Boomer Magazine July 2015

BOOMER
www.boomermagonline.com
SOMEONE
YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Maria Marcroft,
CASA volunteer
STILL FLYING
Ken Sniders storied life
July 2015
SIT, SIP,
STAY
10 pet-friendly
local wineries
ARTIST,
CARPENTER,
COUNTRY BOY
Dick Donovans public and
private works
21st CENTURY HEALTH CARE IS HERE

Rob McLin presides over largest-ever GSH reorganization
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2015 Knox County

Chamber of Commerce
WATERMELON
FESTIVAL
Friday, July 31st
Saturday, August 1st
Schedule of Events:
5:00
7:00
DUSK
10:00
Patrick Henry Square

Located on the Historical
George Rogers Clark Memorial Site
Vincennes, Indiana
Friday, July 31st
Vendor Booths Open

Live Music
Old National Bank Glow Run
"UP" Movie - Sponsored by New Wave
Saturday, August 1st

Baby/Toddler Contest - Sponsored by WZDM
9:00
1:00-3:00 FREE CONCERT
Heath Eric & Molly G First Vincennes Savings Bank
Seed Spitting/Watermelon
3:00
Eating Contest-Illiana Watermelon Association
Cutest Pet Contest-Sponsored by Vincennes Animal Shelter
4:00
Miss Watermelon Pageant
6:00
Great American Grill Out All Day

(Sponsored by Farbest Foods, Inc.)
Entertainment,
Music, Food Booths
both nights
FREE WATERMELON by Nowaskie Melons
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EDITORS DESK
arlier this spring when my sister was doing some cleaning out, she
found a one-paragraph essay written by me late my second grade year
at Plainville Elementary. Showing off my newly-learned cursive, I had
written that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up, or perhaps a clerk, it
said. It was quite the job for a 6-year-old, which is what I would have been
at the time in 1973. And, we had a good chuckle
reading it aloud to my own children, who could
relate since their grade school teachers make
them do similar assignments.
That seems like a lifetime ago, but I
remember a lot about second grade. Im sure
many of my classmates wrote about wanting to
be a teacher that year as well. Young students
often idolize their elementary teachers, and the
beautiful and talented Mrs. Boyd in Plainvilles
second grade was no different.
But as time went on, my teaching dream must have ended when
writing is what I came to love even more. My high school teachers and
counselors encouraged me to pursue interests in college that would allow
me to write and edit. Did they have a premonition? Because so it was, 30
years later, I am still doing what I love.
Though after my first day on the job back in 1985, my editor surely
questioned my abilities. He had sent me to the White River to cover what
authorities believed to be a double drowning, and I failed to return until
just before deadline. First thing that morning, he had showed me how to
self-roll Kodak black and white film. Then he handed me the newspapers
Pentax K1000, gave me directions to the old twin bridges between
Washington and Vincennes, told me to snap lots of pictures and ask
questions.
But after I arrived at the scene, I was simply hypnotized. The sheriffs
dive team tried and tried again to find the victims car in the muddy river.
The final scene of a young dark-complexioned girl with her arms wrapped
around her mothers neck was something I still remember vividly.
Somehow we managed to get a story written by deadline between the
two of us, but I think my editor ended up calling the sheriff himself after
I finally got back in the newsroom with scant information. I was 19, and
immature, and I had a lot to learn. But the teaching began, and four years
later when he moved away, he recommended to his superiors that I should
take over his spot. Thankfully, he had extended grace and patience to me
early on, or I might not have made it this long.
When I think of all my friends who complain about their jobs, or lack
thereof, I have no reason to complain. I am blessed beyond measure to be
able to do what I do every day, in my home community. They call it going
to work, and it can be tiring and nerve-wracking at times, but its hardly
work. My husband works. He gets dirty and sweats in a hot factory, on his
feet, 8 to 10 hours a day.
Would I quit if I hit the lottery? Probably. But for now, Im just one of
the lucky ones.
BOOMER
PUBLISHER
Ron Smith
(812) 698-8788
EXECUTIVE
EDITOR
Melody Brunson
(812) 698-1626
DESIGN EDITOR
Natalie Reidford
(812) 568-8991
ADVERTISING
SALES
Kim Schoelkopf
(812) 881-9286
Graphic Artist
Alice Schwartz
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matt Griffith, Joy Neighbors,
Kelly Overton
and Bernie Schmitt
WRITERS
Brad Dillon, Madison Frederick,
Todd Lancaster, Angie Mayfield,
Angie Moore, Joy Neighbors,
Lindsay Owens, Bernie Schmitt,
Rama Sobhani and Kaila Stevens
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Boomer is published seven
times a year, serving the Knox
County area. The subscription
price of $25 per year can
be mailed to P.O. Box 471,
Washington, IN 47501.
4 July 2015 Boomer

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CONTENTS
4 Editors Desk
One of the lucky ones
By Melody Brunson
8 An Adventurous Life is Still
Taking Off
Ken Snider, man of many trades and
many stories
By Lindsay Owens
Page 12
Photo by
Matt Griffith
12 Someone You Should Know
Maria Marcroft, CASA volunteer

By Rama Sobhani
16 The Sonic Boomer
Saturday in my basement (I think it
was the 4th of July)
By Todd Lancaster
18 Boomer Humor
Birthdays, boomer-style
By Madison Frederick
20 Indiana Fit and 50-Plus Senior
Regional Games
Generations Area 13 Agency
on Aging and Disability offers
competition in Knox County
By Lindsay Owens
22 The Boomer Connoisseur
Ten pet-friendly regional wineries
By Joy Neighbors
24 Gibault Memorial: 21st Century
Health Care is Here
Rob McLin presides over largest-ever
GSH expansion and reorganization
By Bernie Schmitt
July 2015 Vol. 7, Issue 6
28 The Converted Cynic

Back in the day no way
By Angie Mayfield
30 Calendar
Fresh-Air Flicks, Black Creek Festival
31 The Boomer 1040
What do you fear?
By Angie Moore
32 Dick Donovan
Country, carpenter, talented artist
By Bernie Schmitt
36 Boomer Toys, Trappings and
Trivia
Men in pantyhose
By Todd Lancaster
37 Yeah, Im a Boomer, But ...
Lloyd Thoren
By Bernie Schmitt
38 Day Tripper
Patoka Lake brings fun to three
counties
By Joy Neighbors
41 Financial Wisdom
Helping younger generation brings
challenges
By Brad Dillon
42 Homebase Skate Supply
Inspired by his mother, young
businessman opens new shop
By Bernie Schmitt
Page 24
Photo by
Bernie Schmitt
46 Boomer Fitness
The picky eater
By Kaila Stevens
On the Cover: Rob McLin, President
and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital
in Vincennes, has been at the center
of the hospitals largest-ever building
project, taking GSH into the 21st
Century with a world-class medical
center.
Photo by Bernie Schmitt
Page 22
Photo by Joy Neighbors
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An Adventurous Life is
STILL TAKING OFF
Ken Snider shares a story in his office. The longtime auctioneer will celebrate 50 years in the auction business in August.
Photos by Kelly Overton
Ken Snider is a man of many trades with

stories to accompany them
By Lindsay Owens
alk into Ken Sniders office

on South Second Street and
youll be in for a real treat.
Snider, who will be celebrating 50 years
in the auction business in August, has
sold off everything from automobiles and
livestock to amusement park rides and
kitchen equipment to the highest bidder.
But the sound that sells can
tell about far more than just life as an
auctioneer licensed to sell in multiple
states. Snider is far more than just an
auctioneer. Hes an appraiser, pilot, air
craft mechanic and manufacturer and
a farm manager. And thats just the list

of his current responsibilities. Hes also
served as an Indiana State Representative
(1982-1984), (1972-1978), State Senator
(1978-1982), and was a Democratic
candidate for Congress in 1980. Snider
has also served in the U.S. Army and
has won both amateur and professional
boxing matches. He also served on the
Vincennes University Board of Trustees.
The beginning
It all started when Snider, whos
almost 70, was about 12 or 13 years old.
Dad took me to a machinery auction, said Snider as he set in his office
filled with mementos. D.D. Meyer was

conducting that auction. I became fascinated with auctions after that and started
going more and more.
That fascination led Snider to the
Missouri Auction School in Kansas City
where he graduated on Aug. 15, 1965.
I was looking through some things
and I found my book from auction
school, said Snider as he thumbed
through the aged book. It says here it
was $10 a year for us to get our auctioneers license. Its now $300 a year.
When Snider came back from Missouri, he was hired as a clerk for Meyer,
the man whod inspired him to become
an auctioneer. He was also attending
Vincennes University, where he earned a
degree in agriculture before transferring
to Purdue to pursue a bachelors degree
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in agriculture economics.
Two weeks before graduation, I got
my draft notice, said Snider. I spent
two years in the service then worked with
Amos Wittmer who was selling livestock
in Vincennes.
Snider said back then, some 45 or so
years ago, there werent nearly as many
auctioneers as there are now and Wittmer was willing to give Snider a shot.
At that time, every farmer in the
county had livestock. By the third week I
was there, Amos told me hed let me try
my hand at selling on my own. Livestock
and auto sales are bang, bang, bang, sold.
You have to move them in and out in a
hurry. Ive been selling ever since.
While the livestock sales may have
been Sniders start in the business, it
didnt take long before the people he was
selling livestock for, were calling him
to sell other things. By the early 1970s,
Snider was making a name for himself in
the auction business, but he decided to
venture into something a little different
too politics.
At age 26, Snider was elected to the
Indiana House of Representatives where
he served for six years. After his term
ended, he earned a State Senate seat
and was a Democratic Congressional
One of the many photos of Ken Snider that adorn the walls of his office.
candidate.
When I ran for Congress in 1980,
President Jimmy Carter invited me to
ride with him on Air Force One. He
called personally and asked me to ride
back to Evansville with him. The only

free seat in the conference room was
right next to him.
Snider said President Carter held
him back before the plane landed
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and explained the typical protocol to

him. Senator Wendell Ford was the
senior Senator, and he should have gotten off the plane after the president, but
because we landed in my district, I got to
get off next.
While Snider didnt win the congressional seat, he said the trip was quite
memorable. But after serving another
term as a state representative, he was
finished with his political career.
By the time I was 34, I was over
politics, he said.
Love for boxing

