Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - April 2026

April 2026

Passion for cars drives Michiana Corvette Club

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

For nearly seven decades, the Michiana Corvette Club has brought together car enthusiasts who share a love for Chevrolet’s iconic sports car while supporting charitable causes and building community.

Founded in June 1957 in South Bend, the Michiana Corvette Club began when Gates Chevrolet sales manager Bob Ruth worked with Chevrolet’s national Corvette promotion team to organize a local group for owners and enthusiasts.

With support from dealership owner Van Gates, Ruth reached out to area Corvette owners and helped launch what would become one of the nation’s earliest Corvette clubs.

Today, the organization remains active nearly 70 years later and has grown to about 137 members, according to club CEO Mike Scanlon.

“The main purpose of our club is to pursue the enjoyment of Corvettes,” Scanlon said. “But it’s more than just the cars. It’s about the friendships and the things we do together.”

The club is also one of the original charter members of the National Council of Corvette Clubs, a national organization that connects Corvette clubs across the country.

Members of the Michiana Corvette Club represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Scanlon said the youngest members are in their mid-20s while the oldest are in their 80s.

For Scanlon, who joined the club four years ago after trading motorcycles for a Corvette, the organization offers both excitement and camaraderie.

“What draws people is the Corvette itself,” Scanlon said.

“It’s not just something to get you down the road. For a lot of people, it’s something they enjoy working on and showing off together.”

The club’s members own vehicles from across the Corvette’s eight generations, from early classic models to the newest C8 models introduced in recent years.

Throughout the year, the club organizes a variety of activities that combine automotive enthusiasm with social gatherings and community outreach.

Monthly meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month in South Bend, with additional social meetups and technical “shop talk” sessions for members who want to discuss maintenance and restoration tips.

Members also participate in cruises, road trips and competitive events such as rallies and car shows. One of the club’s largest annual fundraisers is a swap meet and car show, which brings together car enthusiasts from across the region.

Community service is another major focus of the organization. The club supports several charities through fundraising events and donations.

Among the groups receiving support are the Indiana Veterans’ Home in West Lafayette, Camp Millhouse - a local camp

serving children with disabilities - and Hello Gorgeous!, a nonprofit that provides wigs and support for women undergoing cancer treatment.

Members also participate in Toys for Tots events, where Corvette owners bring their cars to help collect toys for children during the holiday season.

“We’re involved in a lot of things that help the community,” Scanlon said.

The club has also awarded scholarships to students over the years, further expanding its

community impact.

Public events have long played a role in helping the organization attract new members. In past decades, the club created elaborate themed displays for the Cavalcade of Wheels car show at the University of Notre Dame, often featuring multiple generations of Corvettes in creative settings.

Members also take part in several parades each year, where they showcase their cars and interact with spectatorsoften tossing candy to children

along the route.

Scanlon said the parades are among the club’s most popular activities.

“The kids love it,” he said. “They love hearing the engines and seeing the cars.”

Looking ahead, the club continues to add events to its calendar, including cruises, car shows and joint activities with other Corvette clubs around Indiana.

“Everybody is just one giant family,” Scanlon said. “We have a lot of fun together.”

Maher supports aging populations through ACOM

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Malana Maher serves as CEO of Aging Communities of Michiana, also known as ACOM, a nonprofit organization that connects seniors, caregivers and service providers across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

Through networking events, educational programs and resource fairs, the organization helps families navigate the often complex world of aging services.

Maher said her understanding of the challenges families face caring for aging loved ones began decades ago while caring for her own mother during a serious illness.

“My father and I had to take care of my mother when she had terminal cancer,” Maher said. “Back then it was before hospice and before home care. We didn’t know how to control her pain … it was just a process of trying to do our best.”

The experience left a lasting impression. Even today, she said many families face similar uncertainty when trying to find support for aging relatives.

“There are so many people out there that just don’t know what to do. They don’t know where to go,” Maher said. “A lot of times they’re just so overwhelmed with caregiving that they don’t even have time to do searches for their help.”

Maher spent years working

in the senior services industry in roles focused on marketing and community outreach before launching Aging Communities of Michiana in 2020.

Drawing on those experiences, she designed the organization as a collaborative network where professionals serving older adults can build relationships and share resources.

Her philosophy centers on trust and cooperation.

“The more often we get together, the better we get to know each other and build up that relationship of trust,” Maher said. “Then when we’re out in the community, you’re a better resource for other professionals and for the community at large.”

ACOM’s meetings and programs bring together providers such as senior housing communities, home health services, nonprofit organizations and other professionals who assist older adults. Maher said those relationships help ensure families can be directed to appropriate resources quickly.

Members of the organization often use a term Maher jokingly describes as “co-opetition”cooperation among businesses that might otherwise compete.

“We have so many members that maybe do the same thing,” she said. “We call it co-opetition. Everybody works together and they all help each other.”

Maher sees her role less as a traditional executive and more

as a facilitator who brings people together.

“I don’t really consider myself as a leader. I’m more of a communicator,” she said. “I rely on not only my area directors, but my members, as we all work together to make this organization bigger, better and to be able to help more people.”

ACOM has grown from a small networking group into a multi-chapter organization that hosts meetings, educational presentations and community resource fairs. Those fairs allow seniors

and caregivers to meet numerous service providers in one place.

Maher said the feedback from both community members and professionals has been overwhelmingly positive, with many families appreciating the opportunity to gather information about services they may need in the future.

Looking ahead, Maher believes one of the biggest challenges for aging services in Indiana is the lack of dedicated senior centers compared with neighboring states.

Her long-term vision is to help expand those resources.

“My dream would be to develop a senior center here where seniors could come,” Maher said. “There would be activities … maybe an area where they could play cards or chess or checkers. It’s my dream - a senior center to help more seniors.”

Through ACOM, Maher hopes to continue building connections that make aging resources easier for families to find - and easier for communities to provide.

Michiana Senior Talk establishes nonprofit, board of directors

By DENISE FEDOROW Guest Writer

Senior Talk Michiana, the podcast founded by Tom Rose, has formed a nonprofit organization and established a board of directors as of August 2025 to expand its outreach and mission of connecting seniors with local resources, organizations and events throughout the Michiana region.

The newly-formed board is designed to support growth and increase awareness among the area’s estimated 265,000 seniors.

Brock Rose serves as president. In addition to his leadership role, he will provide technical support, assist with marketing efforts, participate in the Wakarusa/Nappanee regional fundraising committee and act as backup podcast host.

Terry Cuzzpcrea serves as vice president and will also contribute to the South Bend/ Granger regional fundraising committee.

Will Stockdale serves as secretary, offering legal assistance and participating in the Warsaw regional fundraising committee. He is an attorney with Stockdale Elder Law.

Steve Deranek serves as treasurer, providing financial guidance and working with the Goshen regional fundrais-

NEW

NONPROFIT

Board members of the recently-formed nonprofit, Senior Talk Michiana, gather for a photo with Executive Director Thomas Rose (seated in front).

Pictured in back from left are Steve

ing committee.

Chloe Paul will coordinate with Aging Connections of Michiana and other senior organizations to promote the podcast, while also serving on marketing and South Bend/ Granger fundraising efforts. She works with Northern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital.

Denise Fedorow will coordinate outreach to church-based senior groups and contribute articles to the Senior Talk Michiana newsletter. She also serves on marketing and Goshen fundraising committees.

Candi A. Carlson, a commu-

Travel

Will

Can-

nity liaison at Caring Cove Hospice, will serve on the marketing committee, assist with South Bend/Granger fundraising and collaborate with the medical advisor.

Maria Wogomon will represent sponsor interests and support the organization through in-kind contributions and partnership opportunities.

Kristi Preyer will coordinate collaborative efforts between Senior Talk Michiana and The Owls Club, a major sponsor.

Thomas Sweeney will

advise the board on medical matters and occasionally appear on the podcast. He is a Navy veteran and has more than 40 years of experience in medicine.

Tom Rose serves as executive director and nonvoting board member. In addition to hosting the podcast, he will participate in marketing efforts and advise regional fundraising committees while reporting their activities to the board. He is an author, speaker and founder of Senior Talk Michiana.

Rose said the nonprofit

structure will help the organization reach its full potential.

“Our goal is to connect with a large percentage of seniors in Michiana, and achieving that will require significant funding,” he said.

Since its launch, Senior Talk Michiana has produced more than 65 podcast episodes and built an audience of about 10,000 seniors, with steady growth as new episodes are released. The organization hopes to expand its reach to 30,000 listeners in the coming months.

More information is available at seniortalkmichiana.org.

• Pai nt i ng & Dr awi ng

• Phot ogr aphy

• Needl ewor k / Sof t Cr af t s

• Har d Cr af t s ( Woodwor ki ng , Cer ami c )

Decades of design experience shapes IU South Bend professor’s teaching style

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

For John Enrique Thompson, graphic design has been a lifelong creative pursuit shaped by decades of experience in art, industry and education, a perspective he now brings to students at Indiana

University South Bend. Thompson, a senior lecturer in fine arts and communications at the university’s Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, has spent more than three decades working in design while mentoring the next generation of creatives. His career path has been

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anything but conventional, spanning military service, freelance illustration, factory work and professional design.

“Growing up, my dream was to be a comic book artist,” Thompson recalled, “particularly for Marvel Comics.”

While attending the Elkhart Area Career Center in high school, he studied commercial art and began taking freelance illustration opportunities.

“I never got to work for Marvel directly, but I did start doing comics on the side for small publications and fanzines around the country,” he said.

Before settling into academia, Thompson worked a wide variety of jobs, including retail, telemarketing and factory work. He also served in the Army, where he continued developing his creative skills, producing work for publications such as National Lampoon before experimenting with early digital media.

“As this was the early 1990s, things were really starting to take off,” Thompson explained.

After leaving the military, Thompson pursued formal training at Vincennes University, earning an associate degree in commercial art and design.

SENIOR LECTURER John Enrique Thompson, senior lecturer in fine arts and communications at Indiana University South Bend, teaches graphic design and related disciplines while drawing on more than three decades of professional experience in art and design. Photo provided by Indiana University South Bend.

That emphasis on staying current shapes his approach in the classroom. Thompson works to ensure students learn both the technology and the principles behind good design, stressing that tools alone do not replace professional training.

“There is so much bad art and design out there now because people who have not been trained as designers and artists are using these tools,” he said. “Good design is good design, and it needs to be done by a human hand.”

learn about unfamiliar topics in order to create effective work.

