Porter County Council District 4 • Brandon Kroft - Duneland School Board • Deborah Lynn Harrison (D) - Liberty Township Board • Heather McCarthy - Porter County Superior Court No. 4 judge • Dawn Miller (R) - Porter County Council District 3 • Jon Miller (R) - Porter County recorder • Chuck Moseley (D) - Indiana House District 10 • Frank Mrvan (D) - U.S.

House District 1 • Sue Neff (R) - Porter County assessor • Kyle Nelson (D) - Porter County commissioner, District 2 • Leslie Nuss Bamesberger (D) - Porter County recorder • Randy Novak (D) - Indiana House District 9 • Mary Jo Nuland (D) - Center Township Board • Rodney Pol (D) - Indiana Senate District 4 • Barb Regnitz (R) - U.S. House District 1 • Nate Uldricks (R) - Indiana Senate District 4 • Julie Wiencken-Smith (D) Porter County coroner • Mary Willis (D) - Jackson Township trustee Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name for reference only; this listing does not indicate speaking order. Admission is free, but registration is required, as seating is limited. Register here: business.dunelandchamber. org/event-calendar/Details/ april-2026-candidate-forum-1579209?sourceTypeId=Website, or call the Duneland Chamber of Commerce office at (219) 926-5513 for registration and questions. As a nonpartisan organization, the Duneland Chamber is committed to providing an open platform for all candidates.

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al legislation that can bring overdue financial relief,” Minter-Jordan outlined. AARP highlighted resources family caregivers in Indiana are able to access. The Family and Social Services Agency connects residents with local health care and community resources to help with aging residents, including food assistance, job training, mental health resources, public health insurance plans and more. INConnect Alliance offers support for caregivers of patients 55 and older and individuals with disabilities.

CAREGIVERS — Indiana has more than a million caregivers of adults 18 and older. It’s estimated family caregivers in the state provide an average economic value of $18.68 for each hour they work. Adults in the U.S. spend about as much time on family caregiving as they do on everyday activities like cleaning and food preparation, according to AARP. Photo from Adobe Stock.

1st Source Bank Foundation donates $100,000 to disaster recovery 1st Source Bank Foundation recently announced it will donate $100,000 to support disaster recovery efforts in response to the recent severe storms in LaPorte and Porter counties. The donation will be split between seven community organizations in northwestern Indiana, including The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Porter County Community Foundation, The Salvation Army of Porter County, The Salvation Army of LaPorte County, United Way of LaPorte County, United Way of Northwest Indiana and Unity Foundation of LaPorte County. These grants will help provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery support to residents, families and communities affected by the storms, which caused signifi-

cant damage throughout the region. “The devastation caused by these storms has impacted many families and businesses across northwestern Indiana,” said Andrea Short, vice president of 1st Source Bank Foundation and CEO of 1st Source Bank. “As a community-focused organization, 1st Source Bank Foundation is committed to supporting our neighbors during times of need. By partnering with these trusted, local organizations, we can help ensure critical resources reach those who were affected and assist our communities as they recover and rebuild.” Representatives from the recipient organizations expressed gratitude for 1st Source Bank Foundation’s support and noted the dona-

tions will help provide critical assistance to affected residents while reinforcing a collaborative recovery effort focused on rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities. “Recovering from a natural disaster of this scale requires the partnership of many organizations working together,” Short said. “We are grateful for the work these organizations do in our communities every day, and especially in times of crisis. Their local expertise and community relationships make them uniquely positioned to help those who need it most.” 1st Source Bank Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for those in the community who live, work, raise families and build businesses in 1st Source Bank’s footprint.

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20 ■ SENIOR LIFE — Northwest Edition ■ October 2026

Find the magic in Kentucky’s night sky StatePoint - Spending time in the Kentucky wilderness during the day is an unforgettable experience, but there are some one-of-a-kind “noctourism” sites that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an amateur astronomer, or simply have a thirst for adventure, there are many reasons to consider making Kentucky your next travel destination. Cumberland Falls, in the aptly named Cumberland Falls State Park located in eastern Kentucky, measures 68 feet high and 125 feet wide with water that gushes over the falls at 3,600 cubic feet per second. Often called the “Niagara of the South,” the powerful, yet gorgeous Cumberland Falls engages all senses for those who stand close enough. But what makes this particular waterfall so special is that it produces a moonbow every full moon when

NIAGARA OF THE SOUTH — Cumberland Falls in eastern Kentucky is often called the “Niagra of the South.” What makes this waterFull Color Circulars/Inserts Newsletters Postcards Booklets/ Catalogs Full Color Brochures

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there’s a clear night sky. A moonbow is a rare rainbow-like optical phenomenon that occurs when moonlight is refracted through water droplets in the air. Cumberland Falls is one of two places in the entire world known to consistently produce a moonbow. The best place to witness the moonbow is from the Cumberland Falls observation area, which is open 24 hours. The bow is generally visible between dusk and midnight. The darker the sky, the easier the moonbow is to see. Looking for a spot to set up a telescope or just somewhere to lie on a blanket and stare into the night’s sky? Then look no further than Mammoth Cave. Located in rural southcentral Kentucky. Mammoth Cave is one of 200 places in the world that is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. This designation is given to areas that have policies that protect against light pollution, which in turn makes it easier to see

fall so special is it produces a moonbow every full moon when there’s a clear night sky. Photo from StatePoint. stars, planets, constellations and even the International Space Station. Just a 45-minute drive south of Louisville are more than 16,000 acres of pristine wilderness at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. This protected forest and research facility offers some of the best hiking in the commonwealth. Additionally, the arboretum offers several programs designed to teach visitors about the natural world around them after the sun goes down. Madisonville’s Mahr Park Arboretum, best known for its 265 acres of native plants, trees, and outdoor community facilities; also hosts Star Parties throughout the year. These events feature sky tours given by local astronomy experts who provide telescopes for all to look through as they learn about the galaxy. For those wanting to explore the galaxy when the sun is out or the clouds are blocking the view, fear not. Kentucky has several world-class plan-

etariums open to the public. Travel through space, visiting planets and stars light-years from earth, from the comfort of a reclined seat in the Bluegrass State. The Hardin Planetarium in Bowling Green is considered a classic architectural icon on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Housed by a full dome, the theater provides a 360-degree surround view that makes the farthest galaxies seem to be mere feet above the seats. Visit kentuckytourism.com and start planning your noctourism adventures today! When it comes to enjoying celestial wonders, this list just scratches the surface of what Kentucky has to offer.

Heart attacks give warning By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

We RECOVER Together Support Lake County’s Dedicated Disaster Relief Fund Legacy Foundation, Lake County Community Foundation has launched a dedicated Disaster Relief Initiative to support recovery efforts throughout Lake County. Donations to this fund provide essential assistance to help the community build a stronger future.

SCAN TO DONATE & SUPPORT

$2.3M

already awarded in disaster relief grants

219-736-1880 | legacy@legacyfdn.org 370 E 84th Drive, Suite 100, Merrillville, IN Legacy Foundation is a public charity serving Lake County, IN. EIN# 35-1872803

You’re driving to the mall, watching television or making a sandwich and you suddenly feel “off.” If it’s a heart attack, look for these signs. Most attacks involve discomfort in the middle of the chest that can last a few minutes or go away and come back. It feels like you’re being squeezed and can be painful. This usually is accompanied by a shortness of breath, although this can occur without any chest discomfort. Other symptoms can be pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw and stomach. Also signals of a heart attack is breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness and nausea. Mature Life Features Copyright 2026