Senior Life - St. Joseph Edition - February 2026

Living Life After 50

February

2026

STICK TOGETHER

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Mike and Kris Sikorski have spent more than 60 years doing most things the same way: together.

The South Bend couple met in the summer of 1964, when Kris Sikorski was 16 and Mike Sikorski, a few years older, spotted her sitting on the front steps of her parents’ home.

They had attended the same grade school and lived just one street apart, sharing an alley where Mike Sikorski had noticed Kris Sikorski walking with her cousin. That afternoon, Mike Sikorski stopped his car, introduced himself, and a lifelong partnership quietly began.

They dated through Kris Sikorski’s junior year of high school and into her senior year before life intervened. During the Vietnam War, Mike Sikorski enlisted for three years. When he returned in March, the couple married just two months later. More than six decades later, they still marvel at how quickly the years passed.

“Days are long, but the years are short,” Kris Sikorski said, reflecting on a relationship that has now spanned 61 years.

The Sikorskis attribute their longevity to shared interests, mutual respect

and a deep sense of partnership.

From the beginning, they found joy in the same things: football, racing, conversation and daily routines that kept them connected. Mornings begin with coffee and planning the day; evenings often end with a glass of wine and conversation about whatever the day brought.

Their marriage was not without challenges. Both worked long careers - Kris Sikorski nearly 40 years in the trucking industry, Mike Sikorski more than 30 years in his fieldwhile navigating family responsibilities, including years spent caring for Mike Sikorski’s mother as her health declined.

They describe those years as demanding but formative, reinforcing the teamwork that defined their marriage.

“We didn’t flip around,” Mike Sikorski said of their work lives. “You get a job, you work your job.”

That work ethic, they said, was modeled by their parents. Both were raised in Polish Catholic households that emphasized commitment, cooperation and responsibility. Those values shaped not only how they approached work, but how they approached marriage.

Continued on page 3

TOGETHER THEY HAVE IT ALL Mike and Kris Sikorski, who have been married for more than 50 years, pose at their South Bend home, where they continue to share daily routines, hobbies and a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect and teamwork.

Currey closes book on decades of legal service

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Dick Currey is starting a new chapter in life.

For nearly half a century, Currey served as a steady legal voice behind the scenes at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, helping guide the institution through decades of growth, modernization and community change.

In December, Currey retired after 46 years in private legal practice, capping a career that included decades as legal counsel to the library board, a role he assumed after following in his father’s footsteps.

His father began serving as the library’s attorney in the early 1960s, and when Currey joined his law practice after graduating from law school in 1979, the younger Currey gradually took on the same responsibility.

“I just sort of began going,” Currey said. “It was very gratifying to be able to continue that work.”

A lifelong Mishawaka resident, Currey graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1972 before earning a philosophy degree from Wabash College.

He later attended Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, selecting the campus because of its emphasis on practical training for attorneys who intended to practice

in Indiana.

“I ended up concentrating on estate planning and administration,” Currey recalled. “The part of the job most meaningful to me was helping people ... have good plans in place and transitioning over to their families in the future.”

That same philosophy shaped his approach to nonprofit legal service, including his long tenure advising the library board.

As legal counsel, Currey helped the library remain compliant with state law while navigating major expansions. During his time with the board, the downtown Mishawaka library underwent multiple renovations, and the system expanded well beyond its original footprint.

Currey was involved in the opening of the Bittersweet Branch Library and later the construction of the Harris Branch Library, which accompanied the library district’s expansion into Harris Township. What began as a single-location library system grew into a multi-branch community resource.

“Libraries are no longer just book repositories,” Currey said. “They’ve really become community centers.”

He witnessed and helped support the library’s evolution into a space that offers programming, gathering areas and modern amenities

alongside traditional collections, reflecting broader shifts in how libraries serve their communities.

Currey’s effectiveness as counsel was shaped by decades of nonprofit involvement across northern Indiana.

He served on numerous boards, including Camp Fire, the South Bend Civic Theatre, the Mishawaka School Board and the St. Joseph County Community Foundation. That experience, he said, reinforced his principles of service, collaboration and long-term planning.

“Nonprofits are always looking for attorneys who can help keep them on track and provide objective guidance,” Currey said. “That’s an opportunity you either take advantage of or you don’t.”

At the library, his role was rarely in the spotlight, but board members recognized his impact during the December 2025 meeting, where he was honored with an engraved bookend marking his retirement.

“It was a little bittersweet,” Currey said. “After going to those board meetings for so

many years, it was hard to believe that would be the last one.”

In retirement, Currey plans to remain involved in the community through service organizations and the community foundation while spend-

ing more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Still, his legal imprint on the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, from brickand-mortar growth to its modern mission, will remain long after his final board meeting.

Decluttering? Vintage Christmas Decorations selling very well

By MATT DUNBURY Owner Blue Collar Antiques

My company Blue Collar Antiques buys and sells a variety of antiques and collectibles. We also purchase entire estates.

This time of year vintage Christmas items are selling very well. Check your decorations for old ornaments, lights and especially aluminum Christmas trees. A rare aluminum tree sold a few weeks ago for over $14,000 dollars. Old blow molds seem to be popular this year. Check your attics and basements for anything weird or unusual.

Comic books and sports cards are selling very well right now.

I am always looking for military items, old toys, advertising items, coins and jewelry. I have always enjoyed antiques and have a deep appreciation for history. I go to several auctions each week which helps me stay current with what people are buying and how much items are selling for. I also subscribe to many research sites. I am able to find the market value for almost any item you may have. I have been in business for over 15 years. I believe in treating people fairly. Because of this, a big part of my business comes from referrals or repeat clients. Often when people call me to look at their collections or estates, they are pleasantly

surprised to learn that items they considered worthless are actually very valuable.

I would recommend that before items are discarded or given away, you give me the opportunity — or someone with experience in antiques — to take a look at them for valuation.

Since I have been in business for so long, I have established many contacts in the industry. Even if you have something that I do not buy, many times I can at least give you a value for it, put you in contact with someone who would buy it or tell you the best way to go about selling it. You can contact me at (219) 794-6500. Ask for Matt Danbury.

All puckered out after 30 years of marriage

Valentine’s Day is special.

By DICK WOLFSIE

The average person spends 20,000 minutes in their lifetime kissing. Again, this is simply an average. Your smooching may vary depending on whether you attend a lot of Greek weddings or have more than 15 grandchildren.

I’m not an overly competitive person, but I do believe in keeping up with the Joneses, who, by the way, are our newlywed neighbors down the street. The Fettermans next door have been married 40 years, so I’m thinking those folks may represent a more realistic role model for me.

I assume I’ve been rolling along at an acceptable rate up until now, but why not increase my output so my obit can read: Exceeded the standard kissing time by 2,000 minutes. Even my harshest critics would be forced to concede that when it came to lips, I was successful at putting

Sikorskis

Continued from page 1

In retirement, the Sikorskis remain as active as ever. Mike Sikorski devotes time to classic car shows, model railroading, landscape gardening and photography, while Kris Sikorski has earned recognition for her needlework and embroidery and remains deeply involved in book clubs and stitching groups across the country through Zoom.

Both have won several awards in their fields of interest: Mike Sikorski, for example, was selected by the South Bend Art League in 2015 to participate in their annual Garden Walk.

“They tell us that there were 490 people that actually came out and walked around my house to view my garden,” Mike Sikorski recalled.

Kris Sikorski, meanwhile, has won several ribbons with her artwork.

Their home reflects both of their passions, with gardens carefully maintained, art on the walls, and hobby areas with medals on display.

Despite having individual interests, they rarely do things apart. Shopping, volunteering, hobbies and travel are shared experiences, something they say

two and two together.

When Mary Ellen came home the other night, I gave her the customary hello, but I realized that if I lingered a few seconds longer in the osculation and then multiplied that time by my predicted life span, I could increase my total production by 20%. Osculation, by the way, is the scientific name for kissing. Don’t use that word during romantic encounters. It’ll have a negative impact on your lifetime total.

After 30 years of marriage, my wife became instantly aware that I had breached the unwritten rule for time spent on the

customary: “Hi, honey, I’m home from work” kiss.

“What was that all about?” she asked.

“Is something wrong?”

“Your kiss. There was this delay. You were loitering on my cheek. You do know it’s only Thursday.”

has strengthened their bond rather than diminished their independence.

Kris Sikorski said. “He does what he does best. I do what I do best. And we work together.”

would offer younger couples, the answer came easily: be flexible, laugh often and respect each other’s strengths.

Sikorski said. “It’s not my job. It’s our job.”

Sikorskis say the secret is not perfection. Just partnership.

