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Vol. 25, No. 9

December cember 2021

Cliff Rice

Elder Law Attorney

Northwest Edition R Reaching Seniors In Illiana: Cook, Lake & Porter Counties

Light the Night raises funds, awareness for

Meals on Wheels %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU Now in its 15th year, “Light the Night for Senior Hunger” is a fundraising initiative that helps provide financial support for Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. It also provides a beautiful holiday display visited by many families during the holiday season. “It’s an opportunity for our community to have a visual reminder of how we all come together,” said Rachel Hurst, director of development for Meals on Wheels Northwest Indiana. The campaign kicked off with a lighting ceremony and socially-distant holiday party Nov. 30. Through the program, financial gifts can be made during holiday season to help the non-profit organization fulfill its mission. “Every gift of $30 or more lights a star on the Trees of Hope, which will glow from dusk until dawn from until

Dec. 31,” said Hurst. “It’s a great photo opportunity as well.” The goal is to raise $100,000 to help deliver 58,000 meals to seniors throughout the region. “The holidays are a time when people are thinking about warmth, about family, about kindness and joy. For many of our clients, these are things they may be missing during the holidays. Meals on Wheels is a lifeline for those we serve because we deliver so much more than a meal — a warm smile, friendly visit and sense of connection we deliver with each meal makes all the difference,” said Hurst. Because there is often a gap between what clients can afford to contribute and what the true cost of the meals is, fundraising efforts ﬁll the gap. “That gap has grown during the pandemic as the cost of food rose more than 40%, so the support of our

3877,1* 83 75((6 ³ ´/LJKW WKH 1LJKW IRU 6HQLRU +XQJHUµ LV D KROLGD\ GLVSOD\ YLVLWHG E\ PDQ\ IDPLOLHV GXULQJ WKH KROLGD\ VHDVRQ 3LFWXUHG DUH 5XG\ 0R\DGR DQG %RE 6WDJH WZR YROXQWHHUV ZKR KHOSHG SXW XS WKH WUHHV 3KRWRV SURYLGHG E\ 0HDOV RQ :KHHOV neighbors and community members is more important than ever,” said Hurst. Meal deliveries are not just a convenience for many clients, but their only lifeline to the outside world. “Living alone is challenging for many older adults and a problem that is growing as the population ages,” said Hurst. She noted statistics from Meals on Wheels America and the 2020 National Social Isolation Summit revealed besides the increase in a need for nourishment, the pandemic has left one in three seniors even more isolated and lonelier than before. Loneliness and social isolation increases the risk of earlier death by 32%. It contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease,

6(1,25 +81*(5 ³ ´/LJKW WKH 1LJKW IRU 6HQLRU +XQJHUµ LV D IXQGUDLVHU IRU 0HDOV RQ :KHHOV RI 1RUWKZHVW ,QGLDQD type II diabetes, immune and respiratory illnesses, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, suicide and addiction, Hurst

explained. “It is also associated with an extra $6.7 billion in Medicare spending annualContinued on page 5

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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Key Positions

Striving to make patients’ best days possible %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU Robert J. Franko believes he has the easiest job as president and CEO of VNA Hospice Northwest Indiana. Yes, he has to oversee operations for a nonproﬁt agency advocating for seniors in various ways. Yes, he is a resource person and recruiter. However, Franko sees his main task as guardian of the VNA mission, making someone’s best days possible. “We take all the services, tie them together, and make the best days possible,” said Franko, 53. The Valparaiso resident has been with the agency for three years. Founded in 1970, VNA serves seniors through hospice and palliative care, Meals on Wheels, LifeLine response system, community education, grief support, veterans programs, and ceremonies celebrating the lives of loved ones. As with other agencies, VNA Hospice has been affected by the pandemic. Pre-COVID-19, Franko said, 70% of hospice patients came from nursing homes and the remainder came from private homes. Today, he said, those percentages are reversed, with more patients coming from private residences. ‘There are less people in nursing homes due to COVID,” Franko said, “and many nursing homes were closed for awhile and it was hard to get staff in there.” Regarding elder care, Franko noted. “We want to make sure we help people stay as independent and in control of their health choices for as long as possible. We really want to

preserve the dignity of the patients and families we serve.” VNA Hospice has a staff of 80 employees and more than 300 volunteers. According to its 2019 annual report, the agency’s hospice served 872 patients, including 161 veterans, and staff made 28,506 visits. LifeLine, a 24/7 at-home response system, had 174 patients, with 736 calls for help. VNA Meals on Wheels served 44,000 meals, thanks to 185 volunteers. Its numbers are currently growing, Franko said. VNA Phoenix Center provided grief support to 63 children in 2019 and had served 286 young people since its inception in 2010. Earning bachelor and master’s degrees from Purdue University, Franko said a challenge today is recruiting staff. Because of VNA Hospice’s unique needs, the CEO said, “We need someone with a calling to this.” Rewards, Franko said, come in the form of thank-you letters. “Every week we get 8 to 10 cards from family members, thanking us for the services we provide,” Franko said. “That blows me away. In the midst of their grief, they take the time to thank us for what we did for them.” VNA Hospice also honors military veterans with an annual We Honor Veterans program. Also, every Friday at the hospice, staff gather to honor any veterans who died. They also discuss what veterans did. “We feel that’s important for us as an organization,” Franko said. Franko is very aware of the legacy Laura Harting started

when she created the local VNA 51 years ago. One possible new program, he said, includes adult day and night services. “We want to continue to build on that legacy for years to come,” he said. “We owe that to the families and next generations.”

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Memory deprived I once made an observation about how strange it was the OTC medication Prevagen, a product used sup,1 $ posedly to 1876+(// enhance %\ ',&. memory, :2/)6,( was produced with ingredients taken from jellyﬁsh — ironically

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the only animal on the planet with no brain. They have since scrapped that commercial. You’re welcome. Now, in every TV ad for Prevagen you see an elderly couple out walking. And it’s always in the woods. Then we see them sitting on their deck talking about their improved memory and boasting about how much they walk every day. Apparently, these folks always ﬁnd their way back home. Maybe the Prevagen people are on to something, after all. I once got lost walking a golf course. Mary Ellen is not a fan of products that admit in their commercials their effectiveness has not been fully proven. But she was so concerned about my increasing forgetfulness, she decided it was worth a try. I was very insulted. “How about you, Mary Ellen? Aren’t you going to try it?” “Don’t be silly. Why do you think I need it?” “Well, last month we got pizza delivered four times, brought in Chinese food three times and had stuff from the freezer about seven times.” “So, what does that have to do with my memory?” “I assumed you forgot how to cook.” I thought that joke would make her angry, but she didn’t say a word. For three days. For a long time, every time I went to CVS, she told me to buy some Prevagen. It kept slipping my mind when I was at the store, which seems to me to be a real conundrum for the Prevagen people — the kind of marketing concern Mr. Wonderful on “Shark Tank” would have been quick to point out: “What good is a memory product if consumers keep forgetting to buy it? I’m out.” In retrospect, I wish I had

not asked my wife to also take the drug. About a month later, I could tell she was annoyed at something and I asked her what was bothering her. “About six months after we got married, Dick, you told me I was starting to gain weight and now that I think about it, I’m still angry at you for saying that.” “That was 39 years ago. What made you remember it now?” “I don’t know. It just came back to me.” “Well, Mary Ellen, I just remembered when we ﬁrst met, you forgot about our date one night and you left me sitting alone at the bar for two hours.” “Wow, Dick, that was 42 years ago. You sure hold a grudge a long time.” Whatever made you think of that again?” After rehashing a few of our less-than-joyous moments in the past, things that long ago had vanished from our minds, we decided to switch from the extra strength Prevagen to the regular strength. There were a few things we wanted erased from our brains forever, and we didn’t want to go overboard with this memory thing. I’m writing a letter to Prevagen to suggest they put this on their warning label: “This product will not only improve your bad memory but may also bring back bad memories.” Catchy, huh? Full disclosure: I have written several hundred columns over the years about Mary Ellen and me. Up until now every article was based on something that really happened. This is the only time everything in the column is completely made up … assuming my memory serves me correctly.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3

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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Spotlight

Hammond man makes Christmas merrier as Santa %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU We all know Santa is a busy guy all year long. This is especially true toward the end of the year when so many children want to see him, get pictures with him and recite their gift lists. With so many children all over the world needing his attention, it takes a village of helpers to don the red suit and show up at malls, pancake breakfasts, pa-

rades and other places. This also means greeting children and urging them to smile for the camera while listening to their wishes. George DeAngelo is one of those guys. He’s been a helper to Mr. Claus for many years, starting when he was coaching at Olympia Lanes when he was asked to dress as Santa and give out candy to children there. “I did that for awhile until the kids there got wise to it,” he said. Next, he ﬁlled in for Kris

:LUPVY 3PML 5VY[O^LZ[ www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Main Office, P.O. Box 188 • 206 S. Main St., Milford, Ind. 46542-0188 (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 Fax 800-886-3796

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Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the senior citizens in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Each of the four editions focus on local information for each area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rbaumgartner@the-papers.com Carrie Goralczyk, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cgoralczyk@the-papers.com Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . smeadows@the-papers.com Bill Hays, Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bhays@the-papers.com Account Executive Rebecca Berggren . . . . . .slwest@the-papers.com • 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2430 Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rsalinas@the-papers.com Commercial Printing Customer Service Tina Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tcarson@the-papers.com Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rkrygowski@the-papers.com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers.com Phoebe Banks, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pmuthart@the-papers.com Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior St. Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $34 for one year; and $58 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers. com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life.

