Senior Life - St. Joseph - August 2026

Connections at core of education for Mark Freund

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Mark Freund’s career in Catholic education began in 1981, but his connection to Catholic schools reaches back even further.

Freund, who has served as principal of Marian High School since July 2023, attended Catholic schools for 12 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He later earned two master’s degrees from Loyola University Maryland, where he encountered the Jesuit tradition while teaching at the university’s preparatory school.

His combination of experiences has shaped a career spent entirely in Catholic education.

Freund has taught American political history, American history and Western civilization, subjects he said he was fortunate to teach full time for about 15 years. He also served as a principal in Catholic schools in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida before taking a national leadership role with the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

For seven years, Freund led formation programming for more than 30,000 employees across the Lasallian region of North America, including Canada and Puerto Rico.

He said the work helped him understand formation as a way of viewing education

through the lens of Catholic faith.

At Marian, his perspective also includes honoring the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, the religious community that helped establish the school in 1964.

Freund said the sisters’ “sacrificing gift” continues to guide the school today.

Although technology and other outside influences have changed education since he began teaching, Freund said students’ fundamental needs remain much the same.

“Young people still seek relationships, meaning and an understanding of their place in the world,” he said.

He is cautious about allowing technology to dominate education, particularly after schools relied heavily on computers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Students still want to build relationships with each other,” Freund said. “The students still want to find a deeper meaning in their life.”

Relationship-building has also been central to Freund’s leadership. He said some of his proudest accomplishments involved strengthening ties among students, faculty, alumni, supporters, partner schools and prospective families.

“Education, ultimately, at its core, is a relational enterprise,” he said.

Freund said those strategies helped schools he led in

Delaware and Florida grow into thriving institutions after facing difficult circumstances. Marian, he added, was already strong when he arrived.

He described the school’s academic program as among the best in the area.

According to Freund, 98% of Marian graduates enter college immediately after graduation, many of them bolstered through partnerships with colleges and universities, as well as courses taught by qualified faculty members.

His priorities include sustaining enrollment growth, strengthening community relationships and engaging Marian’s more than 8,000 graduates.

Freund said alumni stories demonstrate the long-term value of both the school’s academics and its Catholic foundation.

He also wants Marian to continue improving standardized test performance, maintaining its facilities and its more than 70-acre campus.

Freund said the school’s land, buildings and academic programs are resources that must be cared for with future students in mind.

“Marian is a gem,” he said. “Marian is an incredibly blessed school.”

Looking ahead, Freund said the goal is to preserve the strengths already in place while continuing to improve the school’s programs, facilities and connections to the community.

His work returns to the same principles that have guided his career: forming students through faith, preparation and lasting relationships.

St. Patrick’s County Park connects literacy, nature at ‘Books are Wild’

“Books are Wild,” an enriching family nature program that brings the wonders of the outdoors and the joy of reading together, will be Sunday, Aug. 9. This unique experience is designed to connect children and their families to the beauty

of nature while fostering a love for literacy. Enjoy food, crafts, and hands-on learning stations. At each station, receive a free nature-themed, curiosity-sparking book.

The program will take place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, at the Berta Shelter at St. Patrick’s County Park. The program is free but space is limited; registration is required by Aug. 3. To register, call (574) 654-3155.

St. Patrick’s County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, north of Auten Road and west of U.S. 933.

Unity Gardens nurtures food, neighbors

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

At Unity Gardens, visitors do not have to qualify for food, show identification or explain why they need help. They can walk through the garden, harvest what they want and leave with fresh produce.

That absence of barriers is the foundation of the South Bend nonprofit, Executive Director Sara Stewart said.

What began as one small garden in 2008 has expanded into 45 free-pick gardens, 20 urban orchards and a seven-acre main campus at 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend, where the organization offers about 150 free classes each year.

“It’s a food festival, not a food pantry,” Stewart said. “People come in and connect to healthy food, nature and one another.”

Stewart, a public health nurse and former Saint Mary’s College instructor, said the idea grew from her work with people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

She and her students conducted health screenings while clients were often served highly processed food associated with diabetes, obesity and other chronic illnesses.

Stewart planted a garden near downtown South Bend with the simple idea of growing

free food for anyone. Interest from residents, schools, the health department and other organizations quickly followed.

The city moved the project to its current location in 2009, and Unity Gardens later became a nonprofit.

The organization’s model differs from traditional community gardens, where individuals tend separate plots.

Unity Gardens grows food collectively and makes it available to everyone. Satellite garden leaders choose crops based partly on what neighbors harvest and request, while Unity Gardens supplies seeds, plants and volunteer assistance.

The nonprofit also distributes rescued food through its Nurture and Nourish program.

Stewart said Unity Gardens shared 50,000 pounds of food in 2024 and about 350,000 pounds of food in 2025 - much of it supplied by Cultivate Food Rescue, Clay Church’s food pantry, Great Harvest Bread Co. and other partners.

Large shipments of peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and other items are placed where visitors can take as much as they can use or share.

Stewart said the organization posts on social media only when a shipment reaches roughly 10,000 pounds because smaller deliveries usually dis-

appear through word of mouth.

“There, so far, has been no ceiling,” she said. “We do not know how much food we can actually move.”

Unity Gardens hopes to add an insulated, refrigerated building to store rescued food, donated clothing and toys in a more protected and orderly space.

Its programs extend beyond food access. The organization offers gardening and orchard classes, yoga, children’s activities and monthly “Haircuts and Hotcakes.”

The organization also works

with people at the South Bend Community Reentry Center. Participants can volunteer at Unity Gardens and later enter paid internships. Stewart said about one-third of the nonprofit’s year-round staff has come through that pathway.

“It is my favorite program,” she said. “It’s the most meaningful to me, just because there’s no other options out there.”

Stewart, 65, said she is gradually stepping away from daily operations so younger staff members can shape Unity Gardens’ future. She described

herself as a resource for the team rather than its day-to-day leader.

After nearly two decades, Stewart said the gardens’ central work is broader than distributing produce.

“We’re reminding people how to connect with one another in kindness and sharing,” she said.

For more information about Unity Gardens, classes and events or volunteer opportunities, visit theunitygardens. org, call (574) 222-2266 or (574) 315-4361 after hours, or email sara@theunitygardens.org.

Shirley Heinze hosts ‘Nature in the Arts’ event

Shirley Heinze Land Trust will host “Nature’s Story: Where Ice Became Life,” a free, all-ages “Nature in the Arts” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve, 25898 U.S. 20, South Bend.

The event will feature art activities and guided hikes designed to help participants connect with nature through creative experiences.

Visitors will learn about the preserve’s glacial history and how ice shaped the landscape.

The South Bend Museum of Art will lead a multimedia printmaking activity inspired by the surrounding environ-

ment, while the Northern Indiana Pastel Society will offer an introductory plein air painting workshop.

“Nature in the Arts is one of the programs at Shirley Heinze Land Trust that I’m most excited to continue developing,” Engagement Coordinator Bella Santana said. “By framing this year’s program around Lydick Bog’s geologic history, guests can experience its mix of wetlands, forests and glacial features in a new way.”

Guests also may join guided walks highlighting the bog’s glacial history, led by Shirley Heinze staff and volunteers,

and explore interactive glacial models.

Parking, accessible outdoor restrooms and drinking water will be available.

For more information, contact Deputy Director Bridget Harrison at (219) 242-8558 or bharrison@heinzetrust.org.

“Nature in the Arts” is a series of events combining outdoor exploration with hands-on art experiences at Shirley Heinze nature preserves throughout northwestern Indiana. The program is supported in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission.

beautiful campus surrounded by nature

She turned love of cats into homes for hundreds

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

When several new cats arrive at The Cat Lady Cafe in South Bend, Kim Sult finds herself surrounded by the familiar sounds of adjustment: hissing, growling and animals trying to determine who is in charge.

For Sult, the commotion is part of creating a place where shelter cats can become comfortable around people, meet potential adopters and,

eventually, leave for permanent homes.

Sult, a longtime Humane Society of St. Joseph County volunteer and board member, was inspired to start her own cat cafe after visiting one in London.

Already involved in animal welfare, she returned home convinced the concept belonged in South Bend.

“I always said South Bend needed one, and I wanted to be the one to do it,” Sult said of

CORPORATE OFFICE

her reaction to the London cafe.

Her involvement with the Humane Society began nearly 20 years ago after she and her husband adopted a dog. She started volunteering with cats housed at PetSmart, later helped with fundraisers and eventually joined the board.

“This is my passion. This is my life now,” she said.

Turning the cafe from an idea into a business required a plan, a location and a willing landlord.

Sult completed the SPARK business accelerator at Saint Mary’s College while continuing to work full time. She eventually found space in the pet-friendly Commerce Center after other landlords hesitated at the prospect of having about 15 cats in their buildings.

The Humane Society chooses cats suited to the cafe and continues to oversee applications and adoptions. Some cats quickly mingle with visitors; others hide for days or weeks. Those that remain unhappy or aggressive return to the shelter, while cats that adjust can stay until adopted.

“The Humane Society does all the hard work, and we get to have all the fun,” Sult said.

The cafe has facilitated more than 350 adoptions since its opening in 2023. Sult said housing 15 cats also frees 15 spaces at the shelter for more animals in need.

That capacity matters as

families increasingly face difficult financial choices, she said. Some must weigh paying utilities against feeding pets, while moves and health changes can also force owners to surrender animals.

ears and themed shirts.

At least five rescue groups participated, and several cats were adopted during or after the festival. Visitors came from around the Midwest, and the event partnered with Century Center and Visit South Bend Mishawaka.

“It checks all the boxes of being a success,” Sult said.

NEWSPAPERS HAVE

YOUR BACK.

The Papers Incorporated, 206 S. Main St., P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 STAFF

Ron Baumgartner, Publisher rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

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Publication Manager/Account Executive Marla Schroeder mschroeder@the-papers.com • 574-350-4488

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Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition

Joseph Edition

Sult said the cafe therefore serves not only as an adoption site but as an educational resource on spaying and neutering, trap-neuter-return programs and the work of local shelters.

Her desire to gather the region’s cat lovers also led her to organize Midwest Meow Fest, inspired by cat conventions she attended in California and New Jersey. The event combined vendors, educational talks, rescue organizations and adoptable cats while giving attendees permission to embrace their “quirky” side with cat

Midwest Meow Fest will return in 2027. Sult said she has no plans to franchise the cafe or open another location.

Her goals are simpler: secure more space if possible, keep hosting events such as bingo and yoga, continue connecting people with cats and preserve the welcoming community that has formed around them.

“We want to just keep this going as long as we can,” she said.

EDITORIAL DEADLINES

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $42 for one year; and $71 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. a subscription, call 574-658-4111.

For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. To advertise contact Marla Schro eder at 574-350-4488 or mschroeder@the-papers.com.