The question, of course, is how they ever came up with 20,000 minutes. I did a little math, and it looks like if your kissing career spans 75 years, you need to kiss about 47.4 seconds a day to reach this goal. I’m a happily married guy, but there are a couple of days a week that, to reach this number, I would have to count my relationship with the dog (we’re just best friends, I assure you) and my new Big Bertha driver, which gets a little extra lovin’ whenever I don’t hit a ball out of bounds.

12,000 individuals are seeking advice on how to inform loved ones about their halitosis. Actually, it’s only 11,258 people. The rest are beagles, cocker spaniels, St. Bernards and the like, put off by humans who insist on going nose to snoot without first freshening their breath.

The Facebook site also notes: “You kiss 20,000 minutes in your lifetime. What about the other 40 million moments?” Huh? It’s bad enough I’m now obsessed with maintaining a respectable record in the puckering department, but apparently a slew of other situations exist where your breath should be pristine. There’s something to chew on.

In order for my wife and me to someday reach the national average, I’m really going to need her full cooperation. Last night, I told Mary Ellen how beautiful

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Suggs-Spencer looks back on a life spent saving stories

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

For decades, Martha Suggs-Spencer has carried history not just in boxes and binders, but in memory and lived experience.

Spencer, founder of the nowclosed James Douglas Suggs Underground Railroad Museum in Vandalia and co-creator of the long-running Freedom Festival with her late husband, Willie Lee King Suggs, has spent most of

her life preserving stories others might overlook. Stories of family, freedom and survival passed down orally through generations. Born into a family shaped by migration, segregation and endurance, Spencer traces her devotion to history back to her father, James Douglas Suggs, a traveling musician in the Rabbit Foot Minstrel Show, professional baseball player, World War I veteran and storyteller born in Mississippi.

As a child, Suggs-Spencer

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listened closely as he recounted stories of railroad workers like Casey Jones, riverboats and folklore from the Deep South, impressions that stayed with her long after his death when she was still young.

She also learned about the area’s overlooked role in the Underground Railroad, including an 1847 incident in which escaped enslaved people from Kentucky were defended by Cass County Quakers against slave catchers.

“My dad taught me to want to know everything,” Spencer said. “Where people came from. What they went through. Why it mattered.”

That curiosity eventually became a mission.

Suggs-Spencer’s work was deeply intertwined with her family life. She and her husband traveled tens of thousands of miles across the country in a well-worn van, visiting courthouses, libraries and historic sites to trace family genealogy and recover documents linking Black and white branches of the Suggs family - all the way back to their first arrival in the U.S.

“Everywhere I go, I go to the libraries, run to the microfilms,” she said.

Over the decades, Suggs-Spencer also formed connections with historians, archivists and public figures, including a correspondence from former President Gerald Ford - and later, a personal phone call after the letter was included in Suggs-Spencer’s 1995 book “Suggs Black Backtracks.”

PAST Martha Suggs-Spencer

Niles home surrounded by photographs, documents and artifacts reflecting decades of research into her family history and the Underground Railroad.

tion himself. Together, the couple funded the project through personal savings, credit cards and donations.

That same year, the Spencers launched Vandalia’s first Freedom Festival, a public celebration intended to honor the town’s Underground Railroad history and promote unity.

years, the museum was vandalized, signage was removed, and Suggs-Spencer said she faced hostility from some community members. Still, they persisted, guided by a belief in patience and dignity.

“We never let anger take over,” Suggs-Spencer said. “You keep going. You regroup.”

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After settling back in Vandalia as an adult, drawing on family collections, courthouse records and artifacts, Spencer and her husband restored her old family homestead and opened the James Douglas Suggs Underground Railroad Museum in 1994.

The museum was built largely by hand.

Spencer’s husband, who had an eighth-grade education and a background in construction, handled the interior reconstruc-

The gathering quickly drew visitors from across the region, eventually becoming a recurring event featuring parades, historical reenactments and educational programming.

“It was about bringing people together, Black and white, and telling the truth about where we came from,” Spencer said.

In the spirit of black and white coming together, the museum’s front lawn was decorated with two cutouts: a cutout of her father and his friend, Richard M. Dorson.

The couple’s work was not without opposition. Over the

The museum eventually closed following Willie Spencer’s declining health, but Suggs-Spencer continues to share her research through writing, public speaking and family-led events.

Now in her mid-80s, she hopes her lifelong work will inspire others to continue documenting local history before it disappears.

“I may not reopen another museum,” she said. “But the stories don’t stop.”

For Suggs-Spencer, history lives on in people, places and in the belief that remembering the past is an act of freedom itself.

From first impressions to daily life: assisted living at Southfield Village

By SHANNON RENE Director of Sales and Marketing Southfield Village

Margaret Bolen didn’t have to look far for the right placeSouthfield Village is just a short walk from her son’s home.

“My son lives just a couple of blocks from here,” she said. “His mother-in-law was in the nursing area, and they really liked it.

They toured assisted living and thought, ‘This would be a great place for mom.’”

Now living in assisted living at Southfield Village on the south side of South Bend, Bolen stays actively involved.

“We have activities every morning - Jeopardy, trivia - and I participate in most everything,” she said. “The employees are very nice and friendly. They’re willing to help with anything they can. They do a good job.”

Joyce Frost noticed the welcoming atmosphere immediately.

“I came here, and there was just a homey feeling,” she said.

“The entrance, the chairs and tables set up for conversation; you could go and sit, talk or read.”

Frost values the freedom to spend her days as she wishes.

“Anything you want to do here, you can do when you want,” she said. “You can find a corner and just read.”

She added that the staff’s warmth makes a real difference.

“There isn’t anything you ask anybody here that they don’t do with a smile. It’s not glitzy. It’s homey. It reminds you of home.”

Southfield Village is a faithbased, nonprofit continuing care retirement community and part of the Greencroft Communities family. For more than 25 years, it has served adults 55 and older with independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and longterm care on one campus, providing reassurance for residents and families as needs change.

Assisted living at The Arbors supports independence while making daily life easier. Residents live in private studio or one-bedroom apartments they can furnish and decorate themselves. Services are tailored to individual needs, including meals, housekeeping, laundry and assistance with daily routines, with staff available 24/7.

Residents enjoy a vibrant community with a fitness center, sewing room, library, gardens, and salon and barber services. Programs such as yoga, tai chi and Forever Learning Institute classes enrich daily life, while neighbors gather for meals in the full-service dining room or in

private rooms for family events.

Southfield Village also offers the Road to Home program, a short-term assisted living option for those recovering after a hospital stay or rehabilitation. With a furnished apartment, meals and personalized support at a lower introductory rate, many partic-

ipants enjoy the community so much they choose to stay.

At Southfield Village, assisted living is about more than careit’s about comfort, connection and feeling truly at home.

Call (574) 231-1000 or visit Greencroft.org/SouthfieldVillage to learn more.

Professional Forum

Hearing Healthcare

Q: Why Aren’t My Hearing Aids Working?

A: I’m glad you asked! Too often when hearing aids aren’t living up to expectations, they get left in a drawer instead of being brought in for what is usually an easy fix. Almost always, it’s as simple as changing the dome and filter.

As we age, our hearing changes and nobody’s gets better. It’s human nature to blame the hearing aids. It could be 6 months or 3 years, but at some point, as you lose more hearing, the devices need to be reprogrammed to account for your ongoing loss. Called

a test and refit, we can have you in and out in 30 minutes and you’ll think you have new hearing aids. I can’t count the number of times when a patient comes in ready to buy new hearing aids but is thrilled to learn just a good cleaning and a test and refit was all it took for them to be hearing great again. If your provider seems more interested in selling you hearing aids than making yours sound great, then call us.

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

Voted “Best Hearing Center” 10 times!

Hospice Care

Q: Can I Stay in My Home – And Should I?

A: Hospice offers four levels of care, two of which happen at home. The four levels are:

• Routine Home Care. The most common level of hospice care, this includes nursing and home health aide services.

• Continuous Home Care. This is when a patient needs continuous nursing care during a time of crisis.

• General Inpatient Care. Shortterm care during times when pain and symptoms can’t be managed without a hospital setting.

• Respite Care. Short-term care in a facility during times when the patient’s caregiver needs a break in caregiving

You might decide you or your loved one wishes to stay where friends and family can visit freely. In fact, most people choose this option. A relative

or friend usually serves as the primary caregiver.

You may also get care at hospice centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care places.

You might want to think about these questions when deciding whether to stay at home:

• Just how ill is the person needing care and how does he/she feel?

• Can any pain be managed away from a hospital or nursing home?