Kringle at some downtown Hammond holiday events. From there, his name was given to the team at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. It was in need of someone to sit atop Santa’s Mountain for the “A Christmas Story Comes Home” events. The mountain resembled the one in the classic Christmas ﬁlm, “A Christmas Story,” based on a book written by Hammond native, Jean Shepherd. He’s now been the resident Santa for at least 10 years. Last year, Santa’s Mountain was swapped out for sociallydistant Santa visits in the theatre, where children can go up individually to talk with Santa during a designated time slot. They sit on the other side of a plexiglass barrier, allowing kids to safely take off masks and show their smiles. “They did this last year, and it worked so well,” said DeAngelo. “People loved it because there’s not a long line and you can make an appointment.” Appointments can be scheduled online at www. southshorecva.com. Most of the visits are with happy kids, but DeAngelo has had some emotional moments while in the red suit. “One day, when I was doing an event in downtown Hammond, a girl was sitting there and her grandma kept telling her to

62&,$//< ',67$17 6$17$ ³ *HRUJH 'H$QJHOR DOVR NQRZQ DV 6DQWD &ODXV DSSHDUV DW PDQ\ QRUWKZHVW ,QGLDQD YHQXHV LQFOXG LQJ ,QGLDQD :HOFRPH &HQWHU LQ +DPPRQG 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 6RXWK 6KRUH &RQYHQWLRQ DQG 9LVLWRUV $XWKRULW\ come up. She was 12 or 13. The grandma ﬁnally brought her up and the girl cried. I kept asking what was wrong, but she didn’t answer. I had jingle bells that I would ring. She’d grin a little each time I rang them, so I said ‘you take these home with you and when you’re feeling sad, then just ring them and let them help you think about the good times,’” he explained. “The next year, this young girl came up with her boyfriend. I asked if she was waiting for a picture. She pulled the bells out of her pocket and told me she shakes them all the time. She said

when she had been there before her family had lost their home and money was tight. She felt bad and like she didn’t belong, but she came back.” He has had a lot of repeat visitors. This includes a family that comes to see him each year from Ohio. He was the ﬁrst Santa the children met, and they come back to see him every year. Besides his appearances at the Indiana Welcome Center, he also spends an evening at Sub Hub, Hammond, where the owner provides treats and a chance for children to see Santa for free. He’ll be there from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 10.

Don’t shrug off depression %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV It can be depressing just thinking about depression. Well, not exactly because depression itself is broadly deﬁned as a persistent loss of interest in anything. Which means you don’t do a lot of thinking if you’re depressed. However, you can’t think your way out of depression. You have to act and you’re ﬁrst act is to discuss your situation with

your primary care physician. Unending boredom may be a sign of depression but more certain symptoms are feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and self-loathing. Research reveals that as many as 20% of adults suffer some degree of depression. Those affected most are aged 18 to 30. A close second are the elderly. Women are more likely to be depressed than men. Losing the day-to-day contact

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with colleagues at work, the loss of loved ones, having to live alone when a spouse dies, increasing health problems associated with aging, and being moved into a senior-care facility are on the list of events that can dump you into depression. Attending to grief, adjustments in lifestyle, financial problems, family friction, reactions to many medications, and just plain keeping up with changes in society and the people around you add sufficient stress to get you down. Unattended to, the situation can lead to suicide. If you can’t see any enjoyment anywhere in your life, you’re probably clinically depressed and you need medical help. Many folks don’t get treatment because they’re ashamed to talk about their feelings or they feel they can tough it out. Talking things out with family and friends can be therapeutic because it helps everyone compare notes on how to handle life’s exigencies. There are several signs of depression, including sleeping too much or too little, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, feeling guilty, chronic pain or digestive disorders and difficulty making decisions. Treatment for severe clinical depression includes talk therapy and antidepressant drugs. Be comforted by the fact that since treatment exists, the medical community is used to handling — and curing — people with depression. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5

S. O. S. – Speaking of Seniors

Getting $1,408 for our client %\ :22'52: :,/&2; On Nov. 16, a client and his wife visited me at the ofﬁce in Merrillville. The client is from Lowell. The client had visited a hospital on the Illinois side of the state line. The hospital in Illinois sent him a bill his insurance company did not pay. So, he paid the hospital $1,408 and then he contacted me to learn why his insurance company nev-

er paid that bill to the hospital. I checked on it and learned Medicare never sent the detailed review and ruling on the claim to the insurance company. That was not the fault of our client or the insurance company. If I sent the insurance company proof Medicare had ruled the client owed $1,408 and proof the client had paid it to the hospital, then the insurance company would reimburse our client. So, I did that. Going that

‘Christmas on the Farm’ Dec. 11 Portage Community Historical Society will be having “Christmas on the Farm” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11, at Countryside Park, 5250 U.S. 6 in Portage.

Santa Claus will be there and children’s crafts and light refreshments will be available. The museum will also be open for the public during those hours.

Light the Night Continued from page 1 ly,” she said. “Meals on Wheels is unique because it addresses both — targeted, healthy nutrition for better health and connections and friendships that end isolation and loneliness,” said Hurst. Volunteers are vital to the operation of MOW with more than 600 community volunteers helping to deliver meals, be phone pals, assemble meals,

stamp bags and assist in the ofﬁce. If you are interested in volunteering, contact charlie@ mownwi.org or call (219) 7563663. To register for meals or participate in “Light the Night,” visit www.mownwi.org. People may also send a check to Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, Attn: Light the Night, 8446 Virginia St, Merrillville, 46410.

route was easier than having the insurance company pay the hospital and then asking the hospital to reimburse our client. That is how our client will get his money back. Thus, letting me help him saved the client $1,408.

All the help I gave this client was free of charge. This insurance agency “goes the extra mile” to help our clients in such matters. If your insurance agent or agency will not help you in this way, why not switch

to our agency? (Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services. He has saved clients of that ﬁrm more than $2 million.)

Letter to the editor

Elections prove something Dear Editor: The results of the elections Nov. 2 prove some things. First, it proves the average voter is not happy with the leadership or goals of Democrats Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi. Second, it proves Democrats, who want to win re-election in 2022 in Congress need to start not cooperating with these Democrat leaders in order to impress

voters they are not “lap dogs” for Biden, Schumer and Pelosi. Third, it proves Democrats in both houses of Congress should consider changing leaders now. Joe Manchin has proven he has a much better understanding of what the average voter expects and wants from Democrats. So, Manchin should replace Schumer as leader of the Democrats in the Senate as soon as possible. Pelosi should be re-

placed by any Democrat who has some common sense and doesn’t support the hate mongers in the Democratic Party, such as those in “The Squad.” Woodrow Wilcox Dyer (Wilcox is a former elected Democratic Party precinct committeeman and former elected Democratic Party state convention delegate.)

We welcome readers’ letters. Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signature will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for veriﬁcation, but will not be published. Emailed letters will be accepted but the above information must be included. We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns. Send letters to: Senior Life, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

6KRZ <RXU )DPLO\ +RZ 0XFK <RX /RYH 7KHP :LWK 2QH RI WKH %HVW *LIWV <RX &RXOG *LYH 7KH %HQH¿WV 2I $Q (VWDWH 3ODQ &DQ %H $ :RQGHUIXO *LIW 7R <RXU )DPLO\ ͻ ĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĚŝƐĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞƐ ŽĨ tŝůůƐ ĂŶĚ dƌƵƐƚƐ͘ ͻ WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ǇŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ >ŽŶŐͲdĞƌŵ ĂƌĞ͘ ͻ WƌŽƚĞĐƟŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ŝŶŚĞƌŝƚĂŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĞǆͲƐƉŽƵƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůĂǁƐƵŝƚƐ͘ ͻ WƌĞƐĞƌǀŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŝĨ ǇŽƵƌ ƐƵƌǀŝǀŝŶŐ ƐƉŽƵƐĞ ŐĞƚƐ ƌĞŵĂƌƌŝĞĚ͘ ͻ ,Žǁ ƉƌŽďĂƚĞ ǁŽƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚůǇ͕ ŚŽǁ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂǀŽŝĚ ƉƌŽďĂƚĞ ĂůƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ͘ ͻ >ĞĂƌŶ ƚŚĞ ϭϮ ĐƌŝƟĐĂů ĞůĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŽĨ ŐŽŽĚ ĞůĚĞƌ ůĂǁ ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ͘

Elder Law and Estate Planning (OGHU /DZ DQG (VWDWH 3ODQQLQJ

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Call Now For A Free Consultation!

Cliff Rice Elder Law Attorney

Receive a free copy of our book, “How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs” when you do planning by January 15, 2022.

DĞƌƌǇ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ƚŽ zŽƵ ĂŶĚ zŽƵƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ ZŝĐĞ Θ ZŝĐĞ ƩŽƌŶĞǇƐ ĚǀĞƌƟƐŝŶŐ DĂƚĞƌŝĂů

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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Finance

Social Security benefits increase in 2022 %\ '$1,(/ 6800(5 3XEOLF $IIDLUV 6SHFLDOLVW Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security beneﬁts and Supplemental Security Income payments in 2022. Federal beneﬁt rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer

Price Index. The CPI-W rises when inﬂation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the cost-of-living adjustment helps to offset these costs. We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement,

survivors, and disability beneﬁciaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But, if you want to know your new beneﬁt amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can access this information in early December prior to the

mailed notice. If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account at www. ssa.gov/myaccount to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. Did you know you can re-

Financial plan buys comfortable retirement comfort %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Retirement has become a Never-Never land for many workers as a shifting society is embracing longer working years and remote work from home ofﬁces. But if you’re among the folks who look forward to lolling at an ocean beach, gamboling with grandkids, or developing a second career, retirement is still the time to do all that. Financial research indicates less than 20% of grownups have devoted time to develop a ﬁnancial framework for when they grow old. The current COVID-19 experience is a peek into what

you need to enjoy retiring. If all of the mandated shutdowns, work stoppages and erratic stock market weren’t a major shock to your ﬁnancial position, you can thank your lucky stars or yourself for having the foresight to prepare for such exigencies. In fact, if you’re pretty well content with your life, you’ll probably fare well if and when you decide to retire because the ﬁrst major step necessary for life after work is to balance your income and outgo. This regimen requires foresight, which calls for planning. If you have your income, spending and savings in tow during your working life, they will keep you comfort-

able when you leave the workforce. A never-ending concern is whether or not your money will run out before you die. A crutch by many investors is to maintain a rainy-day fund. That is a cache of cash separate from their main portfolio that can be used in an emergency, such as a medical problem or natural disaster, without bruising their main source of ﬁnancial support. An indication of how stable you and your ﬁnancial planning are is to ask yourself what you would do with a sizeable windfall. For example, what did you do with the stimulus check your received during the pandemic? Or you last tax refund

check? Did that money go to pay down credit-card debt or to make additions to your investment portfolio? Or did you go out and buy a new car? A sign of good planning for both the present and the future is the old familiar phrase: Pay yourself. Whenever you receive payment or income of any sort, pay yourself 10% right off the top. That money is funneled immediately and directly into you your investment plan. Watching that account grow will also add inventive to paying more money and attention to your ﬁnancial future and make retirement a comfortable reality for you. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

ceive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something important for you — like your COLA notice. An account must have been created by Nov. 17 to receive the 2022 COLA notice online. January 2022 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2022 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2022 and you can view that at www.ssa. gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2022.pdf. Be among the first to know. Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications. You can find more information about the 2022 COLA at www.ssa.gov/cola.