Senior Life is

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Small changes can make a big difference

By JOE COLLINS, AD, QMCP Program Manager Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana

For many families caring for an aging loved one, the late afternoon and evening can be the most difficult part of the day. During these hours, some older adults experience a condition commonly known as sundowning, becoming more confused, anxious, restless or agitated as daylight fades.

While experts do not fully understand why sundowning occurs, caregivers can take steps to reduce its effects and help create a calmer, safer environment.

One of the most effective approaches is identifying potential triggers. Difficult behaviors are often a person’s way of expressing an unmet need. A loved one who appears agitated may be cold, hungry, tired or frightened by the darkness. Offering a warm blanket, a snack, an opportunity to rest or additional lighting may help address the underlying cause before behaviors escalate.

Establishing a consistent daily routine also can make a significant difference. Familiar schedules provide comfort and security, helping older adults

feel more in control of their day. Caregivers are encouraged to maintain regular times for waking, meals, medications, hydration, toileting and bedtime.

Daily routines also should include a healthy balance of activity and rest. Enjoyable activities such as reading the newspaper, listening to music or talking with family can promote engagement. Purposeful tasks such as light chores, spiritual practices or organizing household items can provide a sense of accomplishment. Time outdoors and gentle physical activity, including walking or stretching, also may improve overall well-being.

For individuals prone to sundowning, staying active earlier in the day can be helpful, provided they do not become overtired. Limiting caffeine after lunch, reducing alcohol consumption and encouraging rest when needed may help lessen evening symptoms.

A person’s surroundings also can influence behavior. Reducing noise, limiting television or radio use and avoiding crowded environments may decrease overstimulation. During the day, opening curtains and letting in natural light can help maintain normal sleep-wake patterns. In the evening, dim-

Numbness, Burning, Tingling or Pins-and-Needles in

ming the lights and creating a quiet atmosphere often encourage relaxation. If a loved one’s behavior begins to escalate, caregivers should focus on safety and comfort. Soft music, calming scents, additional personal space and removing potentially dangerous objects can help reduce stress and prevent situations from worsening.

Another useful technique is

redirection. Guiding a person toward a simple, familiar activity can help shift attention away from distress. Folding laundry, drying dishes, sorting items or opening mail are examples of repetitive tasks many older adults find soothing.

Caregivers also may benefit from tracking sundowning episodes. Recording the time, behavior, possible triggers and strategies used can reveal

patterns and help identify what works best.

Although sundowning can be challenging, patience, routine and a supportive environment can make evenings more manageable for both caregivers and their loved ones. For persistent concerns, families should consult a health care provider for additional guidance.

(Adapted from realservices. trualta.com.)

Breaking rules shouldn’t harm your health

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Making rules is pretty easy. Following them is the difficult part. The easiest of this whole exercise is breaking them. Eat right, sleep tight, and exercise daily are among mantras that have been built into our brains over the years. Skip one of these and you feel guilty.

It’s come to light this obsession with regimens we’ve developed to keep us healthy may be overplayed.

Take the time-honored tenet that you should get eight hours sleep every night. If you’re job doesn’t require any heavy lifting or if you no longer have to get up and get to work, a little as six hours a night is all you need.

Naps during the day will whittle away any tired feelings you get. Now how about those hour-aday exercise sessions. There are those with buff bodies who spend that much time or more each day in a nearby gym hefting weights to build abs and pecs and calves. Others run miles and miles every day to stay in top conditions. Some swim dozens of laps to tend to their conditioning. If you’re not one of these, you’ve probably learned that a simple walk around the neighborhood regularly keeps you healthy and flexible with less stress and pain than those who build their lives around exercise sessions. Regardless of what your exercise plan is, skipping a day now and then gives your body and mind a bit of relaxation.

It feels good to break the rule. Your eating habits don’t have to take enjoyment out of food. Feasting on a wedge of birthday cake or basking in the coolness of an ice cream cone or enjoying a few French fries in your shrimp bucket shouldn’t ruin our day.

So eat sensibly, things you like and in small portions. Some science says snacking several times a day is as healthy as sitting down to three square meals daily.

A daily dip in your backyard pool, or a bike ride around the neighborhood, a short hike around the back 40 or all three all contribute to health maintenance. And feel free to skip them now and then.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Michael the human ‘Motorcycle’ stays fit at

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Michael Lureman has always been on the move. So much so his mom nicknamed him “Michael Motorcycle.”

“I always try to find something I can do. I’m always moving around,” Lureman said.

Even at 75, Lureman is completing 10-kilometer courses.

He ran a 10K in South Bend this year in the annual Sunburst Race Saturday, May 30. Lureman was first in his age group in the race. He credits his ability to monitor how his body is feeling so he can stay active in his 70s.

“I’ve been active my whole life so I’m lucky. You just keep doing it. I am wiser about stretching and listening to my body,” Lureman said.

Lureman grew up near Buffalo, New York, where he admits he was not a big athlete.

“I was 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds. In high school, I lettered in soccer,” Lureman said.

Lureman lived in Pittsburgh after college before he settled in Cass County outside of Niles, Mich.

“I lived here and worked for 25 years,” Lureman said. “It’s gotten to be my home area. It’s a nice area. It’s not too populated and it’s not too rural. Nice family area. Cost of living is nice.”

While Lureman had developed a running history earlier in his life, he did not attempt any marathons or half mara-

4010

thons until he was over 55. In the past two decades he has completed four marathons, 25 half marathons and 10 triathlons. He dealt with sciatica in recent years causing him to reduce the distances he competes in to 10Ks.

Obstacles were in the way for Lureman to compete as he had to overcome a hip fracture 14 years ago.

“They found it in an MRI. Did surgery, did rehab, took six months off,” Lureman said.

Today, Lureman understands the recovery time would have been longer if he sustained the same injury.

“When you’re 75, that same injury takes three times as long, and you have muscle atrophy. So you have to be a little more careful,” Lureman said.

Despite the concerns of injury, Lureman does not let that slow him down. He sees the value in staying active outweighs the injury setbacks.

“You run so you can walk on the beach when you go on vacation,” Lureman said. “So you’re not walking with a cane for a the rest of your life.”

When Lureman is not running, he enjoys swimming, biking and pickleball. The latter is a sport he says he plays five days a week.

His wife, Cathy, also stays

The couple have two sons in Jeff and Tom.

“Cathy is one of my inspirations. She doesn’t run but she used to be a dancer. She teaches yoga every Sunday. She came up with the idea of having a dance class for people over 55.”

Until otherwise, you can expect Lureman to keep running in the Sunburst race year.

“As long as I finish in the top half of all participants I will keep running it,” Lureman said. “I think I’m a decent

“ Early detection gave us more time to find information and support together.”

If you’re noticing changes, it could be Alzheimer’s. Talk about visiting a doctor together. ALZ.org/TimeToTalk

Hearing Healthcare

Q.

AARP

is offering big discounts on hearing aids. Are you participating?

A. Yes, and we go one better.

AARP Members can save thousands of dollars on several of the best hearing aids compared to local prices. The AARP/ Soundly prices are very good, but I wasn’t surprised to see prices at my Affordable Hearing Store are even lower and the free services we include are way more comprehensive.

The savings range from $200 to $1,800 per pair and the additional value of the services add over $1,000 more value. This was on Phonak, Signia and Relate hearing aids, all top rated manufacturers.

David Keenan

If you have your Medicare Advantage Plan through AARP, then the numbers change and in most cases the advantage goes to AARP. It’s our policy to check all your options and get you the most value. Even if you use the AARP program, we include additional services such as twice the number of free office visits and a very effective Auditory Training program. No one else in America does this!

It doesn’t cost you anything to see how much you can save.

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Senior Relocation

Scheerer McCulloch: Your trusted partner in auction, real estate and moving: Introducing Relocation Services

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

Professional Forum

Healthy Aging

Q. What does it really mean to be healthy as we age?

A. Many people think being healthy means never getting sick. The truth is, healthy aging is about much more than a medical diagnosis.

Being healthy means having the strength to do the things that matter most to you. It means staying connected to family and friends, eating well, moving your body, keeping your mind active, and finding purpose each day. It also means knowing when to ask for help, because maintaining independence sometimes begins with accepting a little support.

Healthy aging looks different for everyone. It’s not about perfection—it’s about maximizing your quality of life, regardless of age or health challenges. Research

Karla (KJ) Mapes, CEO REAL Services

consistently shows that social connection and staying engaged are just as important to our well-being as physical activity.

One of the best ways to invest in your health is to stay connected. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, learning something new, volunteering, or simply sharing a meal with friends, consider visiting REAL Services’ Portage Commons @ 133 William Street in South Bend or a senior center in your community. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

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

Q. What’s coming in August?

A.

Surviving the wind and rain, we recorded the first episode of Senior Talk “on the road” at Goshen’s First Friday 250 celebration, a salute to veterans. If you missed it, it is still available online at www.seniortalkmichiana.org.

August episodes will feature Morgan Paeplon from “Reins of Life” explaining the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and Dr.Tod Stillson from “ChatRx”, on-demand virtual care. We are looking forward to a discussion with Sharon Dutkowski from the Grace College School of Behavioral Sciences, titled “Aging is your Superpower.” We will also be sharing information on the September 12th Senior Tech Fair, being produced by the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Senior Talk Michiana.

Senior Talk Michiana is a non-profit 501(c) (3), sponsored by Greencroft Communities, Everence Financial, Senior Life Newspapers, Aging Connections of Michiana, The Owls Club, and the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce. Listeners can easily access the podcast through free subscriptions on platforms such as Spotify, Facebook, and www.seniortalkmichiana.org. We would also love to have your feedback, so please contact us at seniortalkmichiana@gmail. com.

Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm announces award winners

The 2026 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm has announced the winners of this year’s competition, recognizing some of the nation’s finest classic and collector automobiles.

The event, which was held July 11, drew entrants from 16 states. The top honor, Best of Show, went to a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Sports Sedan-Weymann owned by Don Ghareeb of Vestavia Hills, Ala.

Among the premier award winners, Pete Wendt of Franklin, Wis., received the J.M. Studebaker Award for his 1961 Studebaker Hawk, while Tom and Anne Beale of Carmel earned the Auburn Automobile Co. Award for their 1936 Auburn 852 Speedster.

Ghareeb also received the World’s Finest Motor Car Award for his Duesenberg and the Vivian and Eric LaVine/ LaVine Restorations Award for a 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe.

Other premier award winners were:

Silver Streak Award: 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am,

Keith Knudsen, Plymouth, Mich.

John DeLorean Award: 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible, Ron Whiteford, Granger.

David Schultz Award: 1934 Packard 1108 Convertible Victoria-Dietrich, Daniel and Danica Sobieski, Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Raymond Loewy Award: 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special, Cornelius H. Darcy, Flint, Mich.