While Snider became a bit burned
out on politics, two things hes never
stopped loving are boxing and flying.
An amateur boxer from 1963 to
1974, Snider earned Indiana Golden
Gloves titles in 1968, 1970, and 1971.
He was also the runner-up in the All
Army Championship in 1969 and runner-up in the 1970 AAU nationals.
Boxing was in Sniders blood.
My dad was a boxer in the service.
Gene Autry was his trainer, said Snider,
adding on a whim, he and his brother
Dave one day decided they wanted to
fight at a Golden Gloves event in Indianapolis. Dad was a little worried, but
he taught us a few more things and we
went up there. Dave lost, but I had won
Ken Snider shows off the voting machine, top, that was used during one
of the elections in which he was running for office. Sniders parents were
longtime township trustees. A family
member had found the machine and
returned it to Snider. Bottom, Snider
talks about his boxing career.
10 July 2015 Boomer

6/24/15 7:08 PM
in a knock-out and had to go back. It got

down to three guys left.
Snider ended up winning the event.
Snider said he and Norman Goins
often squared off. Norman and I always
had to fight for the state title. At a fight
in Indy, television crews were there to
film it and they ended up taking both
of us to the nationals. People always
thought it was weird when theyd see
us out eating together. We were good
friends. Just not friends in the ring.
In his 11-year amateur career, Snider
fought in more than 100 fights.
In 1983, Snider became a professional boxer. He fought for the Indiana
Professional Junior Welterweight title as
the semi-main event of the World Boxing
Association World Championship light
heavyweight fight between Marvin Johnson and Leslie Stewart. Snider fought
Harold Brazier.
Out of 14 pro fights, I lost one to
Harold Brazier, said Snider. I had 12
wins, one loss and one draw.
Snider fought his final match when
he was 59.
A licensed pilot since 1970, Snider
doesnt just fly airplanes and helicopters;
he also manufactures Snider Speed Kits
for all Cessna 180 and 185 aircraft. His
Flying is just one of Ken Sniders passions.

son and grandchildren have also inherited the aviation bug.
Sniders passion for flying led to one
of his biggest fights a few years ago when
the helicopter he was flying crashed near
his home. Suffering a broken back, Snid-
ers family was told he may never walk

again.
The doctors told everybody I
probably wouldnt make it, he said.
But I tricked them all. Im still here
and I still fly.
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SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
MARIA MARCROFT: volunteer with the Court-Appointed

Special Advocates program
By Rama Sobhani
aria Marcroft, 63, a

substitute teacher at
a local elementary
school, is a Vincennes native
who volunteers her time with
the CASA program to help the
children of troubled families
who are dealing with difficult
legal troubles stemming from
incidences of abuse, neglect or
drug and alcohol abuse.
CASA was started in
1977 by a judge in the state
of Washington, named David
Soukup, as a way to better
understand the situations of
children involved in cases of
abuse and neglect in his court.
The role of the CASA volunteer is to be an advocate for the
children affected by these cases
and to present to the presiding
judge an otherwise unseen
perspective on their lives. CASA
volunteers also keep track of the
well-being of these children and
whether any progress is being
made in the home as the case
works through the legal system.
Marcroft has been a CASA
volunteer for three years and has
worked several such cases.
have to pass that on, if theyre going to hurt

someone or hurt themselves. I want them
to know Im their confidant and that I can
help them with whatever.
On gaining the childrens trust

First, its the age, if theyre very young,
its different because of communication.
Theres an age group of kids, Id say between
3rd and 7th grade that they want to talk.
They want to express their feelings and ask
questions. Then you get to the teenagers and
theyre a little more difficult. Ive had children of my own, so I know what thats like.
You have to deal with the way the child is.
Theres some kids that tell you while theyre
coloring or drawing. Others will out and
out tell you; mom did this, dad did this. You
deal with each individual child as you figure
out what their mode of communication is.
In my last case I had two teenagers
in the group and the younger one was a
female. She just wanted to be heard, to be
included. Once I realized that we talked
Her story
When the case goes to court,
the judge assigns a CASA to
the case. I, as a CASA, follow
the case, mostly the child, make
sure the child has what he or
she needs during this time in
the court system. I make sure I
visit her or him and make sure
they are getting the little things
that most people wouldnt think
of, like if they have a special
blanket, or something, that they
wouldnt (otherwise) get from
their house. If they want to talk
about something they dont feel
comfortable talking about with
the parent, I want them to feel
they can tell me anything. If its
something harmful, they know I
Volunteer Marie Marcroft at her desk at the CASA office in Vincennes.
Photos by Matt Griffith
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a lot about how school was going, home

life was going, what she was wanting out
of this, how did she feel about her parents,
about what was going on.
The older child, he was almost 18 and
he would talk to me, but he wouldnt open
up. I could tell a lot of things he would say
and how he would answer things would tell
me a lot about how he was thinking. Like,
he wasnt driving yet so one time I got to
talking to him about cars. I said, youll be
driving soon, he said, Yeah, Im working
on that, and I asked him what kind of car
hell be driving and he said, Well, I dont
know, but Id like such and such car.
I quickly found out he was not interested in school, which is OK, not everyone
is. So I kind of got into it with him on that
and I asked him what he would do when
he got out of school and he said, Well, Id
like to work on cars. You find out what
theyre interested in and you use that to
your benefit and their benefit. And I dont
care how old or how young, people want
to be listened to. They want to feel theyre
important and thats what I try to do.
On why she chose to volunteer

with CASA
As a child, I felt lonely. I was a middle
child of five kids and I had an aunt that I
A sign bearing the CASA logo.

felt so comfortable with, she always made
me feel like I was the most important person and I want other kids to feel that theres
someone in their life they can feel that way
about. I learned about CASA from the
radio and I love kids, thats why I teach, but
I wanted to do something. I put it off and

put it off and put it off, then I heard (CASA
director, Dena Held) on the radio and I
finally came in.
I feel as a CASA its important to have
as good a rapport with the parents
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Dena Held, left, director of CASA and Maria Marcroft, pose with two cardboard cutouts of children promoting CASA.
as possible. If its not possible, then you do
what you can do. They are the ones that
know the child the best and thats a lot of
how I get my information about the child.
And we want to reunify, thats the main
thing. Lets figure out what the problem is,
lets fix the problem and everyone can go
along on their happy way.
If its abuse and neglect, children have
to contend with a parent that either is not
doing what they need to do for the child or

abusing them. Abuse can be psychological,
physical, different things, so my first case it
was more of that. There were some alcohol
problems in the situation, but once the
parents worked on getting that fixed, things
started to calm down and roll better. A lot
of it is lack of knowledge on the parents
part. They were raised that way and they
think its OK and find out later because
14 July 2015 Boomer

6/24/15 7:11 PM
someones turned them in for neglect. They

dont know any better. Thats been the case
in cases Ive had. Some of its the meth
problem, we have a horrible meth problem
in this area. The kids get taken out of the
home for sure in that situation. Thats a
whole different set of problems you have to
deal with and a different way the children
deal with that, too.
I dont know, very few of the stories
Ive ever heard the children dont want to
go back to their parent. Theyre never going
to have another mother and father. Every
parents different, just like every childs
different. If you cant get that parent to see
what theyre doing is wrong, theyre not
going to change.
Just like a bad habit, if that person
wont admit to that bad habit, nothings going to change. Some parents are wonderful,
they want every help that they can get and
they do great changing and theres other
parents that just dont see theres a problem.
In the cases Ive been in, I feel that
the parents have wanted an understanding
CASA, not a judgmental CASA and they
do want someone who will look out for the
best interests of their child, which goes back
to not being judgmental. You deal with
personalities and you also deal with what
someones been raised and think theyre
doing right and youre coming in with