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Your credit score can be lowered if you cancel any of your unused credit cards. When you close a card, the amount of unused credit you have drops, which means you’re using a bigger percentage of your unused credit because that limit has been lowered. Lenders use that ratio to determine the credit standing of borrowers. It’s smarter to use those “unused” cards ever few months or so to keep the issuer from canceling them. If you’re determined to dump a card or two, look at those with high annual fees and those with the lowest credit limits. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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Unless you’re a black-belt shopper, clipping coupons can only be a means of slicing your budget. Most coupons are designed to nudge you into buying a new product. Just ignore them, unless you spot one that’s for something you always use, such as a particular toothpaste or brand of laundry detergent. Shop coupons just as you would shop items in the supermarket. If you don’t use the product, pass it up. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

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8 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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REHABILITATION 5(&29(5< Problem solved —

His bed arrived in pieces. Can he get a refund? %\ &+5,6723+(5 (//,277 *XHVW :ULWHU Todd Brown’s mattress order arrives in pieces from Amerisleep. After waiting months, he just wants a refund. Is that allowed? I ordered a king mattress and frame and paid $3,400 almost three months ago from Amerisleep. After multiple delays from the stated two-week delivery, I received the mattress and one twin frame about a month later. They then said another twin was on the way to “create” a king. I never received the second twin. They then offered to

upgrade to their premium frame a few weeks later. I accepted the offer. After multiple assurances the frames were on their way, they were never shipped. FedEx picked up the single twin, then dropped it back off. I don’t have a frame that ﬁts the bed. At this point, I just want a refund for the entire bed. Amerisleep’s response was to authorize a refund for less than half the total price ($1,680). That was a month ago and still no refund. There was no itemization for the credit nor a response to the other requests. Separately, another

Amerisleep representative told me the bed frame is not returnable. The representative asked me to send a photo of the warranty tag and they will arrange for either a pick-up or allow me to donate the mattress to a local charity. I have not heard from them since. Can you help me get a refund? — Todd Brown, Gainesville, Fla. Of course, Amerisleep should have sent you the mattress and frame when it said it would. A three-month wait is unacceptable. I’ve reviewed the correspondence between you and the company, and it isn’t clear to me why the company didn’t

deliver the frame when it said it would. Instead, it made promises it didn’t keep, leaving you frustrated and sleepless. It looks as if you tried to send emails and initiated a chat through the Amerisleep page. Amerisleep offers a guarantee on its products (“Sleep easy, we’ve got your back”) that amounts to a limited 20-yearwarranty, but that assumes it has delivered the mattress and frame. There’s no guarantee it will get the bed to you in a timely manner, only a vague assurance your mattress and accessories will “usually ship within 3-5 business days.” Maybe there should be a delivery guarantee.

You could have appealed this service breakdown to a manager at Amerisleep. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Amerisleep customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. I contacted Amerisleep on your behalf. More than three months after your initial order, Amerisleep contacted you to arrange to have your mattress taken away and promised to refund your money. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy ofﬁcer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@ elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at www.elliott.org/help.

Sleep soundly while in the sky %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV A long-dead colleague who had to fly all over the globe purchasing supplies for his company feared flying so intensely, he had to get intoxicated before boarding an airplane. He wouldn’t be allowed on these days. But getting drunk before cramming your way into a crowded cabin might make it easier to grab some ZZ’s once you tied yourself down into the seat of a commercial airliner. Unless you’re traveling in first class, and many airlines are doing away with that section, you have to be the size an 8-year-old to find comfort in the sky. Many long-time travel-

ers have their own secrets for snoozing in flight. Some scrunch themselves into the window seat, pull down the blind and begin counting sheep. Others book a seat at the front bulkhead so there’s no seat in front of them to be tilt back into their laps. But, in the airlines’ race to sardine as many passengers as possible into every flight, leg space has been collapsed, seats are made thinner and narrower, and more rows has been added to cram in more passengers. You have to tote our own pillow and blanket for comfort for a couple of reasons. Those supplied by the flight attendant aren’t comfortable and, in more and more cases, there’s a

charge for them. If you’re fortunate enough to get normal-sized and polite seat mates, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to get some sleep on that long ﬂight. Making life easier in the air begins on the ground. Seat selection is important, especially on long hauls. But pick out a reclining seat, so avoid the row against the rear bulkhead and emergency exit. However, the row facing the emergency exit offers a bit more leg room. Some seasoned travelers recommend seats in the middle of the cabin to avoid the trafﬁc connected to lavatories and galleys. Don’t expect a lot of comfort jetting from Los Angeles to

Memory Care

San Francisco or Toronto to Montreal but you should shop for seats on coast-to-coast or transoceanic ﬂights. Before falling asleep, make sure your seat belt is wrapped over your blanket so the ﬂight attendant can see it and won’t have to wake you up if the Fas-

ten Seat Belt sign goes on. And leave the tray table up so you won’t be awakened when they decide to serve breakfast. Before dozing off, you can tuck some plugs into your ears and slip a comfortable mask over our eyes. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

Clean up your room %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV If you still get miffed thinking about your mom telling to clean up your room, you may want to quit reading right now. Because it’s never too soon to look around your bedroom for ways to make it more comfortable as age and disabilities creep into your life. Dresser drawers can grow stubborn of the years, so you need to grease those skids or get new furniture. High shelves may become unreachable as you grow older — and older. Getting around your bed, dresser, chair and whatever else you keep there without stubbing your toe is important because much or your life is spent shoeless in that room. As you grow into your senior years, you might need space to get around it with a walker, wheelchair or some other walking aids such as canes and crutches. And you need space to store these devices without clogging up the area. It’s also important the bedroom and closet doors are wide enough to enter comfortably with any of the mobility aids mentioned earlier. Check your bathroom door at the same time. Thresholds should be level so you can cross them easily without tripping and not be barriers

for walkers, wheelchairs and scooters. The bedroom door should open outward so you won’t block it should you fall. What’s covering our floor is also important. Slippery material should be replaced. Rugs are both decorative and comfortable but can be hazardous if not fastened to the floor. Even if they are, they can be tripped over as age reduces walking to a shuffle. Remove unnecessary furniture to make maneuvering much easier and remove furniture corners that can be hazardous if you fall. Make sure television, lamp, telephone, electrical and any other cords are not stuffed under a carpet or cluttering your pathways. Lighting is important in any room. A switch should be immediately inside the door and be accessible if standing up or seated in a wheelchair. Contrasting colors for the light switch, bedspreads and furniture will help you identify what’s what and help avoid confusion when you’re in your room. This exercise can apply to the rest of your home as well, but making our bedroom comfortable is a priority because that’s where you start and end your day. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9

REHABILITATION 5(&29(5<

If it’s autoimmune, it can be anything %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV A recent visit of the blahs, ﬂu, endless fatigue, chills, sweats, and whatever reminded me of what has become one of medicine’s major mysteries — autoimmune disorders. More than 100 conditions

have joined the list since they were ﬁrst identiﬁed a little more than three decades ago. Among the most common are rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus and multiple sclerosis. What links these is their root cause: your immune system is battling part of you — your skin, blood

Chamber’s Mistletoe Market comes to Chesterton Dec. 4 Chesterton’s European Market is dressing up for the holidays. This year’s Mistletoe Market is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4, at 220 Broadway, Chesterton. Mistletoe Market, a holiday market, is outside again this year, giving the event a more European feel. Mistletoe Market will feature many regular season vendors. There will be mulled wine and

live music, along with crafts for the whole family to enjoy. Santa will even be in attendance, too. Find that perfect, one-ofa-kind holiday gift and experience a little bit of Europe. For questions about Mistletoe Market, call the Duneland chamber at (219) 926-5513 or email chad@dunelandchamber. org or visit its Facebook page at Chesterton’s European Market.

vessels, joints, nerves or organs. In my case, it’s autoimmune hepatitis and my liver is the enemy. It all began to surface a dozen years ago while on a trip to Italy. I began feeling tired and just couldn’t shake loose of that feeling. And it took almost half a year of tests, MRIs, X-rays and biopsies to unearth the cause. I learned my liver has four major stages: good, not too bad, fatty and it-has-to-be-replaced. Mine was on the cusp of fatty and the ﬁnal stage. And being autoimmune hepatitis means the doctors have no idea what

caused it. Steroids were prescribed immediately and I began with prednisone tablets. That steroid had to be discarded when they conﬂicted with the bladdercancer pills I began taking a few years later. Azathioprene is the replacement that works at decreasing my immune systems activity. Through all this, I’ve learned I should avoid getting sick. A few weeks ago, I woke up sweating and with the chills. I felt fatigued, unsteady on my feet and had a cough that was persistent in spells. Was this COVID-19, or the ﬂu, or some-

thing else? I felt like I felt in Italy several years ago so I did what a doctor’s assistant suggested a few years ago. I took a bottle of water out of the fridge, sipped some, turned on the television set, curled up in the big chair, and fell asleep. “Just baby yourself and wait things out,” she said. And that worked. I hadn’t been sick for more than nine years and this was a reminder of what can happen. I don’t know how I got sick so we’ll just have to call it the autoimmune under-the-weather ailment. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