• Is the main caregiver physically and emotionally able to provide what’s needed from home?

• If you are a caregiver and work, can you afford to cut back on your hours at work or leave your job?

• Will you be able to get the extra supplies you might need, such as a bedside commode or a wheelchair?

Your decision is personal, and each situation is different. But how you answer questions such as these will help you decide where to go.

Servicing St.

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

Q. What’s up for Senior Talk Michiana in February?

A. February’s episodes include Becky and Terry Cuzzorea with Seniors Helping Seniors for those seeking the opportunity to help others. Crystal Hallwood from the nutrition arm of Real Services and Tracey Ford from Wawasee-Syracuse Trails will feature episodes this month.

As we have announced, Senior Talk Michiana is now designated as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, allowing us to apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible donations. Please consider contributing and sharing this with your friends to help us reach more of the 260,000 seniors in Michiana

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

and provide them with information about available services, organizations, and events. Sponsored by Aging Connections of Michiana, Senior Life Newspapers, and Goshen Home Medical, Senior Talk Michiana is tailored for seniors and offers valuable information on services and organizations in Michiana. Listeners can access the podcast through free subscriptions available on Spotify and www.seniortalkmichiana. org. Episodes are also available at www. thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.

Rose and Rose Associates

Senior Talk Michiana 574-596-6256

www.thomaslrose.com www.cookingtogether.com roseandrose@comcast.net

My Medicare Matters

Q. Can I switch my Medicare Advantage plan after Fall Open Enrollment?

A. Choosing a Medicare plan can be challenging, and sometimes a plan does not meet your needs once you begin using it. If you are currently enrolled in an Advantage plan, you do have an opportunity to make a change. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this time, you may switch from one Advantage plan to another or return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D drug plan. Only one change is allowed during this period, and your new coverage will begin on the

Megan Rogers

Indiana SHIP Volunteer Supervisor

first day of the following month. If you would like help reviewing your options, the Indiana State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. Trained SHIP counselors at REAL Services are available to explain your choices and help you make an informed decision. To schedule a SHIP appointment or get more information, call REAL Services at (574) 233-8205.

Advertising Opportunities

Q. Isn’t your paper only read by older senior citizens on limited incomes?

A. According to audit statistics, 80% of our readers are under the age of 75. 65% of our readers have a household income of over $50,000 per year. Nearly 40% of these readers earn more than $75,000 per year. Are households with an income larger than $50,000 your target market? If so, consider advertising in Senior Life! Call or send me an

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

History Museum presents 57 years of ‘Sesame Street’

Amanda Miller Kelley, president and general manager of PBS Michiana WNIT, will explore the success of the long-lasting program “Sesame Street” in her presentation “57 Years of Sunny Days: How PBS and Sesame Street Changed the World,” taking place at The History Museum’s “Insights in History” at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. She will also chronicle the history of WNIT, the community’s public broadcasting station.

A tour of the Muppet car at the Studebaker National Museum will be offered. Admission is $3 or $1 for members. Reservations are required by Monday, Feb. 2 and can be made online at historymuseumSB.org.

Insights in History is sponsored by THK Law, LLP.

It has been 57 years since PBS first aired Sesame Street March 20, 1969. The educational program uses fun, engaging content to teach academic skills like the alphabet and counting to preschoolers. With its setting in a diverse, urban neighborhood, “Muppets,” like Big Bird, Bert and Ernie and Oscar the Grouch, demonstrate empathy, kindness, and other social-emotional skills, with goals to prepare young kids for school and life.

Kelley has served as president and general manager of PBS Michiana WNIT since Jan. 1, 2025. Prior to that she was director of development for the station and has worked in the not-for-profit environment for over 15 years.

WNIT is a trusted, communi-

February MPHPL programs for adults

The following programs will take place at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in February. Registration can be secured at (574) 259-5277. Check mphpl.org for the most up-to-date information regarding events or to register.

Mishawaka Library Events

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. The February book, “Evening Class” by Maeve Binchy, can be picked up in advance at the front desk. Registration required.

American Heritage Spotlight, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. Aaron Helman, author of “The Turtle, The Mitten and An Epic History of Michigan,” will present “Indiana, Michigan and the Line Between Them.” He will share stories about Michigan’s disputed borders, including the Toledo War, the deal that moved South Bend

Iand Mishawaka into Indiana, a dispute that remains today.

Harris Branch

Winter Reading Wrap-Up Party, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Celebrate your love for reading by attending this celebration, which will include crafts, games and special character visits. Come by yourself or bring the whole family.

Winter Reading Challenge Concludes The 2026 MPHPL Winter Reading Challenge wraps up Monday, March 2. Challenge cards can be picked up at any MPHPL location or can be downloaded online by visiting mphpl.org/reading-challenge. The challenge is open to all ages, but adult participants must possess a library card. Everyone who submits their completed challenge cards by the end of the challenge will receive a free book from a pre-selected list.

It’s easy! Simply find the ‘Groundhog’ on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, February 9, 2026. Brought To You By

ty-owned public media source dedicated to inspire, inform, educate, entertain, and unify the communities it serves. Local community leaders, including Jerry Hammes, Dr. John W. Meaney, Michael Carmichael, Ernestine (Carmichael) Raclin,

South

Jane Warner, Dar Wiekamp, Arthur J. Decio, and Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, CSC, were key founders of WNIT, which was officially established April 26, 1972.

Now in its 21st year, “Insights in History” is a monthly lecture series featuring a lecture in conjunction with an exhibit at or area of The History Museum. For information, call The History Museum at (574) 2359664, ext. 6256 or visit historymuseumSB.org.

Bend Symphony presents Beethoven’s

‘Eroica, ‘Burch’s ‘Violin

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents a powerful Masterworks concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Morris Performing Arts Center. The program moves from intimate remembrance to Romantic lyricism and symphonic triumph, featuring South Bend composer Jessica Carter’s ”Hidden: In memory of Rosemary Sanders,” Max Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1,” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”

The concert opens with “Hidden: In memory of Rosemary Sanders,” a work that offers an emotional and reflective tribute to Rosemary Sanders. Sanders was the first African American member of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and a performer of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, begin-

ning in 1940.

Concerto’ Feb. 28

Concertmaster Jameson Cooper takes the stage for Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” in G minor. With its romantic lines, heartfelt lyricism, and electrifying finale, Bruch’s concerto showcases the violin at its most expressive.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”, a monumental work that forever changed the course of classical music, is set for the second half of the concert. This piece is steeped in heroism, struggle, and resolve. From its bold opening movement to its solemn funeral march, vibrant scherzo, and triumphant finale Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3” remains a resounding testament to resilience and artistic vision.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Jack

M. Champaigne for supporting the Masterworks Series.

Tickets Online: southbendsymphony. org.

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

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

To see this year’s season schedule, visit southbendsymphony.org.

Dates, programs, and venues are subject to change.

History Museum seeks nominations for African American Legacy Award

The History Museum announces March 15 as the deadline for making nominations for its 2026 African American Legacy Award.

An individual or organization may nominate an individual by completing an online application at historymuseumSB.org or by downloading the application and mailing it to: African American Legacy Award Committee, The History Museum, 808 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46601.

Presentation of the award will take place in June at The History Museum’s annual event celebrating Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.

The African American Legacy Award is presented annually by The History Museum to recognize individuals who have been instrumental in collecting, preserving, and disseminating African American history in the St. Joseph River Valley, either working directly with The History Museum or within the African American community.

Brian Harding, the museum’s executive director, stated,

“The African American Legacy Award celebrates contributions of African American individuals to honor legacies and achievements of past generations, shine a light on those in the present, and influence efforts that will impact the future.”

To be eligible for the African American Legacy Award, an individual must:

• Be, or have been, a resident for at least 10 years of the St. Joseph River Valley, which includes in Indiana the counties of LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Lagrange, Stark, Marshall, Kosciusko, Pulaski, and Fulton and in Michigan, the counties of Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph.

• Not be a previous recipient of the award.

• Have demonstrated leadership and creativity in promoting African American history.

• Have increased public understanding of and appreciation for the heritage of African Americans.

• Have had significant impact on the local community promoting African American history.