(Department of Child Services) and the attorneys and telling them what theyre doing
is wrong and they dont want to hear that.
I look at it as if the judge will say, if
you cant make changes, we cant reunify.
My focus is to reunify if possible. Im a
pretty strong-willed person and sometimes
people dont like that.
On the most difficult part of

being a CASA volunteer
everything you can do, given them every

chance and all the services that can be provided and they just cannot do it. Then you
have to admit to yourself that this may not
turn out as a reunification. When it comes
time for the judge to make that decision on
whats going to happen, you just have to
say to yourself thats what its going to be. I
dont think I would get to that point (of giving up) because people can always change
and you never know whats going to happen
to that parent to wake them up or that they
will see it from a different perspective.
I think if we can stop the circle, stop
this abuse, neglect, where the child becomes
an abuser, neglecter. I know were working
really hard in Knox County to get the meth
labs taken care of. The main thing is to stop
the children from doing what their parents
and grandparents did.
I dont think there is a key, I think it depends on the child. Well get some of them
and get them to see it differently, some of
them will not. I dont know if well ever get
away from it all, but if we continue where
were going well do a lot of good for a lot
of kids.
Realizing that theres nothing you can

do, thats the most difficult. Youve tried
For more information on the CASA program,

visit www.childadvocatesnetwork.org.
On parents with alcohol and

drug problems
I always think the sober parent is the
real parent, the drunk is someone whos
trying to hide, or is scared or lost. Thats a
lot of why people drink to excess. Which
is no different than someone who smokes
to excess or eats chocolate to excess. All
of those things to me are issues of abuse,
youre abusing your body. Thats just a call
for help, they just dont know how to ask
for it. My dad smoked for years and years
and years and then he quit. Then something horrible happened at work, a strike,
and he went back to smoking more than he
ever did. It was a crutch. Same thing with
drugs. From what Ive read, meth is worse.
Boomer July 2015 15

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THE SONIC BOOMER
Saturday in my basement (I think it was the 4th of July)

By Todd Lancaster
ack in the early

1970s, the band
Chicago had a song
calledSaturday in the Park
(I think it was the Fourth of
July). For years the lyrics of
that song echoed around the
inside of
my skull,
creating an
unrealistic
image of
what a
summer
weekend
was supposed to be.
It was filled with parades, bands and ice cream.
As I got a little older, it was
the Beach BoysGood Vibrationsproviding Sunkist
with an anthem that made
me think all I really needed
was an orange soda and I,
too, would spend my time
sidewalk surfing around
Venice Beach with other hip
teens.Somewhere in my
early 20s, the fine folks at
California Coolers (a mid80s winemaker) led me to
believe that it was only my
lack of the proper fizzy wine
beverage that was excluding
me from the fun-loving,
buxom bikini-wearing
blondes who spent the entire
summer playing volleyball,
chopping up fresh fruit, and
just waiting for me to show
up in a pair of Ray-Bans,
Jams and with a California
Cooler.
In later years, it was the
people at Michelob Ultra
who tried to pass summer
off as a time when fit,
successful couples mountain
bike to a sheer cliff that they
scramble up or down, according to where the cooler
filled with icy cold carb-free,
calorie-free, taste-free Michelob Ultra was located.
Recently I began to re-
alize that there will never be a bikini-clad

wine cooler in my future. My oldest son
will be 20, and his siblings are well into
their teens, so the only real pleasure I will
get is watching their hopes and dreams
for a carefree, beach-bound summer
crushed like an old can of Sunkist soda.
The oldest one is mowing for the city
right now. He spends all day mowing
and weed-whacking. When he comes
home, he has a second job at a golf
course and Im pretty sure there are no
bikinis there either.
The younger two are still playing
high school sports, so their summer is
filled with open-field, open-gym, weightlifting and conditioning. On the weekends, there are tournaments. If you have
never spent 11 hours in Bloomfield on
a 97-degree day, knowing that you cant
leave because your loser-bracket games
are at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and it is
too far to go anywhere in between, you
have never truly experienced a summer
Sunday.And if you are lucky enough
to have an indoor sport like volleyball
or basketball, then one is familiar with
non-air conditioned gyms, bad nachos
and warm diet Coke, all while watching
kids whose jerseys dont have numbers on
them so you have no idea who they are.
Ahh, but there is respite on the
horizon. It is called Dead Week and
it is the one time of year schools cannot
schedule any activities. (But dont worry,
AAU and club teams still can). Luckily, it
is the week of July 4, so if you choose to

go anywhere, you will pay top dollar.
So you load your family up with the
proper number of phone chargers and
headphones, drive 12 hours to a condo
that was half as much two weeks earlier
and fight over whether you will be eating
at Applebees, Chilis or TGIFridays (the
same three choices at the mall last weekend when you were killing time between
tournament games).
There are usually grand plans for
sightseeing, fine dining or romantic
walks on the beach by moonlight. Unfortunately, those plans were canceled
when you had to put a new water heater
in just before you left and any thought
of walking at night ended when you
realized that Finding Bigfoot is on at
the beach too.
So is there any image Madison
Avenue still has available that can make a
man in his 50s long for summer again?
Yes, it is a commercial for Corona
Beer. Its simply a chair, a beach and a
bucket of beer no kids, no music,
no bikinis and not a basketball
tournament in sight for at least a
thousand miles.
If I close my eyes I can even see it
from my basement.
Todd Lancaster is a sports writer and
expert on anything not considered necessary
to be a real expert. He can be reached at
wthlancaster@gmail.com
16 July 2015 Boomer

p16SonicBoomerJul15.indd 1
6/23/15 7:46 PM
BOOMER
JULY/AUGUST 2015
Its A Party
Every Night!
OFF SITE CATERING AVAILABLE
812-882-9754
1008 Main St., Vincennes
Open: Mon.-Sat. 2 PM-3 AM Sun. 12 PM-Midnight
NEW MENU ITEMS INCLUDING:

Loaded Potato Soup
Party Trays available (2) 4 Subs $3.75/person
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM-9 PM;
Closed Sunday
1911 N. 6th St., Vincennes
Ph: 812-886-6979
Fax: 812-886-6916
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8128824925
812-882-1226
CREOSLE
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Exclusive Thorne Thunder Wings on Thursdays ONLY!
Call to schedule your childs birthday

Many new packages to choose from take home the one pin from your lane
p17NightLifeJul15.indd 1
6/20/15 3:39 PM
BOOMER HUMOR
Birthdays, boomer-style
By Madison Frederick
have a confession to make. I

love this time of year because
it is birthday time for me.
I know, I know, Im not supposed to love
my birthdays
anymore
as an aging
boomer, but I
do. Although
they sure
are coming
around awfully fast now. Sometimes I feel like my friends and I
have just finished celebrating one
when it is time to plan another.
Because boomers are notoriously
busy, we dont always get our
birthdays properly celebrated on
the day, in the week, or sometimes even the month in which it
occurs. But we ALWAYS do get
the day celebrated sooner or later.
I refuse to be depressed
about aging because with age,
I have realized the wisdom of
Mother Nature. She is on our
side, friends. Okay, I know that
we still get wrinkles, etc., but
really it is all in the grand scheme
of things.
As we age, we begin to lose
some of our hearing and that is
okay when we have heard the
same stories and jokes that our
loved ones tell over and over again.
And there is our eyesight ... it is not what it

used to be. But we dont have to worry about
plucking or tweezing as much when we are
with our friends because they cant see those
pesky whiskers. (If, however, you are planning
to be with younger folks, a tweezing session is
probably in order.) And those arthritic joints
are really just a good way to take life a bit
slower and enjoy the moments with youngsters
(grandchildren or not) that we missed when
we were parenting.
Another plan of Mother Nature seems
to be the rounding out of our angles. We
become softer even if we are on an intense
exercise plan. And soft is good at this age.
We are much more comfortable for our
grandkids to snuggle into. For that matter,
even our shrinking height can be a blessing
if it gets us closer to our loved ones.
Okay, before you picture me with a
walker, lets talk about drivers license pictures.
Most people I know, whatever their age,
do not like their pictures. And the really
shocking thought is that that picture is the
youngest you will ever be again! I am so glad
that the schedule for drivers license renewal
has been extended. That is just too much
trauma to go through every four years.
And speaking of pictures, I am shocked
at the pictures of my classmates who regularly contact me on Facebook. Honestly, how
did they get to be so old? I hardly recognize
them. Often I check their information just
to be sure they are the same people I knew in
high school.
Facebook is indeed boomer-friendly. It
offers a quick way to renew former relationships. But I have also learned a protocol
when dealing with old friends. If they do not
post pictures of themselves, they have gained

a lot of weight or lost their hair or worse! If
they post pictures of themselves, they have
greatly improved since high school and want
the world to see the new, attractive them.
So dont comment about the lack of
pictures on any past acquaintances Facebook
(or faceless) page. Many of our peer group
prefer living through the successes of their
children. Facebook is the modern replacement for Grandmas Brag Book.
One embarrassing case was when a former classmate commented on the picture of
a mutual friend who had been Homecoming
Queen and a cheerleader at our high school.
The comment was: Gosh, it is good to
reconnect with you. How are you? You look
great. You havent changed a bit!
To which the reply came: I am well,
thank you. That is a picture of my daughter,
Lilly. I am so proud of her!
So in truth, we remember folks the way
we knew them, not the way they currently
appear. Another gift from Mother Nature ...
our selective memories. Thankfully when my
husband looks at me, he still sees the person
he fell in love with (at least that is what he
says!). Research has shown that you carry the
image of the person you fell in love with long
after that look has changed. Yes, love is in the
eye of the beholder.
So when I look in the mirror and think,
Who is that old woman? I need to remember this: Do not regret growing older. It is a
privilege denied to many.
May you have many birthday celebrations ahead of you!
A writer from North Carolina who started her career
at the lifestyle magazine Bangle, Madison Frederick
uses a pen name because she likes write about personal
amusing stories from her girlfriends. She is a semi-retired, happily married mother of grown children.
Are you looking for a change?