In addition to teaching courses such as graphic design, animation, interactive design and 3D modeling, Thompson has helped reshape elements of the university’s design curriculum and strengthen connections between the program and local professionals.

Despite his long résumé, Thompson says his greatest pride lies in the success of his students.

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Joseph Edition

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tions,

Today, Thompson’s teaching philosophy focuses on preparing students for the realities of the modern design industry.

“I have been working in design since the late 1980s, and the industry continues to grow and change,” Thompson said. “The role of the graphic designer adapts and evolves as well, and it is a constant battle to stay relevant.”

Thompson also encourages students to develop knowledge beyond the design field itself.

Designers frequently work on projects tied to industries they may not initially understand, Thompson says, requiring research and curiosity about a wide range of subjects.

“The role of the graphic designer is to take other people’s ideas and make them look good,” he said, noting that designers often must

“I am very proud of all of the students that have gone through my program and are working in the world today,” he said.

Even beyond the classroom, Thompson remains committed to creativity. Surrounded by students and colleagues pursuing artistic work, he said the environment continues to motivate him.

“The world needs more cool stuff to look at,” he said. “The world needs more beauty.”

SPOTLIGHT ON

Free Elkhart County

Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair

Join Aging Connections

Thursday, April 16th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Free Elkhart County Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair. The event will take place at the Elkhart County Community Center, located at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.

Admission and parking are free. Enjoy complimentary health screenings, immunizations and resources for staying active and healthy; information on Veterans Resources; entertainment; and the chance to win raffle prizes.

Interact with Local Resources

You can speak with over 80 local aging resources on site to help you transition seamlessly through the best phase of life - a “one-stop shopping” experience for our community members looking to connect with valuable local resources. You’ll learn about the various services, programs, and support our community offers. Whether you’re seeking health-related information, legal advice or social services, this event will offer a wealth of knowledge. Come for the resources … stay for the free entertainment.

Aging Connections is excited to offer Free immunizations to the general public at our annual Elkhart County Aging & Wellness Resource Fair. To pre-register for the immunization clinic, use the following link: patients. vaxcare.com/registration When registering, enter the enrollment code IN65942 and select Elkhart Co. Health Fair - 4/16 to complete your registration. Aging Connections looks forward to seeing you there.

“Participating in this event is a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful connections! You’ll meet dedicated professionals, vibrant community members, and organizations all working hand-inhand to support our cherished

aging population,” shared Malana Maher, president and founder of ACOM. “Whether you’re a senior or assisting an older loved one, this event will unveil a range of valuable services you may not yet know about. As the area’s leading resource for aging, Aging Connections is here

to link you with the support you need. We wholeheartedly invite everyone to join us at this free event and discover compassionate professionals ready to help you navigate the continuum of care!”

Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit grassroots cooperative of

individuals and organizations working together to catalyze and promote their work programs. Its programs encompass educational events, business promotion, community and relationship building, and serving our aging population, all for the benefit of one another, other professionals

and our communities. Aging Connections currently serves Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. For additional information regarding Aging Connections or to see updated event information, visit its website: www.agingconnections.org ADVERTORIAL

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Senior Talk Michiana

County Council

Q. Why vote for Amy Drake for St. Joseph County Council in the May 5 Republican Primaries?

A. I believe my first term in office shows I get work done. I came into office set on bringing down property taxes for our taxpayers. Within my first year, I worked to pass a property tax cut for seniors that makes sure taxes won’t increase more than 2 percent from the year prior. This was a great savings to our community.

As a mother, I also wanted to do what I could to help protect families. That meant standing with the families in our community when Clay High School closed -- and holding South Bend Schools accountable. They shut down the only high school in the unincorporated part

Amy Drake St. Joseph County Council (Clay Township Seat)

of our county, despite levying a huge tax designed to keep Clay open. Additionally, I’ve stood with our community and said no to two data centers, one in Granger and one in New Carlisle, when neighbors begged that we stop data center overgrowth. Finally, I worked with neighbors to stop a financial cell tower on Ironwood that would have hurt homeowners’ property values.

Contact info:

Email Amy Drake at electamydrake@protonmail.com

Web Site: voteamydrake.com

Facebook: Vote Amy Drake: St. Joseph County Council

Paid for by Amy Drake Committee

Hearing Healthcare

Q.

Do you sell OTC hearing aids?

A. Yes. Our favorite is the Sennheiser All Day Clear, an over-thecounter hearing aid based on Phonak technology. It sells online for $999 a pair and is often on sale for $799.

For the same price, at the Affordable Hearing Store, patients receive a hearing test, try the devices before buying, and get help with fitting, setup, and phone connectivity.

Another advantage is local service. We have Phonak parts in stock and can handle most repairs in the clinic rather than sending them to a service center and waiting for them to be returned. With a

wide range of speaker wires and domes, we can provide a custom fit rather than the standard factory option.

For a small additional fee, we can access the programming and fine tune these OTC hearing aids just like prescription devices. In place of the oneyear warranty you can get it extended to four years. Important since rechargeable batteries rarely last four years. Try them for free. See for yourself how good they sound.

Elkhart - Mishawaka - Laporte - St. Joseph Call 574-387-4215

Voted “Best Hearing Center” 10 times!

County Council

Q. How will you use your skill set to help seniors if you are elected?

A.

One of the biggest challenges seniors face is affordability - particularly with regard to housing. As a county councilman, I will use my accounting and legal skills and devote significant efforts to all matters related to property taxes –one area of great concern to Granger seniors. This will involve a focus on the property tax base by curtailing excessive property tax abatements to ensure that the property tax base grows.

The County Council with the leadership of Mrs. Drake, Mr. Figg and Mr. Thomas implemented a temporary property tax freeze for

Jamie O’Brien for St. Joseph County Council (Granger District)

seniors to cap tax increases at 2% per year. With the cooperation of the Indiana legislature, I will endeavor to make this a permanent feature of our local property tax process.

On a personal level, I also wish to be the best public servant and will donate my post tax salary to local groups and organizations.

Paid for by Jamie O’Brien Committee

Senior Relocation

Scheerer McCulloch:

Several years ago, some friends whom had Moving can be a stressful experience for a wide range of people, not just seniors. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating for work, or handling life changes such as divorce or inheritance, the process can feel overwhelming. A few years ago, I spoke with friends who had recently moved from their family home to a retirement community. They shared how the coordination, delays, and stress made the experience challenging. This inspired me to expand our services beyond seniors to help anyone facing a move.

With a background in real estate, auctions, and appraisals, I recognized how our comprehensive services could ease the burden. Today, my team offers professional moving, real estate brokerage, antique and home appraisals,

auctioneering, floor planning, climate-controlled storage, and both online and onsite auctions. We also provide complete property clean-up, selling items, and removing non-salable belongings. Our goal is to make every move seamless, stress-free, and efficient. We serve clients across surrounding counties and beyond, ensuring everyone has access to reliable, compassionate support during their transition. Contact us today for a free consultation and experience a smoother move. Call (260) 441-8636. We’re here to help.

Tim McCulloch, Owner

What’s up for Senior Talk Michiana?

Q. What’s coming in

April?

A. April brings not only showers that nurture May flowers but also two significant events for seniors in Michiana. We invite you to listen to the April episodes of the Senior Talk Michiana podcast.

On the April 6th episode, we welcome Malana Maher from Aging Connections of Michiana, who will provide insights into the upcoming 2026 Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair, scheduled for April 16th at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.

Our April 14th episode features Brock Rose, the director of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, sharing details about

the highly anticipated 2026 Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, taking place from April 24th to 26th. We will again host the Senior Tent, sponsored by Goshen Health and the Owls Club. Join us for Bingo every day and live entertainment every day, including a Comedy Special on Sunday afternoon.

Senior Talk Michiana is sponsored by Everence Financial and the Owls Club. Listeners can easily access the podcast through free subscriptions on platforms such as Spotify, Facebook, and www.seniortalkmichiana.org.

National Volunteer Month

Q. What if one of the best ways to support your health didn’t come from a prescription — but from helping someone else?

A. Research continues to show that volunteering benefits both physical and emotional health. Older adults who stay engaged in their communities often report lower stress, stronger social connections, and a greater sense of purpose. In many ways, helping others can be a simple way to “take your medicine” — supporting well-being while staying connected to the people around you.

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the neighbors who give their time to strengthen

Karla (KJ) Mapes, CEO

our communities. For those looking for a meaningful way to get involved, delivering meals through Meals on Wheels is one option. Volunteers share a short part of their day bringing nutritious meals — and a friendly visit — to older adults who may have difficulty shopping or cooking. To learn more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, email volunteer@realservices.org or visit realservices.org/get-involved/ volunteer.

1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601 574-233-8205 https://realservices.org/

Hospice Care

Q. What makes Comfort 1 Hospice different from other hospice providers?

A. Comfort 1 Hospice is proudly physician-owned, which gives our patients and families a unique advantage when it comes to quality and timeliness of care. Because our leadership includes an actively involved physician, clinical decisions can be made quickly and appropriately without layers of corporate approval or unnecessary delays. This allows us to admit patients faster, adjust care plans promptly, and respond rapidly to changes in condition.

As a small, locally focused hospice, we intentionally keep our patient census manageable so we can provide truly personalized attention. Our team is hands-on, accessible, and deeply connected to the community we serve. Families are never treated like numbers; they are with dignity, respect, and

William Winston RN, BSN, Chief Operating Officer

compassionate guidance during one of life’s most difficult seasons. Our size allows flexibility, faster communication, and continuity of care across homes, facilities, and group settings. At Comfort 1 Hospice, comfort, responsiveness, and physician-led excellence come first every patient, every time. Comfort 1 Hospice is available 24/7, for any questions, or concerns. Lets Talk!

Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F) 833.334.0327 118

Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org

Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org

Advertising in Senior Life Works!!

Q. What is the likelihood I will get a response if placing an ad in Senior Life?

A. If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50, Senior Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers average 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services from the ads they see in Senior Life (74.8%). Call or send me an email today to discuss adding Senior Life into your marketing strategy.

Serving South Bend and Surrounding Counties 800-733-4111 Ext. 2319 mschroeder@the-papers.com

April MPHPL programs for adults

Below is the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s April calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured at (574) 2595277 or mphpl.org.

Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events.

Mishawaka Library Events

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, April 4. Discuss this month’s book selection, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.” Books can be picked up in advance at the front desk. Registration required.

American Heritage Spotlight, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14. Monica Tetzlaff, associate professor of history at IU South Bend, will present, “Martin Luther King’s speech at Notre Dame, 1963.”