Home work lengthens careers %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Working from home not only saves time by eliminating the commute from home to office and back, it also saves money by eliminating the need to dress up for the office. And one-third of hiring managers said productivity has increased since their employees began working from home when the pandemic closed things down. There’s no real sense yet about how much of the work force will keep on working from their bedroom, den, living-room table, garage, studio or whatever as pandemic mandates and restrictions are lifted, but the working world knows things will never be the same. Some companies already are paying for their employee’s equipment and furniture being used at home. At the same time, a quarter of home workers surveyed said they’d take a 10% pay cut to keep on working out of their home. While the majority of workers like this practice and its prospects, three-quarters of supervisors and managers want their workers back on site. Human resources officials report management’s push to have workers get back to the office is simply control. An August survey of 200 executives revealed they didn’t have faith in much of their staff to be productive workers at home. Managers said they aren’t able to tutor their employees when they aren’t in the office. While the work-at-home and work-in-the-office factions are still rather shapeless, there are signs the workers are becoming more flexible and, as a result,

independent. Growing numbers of people are starting jobs and then leaving them without ever meeting their colleagues. This remote approach to work eliminates the emotional attachment to the workplace, where people devote their time to being productive surrounded by colleagues devoted to similar goals. The traditional teamwork approach disappears. The upside for many workers who ﬂourish by working at home is they can extend their careers past the traditional retirement age. Employers beneﬁt by retaining these workers’ experience and expertise much longer. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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10 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Sports

Trainer always learning something new about sports injuries %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU

busy six days a week much of the year. Even after the school year ends in June, it’s time for football players to begin preseason workouts. “I’m around here all the time,” Stento said of the training room centrally located near locker rooms, weight rooms, ﬁeldhouse, and gyms. “I see a wide variety of injuries,” Stento continued. “Depending on the sport, it could be ankles, knees, sprains, strains, bruises, and back issues.” Add to these conditions COVID-19, and Stento has to keep things clean and himself masked around young athletes. Still, Stento isn’t complaining. “I enjoy my job because things are always changing,” he said. “I like learning new things.” To retain his certiﬁcation, Stento must continue his education annually. “The challenge is keeping up with new things,” he said, “and making good decisions for athletes and always looking for something new. “I like variety. I’d be bored if I was doing the same thing over

It is nearly 3:15 p.m. at Chesterton High School, which for Bernie Stento means getting ready for some studentathletes. A teacher at CHS, Stento for the past 22 years has also been an athletic trainer for the Trojans. A former soccer and baseball player in high school, Stento noted, “I’ve been around athletics my whole life, playing, being active, so athletic training was a natural ﬁt for me.” The Chesterton resident doubled majored in college, studying health education and athletic training at Ithaca College in upstate New York. Next, he earned master’s degrees in exercise and sports science and sports training from the University of Arizona. A certiﬁed athletic trainer since 1989, Stento, 54, served at Lehigh University and Michigan City High School before coming to CHS. There, he and two other trainers handled all the sports. The CHS training staff is

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and over again. The variety of injuries keeps me on my toes,” Stento continued. “I’m trying to make sure I can solve problems. I’m always learning new ways of healing injuries and ways to feel good about myself and having an impact on kids.” So far, so good for Stento and the Trojans. Honors have included the 2017 National Association of Athletic Trainers Service Award and the 2018 Newell Athletic Trainer of the Year Award. CHS Athletic Director Jeff Hamstra said Stento won the latter “because of his exemplary display of service and leadership in the local athletic community.” “I like that I’m around people

I like. It makes time go by quickly,” Stento noted. “Working with kids, they help you feel a little more youthful. The athletic department has a lot of positive people, and with that good environment you look forward to coming to work.” That recovery includes academics. Injured athletes may have missed classes, and Stento works with coaches to ensure student-athletes have enough time to make up classwork. According to Stento, his job is “constantly changing, evolving. We do lots of triage here. You do what you gotta do to take care of kids and make sure kids get enough time to recover.”

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 11

For Information On How To Advertise Call 219-254-2345

THE 1970s 57. *First U.S. space station 60. *Mr. Jefferson 63. Nest for an eagle 64. Between Fla. and Miss. 66. Cold cream brand 68. Does like some coffee makers 69. Tasseled hat 70. Not snail mail 71. Back talk 72. *Nicklaus’ peg 73. Smartly dressed DOWN 1. Anatomical pouch 2. Plural of #6 Across 3. ____ 51, Nevada 4. *”____way to Heaven” 5. Feed beet 6. Some have a high tolerance for it 7. *1973 ____ crisis 8. *Oliver Sacks’ “Awakenings” drug 9. Boll weevil, e.g. 10. Saintly sign 11. Like never-losing Steven 12. Kind of nurse 15. Not outside 20. Egg-shaped 22. Cash dispenser 24. Compensating equivalents 25. *”The Mary Tyler Moore Show” spin-off 26. Center of a church, pl.

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TIPS: To make ahead: Prepare cider as directed; cool. Transfer to an airtight container; cover. Chill for up to 3 days. Serve chilled, or transfer to a large Dutch oven and heat through.

ACROSS 1. Muscular contraction 6. D.C. mover and shaker 9. “That was close!” 13. Blood circulation organ 14. FEMA provisions, e.g. 15. Not bob, to a boxer 16. Like a whistle? 17. UN labor org. 18. Speck in the ocean 19. *Fallen South Vietnamese capital 21. *War movie and Oscar-winner 23. Once around 24. Hippocrates’ promise 25. Ribonucleic acid 28. Bakery unit 30. Foliage vein 35. In ﬁne fettle 37. Scoop or skinny 39. Nephew’s sister 40. “Metamorphoses” poet 41. *ABBA’s genre 43. Thailand money 44. Temporarily ban 46. Way to fry 47. Jamie Fraser of “Outlander” 48. *”The Gods Themselves” author 50. Romanov ruler 52. Give it a go 53. It prevents objectivity 55. Brewed beverage

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12 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Phoenix embraces desert sprawl %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Unlike its legendary-bird namesake, this sprawling metropolis of Phoenix ranked among the fastest-growing areas in the nation did not reenergize itself by rising out of its own ashes in the burning desert. More like that pink rabbit in the battery commercial, it just grows and grows and keeps on growing, stretching its shopping centers and subdivisions over and around every cactus and crevice in the Valley of the Sun. To get our arms around this urbanized sprawl that has positioned attractions and accommodations as much as two hours apart, we traveled by car, bicycle, horse, lightrail and balloon. We launched our local exploration by visiting the Arizona Challenger Space Center. Visitors ﬂow seamlessly through scenarios that include space missions complete with emergencies. Still in up-in-the-air mode, we headed to Deer Valley Airport on the northeastern edge of town for a mile-high 90-minute balloon ride to enhance our perspective of the local growth. If such a diversion doesn’t sound appealing, you can take a quick drive to South Mountain Park where several viewpoints offer panoramic views of this vibrant valley. The best time to head there is the ﬁrst two weeks of April when rain-fed blooms carpet the mountainside.

For a closer look at those, we took advantage of a mountain-bike tour — others took a more leisurely hike — of Usery Park east of the city. That’s where we were told one reason the giant saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert that stretches from Arizona into Mexico, develops “arms” not to denote its age but to balance itself against the relentless wind. To pick up more easy knowledge, about an hour away is a hands-on complex designed to keep anyone from 8 to 80 entertained for hours on end. While the Challenger facility transports you into learning mode without you realizing it, the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix caters to the touchand-feel gene in all of us. Visitors are encouraged to learn ﬁrst-hand how to build a house, watch heart surgery, test their piloting skills. Its mantra is “If you break it, we’ll ﬁx it.” There’s much more to this town than desert, of course, and prominent among the valley’s notable resorts is the Phoenician, which is tucked into a fold of local icon Saddleback Mountain with its eye-candy nighttime vistas of the twinkling town lights to the south. About an hour south in the Gila River Indian Community is the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort on the grounds of a casino — the largest of the more than half-dozen casinos in this metro area — built by the Pima and Maricopa tribes

6$*8$52 &$&786 ³ $ 6DJXDUR FDFWXV LV VLOKRXHWWHG DJDLQVW WKH VHWWLQJ VXQ LQ WKH 6RQRUD GHVHUW WKDW VXUURXQGV 3KRHQL[ 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ &HFLO 6FDJOLRQH 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV of Native Americans. A small parasol-protected riverboat putt-putts gamblers on a man-made creek between the hotel lobby and casino lobby. You can tour the facilities via horse-drawn wagon or range farther by heading out from the horseback riding stables. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

Faith

East Chicago man serves as Salvation Army volunteer %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU Richard Sopher feels like he has been blessed during this time of year. He wants to do what he can to help bless others. That comes in the form of volunteering to ring the bell next to a red bucket to collect funds for the Salvation Army. Now retired, Sopher calls himself an “all-around gogetter,” who worked in a variety of different businesses — from restaurants to bowling alleys — to support himself. He even spent 15 holiday seasons as a paid bell ringer for the Salva-

tion Army, but ﬁve years ago, he decided to become a volunteer. He said he still gets paid, but not monetarily. “I work for Jesus,” Sopher said. “He takes care of me.” Sopher said Jesus helps him get his kettles ﬁlled, and he works with him at home and on the job. “I pray to him and he always helps me,” said Sopher. “Prayer is the main word. If you don’t pray, Jesus doesn’t answer you. You have to ask in Jesus’ name, and he takes care of you. Every prayer I ask, he takes care of me.” He hasn’t lightened his load either as a volunteer. He’s still

Farm women are decision makers —

Annie’s Project courses set to begin Farm women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets, and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country. During Annie’s Project courses, urban agriculture women entrepreneurs become empowered to be better business partners or sole operators through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. “Annie’s Project: Farming in Indiana’s Cities and Urban Fringe,” a six-week course, is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in urban ag production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. There’s plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It’s a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow, and meet other women urban farmers. Whether new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural spreadsheets, and other necessary skills are vital. Learning them in a friendly environment

where questions and discussion are welcomed, allow the learning process to ﬂourish. Annie’s Project courses have successfully reached more than 9,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states. Purdue Extension of Lake County is offering classes from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 to March 14, 2022. The cost for the in-person course is $65 per person and includes a workbook and support materials for all sessions; register early. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 31, 2022. Register at cvent.me/ WYgrYW. An alumna of “Annie’s Project: Farming in Indiana’s Cities and Urban Fringe” said, “I signed up for Annie’s Project to network but also to understand the risks these farmers take on. It was a very great experience, and I hope to do it again in the future.” For more information, contact Rachel Rawls at (574) 235-9605 or email rwigingt@ purdue.edu, Nikky Witkowski at (219) 465-3555 or email nikky@purdue.edu, or Rebecca Koetz at (219) 755-3240 or email busser@purdue.edu.