• Have recognized efforts that are exceptional or have gone

The winner of the I Spy Contest for January is Daniel Fox from Niles, Mich. The ‘Winter Wear’ was located on page 13 in Senior Life Allen; page 15 in

above and beyond their job. Past recipients are: Helen Pope, John Charles Bryant (1991); Theresa Ashe, Virginia Calvin, Kathryn Jeffries (1992); Elizabeth Fletcher Allen, Eugenia Braboy (1993); Dale O. Grayson, Jesse L. Dickinson (1994); Dr. John W. Skinner, Dr. B.W. Streets, Dr. S. Bernard Vagner, Dr. Milton A. Butts (1995); Etta Boswell Bowen, Dr. Roland Chamblee, Ida Mitchum (1996); Louvenia Cain, Rev. L. James Perry (1997); Wilma Gary (1998); Carl Ellison, Ladies of Distinction, Michael Warren (1999); Josephine H. Curtis, Hollis Hughes, Jr., Ben Johnson, Our Day Together Club, St. Pierre Ruffin Club (2000); Farrow Powell Family, Sondra Mose Ursery (2001); Lester C. Lamon, Unsung Heroes and Heroines of the Local Civil Rights Movement (2002); American Negro Girls Softball League and “Uncle Bill’s” All Colored Girls Softball Team, Coquese Washington (2003); Mary Frances Grayson-Jackson, Rev. Gerald L. Hayden, Elmer S. Joseph, Charles E. Thompson (2004); J. Chester Allen, Zilford Carter, Bernard Luther White, Jr., Cleo Washington (2005); Marvin V. Curtis Ed.D. (2017); Civil Rights Heritage Center (2018); Jacquelyn Rucker (2019); Verge “Brother Sage” Gillam (2023); Dé Bryant, Ph.D. (2024); and Rafael Morton (2025).

For information, call (574) 235-9664, ext. 6256 or visit historymuseumSB.org.

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

Travel back in time to the American Jazz Age - join the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra Saturday, Feb. 7, for a toe-tapping evening of familiar tunes led by LCSO Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson and featuring guest vocalist Rebekah Howell, a Nashville based soprano whose versatile career includes appearances with the Baton Rouge and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestras. Doors open at 6 p.m., and pre-concert activities, including a 1920s costume contest and photo booth, will be held in the lobby in the hour prior to the concert. Prizes will be awarded to the best costume. Get your tickets today - just $26 for adults and $23 for seniors. Students with ID and children are free. Call the LCSO office at (219) 362-9020 with questions.

—o—

A Night Orienteering event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at St. Patrick’s

County Park at the Hurwich Shelter. The cost is $5 per person. Bring your headlamp and map-reading skills to search for glowing controls hidden out on the trails. Glow sticks, temporary tattoos and treats will light up the mid-winter night experience. Registration and payment required by Wednesday, Feb. 18. To register, call (574) 654-3155. St. Patrick’s County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend.

—o—

Joe Agostino and colleagues discuss the history, heritage, and contributions of local Italian Americans at The History Museum’s Insights in History, taking place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5. Joe is one of several members of local Italian American clubs that provided substantial assistance to The History Museum’s exhibit Traditions and Progress: Italian Americans in Northern Indiana.Admission is $3 or $1 for members. Reservations are required by March 3. Insights in History is sponsored by THK Law, LLP. For information, call The History Museum at (574) 235-9664, ext. 6256 or visithistorymuseumSB.org.

—o—

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience the creative voices

of the community with Celebrate Local Returns, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. This program honors the artistry of South Bend–based composers John Liberatore, Jorge Muñiz and Marjorie Rusche, featuring guest pianist Clare Longendyke and South Bend Symphony Principal Flute Leslie Short. The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to its season sponsor Jack M. Champaigne for his support for the June H. Edwards Mosaic Series. Tickets are available online at southbendsymphony.org or by calling the Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office at (574) 235-9190.

—o—

Granger Paths 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk - Join Saturday, May 2, in support of Friends of Granger Paths. This year’s race will start and end at Northpoint Elementary School, 50800 Cherry Road, Granger. Start time for 5K is 9:30 a.m. and 1 mile start time is 9:35 a.m. Sign up online at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Granger/ GrangerPaths. Online registration ends at 10 p.m. Thursday, April 30. 5K shirts are guaranteed only to those who register online at least 15 days before the event. If you register online with fewer than 15 days re-

Apartment Living

maining, you may choose from the available shirt inventory and sizes while supplies last. Late registrants can check for any remaining shirts after the race and select from what is left in stock.

—o—

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays,

seated strength; 1 p.m. Mondays, a craft; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Melt; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Support Squad and Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, dominoes; 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba. Visit riverbendcancerservices.org or call (574) 287-4197.

It kinda balances out

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

Looking back these past few years, I think it’s very plain to see. I didn’t know then but now I do.

I am changing but I am still me. There comes a time to face the facts, in terms of being old in age. It’s not the end but it’s getting there. You have reached a final stage. You can adjust and try to like it. You can fight it or let it be.

But I think it’s best to just accept.

Every one goes eventually. There is a loss but still and then,

I think perhaps there is a gain.

The eyes of age might bring new life.

Searching out the good in change. Life is but a metamorphosis.

The very best is yet to come. So I will write my poems about it.

Until this day is finally done.

Burkins balances work, faith and family

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

At St. Dominic Catholic Church, Deacon Steve Burkins serves quietly but steadily, balancing family life, full-time work and a wide range of ministry responsibilities he says are rooted in faith, preparation and service.

Burkins, a permanent deacon ordained in January 2023, describes the diaconate as a threefold ministry of liturgy, word and charity. Each weekend, he typically assists at two Masses, where he proclaims the Gospel, leads parts of the liturgy traditionally assigned to a deacon and helps dismiss the congregation at the close of worship.

While priests preside over the Eucharist, Burkins said the Catholic Mass itself was designed from its earliest days with a deacon’s presence in mind.

“The deacon is considered the herald of the word,” he said, explaining that proclaiming the Gospel is central to his role.

Much of Burkins’ work happens outside the sanctuary. During a typical week, he prepares for upcoming Mass readings, studies Scripture and stays ready to step in if a scheduled lector is absent.

Preparation also extends to preaching on weekends when he is asked to deliver the homily, which can require hours of prayer, study and reflection.

“Everything you see me doing takes preparation,” Burkins said. “How extensive the prep is, varies from 20 minutes to two hours - maybe six hours, if the deacon has the faculty to preach at mass after proclaiming the gospel.”

Beyond liturgy, Burkins serves on the parish council and finance council, assists with religious education and

regularly brings Communion to sick and homebound parishioners. He also helps prepare children and adults who, for various reasons, missed sacraments such as First Communion or Confirmation earlier in life.

Those preparations often take place outside regular Sunday classes, arranged around individual schedules.

“No two weeks are the same,” he said. “Some are busier than others, but it never gets dull.”

Burkins’ path to ministry began later in life. A convert to Catholicism, he said he did not come to know Jesus deeply until his wife, a lifelong Catholic, guided him through the process of faith formation more than 30 years ago. That experience left a lasting impact.

“Knowing Jesus and going through those sacraments made such a difference in my life that I wanted to help other people down that same path,” he said.

Though the idea of becoming a deacon surfaced years earlier, Burkins said it remained dormant while he focused on raising his family and serving in other parish roles. It was not until a former pastor encouraged him to consider the diaconate that he felt a stronger calling.

“It was an eye opener,” he said. “So I looked into it and felt the calling even stronger.”

After a yearlong application process and four years of formal formation, he was ordained as a permanent deacon.

One especially meaningful aspect of Burkins’ ministry has been serving the parish’s Spanish-language Mass. Though not fluent, he proclaims the Gospel and occasionally preaches in Spanish, carefully preparing and practicing his homilies.

“The feedback I have received from the Spanish-speak-

FAITH AND SERVICE Deacon Steve Burkins serves at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Bremen. Deacons serve a distinct role within the Catholic Church, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, assisting at Mass and leading works of charity. The diaconate includes both married and celibate men, as well as permanent deacons and those preparing for the priesthood.

“Some people think a Deacon is just a junior priest, but it’s a whole ministry in itself,” Burkins explained.

by Phoebe Muthart.

ing community has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “It’s uplifting.”

Maintaining balance remains a daily challenge. Burkins stressed that deacons are taught to prioritize God first, followed by family, work and

When you need

By MICHELE BENNETT Care Consultant REAL Solutions

People don’t usually reach out because everything is going well. More often, it’s after a fall, a hospital stay, or the quiet realization that managing daily life has become harder. Sometimes I hear from older adults calling on their own. Sometimes it’s family - near or far - trying to help. Often, it’s simply someone looking for a steady place to start.

That’s where REAL Solutions comes in.

finally ministry, a structure that helps prevent burnout and neglect.

Looking ahead, Burkins hopes to continue strengthening faith formation at St. Dominic’s, particularly through Catechesis of the Good Shep-

herd, a hands-on, Montessori-based program for young children that the parish has recently revived.

“I just want to help more people find Jesus, know Him better, and see the peace He brings to our lives,” Burkins said.