Helen Dryden Award: 1959 Oldsmobile 98 hardtop, Charlie Mullen, Bargersville.

Fred and Augie Duesenberg Award: 1972 Citroen DS21, Hilary Raab Jr., Crown Point.

Tom Cotter Digs This Car: 1962 Fiat Nuova Transformable, Ciena Gilday, Barrington Hills, Ill.

President’s Choice: 1927 Duesenberg Model A Roadster-Schutte, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis.

Art on Four Wheels Award: 1935 Auburn 851 Boat Tail Speedster, Allen and Nancy Strong, Urbana, Ill.

WANTED: ANTIQUES

Chairman’s Choice Award: 1953 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe convertible, Michael Hurley, Flint, Mich.

Chief Judge’s Award: 1926 Rickenbacker Eight Super Sport Boat Tail Coupe, The Singleton Collection, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Master of Ceremonies Award: 1961 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, Randy Hoover, Walkerton.

Copshaholm Award: 1938 Packard 1605 Convertible Sedan-Dietrich, Ralph and Lynn Boyer, Dearborn Heights, Mich. People’s Choice Award: 1936 Auburn 852 Phaeton Salon, Harold and Dalen Ames, Indianapolis.

Junior Judging Award: 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe-Murphy, Auburn

Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, Auburn.

Best of class winners included:

Auburns and Cords: 1937 Cord 812 Cabriolet, Wyn and Carol Laidig, Mishawaka.

It’s a Duesy!: 1932 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton-LaGrande, William and Sonya Miller, Frankfort.

Coachbuilt Classics: 1929 Lincoln L All-Weather Non-Collapsible Cabriolet-Rollston, Mike Anderson, Elkhart.

Hail to the Chief: 1955

Studebaker President Speedster, Harold and Deanna Manley, Newton, Iowa.

Motorcars of the Lincoln Highway: 1913 Cole Series 90 Touring, Kevin Fleck, Shelbyville, Mich.

New Deal Motoring: 1936

Chrysler Imperial Coupe, Rex Barrett, Roselle, Ill.

Vintage Motorcycles: 1972

Yankee 500Z, Bob Piper, Hamilton, Ohio.

The GTO: Gran Turismo Omologato: 1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III hardtop, Mike and Kim Foglton, Estero, Fla.

Pontiac Centennial: 1958

Pontiac Bonneville coupe, Dr. Craig and Deborah Henry, Brandon, Miss.

European Economy: 1964

Austin Cooper S, Andrew Krueger, Summerfield, N.C.

Fabulous Fins I: 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, Craig Piper, Blairsville, Pa.

Fabulous Fins II: 1958 Plymouth Fury, Robert and Virginia Walby, Brooklyn, Mich.

For more information, visit concoursatcopshaholm.org.

Cool ways to protect yourself from heat-related illness

19th Annual HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL

PIERCETON, IN August 22, 2026 • 10am - 4pm Brower Park & Old Train Depot - Downtown St. Rd. 13

SPEAKERS TENT:

Ethan Moore - “Exotic Tomatoes”

Daniel Kurdziel - “Unique Historic Bridges in Indiana”

LIVE MUSIC IN BROWER PARK

Cumberland Gap

Mike & Katie Whitko High School Band

ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE ALL DAY 9am 5K RUN/WALK Registration 8am-8:40am day of race or pre-registration online

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR 11am - With Historian Joan Hostetler

CONTESTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Big Bad and The Ugly - Bring in your tomato worm

Largest Tomato - Bring in your heaviest tomato Scavenger Hunt - Prize of $250.00 1pm - Tomato Baking Contest 2:30pm - Cherry Tomato Spitting

(NAPSI) - Much of the U.S. could face hotter than normal conditions this year as the climate crisis drives higher temperatures - but you can keep yourself and those you care about safe. Consider these facts and figures:

• 2023 was the hottest

year on record, and scientists warned that 2024 could break records.

• Since the 1960s, heat waves have become more frequent, more intense and longer lasting.

• Heat-related deaths are on the rise.

PROTECT YOURSELF Extreme heat can be deadly, but you can take steps to stay safe.

What You Can Do

When extreme heat blankets the country, the American Red Cross recommends you take these steps:

SPECIAL GUESTS

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Class Act Troupe Bells & Beaus Square

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1. Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and try to schedule tasks early or late in the day. Remember, hot cars can be deadly - never leave children or pets in a vehicle.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Be sure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.

3. Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you

Continued on page 10

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.

The South Bend Area Genealogical Society is hosting Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy, Monday, Aug. 31, at Saint Michael & All Angels Church, 53720 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend. Coffee and Conversation will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. and the program will be form 7-8 p.m. Join in as Beaird will discuss research at the courthouse. Learn what you can find at the courthouse and research methods and tips. —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; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, dominoes; 5:30 p.m. third Wednesday, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba. Visit riverbendcancerservices.org or call (574) 287-4197.

Apartment Living

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

For nearly 15 years, Judy Finkler carried an idea she could not quite dismiss.

The South Bend resident felt drawn to create a place where people could find tangible reminders of their faith, but inspiration did not immediately become action. There was prayer, listening, uncertainty and the practical question of when the time would be right.

“I was just inspired to do something to express faith,”

Finkler said. “I think that we all need reminders of faith and ways to express our faith, and I wanted to provide a place that helped people do that.”

With encouragement from her husband, Mike, the idea eventually became Full of Grace Gifts, a Catholic gift shop the couple co-founded in 2023. The business began in downtown Mishawaka and moved to a larger location in December 2025.

She and her husband have been parishioners of St. Jude Catholic Church in South Bend for more than 30 years. Their children attended St. Jude Catholic School and Marian High School, and faith has remained a central part of their family life.

Judy Finkler said the years before opening were spent searching for the right circumstances and point in their lives. After a long search for a

suitable location, the Finklers saw an empty storefront while in downtown Mishawaka for dinner. This eventually became their first location.

Since taking the step of opening the shop, she has viewed the experience as “a huge blessing.”

Her days often involve just as much listening as selling. Customers may arrive seeking something for a baptism, wedding or funeral, but the conversation frequently begins with the circumstances that brought them through the door.

“They’ll share what’s going on, and then I try to help with ideas on what, based on what they say, might fit,” she said. “People sharing their stories, and just that they do that, and we can play some small little part in their journey.”

Judy Finkler hopes visitors feel calm and comfortable. She said customers often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and comment on the beauty of the religious art and objects around them.

To her, those items can become reminders carried into everyday life rather than decorations alone.

Throughout the process of starting and running the shop, Mike Finkler’s role has complemented hers. His background in remodeling and ability to visualize a space helped shape both locations and he built much of the shelving and display furniture.

“He’s able to kind of picture how things will look,” Judy Finkler said. “That’s his great talent, and so we complement each other in that respect.”

What has sustained her most, she said, is the encouragement of people who tell her they are glad the couple took the chance. Those comments reassure Judy Finkler that the years of waiting were not wasted.

“Often people say, ‘We’re so glad you’re here. Thank you for doing this,’ and it’s encouraging for the mission part of why we’re trying to do this,” Judy Finkler said. “That is what I am grateful for.”

The venture remains an exercise in trust: trust that needs will be met, that the timing was right and that faith can be shared in quiet, ordinary encounters.

“It really is all about expressing faith,” she said. “We’re trying to spread the good news in a small little way.”

Cool ways

Continued from page 8

don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Call 211 to find an open location. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and lack air conditioning to ensure they are safe.

Signs Of Illness

You should also know how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and what to do. It’s critical to react quickly.

• Heat can make anyone

ill, especially older adults, the very young, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions. People who work outdoors, have limited personal resources and live in places without green spaces are also at higher risk.

• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and include heavy sweating with muscle pains or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water. Get medical help if symptoms last longer than an hour or if the person has heart problems.

Then move the person to a cool place, and use wet cloths, misting or fanning to help cool them off. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Extreme Weather On The Rise

• Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition signaled by cool, pale and clammy skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; tiredness or weakness; or a headache, dizziness or passing out. To help, move the person to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing and encourage them to sip water slowly. Use wet cloths, misting or fanning to cool them off. Get medical help right away if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, or if the person vomits or acts confused.

• Heat stroke is a deadly condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast or strong pulse; a headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion and passing out. Call 911 right away if you think someone may have heat stroke.

Along with heat waves, the U.S. is experiencing more frequent and intense disasters. The Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare now by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Visit redcross. org or download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and safety information in English and Spanish. Find the app in smartphone app stores by searching for the “American Red Cross.”

Heart attacks give warning

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

You’re driving to the mall, watching television or making a sandwich and you suddenly feel “off.”

If it’s a heart attack, look for these signs.

Most attacks involve discomfort in the middle of the chest that can last a few minutes or go away and come back. It feels like you’re being squeezed and can be painful. This usually is accompanied by a shortness of breath, although this can occur without any chest discomfort.

Other symptoms can be pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw and stomach.

Also signals of a heart attack is breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness and nausea. Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Flashback -

Nothing could go wrong at Westworld

By RANDAL C. HILL

At Disneyland one afternoon, as he observed speaking automaton Abraham Lincoln, sci-fi writer Michael Crichton wondered what would happen if such a machine broke down? Thus was planted the seed for 1973’s now-classic “Westworld” movie.

In the script that Crichton created and directed, wellheeled guests paid a daily fee of $1,000 ($7,500 in today’s cash) to Delos, a company that ran an adult-fantasy resort consisting of (as did Disneyland) three parks - in Crichton’s case, Romanworld, Medievalworld and Westworld.

Each setting in the interactive playground featured lifelike robots with whom guests could indulge all their fantasies, no matter how ignoble or dangerous those reveries might be. There was nothing to worry about, Delos officials told customers; everything had been designed with their utmost safety in mind.

Chicago chums John Blane (James Brolin) and Peter Martin (Richard Benjamin) visit the resort. Opting for Westworld, they become cowboys who stroll through an 1880s frontier town with six-shooters (harmless to guests but not robots) astride their hips. The two visit a saloon, where a bully Gunslinger (Yul Brynner) goads Peter into a fight. Martin shoots him, and the baddie’s blood-spewing body thuds to the floor. The next day, Peter would kill him again.

It is all part of the fun fantasy. For a while.

The “bang-bang-you’re-dead” concept, however, comes to an end later when a robot snake unexpectedly attacks Blane for real. In the park’s underground control center, operations rapidly break down, and the supervisory team becomes trapped. Soon the automatons are rampaging through the resorts, wantonly slaughtering the overwhelmed and helpless guests.

By now, the Gunslinger has already murdered John Blane, and the evil robot has Peter in his sights as a deadly game of cat-and-mouse drives the story to its intense conclusion.

“Most of the situations in the film are cliches,” Crichton admitted later. “They are incidents out of hundreds of old movies.”