“The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust” Student Art and Creative Writing Reception and Contest Awards, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.

Experience the artistic talents of local high-school students as they showcase their entries in the contest. Each work on display is inspired by the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Michiana.

Winners will be announced, students will present their work, and light refreshments will be served. Learn more at peoplenextdoor.org. Sponsored by the Kurt and Tessye Simon Fund for Holocaust Remembrance.

Cooking Classics: Flower Cookies, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Monday, April 20. Try your hand at easy culinary creations as you experiment with assorted flavors and make irresistibly delicious goodies. Registration required; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

Navigating Community-Based Aging Resources, 3:30-4:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Aging Connections of Michiana will present “Oh No, I Need More Help than My In-Home Services Can Pro-

vide ... Now What?” Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one, Aging Connections of Michiana will equip you with the necessary resources to move forward with confidence. Recommended for seniors and caregivers. Make With Us: Flower Power, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25. Let your creativity bloom and make an assortment of flower crafts. People have multiple options to pick from including mini beaded plants, clay jewelry and macramé keychains. Registration required.

Bittersweet Branch Events Bingo, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 29. Enjoy an hour of bingo and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize. Should the Bittersweet Branch be closed for construction, this program will be moved to the downtown Mishawaka Library. Registration required.

Harris Branch Events

Investment talent affects Social Security

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Your favorite rich uncle gives you a couple of hundred bucks a month and tells you to invest it.

Would you make money?

That’s the question you, along with millions of other Americans, have to ask yourself when you consider your Social Security status.

The yowls about losing retirement-income money by leaving it in the government’s Social Security hands weren’t quite as insistent when the Dow, Standard and Poors and other economic indexes plummeted during the economic downturns.

Greed suddenly turns to guarded when one considers they can lose their shirt in the stock market. That means you could lose your retirement fund if you were investing it yourself.

Those who argue that retirement funds should be protected point to the massive meltdown at Enron a quarter century ago, where more than 60% of employee retirement assets in 401(k) personal-retirement plans were tied up in the company’s stock. That represented about $1 billion (about $1.75 billion today) that went up in smoke when the company crumbled.

Those who support change pick an irritating scab: the

forecast that an unchanged Social Security system will be out of reserves in a half dozen years. Bracing their position is the forecast that the system’s income will be lower than its outgo.

“How to Successfully Declutter Your Home,” 10:30–11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 21. Kirsten Sharpe, owner of Sharpe Realty, will share practical steps to begin decluttering, along with proven strategies for staying clutter free. This presentation will include a Q&A and resources on where to donate or discard items. Registration required.

“From Native Lands to Mod-

ern Subdivisions: The Story of Granger,” 5-6 p.m. Thursday, April 30. Andrea Hartstein will delve into the rich history of Granger as she explores its transformation to a thriving community of subdivisions. Discover the stories of the first pioneers, the rise and fall of its farming era, the impact of the railway, and the dynamic changes that shaped Granger into the town known today.

South Bend Symphony Orchestra celebrates music of John Williams

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to a blockbuster night at the Morris Performing Arts Center in celebrating the music of John Williams. It will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Featuring unforgettable film music and a playful, interactive twist, this 2025-2026 season finale is one you won’t want to miss.

ages, celebrating the music of Williams promises a night filled with nostalgia, thrills, and audience participation.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra will bring the magic of these movies to life on the concert stage.

Led by Music Director Alastair Willis, this high-energy concert celebrates one of the most iconic composers in film history. Williams’s legendary scores have shaped generations of cinema, elevating epic adventures and emotional storytelling through music that is instantly recognizable and endlessly beloved.

The root of this problem is easy to see. In the mid-20th century, there were 16 workers contributing to Social Security for every retiree collecting benefits. Remember, money paid into Social Security today goes to today’s recipients, it does not go into any fund for those making the payments.

The current ratio is less than three workers supporting every retiree.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Alongside sweeping orchestral performances of music from “Star Wars,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List,” and more, audiences will be invited to test their cinematic knowledge during a fun, live game of “How Well Do You Know Your Star Wars Movies?” Whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted Jedi Master, this interactive moment adds an extra layer of excitement and friendly competition to the evening.

Perfect for film lovers, families, and symphony fans of all

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Indiana Trust Wealth Management for supporting the Indiana Trust Pops Series. Foegley Landscape and General Stamping and Metalworks are supporting this concert.

For tickets:

• Online at southbendsymphony.org.

• Call Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office at (574) 235-9190, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

• In-person visit the Morris Box Office, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance or stop by the Symphony Office, 127 N. Michigan St., South Bend, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

To view the 2026 season schedule, visit southbendsymphony.org Dates, programs, and venues are subject to change.

It’s easy! Simply find the ‘Easter basket’ 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. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25.

Brought To You By

(Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, April 13, 2026.

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542

The winner of the I Spy Contest for March is Sandra Murphy from Portage. The ‘Clock’ was located on page 13 in Senior Life Allen; page 5 in Senior Life Northwest; page 16 in Senior Life Elko and page 17 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

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 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

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Granger Paths 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk - Join Saturday, May 2, in support of Friends of Granger Paths. This year’s race will start and end at Northpoint Elementary School, 50800 Cherry Road, Granger. Start time for 5K is 9:30 a.m.

and 1 mile start time is 9:35 a.m.

Sign up online at runsignup. com/Race/IN/Granger/GrangerPaths. Online registration ends at 10 p.m. Thursday, April 30. 5K shirts are guaranteed only to those who register online at least 15 days before the event. If you register online with fewer than 15 days remaining, you may choose from the available shirt inventory and sizes while supplies last. Late registrants can check for any remaining shirts after the race and select from what is left in stock.

—o—

RiverBend Cancer Services,

3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, seated strength; 1 p.m. Mondays, a craft; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Melt; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Support Squad and Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, dominoes; 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba. Visit riverbendcancerservices.org or call (574) 287-4197.

The old man waits

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

Of necessity, he arrives quite early. He is accustomed to the waiting time. In another world this would be annoying. But the old man really doesn’t mind. He sits at the stop with a few others like him.

Waiting for the transport van to arrive, To take them to the Veterans Administration clinic.

That in theory, helps keep them alive. The drive is slow and takes a while, But again, the old man doesn’t mind.

He has lots in common with other old vets. They talk to pass the time.

He was a prisoner in a very big war,

A long, long time ago.

He’s finally started to talk about it.

Better to heal late than not at all. They finally arrive for one more wait. All are friends for this short time.

Telling of family and “soft” war stories. The old man smiles - he doesn’t mind. (Time will tell but I do like this. My dad would take the VA van to the Fort Wayne VA for treatment. I imagine this poem would have been accurate. Dad’s been gone awhile).

Faith, service guide Deacon Solomon Oh

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Deacon Solomon Oh has found purpose and spiritual growth through his involvement at Korean Grace Baptist Church for nearly three decades, where he now serves as a deacon and helps welcome others into the life of the congregation.

Over the roughly 30 years Oh has attended the church, the congregation has undergone small changes, including remodeling work, but its core mission has remained the same: worship, fellowship and outreach.

As a deacon, Oh said his role focuses heavily on connecting with people both inside and outside the church. Part of his work involves reaching out to individuals who may not yet have a relationship with faith and introducing them to the church community.

“I try to talk with people who don’t believe yet,” he said. “We try to reach out, invite them to church.”

During the interview, fellow church member and WNDU

anchorman John Kim assisted as an interpreter, though Oh’s English allowed the conversation to proceed largely without translation.

That focus on outreach reflects Oh’s understanding of service within the church. When asked why he chose to become a deacon, he described it as a natural step that comes with maturity, responsibility and a desire to give back.

“When you get older and you have a family, you feel you have responsibility,” Oh said. “You want to serve.”

Helping others grow spiritually is one of the aspects of church life Oh values most. He said attending church regularly and reflecting on faith has gradually shaped how he approaches everyday living.

“When I was young, I wasn’t always consistent,” he said.

“Now every Sunday I come. Every moment I think about God. I feel like I’ve been changing.”

For Oh, faith is not limited to weekly services but influences daily life. He described his spiritual journey as something that continues to

deepen with time, bringing him gratitude and a stronger sense of direction.

“Every moment I thank God,” he said. “It’s a good thing for life.”

In addition to worship, Korean Grace Baptist Church places strong emphasis on youth involvement and outreach within the local community. Oh said the church tries to encourage participation among young people and families, recognizing the next generation will shape the future of the congregation.

One outreach effort he described involved church members delivering food and small gifts to neighbors during Thanksgiving. Volunteers divided into groups and went door to door offering the items as a gesture of goodwill.

“We just knock on doors and share the love of God with some food and presents,” Oh said.

In another instance, when a fellow churchgoer had her first child, the church came together to raise money for a baby shower.

The church also serves as an important cultural and spiritual gathering place for Korean immigrants and Korean Americans in the area. Oh said language and shared cultural experience can make it easier for first- and second-generation immigrants to worship and build relationships together.

“In America we are a minority,” he said. “When Kore-

an people gather together, we can talk, pray for each other and grow closer.”

While the congregation is relatively small, Oh said the community it provides has been deeply meaningful in his life.“It’s a blessing,” he said of the church. “Without church, life would be harder.”

Looking back, Oh said his faith has strengthened significantly over the years. Today he feels a sense of gratitude not only for the church itself but also for the personal transformation he believes his faith has helped bring about.

“Ten years ago I might answer differently,” he said. “But now I feel really blessed. I’m thankful to God.”

Through decades of attendance, service and outreach, Oh continues to see his role as simple but meaningful: helping others discover the same faith and sense of community that have guided his own life.

AHEPA 100-II Apartments to host grand opening

The grand opening and ribbon cutting for AHEPA 100-II Apartments will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, at 53881 Generation Drive, South Bend.

Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Tammy Parsons at tparsons@ahepaseniorliving.org.

AHEPA Senior Living is a nationwide, mission driven provider of affordable senior housing communities, assisted living and quality aging services.

Visit ahepaseniorliving.org for more information.

Sports writer Anthony Anderson earns two honors in 2026

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Anthony Anderson viewed himself on the downslope of his sports writing career, which made it incredibly surprising when he learned of two honors he was chosen for this year. Anderson was named to the 2026 Hall of Fame class of the Indiana Sporstwriters and Sportscasters Association in January. In February, Anderson received the Distinguished Media Service Award from the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

For Anderson, the two honors came at an unexpected time.