See whats happening at
Good Samaritan Hospital.
www.gshvin.org
812-885-3373
18 July 2015 Boomer

p18BoomerHumorJul15.indd 1
6/24/15 7:38 PM
C OME JU DGE
for Yourself.
GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs
and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and
guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriotts 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential
Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.
THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL is home of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic on the Senator Course
September 18 to 24, 2014. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabamas Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.
p19RTJ2Jul15.indd 1
RTJ746JudgePRATT_CNHIMags.indd 1
6/24/15 4:27 PM
3/28/14 12:17 PM
Indiana Fit and 50-plus Senior Regional Games

Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging and
Disability offers competition in Knox County
By Lindsay Owens
ome say when you reach 50, youre

over the hill, but Generations Area
13 Agency on Aging and Disability sees being 50 and over as a new
beginning. Its a chance to make lifestyle
changes and a chance to experience new
things. In August, being at least 50 will
mean a chance to compete in the Indiana
Fit and 50-plus Senior Regional Games.
This will be an annual event for us,
said Alma Kramer, Generations program
coordinator for healthy aging. This is
the first year for the games to be offered
in Southern Indiana.
Kramer said participants from a
more than a 200-miles radius are expected to register to compete in the games
and the Generations staff hopes to garner
over 500 participants.
This will be Generations biggest
fundraiser, said Cathy Jones, director
of planning and quality assurance. And
the games are open to residents of any

county or neighboring state.
Pickleball, a fast rising favorite of
older adults, as well as 3-on-3 basketball,
tennis (doubles and singles), track and
field, cycling, horseshoes, shuffleboard,
golf, swimming, archery, bowling and
the Trailblazer 5K will take place Aug. 4
through Aug. 15.
Age groups will be divided into fouryear age increments beginning with the
50-54 age group.
The entry fee of $25 covers participation in one sport or all the sports,
said Kramer, adding that there is also a
site fee for bowling and golf participants.
The top three participants in each event
in every age group will qualify for the
state competition in Evansville.
A national competition will take
place in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2017
for those who qualify.
While many of the events are on
the Vincennes University campus, select
Serving Clients in Four

States for over 50 Years.
events will be held at other locations

including the YMCA in Vincennes where
swimming will take place, Ouabache
Trails for archery, Gregg Park for horseshoes and cycling, the Bicknell Country
Club for golf, and the Daviess County
YMCA for shuffleboard.
A grant was received from the
Daviess County Community Foundation for the shuffleboard court, making
Washington an idea spot for that particular competition.
We are really hoping that the counties challenge one another to have the
most participants, said Jones, who said
the games offer a great opportunity for
friends to get together for some healthy
fun.
Opening ceremonies for the games
will be Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center parking lot.
In addition to the opening ceremonies and sporting events, Jones said an
Active Aging Celebration will be taking
place Aug. 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the
VU Student Recreation Center. The free
and open to the public event will feature
keynote speaker John Gregg, multiple
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20 July 2015 Boomer

p20-21SeniorGames.indd 1
6/24/15 5:35 PM
demonstrations and seminars as well as many vendors. A drug toss

event and free health screenings will also be offered. Vincennes
Mayor Joe Yochum will serve as the master of ceremonies.
We are hoping for 75 vendors, said Jones, who mentioned
that vendors would not just focus solely on health products. And
well be offering presenters every 30 minutes.
Presenters include Joe Kendall with AARP, who will be discussing fraud networks, attorney Katherine Rybak discussing the
Americans with Disabilities Act and Advanced Care Planning, and
Lanet Owen, who will be talking about respecting choices.
We have join-in activities like Zumba and pickleball too,
said Jones adding that Karel Kirschner with Purdue Extension
will be providing a cooking for one or two session and nutritional
tips. Matter of Balance, a popular Generations class that helps to
prevent falls, will also offer demonstrations.
Jones said the games serve not only as a way to promote active
aging and staying healthy, but also as a way to support programs
offered through Generations that support healthy aging.
The games promote a healthy, active lifestyle for older adults,
she said.
The Trailblazer 5K will be open to participants of all ages.
Kramer said Senior Games participants and the public will run the
event together. Registration forms can be found on the Generations website.
Sponsorship opportunities for the games are also available by
contacting Jones at the Generations office.
Entry fee is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Event registration is
available online at www.generationsnetwork.org or by contacting
Generations at 1-800-742-9002.
Practicing shuffleboard are Jill Cecil, director of Senior
and Family Services, Washington, and Dodie Uhl, Dubois
County AngelWorx coordinator.
Photo provided
Boomer July 2015 21

p20-21SeniorGames.indd 2
6/24/15 5:35 PM
BOOMER CONNOISSEUR
Ten pet-friendly regional wineries

By Joy Neighbors
1. Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery
h, the dog days of August, those sultry late

summer days when
heat rises from the asphalt and
everyone moves a bit slower.
This is the perfect time to
spend a lazy
afternoon
winery
hopping,
and who
better to
accompany
you than your B(FF)FF best
four-footed friend forever.
Not every Hoosier winery
offers that well-known hospitality to pets though, but with a bit
of dogged determination, Ive
dug up several in Southern Indiana which rate four paws for
their pet-friendly attitude. Go
ahead and grab that leash; here
are 10 regional wineries where
you and Rover can sit, sip, and
stay on a hot summer day.
5330 Blue Heron Lane, Cannelton,

Indiana; 812-547-7518
www. BlueHeronVines.com
Blue Heron offers well-crafted wines,

rural vineyard ambience, and a quaint
bed and breakfast, to boot. And as long
as your pet is on a leash, and you are
considerate of other guests, fur-babies are
welcome to visit. Since the tasting room
is so small, owners Gary and Lynn Dauby
request that pets be kept out on the porch
or deck. Stretch those legs and hike to the
Celtic Cross, the largest insitu Celtic cross
in the world, located on the property.
the tasting room if they are well mannered

and held by their owner. According to Amy
Butler, We treat dogs just like children;
well, except for the leash part.
3. Chateau de Pique Winery and

Vineyard
6361 N County Road 760 East, Seymour,
Indiana; 812-522-9296
www.ChateaudePique.com
The fact that the winery is housed in
a 19th Century horse barn offers some
indication that these are animal people.
Dogs are allowed in the tasting room and
the winery as long as they are good-natured
and on a leash. Once the wine tasting is
finished, why not wander among the 80
acres of rustic countryside, soaking up the
sights and smells with your favorite pal?
2. Butler Winery and Vineyard
4. Huber Winery and Vineyard
6200 East Robinson Road, Bloomington,

Indiana; 812-332-6660
www.ButlerWinery.com
19816 Huber Road, Starlight, Indiana;

800-345-9463
www.HuberWinery.com
The folks at Butler Winery are definitely dog friendly. All dogs are welcome to
lounge on the winery deck, or walk with
you through the vineyards as long as they
are friendly, kept on a leash and the owner
cleans up after them. Purse dogs (we are
talking small dogs here), are welcome in
Huber Winery is all about family and

fun so its no wonder your favorite furry
family member is welcome here, too.
There are more than 600 acres of orchards
and vineyards to explore and you can pick
your own fruits and veggies, fresh from
the field. The folks at Huber request that
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800-345-0820Toll
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22 July 2015 Boomer

p22-23BoomerConnJul15.indd 1
6/25/15 3:33 PM
all pets be leashed, and they must stay

outside, but whats better than winding
down the day by sitting on the patio,
soaking up the ambience and some musical entertainment with your best bud?
5. Lasata Winery
RR 2 Box 64B, Lawrenceville, Illinois;
618-884-1200
www.lasatawines.com
Lasata means place of peace and
thats exactly what youll find when you
sit outside, sipping wine and reveling in
the quiet country vibe. Lasata offers over
a dozen vinos on the bar and if you ask,
you may be allowed to bring your dog
in while you taste. Owner Brett Robling
said that so few people bring their pets to
the winery there isnt a set policy regarding them so please, make sure yours is
well-behaved and sets a good example.
6. Monkey Hollow
11534 East County Road 1740N, St.
Meinrad, Indiana; 812-357-2272
www.MonkeyHollowWinery.com
So, whats with the name? Employee
Mary Elder explained, Back in plat books
from the 1800s, this region looked like a
monkey hanging from a tree; locals called it
Monkey Hollow and the name just stuck,
These folks offer a warm welcome and
encourage you and your pet to plop down
on their shady side porch and enjoy an
afternoon of wine and gentle breezes. Please
keepem on a leash, and be sure theyre laidback and happy to mingle, just like the staff.
7. Mystique Winery and