Keep friends close %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Posting photos of family and friends on the refrigerator is a grand reminder of the folks we love. Research indicates sticking a handful of names of people

we want to remain connected with on the fridge or near the telephone can also help us feel less alone. All it takes to lower your level of loneliness is to make a short call to these folks regularly, probably once a week. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

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out gathering donations for the Salvation Army’s mission six days a week for several hours on each shift for the seven weeks leading up to Christmas. At age 69, he said he plans to continue to do so as long as he’s able to. This year, Sopher also became a “soldier” of the Salvation Army. He has vowed to do anything he can to help others. Sopher enjoys his time interacting with others, while he helps to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s programs. He smiles, thanks donors and leaves them with a “God bless you.” “I talk to people, and I just love the Salvation Army,” he said. “I try to help with anything they are doing.” Recently, he has helped with an outdoor rummage sale that is organized to raise funds. “Anything that can make money for Salvation Army, I will do it,” said Sopher. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination,” according to its mission statement posted at www.salvationarmyusa.org. “The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever and however we can,” the website states. That help comes in many forms,

5,1*,1* )25 -(686 ³ 5LFKDUG 6RSKHU LV D 6DOYDWLRQ $UP\ YROXQWHHU DQG D EHOO ULQJHU +H KDV EHHQ ERWK D YROXQWHHU DQG D SDLG EHOO ULQJHU 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 5LFKDUG 6RSKHU from helping to prevent homelessness, providing spiritual healing, organizing job training programs, offering services for veterans and the aging, providing disaster relief, after-school

programs and holiday gifts for children. Sopher can be found this season ringing the bell at the Strack and Van Til location on Sibley Boulevard in Hammond.

14 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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LCPL offering adult programs Lake County Public Library is offering the following events and classes in December. Masks and registration are required for some library programs. Cedar Lake The Cedar Lake Branch Library, 10010 W. 133rd Ave., is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs: visit www.lcplin.org/branches/cl.htm or call (219) 374-7121. Crochet at the library, 4:306:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21, Dec. 28 Word Games: An Afternoon of Fun, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 27 “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Schererville The Dyer-Schererville Branch Library, 1001 W. Lincoln Highway (US 30), is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www. lcplin.org/branches/ds.htm or call (219) 322-4731. Virtual Between the Lines Book Club, 3-4 p.m. Dec. 14. Between the Lines Book Club, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 16

Coloring for Adults, 12:302:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Grifﬁth The Grifﬁth Calumet Branch Library, 1215 E. 45th Ave., is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www.lcplin.org/branches/gr.htm or call (219) 838-2825. Thursday Threaders, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Dec. 30 All Ability: Holiday Trucks, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 Movie Matinee, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 15 Book Discussion, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 13 Highland The Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St. is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www. lcplin.org/branches/hi.htm or call (219) 838-2394. All Ability Winter Craft, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Mystery Book Club, 3-4 p.m. Dec. 16 Movie Afternoon, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 22 Hobart The Hobart Branch Library, 100 Main St., is offering the

following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www.lcplin.org/ branches/ho.htm or call (219) 942-2243. Stitch’n Time, 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 4 Adult Crafting: Dragon Egg Ornaments, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Hobart Book Chat, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 21 Lake Station The Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Library, 2007 Central Ave., is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www.lcplin.org/ branches/lsnc.htm or call (219) 962-2409. Movie Time, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 15. Craft and Chat, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 18 Merrillville The Merrillville Branch Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave. (US 30), is offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for all programs; visit www.lcplin.org/branches/ cnl.htm or call (219) 769-3541. Keep Me in Stitches, 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 1 Virtual and In House Genealogy Class, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 2

Friends of the Library Meeting, 1-2 p.m., Dec. 14 Circle of Readers Book Discussion, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 14 Munster The Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave., is offering the following program for adults. Registration is required for programs; visit www.lcplin. org or call (219) 836-8450. Munster Book Discussion, 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 16 St. John The St. John Branch Library, 9450 Wicker Ave. (US 41), is

offering the following programs for adults. Registration required for programs; visit www. lcplin.org/branches/sj.htm or call (219) 365-5379. Off the Hook, 12:30–2 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Dec. 29 Travel Film, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 Page Turners, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Dec. 8 Holiday Crafts, 10-11 a.m. Dec. 11 Classic Films, 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 16

Fight off ageism %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV There’s a tendency for healthcare professionals to pass off complaints by old folks as just that — complaints. Medicines and medical treatments and procedures that might be prescribed for younger patients aren’t considered for older patients by many doctors. There’s the vintage joke about the doctor telling his nonagenarian patient he should expect his left knee to hurt because it’s 90 years old. The patient then re-

minds the doc that his right knee is the same age and feels ﬁne. Seniors who feel their condition is being ignored should tell whoever their dealing to sit down and listen to how they feel. It might help to schedule an appointment and bring another person with you. They can help you articulate your condition and questions as well as observe if your being treated like a child by your medical team. If you still feel like you’re being shrugged off, start looking for another doctor. Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

Professional Forum EXPANDING — Interested Businesses Call Becky Berggren At 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2430 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column Professional Forum . . .

Dermatology

Your exclusive opportunity to present common questions or concerns “Adults 50 Years And Better” may have relating to your product(s) or service.

Q: How can I avoid skin problems from developing?

Advertising with us is a Breeze

During our 60s, 70s, and beyond, the many changes transforming our skin can feel inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. 1. Bathe to relieve dry skin. • Use luke warm water. • Use a soft cloth to wash. • Pat water gently from your skin after bathing, leaving some moisture. Having water on your skin when you apply moisturizer helps hydrate your skin. • Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing. • You increase your risk of slips and falls when you use bath oil to moisturize your skin, so it’s best to avoid bath oil. 2. Use a humidifier when the air feels dry.

A. David Soleymani M.D., F.A.A.D. Board-Certified Dermatologist

3. Protect your skin from the sun. • Apply a broad-spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. • Seek shade when outdoors. 4. See a dermatologist for skin cancer exams. 5. When skin cancer is found early and removed, that’s the only treatment you’ll need. If the cancer spreads, treatment becomes more difficult. 6. Examine your skin for signs of skin cancer as it can develop quickly.

Call 219.228.4200 to schedule your appointment. www.dermiodermatology.com We Have Convenient Hours From 7 A.M. To 7 P.M. To Accommodate You

Ofﬁces in Munster, Dyer, Valparaiso and DeMotte

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 e-mail today!

Becky Berggren, Account Executive Lake & Porter Counties (219) 254-2345 slwest@the-papers.com

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 15

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Health & Fitness

Get a head start on 2022 goals

Thanksgiving has just passed, and I hope you enjoyed the day with a good meal while giving thanks for all your many blessings. At my house we will have had the traditional turkey dinner and sides and pumpkin pie. Yes indeed, I do have turkey for Thanksgiving — one day — Thanksgiving doesn’t last until all the pie and cookies are gone, it is one day. We get one-half of an organic turkey from the Farmer’s Market; kind of hard to stuff,

but it is delicious, and I don’t worry about having a weeks’ worth of leftovers. Now we are heading into the December holidays and we are a bit more able to gather this year as compared to 2020, which is greatly welcomed, but with it, comes great temptation to eat off plan items too many times. There are 38 days between Thanksgiving and News Years Day — you do not have a party planned for all 38 days so set your mind to healthy eating on most of those days. What is your calendar showing? Go ahead and count how many family gatherings, work parties, social gatherings and other holiday gatherings you have on your calendar; even on the high end, maybe 10, that still leaves you 28 days that you do not have a gathering planned, which is almost a month worth of days. Do you see where I’m going? Set your mind to enjoy-

ing the holiday gathering by celebrating the people you are gathering with and eat reasonably including fresh vegetables and small tastings of other dishes and do not take anything home unless it’s vegetables that you can later eat or put in a soup. I can’t think of anything worse than undoing the good healthy eating that you have worked so hard on all year. Plants are healing and sugar is evil — repeat after me … plants are healing and sugar is evil. If you are asked to bring something to the party, make sure it is something healthy. On the 28 days that you are not attending a gathering, plan ahead, and make healthy choices. You are in control and you are in charge of what you eat. Most people take control of their diet after a health crisis, but why wait when you can do it now? You’re not giving up anything — you are gain-

Start a new tradition this year %\ 52%(57 )5$1.2 3UHVLGHQW &(2 91$ +RVSLFH RI 1:, The approaching holidays bring excitement and happiness for most everyone, especially as the pandemic lingers, and we’re all fatigued and just want to have things be normal again. However, for many this holiday season will be another milestone in the “year of firsts” and that first turn of the calendar after the death of a loved one. For those folks, there is no avoiding it, so what can we do to get through it and perhaps even find a way to extract some joy and healing from it? Start a new tradition this year. If Christmas Eve was always spent at the home of the loved one, for example, change it this year. Maybe even plan a family trip if means allow; rent a cabin in the Smoky Mountains or book an Airbnb in the Michigan north woods. Departing from one tradition to a new one isn’t disrespecting the memory of the deceased, it can be a way to celebrate them. Make memory ornaments. Find comfort and peace in

celebrating the memories of holiday’s past by having children and grandchildren make special ornaments to hang on the tree or mantle of their favorite memories. If every year for the past 20 years the Christmas tree stood in the front window, change it up this year to the back room or a different spot in the room. This simple gesture acknowledges the change, but

keeps with many of the other traditions. It’s healthy to acknowledge the change. It’s healthy to cry and experience sadness, even as there is joy all around. But it is also healthy to regain control of your situation and ﬁnd ways to honor memories without being burdened by them. The year of ﬁrsts is not easy, but you will get through it.