“It’s kind of dizzying. I didn’t know I would care as much as I do about it. You don’t spend your career thinking about stuff like that,” Anderson said. “I was almost fading myself out of the business. You kind of think, ‘Hey, your work is being forgotten. If it was going to happen it would have happened by now.’ I was pleasantly surprised and appreciative that someone thought enough of what I did to do that.”

Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Anderson and his family moved to Indiana when he was 2 years old, settling in Lake County. He went to high school at Crown Point and made the decision to give sports journalism a try.

“By the time I got to high school, I drew a pretty quick conclusion that I was never going to be good enough to play professionally,” Anderson said. “So I felt like it was a way to do something that I pretty much loved, the writing, and at the same time, stay close to sports. So, it was kind of two things I liked, but together, it’s something I love.”

He attended Indiana University and covered football, and men’s and women’s basketball. This meant he covered the late Bob Knight while he coached the Hoosiers. A story that stayed with him was the death of an IU football player named Denver Smith in 1983. He went to the Smith residence and interviewed Smith’s wife.

“I don’t even know why, but his widow, for some reason, trusted me right away. I remember sitting on their bed interviewing her and it was just pretty surreal,” Anderson said.

Anderson graduated from IU in 1985 and took a writing job with The Goshen News that same year. He moved in 1987 to The Elkhart Truth and stayed there for 30 years. In 2017, he switched to the South Bend Tribune and began covering the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball. He covered coach Muffet McGraw for three

Tiny amounts of moisture can ruin hearing aids

By DAVID KEENAN Affordable Hearing Store

For many seniors, hearing aids are essential for staying connected. But even small amounts of moisture can interfere with their performance.

Sweat, humidity, rain, and normal daily wear can allow moisture to build up inside the device. Because the speaker sits inside the ear canal - where temperatures reach about 98 degrees and humidity is roughly 95% - water vapor naturally enters the speaker. At night, when the device is stored in a cooler, drier room, that moisture condenses, which can affect sound quality, shorten battery life, and lead to costly repairs.

One solution is the Redux hearing aid dryer, designed to safely and effectively remove hidden moisture. According

to Redux, 73% of users report clearer sound and more reliable performance after treatment, with fewer issues like muffled sound or static.

Another benefit is longer device life. A large study found that 50% of hearing aids believed to be dead were restored using the Redux dryer. The process is quick, typically taking nine to 15 minutes, depending on the moisture level.

Thousands of hearing care professionals offer Redux drying as part of their clean-andcheck services. Redux dryers are also available at all Affordable Hearing Store locations. Mentioning this article allows any brand of hearing aid to be dried for free.

For seniors who rely on hearing aids, using a Redux dryer can be a simple step toward better hearing and improved quality of life.

seasons and coach Niele Ivey for four.

“They’re both great,” Anderson said. “I mean, Muffett was spectacular, she gave me full access right away. I’m not sure why, but she did. And that was a super relationship right from the start. And then they win the national title that first year.”

Today, Anderson works security for Penn-Harris-Madison Schools but also still freelances in local sports media.

“I’m still engaged in the writing on a lesser basis,” Anderson said. “I work all week at this job, and then on Friday nights I cover football and basketball, and I thought I might be too tired, but then it’s actually the

highlight of my week.” Anderson is married to his wife, Tamela, and they have six children and one grandchild. Anderson says the relationships he has built along the way have kept him passionate about sports media.

“I’ve worked with a ton of really high quality people and I would say high quality, I mean, both as journalists and as people. And that’s made the work more rewarding because I’ve developed a lot of friendships from that,” Anderson said.

Active and Wellness Resource Fair April 16

By MALANA MAHER President and Founder Aging Connections of Michiana

Aging Connections will host the free Elkhart County Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Elkhart County Community Center at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.

The event will include free immunizations, health screenings and resources focused on helping individuals stay active and healthy.

Families can pre-register for the immunization clinic at patients.vaxcare.com/registration and use enrollment code IN65942 and selecting

“Elkhart Co. Health Fair4/16.”

Those who experience issues with registration are encouraged to try a different web browser. Google Chrome is recommended. Paper consent forms will also be available onsite.

Admission and parking are free. Attendees can also explore information on veterans resources, enjoy entertainment and enter to win raffle prizes.

Connect With Local Resources

More than 80 local organizations will be onsite, offering what organizers describe as a “one-stop” opportunity to connect with services and support. Attendees can learn

about programs related to health care, legal assistance and social services, all aimed at supporting individuals through later stages of life.

Guests are encouraged to explore the resource booths and stay for the entertainment.

Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit grassroots cooperative of individuals and organizations working together to promote community programs. The organization serves northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. For more information or updates, visit agingconnections.org. Grand Emerald Place

FREE FAIR — Aging Connections will host an Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair Thursday, April 16, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Photo provided.

A fresh start: Music‑fueled spring cleaning tips

By JOE COLLINS Program Manager ALZNI

Spring brings a natural invitation to begin again. For caregivers juggling appointments, support needs and limited energy, that “fresh start” can feel out of reach.

A refreshed space can lift your mood, restore calm and create a sense of control. The key to making spring cleaning manageable - even enjoyable - is simple: music.

Music is a powerful motivator. It can energize, soothe or ground you, depending on what you need in the moment. With the right soundtrack, spring cleaning can shift from a chore to a therapeutic reset.

Here are music-fueled tips tailored for caregivers who need efficiency, structure and a little joy woven into their day:

• Set the tone - literally Before you start cleaning, choose music that matches your needs:

• For energy: Upbeat pop, Motown or dance tracks can turn sweeping or folding laundry into rhythmic, active tasks.

•For calm: Acoustic songs, jazz or soft instrumental pieces create a peaceful backdrop, especially when your loved

one is resting.

• For grounding: Nature sounds or slow piano music can help clear mental clutter so you can focus on physical tasks.

Consider creating a different playlist for each room or task. This adds structure and makes the work feel more intentional.

Create Manageable Cleaning Bursts

Caregivers often don’t have long stretches of free time, but music can help you make the most of what you do have.

Tips:

• One-song sessions: Clean for the length of a single song by wiping counters or taking out the trash. Small wins add up.

• 15-minute playlists: Build a short playlist of three to five favorites. When the music ends, stop. This works well with unpredictable schedules.

• Room-by-room focus: Assign each room a specific song or genre to keep tasks organized and engaging. These sound-based cues create rhythm and help prevent overwhelm.

• Turn cleaning into a shared moment.

When appropriate, involve the person you care for such as:

• Play their favorite songs while you tidy.

• Invite them to help with simple tasks.

• Encourage gentle movement, such as tapping, swaying or stretching. This can strengthen connection, support dignity and turn routine tasks into shared experiences. Create a “fresh start” scent and sound routine by:

• Pairing a scent with music can enhance your mood.

After months indoors, refreshing the air can make your home feel brighter. Try:

• Upbeat music: Try citrus scents.

• Calming music: Lavender works well.

• Energizing boost: Peppermint can feel invigorating. Special diffusers aren’t necessary. Natural cleaners or a simple stovetop simmer can be just as effective.

Prioritize Spaces

Caregivers often focus on everyone else’s space first, but your environment matters, too. Start with the areas where you recharge - your bedroom, desk or bathroom. Even clearing one drawer or wiping one surface can restore a sense of balance.

End With

A Victory Track

Choose one uplifting “celebration song” to play when you finish - even after a small task. Over time, your brain will begin to associate that

song with accomplishment and renewal.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen all at once. For caregivers, it’s about small steps, brief bursts of energy

With music as your companion, you can welcome the season with a lighter space and a refreshed spirit - one song at a time.

ASSISTED LIVING CARE ON ONE FLOOR

Dinner Roll/Marg. Strawberry Applesauce Ham & Beans Carrots Cornbread Fruit Cup Closed for the

Chicken Pot Pie over a Biscuit Corn Brownie

Chicken Pot Pie over a Biscuit Corn Brownie

Hamburger Stroganoff w/ Mushrooms Over Pasta California Blend Veg. Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

Hamburger Stroganoff w/ Mushrooms Over Pasta California Blend Veg. Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

Turkey Manhattan over Bread

Turkey Manhattan over Bread

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Green Beans

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Green Beans

Strawberry Applesauce

Strawberry Applesauce

Ziti w/ Italian Sausage Italian Blend Vegetable Texas Toast Warm Spiced Peaches

Ziti w/ Italian Sausage Italian Blend Vegetable Texas Toast Warm Spiced Peaches

Mishawaka

Mishawaka

100 Center High Rise Apartments

100 Center High Rise Apartments

100 N. Center St. | (574) 259-1611

100 N. Center St. | (574) 259-1611

Battell Center

Battell Center

904 N. Main St. | (574) 256-2325

904 N. Main St. | (574) 256-2325

Osceola

Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship

Osceola Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship

58362 Beech Rd.| (574) 674-6503

58362 Beech Rd.| (574) 674-6503

Walkerton American Legion Hall

Walkerton American Legion Hall

302 Legion Dr. | (574)

302

Meatloaf Mashed Potato/Gravy Peas Bread/Marg. Mixed Fruit Cup

Meatloaf Mashed Potato/Gravy Peas

Bread/Marg. Mixed Fruit Cup

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole Tomato & Zucchini Blend

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole

Tomato & Zucchini Blend

Dinner Roll/Marg. Warm Spiced Apples

Dinner Roll/Marg. Warm Spiced Apples

Beef Stew Rice Broccoli

Beef Stew Rice Broccoli

Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Italian Marinated Chicken

Italian Marinated Chicken

Roasted Diced Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli

Roasted Diced Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit Scrambled Eggs Diced Potatoes Banana

Diced Potatoes Banana

Bruschetta Chicken

Bruschetta Chicken

Baby Bakers

& Sour Chicken Over Rice Asian Blend Vegetables Bread/Marg. Fortune Cookie Pineapple Cup

Sweet & Sour Chicken Over Rice Asian Blend Vegetables Bread/Marg. Fortune Cookie Pineapple Cup

Broccoli Cream Soup Deli Slider Sandwich

Prince Charles Veg. Jello Cup

Sloppy Joe On a Bun Baked Beans

Sloppy Joe On a Bun Baked Beans

Vegetable Blend

Baby Bakers Vegetable Blend Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Glazed Chicken Red Skinned Potatoes

Glazed Chicken

Red Skinned Potatoes

Asparagus

Asparagus

Bread/Marg.