In his script, the best-selling author and screenwriter sought to emphasize corporate greed by having Delos operators initially resist halting operations. “There is a very specific scene where people discuss whether or not to shut down the resort,” Crichton said. “I think the movie was as much about that decision as anything.” Film fans, however, seemed to pay little attention to that part of the tale.

“Westworld” was shot in various locales - in California’s arid Mohave Desert, throughout the gardens of the sprawling Harold Lloyd Estate in Beverly Hills and on MGM

sound stages.

“Westworld,” made in 30 days and on a low budget, became MGM’s top-grossing release of 1973. It also proved to be groundbreaking in many ways. With pixelated photography that simulated the gunslinger’s point of view, it became the first movie to utilize digital image processing and computer-generated imagery. Also, years before personal computers and the internet became commonplace, “Westworld” explored the concepts of intelligent machines, computer viruses and artificial sentience.

Crichton’s “theme park gone haywire” in “Westworld” set the stage for his later “Jurassic Park” novel, which begat seven Jurassic Park films over the years.

Bibliography

Internet:

Michael Crichton, “Westworld” (film). Both quotes are from here. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org.

Failes, Ian. “Holey Moley, Michael Crichton’s ‘Westworld’ is 50 This Year.” Aug. 16, 2023. beforesandafters.com.

Lightman, Herb A. “Behind the Scenes on ‘Westworld’: AC Talks to Writer-Director Michael Crichton.” March 20, 2020. November 1973. theasc. com.

DVD:

“Westworld.” warnervideo. com. 2010.

Blast To The Past -

‘You Should Be Dancing’ became the centerpiece of ‘Saturday Night Fever’

The Bee Gees

A 1976 disco hit suggested to actor John Travolta he should be dancing. To his good fortune, he listened.

By RANDAL C. HILL

The Bee Gees began as a singing English family trio called the Rattlesnakes in 1958, when leader Barry was 12 and fraternal-twin brothers Maurice and Robin were 9. The

music-loving lads developed a harmony so seamless they could have been the Everly Brothersthat is, had Americans Don and Phil been a trio who sang with an English accent.

With no musical training, the British siblings, who never wanted a career other than singing and writing songs, formally became the Bee Gees (“Brothers Gibb”) in 1963 when they signed their first recording contract with a small-time English label.

In 1967, after the Beatles-led British Invasion had eased a bit in America but was still strong, the Bee Gees signed a contract with Atco, a subsidiary of New York powerhouse Atlantic Records. For the next five years, the

Gibbs guys turned out hit after hit, segueing from orchestrated sophistication to “blue-eyed soul.” Then things went quiet for a while, but eventually the hitmaking threesome returned to the Billboard record charts again. When the trio became reborn as disco artists, they trounced other bands who were likewise hustling to clamber aboard the lucrative disco bandwagon.

On “You Should Be Dancing,” everything on the nascent RSO Records label worked to rocket the Gibbs’ offering skyward. Their chart-topping anthem was fueled by disco “thumps” of hard-slammed conga drums, and the track was reined in just short of overload. “Dancing” also featured ear-candy hooks, synthesizer stings, blaring horns, well-placed guitar licks and a brief hard-rocking instrumental bridge to bind the work’s introduction and coda.

Barry Gibb had honed his newfound falsetto voice 10 months earlier when he recorded an album track called “Baby, As You Turn Away.” Instantly at ease with this new approach to lead vocal chores for the act, Barry Gibb had recently utilized his high-pitched wail on the group’s best-selling singles “Nights on Broadway” and “Fanny (Be Tender with My Love).”

You’re invited to join Aging Connections for our complimentary

to

Speaker: ACOMMalana Maher

Topic: Part 4 - How do Palliative Care and Hospice Differ?

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

County

Speaker: Stephanie Robertson

Topic: Heart 2 Heart Hospice - Hospice 101

Location: LaPorte Main Library, 904 Indiana Ave., Laporte, IN 46350 MN-Meeting Room B

Speaker: Marlies Selent-West, Goshen Home Medical

Topic: Home Safety, Room by Room: Simple Steps to Age Safely at Home

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

Speaker: Malana Maher, President/Founder, Aging Connections

Topic: Chamber and Business Partnerships for the Aging in our Communities

Location: Marshall County Community Resource Center, (1st floor conference room), 510 W. Adams Street, Plymouth, IN

“You Should Be Dancing” wasn’t a perfect song by any means. The lyrics seemed childlike, almost gibberish and the

Speaker: George Azar, Forever Learning Institute

Topic: What’s New at Forever Learning!

Forever

Speaker: Shelley Pillado, Holisticare Homes

Topic: Plans and systems in place for loved ones

PurposeCare

boisterous chorus of “You Should Be Dancing” was offered up a total of five mind-numbing times as the song pounded along: “What you doin’ on your bed on your back?

“What you doin’ on your bed on your back?

“You should be dancing, yeah “Dancing, yeah”

“You Should Be Dancing” was a year old when it became a centerpiece of “Saturday Night Fever,” the mega-hit movie (and resulting soundtrack) that featured, in its most iconic segment, John Travolta dancing as Brooklynite Tony Manero. For a few fleeting but majestic moments, Manero’s life as a paint-store salesman was transformed when, with the local disco his temporary stage, he became a human peacock on the dance floor.

Travolta had requestedinsisted, actually - that “You Should Be Dancing” be used for this performance, as that’s the only song that he had been practicing to.

Good choice, John! Bibliography

Book:

Bronson, Fred. “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” Third Edition. New York: Billboard Publications Inc., 1992, p. 441.

Internet:

Bee Gees. “You Should Be Dancing” (song). No author or date listed. Wikipedia.

Breihan, Tom. “The Number Ones: ‘You Should Be Dancing.’” Sept. 19, 2019. Stereogum. Guarisco, Donald A. “’You Should Be Dancing’ Review.” No date listed. AllMusic.

“You Should Be Dancing.” No author or date listed. Songfacts.

Finding peace, purpose and community at Chicago Trail Village

By LIZ FISHER Vice President of Marketing Greencroft Communities

When Randy Schoff heads out with his camera, he never knows exactly what he will discover.

Some days, it may be a covered bridge tucked away in the countryside. Other days, it may be a soaring eagle, a colorful sunset or the perfect moonrise over northern Indiana. Photography gives him a reason to explore, capture special moments and share the beauty he finds along the way.

After returning home, Schoff might spend the afternoon baking cookies or another favorite treat to share with neighbors and staff - a simple gesture that reflects the kindness and connection found throughout Chicago Trail Village.

For the past 10 years, Schoff has called Chicago Trail Village at Hamilton Grove home.

“I love the peace and quiet,” he says.

That sense of peace is something many residents appreciate about Chicago Trail Village. Located on Hamilton Grove’s beautiful campus in New Car-

lisle, the community has provided affordable independent living for seniors since opening in 1981. This year, Chicago Trail Village celebrates its 45th anniversary, offering a place where residents can enjoy independence, friendships and a true sense of belonging. With 102 ground-level apartments surrounded by open green space and mature trees, residents have the freedom to enjoy life at their own pace. Some enjoy hobbies, gardening, volunteering and time outdoors, while others connect with neighbors through activities, educational programs, shopping and dining outings, yoga and cardio drumming. An optional weekday meal program, an on-site beauty shop and maintenance-free living give residents more time to focus on what matters most.

While the peaceful surroundings and amenities make Chicago Trail Village a special place to live, residents often say the greatest part of the community is the people. Over the years, neighbors have built lasting friendships, welcomed newcomers, supported one another and created the warm

atmosphere that makes Chicago Trail Village feel like home.

Chicago Trail Village offers HUD-subsidized, income-based housing for qualifying adults age 62 and older. The program helps make affordable independent living possible without sacrificing comfort, convenience or community. Each one-bedroom apartment features a full kitchen, individually controlled heating and air conditioning and accessibility features designed with residents in mind. Small pets are welcome, too.

For Schoff, it’s the peaceful surroundings, the freedom to enjoy his passions and the neighbors who have become friends. For others, it may be the activities, the convenience or simply having a place where they feel comfortable and at home.

As Chicago Trail Village celebrates 45 years, it’s not just celebrating a milestoneit’s celebrating the people who have made this community home.

To learn more, call (574) 654-2300 or the TTY Relay Service at 711.

Maple Mustard Pork

Spaghetti/Meat Sauce

Italian Vegetables

Texas Toast

Tropical Fruit Cup

Chicken Pot Pie over Biscuit Corn Brownie

Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie over Biscuit Corn Brownie

Hamburger Mushroom

Stroganoff w/Pasta

Hamburger Mushroom

California Vegetables

Stroganoff w/Pasta

Hamburger Mushroom

Sweet Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts

Meatloaf

Bread/Marg.

Mashed Potatoes Peas

Mixed Fruit Cup

BBQ Chicken Breast

Macaroni & Cheese

Applesauce

California Vegetables

Ham & Beans Carrots

Bread/Marg. Pudding Oranges

Potato Crusted Fish

Scalloped Potatoes

Broccoli

Dinner Rolls/Marg. Strawb. Applesauce

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit

Scrambled Eggs

Cornbread/Marg. Fruit Cup

Diced Potatoes

Bread/Marg. Mixed Fruit Cup

Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes Peas

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole

Bread/Marg. Mixed Fruit Cup

Tomato & Zucchini

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit Scrambled Eggs Diced Potatoes Banana

Banana CLOSED

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit Scrambled Eggs

Bruschetta Chicken Baby Bakers Vegetable Blend

Diced Potatoes Banana

Bruschetta Chicken

Baby Bakers

Bruschetta Chicken

Sloppy Joe on Bun Baked Beans

Sloppy Joe on Bun

Bread/Marg. Pudding Oranges

Cream

Prince Charles Veg. Jello Cup

Tuna Casserole Peas

California Vegetables

Stroganoff w/Pasta

Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole

Tomato & Zucchini

Dinner Roll/Marg. Warm Spiced Apples

Vegetable Blend

Baby Bakers

Mixed Vegetables Fruit Cup

Baked Beans

Peas

Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

California Vegetables

Hamburger Mushroom Stroganoff w/Pasta California Vegetables

Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

Turkey Manhattan over Bread

Dinner Roll/Marg. Shortbread Cookie

Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans

Turkey Manhattan over Bread Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans

Strawberry Applesauce

Turkey Manhattan over Bread

Turkey Manhattan over Bread Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans

Strawberry Applesauce

Strawberry Applesauce

Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans

Strawberry Applesauce

Baked Ziti w/Italian Sausage Italian Blend Veggies Texas Toast Peaches

Baked Ziti w/Italian Sausage Italian Blend Veggies Texas Toast Peaches

Baked Ziti w/Italian Sausage Italian Blend Veggies Texas Toast Peaches

Baked Ziti w/Italian Sausage Italian Blend Veggies Texas Toast Peaches Your

Mishawaka

Mishawaka

100 Center High Rise Apartments

100 Center High Rise Apartments

Mishawaka

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

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

100 Center High Rise Apartments

Battell Center

Battell Center

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

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

Osceola

Osceola

Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship

Dinner Roll/Marg.