Vineyard
13000 Gore Road, Lynnville, Indiana;
812-922-5612
www.MystiqueWine.com
The owners at Mystique Winery not
only talk to the animals, they walk their
talk! Each June, Mystique hosts Cajun
Fest, a day-long event full of fun, food, and
music, to raise money for regional human
societies and Soldier Dogs. According to
owner Patti Clutter, Visitors and their pets
are welcome inside the tasting room, and
outside where they can sit by the lake and
stroll around the grounds. Mystique also
sponsors Animal Palooza at Burdette Park
in Evansville held Sept. 12 and 13.
8. Oliver Winery and Vineyard

8024 N. State Road 37, Bloomington,
Indiana; 812-876-5800
www.OliverWinery.com
Indianas oldest and largest winery is

another pet-centric location, allowing your
four-footed friend to wander the grounds
when leashed and accompanied by you.
Marketing Director Natacha Poirier said
that visitors often bring their pets when
they visit the winery and attend the various
events; as long as pets are good-natured and
leashed, theyre welcome outside.
SERVING THE AREAS LEGAL

NEEDS FOR OVER 100 YEARS
9. Quibble Hill
338 Gowers Lane NW, DePauw, Indiana;
502-424-9559
www.QuibbleHillWinery.com
Get along little doggies to one of the
newest wineries in the state. Quibble Hill
opened in February 2014 and offers nine
wines on their tasting bar. Of course,
they also have the summers perfect
libation: Sangria, by the glass or by the
carafe, and this is one winery where you
and your pooch can cool down inside.
The usual rules apply; pets should be well
behaved, mild mannered, and leashed.
10. Windy Knoll

845 Atkinson Road, Vincennes, Indiana;
812-726-1600
www.WindyKnollWinery.com
This local winery is situated atop
a breezy hill surrounded by 37 rolling
acres of Hoosier farmland and vineyards.
Owner Gwen Lesser said that pets are
not regular visitors to Windy Knoll,
but would be welcomed as long as they
remain outside, are leashed and dont
disturb other guests. With outdoor seating available, you might want to harness
your baby and head out for some quality
wine time with Fido.
The usual requirements when traveling to a winery with your four-legged
friend are the same: Keep it on a leash,
keep it under control, and clean up after
it. (If only we could have these rules for
some children ) Youll find that many
wineries will also offer fresh water and
treats to furry visitors, so grab your fourlegged friend and unleash some fun at a
regional winery!
Joy Neighbors, from eastern Illinois, knows
the wine industry well. She writes a weekly
wine blog, has judged national wine
competitions, and speaks nationally and
internationally. Follow her blog at http://
joysjoyofwine.blogspot.com.
PRACTICING IN THE
STATE & FEDERAL COURTS
OF INDIANA & ILLINOIS
MEDICAID/NURSING
HOME PLANNING
Is a loved one currently in a nursing
home and exhausting assets?
Is your spouse in a nursing home
but ineligible for Medicaid because
you and your spouse have too
many assets?
Do you know the rules for self pay,
Medicare, or Medicaid?
Time is important when dealing
with these issues.
We can help you understand these
complex rules and may be able to help
you or a loved one qualify for help. Call
882-8935 to schedule an appointment
with attorney Dan Siewers.
DAN SIEWERS
812-882-8935
www.hartbell.com
513 Main Street Vincennes, IN
Boomer July 2015 23

p22-23BoomerConnJul15.indd 2
6/25/15 3:33 PM
Gibault Memorial:
21ST CENTURY HEALTH CARE IS HERE
Rob McLin, President and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, has been at the center of the hospitals largestever building project, taking GSH into the 21st Century with a world-class medical center.
Photos by Bernie Schmitt
President and CEO Rob McLin presiding over

largest-ever expansion, reorganization of Good
Samaritan Hospital
By Bernie Schmitt
he most expansive project ever for

Indianas oldest hospital is getting
closer to completion and the man
who must oversee such bold change could
not be happier.
In 2013 Good Samaritan Hospital
officials broke ground for a $111 million
expansion which will include a shiny,
new, 200,000-square-foot inpatient tower
named Gibault Memorial. The hospitals
BEACON Project is re-designing and
re-configuring key health care service
areas and upgrading the facilitys critical
engineering areas.
Rob McLin, president and chief
executive officer for GSH, is excited that a
grand opening for the Gibault Memorial

tower will take place in mid-July.
We will have a world-class facility in
place to go with the world-class people we
serve, he said. We are a regional center
of excellence.
Good Samaritan Hospital is Knox
County largest employer, with 1,900
employees. GSH has 75 physicians and
25 nurse practitioners, and hundreds of
others who serve the health care needs for
people in a 10-county service area. At least
half of its customers are from the neighboring state of Illinois.
McLin, 51, became president and
CEO on April 1, 2010, replacing former
CEO Matthew Bailey. By summer he and
other hospital administrators had begun
planning for the hospitals future. Outside of the GSH Health Pavilion, the last
major building project was the Columbian Towers in 1968. Other changes were
needed to the hospitals central plant and
infrastructure.
We had to decide whether we should
renovate what we have, add to existing
structures, or to build a completely new
facility off-site, McLin said.
He emphasized that every possible
angle was explored, including major
renovation. Though costs to renovate
were somewhat less ($70 million vs. $111
million), such action would have only
modified what was still old and outdated.
We wanted to focus on the future, on
the next generation of patients and the next
generation of health care workers, McLin
said. This hospital has been around 107
years (GSH opened in 1908), and we want
it to be here another 107 years.
Having served as the hospitals chief
financial officer before becoming CEO,
24 July 2015 Boomer

p24-27McLinGSH.indd 1
6/24/15 7:37 PM
McLin had a firm grasp on the facilitys

budget and finances. With help from his
senior leadership team he put together all
alternatives, along with their costs, and
presented it to GSHs Board of Governors.
The board was in agreement that we
needed to move forward, McLin said.
The board was involved with the decision-making process and board members
I want us to be seen as
a group who worked hard
and thought about future
generations.
Rob McLin
jumped in with both feet.
You know, we could have kept money in the bank, but it is our responsibility
to invest in the community, he said. I
think we all were in agreement on that.
While the Gibault Memorial tower is
complete, completion of the entire project
is still a little over a year away. The entire
layout of the hospital will change, making
for much better efficiency. This, McLin
said, will benefit patients and health care
workers alike.
We are trying to re-focus and re-center
things, he said. Thats why we did this.
Rob McLin surveys construction of what will be the entrance to the new
Gibault Tower that will be unveiled to the public (with guided tours) on July 15.
With the completion of the new
tower, the hospital will be better connected and closer together. For instance, the
Emergency Room will be only 50 feet
from the heart catheterization lab an
important fact for heart patients in an
emergency.
When done a nurse or clinician will

walk 92 miles less in a year than they do
now, McLin said.
The hospitals main entrance for
in-patients and out-patients will be
off of Willow Street at the current Health
Pavilion entrance. The current
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Boomer July 2015 25
6/24/15 7:37 PM
McLin talks with Steve Keyes, a valet for GSH, near the entrance of the new
Gibault Tower.
entrance area, including first-floor administrative offices, will be devoted to human
resources and employee health.
We want to do what is best and convenient for our employees, McLin said.
There are also plans to demolish the
old Memorial Building and the former
LaSalle school building, and add more
parking for employees. Still to be built is
a 200-seat conference center for hospital
meetings and conferences. The conference
center also will be available for the public.
All of this will make things much
more efficient, McLin said. This is
mission critical for us. We have to have a
facility to match technology and staff of
today and tomorrow.
A native of Knox County, McLin
grew up on a farm outside of Bicknell.
A graduate of North Knox High School,
McLin studied business at Vincennes
University, earned a degree in finance
and accounting from Indiana State, and
then went to work as a tax auditor for the
Internal Revenue Service.
I didnt want anything to do with
farming, he said. About the third time I
took out a fence row my dad suggested that
maybe I should look into accounting.
In time he became a Certified
Public Accountant and later earned an
MBA from Ball State University. He
worked in Indianapolis, Terre Haute,
and Lafayette, but longed to return to
Knox County. He did so in 1992 to
work as an internal auditor at GSH.
He became the hospitals chief financial
officer in 1997.
I learned a lot about running this facility from (former GSH administrators) John
Hidde and Matthew Bailey, McLin said.
GIBAULT TOWER
GRAND OPENING
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15
WHERE: Outside the Gibault
Tower main entrance (near Health
Pavilion entrance)
TIMELINE:
3:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting
4-4:30 p.m. Opening Remarks,
Grand Opening Ceremonies
4:30 - 7 p.m. Guided Tours of
Gibault Memorial Tower
His role as a leader is to make sure
that his vision is known and to surround
himself with good people and to get out
of the way. He doesnt like to micro-manage. He is passionate about his work,
his institution, and the people it serves.
And as CEO, work never stops. It is a
time-consuming occupation.
I put in a lot of hours, but I have a
high passion level for this, McLin said. I
live it every day until I go to sleep. I dont
want to look back and say that I didnt do
enough. I want us to be seen as a group
who worked hard and thought about
future generations.
26 July 2015 Boomer