Mixed Vegetable Fruit Cup

Mixed Vegetable Fruit Cup

BBQ Riblette On a Bun

BBQ Riblette On a Bun

Cheesy Potatoes Carrots

Peach Cup

Tuna Casserole Peas

Tuna Casserole Peas

Dinner Roll/ Marg. Pudding Cup

Dinner Roll/ Marg. Pudding Cup

Stuffed Baked Potato w/Taco Meat & Cheese

Cauliflower

Stuffed Baked Potato w/Taco Meat & Cheese Cauliflower

Nutty Buddy

Bread/Marg. Nutty Buddy

Cheesy Potatoes Carrots Peach Cup

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pear Cup

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pear Cup

Polish Sausage on a Bun Mashed Potatoes

Polish Sausage on a Bun

Mashed Potatoes

Sauerkraut Warm Spiced Apples

Sauerkraut

Warm Spiced Apples

Stuffed Pepper Soup Cauliflower

Stuffed Pepper Soup Cauliflower

Dinner Roll/Marg. Peaches

Dinner Roll/Marg. Peaches

Independence | Dignity | Strength

1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205 realservices.org Real Services, Inc.

info@ info@realservices.org

Health Education Classes

REAL Services offers health education classes for older adults at community locations throughout the region. These engaging programs help adults age 60 and older learn practical tips for staying healthy, connect with others, and gain tools that support active, independent living.

One popular program is W.I.S.E. (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education), a six-week workshop that explores healthy aging, lifestyle choices, and how factors like alcohol and medications can affect older adults differently. Participants learn useful strategies while enjoying conversation and connection with others.

The next W.I.S.E. class will be held Mondays, April 13 through May 18 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library – Francis Branch in South Bend. There is no cost to attend, and participants receive a free medication lockbox.

To register, call 574-284-7132.

Join Us for REAL Talk

Free presentations and community connections. Topics target those 60 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams

Apr. 8 | 11:30 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284-7189

Apr. 30 | 11:00 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

Apr. 28 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army (574) 284-7189

Mar. 27 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF (Lunch) (574) 284-7189

Reserve your spot by visiting realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/

Community & Conversations Come Hungry. Leave Connected.

As spring arrives and the days grow brighter, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with neighbors and share a meal together. Join us for Community & Conversations, a relaxed monthly gathering at the Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, 133 N. William St.

Stop by Thursday, April 9 from 4:00–6:30 PM for a free meal and easy conversation in a welcoming setting. No speeches, no formal program, just good food, friendly faces, and the simple joy of community.

Come for the meal, stay for the conversation, and celebrate the fresh start that spring brings.

Free and open to all. Donations accepted.

Celebrate One Amazing Year at Portage Commons!

Join us for the Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center One-Year Anniversary Open House

Thursday | May 8, 2026 | 3:00-5:00 PM

Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center 133 N. William St., South Bend

Come see why Portage Commons has quickly become a vibrant place for older adults to connect, learn, and stay active. Enjoy refreshments, tours of the center, and meet the staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this first year such a success. Everyone is welcome. Come celebrate with us!

For more information, call 574-284-7132

133 N. William St. South Bend, Indiana 46601 | (574) 284-7159 | Mon. - Fri. 10AM - 3PM

portagecommons@realservices.org

April Highlights at Portage Commons

Wed. Apr. 1 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Anniversary Demonstration Day

See itinerary below

Tue. Apr. 7, 14, 21, & 28 | 10:00 AM | Trivia Tuesdays

Put your thinking cap on and enjoy friendly competition, laughter, and lively conversation.

Wed. Apr. 1 | 4:30 PM | Photography Club

Tue. Apr. 7 | 10:00 AM | Joyful Journey: Brain Strengthening

Engaging activities designed to support memory, focus, and overall cognitive wellness.

Wed. Apr. 8 | 11:30 AM | REAL Talk: Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams

No one is too smart for a well-engineered scam. Join us for an informative session on recognizing fraud, spotting red flags, and learning practical ways to protect yourself.

Thur. Apr. 23 | 1:00 PM | Let’s Talk About It: Budgeting

Mon. Apr. 20 | 1:00 PM | Intro to Watercolors

Ready, set, paint! Explore beginner-friendly watercolor techniques and unleash your creativity.

Fri. Apr. 24 | 1:00 PM | Sound Therapy

Float into the weekend with calming tones designed to reset your mind and melt away winter stress.

realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons

Wed. Apr. 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 1:00 PM | Bingocize

Wed. Apr. 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 10:00 AM | Chair Yoga

Fri. Apr. 10, 17, 24 | 11:00 AM | Dominos and Puzzlers

Visit Facebook for Events and Classes: https://www.facebook.com/PortageCommons

Register to vote by May 6

Not sure if your voter registration is correct or if you’ve never registered? Voters have until Monday, April 6, to register to be eligible to vote in the May primary election in St. Joseph County.

Registering is simple. To be eligible, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen.

• 18 years old by the time of the general election Nov. 3.

• A resident of your voting district for at least 30 days prior to the general election.

Registration can be completed in one of the following ways:

• Online: indianavoters. in.gov.

• In person: At any BMV branch in the state.

• By mail: Include a photocopy of a driver’s license, BMV ID or a current utility, bank or government document showing your name and current address.

No party affiliation is required at the time of registration, and no one else may register for you.

The voter portal at indianavoters.in.gov allows residents to:

• Check their registration status.

• Apply to vote by mail.

• Request a traveling board.

• View voting locations and a list of candidates on the ballot.

St. Joseph County St. Joseph County residents unsure where they vote can visit stjoepros.org/232/Elections-and-Voter-Registration.

Click “Voter Map” to view a map of voting locations and district boundaries.

Residents may register in person at the Voter Registration Office, located on the fourth floor of the County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend.

In-person voting opens Tuesday, April 7.

Residents may also vote early at the County-City Building and the Mishawaka County Services Building, 219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka.

These locations will be open for early voting at the following times:

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 7-10.

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 13-17.

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20-24.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

• Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26.

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 27-May 1.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2.

• Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

• 8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 4.

For more information, contact St. Joseph County Elections and Voter Registration at (574) 235-9635.

LaPorte County

LaPorte County residents unsure where they vote can visit laporteco.in.gov/residents/ elections.

On the left sidebar, click “Council Districts” or “Commission Districts” to view district maps.

Residents may register in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, located at the LaPorte County Courthouse, 813 Lincolnway, Suite 105, LaPorte.

For more information, contact the LaPorte County Voter

Registration Office at (219) 325-5572.

Marshall County Marshall County residents unsure where they vote can visit co.marshall.in.us/egov/ apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=982.

Click “Marshall County Voting Districts” to view a map of district boundaries.

Residents may register in

person at the Clerk’s Office, located in the Marshall County Courts Building, 211 W. Madison St., Plymouth.

Residents may also vote early at the clerk’s Office 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7 to May 1, and 8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 4. For more information, contact the Marshall County Clerk’s Office at (574) 9368922.

Spring’s deep breath

By KARLA (KJ) MAPES CEO REAL Services

Spring in the Midwest has a personality. It rarely makes a grand entrance, instead slipping in through the back door and quietly saying, “Hello, I’m back.”

On a sunny day, you may open the windows for the first time in months - immediately changing the house with the smell of fresh air, the sounds of people outside again and birds that seemed to disappear all winter. Then one morning you realize you’ve left the house without your coat.

That small moment always feels like a milestone to me. After a long winter, it takes a little courage to trust the weather again, especially in Indiana. For months we bundle up, brace ourselves and hurry from warm place to warm place. Winter teaches us to protect ourselves and never linger. Spring reminds us we can loosen our grip.

time can make certain months complicated.

Spring has always been a reflective season for me. April was the month of my mother’s birthday. She’s gone now, but the calendar still remembers.

terns - not just in the weather, but in life itself. Some days feel bright with possibility. Others carry the weight of loss or change. Aging has a way of making us more aware of those shifts.

Around this time each year, I notice people returning to public walking trails - some moving briskly, others slower. Dogs take longer sniffs. Neighbors stop to talk. Others pause simply to enjoy the sun on their faces. It feels like the whole community has quietly decided it’s safe to come back outside. Collectively, we seem to take a deeper breath, which is one of the quiet gifts of spring.

As we age, we learn that life has seasons, too. Some seasons feel light and full of energy. Others feel heavier. Loss, health challenges, changes in family relationships and the passage of

Two of my grandsons celebrate birthdays in the spring, and one shares a birthday with my father, who is also gone. That overlap of generations has always felt like one of life’s quiet mysteries - joyful beginnings alongside the memories we carry. The same date that once marked my father’s life now belongs to a child just beginning his own story.

Life has a way of holding the past and the future in the same space.

Moments like that remind me how life carries different seasons at once. The older I get, the more I see those pat-

Spring carries its own quiet wisdom. Just when winter has felt long enough, the world begins again - flowers pushing through the soil, longer days returning and, little by little, the world opening back up. Perhaps that’s why spring feels so meaningful. It holds both memory and possibility, reminding us that life rarely asks us to choose between joy and sadness. More often, it invites us to carry both.

And each year, the world seems to take a deep breath again - exhaling the cold behind us and inhaling the promise of another spring.

Coffee cruise in will be April 26

The Center for Hospice Care is hosting a spring “Coffee Cruise In for a Cause,” co-hosted by the St. Joe Valley Street Rods, April 26. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle out to display or just come and admire all the vehicles. There will be music from

T&T Entertainment, ice cream from Bonnie Doon’s and free coffee and donuts.

Awards will be given for best car, best truck, best motorcycle and best of show. Best of show is determined by attendee votes. A $1 donation per vote and ballot box stuffing is highly encouraged. The event is free for the general public to view the vehicles; a minimum $10 donation is required to display your vehicle.

To register your vehicle, visit foundationforhospice.org or call (574) 277-4100.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

2560 West Lake Avenue, Plymouth, IN 46563 (574) 540-2089

kris.henry@autumntracecommunities.com

Elevated Senior Living: a place for enriched, carefree golden years. tailored living spaces for independent and assisted living options with respite stays available.

Brickyard Fountainview Health Center

609 W. Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-2500 • brickyardhc.com

Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Long-Term, Respite Care, Pet Visitation Allowed. Non-Smoking Facility. Chronic Heart Failure & Wound Care Programs Offered. Medicare And/Or Medicaid Accepted. Autumn Trace

Hamilton Grove

31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552 (574) 654-2200 • Greencroft.org/HamiltonGrove

Comprehensive Care With Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Respite Care, And On-Site/Outpatient Therapy; Medicare/Medicaid accepted.