Tomato & Zucchini

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole

Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Glazed Chicken

Sloppy Joe on Bun Baked Beans

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pudding Cup

Dinner

Tuna Casserole Peas

Warm Spiced Apples

Tomato & Zucchini

Beef Stew Rice

Dinner Roll/Marg. Warm Spiced Apples

Broccoli

Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Red Skin Potatoes

Vegetable Blend Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Beef Stew Rice Broccoli

Dinner Roll/Marg. Warm Spiced Apples

Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Beef Stew Rice Broccoli

Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Beef Stew Rice Broccoli Bread/Marg. Pineapple Cup

Your donation counts. Every donation makes a difference. We serve over 160,000 meals each year to seniors!

Your donation counts. Every donation makes a difference. We serve over 160,000 meals each year to seniors!

Your donation counts. Every donation makes a difference. We serve over 160,000 meals each year to seniors!

Bruschetta Chicken Baby Bakers Vegetable Blend Bread/Marg. Peach Cup

Asparagus

Glazed Chicken Red Skin Potatoes

Glazed Chicken Red Skin Potatoes

Bread/Marg. Nutty Buddy

BBQ Riblette/Bun

Sloppy Joe on Bun Baked Beans

Mixed Vegetables Fruit Cup

Mixed Vegetables Fruit Cup

Cheesy Potatoes

Mixed Vegetables Fruit Cup

Chicken Chipotle Bowl

Tuna Casserole Peas

Tortilla

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pudding Cup

Chips

Spanish Rice

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pudding Cup

Chicken Chipotle Bowl

Carrots Peach Cup

Glazed Chicken Red Skin Potatoes

Asparagus

Asparagus Bread/Marg. Nutty Buddy

BBQ Riblette/Bun Cheesy Potatoes Carrots Peach Cup

Asparagus Bread/Marg. Nutty Buddy

Bread/Marg. Nutty Buddy

All donations directly support this program. Please donate what you can comfortably afford. Thank you!

All donations directly support this program. Please donate what you can comfortably afford. Thank you!

All donations directly support this program. Please donate what you can comfortably afford. Thank

BBQ Riblette/Bun Cheesy Potatoes Carrots Peach Cup

BBQ Riblette/Bun Cheesy Potatoes Carrots Peach Cup

Corn/Blk Beans Pear Cup

Tortilla Chips Spanish Rice

Corn/Blk Beans Pear Cup

Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship 58362 Beech Rd.| (574) 674-6503

58362 Beech Rd.| (574) 674-6503

Osceola Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship 58362 Beech Rd.| (574)

Walkerton

Walkerton American Legion Hall

302

(574)

Independence | Dignity | Strength

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

Navigating Your Health Journey Starts with One Conversation

Staying healthy and independent isn’t always easy. Whether you’re trying to find the right healthcare provider, understand available services, stay active, or simply figure out where to turn, you don’t have to do it alone.

REAL Services Community Health Workers are here to be your guide. They takes the time to listen, understand your situation, and help you find practical solutions that fit your life. Think of them as your go-to resource—someone who walks alongside you, helps you navigate the healthcare system and community resources, and connects you with the support you need.

Our certified CHWs can help you find healthcare providers, transportation, housing resources, nutrition and wellness programs, social activities, and other local services that can make life easier. They will answer your questions, help you create a plan, and stay with you every step of the way.

If you’ve been wondering where to start, start with a conversation. One phone call can open the door to resources, support, and greater peace of mind.

To learn more or schedule a free conversation, contact a Community Health Worker at 574-284-7189.

Join Us for REAL Talk

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

Flip the Switch on Saving: Easy Ways to Cut Energy Costs

August 12 | 11:30 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284-7189

August 28 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF (Lunch) (574) 284-7189

August 20 | 11:00 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

August 25 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army (574) 284-7189

Community & Conversations

Come Hungry. Leave Connected. Come

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, August 13 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.

REAL Services offers nutritious lunches and friendly conversation at senior meal sites throughout northern Indiana. Meals are open to all adults age 60 and older at no cost. Voluntary donations are always appreciated.

Find a meal site near you: 574-370-3432 realservices.org

portagecommons@realservices.org

August Highlights at Portage Commons

Wed. August 12 | 11:30 AM | Flip the Switch on Saving: Easy Ways to Cut Energy Costs

This presentation will focus on practical low-cost and nocost strategies that households can use to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Attendees will learn simple, effective techniques that can be implemented without major upgrades or expenses.

Fri. Aug 14 | 12:30 AM | Friday Flick: Here

Settle in for a meaningful film and a relaxing afternoon with friends.

Mon. Aug. 17 | 1:00 PM | Intro to Watercolors

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

Wed. Aug. 5, 12, 19, & 26 | 9:00 AM | Wood Carving New activity this month! Grab a chisel and create beautiful keepsakes and learn a timeless craft.

Fri. Aug. 21 | 1:00 PM | Sound Therapy Float into the weekend with calming tones designed to reset your mind and melt away winter stress.

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

August

realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons

Faster, more convenient way to request Social Security number and card

By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist

Social Security Administration

If you need an original Social Security number or a replacement card, you can now complete your request online, and if needed, schedule an appointment for faster service.

How It Works

When you visit our Social Security number and card page at ssa.gov/number-card, we’ll ask you a few questions to determine the best way for you to apply.

We will walk you through each step of the application process.

After you submit your online application, we will either process it online or guide you to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office or card center and com-

plete the process. By starting the application online, your in-office visit will typically take less time. We have expanded appointment-based services as part of our ongoing efforts to serve you more efficiently. If you need to visit a local Social Security office or card center, please make an appointment.

Before your visit to complete your application:

Determine what documents you need to bring with you. They must be originals or certified copies. Learn more at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc. htm.

Follow directions at the kiosk when you arrive at the office. Our Mobile Check-in Express makes it easier to check in. To use Mobile Check-in Express, scan the QR code posted near the entrance and turn on

your mobile notifications. We’ll alert you when we’re ready to help you.

Meet with one of our employees who will verify the information you submitted online and review your documents. We don’t need to keep them.

That’s it! Whether you apply for a Social Security card online or at an office, we’ll process the application and mail a card to you, usually within 10 business days.

For more helpful information, check out our publications, Your Social Security Number and Card, at ssa.gov/pubs/EN05-10002.pdf.

Please share this information with your friends and family –and post it on social media.

EASY — It’s easy to apply for your Social Security card online.

Headaches can be a real pain

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

We’re surrounded by headaches

Bustling traffic, noisy neighbors, relentless relatives, busybody bosses, and you’ll think of a few more.

Those aren’t really headaches, although they may be causes.

Most of us will suffer at least

one headache this year. While everyone has heard of migraines, only about one in 10 individuals suffer their

blinding pain and the accompanying complaints, such as sensitivity to light, noise and smells, nausea and upset stomach among others.

Sinus headaches usually are the result of infected sinuses and hover around the front of your face - forehead, nose and cheeks.

Cluster headaches hit about 1 percent of the population. They’re usually short but extremely painful and tend to occur in clusters - several times a day or at the same of time of day for several days.

Tension is the most common cause of the most common headaches. These can be triggered by anxiety, allergies, eye strain and loss of sleep. You can also suffer such a headache after too much carousing the night before.

These types of headaches usually are a steady ache rather than a throbbing that’s a hallmark of many migraines. And, fortunately, they are the easiest to treat because they respond favorably to most overthe-counter pain relievers.

Erasing these attacks calls for learning how to relax mentally as well as physically. Getting enough sleep is a good start. So is some form of regular exercise. Swimming, biking, walking and gardening are simple means to keep you moving enough to assure you of a good night’s sleep.

If you’re experiencing headaches more than once a week for any reason, make an appointment with your primary-care physician to discuss their source and suggested solutions.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

6 reasons why you should get help for your mental health

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

By STAN POPOVICH Guest Columnist

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of judgments.

As a result, here are six reasons why you should make your mental health an import-

ant priority in your life.

1. Your situation will improve if you get help: Your anxieties and fears can be challenging to manage and more than likely you will need some help. Just as you talk to your doctor about your regular health, you should not be hesitant in seeking help for your mental health. If left untreated, your anxieties and fears may not go away.

2. Drugs and alcohol are not the answer: Drugs and alcohol can make your problems more complicated. Many people have said that drugs and alcohol will only add more problems to your situation. Be smart and learn how to cope with your mental health issues by talking to a qualified professional. There are many

health professionals in your area that can give you some ideas on where you can go for assistance.

3. You will save time and money: Eventually, you will have to confront your fears and mental health issues. Save yourself the time and heartache and confront your problems now rather than later. You will save months of struggling by getting help right away. The sooner you get assistance the faster you will start getting some relief.

4. You are not alone: Everyone deals with fear, stress, and anxiety in one’s life whether your friends and others care to admit it. In addition, do not be embarrassed that you are getting help. We all learn new things from others on a daily basis and learning how to manage your anxieties is no different. In addition, your goal is to get your life back on track and not to get everyone’s approval. If people start asking you questions, just say your dealing with stress. Most people can relate to dealing with stress and anxiety!

5. Do not make the mistake of doing nothing: There are many people who struggled with anxiety and other mental health related issues, and they tried to ignore their problems.

As a result, some of these people struggled on a daily basis and eventually things became more difficult. It can be scary asking for assistance, but the key is to take things one day at a time.

6. You have a variety of options: There are many mental health support groups, organizations, and counselors in your area that can help get your life back on track. Talk to your doctor to get more details on where you can go for some assistance. Help is available but you must be willing to make the choice of getting better. Remember that every problem has a solution. You just have to make the effort to find the answers.

For more information,visit managingfear.com.

A virtual second opinion can be a first-rate

(NAPSI) - A little research led to a big relief for one 70-year-old and his family - and it could help you or someone you care about as well.

One Man’s Story

His physicians told Mike Pressler he needed major surgery to remove an advanced recurrent polyp - a procedure that would leave him with an ostomy bag and threaten his active lifestyle.

As a gym-going, golf-playing 70-year-old retired school administrator who walks regularly and enjoys traveling with his wife, Kathy, Pressler was terrified. “I was researching hard, trying to figure out any way I could get out of this,” he said.

The Problem

The polyp was non-cancerous, but the cauterization from a previous polyp removal was creating issues.

An Answer

He remembered a friend’s positive experience at Cleveland Clinic, which Pressler noted as having a “stellar reputation.” That led him to seek a virtual second opinion, which he learned he could obtain without leaving his home, through The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic.

Pressler signed up online and was impressed by the virtual second opinion program. They pulled, collected and compiled his medical records on his behalf, saving him time and effort. Soon after, the care team matched Pressler with Dr. David Liska, chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, who then consulted with Dr. I. Emre Gorgun, a top robotic surgery specialist.