6/25/15 3:15 PM
McLin greets construction worker Brian McClure on the grounds of Good Samaritan Hospital. McLin treats everyone the
same, whether maintenance workers or doctors, a philosophy centered on kindness, respect, and a willingness to help
others.
Hospital leadership, starting with
him, must memorize the hospitals
mission and values and must ingrain that
culture in the staff. He wants all people
employees and patients to be treated
as equals. He advocates kindness, fairness,
and lots of smiling.
To decompress McLin likes to play
golf, and he likes to run. He spends his
lunch hour exercising, a way to energize
himself for the second half of a day. He
takes time off, too, to spend with his understanding wife of 26 years, Angie.
His son Jacob, 20, is studying agri-
business at Vincennes University. His

daughter, Mackenzie, 24, recently was
married and now is living in Ohio. He
would like it better if she, too, were in
Knox County, where most of his relatives
still live. Hes supportive of local community improvement efforts, and is excited
about Pioneer Oils move to downtown
Vincennes.
There are so many positive signs of
growth, he said. Im excited to be a little
part of it.
I love Knox County and Vincennes,
he said. We want our children to come
back here. We also want to recruit more

physicians and want them to be impressed
with our hospital. Our facility should
match a city five times our size.
Long after Gibault Memorial opens,
key health care services are moved or
re-organized, and when the largest-ever
local hospital project is complete, McLin
hopes GSH will remain a modern, regional health care facility that saves lives.
Good Samaritan Hospital should
still be the crown jewel of Knox County,
just like it is today, McLin said.
Boomer July 2015 27

6/24/15 7:37 PM
THE CONVERTED CYNIC
BACK IN THE DAY NO WAY

By: Angie Mayfield
ummer is my least
favorite time of year.
Along with the heat
and humidity comes bathing
suit season and the realization
that gravity and child-bearing
have
taken
their
toll on
a body
that was
slim and
toned
once
upon a time. Somehow I
transformed straight from
Olive Oyl to Sponge Bob
Square Pants. What happened
to the hourglass Betty Boop
stage that every woman
deserves? What happened to
my waist?
Recently I realized that
even our backsides are not
immune to gravity when
I found myself constantly
pulling up my pants. I
wondered what was going
on. I hadnt lost weight or
changed wardrobes. My
husband nonchalantly
pointed out that it probably
meant my rear was sagging.
What?! I was depressed for
a week and almost joined a
gym well, almost.
When I played tennis
with my three sons one
evening, it became apparent
very quickly that the athletic
girl from high school and
college years was completely
out of shape. For fun, I began
imitating John McEnroes
loud grunting sounds each
time I hit the ball. Then the
boys fell into rhythm too,
cracking up at the humor of
our loud, pitiful attempt at a
real tennis match.
After 30 minutes I was
breathing heavily and convinced my

racket had a broken string or a large
hole right through the middle. Ive
known for some time that either my
arms are shrinking or I desperately
need glasses, so I blamed my misses
on my eyesight, my asthma, my shoes,
my racket, and wanting my younger
son to play more. In reality, my mind
was thinking of Toby Keiths song,
I aint as good as I once was. My
backhand nearly threw out my back. I
was sweating profusely and had to agree
when my 11-year-old teammate shook
his head and said, We suck. My legs
were killing me so when we returned
home, I searched the cabinets for the
ointments I used to make fun of my
father for using Aspercreme and
Bengay.
I wondered if I could claim

dementia if I told him that
even Arnold Palmer had better
taste in clothes than he did.
Of course, he probably had no
idea who that was or John
McEnroe either.
In June, my high school reunion
cheered me up a little as I looked
around and realized I was faring better
than the cheerleaders and prom queens
I envied as a teenager. I was blessed
with a career, farm, and hobbies I loved,
a wonderful husband (except when
he pointed out my sagging rear), and
great kids that give me equal amounts
of worry and joy (except when they
beat me at tennis). Life was good, and
I started to accept that growing older
wasnt so bad after all.
Then, summer classes began. The
first day, after introductions and going
over the syllabus, I heard a student say
to the girl next to him, I bet she was
really pretty back in the day. Back
in the day? Yep, and I was one hell of
a tennis player back in the day too,
I laughed to myself. Suddenly I felt
ancient again, ready for the rocking
28 July 2015 Boomer

p28-29ConvCynicJul15.indd 1
6/24/15 6:45 PM
chair. I wondered if I could claim

dementia if I told him that even Arnold
Palmer had better taste in clothes than
he did. Of course, he probably had no
idea who that was or John McEnroe
either.
On the positive side, back in the
day to one of my students is considered
the 1990s. I remember when I thought
anyone over age 30 was old too, so
I make a mental note to expose my
students to a few of the wonderful
memories, musicians, and moments in
history they have missed by not being
as old as I am. I wonder if they realize
that only five pictures were taken on the
moon to show the world, while most of
them post more selfies than that each
day on Instagram? Oh, how the world
has changed. As I listen to them air their
priorities, goals, and so-called wisdom, I
dont envy their world. However, I would
never return to those years of my youth
unless I could take my brain with me.
On the way home, I stopped
and bought a one-piece bathing suit
I liked, then loaded up the family to
go swimming. But you dont like to
swim, my youngest said.
But you do. Maybe Ill just lay out

and work on my tan.
You never tan, my middle son
pointed out, or want to go to the
pool.
So Ill sit under the umbrella and
read. They looked at each other and
shook their heads but not arguing this
sudden opportunity.
Life is too short to worry about our
swimsuit body. I wanted my kids to

remember the fun, adventurous mom
who likes to try everything even if she
makes McEnroe grunts while doing it.
Angie J. Mayfield is an associate
professor of English at Vincennes
University Jasper campus and the
author of Love, Loss, & Lunacy in a
Small Town. She can be contacted at
profmayfield@yahoo.com
break out your summer...
WHITES!
Family Dentistry with a gentle and caring touch.
L. Rene Goodwin, D.D.S.

Stephen J. Holka, D.D.S.
CROWN & BRIDGE WHITENING PORCELAIN VENEERS DENTURES EXTRACTIONS FILLINGS IMPLANT RESTORATIONS
100 N. Broadway, Oaktown, IN 47561 812-745-4151 We will bill your insurance. Medicaid accepted
Boomer July 2015 29
p28-29ConvCynicJul15.indd 2
6/24/15 6:45 PM
J
uly

JULY 4
Fourth of July Parade, Sweet Land of
Liberty and Fireworks, Downtown
Vincennes. Parade at 6 p.m. Fireworks
display will begin at dusk near George
Rogers Clark National Historical Park. For
more information, call Vincennes City Hall
at 812-882-7285.
THROUGH OCTOBER
Farmers Market of Historic Vincennes located
at the Riverfront Pavilion. Saturdays 8 a.m.
until 1 p.m. and Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, contact Shirley Rose at
812-882-5162.
JULY 8
Every Hero Has a Story! program,
10:30 a.m., Fortnightly Building.
Superhero Red Skelton, who
made the whole world laugh. Free
and open to the public. For more
information, call the Knox County
Public Library at 812-886-4380.
JULY 3
Every Hero Has a Story! program, Grouseland,
10:30 a.m. Anna Harrison, Superwoman
of the 18th Century and Tecumseh, Shawnee
warrior. Free and open to the public. For more
information, call the Knox County Public Library
at 812-886-4380.
1 2 3 4
JULY 9
Exploring Exotic Foods with world
cuisine chef Rhemy Leslie, Fortnightly
Building, Vincennes. Chef Rhemy Leslie
of the Asian Market presents world
cuisine at the Fortnightly Building at 7
p.m. For more information, call the Knox
County Public Library at 812-886-4380.
JULY 10-11
Wheatfest, Wheatland. Chicken and
noodle dinner from 5-6 p.m. with
bands performing at 7 p.m. Continues
Saturday at 10 a.m. with games, food
and an antique car and tractor show. For
vendor information and more general
information, call 812-890-4531.

5 6 7 8 9 10
11
JULY 17
Fresh-Air Flick, Annie, Patrick Henry
Drive, 7:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs
or blanket. Concessions provided by
Thursday Church with proceeds going
toward local missions. Sponsored by
New Wave Communications.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18
JULY 20-25
Knox County Fair, 11728 State Road 67 E.,
Bicknell. Food, entertainment, 4-H exhibits
and rides. Visit the Facebook page at http://
www.facebook.com/KnoxCountyFarmFair.

19 20 21 22 23 24 25
JULY 31-AUGUST 2
Sidewalk sales,
downtown Vincennes.