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

54515 933 N., P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 287-1838 • www.holycrossvillage.com

Dujarie House, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

28070 CR 24 ., Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-6260 • www.hubbardhill.org

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill

Majestic Care of South Bend

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Morning View Assisted Living

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Compassionate and trained caregivers on staff 24-hours per day. Accepting Medicaid waiver. Secure units. Assistance with activities of daily living. Daily life enrichment activities. Nutritional and dietary support.

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka

820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com

Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Signature HealthCARE of Bremen

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

Southfield Village

6450 Miami Circle, South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 231-1000 • Greencroft.org/SouthfieldVillage Comprehensive Care With Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Respite Care, And On-Site/Outpatient Therapy; Medicare/Medicaid accepted.

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

530 Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-4310

www.tanglewoodtraceseniorliving.com

Offering Retirement Villas, Independent and Licensed Assisted Living, Therapy Services, Respite Care, Social and Recreational Activities, Pets Welcome, Transportation, Beauty Shop and Spa Services Available.

303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI www.agingconnections.org

Trusted Resource Directory: Visit our searchable website to find vetted professionals providing services in your area for aging resources, education, and information. For more details, check our Community Calendar for events and FREE educational meetings. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

REAL SERVICES, INC.

1151 South Michigan Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

Helping seniors and caregivers access meals, transportation, in-home and aging-in-place services, senior programs, healthy aging, guardianship and other aging services.

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ALZHEIMERS/DEMENTIA SERVICES

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SERVICES OF NORTHERN INDIANA, INC. (ALZNI) 111 Sunnybrook Ct. South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 232-4121

https://alzni.org/

Providing specialized education, support, and resources for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias including screenings, support groups and programming.

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

BELLA LARGO SENIOR LIVING 1800 West Hi-Point Drive LaPorte, IN 46350 (219) 878-1141

www.laporteassistedliving.com

*NEW* High-Tech Upscale Affordable One Story Assisted Living and Memory Care Community. OPENING IN FEBRUARY! Locally Owned, Licensed Resort-Style Safe Haven. Offering Farm-to-Fork Dining, Enclosed Courtyard, Nature Trails, Spa Center and Outpatient Rehab with a Seasoned Team and Memory Care Experts. Conveniently located!

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE AT EDISON LAKES

1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-1866

www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

Memory Care isn’t what we do, it’s ALL we do!

SIGNATURE HealthCARE OF BREMEN

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494

SHCofBremen.com

liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

VIVA SENIOR LIVING AT SOUTH BEND 955 N. Hickory Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 314-5369

www.vivaseniorliving.com/southbend A Distinctive Approach to senior living, with personalized care and services Tailored to each resident. Offering Age-In-Place from assisted living to Memory and Respite Care in a secured, safe community requiring individual access codes for guest entry. We honor long-term insurance and veteran discounts.

CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITY

THE ORCHARDS OF NILES 1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111

theorchardsmi.com/niles

Licensed Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation and Memory Care. Services include physical, respiratory and speech therapy, along with Specialized Care in post-surgery, in-patient hospice and behavioral health solutions. Cardiac, diabetic and wound care provided. Memory Care-Trained staff help residents lead a life with purpose — in a safe, secure community. Most Insurance Accepted!

SAINT JOSEPH PACE

250 East Day Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-8700

saintjosephPACE@trinity-health.org

Helping seniors live safely at home. PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

FOOT CARE

FOOT SOLUTIONS

323 Florence Avenue Granger, IN 46530 (574) 272-3668

granger@footsolutions.com

Better Health Through Your Feet! Solutions for Plantar Facitis Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, morton’s neuroma, sore knees, sore ankles and more. Call for your FREE foot analysis.

HEALTHCARE

HealthLinc

Multiple locations throughout Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke and St. Joe Counties (888) 580-1060

healthlincchc.org

Providing quality medical, dental, optical, behavioral health, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic and much more.

HOME CARE SERVICES

COMFORT KEEPERS

6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

Providing Compassionate Senior Home Care & Home Assistance In Northern Indiana Region. Includes personal care, respite care, transitioning home care and more. Indiana Medicaid, VA Provider, long term insurance and private pay.

HOME INSTEAD

3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479

www.homeinstead.com/343

Care they deserve in the home they love.

HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY

NORACARE

1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992

info@noracare.us

www.noracare.us

Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.

CARING COVE HOSPICE

3120 N. Home St. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-3017

www.caringcovehospice.com/ We’re here to help by providing personalized exceptional hospice care. Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Laporte counties.

SENIORS

HELPING SENIORS

Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart and LaGrange counties (574) 385-3900

info@shsnorthernin.com

We provide in-home care services that brighten the lives of seniors. Our mature caregivers, many are seniors themselves, make life easier through compassionate, caring support. VA Provider, Long-Term Care Insurance and Private Pay.

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste. 201 South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 931-0712

villagecaregiving.com

Nations Largest Privately Owned And Operated Home Care Agency. VA Provider. We Accept A Variety Of Payment Options. Call Today!

VISITING ANGELS OF MICHIANA

3840 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 323-6756

jfinnessy@visitingangels.com

Nonmedical services include: Customized Memory Care Program, Housekeeping, Transportation, Bathing, Dressing, Transferring, Companionship, Meals, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care. We are a VA Provider.“We’re Here for You — Always!”

Comfort 1 Hospice

118 W. Edison Rd., Suite 200 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 387-4117

www.Comfort1Hospice.com

Our homegrown team of local health care providers offer comfort and compassion to those with life-limiting illnesses in our community. We Can Help!

See Our Ad In This Issue

DUNES HOSPICE

(888) 602-9004

4711 Evans Avenue

Valparaiso, IN 46383 1417 N. Michigan Street Plymouth, IN 46563

duneshospicellc.com

A 5 Star hospice. Dunes Hospice has the highest visit frequencies in the area for nurses, CNAs, Social Workers, and Spiritual Counselors. We serve with dignity, honor, and above all, compassion.

HEART TO HEART HOSPICE

620 Edison Rd., Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-4475

hearttohearthospice.com

Compassionate care from our heart to

Volunteers needed. CHAP Accredited

PARADIGM HEALTH

3625 Park Place West, Suite 200

Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 332-8320

MyParadigmHealth.com

Honoring life’s journey with expert hospice and pallative care services. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families. Exceptional end-of-life care is provided by our valued and empowered team. Hoosiers Caring for Hoosiers.

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INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

AUTUMN TRACE

2560 West Lake Ave. Plymouth, IN 46563 (574) 540-2089

kris.henry@autumntracecommunities.com

Elevated Senior Living: a place for enriched, carefree golden years. discover a vibrant community where every aspect of senior life is thoughtfully addressed, promoting independence, wellness, and joy.

www.villageatarborwood.com

By AMY DRAKE St. Joseph County Councilwoman, Clay Township

St. Joseph County seniors will continue to benefit from a property tax relief program for another year.

The senior tax cut, originally set to expire Dec. 31, 2026, has been extended through 2027, allowing

Senior property tax cut extended in St. Joseph County My vision for Granger

By JAMIE O’BRIEN

PRETIREMENT

RETIREMENT

eligible residents to continue receiving property tax savings.

Under the program, property tax increases are capped at 2% annually. Any amount exceeding that cap is waived.

The St. Joseph County Council first approved the measure in 2023 as a threeyear program. State Sen. Linda Rogers worked with

cilman for Granger are twofold: I want Granger to be a desirable place for my children and grandchildren to live, play, dine, shop, worship and work, and I want it to be affordable for them.

Thirty years ago, when I moved to Granger with my pregnant wife and two young sons, we were leaving a hightax, not-so-safe home. We had been burglarized twice within the year before our move, and our property taxes were shocking.

county officials to secure the one-year extension after requests from council members seeking continued relief for residents.

To qualify, applicants must meet three requirements: they or their spouse must be at least 55 years old, they must have lived in their home for at least 10 years, and the property must be

joined a large, engaging Catholic parish nearby. This is the Granger I have come to know and love, and the Granger I will seek to preserve.

their primary residence with a homestead deduction.

Eligible residents can apply online through the St. Joseph County auditor’s office at sjcindiana.gov. Once approved, applicants do not need to reapply in subsequent years.

Residents who need assistance completing the application can contact the auditor’s office at (574) 2359668.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust receives $23,000 grant

The Health Foundation of La Porte has awarded Shirley Heinze Land Trust a $23,000 grant to build a boardwalk at Wintergreen Woods, a state-dedicated nature preserve located in Michigan City.

Wintergreen Woods is known for its rich subsoil, which frequently retains water and can make trails slippery and difficult to navigate after wet weather. The new boardwalk will help improve trail conditions and expand safe access for visitors throughout the year.

Our new home in Clay Township offered a large yard, a peaceful and safe cul-de-sac, and manageable property taxes. Our children were able to roam the neighborhood and participate in organized sports. We found fine dining and entertainment within a couple of miles and

To accomplish these goals, I will resist any additional data centers or large solar projects in the Granger area. While such projects may be suitable in sparsely populated areas with community support, they do not fit in Granger. I will also oppose large property tax abatements that erode the tax base and prevent homeowners from realizing property tax savings from new development. Finally, I will not vote for any income tax increase, as the county council has taxing authority. Vote for me in the May 5 Republican primary. For more information, visit votejamie. com.

“Ensuring our preserves are welcoming and accessible is a core part of our mission,” said Kris Krouse, executive director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “This boardwalk will make it easier for more people to experience Wintergreen Woods safely and comfortably.”

The project will also include

opportunities for community involvement. Shirley Heinze Land Trust plans to host 10 volunteer workdays to support construction efforts. Corporate teams, civic groups, and local organizations interested in scheduling a designated volunteer day can contact Dylan Jones, volunteer coordinator, to learn more.

This project is part of Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility across the preserves it protects, including continued efforts at Ambler Flatwoods and other sites throughout northwestern Indiana.

Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the Shirley Heinze Land Trust website, heinzetrust.org, and follow the organization on social media for updates on upcoming work days at Wintergreen Woods.

The ‘commish’ out of retirement

By A.T. WILLIAMS Guest Writer

Dave Thomas served the people well for 12 years as county commissioner, and now he is coming out of retirement to serve on the county council. He is running for the District E seat on the Democratic ticket.

His hair may have thinned, but there is still fire in his heart. He brings more than a decade of proven county experience and knowledge. During his 12 years as commissioner, he never missed a single meeting or vote. He

used his positions on boards, including the drainage board, to protect seniors, farmers, workers, the underserved, and the quality of our land, air, and water.

He was known as the listener, the peacemaker, and the accountant who understood- and often wrote - the county budgets. Not once did he vote for a tax increase.