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sŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŚŽƵƐĞĐĂůůĚŽĐ͘ŽƌŐ Kƌ Ăůů dŽůů &ƌĞĞ͗ ϴϬϬͲϵϰϱͲϰϲϱϰ

ing health. Happy 2022. Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating

a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers. com.

‘Managing Concerns About Falls’ Purdue program starts Purdue Extension of Lake County is offering “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” in January and February 2022. It will be between 10 a.m. to noon at its Crown Point ofﬁce. A workbook is provided and snacks are served. Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Have you cut down on a favorite activity because you might fall? If so, “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” is a program for you. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in severe physical weakness, mak-

ing the risk of falling even greater. Many older adults also experience increased isolation and depression when they limit their interactions with family and friends. “A Matter of Balance” can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent. “A Matter of Balance” is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Call Linda Curley, extension educator, at (219) 7553240 for more information or to register by Dec. 15.

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16 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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83'$7(6 +$33(1,1*6 ,1 7+( $5($ Send listings of events, hosted by nonproﬁt organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 by Dec. 22 for January events. With listing, include contact person and a phone number. Editor’s Note: The calendar is listing regularly scheduled events. Due to COVID-19, events may be canceled or postponed. Please reach out to the sponsoring agencies to verify whether the events are still being held. Maria Reiner Center • Monday — Pickleball intermediate, 8:30 a.m.; stretching class level 1, 9 a.m.; ukulele, 9 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 10 a.m.; walking club, 10 a.m.; pickleball advanced, 10:30 a.m.; pickleball open play, 12:30 p.m.; oil painting, 12:30 p.m.; tech class (Zoom), 2 p.m. • Tuesday — Pickleball be-

ginner, 8:30 a.m.; cardio with Janice, 9 a.m.; walking club, 10 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; jam session, 11 a.m.; senior cha cha cha, 11 a.m.; pickleball open play, 11:30 a.m. • Wednesday — Pickleball intermediate, 8:30 a.m.; experienced art class, 9 a.m.; stretch plus level 2, 9 a.m.; bocce ball open play, 10 a.m.; hand and foot, 10 a.m.; Zumba gold, 10 a.m.; walking club, 10 a.m.; pickleball advanced, 10:30 a.m.; movie, noon; beginner’s art class, 12:30 p.m.; pickleball open play, 12:30 p.m. • Thursday — Pickleball beginners, 8:30 a.m.; cardio with Janice, 9 a.m.; pool tournament, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 10 a.m.; dominos, 10 a.m.; pickleball open play, 11:30 a.m.; the Bible as literature, 12:45 p.m.;

Happy Hookers and Naughty Knitters, 1 p.m. • Friday — Pickleball intermediate, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 8:30 a.m. (see website calendar for speciﬁc eciﬁc dates); senior cha ha cha cha, 9:30 a.m.; bocce ball,, 10 a.m.; pickleball advanced, 10:30 a.m.; bingo go (every second and nd fourth Friday), 12:30 p.m. Plus many special classes and presentations. $3 daily visitation fee for non-members. Interested in a membership? Call (219) 947-1864 or visit 705 E. Fourth St., Hobart. For more information, visit www.hobartseniors.com. St. John Lions Club Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop-off sites: Community Outpatient Clinic,

9660 Wicker Ave. (Route 41); St. John Library, 9450 Wicker Ave.; Boric Religious Supply Store, 10951 Thiel St.; St. John Town Hall, 10955 W. 93rd Ave.; VFW Post 717, 10400 10 W. 93rd Ave.; A Clear Vue Eyecare, E 9270 Wicker Wic Ave.; Dr. Weisman Weis Ophthalmology, mology 10220 Wicker Ave. # 3; Kolling School, 8801 Wicker Ave.; Metropolitan Eye Care, 9488 Wicker ker Ave.; Moses Eye Care, 7974 74 Wicker Ave.; Strack & Van Til, 9825 Wickerr Ave.; Vision Boutique, 8319 Wicker Ave.; Welch’s Stop and Shop, 11333 W. 95th Ave. Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. the ﬁrst Thursday of every month (September

to June) at Roma Grill, 9543 Wicker Ave., St. John. Questions, contact Lion Al at (219) 201-9103. Whiting Lions Club Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop off in yellow collection box on 119th Street, Whiting. Highland Lions Club Seeking donations of old eyeglasses. Drop off sites are: Town Hall, 3333 Ridge Road; Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St.; Centier C Bank, 9701 Indianapolis Ind Blvd.; McColly M Realty, 2002 45th 4 St.; Dr. Ligget, 2940 2 Highway Ave.; Family F Eye Care, 8417 84 Kennedy Ave.; and Johnson J Opticians, 8128 Kennedy Ken Ave., Highland. If interested in becoming a Lion, contact Tim Tintor at (219) 838-8756.

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY ADULT DAY SERVICES ST. AGNES ADULT DAY SVC. CENTER Specializing in Alzheimer’s Care 1859 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 477-5433 Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Structured Activities, Safe & Secure Surroundings, Health Monitoring “Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.” Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com www.stagnesvalpo.org

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

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES

RESIDENCES AT COFFEE CREEK See Our 2300 Village Point Ads In This Chesterton, IN 46304 Issue (219) 921-5200 www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com Assisted Living and Memory Support at the Beautiful Watershed Preserve. RESIDENCES AT DEER CREEK 401 E. U.S. Highway 30 Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com Assisted Living and Memory Support in a Residential Setting.

VNA OF NWI LIFELINE PROGRAM 501 Marquette St. See Our Valparaiso, IN 46385 Ad In This Additional Offices In: Issue Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/in-home-services A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. The VNA Lifeline program provides dependable, fast access to help when you need it. Live an independent and active lifestyle with the VNA Lifeline program’s medical alert pendant or wristlet. Making Best Days Possible

DENTAL DENTAL HOME HEALTH Serving Lake County We will come to those who can’t come to us. Visits by appointment only. (219) 718-6684 Dr. Eric Compton dentalhomehealth@gmail.com www.munsterdentist.com

FUNERAL HOMES SMITH BIZZELL WARNER FUNERAL HOME 4209 Grant St. Gary, IN 46408 (219) 887-1852 www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com : smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome

HOME CARE SERVICES HEART 2 HEART HOME CARE, INC. Non-medical caregiver, CNA at the comfort of wherever you call home. Assistance with hygiene, meal preparations, reminding medications, household tasks, escorting to activities center or therapies. LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED Serving all Lake County areas. 200 Russell Street, Suite 103 Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 501-7015 www.heart2hearthomecareinc.com

VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE Nationally respected, non medical, home care service. Providing CNA’s, HHA’s & Companion Care. * Assist w/Hygiene * Meal Preparation * Medication Reminders * Light Housekeeping * Transportation * Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED 2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100 www.visitingangels.com

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES COMMUNITY HOME HEALTH SVCS. Munster Community Home Health, St. Catherine’s Hospital, E. Chicago, St. Mary’s Hospital, Hobart (219) 440-5400 Our nurses offer home health services with expert compassionate care for your medical needs in your home!

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 17

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

Are you seeking a rewarding, enriching volunteer activity? Become a volunteer meal delivery driver, van route driver, kitchen helper, bag stamper at Meals on Wheels. Individuals, clubs and corporate teams are welcome. The increased number of clients and meals it’s serving means Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana urgently needs volunteer meal delivery drivers throughout Lake and Porter counties, with the most urgent need in Merrillville, Hammond, Highland, Grifﬁth, Hobart, Miller, Munster, and Whiting. Volunteers pick up meals at lunchtime at a meeting spot in their community and deliver them to local people in need. Additionally, volunteer van drivers are immediately needed to deliver food containers to designated locations. All van

routes originate at its Merrillville facility. Kitchen help needed includes the packing of meals and cold side bags, as well as bag stampers to code bags. Both activities have two-hour shifts available mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday. “Volunteers are the heart of Meals on Wheels. Turn compassion into action and become part of the Meals on Wheels team of volunteers and make a difference in your community,” said Charlie Misovye, volunteer manager. Register for an upcoming volunteer driver and new app training Dec. 7, at its Merrillville facility, 8446 Virginia St. Call Misovye at (219) 756-3663 or charlie@mownwi.org. Attendance is limited. Founded in 1977, Meals on Wheels delivers 1,700 nutritious

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meals each day with a wellness check and friendly visit to people in Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties, with the support of community volunteers.

The mission of Meals on Wheels is to deliver nutrition to those in need with the support of volunteers and partners. Funding for meals is provided by people receiving meals,

private foundations, grants, and individual donations. More information about Meals on Wheels can be found at mownwi. org or follow Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY HOSPICE CARE HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA 402 Wall Street, Suite 22 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 462-6529 Fax: (219) 462-9017 CHAP Accredited www.HTOHH.com Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.

HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET See Our AREA MUNSTER Ad In This • Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Issue Illinois Communities Since 1981 • Hospice Services Are Covered 100% For Patients Who Are Medicare Eligible • Not-for-profit • Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House www.hospicecalumet.org (219) 922-2732 / (219) 736-2422

UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE Family owned & operated hospice Offering premier end-of-life care For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care. Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana. 219.769.8648 Greater Illinois area 312.427.6000 www.unityhospice.com

See Our VNA OF NWI Ad In This 501 Marquette St. Issue Valparaiso, IN 46385 Additional Offices In: Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax www.vnanwi.org A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Accepts all hospice eligible patients, regardless of ability to pay. Veteran specialty hospice program. Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper and Starke Counties. Making Best Days Possible

HOUSECALL DOCTORS See Our HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC Ad In This At-Home Medical Care for Issue Elderly & Homebound Patients Providing at-home care from Medical doctors and Nurse Practitioners. Serving NW Indiana, Indianapolis & Plymouth/So. Bend areas www.housecalldoc.org Toll Free: 800.945.4654

MEALS ON WHEELS VNA OF NWI MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM 501 Marquette St. See Our Valparaiso, IN 46385 Ad In This Additional Offices In: Issue Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/meals-on-wheels A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Providing nutritional meals for individuals in Porter County delivered to your home. Meals are available both on a long-term basis and temporarily, meals are available for ages 3 years and up. Making Best Days Possible

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

REHABILITATION SERVICES HARTSFIELD VILLAGE See Our REHABILITATION CENTER Ad In This 503 Otis Bowen Drive Issue Munster, IN 46321 (219) 934-0590 (800) 297-6188 (219) 703-6568 Fax www.hartsfieldvillage.com Post-Acute Rehab Center Bridging the gap from Hospital to Home.