26 27 28 29 30 31
AUGUST 1
Annual Knox County Watermelon Festival and Great American Grill-Off, Patrick Henry Drive of the George
Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Events begin at 7 a.m. with the Great American Grill-Off. Old National
Color Run begins at 8 a.m., baby and toddler contest at 9:30 a.m., free concert from 1-3 p.m., seed pitting and
watermelon eating contest at 3 p.m., cutest pet contest at 4 p.m. and the Miss Watermelon pageant at 6 p.m.
Free watermelon by Nowaskie Melons, kids games, crafts and flea market. For more information, contact the
Knox County Chamber of Commerce at 812-882-6440 or visit http://www.knoxcountychamber.com
A
ugust

1
AUG. 3-15
Indiana Fit & 50 Senior Regional Games, Student Recreation Center, VU Campus. Generations of Vincennes is sponsoring. The event will
kick off at 9 a.m. on Aug. 3 at the Vincennes University Student Recreation Center. John Gregg, former Indiana State Representative and VU
interim president, will be the keynote speaker. Sessions on fraud prevention, caregivers and elder law will be held. Free health screenings
will be offered and a vendor fair on site. Competitions will include basketball, tennis, swimming, bowling, golf, a fun run and a 5K run. The
fee to participate in each sport is $25. Online registrations available until July 19, http://www.indianafitandfiftyplusseniorregionalgames.com.
Athletes may also register by calling Generations at 1-800-742-9002.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
AUG. 7-8
Germanfest, Highland Woods, Hart Street & Felt King
Road, 6 p.m. to midnight. German food, beverages,
music and fellowship. The Prost German band will play
both nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. Frenchwurst will
be available. Seniors (60+), $3 and adults (21+), $5. For
more information, call Don Halter at 812-882-8181.
AUG. 12
The Mayberry Detective: Tied Up in Knotts, 7 p.m.,
Red Skelton Performing Center, VU Campus. Karen
Knotts (daughter of Don Knotts) and David Browning
will perform. For more information, call the Red
Skelton Museum at 812-888-4184, email apratt@vinu.
edu or visit http://www.RedSkeltonMuseum.org.
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
AUG. 21-22
Black Creek Festival, Sandborn. Talent
show, craft and flea market, 5K run, baby
contest, grill-off, parade, bingo, rides,
slides, bounce house and food vendors.
For more information, call Gladys
Pemberton at 812-887-1304.
AUG. 21
Fresh-Air Flick, Big Hero 6, Patrick Henry
Drive, Vincennes. Bring lawn chairs or blanket.
Concessions provided by Thursday Church
with proceeds going toward local missions.
Sponsored by New Wave Communications.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22
AUG. 28-30
Assisted Living, the Musical, Old Town Players
Theatre, 423 Broadway St., Vincennes. 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, August 30.
For more information, call 812-882-1639 or visit
http://oldtownplayers.org/.
23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29
30 July 2015 Boomer

p30CalendarJul15.indd 1
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THE BOOMER 1040
WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

By Angie Moore
new survey sponsored

by the American
Institute of Certified
Public
Accountants found
that in
general, we
are stressed
about
health care
costs and
running out of money.
According to the Q1 2015
AICPA CPA Personal Financial
Planning Trend Survey, 76 percent of financial planners said
health care costs are one of the
main factors causing their clients to worry about out-living
their retirement plan money.
More than half of the
respondents noted seeing an
increase in the number of
health care issues affecting their clients, as

compared to five years ago.
There are other unexpected events,
which may alter our plans for retirement
and our plans for cash in retirement,
including:
While these events will present a

challenge for some, you can try to offset
the affects of these issues by working on
strategies to maximize Social Security
benefits and your anticipated stream of
retirement income.
Spending your golden years in a
stress-free, no-fear manner would be ideal.
Start now to do what you can to make
that happen.
Angie Moore is a certified public accountant,

having been with Kemper CPA for 18 years.
She was graduated from the University of
Illinois. She and her husband have a son
and a daughter. They are avid Illini fans.
Caring for aging relatives

Divorce
Job loss
Adult children returning home and
Income or market changes
Boomer July 2015 31

p31Boomer1040Jul15.indd 1
6/22/15 1:34 PM
DICK
DONOVAN
Country boy, carpenter,
talented artist
Artist Dick Donovan of Vincennes.

By Bernie Schmitt
ick Donovans first remembrance of his artistic ability was

years ago in Oaktown when he
and his cousin, Terry Lamb, drew dinosaurs together as kids.
His cousin made a career of being
an artist in California and Hawaii, but
Donovan ended up making a living with
carpentry, and doing art on the side.
The 67-year-old has exercised his talent
locally, painting the huge mural on the
Eyeworks building in downtown Vincennes, and several other commissioned
works through the years.

I had a neighbor, Joe Warner, who
was a professional painter, Donovan
said. Id go over and watch him paint.
Hed go to Brown County and when
he came back Id watch him paint trees,
hills, and scenery like that. One day he
sat me down in front of a canvas board
to let me do it.
He told me I had talent, he said.
He got me my first oil painting kit
when I was 12 years old.
A fifth grade art teacher boosted his
confidence and taught him, and then he
was under the tutelage of Evelyn Roberts
at North Knox High School.

One day she said that she couldnt
teach me anymore, Donovan laughed.
She said that I knew more than she
did.
He also was able to attend an art
camp at Ball State for a couple of years,
courtesy of the Tri Kappa Sorority.
It was Roberts who helped set up
art sales and who helped sell some of
Donovans work. She also arranged for
him to try out for a scholarship at the
Herron School of Art and Design in
Indianapolis. This is in 1966, the year he
was graduated from NKHS.
32 July 2015 Boomer

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6/24/15 6:49 PM
Donovan helped paint the murals at the former Charlies Smorgasboard in

Vincennes.
Photo provided
His efforts were successful. He was

number three among seven scholarship
winners, but he couldnt take it because
he had joined the U.S. Army in August.
When he returned to Knox County,
Donovan found a job and went to work.
I didnt want to take the time to
go to school, he said. So I just started
working.
For a time he and two other artists,
Randall Hedden and Randy Halter, were
selling insurance. Donovan spent eight
years with Western Southern Insurance,
but he painted murals and signs in his
spare time. The artists once talked of
starting a sign painting shop (for a short
time Donovan worked with Wilkerson
Billboards), but the idea never took off
as selling insurance paid the bills much
better than sign painting.
I couldnt make a career of it here,
Donovan said.
He at first wanted to be a cartoonist,
as he likes creating caricatures. He once
won a contest (there were 200 entries)
for creating a mascot for the classified
advertising section of the Terre Haute
Tribune-Star. He has drawn and given
away cartoons to children over the years.
Hes made Sponge Bob and other cartoon characters with plywood, painting
on their features. He says hes given
several away.
Though he hasnt made a career of
painting, he has earned extra money

painting murals. He has painted several
murals for private homes bedrooms,
basements, bathrooms just about any
place one might want one. Hes painted old-fashioned drive-ins, seascapes,
and exotic animal-themed murals. He
painted a large patriotic mural at the
American Legion Post in Washington,
and another at the Moose Lodge in
Vincennes.
He worked with Brenda Small of
Mt. Carmel in painting the murals that
adorned the walls of the former Charlies Smorgasboard. They have worked
together in painting murals for private
residences, too. At one, he said they
painted a 26x9-foot mural of a French
bistro scene.
I got pictures from the library to go
from and then I designed it, Donovan
said. Brenda liked it and we painted it.
It turned out pretty good.
At the First Baptist Church in Vincennes there is a mural of Jesus Christ
knocking on a door painted in a classroom, work that Donovan donated. Hes
done the Otten hog farm sign that is
kind of a landmark in Knox County.
His artistic ability as benefited him
as a carpenter, too. Hes designed buildings and homes for people, visualizing
designs that others cant.
Art comes in handy, he
Boomer July 2015 33

6/24/15 6:49 PM
Artist Dick Donovan with signs hes painted. His work includes large murals, both public and private.
34 July 2015 Boomer

6/24/15 6:49 PM
Dick Donovan did the drive-in mural, top, for a private residence in Knox
County. Above, Donovan painted this mural for a young girls bedroom.
Photos provided
said. I can see what I want to make, and

I have the ability to make it.
His artistic talent is shared by members on both sides of his family, Donovan
said. His mother, his aunts, uncles, and
others have a knack for artistic creation.
He had a great uncle who worked for
Walt Disney many years ago, but quit
because Disney wouldnt pay him.
Donovan is still busy with carpentry

work (hes currently building a house for
his daughter, Bridget Dale Donovan),
but hes hoping to get into more painting and other creative pursuits when the
muse hits him after he retires.
God has blessed me as a salesman, a
carpenter, and an artist, Donovan said.
I never became rich, but Im happy.
Boomer July 2015 35