REAL Solutions, not just answers

REAL Solutions is a private care navigation service and a division of REAL Services. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence. I’m here to steady the process, not control it, by providing professional, ongoing guidance at a cost many families find affordable. Every situation is different. Together, we talk through what’s happening now and what may come next. That might include exploring supports such as home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home

care, emergency response systems, or ways to make staying at home safer and easier. I also help people navigate Medicare, Medicaid and other programs they may qualify for - but didn’t know about or weren’t sure how to access.

Trust matters. Some services recommend only providers they’re financially connected to. REAL Solutions doesn’t work that way. I don’t accept referral fees or membership payments. Any recommendation I make is based solely on what fits your needs, goals and budget - not on affiliations.

This isn’t a one-time conversation. Needs change, and my support is ongoing.

If you’re unsure about what comes next, you don’t need all the answers — you just need someone to walk alongside you. For more information, visit REAL Solutions, 1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend, call (574) 367-6549, email realsolutions@ realservices.org, or visit realservices.org.

Blast To The Past -

‘I Write the Songs’ was written by Bruce Johnston

Barry Manilow

Who is the “I” in this well-known oldie?

“I write the songs that make the whole world sing

“I write the songs of love and special things

A Boomer Blast To The Past

By RANDAL C. HILL

“I write the songs that make the young girls cry

“I write the songs, I write the songs.”

The answer may - no, willsurprise you.

These iconic lyrics are from the recording by Manhattanite Barry Manilow, a hit single that he didn’t write. Manilow also didn’t compose the second 45 of his to rocket to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1970s.

Early in his Arista Records career, the former jingle writer for commercials had balked about recording “Brandy,” a song by American singer/songwriter Scott English that had been a success in Britain.

After signing with Arista, Manilow had reluctantly done

English’s tune as “Mandy.” A wise choice, as it became Barry’s first number one single.

Later, Arista’s president, music veteran Clive Davis, felt strongly that “I Write the Songs” also had success written all over it if only Manilow would record the tune.

Again, Manilow hesitated. He hadn’t written the work, and he felt that the lyrics sounded “egotistical.” But the rising star wasn’t so stubborn that he didn’t listen to his business-savvy boss, and Manilow was soon on his way to releasing his second Arista disc to grab the top Billboard spot.

Well, just who did compose “I Write the Songs”?

Here we need to swing the spotlight to Southern California and the land of the Beach Boys. Born in 1942, Bruce Johnston, the adopted son of the owner of the Rexall Drug chain, had grown up in the wealthy West Los Angeles suburb of Bel Air. Always enamored of music, Johnston mastered keyboards and the bass guitar.

He went to UCLA and later worked with record producer Terry Melcher (Doris Day’s son) before joining the Beach Boys in 1965 as a replacement for leader Brian Wilson, the

pop-music genius who had recently trashed his brain with psychedelic drugs.

In the mid-1970s, Johnston temporarily stepped away from the popular band to go solo with an album called “Going Public.” His LP fizzled commercially, but it did contain his original composition of “I Write the Songs.”

Under Johnson’s guidance, that track featured a quiet, lightly orchestrated offering that would lack the near-bombastic dynamics of Manilow’s million-selling version. Manilow’s rendition featured an introduction of a tinkling piano and the gradual build to a dynamic conclusion, with Manilow’s rich voice soaring above a studio orchestra in full-throttle mode.

Many people have opined that Johnston’s ballad was a tribute to Brian Wilson. Not true, Johnston testifies, and he cites the opening lines:

“I’ve been alive forever

“And I wrote the very first song

“I put the words and the melodies together

“I am music, and I write the songs.”

Had this song been about Brian?

Nope. The answer, which is

hidden in plain sight, is that Johnston was talking about God. Later, Johnston even referred to his classic as a hymn. Bibliography Book: Bronson, Fred. “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Third Edition).” (P. 425) New York: Billboard Publications, Inc., 1992. Internet: Breihan, Tom. “The Number Ones: Barry Manilow’s ‘I Write the Songs.’” Aug. 20, 2019. ste-

reogum.com. “Bruce Johnston: From ‘Pet Sounds’ to Pink Floyd and Having Time to ‘Smile.’” (No author listed) Nov. 15, 2011. rockabillynblues.blogspot.com.

“I Write the Songs, Bruce Johnston” en.wikipedia.org. “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow. (No author or date listed) songfacts.com. By PhilipRomanoPhoto - Own work, CC BY 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=140854561.

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole Carrots Dinner Roll/Marg. Oreos

Closed for the holiday!

Chicken Pot Pie over a Biscuit Corn Brownie

Mishawaka

100 Center High Rise Apartments

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

Hamburger on a Bun Red Skinned Potatoes Stewed Tomatoes Jello w/Fruit

Maple Must. Glazed Pork Sweet Potatoes Brussels Sprouts Bread/Marg. Fruit Compote

Meatloaf Mashed Potato/Gravy Peas

Bread/Marg. Mixed Fruit Cup

Pork Fritter on a Bun Mayo Creamed Corn Green Beans Cinnamon Applesauce

BBQ Chicken Breast

Macaroni & Cheese

California Blend Veg. Dinner Roll/Marg. Strawberry Applesauce

Sausage Gravy over Biscuit Scrambled Eggs Diced Potatoes Banana

Chicken Un-Kabob with Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes Rice

Dinner Roll/Marg. Pudding Cup

Ham & Beans Carrots Cornbread Fruit Cup

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

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

Bread/Marg. Jello Cup

Chili w/Beans Baby Bakers Broccoli Crackers Special Valentine Dessert

Potato Crusted Fish Scalloped Potatoes Broccoli Bread/Marg. Pudding Cup

Potato Cream Soup Deli Slider Sandwich

Prince Charles Veg. Jello Cup

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

Independence | Dignity | Strength

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

info@ info@realservices.org

Join Us for REAL Talk

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

Be Heart Smart!

Feb. 11 | 11 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284-7189

Feb. 19 | 11 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

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

Feb. 24 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army (574) 284-7189

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

How I Stay Strong #REALStrong

It’s not too late to fight the flu.

This flu season has been especially active, and older adults face a higher risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, and hospitalization. As we age, our immune systems respond more slowly, making it harder to fight infections.

The good news: it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. While the flu shot may not always prevent illness entirely, it can make symptoms much less severe and greatly reduce the risk of serious outcomes.

Learn more by visiting realservices.org/services/a2aa/vaccines/

A MATTER OF BALANCE Free Fall-Prevention Workshop for Adults 60+

Concerned about falling? This award-winning program helps older adults build confidence, improve balance, and stay active. Learn practical tips to reduce fall risks and move with ease. Mondays | Feb. 23 - Apr. 13 2026 10:00 AM -12:00 PM | Mishawaka Library

Space is limited for this FREE program. Please register by calling (574) 284-7132 or scan the QR Code

Community & Conversations

A New Monthly Gathering

Come Hungry. Leave Connected.

Portage Township and REAL Services invite you to the launch of Community & Conversations, a new monthly evening event centered on food, connection, and community.

Join neighbors, families, and local leaders for a free meal and relaxed conversation in a welcoming, informal setting. No speeches—just good food, friendly faces, and meaningful connection, especially during the winter months.

Thursday | February 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center

Held the 2nd Thursday of each month

FREE and open to all! Donations accepted.

realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons portagecommons@realservices.org

January Highlights at Portage Commons

Tues. Feb 4 | 10:00 AM | Trivia Tuesdays

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

Wed. Feb. 5 & Wed. Feb. 19 | 2:00 PM | Bingo with Laurie Brown

A Portage Commons favorite! Join us for classic bingo fun, prizes, and social connection.

Tue. Feb. 10 & Tue. Feb. 24 | 10:00 AM | Joyful Journey: Brain Strengthening

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

Tue. Feb. 11 | 11:00 AM | REAL Talks: Heart Health

In recognition of Heart Health Month, learn practical tips for caring for your heart and staying active.

Thu. Feb. 19 | 1:00 PM | Let’s Talk About It: Heart Health

An informative and interactive discussion focused on heart health and healthy aging.

Fri. Feb. 6 | 12:30 PM | Friday Flick: Dovey’s Promise

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

Mon. Feb. 23 | 1:00 PM | Intro to Watercolors

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

Wed. Feb. 26 | 12:30 PM | Virtual Vacation

Travel the world without leaving Portage Commons during this guided global experience.

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

‘Friede’s Folly’ takes flight

Eleanor Friede was discouraged. As a senior editor at New York’s prestigious Macmillan publishing house, she seemed to be the only person there who believed in her latest project, a small hardcover book by aviation writer Richard Bach.