Gorgun was confident he could remove the polyp without Pressler needing an ostomy. Within just 10 days of starting the second opinion process, Pressler was scheduled for a new, less invasive procedure. That’s a common occurrence with this program, where 67% of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change.

Before the surgery, there was one potential hiccup. Radiology at Cleveland Clinic reviewed his existing MRI and CAT scan, and they were concerned there might

be cancer after all, which prompted a sigmoidoscopy and biopsy to make sure. “Dr. Liska calls me and says, ‘We’ve got to take a time out here.’ Now I’m kind of bummed again,” Pressler said.

The biopsy would prove to be a temporary roadblock and came back as non-cancerous. The surgery proceeded as planned and Pressler is back to working out, playing golf and traveling with his wife.

“The whole experience was totally positive from start to finish,” Pressler said. “From the intake nurse to the doctors and people behind the desks on the first floor. They are all exceptional in my experience.”

Why Get A Virtual Second Opinion

Sixty-seven percent of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change. You may benefit from a second opinion if you:

• Have been diagnosed with a serious or rare health condition (a diagnosis is required for a second opinion).

• Have a condition that is not improving or is getting worse

despite treatment.

• Have been told a health condition is not treatable.

• Are considering a treatment that involves significant risks, such as surgery.

• Need guidance choosing from multiple treatment options.

• Want confirmation about a diagnosis or treatment. How It Works

Step 1: Registration and Live Intake with a nurse care manager. They’ll take it from there and get you on your path to peace of mind.

Step 2: Records collection and expedited matching. The clinic does all the work of collecting your medical records, then matches you with a Cleveland Clinic Specialist in just a few days.

Step 3: Expert second opinion. Following an optional virtual

land Clinic’s specialized expertise. Those who use promo code 2NDLOOK15 can get a discount on their virtual second opinion.

SECOND OPINION — Mike Pressler worried he would lose the active lifestyle he enjoys with his wife, Kathy, when he was told he needed an ostomy bag. A virtual second opinion would make all the difference. Photo provided by NAPSI.

option

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

Autumn Trace

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.

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.

The New Rule Of Summer Yard Care: Let the dogs out

(StatePoint) A great backyard is more than a place for shade and fun; it’s a sanctuary that should offer total peace of mind for the whole family, which includes your pets, too!

As outdoor routines shift into high gear, small decisions in how you maintain your yard can have a big impact on your four-legged friends. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between a yard that looks beautiful and one that’s safe for use around your pets. With the right approach and products like Spruce Weed and Grass Killer, you can keep your space looking its best while letting the dogs out.

These few thoughtful adjustments can help get your outdoor space in shape for a full season of play.

Rethink What’s In Your Yard

For most dogs, the backyard

is their favorite room in the house. Pet-friendly maintenance solutions help keep it a place for play and discovery.

“It’s critical for pet parents to keep their pets in mind when choosing lawn or weed control products,” says Dr. Marty Becker, Spruce Weed & Grass Killer Alliance Member, veterinarian and pet wellness expert. “Pets groom themselves and don’t bathe as frequently, meaning whatever they’re exposed to can remain on their skin and fur for a long period of time.”

Weed Control Without The Worry

Maintaining your yard doesn’t have to mean sacrificing peace of mind. Weed control options like Spruce Weed & Grass Killer offer an alternative for pet owners looking to simplify their routine. Made with 10 simple ingredients, it’s safe for use around people, pets

and bees when used as directed, so your dog can reclaim the yard - playing, rolling around and exploring every corner - while you keep your yard looking its best all season long. With visible results in as little as one hour, and dead weeds in just one day, you can spend more time with the people and pets that matter most, rather than on yard work. Plus, it’s backed by the Best Friends Animal Society, SPCA Cincinnati and Fear Free Happy Homes, so pet owners can feel confident using it in their outdoor spaces.

Create A Space

They’ll Love

A pet-friendly yard goes beyond lawn and garden care. Designating areas for play, providing shaded spots for rest and regularly checking for hazards like sharp debris can help create a space where pets can roam freely.

Small changes can go a long way in creating a backyard that works for everyone. By choosing smarter ways to prep your space now, you can ensure your four-legged family mem-

bers spend less time sidelined and more time enjoying the sunshine. After all, a beautiful yard is best enjoyed when every member of the family is free to roam.

Coffee a healthy break for body in many ways

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Coffee might be considered the WD-40 of the food system. It’s been cited as a defensive mechanism against health risks ranging from sunburn to diabetes.

Scientific, medical and diet gurus around the globe claim drinking three to five cups a

day is a healthy regimen.

While not the source of nutrients found in diets of the health-conscious, an eightounce cup of coffee, regular or decaffeinated, contains more disease-fighting antioxidants than a typical serving of blueberries or oranges.

The anti-coffee culture points out that coffee causes nervousness, keeps you awake at night

and boosts your blood pressure.

A European study revealed coffee retards the cognitive decline in the elderly.

Caffeine also reduces the risk of cirrhosis of the liver as well as lowering the odds of death by heart disease among the elderly.

Studies have also revealed coffee drinkers are less likely to develop basal-cell carcinoma

- skin cancer - than noncoffee drinkers. Coffee has also been found to reduce pain, protect against strokes, fight depression and a variety of cancers and protect the liver.

While the consensus is that coffee can be good for you, it shouldn’t be considered a cureall.

If coffee gives you the jitters, try decaf. If that doesn’t work,

talk with your doctor.

Go easy on milk, cream, sugar and other coffee-shop add-ons because they add calories to an otherwise low-calorie beverage.

As with anything that involves your health and well-being, discuss your coffee habits with your primary care physician.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

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

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.

& DEMENTIA

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.

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

www.homeinstead.com/343

Care they deserve in the home they love.

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

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

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!

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.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Commons at Juday Creek

COMMONS AT JUDAY CREEK

17441 SR 23

South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 273-2233

opsliving.com/juday-creek

Juday Creek delivers boutique senior living with intimate, personalized care, warm hospitality, and thoughtfully curated experiences designed for comfort, connection, and elevated everyday living.

ELKHART PLACE

2024 CR 24

Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-9058

opsliving.com/elkhart-place

Elkhart Place offers compassionate assisted living with personalized support, vibrant daily engagement, and Medicaid Waiver acceptance, ensuring seniors receive dignified, affordable, relationship centered care.

GRAND EMERALD PLACE

4010 S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 291-2222

opsliving.com/grand-emerald-place

Grand Emerald Place provides supportive assisted living with enriching programs, dedicated caregivers, and Medicaid Waiver acceptance, creating a welcoming community focused on safety, dignity, and belonging.

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!

DAY CENTER

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.

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME CARE SERVICES

VERACITY SYSTEMS

DBA HOOSIER CARE GIVERS

401 E. Colfax Ave. #350 South Bend, IN 46617 (317) 699-7075

info@veracitysystems.org

Family Caregivers Make $19-$21/hr. Compassionate, Attendant, Caregivers, Companionship. Private Paid, Affordable, Medicaid Certified, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem Homecare Insured.

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!”

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.

HOSPICE CARE

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.

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 yours. 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.

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.northshorehealth.org Affordable

What 60 years teaches you

By KARLA (KJ) MAPES CEO REAL Services

This August is a milestone month for me. I’ll celebrate my 60th birthday just as REAL Services celebrates its 60th anniversary. Since my first day at REAL Services in 2022, I’ve smiled knowing I share a birthday with our founder, Les Fox. This year, that coincidence has caused me to reflect on what 60 years can teach us.

As we’ve prepared for this anniversary, I’ve spent time reading about our history. What strikes me most isn’t how much has changed over

the past six decades. It’s how much hasn’t.

REAL Services was founded on a simple but powerful belief: start with people. In those early days, staff went door-to-door asking older adults what they needed and then built services around those needs. They listened first. Programs came second. That philosophy became the foundation for everything that followed - from nationally-recognized aging services to community action programs that continue to strengthen families today.

As our board and leadership team reflected on what should guide REAL Services into its

next 60 years, we realized we weren’t searching for a new identity. We were rediscovering the one that has always been there.

Our mission now says it simply: REAL Services builds people’s capacity to navigate challenges to realize a more secure future.

Whether we’re helping an older adult remain independent or helping a family achieve greater financial stability, our role isn’t to rescue people. It’s to help them build the confidence, resilience, and support they need to move forward.

I’ve seen older adults remain safely in the homes they

love because the right services made independence possible.

I’ve watched caregivers find enough support to continue caring for someone they love.

I’ve also seen community action at its very best as families moved from crisis to stability, parents completed education or job training, and people gained the skills and confidence to build a more secure future.

But after all these years, I’ve learned that not every success story is dramatic.

Sometimes success is quieter.

It’s the burden that’s lightened just enough for someone to keep going. It’s confidence that grows because someone believed in them. It’s the older

adult who knows they can stay at home another year. It’s the family that discovers they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

Perhaps that’s one of the gifts of turning 60. You stop measuring success by what you’ve built and begin measuring it by the lives you’ve touched. I believe Les Fox understood that in 1966, and I believe it’s still true today.

As REAL Services begins its next 60 years, our mission isn’t taking us in a new direction. It’s bringing us home - to the values that have always defined us and the people who have always been at the heart of everything we do.

MPHPL announces August adult programs

The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library has announced its August lineup of programs for adults. Registration is available by calling (574) 259-5277 or visiting mphpl.org. Visit the library’s website for the most up-

to-date event information. Mishawaka Library

The Saturday Morning Book Club will meet from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. The featured title is “Carry On, Jeeves” by P.G. Wodehouse. Copies are

available in advance on a firstcome, first-served basis. Registration is required.

Cozy Crumbs will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Participants will learn how to prepare a trendy breakfast treat.

Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.

American Heritage Spotlight is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. George Garner, assistant director and curator of Indiana University South Bend’s

Civil Rights Heritage Center, will present “August: South Bend’s Former Natatorium,” exploring the history of South Bend’s first public swimming pool and its role in the fight for civil rights.

Bingo will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Participants can enjoy bingo, beverages and door prizes. Registration is required.

Cooking Classics: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls will be offered from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24. Participants will prepare a simple meal during this hands-on cooking class. Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Participants may attend one session only.

The annual River Bend Quilt Show will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Visitors can view quilts created by local quilters and vote for their favorites. The event is presented by the River Bend Quilt Guild.

Harris Branch

The Summer Reading WrapUp Party will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. The celebration will include crafts, snacks, games and Kona Ice. Story time begins at 4 p.m., followed by a juggling performance by Mr. Jim from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants should bring their completed Summer Reading Challenge cards to redeem a free prize book.