He is the person I want representing me. He is surely the person you want representing you. He is kind, thoughtful, professional, and proven. Send him back to work for our county on Elec-

tion Day, Tuesday, May 5.

A lifelong resident and local accountant, he is a graduate of Bethel College and IVY Tech. He has served our community his entire life through volunteer work in Scouting, youth sports, firefighting, and as an EMT-D. He has also worked as a hearing aid specialist, served as a Notre Dame usher, participated in church ushering and lecturing, and helped operate a parish food pantry to feed and comfort those in need.

He is proud to be both Washington Panther and a member of his

Polish heritage. He must win the Democratic primary Tuesday, May 5 to become the Democratic candidate on the November ballot. County Council District E generally covers the south and southwestern portions of the city of South Bend. Having won several primary and general elections in the past, he understands the humbling trust placed in him by the people he serves, fellow Democrats, and local labor unions.

Vote for Dave Thomas for county council District E Tuesday, May 5.

South Bend Symphony’s ‘Carmina Burana’ April 18

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series comes to a close with a thrilling choral display at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Led by Music Director Alastair Willis, the program culminates in Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”

The performance brings together St. Mary’s College Belles Voix, South Bend Chamber Singers (directed by Dr. Nancy Menk), and the Notre Dame Glee Club. Featured soloists

include Jana McIntyre (soprano), Johnathan McCullough (baritone), and Marcus Shelton (tenor).

The evening opens with Richard Strauss’s “Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration),” a sweeping tone poem that explores life’s final moments and the promise of transcendence beyond death.

Written when Strauss was just 25 years old, the work unfolds as a powerful musical narrative. Strauss’ orchestration and emotional depth set a profound

tone for the concert.

Then the stage erupts with the energy of Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” one of the most recognizable and exhilarating works in the choral-orchestral repertoire. Based on medieval poems celebrating fate, love, springtime, and earthly pleasures, the cantata is framed by the iconic “O Fortuna,” whose thunderous return at the work’s conclusion underscores the relentless turning of fortune’s wheel. Orff’s elemental rhythms, bold harmonies, and powerful use

Geminus to host foster care, guardianship conference

Geminus, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Child Services, will host the 2026 Foster Care and Guardianship Conference Wednesday, April 8, at the Gillespie Conference Center, South Bend.

The conference is open to social workers, therapists, educators, parents, caregivers and others who support children in foster care and their families.

Registration is available at welcominghome2026. eventbrite.com.

With a growing need for foster families in Indiana, the conference will offer handson resources and continuing education opportunities aimed at helping professionals and caregivers better serve children in care.

Highlights include breakout sessions featuring practical strategies to strengthen foster and biological families, along with innovative approaches and supportive therapies designed to help children thrive.

Kevin Wanzer, a nationally-recognized speaker, author and former U.S. presidential appointee, will deliver the keynote address, “Choose to Love, Choose ALOHA.”

Additional speakers include Adrian McLemore, a child welfare policy consultant, and Paul T. Peavy, a licensed psychotherapist and professional storyteller.

Attendees can earn six continuing education units through the Indiana Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor Board. The CEUs

qualify as Category 1 continu ing education for LSW, LCSW, LMFT and LMHC license holders.

The conference fee is $25 and includes CEUs, access to all sessions, lunch, materials and a take-home kit.

For more information, visit welcominghome2026. eventbrite.com or contact Glenda Whickem at glenda. whickem@geminus.care

of percussion create an almost ritualistic intensity that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Jack M. Champaigne for supporting the Masterworks Series. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday.

• In-person: Visit the Morris Box Office, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance or stop by the Symphony Office, 127

70s Flashback -

‘Sorry, Richard,’ the novel flopped, but TV show soared

Richard Hornberger, writing under the nom de plume

By RANDAL C. HILL

Richard Hooker, entertained visions of success as a writer when he penned his novel “M*A*S*H” (Military Army Surgical Hospital), a reflection on his days with the 8055th M*A*S*H unit in Korea. For several frustrating years, he submitted his brainchild to various book publishers, but no one expressed interest.

He took on a writing partner who helped him polish the manuscript. Eventually, William Morrow and Company published “M*A*S*H.” The book bombed, but it was embraced by movie producer Ingo Preminger - Otto’s brother - who bought the movie rights and commissioned Ring Lardner Jr., to come up with a screenplay. The film, which starred Eliot Gould and Donald Sutherland, became box-office gold.

Hollywood power people felt many more dollars could be squeezed out of the “M*A*S*H”

story by offering it as a low-budget television show. After all, start-up costs would be minimal, as the sets and props from the film were still in place nearby in a future state park.

Producer Gene Reynolds asked writing pal Larry Gelbart to give him a script, which took Gelbart a mere two days to whip up a workable outline for the show. Given the green light, Gelbart threw himself into painstaking research, toiling with photocopies of early 1950s issues of Time magazine, as well as keeping a master list of Korean names, a map of Korea and an Army handbook on his cluttered desk.

Most TV scenes were shot at the 20th Century Fox studio in Los Angeles, where the “M*A*S*H” compound measured a mere 45 by 90 feet and consisted primarily of a Korean landscape backdrop behind a rubber floor.

“M*A*S*H” premiered on CBS-TV in September 1972. Ratings were low at first, and reviews ran the gamut from so-so to scathing. But, in a rare moment of insight in a ratings-obsessed business, CBS believed the program could, if given time, build a decent-sized audience. The series was allowed to struggle

through its first season. The gamble paid off when season two ratings skyrocketed and made “M*A*S*H” a must-watch winner.

Everybody involved seemed happy. Everybody, that is, except for Richard Hooker. As an ultraconservative military veteran, he detested the way television star Alan Alda voiced subtle but frequent anti-war statements during his moments on the small screen.

The series ended on Feb. 28, 1983, after 11 seasons and 251 episodes. The final show (2 ½ hours long) was watched by an estimated 125 million viewers -back then, more than half the

population of America.

M*A*S*H mixed sarcastic humor with the grimness of war. How did Alda and the others in the show approach such a combination?

Alda said, “I think a lot of what attracted people to the whole series was that, even though it was mainly a comedy, we never tried to forget that real people had lived and suffered through stories like the ones we were telling. We wanted to honor that as much as we could.” And the show did indeed do that.

Bibliography

Books - Javna, John.

“MAS*H.” In Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader, 70-71. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1988. Kalter, Suzy. The Complete Book of “MASH.”* New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1985.

Internet - “MASH (Movie); MASH (TV Show).” Wikipedia. No author or publication date listed. Reinstein, Mara. “Alan Alda on 50 Years of MASH: ‘We Never Realized How Successful the Show Was.’” Parade, Sept. 2, 2022. This image features Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr. (1924–1997), an American surgeon who wrote under the pseudonym Richard Hooker.

See for free when traveling

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Gawkers pay an entry fee and stand for hours to giggle and gaze at Michelangelo’s David in Florence.

Those choosing to avoid the usual tourist trips and traps just saunter over to the Piazza della Signoria where they can

gather and gawk at an exact copy of the famed figure along with original Renaissance works commissioned by the Medicis. All for free.

And if you get to Rome, you can stroll over to San Pietro in Vincula, a tidy church overlooking the Coliseum, and stand within arm’s length of Michelangelo’s other legendary piece

FREE Community Aging Presentations! FREE Community Aging Presentations!

You’re invited to join Aging Connections for our complimentary health and wellness workshops!

We’re here to support older adults and their caregivers in living life to the fullest. Come and discover how our resources can enhance your well-being!

Speaker: Shawna M. Sapp MSW, LCSW, Vet Center Director, South Bend Vet Center

Topic: Readjustment Counseling & the Mission of the South Bend Vet Center

Location: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 900 W. Western Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601

Speaker: Laura Vincent, Hospice Liaison, Dunes Hospice

Topic: Backyard Hospice Jeopardy

Location: SJPL Downtown Location, Community Learning Center-Beutter Kernan Hall, 304 S. Main St., South Bend, IN 46601

Speaker: Mark Waltz - A Rosie Place

Topic: A Rosie Place

Speaker: ACOM - Malana Maher

Topic: Part 2 - “Oh No, I Need More Help than My In-Home Services...”

Location: Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, Eisen Room, 209 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Location: The

Speaker: Janis Holiday, Executive Director, Marshall County Council on Aging

Topic: Focus on Life Enrichment Center

- Moses. For free. Why pay for the ride to the restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower when you can find dining nearby that’s just as good and probably cheaper?

Does it make you feel better to pay several bucks to go out and get wet under Niagara Falls when you can enjoy a few soothing sips at a bistro with a magnificent view of water flowing over the international border?

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Blast to the Past -

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was a monumental production

Queen

Opera: A dramatic work set to music for singers and instrumentalists.

Bohemian: An artist or musician from about a century ago who defied convention and standards.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

Rhapsody: A classical music piece with distinct sections played as one movement.

“I always wanted to do something operatic,” Queen’s charismatic leader Freddie Mercury once said. “I don’t really know anything about opera myself. Just certain pieces. I wanted to create what I thought Queen could do.” The result became the quartet’s signature song:

Mercury’s now-classic offering is a six-minute suite consisting of several sections - an introduction, a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock part, and a reflective coda - and all structured like Led Zeppelin’s dynamic “Stairway to Heaven.”

While “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a monumental production, many Queen fans ended up scratching their collective heads when it came to trying to interpret Freddie’s mystifying lyrics:

”Mama, just killed a man.

”Put a gun against his head.

“Pulled my trigger, now he’s dead.

“Mama, life had just begun.

“But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away.”

Was he confessing to an actual homicide? When quizzed about the “Rhapsody” lyrics, Mercury declared, “It’s one of those songs which has such a fantasy feel about it. I think people should just listen to it, think about it and then make up their own minds as to what it says to them.”

Mercury - born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) in 1946 - had just broken up with his long-time love, Mary Austin, after revealing to her that he had fallen in love with a man.

It seems that, in the words

of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen leader is literally addressing his mother.” She embraced Zoroastrianism, which is intolerant of homosexuality, and her son’s lyrics laid bare the angst he is suffering as he comes out as gay.

He’s “killing” the straight Freddie he has always shown the world.

The quartet’s record label bigwigs balked at the song’s length - just under six minutes - and worried that Top 40 radio would shun the single due to its unorthodox running time. (“Hey Jude” was a minute-anda-half longer.)

Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, recalled, “They said it was too long and wouldn’t work. We thought, ‘Well, we could cut it, but it wouldn’t make any sense … You would miss all the different moods of the song.’ So, we said no, it’ll either fly or it won’t.’”