VALPARAISO CARE & REHAB 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976 www.AmericanSrCommunities.com/vcrc

RETIREMENT LIVING HARTSFIELD VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING 10000 Columbia Ave. See Our Munster, IN 46321 Ad In This (219) 934-0750 Issue (800) 934-6188 www.hartsfieldvillage.com We are a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Support and Nursing Care for our residents coming through the continuum of care. Living Well - Living Wise!!

TELEPHONE SERVICES RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC See Our 7702 Woodland Drive #130 Ad In This Indianapolis, IN 46278 Issue (877) 446-8722 Problems hearing on the telephone? We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.

18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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1420 St. Mary Circle, Hobart, IN 46342 (219) 945-1968 • www.meridian.com/hobart

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Dyer Nursing & Rehab Center

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601 Sheffield Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 322-2273 • www.dyernursingandrehab.com

221 W. Division Road, Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-7005 • www.oakgrovecrv.org

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

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E Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 2300 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 921-5200 • www.ResidencesAtCoffeeCreek.com

1000-114th Street, Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 659-2770 www.hammondwhitingconvalescentcenter.com Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Respite Care, Hospice Care, JCAHO Accredited, Private/SemiPrivate Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Hartsfield Village Continuing Care Community

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Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 • www.ResidencesAtDeerCreek.com

10000 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321 (800) 297-6188 • www.hartsfieldvillage.com Skilled Licensed Nursing Care, Long Term And Rehabilitation, Physical, Occupational, And Speech Therapies, Specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Unit, Private And Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare And Medicaid Provider, Assisted Living And Independent Living Apartment Homes Also Available

Lake County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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Saint Anthony 203 Franciscan Drive. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 661-5100 MajesticCare.com

5025 McCook Ave., East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 397-0380 • www.lakecountynursingandrehab.com Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Unit; Therapies: Speech, Occupational and Physical; Long Term Care, Respite/Temporary Care, Hospice Care, Trach/Respiratory Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare and Medicaid Provider

Advertise Your Community Here!

Assisted Living, Private Rooms, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respiratory Therapy), Pet Visitation, Accepts Most Payer Sources. *Saint Anthony is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Gary or the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.

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4410 W. 49th Avenue, Hobart, IN 46410 (219) 947-1507

Reaches YOUR Target Market Adults 50 Years and Better Contact Becky For More Details! 219.254.2345 slwest@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

Ed Asner and the Jewish Santa Claus %\ 3$6725 *5(* /$:621 0 0LQ 06: *XHVW :ULWHU

Please journey back with me some five years or so when I first met Ed Asner, the actor, at least by mail and cellphone. It all started when Ed hosted a TV documentary on PBS concerning the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Since this dealt with World War II, it immediately piqued my interest as my now deceased father was a World War II veteran. Not only was dad a World War II veteran, he was assigned as an Army MP (military policeman) in Nuremberg, Germany, at the end of the war. Why the connection with the Holocaust and Asner’s host of this documentary? Dad had the opportunity to set in on a session of the War Crimes Trials at which Herman Goering was on trial on the morning of Thursday, March 21, 1945. So impressed with Ed’s hosting the Holocaust documentary, I wrote him and thanked him for hosting the show. In fact, I purchased a DVD of the show. Shortly after my letter to him, I received a surprising reply to my first letter and request for an autographed photo. It was indeed a black and white signed photo of the cast of the “Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The accompanying two-page, handwritten letter was very much of an emotional surprise also as Ed shared his family’s fate during World War II. It turns out his aunts and uncles were rounded up by the Nazis and exterminated in the concentration camps in Russia. Why! Because his family

members were Jewish, and the Nazis sent them to the gas chambers. Therefore Ed Asner is a Jewish actor and he was born of Jewish parents in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 15, 1929. His mother was Lizzie Seliger (1885-1967), a Russian immigrant and a housewife, and his father, Morris David Asner (1877-1957), who was from Lithuania, ran a second-hand shop and junk yard. Asner, a 91-year-old U.S. Army Signal Corps veteran, graduated from the University of Chicago. While in the Signal Corps, Ed appeared in many of the Army’s plays that toured Europe. It’s assumed in both college and the Army, this now actor used the name Edward Asner but his birth name as records reveal was “Yitzhak Edward Asner.” One reason for this story is to impress upon the readers Ed Asner has started in many Christian-related Christmas movies, including “Elf,” “The Christmas Card,” “The Man Who Saved Christmas,” “The Gathering,” “Saving Christmas” and various others. Even as Santa on an episode of “Highway to Heaven.” So why does an actor with a Jewish background and ancestry love to do Christmas movies and play Santa Claus? It’s simple — “He likes to portray Santa Claus.” At Christmastime, may all of us Christians pray for and bless Ed Asner and the Jewish people everywhere. Have a Merry Christmas, Ed. Any information welcome to: Pastor/Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.

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20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrates philanthropists Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Indiana Chapter celebrated the spirit of giving by awarding National Philanthropy Day honors to local philanthropists at outdoor events in Lake and Porter counties. Awards were presented to Carol Smith for Outstanding Individual Philanthropy. The other awards were Suncrest Christian Church for Outstanding Organization, Willow Wilson for Young Philanthropist, and Flora Richardson Foundation for Outstanding Foundation. Each award presentation was ﬁlmed in order to be shared via social media. Carol Smith was nominated by the Legacy Foundation to receive the award for Outstanding Individual Philanthropy. Smith was one of the founding members of Friends of Marquette Park, formed in 2016. When Smith helped form the Friends of Marquette Park, she

was nervous about fundraising, but her love of the park outstripped her fears. “I really didn’t like raising money, but our park was slowly falling into disrepair,” she said. The Friends of Marquette Park have taken on several projects to beautify and protect the infrastructure of the park. Among the recent projects were creating the statue garden at the park entrance, installing 20 memorial benches, repairing the bridges to the island, and placing trail signage throughout the park. Smith said she appreciates how the Legacy Foundation, city of Gary, Miller Community Fund, and others have come together to care for the park. For her, it’s a passion project she’ll continue to pursue. “We love the beach, we love the water, we love our park; we’re just thrilled to be able to make a difference,” she said. Suncrest Christian Church

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was nominated to receive the Outstanding Organization Philanthropy Award by Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana. Church members have been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for the last eight years building homes, in order to help low-income families attain home ownership. Suncrest’s Lead Pastor Greg Lee said, “For us, generosity springs out of a desire to make the world a better place.” Lee believes the best way to better communities is by investing in organizations lifting people up from difﬁcult circumstances. Willow Wilson was nominated for the Young Philanthropist Award by Dunes Learning Center. Wilson 7, and her parents have volunteered at Chellberg Farm for her entire life. Wilson decided she wanted to raise avocado plants, and her mother, April Wilson, chose to use her project to teach her about empathy. She grew the avocado plants and sold them on Facebook to raise funds for two victims of domestic violence. She didn’t know what domestic violence was before this project, but is now an advocate for survivors. “(Willow) is a lover and loves everyone. Some people feel like no one cares, and they are not loved. Willow is one to tell you she loves you, she cares,” her mother said. Flora Richardson Foundation was nominated for the Outstanding Foundation Philanthropy award by Dunes Learning Center. Nearly 20 years ago, Flora Richardson Foundation board member and public school teacher Bill Schaudt was asked to add an educational component to the foundation’s conservation efforts. Schaudt wanted to ﬁnd a way for all local children to experience the natural wonders of the dunes. “Whatever you provide for one student, should be available to all students,” he said. To bring environmental Continued on page 21

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 21

‘Brand New Key’ was a chart-topping novelty song Melanie At a London party in 1760, a Belgian violinist made a surprise entrance on a new invention called $ %RRPHU %ODVW “roller 7R 7KH 3DVW skates” as %\ 5$1'$/ he played & +,// his music. In doing so, he smashed into a mirror worth a thousand dollars and damaged it be-

yond repair. Over the years, roller skates evolved into metal contraptions that included a simple tool — a key — to fasten them to a skater’s shoes. In her chart-topping novelty song “Brand New Key,” Melanie (born Melanie Anne Safka in 1947) tells of an enamored girl who skates to a boy’s house. He never seems to be home, though, and when the lad’s mother opens the door and explains that her son is inside but isn’t alone, the young lady understands why the guy has been avoiding her: he is seeing another

girl he likes better. There’s a little-known back story to Melanie’s millionseller. In a search for enlightenment, she once went on a 27-day distilled-water fast. A vegetarian, she broke her fast by munching on carrots but became overwhelmed by the seductive smells from a nearby McDonald’s, where she succumbed to a burger, fries and soda meal. She claimed the alluring aroma somehow conjured childhood memories of riding a bicycle and rollerskating and rationalized her visit to the fast-food chain by assuming that some kind of

“spirit voice” was guiding her. At home, Melanie dashed off “Brand New Key” in 15 minutes, giving the melody a bouncy 30s-style lilt. She never considered the ditty as a potential single release, planning to use it only during concerts to drop in as a surprise between her serious works about the trials of mankind. But her record-producer husband, Peter Schekeryk, who had just started the couple’s own label — Neighborhood Records — sensed a hit 45 here. For a while, Melanie, who had skyrocketed to

Residences at Deer Creek named ‘Caring Super Star of 2022’ Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living has been selected as a “Caring Super Star of 2022” by Caring.com, referral service and the nation’s top site for senior care reviews. Residences at Deer Creek earned the highest possible five-star rating by published, high volume reviews within the qualification time frame and meeting other criteria for this national honor. Residences at Deer Creek is the sole recipient of this distinction in Lake County. The annual Caring Stars recognition began in 2012 as the first service recognition program of its kind. It’s become a popular guide for

consumers online. Caring Stars 2022 includes 439 senior living communities in 44 states. Residences at Deer Creek is one of nine Caring Stars 2022 in Indiana. “Every day, in every way our staff prioritizes giving the very best, highest quality service to every resident and their families as well. This award validates our delivery on that promise,” stressed Karen Ayersman, executive director of Residences at Deer Creek. “We thank those residents and families taking time to recognize our dedicated staff and share their positive experiences online. Feedback is essential to en-

Association of Continued from page 20 education to all students, Flora Richardson Foundation partnered with Duneland Schools to send every fourth grader in the district to Dunes Learning Center for a two-day, overnight program that provides an intensive environmental education in an outdoor environment. Despite living near the Indiana Dunes National Park, this program is sometimes the student’s ﬁrst experience at the Dunes. Flora Richardson Founda-

tion Board President Jeannette Bapst hopes the program challenges students to connect with the natural world around them. The National Philanthropy Day Awards were made possible through sponsorships from: Legacy Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation, Indiana University Northwest, and Ivy Tech Community College. Short video presentations for each of the honorees are at Facebook.com/AFPNWIndiana.