Harris Prairie Talk and Tour is set for 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5. Local ecologist Steve Sass will discuss the history of Harris Prairie and restoration efforts before leading a guided tour at Harris Township Park. Homeschool Swap and Plan will take place from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. Homeschool families are invited to exchange curriculum, share ideas and learn about additional educational resources. Registration is required.

Desserts and DIY will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Participants will create button art while enjoying s’mores cereal mix. Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.

Mary Ellen and I have some basic disagreements about condiments. As I have gotten older, my taste buds have become less sensitive. As a result, I rely on a va-

By DICK WOLFSIE

mayo

riety of enhancements to spice things up in the kitchen. I have failed miserably in other rooms to do the same. Oddly, Mary Ellen has gone in the opposite direction. For her, everything she orders is “too spicy.”

But here’s a product that I had not anticipated would cause dissent in my marriage: mayonnaise? ketchup? Sure, there were always possibilities for a tiff here. You never hear a man say to his wife, “With all that ketchup on the burger,

Slowing down is part of mature motorists’ manual

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

The “get ‘em off the road” gang is after aging drivers again.

This happens every time anyone behind the wheel 75 or older gets into an accident.

The more major the mishap, the more media coverage and the louder the argument about yanking all silver-haired vehicle operators off the road.

Take away their licenses. Test them every year. Let them walk. It’s safer.

They bring out the statistics that senior drivers are the second-most accident-prone segment of America’s motoring public.

The single-most road-risky group are teen-aged drivers. But no one suggests taking away their licenses when a group of teens are killed or maimed when their overloaded vehicle rolls over or smashes into another.

Detractors of senior drivers suggest taking driving licenses away at a certain age. How about holding back drivers’ licenses to young people until they reach a certain age? Neither of these suggestions make sense.

Age is not the problem. The problem is common sense and competence behind the wheel.

It is estimated that one out of every five of the nation’s drivers will be older than 65 by 2030.

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study indicates that most older drivers limit or stop driving on their own as they perceive their capabilities diminishing.

About 70% of more than 3,800 drivers 50 years and older queried said they restricted their driving under a variety of conditions. These included bad weather, heavy traffic, rush hour, at night, long distances and freeways.

Older drivers apparently develop strategies to compensate for failing vision, slower reflexes, stiffer joints and medication, according to researchers.

can buy a lot of taxi-cab rides. But that alternative is not always available.

Older drivers can help their cause by supporting physical improvements such as signs that are larger and less complex, improved lighting and enhanced visibility at intersections and remedial-driving programs.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

sweetheart, you can’t possibly appreciate the fine texture and flavor of the grass-fed beef.” Women, on the other hand, will say: “If you put ketchup on my chicken kiev, I will rip your ruby-red tongue right out of your mouth.”

Mustard? Yes, I could make an argument for mustard. Over the years, I have tried to improve most of my wife’s cooking with a healthy dose of this condiment. What would her pork milanese have been without mustard? Uneventful. What would her beef bourguignon taste like without a glob of Dijon? I shudder to think. What about that sesame-encrusted salmon without a dollop of you-know-what? Yes, Mary Ellen and I have clashed over mustard.

But a fight over mayonnaise? Who would have predicted this?

It all started one morning last week when I accidentally put the mayonnaise jar in the pantry instead of putting it back in the fridge the night

before. Without hesitation, Mary Ellen tossed the jar in the garbage with this denouement: “It’s no good. We have to throw it out.” I begged to differ. Literally, begged. I just couldn’t accept the product’s ruin in just a few hours. My own mother never refrigerated mayonnaise. It went in the pantry. My brother and sister clearly remember this. That’s why when we now reminisce about our favorite childhood sandwich, we call it the bacon, lettuce, and ptomaine poisoning sandwich. By the way, I have a master’s in English and never realized there was a silent P in that word. Thank you, spell check.

The next day, desperate for a smear on my BLT, I fished the mayonnaise out of the garbage, slathered it on my sandwich, then put the jar in the fridge. When Mary Ellen discovered what I had done, she panicked and pointed to the container: “refrigerate after opening.” Suddenly, my eye caught an 800 number on

the label, a hotline for people with emergency mayonnaise questions. I assumed it was the turkey hotline people who were bored with nothing to do for 11 months.

“Hello, Mayo hotline. Can I help you?”

“Yes, I have a question about food poisoning.”

“First of all, this is the mayo hot line, not the Mayo Clinic. And, yes, I know what you’re going to ask. I get husbands all day long with this question. Commercial mayonnaise is loaded with acids that can actually kill bacteria. And the eggs used in prepared mayonnaise are pasteurized. It’s perfectly safe.”

“So, I shouldn’t throw it out?”

“Of course, you should throw it out. A man can’t win a mayonnaise argument.”

He was right, of course. I didn’t tell Mary Ellen about my phone call. She would still claim she was correct. And I wasn’t in the mood to argue.

It would have been Hellmann’s to pay.

The transportation needs of some 70% of the people who live in the suburbs or rural areas are a major hurdle to such simple solutions as forcing seniors out of their cars and forcing them into buses, subways, trolleys and trains.

It’s been proved that the cost of car payments, auto insurance, fuel, upkeep and maintenance

What are dual eligible special needs plans

(NAPSI) - Over 12.5 million Americans are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, but many don’t realize this and could be missing out on some valuable benefits. People who qualify for both health care programs can enroll in a type of Medicare Advantage plan called a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, offered by Aetna and other health care companies.

D-SNPs work with your Medicare and Medicaid benefits to help you maximize your benefits. They provide all the traditional benefits of a Medicare Advantage health plan, while also offering added benefits, such as flexible allowances, which can help pay for healthy food and certain overthe-counter items. Depending on the state where you live, some additional benefits that come with an Aetna D-SNP may include:

• Dental, vision and hearing coverage• $0 co-pays for covered Part D prescriptions at in-network pharmacies • Extra Benefits Card with a monthly allowance to use on certain everyday expenses, like healthy foods and over-thecounter items, such as aspirin and bandages • SilverSneakers fitness membership • Fresh meals home-delivered after a hospital stay

D-SNPs may also come with a personal care coordinator, who can help you find in-network doctors, arrange transportation and schedule appointments. They can also connect you with programs to help beyond health care services.

D-SNPs may help save you money. Most people pay little or no cost for their coverage. Covered Part D prescription drugs are available at no cost at in-network pharmacies, and doctors’ visits may also be fully

covered at no cost to you.

If you qualify, a D-SNP can offer you more complete health care coverage so you can take charge of your health and access the care you need.

To enroll in an Aetna D-SNP plan, you must apply and prove that you meet the eligibility criteria, including having both Medicare and Medicaid. You will also be required to periodically prove that you continue to meet the plan’s requirements.  For more information about D-SNPs, call Aetna at (844) 588-0041 (TTY: 711), seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A licensed agent may answer your call. Or visit AetnaMedicare.com/DSNP.

Aetna Medicare is an HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our D-SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Cover-

age for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

Don’t put on fat - help body process it

By JAMES GAFFNEY

Mature Life Features

Thanks to decades of research, outreach from the medical community and stern warnings from physicians, it has finally sunk in that too much bad cholesterol and other fats can lead to disease.

What should not be overlooked is that our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function and we can’t make it from scratch.

Triglycerides, cholesterol and other essential fatty acids - the scientific term for fats the body can’t make on its ownstore energy, insulate us and

FACT #1: stroke kills brain cells

Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.

#3: about one in four stroke survivors is at risk for another

protect our vital organs. They act as messengers to help proteins do their jobs. They also trigger chemical reactions that help control growth, immune function, reproduction and other aspects of basic metabolism.

The cycle of making, breaking, storing and mobilizing fats is at the core of how humans

FACT #2: types of stroke

Ischemic caused by a clot, Hemorrhagic caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “warning stroke” caused by a temporary blockage.

and all animals regulate their energy. An imbalance in any step can result in disease, including heart disease and diabetes. For instance, having too many triglycerides in our bloodstream raises the risk of clogged arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Fats also help the body stockpile certain nutrients. The so-called “fat-soluble” vitamins - A, D, E and K - are stored in the liver and in fatty tissues.

Despite fat’s importance, no one yet fully understands exactly how humans store it

and call it into action.

Triglycerides, the main type of fat we consume, are especially suited for energy storage because they pack more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates or proteins.

Once triglycerides have been broken down during digestion, they are transported to cells through the bloodstream. Some of the fat is used for energy right away; the rest is stored.

When we need extra energy - when we run a marathon, for example - our bodies use enzymes to break down the stored triglycerides.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Menopause And Dry Eye: What women

(NAPSI) - It may seem surprising to some but dry eye is one of the most common conditions women going through the menopause experience.

“Dry eye is a complicated eye condition with various causes. It affects men and women of all ages, but women entering menopause are more likely to experience dry eye because of hormonal changes affecting the eye,” said Purnima Patel, MD, an ophthalmologist and volunteer for EyeCare America, a program offering no-cost eye exams to uninsured or underinsured Americans.

Dry eye disease is a common condition that happens when your tears don’t adequately lubricate your eyes. When you blink, tears spread over the surface of the eye. This keeps the eye smooth, clear and comfortable. Dry eye can happen when you don’t produce enough tears, when you produce poor-quality tears, or your tears dry out too quickly. It can lead to red, irritated, tired or painful eyes.

Why Is Dry Eye More Common During Menopause?

During menopause, the body produces less of the hormones estrogen and

progesterone. Hormonal changes during menopause are likely linked to dry eye disease, but the exact mechanism is not known, and more research is needed. In general, dry eye can result from lower tear production and reduced lubrication from the eye’s oil glands. This can cause a scratchy feeling or light sensitivity, making it hard to read or drive at night. It can also cause blurry vision.

What Should You Do If You Have Dry Eye?

Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, are the most common treatment for dry eye. Most are available without a prescription. It’s important to note that drops with preservatives can irritate your eyes if you use them too much. If you need artificial tears more than a few times a day, use drops without preservatives. These come in single-serving droppers. Warm compresses on the eyelids are another at-home treatment.

For some people, a few simple lifestyle changes can resolve dry eye. If you live in a dry place, consider using a humidifier. Direct fans away from your eyes. Take regular breaks from computers and smart phones. Protect your

eyes from the wind by wearing wrap-around glasses outside. If you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes, use thicker eye drops such as an artificial tear ointment or gel just before you go to bed.

When Should You See A Doctor About Dry Eye? If your dry eye is severe, visit an ophthalmologist to help determine the cause and the best treatment options for you. Based on your examination, your ophthalmologist may recommend a prescription eye drop or ointment, tiny plugs inserted into the eyelids to help keep tears in the eye longer, or other medications.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care. During an eye exam, an ophthalmologist will look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye and determine the amount and quality of your tears.

“Not sure why you’re experiencing dry eye? Maybe you’ve tried over-the-counter drops, but your eyes are still bothering you? It’s best to see a doctor to figure out the cause of dry eye,” Dr. Patel said. “If you already use eye drops for dry eye and have been using the drops more than three times a day, that

may be a sign to check in with your ophthalmologist about an additional treatment option that may work better for you.”