The tune’s length never proved to be a problem. Once “Bohemian Rhapsody”gleaned from the Queen album “A Night at the Opera” - hit the English airwaves, the record-buying fans made the single a Number One winner there for nine weeks.

In America, the 45 on Elektra Records became the group’s first entry into Billboard’s Hot 100 listing, climbing to the Number Nine spot in 1976 and reaching Number Two on the 1992 chart after it was featured in the teen-oriented film “Wayne’s World.”

Trivia note: On “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Mercury played the same recording-studio grand piano as did Paul McCartney on “Hey Jude.”

Bibliography

Book: Cresswell, Toby. “1001 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time.” (Pp. 208-209) New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2006. Internet: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen. The first Mercury quote is from here. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia. org. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. (No author or date listed) songfacts.com. The second Mercury quote is from here. Horton, Matthew. “Queen: 20 Things You Probably Never Knew About ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’” June 24, 2015. nme.com. The Roger Taylor quote is from here.

Local hospice partners with IU South Bend

By ANASTASIA KOUCOUTHAKIS Marketing Liaison and Health Care

Compliance Assistant Comfort 1 Hospice

A partnership between Comfort 1 Hospice and Indiana University South Bend is helping local nursing students gain a deeper understanding of hospice care.

For many families, conversations about hospice can feel

difficult or unfamiliar. One goal of the partnership is to help future nurses become more comfortable having those discussions with patients and their loved ones when the time is right.

Hospice care is not about giving up. It focuses on providing comfort, dignity and quality of life during an important stage of care.

Through hands-on clinical experiences, nursing students from IU South Bend observe

and learn alongside the interdisciplinary team at Comfort 1 Hospice. Students see firsthand how hospice professionals work together to support patients and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

During their time with the team, students are introduced to the many roles involved in hospice care. They observe registered nurses, chaplains, social workers, volunteer coordinators and bereavement coordinators

who provide emotional, spiritual and medical support.

Students also gain insight into behind-the-scenes work that helps hospice organizations serve the community, including office operations, marketing and business development.

While clinical knowledge is essential, hospice education also emphasizes compassion, communication and understanding the human side of health care. By learning early

in their careers about the value of hospice care, students are better prepared to guide families through important health decisions.

Comfort 1 Hospice officials said they are grateful for the opportunity to partner with IU South Bend in mentoring the next generation of nurses. Together, the organizations are helping shape health care professionals who prioritize comfort, dignity and compassionate care.

My textual abnormalities trouble

Because I am so forgetful, when I think of something I need to remember and I’m in the car, the first thing I do is send myself a text. I hit the appropriate button on my steering wheel, hear a little chirp and say, “Send a text to Dick.”

Bluetooth: “What do you want to say to Dick?”

Me: “Mail car insurance. Put out garbage.”

Now, I do this several times a

day, and it’s pretty effective. As soon as I get home, I check my messages, and there are all the things I would probably forget to do if I hadn’t sent myself a note. I considered this method quite foolproof, but only a fool like me could mess it up.

We have a member of our church whose name is also Dick. I did not have him in my address book until recently. I added his name because I am part of a vol-

unteer group that picks him up at his home on Sunday mornings. He decided at his age to stop driving.

Have you already figured out what happened? Most of the messages I intended to send to myself were going to Dick Guernsey. (He told me to use his real name because he wanted to see it in print.)

I began to realize there was a problem when I saw Dick

at church and he asked why I thought he should pay my HOA fee this month. I thought this was a very odd thing to ask, so I confided in a fellow Unitarian, who told me, “Sometimes people your age, Dick, get a little confused. It’s normal.”

The next day, I got this text message.

Guernsey: “Dick, it’s Dick Guernsey. Why do you want me to call your son?”

Me: “I don’t want you to call my son. I’m not sure what you are talking about.”

Guernsey: “Also, you texted me to buy a jar of artichokes and a pint of milk. I hate artichokes and I’m lactose intolerant. And why are you asking me to buy this stuff for you? You know I don’t drive.”

By DICK WOLFSIE

It still didn’t dawn on me what I had accidentally done.

The next day, Dick called me on his cellphone.

“Dick Wolfsie, this is Dick Guernsey. I’m starting to worry about you. I just got a text from you that says, ‘Don’t forget to call my brother in New York.’ I don’t know your brother in New York. The text also says to make an appointment for an oil change. I don’t have a car. That’s why you pick me up twice a month.”

The next day, I got another text from Guernsey asking why I thought he needed to have his gutters cleaned.

“I don’t have to clean gutters,” he texted. “In fact, I don’t have to do anything at this place except go down for dinner.”

I finally figured out what was happening. I changed my name in my address book to Bubba. Now I say, “Send a text to Bubba.”

If your name is Bubba, there is no chance we can ever be friends.

Senior scam

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Crooks have been focusing on health fairs that are increasing in popularity among the growing seniors crowd.

Scammers offer free genetic screening. All they need, they say, is a cheek swab and your Medicare number to pay for the screening.

The crooks then bill Medicare several thousands of dollars which it normally rejects and the person being screened is billed.

If you feel you could use or would benefit from genetic screening, discuss the matter with your family doctor.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

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, plenty of homemade wine. One course followed another as we feasted on handmade macaroni, lamb braciole, salad, green beansand 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 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 Grand-

pa 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

A visit to Mar-a-Lago

By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Writer

I visited President Trump at Mar-a-Lago - sort of.

I could have been driving along any street in the United States. The sun was shining, traffic was light and there was no indication that I was passing through anything other than an ordinary neighborhood.

Suddenly everything changed. Police cars were everywhere: Slowly patrolling the streets, parked along sidewalks, driving into, and out of, a gated community. Police officers crowded the pavement

and spilled out into the narrow road I was following.

Welcome to Mar-a-Lago, a lavish estate with a storied history known today primarily as the home of Donald J. Trump. That ornate estate was built (1924-1927) for businesswoman and society figure Marjorie Merriweather Post. Nestled on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Fla., it was acquired in 1985 by then-real estate investor Donald Trump, who used it as his residence.

Ten years later, he converted it into the Mar-a-Lago Club, an exclusive members-only institution with guest rooms, a spa

and other hotel-style amenities.

When they are there, members of Trump’s family stay in private quarters in a closed-off area of the grounds.

During his first presidency, Trump visited Mar-a-Lago frequently and held meetings there with international leaders like Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese president Xi Jinping.

The name Mar-a-Lago means “sea to lake” in Spanish. The estate extends from one side of Palm Beach Island to the other, touching both the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon. Continued on page 27

A visit

Continued from 26

The property is said to span 126 rooms and extend over an acre and a half.

Post, who died in 1973, willed the estate to the United States government to serve as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980 because it exemplified “the baronial way of life of the wealthy who built mansions in Florida during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.”

I asked several residents of the area what it’s like to live near such a legendary property which is visited by heads of state, leading political figures and other known dignitaries. The response of most of them was surprising: a big yawn.

“We don’t usually know who’s there,” one young man told me. “All it means for locals is traffic

Pickpockets feast on travelers

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Traveling with or moving in and out of a crowd may make you feel safe, but packs of people also hide the cunning who can make off with your wallet or purse.

Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly a most dangerous place for visitors as pickpockets mingle freely with the more than 20,000 pilgrims who visit daily.

In any crowd, women should carry their purse in front of them and men should keep their wallet in a side or front trouser pocket.

Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions. Step into a building - a store, restaurant or museum - and ask a staff member for the information you seek.

Stay on the edges of the crowd as you tour the Prado or leave the Louvre. Thieves are more likely to work the muddled middle of the mob.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

jams,” a 60-something woman explained.

“I voted for Trump but if I’d known how much his being president would mess up traffic here, I would have voted differently,” admitted a well-dressed gentleman.

courses, including six at the PGA National Resort.

Senior One-way: $170

One-Way : $200

Senior Round Trip: $300

For visitors to the Palm Beach area, Mar-a-Lago offers an intriguing diversion from the sun, sand and surf attractions for which the destination is best known. Worth Avenue, a shopper’s dream, is lined by upscale boutiques, designer stores and art galleries.

Round Trip: $325.00

History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate Palm Beach’s legacy of luxury and splendor. Must-see spots include the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the historic  Breakers Palm Beach hotel and the Society of the Four Arts, which encompasses an art gallery, concert hall and gardens.

Senior 60 +

Florida Ticket Prices:

Mar-a-Lago adds a unique touch which combines historical tidbits, opulent architecture and a lovely semi-tropical setting.

Get picky about economy class seats

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Legroom - the distance from the point of one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it - has become a common currency among flyers seeking the most comfort in the crowded cabin in the sky. Known as seat pitch, it ranges from 28 to 34 inches on U.S. carriers.

Seat width, which ranges from 17 to 18 inches, also

is a comfort consideration. Wide-bodied aircraft that are squeezing in more rows of seats are most likely to have the narrowest economy class seating.

While window seats offer a bit more privacy than an aisle seat and more comfort than a middle seat, it may not have a window at all because not all seating rows line up with the aircraft’s windows.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Waterfront settings offer a choice of inviting stretches of sand fronting deep blue water.

Golfers have a choice of over 100

Smok y Mountains

In addition, if you’re lucky - or unlucky, depending upon your politics - an opportunity to see a motorcade leave or arrive which includes a car transporting the president of the United States.

260-768-7549

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge &

FL

Crossroadbus com Shipshe ana

November 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St Augustin

e,

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

September 26, 2026 - Mini Golf (21+ Trip)

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

Crossroadbus.com 1070 N 675 W, Shipshewana , IN 46565 Diamond Tours Family Fun Tours

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

July 18, 2026 - Peru Circus

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

June 13, 2026 - Dayton Air Show

June 27, 2026 - Indy Zoo

May 9, 2026 - Paint & Sip Wine Tour

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

Liberty

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City,

Canada Capital

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

November 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St Augustin

e,

April 27-28, 2026 - Antiquing in Elizabeth, IL

May 2, 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

May 9, 2026 - Tulip Festival

May 9, 2026 - Tulip Festival

May 9, 2026 - Paint & Sip Wine Tour

May 2, 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 27, 2026 - Indy Zoo

June 13, 2026 - Dayton Air Show

FL

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smok y Mountains

April 27-28, 2026 - Antiquing in Elizabeth, IL

Liberty FL - Antiquing in Elizabeth, IL Indy Zoo

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

July 3, 2026

July 18, 2026 - Peru Circus

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

September 12, 2026 -

September 26, 2026 - Mini Golf (21+ Trip)

Florida Schedule

2025-2026