By RANDAL C. HILL

Its title was “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” and it consisted of fewer than 9,000 words of text spread over 43 of its 93 pages, as well as copious (and often blurry) photos of seagulls.

Bach’s work was a simple, allegorical account of one gull’s goal. He had wanted to achieve perfection in flight, something that others in his flock had labeled impossible, or at least a silly waste of time.

Friede’s workplace peers had called Bach’s heartfelt creation “Friede’s Folly.” But Friede, undaunted, persisted until her publisher - with scant fanfare and minimal promotion - put “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”

AN AIR FORCE CAPTAIN Richard Bach, who was intrigued with piloting a plane, became an Air Force captain. He is shown with an F84F plane around 1962. Photo from richardbach.com/bio.

during the early 1970s. For 38 weeks, it held the Number One spot on the New York Times best-seller list. It eventually sold over 3 million hardback copies.

Some literary critics dismissed Bach’s work as lightweight hipsterism, although many book buyers proclaimed

age 17, he was polishing small aircraft in exchange for flying lessons. He later became an Air Force captain and, after departing the military, penned three books and numerous articles about aviation. But times were often hard for the writer.

Sometimes, he delivered phone books or sold jewelry to put food on the table for his rapidly growing family. Once his car was repossessed by his bank.

However, an incident in 1959 in the Belmont Shores area of Long Beach, Calif., would his life. Strolling alone by a fog-shrouded canal one night, he heard a crystal-clear voice behind him utter three words: “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.”

been a great racing pilot in the 1930s.) When Bach turned around, nobody was there. He hurried home and dashed off a Richard then forgot about it

In 1967, he awoke one morning from a dream about seagulls. So strong was the impression it made on him that he hurriedly rewrote “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” the story gushing forth

in a tsunami of words. When he had honed the brief book to a misty sort of perfection, Bach rushed it off to several publishers. They all turned thumbs down on the thin manuscript before it landed on Friede’s desk.

Some booksellers expressed frustration over just where to shelve the best-seller. Should it be filed under philosophy, nature, religion or children’s books?

Friede’s sage advice? “Put it next to the cash register.”

Bibliography

Book: Bach, Richard. “Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Story.” New York: The Macmillan Company, 1970. Internet: Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org. De Chardin, Teilhard. “It’s a Bird! It’s a Dream! It’s Supergull!” Nov. 13, 1972. time.com.Walters, Jr., Raymond. “Seven Ways Not to Make a Best Seller.” July 23, 1972. The Friede quote from nytimes.com.

Freeze your credit to fight fraud

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

The ease of communicating in cyberspace not only benefits you but is a boon to those who spend every minute their waking minutes devising methods to burglarize your life.

They’re finding it just as easy to use your credit card,

funds from your portfolio and get cash from your bank as you do.

It’s up to you to revert to some paranoia, like the times you kept your hands in your pocket when you walked into a strange town and kept close to the street lights at night.

Some modern tools can help you foil the schemers and scammers after your finances. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report without your permission. This bars access to identity thieves who would open new accounts in your name.

You contact each of the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - to initiate, lift or temporarily open a credit freeze.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Extension Homemakers donate handmade military quilts to honor service members

In a heartfelt display of patriotism and community spirit, members of the Steady Stitchers of the LaPorte County Extension Homemakers organization have completed and donated 27 handmade military quilts to several veterans’ and military-support organizations across the region.

The quilts- each uniquely designed with patriotic colors, service-branch motifs, and personalized stitching - were crafted over the past several months by volunteers who participated in the Homemakers’ annual service-sewing initiative. According to organizers, more than 27 quilts were distributed this year.

“We put our hearts into every stitch,” said Janet Gourley, one of the quilters involved in the project.

“These quilts are meant to provide warmth, comfort, and a reminder that our community values the sacrifices made by service members and their families.”

This year’s donations were delivered to multiple organizations, including:

• Disabled Veterans of American Chapter 23.

• American Legion Squat Post Unit 451.

• American Legion Highway 20 Post 37.

• At the Veterans Day cel-

ebration at the Civic Auditorium.

Representatives from the receiving organizations expressed deep gratitude for the donations. Knowing that people in the community care enough to hand make these gifts means so much to the veterans.

The Extension Homemakers’ quilt initiative has grown steadily, drawing volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Many quilters said the program gives them a meaningful way to give back.

“We may not be able to serve in uniform, but we can serve with our hands,” said

one longtime member.

For those interested in contributing fabric, volunteering time, or learning more about the quilting program, the Extension Homemakers encourage residents to contact the county extension office at (219) 324-9407 or laporteces@ purdue.edu.

Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers: your trusted partner in auctions

By WENDY BEER Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers

Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers has established itself as a leading auction company specializing in the sale of rare and collectible items. The firm’s

including expert appraisals, targeted marketing and secure handling of items throughout the auction process. The company works with individual

collectors, estate executors and business owners, tailoring services to each client’s needs.

Scheerer McCulloch emphasizes integrity and results, aim-

ing to connect valuable items with interested buyers. Recent auctions highlight the firm’s ability to attract competitive bidding for collectible assets.

For more information about auction services or upcoming auctions, contact Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers at (260) 441-8636.

Wolfpack Tower; and a vintage Lego Black Seas Barracuda pirate ship, No. 6285. The pirate ship was assembled and may be incomplete, a factor that added interest for collectors. The items drew strong attention from enthusiasts, reflecting continued demand for well-maintained and hardto-find collectibles.

Scheerer McCulloch offers services beyond auction sales,

Jeff Kozinski turns coaching into building community at Edwardsburg

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

Jeff Kozinski has been described as “doing a little bit of everything” for the athletic department at Edwardsburg High School. If you look at his coaching history for Eddies, it is easy to see why. Kozinski has coached five different sports for the school district and has been at the school since 1995.

“School sports are huge in building character,” Kozinski said. “To coach highs and lows, it’s important to put school sports into perspective. School sports give kids opportunities to be involved with others to build teamwork and character.”

Kozinski has coached the boys golf team for 25 years. During that time he has also had stints coaching varsity basketball, assisting varsity football, tennis and cross-country.

Kozinski grew up playing sports at South Bend LaSalle High School and was the youngest of six siblings.

“My older brothers and sisters were very competitive,” Kozinski said. “They pushed me to do my best on and off the playing field. After high school, I had a passion to mentor young adults to help them get better on and off the field.”

He played college golf at Huntington University and met his future wife, Aimee, who also played sports at Huntington. Aimee grew up in Edwardsburg, and the couple selected the town as the place to raise their family. The couple has been married for over 33 years.

“Without her support over the years, I would not be the man I am today. I would not be able to be involved with so many different coaching opportunities,” Kozinski said. “As far as athleticism goes, my kids got that from my wife.”

As a teacher, Kozinski teaches 10th-grade economics and civics. Kozinski says he has used his class as a recruiting tool for the golf team. Over the years he has been able to watch his three children compete at Edwardsburg in Emily, Josh and Adam. All three of his kids played college basketball. Emily played at Indiana University South Bend for both volleyball and basketball. Josh and Adam both played basketball at Central Michigan University. Today, all three of his kids have started their own families.

He was on the coaching staff for the football team when it won the state championship in 2018. He also coached the boys golf team to the state finals that

same year.

In addition to coaching at Edwardsburg, Kozinski coached basketball camps at Notre Dame, Duke, and Villanova. He also coached travel teams with his children.

Given his background in athletics, it is not surprising Kozinski still tries to practice a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to his six grandchildren, Kosinski says it is easy to find reasons to be on the move.

“It’s important to find activities that you can do with your spouse or a close friend. Things like biking, walking, and hiking are great ways to stay active,” Kozinski said. “Also, if you are blessed to have grandchildren, chasing them around does keep you moving.”

After three decades of teaching at Edwardsburg, Kozinski says he has not had the temptation to move to south to a warmer climate. He has also served on the township board for the past 20 years.

“We just love it here,” Kozinski said. “We love the seasons, love the community and all three of our kids graduated from Edwardsburg so this is where our roots are. Everybody is so nice. Just a great community to be a part of.”

Let me tell you something about people

By KJ MAPES CEO REAL Services

February is Black History Month, a time set aside to reflect on the people and stories that have shaped our nation. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see it not only as a moment to look back, but as an invitation to listen - to voices shaped by experi-

ences different from my own. I didn’t grow up in an environment rich with diversity. As an adult, I’ve had to learn the value of different perspectives, of giving space, of listening, and of recognizing that some of the most important lessons come not from books, but from people willing to share their lived experience.

For me, one of those teachers was a woman named Dorothy

Height - not the famous civil rights activist, but an advocate in her own right.