Can’t Afford An Eye Exam? EyeCare America Can Help Individuals who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for a no out-

of-pocket cost medical eye exam through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States.

To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit aao.org/eye-

Lakes across America offer history, beauty and adventure

By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist

Lake Wawasee, Indiana’s largest natural lake, has a history dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch, from 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago.

Lake Maxinkuckee near Culver was first inhabited by Mound Builders. They constructed embankments ranging in size from modest humps of earth to great pyramids of soil that served as ceremonial centers, burial grounds, astronomical markers and political hubs.

between New York, Vermont and Canada’s Quebec province, is believed by some to be inhabited by a monster. Legends of the creature trace back to Abenaki and Iroquois Native Americans who lived in the area. A granite block bears an inscription dedicated to Champ and “the people in Vermont who have seen Champ.”

These inland bodies of water are scattered around the United States and provide enough variety to meet virtually any preference.

Contact us

Lake Champlain, located

Other lakes also are associated with nonhuman creatures. Sightings of one of them in Bear Lake along the Idaho-Utah border were first reported in 1868. It was described as a large brown serpent with small legs and a head resembling an alligator. Later, a man admitted he had fabricated the story.

Another hoax occurred in 1921 when a newspaper

TIME SHIFTS The grand front doors of The Otesaga Resort Hotel open to echoes of the past lingering in wood-paneled halls with the sunlight dancing off Otsego Lake as it did a century ago. The village of Cooperstown, N.Y., is an eight-minute stroll from the resort. Photo from The Otesaga Resort Hotel.

60-76 ssroad Ships

1070

reporter claimed to have seen a mermaid-like creature in Walgren Lake, Neb., that spat water into the air.

Crossroadbus.com

KAYAKING ADVENTURE Take a kayak adventure on Lake Martin in Alabama. Photo provided by Iloventurs/Dreamstime.com.

1070 N 675 W, Shipshewana , IN 46565

Contact us: 260-768-7549

Crossroadbus.com

1070 N 675 W, Shipshewana ,

ust 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

2026 - Mackinac Island

Of course, lake settings have much more to offer than mythical beasts. The town of Chelan, Wash., was settled by European immigrants in 1886. Today, Lake Chelan is a major draw for visitors. That clear body of water stretches about 50 miles, and near its

ENJOYING THE VIEW Otsego Lake is a 4,046-acre lake in Otsego County in New York. It is the source of the Susquehanna River and the largest lake in the county. The lake takes its name from the Iroquois Indians, who inhabited the area around the lake in and before the 17th century. The name Otsego is from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning “place of the rock”, referring to the large boulder near the lake’s outlet, today known as Council Rock. Photo provided by Victor Block.

upper end is overshadowed by 6,600-foot-high mountain peaks. The charming town for

which the lake is named is surrounded by more than 30 wineries that welcome visitors for tastings and other treats.

ember 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada ital

Diamond Tours

Montreal, Quebec City, Canada

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

ober 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and ver Dam

Equally inviting is Grand Marais, Minn., perched on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Once inhabited by Ojibwe Indigenous people, the tiny town (population about 1,300) was a fur-trading station in the 1700s populated largely by French Canadians, from whom it got its name, meaning “great marsh.” That recalls a wetland area that once occupied the site.

Contact us: 260-768-7549 Crossroadbus.com 1070 N 675 W, Shipshewana , IN 46565

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

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

nd Canyon, Las Vegas and

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

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

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

Capital

.com 1070 N 675 W, Shipshewana , IN 46565

ember 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St Augustin , FL

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

melia Island, St Augustin , FL

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

ember 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & ky Mountains

r 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge &

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

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

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

Family Fun Tours

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

nah, Jekyll Island, Beauford,

d Tours on e

March 7-13, 2027 - Savannah, Jekyll Island, Beauford, South Carolina

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

ch 7-13, 2027 - Savannah, Jekyll Island, Beauford, h Carolina

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

May 15-23, 2027 - San nt io, TX

on A e

15-23, 2027 - San nt io, TX

Diamond Tours on A e

Family Fun Tours

April 19-24, 2027 - Lancaster show trip & Dutch country

Family Fun Tours

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

March 7-13, 2027 - Savannah, Jekyll Island, Beauford, South Carolina

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

19-24, 2027 - Lancaster show trip & Dutch country

June 5-13, 2027 - New Hampshire, White Mountains

April 19-24, 2027 - Lancaster show trip & Dutch country

ter show trip & Dutch country t io, TX

May 15-23, 2027 - San nt io, TX

on A e

March 7-13, 2027 - Savannah, Jekyll Island, Beauford, South Carolina

June 14-26, 2027 - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick

June 5-13, 2027 - New Hampshire, White Mountains

5-13, 2027 - New Hampshire, White Mountains 14-26, 2027 - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Brunswick

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

Summersville Lake in West Virginia spans just 2,800 acres but still ranks as the largest in the state. It was created by a dam to control flooding and has evolved into a popular recreation destination. It attracts fishermen, boating is popular, and scuba divers come to search for a vessel that was sunk to give them something to view. The only working lighthouse in the state overlooks the scene.

Family Fun Tours

August 22, 2026 - Senior Chicago Day Trip

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

August 22, 2026 - Senior Chicago Day Trip

April 19-24, 2027 - Lancaster show trip & Dutch country

May 15-23, 2027 - San nt io, TX

Diamond Tours

September 13-18, 2027 - Beanson Show Extravaganza

mpshire, White Mountains

June 14-26, 2027 - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick

Diamond Tours on A e August 1, 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 19-25, 2027 - Beautiful Maine

Scotia, Prince Edward Island,

August 22, 2026 - Senior Chicago Day Trip

August 15, 2026 - Chicago Air Show

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

September 19, 2026 - Mystery Pub Cruiser (21+ Trip)

August 22, 2026 - Senior Chicago Day Trip

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

Much larger expanses of water make up the Chain of Lakes in central Florida. In contrast with the pristine atmosphere of many locations, this one appeals to those seeking a variety of man-made attractions.

August 22, 2026 - Senior Chicago Day Trip

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

September 13-18, 2027 - Beanson Show Extravaganza

September 27 - October 2, 2027 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

September 19-25, 2027 - Beautiful Maine

September 19, 2026 - Mystery Pub Cruiser (21+ Trip)

June 5-13, 2027 - New Hampshire, White Mountains

November 21, 2026 - Frankenmuth, MI

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

ember 13-18, 2027 - Beanson Show Extravaganza ember 19-25, 2027 - Beautiful Maine

November 21, 2026 - Made in OHIO

June 14-26, 2027 - Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick

September 27 - October 2, 2027 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

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

Beanson Show Extravaganza Beautiful Maine

C

September 13-18, 2027 - Beanson Show Extravaganza 5

September 19, 2026 - Mystery Pub Cruiser (21+ Trip)

September 12, 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

November 21, 2026 - Frankenmuth, MI

November 21, 2026 - Made in OHIO

September 19, 2026 - Mystery Pub Cruiser (21+ Trip)

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

The Legoland Florida Resort includes a theme park, water park and amusement area. Lake Eloise is the self-described water-skiing capital of the world.

November 21, 2026 - Frankenmuth, MI

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

ember 27 - October 2, 2027 - Montreal, Quebec

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

November 21, 2026 - Frankenmuth, MI

November 21, 2026 - Made in OHIO

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge &

Numerous movies were shot

September 19, 2026 - Mystery Pub Cruiser (21+ Trip)

November 21 2026 - Frankenmuth MI

Find the magic in Kentucky’s night sky

(StatePoint) Spending time in the Kentucky wilderness during the day is an unforgettable experience, but there are some one-of-a-kind “noctourism” sites that shouldn’t be missed.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an amateur astronomer, or simply have a thirst for adventure, there are many reasons to consider making Kentucky your next travel destination.

Cumberland Falls, in the aptly named Cumberland Falls State Park located in eastern Kentucky, measures 68 feet high and 125 feet wide with water that gushes over the falls at 3,600 cubic feet per second. Often called the “Niagara of the South,” the powerful, yet gorgeous Cumberland Falls engages all senses for those who stand close enough. But what makes this particular waterfall so special is that it produces a moonbow every full moon when there’s a clear night sky.

A moonbow is a rare rainbow-like optical phenomenon that occurs when moonlight is refracted through water droplets in the air. Cumberland Falls is one of two places in the entire world known to consistently produce a moonbow. The best place to witness the moonbow is from the Cumberland Falls observation area, which is open 24 hours. The bow is generally visible between dusk and midnight. The darker the sky, the easier the moonbow is to see.

Looking for a spot to set up a telescope or just somewhere to

lie on a blanket and stare into the night’s sky? Then look no further than Mammoth Cave.

Located in rural southcentral Kentucky. Mammoth Cave is one of 200 places in the world that is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. This designation is given to areas that have policies that protect against light pollution, which in turn makes it easier to see stars, planets, constellations and even the International Space Station.

Just a 45-minute drive south of Louisville are more than 16,000 acres of pristine wilderness at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. This protected forest and research facility offers some of the best hiking in the commonwealth. Additionally, the arboretum offers several programs designed to teach visitors about the natural world around them after the sun goes down.

Madisonville’s Mahr Park Arboretum, best known for its 265 acres of native plants, trees, and outdoor community facilities; also hosts Star Par-

ties throughout the year. These events feature sky tours given by local astronomy experts who provide telescopes for all to look through as they learn about the galaxy.

For those wanting to explore the galaxy when the sun is out or the clouds are blocking the view, fear not. Kentucky has several world-class planetariums open to the public. Travel through space, visiting planets and stars light-years from earth, from the comfort of a reclined seat in the Bluegrass State.

The Hardin Planetarium in Bowling Green is considered a classic architectural icon on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Housed by a full dome, the theater provides a 360-degree surround view that makes the farthest galaxies seem to be mere feet above the seats.

Visit kentuckytourism.com and start planning your noctourism adventures today!

When it comes to enjoying celestial wonders, this list just scratches the surface of what Kentucky has to offer.

Lakes across

Continued from page 26

at Cypress Gardens, and the area is dotted with water-ski schools.

My personal favorite is the six bodies of water that comprise the Rangeley Lakes in western Maine, where I have spent pleasant summers for decades. Some of their names alone - Umbagog (Abenaki Native American for “shallow water”) and Mooselookmeguntic (“moose feeding place”) - titillate the imagination.

The town (population about 1,200) perched along the lakeshore is named after James Rangeley, an Englishman who inherited a tract there in 1796 from his father and established an estate. Today it offers winter skiing and snowmobiling, spring and summer fishing, biking, bird-watching and more.

When you’re longing for a brief respite by a lake or a longer stay, the choices are varied and inviting.