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suring quality is continuous. We appreciate the opinions of those we serve,” she added. She also stressed the comments are helpful to others making decisions about options for senior living. Caring.com research indicates the majority of family caregivers use the internet to search for consumer reviews for senior living. Read the full text of the

reviews at www.caring.com/ senior-living/indiana/schererville/residences-at-deercreek-46375#reviews. For more information about Residences at Deer Creek, or to schedule a personalized tour, call (219) 864-0700 or visit www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com. Residences at Deer Creek is located at 401 E. US Highway 30, Schererville.

fame a year earlier with her rousing Woodstock anthem “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” railed against the idea of “Brand New Key” becoming Neighborhood’s debut disc, fearful that if it hit big she would no longer be taken seriously as a folk artist. (“I was sure I was doomed to be cute for the rest of my life.”) Numerous listeners often snapped to attention when they ﬁrst heard the lyrics of “Brand New Key.” As a holdover from the 60s, the drug scene remained prevalent into the next decade. This led some people to think that Melanie’s tune was really about acquiring a “key” (a kilogram, or 2.2 pounds) of marijuana. Others dismissed her work as thinly veiled eroticism. Freudianesque symbols aside, Melanie maintains exploiting matters of the ﬂesh were never her intention. “People read things into it,” she grumbled later. “They made up incredible stories as to what the lyrics said and what the song meant. In some places, it was even banned on the radio.” “Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates. “You got a brand new key. “I think that we should get together. “And try them out to see.”

22 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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Travel

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Columbus museum highlights journey taken by veterans The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is not your typical military museum with tanks and weapons of all sorts on display. Neither is it a war memorial. Instead, its purpose is to highlight veterans’ individual lives before, during and after they have served. While progressing through the building in downtown Columbus, Ohio, you’ll quickly realize they’ve done just that.

Large posters of veterans suspended from the ceiling represent our country’s more than 20 million living veterans. The museum focuses on telling the stories of veterans, and those who visit the facility are urged to step into their recording booth to share their individual experience. The museum, which opened in 2018, is quickly becoming America’s archive and registry of veteran experiences. After paying an admission fee

(veterans, active-duty military, Gold Star families and children under 5 are free), the first exhibit in the circular building presents information on every military conflict this country has participated in. It starts with the Revolutionary War and goes through the Indian Wars, two world wars and the most recent conflicts in the Far East and Middle East. On the opposite side of the hall are large displays that touch

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on a variety of subjects from swearing in and basic training to women in the military, Blacks in the services and ﬁnally discharge. Foot lockers can be opened to learn via audio how a particular family dealt with the departure of the serviceman. Letters home detail the individual’s experiences. You can even lift a fully loaded backpack to see how heavy it is. The “Lives of Service” ﬁlm highlights a series of combat

Willodean Carroll from Nappanee engaged in a 2-day mystery tour with a travel company and discovered the historic town of Bridgeton in Parke County. Pictured in the photo, from left, are Jean Shaffer, Leonard Shaffer and Carroll. They are positioned at the entrance to the Bridgeton Covered Bridge, Indiana’s most famous covered bridge. Its notoriety originates from the bridge’s picturesque surroundings - the beautiful covered bridge, a waterfall cascading underneath and an old mill still grinding away in the background. This is one of 31 bridges in Parke County. Built in 1868, switched to concrete in 1967, destroyed by fire in 2005 and rebuilt by the townspeople in 2006, the Bridgeton Covered Bridge has seen its share of history. The bridge spans 267 feet over Big Raccoon Creek and is the gateway to the town of Bridgeton. The old mill town hosts annual events to bring vacationers to the area. Most notably is the Covered Bridge Festival in October. A sundry of vendors offer their wares from unique and handcrafted items to cast iron cookware and primitives. Other events in Bridgeton honor early 1800s life, the Civil War, the mill and the holiday season. Quite a few buildings in the historic town were built from 1869 to the turn of the century and are still in operation, repurposed as charming shops. Of course, the Bridgeton Mill also brings its share of guests to the town. Established in 1823 and rebuilt in 1870, this mill still grinds wheat into flour and corn into meal with its 200 year old French Buhr stone. It is the oldest continually operating mill in the midwest. Visitors can watch the historic mill in action and sample some freshly milled flour. Inside is also a country store with gourmet foods, knickknacks, gifts and a quilt shop. Whether heading to the area for the bridges, the mill, the shopping or the history, Bridgeton is a can’t-miss stop. Thanks, Willodean for sharing your wonderful Midwestern trip with us.

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stories of service personnel told by the individual who actually experienced it. One is an interview done in Washington, *5($7 D.C., of the (6&$3(6 late veteran/ 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV Sen. John %\ 52' .,1* McCain. The lower level hosts a changing display of individual stories and special photography. It opened with a display of combat photography. That was followed by stories of veterans struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, adapting to prosthesis from combat injuries, a female veteran’s constant fight against sexual harassment and other challenges faced by service men and women. The American flag displayed in the remembrance gallery on the mezzanine once flew over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Patterns of military service medals appear on the windows. From the mezzanine, visitors can exit onto the rooftop sanctuary. It offers a place of solitude and a view of the Columbus skyline. A wide descending ramp slopes down from the rooftop around the building ends at a walkway to the Memorial Grove, which has more than 250 trees, a long stone wall on one side with three waterfalls and a reflection pond. Overlooking the Olentangy River and downtown Columbus at High and Broad streets, the unique 53,000-square-foot building is a fitting memorial to the more than 40 million Americans who have served the nation in the military service since its founding. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. During summer it’s also open Tuesdays. Admission fee for adults is $17. Seniors 65 and over are $15, college students are admitted with ID for $12 and youths (5-17) for $10. For more information, click on nationalvmm.org or call (888)

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December 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 23

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24 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2021

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‘One Lil’ Swig of That Kickapoo Juice’ Imagine four University of Florida doctors meeting in a campus basement lab in the spring of 1965. Click%\ 5$1'$/ ing raised & +,// glasses to toast a newly created, transparent drink, each physician cautiously takes a sip. Yuck. Those standing close to a lab sink spit theirs out; the doctor standing further away — the team leader — vomits his. But what else could you expect when people drink a lab-concocted equivalent of human sweat? Earlier that year, Florida Gators assistant football coach Dwayne Douglas asked UF’s Dr. Robert Cade, a kidney specialist, why players lost so much weight on the ﬁeld but didn’t have to visit a restroom. (Athletes were usually prohibited from drinking

water during practices and games.) The curious Cade soon enlisted three fellow doctors to ﬁnd out. The team later concluded sweating was draining the jocks’ energy, endurance and strength, while the dissipating electrolytes were upsetting their bodies’ chemical balances. That September, Cade approached the Gators’ head football coach, Ray Graves, for permission to use several footballers as test subjects for a possible solution to the problem. Graves warily gave his OK, but only for the freshman squad. Samples were collected from 10 participants, their sweat being wrung out from their used jerseys. Water loss for a two-hour practice averaged more than 8 quarts per player. The medical men also found after the practices the athletes’ electrolytes, blood sugar and total sugar readings were out of whack. “The solution was to give them water, but with salt in it,” Cade later explained. “Also, (to) give them sugar to keep their blood sugar up.” The doctors’ mixture tasted abhorrent. When Cade’s wife suggested adding lemon juice to alter the taste, a rudimentary form of Gatorade was launched. The eventual

'5 52%(57 &$'( 7+( &5($725 2) *$725$'( addition of orange juice and a non-nutritive sweetener rendered the drink even more palatable. Later, in a scrimmage game, solution-swilling UF jocks managed to maintain their normally ﬂagging energy levels. Cade was encouraged to mix up a supply for the Gators’ varsity team, which was scheduled to play the heavily favored Louisiana State Tigers the next day. Cade and his colleagues worked throughout the night, blending ingredients and

squeezing lemons. On game day, in 102-degree heat and stiﬂing humidity, the Gators persevered to overcome the Tigers when LSU withered in the fourth quarter. In 1966, Gatorade — named after the UF mascot — became a staple on the team’s sideline. That year, when Florida won the Orange Bowl for the ﬁrst time, Jacksonville’s Florida TimesUnion headlined the victory took only “One Lil’ Swig of That Kickapoo Juice.” Word about Gatorade

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spread nationwide. In 1967, the Stokely-Van Camp company put the drink on American store shelves. Quaker Oats folks bought the rights in 1983, and PepsiCo took over in 2000. Today, Gatorade generates about $18 billion annually worldwide. Dr. Dana Shires, one of the physicians who created it, never dreamed Gatorade would become the superstar of sports drinks. “We started this as a lark,” he once admitted, “with no idea of putting it on the market.”

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