Dorothy served on the board of an organization I led, and she was a powerhouse. She introduced me to segments of my community I didn’t know and held space for me in rooms that were not due me - rooms where trust had to be earned and where listening mattered far more than

speaking, especially as a younger white woman.

She was one of the most elegant and well-spoken black women I had ever met. Dorothy carried herself with strength, pride in purpose, and a quiet contentment rooted in her principles. She had lived through moments in history, including the Civil Rights Movement, and she had also experienced deep personal loss. She lived with lupus for more than 20 years and, even then, created a lupus awareness initiative in my hometownturning personal struggle into service.

When Dorothy said, “Let me tell you something,” you stopped talking and listened. Those words were never casual.

Dorothy understood people. She knew how to bring them together, how to inspire participation, and how to turn concern into action. That kind of leadership doesn’t come from position; it comes from trust, credibility, and years of showing up.

That is the long view of aging. Many black older adults are not simply students of history; they are living history. Their lives reflect change that was often slow, difficult, and never guaranteed. Aging, in this context, is not just about time passing. It is about memory, endurance, and the steady work of carrying truth forward.

While planning Senior Power Day at the Statehouse, she looked at me and said, “Let me tell you something - you need two buses.” I paused. We had never taken more than 10 people before, certainly never two, full-size charter buses. She didn’t pause. I wasn’t sure. She was. And she filled them.

Dorothy shaped the way I understand history - not as something finished or distant, but as something carried by people still among us. Black History Month reminds us that these stories are not confined to textbooks or anniversaries; they live in people, and our responsibility is to listen while we still can.

TIME TO MAKE PLAN CHANGES?

On the road to picturesque Hana

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN

Mature Life Features

Just as the queasiness in my stomach from the continuous onslaught of curves and cutbacks along the narrow uphill road began to subside, we careened around another 180-degree hairpin bend.

The sight of the first of several quiet waterfalls sliding down sheltered creviced cleavages alongside the road managed to wash away most of my reservations.

We were on the road that winds its way along the northern coast of this Hawaiian island from the rustic village of Paia to Hana on its eastern tip. It’s only 52 miles long, but the series of twists, turns, dips and dives can take up to three hours to negotiate. But vistas of lush greenery, ocean blues, rock, white water foaming up over the shores, and waterfalls bubbling over craggy cliffs make it a worthwhile adventure.

So is taking time to stop for a bit to sit beneath a banana tree enveloped by giant sixfoot-long leaves. And looking out at the wrinkled brownhued mountains lacerated with ridges created by 2 1/2 million years of rainfall.

A sign proclaiming “Narrow Winding Road Next 30 Miles” gets lost in the forest of sugar

cane, and coconut trees, and pineapple fields. Hana Highway is certainly a misnomer considering it’s stretched over 600 curves and 56 one-lane bridges.

Nearby Kaumahina State Park combines a Garden-ofEden setting with the more practical appeal of restrooms and picnic tables. A stone-cut nature trail opens the way to a dip in a natural swimming pool framed by waterfall and rock.

If you’re a flora and fauna buff, a stop at the Ke’anae Arboretum is a must. It’s as close to a Hawaiian jungle as you can get, with a wealth of native trees, plants and flowers.

Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park is the next stop with a footpath that winds in and out along streams and overlooks. Overlapping paths through multi-colored bushes lead to a consortium of pools and waterfalls. A swing on the Tarzan-like hanging vines overhead adds a dimension to the tropical swimming hole most backyard pools lack.

At the rise of another double-U bend in the road is a small roadside stand proffering bananas, papayas, guavas, coconuts and pineapples. We watched the owner, machete in hand, traipse down a nearby path and return with

bunches of bananas to meet the lunchtime demand.

Wai‘anapanapa State Park temporarily transports you into an otherworldly excursion before entering the tranquil town of Hana. A steep-stepped path meanders beneath gnarled branches so thick with growth that an eerie darkness prevails even on a sunny day. Hidden within the rainforest vegetation are cavernous rock formations that envelop crisp freshwater pools connected by lava tunnels.

Light and color return with the approach to Hana. Large trees with red-blossom canopies, rainbow-lined sidewalks, and green-laden hillsides announce your arrival.

A visit to the Hasegawa General Store, immortalized in a 1964 song of the same name by Paul Weston, jolted me out of the tranquil reverie engendered by the town. The small shop, known for its awesome accumulation of every conceivable item, is so cluttered and cramped that it conflicted with the airy openness of the natural beauty all around.

Still, it is a worthwhile stop, if only to pick up some Dramamine - the store’s best-selling item - for the ride back.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Schemers and scammers always in season

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

A Social Security scam linked to tax time can reach you any time of year via e-mail, telephone or the postal service.

The thieves offer refunds of Social Security taxes you’ve paid over the years, an attractive lure during

Mature

Retiring abroad requires extra steps

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Some folks look forward to retiring to their lake shore cottage after resigning from the labor force. Others plan on moving closer to the grandkids when they sell the house as soon as they retire.

And there are those who dream of sipping cooling refreshments by a tropical beach or strolling into the village nestled into a hillside just below their Alpine villa.

While their dreams are more exotic than most soon-to-beretirees, their planning is a bit more involved because of the financial arrangements and conditions they face.

The costs of everything probably will change after

they leave home. Appliances, utilities, groceries, health care, automobile maintenance and everything else will be paid for in a foreign currency.

It’ll take a while for your brain to quickly translate and compare the local price for coffee or a cab to what it was back home. You may find dayto-day living is cheaper, which is probably one of the reason you chose to move in the first place - climate and cost.

Before you move anywhere, you should visit and spend some time there. Not long ago, a move within this country served as a cautionary tale to anyone retiring to a new locale.

The individual sold their house and belongings in southern California and re-located in Oregon “because everything

looked so green all the time.” Less than a year later, they returned to their California home town “because it rains up there all the time.” They had never set foot in Oregon before ripping out all their California roots.

Before tumbling holus-bolus into a Caribbean cabana, take a few trips there for a couple of weeks at time at different times of the year to find out if the climate is what you’ve dreamed it is.

You might even establish a financial presence to make your transition easier. Open a bank account and use your credit cards to make purchases.

Get referrals for and set up relationships with an attorney, loan officer, insurance salesperson and real estate agent.

Tax pro can protect your income

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Since the only sure things in life are death and taxes, it’s never too early to prepare for either of them.

Preparing for your passage to the afterlife will be left for another discussion as we focus on how to get ready for your annual tussle with the taxman.

As the government focuses on adding thousands of staffers to track down tax dodgers and expanding its reach into more and more pockets, it becomes more important to consider working with a tax-preparation professional if you don’t already have one. Since anytime is tax time, it’s also a good idea to review your relationship with our current tax pro.

Anyone can hang up a tax preparer shingle. Being schooled, trained and certified as an attorney or certified public accountant or business and

economic teacher isn’t enough. Nor should you rely on your son or daughter to “take care of things” just because they’re younger and “have more knowhow about these things.”

You want someone who’s been in the tax-preparation business for some time and keeps up with the constantly changing tax laws.

If you’re shopping for someone to prepare your taxes, be wary of those that promise to get you larger refunds and tax breaks than anyone else.

You also should avoid those who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.

Make sure they provide you with a signed copy of your return and that they will be around and qualified to work with you should questions arise several years later.

Preparing your tax return is much more complicated it you decide to become self-employed, whether you work from

Reliable Medicare plans with benefits built to be used

Reliable Medicare plans with benefits built to be used

Reliable Medicare plans with benefits built to be used

home or open an office somewhere. This is where a reliable accountant who prepares taxes is valuable to keep track of your income and expenses and tax laws that apply to your business.

They can help you maintain good records and keep copies of checks and receipts and contracts and agreements and all other documents related to your finances.

The same applies if you own rental property.

You also will need professional help to seek protection from government raids on your investment portfolio.

There’s been a long-held belief that you can save money by doing your own taxes, but the increasingly-convoluted tax laws has led to a growing practice to hire a reliable tax-preparation professional to protect your money.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

You’ll need medical services so check out how medical insurance works there. Make an appointment with a doctor you plan to use and visit a local clinic to make a list of services it provides.

Go shopping in the locale so

you’ll know where to go for the goods and services you’ll need when you live there.

Will language be a problem and will your television set, computer and cell phone work there?

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Home work is working

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Working at home enhances opportunities for seniors who aren’t ready to curl up on a couch and watch television for the rest of their days.

Adding to the possible job openings for oldsters is the fact employers are having problems finding workers of all sorts, ranging from dish washers to financial consultants.

Human-resource pros are finding out that salt-and-pepper hair can be the sign of a seasoned worker with such unseen benefits as leadership, problem-solving and teamwork that complement the skills necessary for the job at hand.

And they probably enjoy working from home, a phenomenon that has risen in prominence and acceptance.

Changes are racing through the job scene of late. While the supply of younger workers is diminishing because of lagging birth rate, more older workers are staying on their jobs longer to not only to solidify their retirement finances but to stay busy and active.

Such traditional sectors as teaching and nursing that required person-to-person contact are now being handled in cyberspace, adding to the opportunities for these professionals to offer their services from home.

Workers who have become accustomed to years of reporting for work to join a team of

If you are turning 65 or retiring, call us today to set up a time to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans.

If you are turning 65 or retiring, call us today to set up a time to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans.

With one-to-one support from an agent, you can get clear, helpful answers to all your Medicare questions, big and small. You’ll learn why so many people choose Medicare Advantage, as well as which plans best meet your specific health, budget and medication needs. And you can enroll with confidence, knowing that 4 out of 5 members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage coverage.

With one-to-one support from an agent, you can get clear, helpful answers to all your Medicare questions, big and small. You’ll learn why so many people choose Medicare Advantage, as well as which plans best meet your specific health, budget and medication needs. And you can enroll with confidence, knowing that 4 out of 5 members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage coverage.

colleagues who provide reciprocal personal and professional support may tremble a bit when faced with the concept of toiling all by themselves in a corner of the house.

The self-employed have long recognized the advantages of working from home.

First of all is not having to dress for the office. Comfort trumps all else. And you don’t have to cope with crammed traffic to get to and from your desk.

You can sleep in if you wish and get your work done after lunch or awaken early to get things done and then enjoy the rest of the day - have coffee with friends, visit the grandkids, bicycle through the park.

Depending on your situation, you can work a four-day week and have long weekends every week.

You do have to be your own boss.

Set a schedule, don’t miss deadlines, and keep your eyes on the goals you and your employer establish. If you’re a procrastinator and need someone to look over your shoulder, working on your own may not be for you.

If you can self-start and finish you duties and chores on time, the working world is opening up as employers find home-workers are just as productive as office-bound staff and there’s no need to provide expensive highrent office space to provide their service or sell their product.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Individual investing may threaten pensions

If you are turning 65 or retiring, call us today to set up a time to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans.

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

With one-to-one support from an agent, you can get clear, helpful answers to all your Medicare questions, big and small. You’ll learn why so many people choose Medicare Advantage, as well as which plans best meet your specific health, budget and medication needs. And you can enroll with confidence, knowing that 4 out of 5 members recommend UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage coverage.

Contact us today at 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711.

Contact us today at 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711.

Only half of 1,500 Americans 45 and older could correctly answer such financial questions as whether or not diversifying investments decreases risk, according to an American Association of Retired Persons survey. And at least a quarter of those surveyed answered “I don’t know” to every question. This relative lack of investment know-how is trouble in face of the fact that employers are increasingly shifting the burden of pension investment onto their employees.

Contact us today at 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711.

Almost half of those polled said they get their fiscal advice from friends and family members instead of such business practitioners as financial planners and accountants.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

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

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

Autumn Trace

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

kris.henry@autumntracecommunities.com

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

Brickyard Fountainview Health Center

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

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

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.

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com

Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

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.

Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com

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

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI www.agingconnections.org

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

REAL SERVICES, INC.

1151 South Michigan Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

ALZHEIMERS/DEMENTIA SERVICES

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SERVICES OF NORTHERN INDIANA, INC. (ALZNI) 111 Sunnybrook Ct. South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 232-4121 https://alzni.org/ Providing specialized education, support, and resources for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias including screenings, support groups and programming.

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

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

www.laporteassistedliving.com

*NEW* High-Tech Upscale Affordable One Story

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

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.

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.

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.

COMFORT KEEPERS

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

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

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

HOME CARE SERVICES

HOME INSTEAD

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

www.homeinstead.com/343

Care they deserve in the home they love.

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.

SENIORS HELPING SENIORS

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

info@shsnorthernin.com

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

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

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

villagecaregiving.com

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

VISITING ANGELS OF MICHIANA

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

jfinnessy@visitingangels.com

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

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.

Comfort 1 Hospice

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

www.Comfort1Hospice.com

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

See Our Ad In This Issue

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.

See Our Ad In This Issue

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.

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

(574)

www.villageatarborwood.com

A voyage on the Intracoastal Waterway

By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist

While taking a recent journey through several southeastern states, I knocked on an unmarked wood door, uttered a secret password and was admitted into a throwback Prohibition-era speakeasy in Savannah, Ga.

Later, I took a horse-drawn carriage ride through Beaufort, S.C., a picturesque town that has served as backdrop for more than 100 movies and TV shows.

I was traveling aboard the American Eagle, one of American Cruise Lines ships that ply U.S. waters. The voyage went from Florida’s Amelia Island to Charleston, S.C. via the Intracoastal Waterway.

Along the way, the ship docked at some of the south’s most charming cities and towns, and the outings at each port appealed to many interests. For starters, I checked out the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, where displays bring the “Roaring Twenties” back to life in a colorful way.

A beer truck is parked amid a mob of sign-carrying mannequin protesters. A soundtrack broadcasts evangelist Billy Sunday railing against “king alcohol.”

A portrait of August Anheuser Busch Sr., the brewing magnate, comes alive and engages in a debate with the picture of a female member of the Temperence League hanging nearby. After viewing the exhibits, guests enter a nondescript door and are

immersed in the realistic setting of a 1920s speakeasy.

Passengers who went ashore at Hilton Head Island, S. C. could visit alligators at a wildlife preserve or take a dolphin-watching cruise. In Brunswick, Ga., they could check out a 19th-century rice plantation or take a ride on a shrimping boat.

Beaufort (pronounced BYOO-fert), S. C. has a small-town atmosphere, streets lined by graceful antebellum homes and overhead canopies of Spanish moss-festooned oak trees. Hollywood’s love affair with the town began in 1914 when scenes for the film ”The Americans” were shot there. Viewing it all from a wagon pulled by a straw hat-wearing horse named Bandit added to the ambiance.

On the last day of the cruise, I took a tour of Charleston’s cobblestone streets and squares. Founded in 1670, the city’s architectural style is the unique “single house,” with a narrow, one-room-width side facing the street. That design was necessary during the Colonial era, when a wall enclosed the miniscule, 62acre town, and space was limited.

A long list of other tours also was available to passengers. In Charleston, they included a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Gardens and Plantation, founded in 1676, and Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

During time between ports, passengers could choose from alContinued on page 23

Diamond Tours

Diamond Tours

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

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

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

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

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

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

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

March 21, 2026- Indy Flower & Patio Show

March 21, 2026- Indy Flower & Patio Show

April 2026 - Wine Tour

April 2026 - Wine Tour

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

July 2026 - Peru Circus

July 2026 - Peru Circus

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

September 2026 - Wine Tour

September 2026 - Wine Tour

Check out all of our publications online: inkfreenews.com thepapersonline.com themailjournal.com shoppingguidenews.com autorv.com themunicipal.com glo-mag.com lakelifemagazine.com homelivingplacesandspaces.com seniorlifenewspapers.com

A voyage

most around-the-clock activities available on the ship. Lecturers described the next day’s shore excursions and delved into topics like the Music of the Civil War, the Civil War at Sea and Early American Religion.

Fun and games included bingo, trivia and arts and crafts. A Veterans Appreciation Ceremony honored passengers who had served in the military, and those traveling on their own could attend a solo travelers meetup.

Evening entertainment was equally varied, including live music, a talented ventriloquist and an equally gifted Gullah woman. She described and demonstrated the unique culture, customs and cuisine of that African American ethnic group which is centered in the area.

Of course, cruises are known for their abundant food options. Fresh-baked cookies were served twice a day; nibbles and beverages were available 24/7 and a snack bar offered light breakfasts and lunches on the deck. The evening feast included a pre-dinner cocktail hour with more-than-ample hors d’oeuvres and ended in the

tastes of the region through which we were traveling: crabcakes, barbecued pork chops and shrimp and grits.

American Cruise Lines’ small ships (90 to 180 passengers) are specifically designed to navigate this country’s waterways and coastlines. They’re known for offering spacious staterooms many of which have floor-to-ceiling

sliding glass doors that lead to an outside private balcony. You may choose from dozens of itineraries and opt to travel in a modern river boat or classic paddle wheeler. The ships frequently skip touristy ports in favor of smaller, often overlooked destinations. For more information, visit americancruiselines.com or call (800) 814-6880.

October 7th-16th, 2027