6/24/15 6:49 PM
Boomer Toys, Trappings and Trivia

By Todd Lancaster
Not many high school players have

graced the cover of Sports Illustrated;
however, the first was the Indiana
Rocket Rick Mount in 1966. Mount had a
successful career at Purdue and played
five years in the ABA, but like most high
school players on the cover, their careers
have been footnotes at best. Of the 13
players who have made it, probably only
LeBron and Kevin Garnet are shoo-in
Most people know that about the

group of young Englishman who sent
teenage girls out of their minds on
the Ed Sullivan Show Feb. 9, 1964.
However, there was another young
English lad who would do the same
thing, who appeared on the show that
same night. Soon-to-be Monkee front
man Davy Jones was part of the cast of
Oliver that also appeared on the show
that night.
Hall of Famers.
Joe Namath made a lot of money

selling Beatutymist pantyhose in
the early 1970s. This commercial
showing Broadway put very few
men in pantyhose. My questions is:
Wouldnt Bruce Jenner have been a
much better candidate?
Lets make everyday Earth Day
812-895-4828
36 July 2015 Boomer
p36ToysTrappingsJul15.indd 1
6/24/15 6:50 PM
YEAH, IM A BOOMER, BUT...
D U TC H
Lloyd Thoren: Interesting story for young

journalist
By Bernie Schmitt
ne of the oddest, yet interesting, stories I have

ever covered occurred
on the first day of summer 35
years ago.
In the
summer of
1980 I was
a student
at Indiana
University,
spending
my days
hanging out
at Ernie Pyle Hall in Bloomington,
where I was the photo editor for
the Indiana Daily Student. As an
eager young journalist I was always
searching for a story. That quest
that led me to the outskirts of
Petersburg, Indana, one weekend,
where I attended a Summer Solstice Celebration at the American
Atheist Museum.
Yes, nestled among Bible Belt
church steeples of southern Indiana
was a museum dedicated to the
belief that there is no God. As one
might imagine, it didnt last long.
Its owner was Lloyd Thoren,
a World War II veteran and
successful businessman, who in
1978 opened a museum visited
only by a few like-minded souls.
The rest were curiosity-seekers and
the press including me who
wanted to see a real-live atheist.
We wanted to see the devils horns.
But there were no horns,
only a kind, middle-aged (he was
55 then) man who seemed as
passionate about spreading the
word of non-belief, as a minister
of a church spreading the gospel.
He did not attempt to denigrate
Christians, only their religion. And
that of other religions, too.
This caused him problems.
Not long after he opened the
museum, gunfire raked the building
and a cross was burned in his yard.
He and his wife (his second) got nasty phone calls and hundreds of abusive letters. They were pretty much
ostracized by the local community.
Thoren got death threats, too.
When I visited Thorens museum, he and other atheists were
celebrating the first day of summer
with a somewhat tame, but jovial,
party on the museums grounds.
Among the guests was a promi-
nent figure in the atheist movement: Madalyn

Murray OHair, the woman who managed to
get Bible reading (not prayer) removed from
Americas public schools.
The 1963 Supreme Court decision earned
OHair a tremendous amount of publicity,
both good and bad. Her fight led to a certain
degree of wealth, thanks to a surprising number of contributions from other like-minded
people, but it also earned her the title of most
hated woman in America, according to LIFE
Magazine.
During the summer solstice party she and
Thoren discussed how their views were based
on reason and logic, not religious doctrine or a
belief in something unseen. Though some considered Thoren and OHair to be representatives
of Satan, they laughed off such criticism. They
did not believe in Satan, they did not believe in
the devil, and they did not believe in God.
Thoren got some national exposure when
his American Atheist Museum first opened,
but the ire aimed at him and his family came
mostly from locals who didnt want him there.
He explained to me that while he was raised
by his parents as a Christian (Presbyterian)
and sang heartfelt renditions of Onward
Christian Soldiers, he began to doubt his
belief in God during World War II.
I was on a ship and it was late at night,
he said. I looked up at the starry sky and
asked God that if he exists that he give me a
sign to show me. Nothing happened.
Thoren said his change in belief cost him
his first wife and two children. It forced him
to sell the telephone companies he owned, as
the criticism toward him was beginning to
hurt the business and his customers. He built
his museum and lived off of investments he
made. He and his wife, Pam, endured continual criticism until they could stand it no more.
In 1987, long after I had written my story
and had my photo essay published in the Indiana
Daily Student, the Thorens left Petersburg for California. I wasnt aware of this at the time; I never
saw Thoren again after my 1980 interview, nor
did I ever revisit the American Atheist Museum.
Chances are that no one would have ever
known about Thoren and his beliefs had it not
been for the American Atheist Museum. Such
a public display against religion in southern
Indiana opened the door for intolerance. Im not
sure that Thorens museum advanced the idea of
atheism like he and OHair had hoped. Instead
it seemed to have only attracted contempt.
Had Thoren focused on anti-intellectualism instead of challenging mainstream beliefs
in God, he might have lived out his days in
Petersburg. That would have been an interesting story to tell, too.
A freelance writer and photographer, Bernie Schmitt

also is an assistant professor of English at Vincennes
University. He lives with his wife, Nancy, and family
in Vincennes.
PA N T R Y
Handmade deli
sandwiches served
throughout the day
Selection of homemade
Potato Salad, Macaroni
Salad, Ham Salad, &
Chicken Salad
Chili &
Potato Soup
available
during cold
weather
months
Homemade
Baked
Goods!
As always
we carry...
Gluten-free
products
Specialty baking ingredients
VINCENNES
1925 Hart St.

812-895-0903
ODON
13014 N. 1100E
812-636-7923
M-F 9-5 - SAT. 9-4
Boomer July 2015 37

p37BernieColJul15.indd 1
6/24/15 3:42 PM
DAY TRIPPER
Patoka Lake brings fun to three Indiana counties

By Joy Neighbors
ugust is the month

you begin to wind
down the summer,
but dont round out your
vacation time without a visit
to Patoka Lake in southern
Indiana.
This
is the
number
one recreation
lake in
the state, spread across three
counties: Dubois, Orange and
Crawford, which means that
Patoka Lake has lots to do,
both on and off the water.
This 8,800 acre lake is
surrounded by 26,000 acres
of Department of Natural
Resources land including marshlands,

dunes, sandy beaches and a section of
the Hoosier National Forest. The scenic
views are breathtaking, and the water is
clean and clear, perfect for swimming,
boating and family fun. Even in the
height of summer, the lake isnt crowded
and the water is always accessible.
Outdoor recreationists can spend

ample time on the water; every day
can be a new adventure when you can
rent pontoon boats, party barges, even
50-passenger cruise boats, along with
water skis, tubes, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats for crystal clear summer fun.
The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill,
Boats for rent at Hoosier

Hills Marina, on the
western side of Patoka lake
in Dubois County.
Photos by Joy Neighbors
38 July 2015 Boomer

p38-39DayTripperJul15.indd 1
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croppie, catfish and walleye, and has 10

ramps and two private marinas, Patoka
Lake Marina, located on the southside
of the lake, and Hoosier Hills Marina,
on the western side of the lake in Dubois
County.
Landlubbers have plenty of options
like horseback riding, hiking and biking,
archery and disc golf, or can head to the
caves for a spelunking adventure. Learn
the history of the region at the Patoka
Lake Visitor and Nature Center, or take a
drive into the country and check out one
of the county museums.
Ready to shop? Then head out to
area antique stores, flea markets and craft
shops for one-of-a-kind gifts and vacation souvenirs.
Lodging is not a problem on the
lake; whether you want to camp primitive style, or pull your RV into one of
over 500 sites. If youre planning to stay
on the west side of the lake, Hoosier
Hills Marina is the perfect home base.
Tucked into a quiet lake cove, you can
rent pontoons and fishing boats, or select
a houseboat to rent and enjoy life on the
water. There are slips and mooring for
200 private boats here, from pontoons to
80-foot houseboats. A convenience store
offers groceries and supplies including
bait, tackle and gasoline, along with a
new restaurant, Patoka Lake Pizza and
Patoka Lake
www.PatokaLakeIndiana.com
Hoosier Hills Marina
www.HoosierHillsMarina.com
Patoka Lake Marina
www.PatokaLakeMarina.com
Boat fishing on Patoka Lake.

Wings, so you never need to leave the
marina.
Eating at the lake can be as simple as
freshly caught fish cooked over a camp
fire to fine dining at an area restaurant,
or any thing in between. There are delis,
local bar and grills, fast food stops, groceries, even a local convenience store will
provide you with something to nosh and
nibble on.
Patoka Lake Marina can set your
world to rockin with a floating cabin, the first available in Indiana. April
through October you can take a lake
tour on the Patoka Voyager, soak up the
scenery and keep a sharp eye out for bald
eagles, osprey, herons and loons. Sunday
afternoon cruiser tours offer snacks, tea
and lemonade, plus a cash bar. Set sail

for a relaxing summer evening onboard a
sunset wine or beer cruise featuring libations from Hoosier wineries and breweries. Enjoy food, paired with five to seven
wines or beers, along with two full glasses
of your favorite beverage and a souvenir
glass. Cruises depart from the Patoka
Lake Marina on select Friday evenings in
July and August. Fall foliage wine cruises
will be offered on Saturdays during September and October. For reservations call
(812) 685-2203 ext. 101.
Wrap up your summer, or plan an
amazing autumn get-away with a visit
to Patoka Lake where fun in the sun is a
way of life.
Boomer July 2015 39

p38-39DayTripperJul15.indd 2
6/24/15 6:58 PM
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6/20/15 3:35 PM
FINANCIAL WISDOM
Helping younger generation

brings challenges
By Brad Dillon
s the American
population ages into
retirement, younger
generations may be the ones
responsible for
picking up
the pieces.
Theres
only one
problem:
the younger generation is in no position
to do so.
A recent study by the
Urban Institute, published
on March 15, 2013, found
Americans from young adulthood up to about age 40 have
accrued less wealth than their
parents at the same age even as
the average wealth has doubled
over the last quarter-century.
So, what is to blame? The
truth is, its not a single issue.
A broad range of economic factors has conspired to
suppress wealth-building for
younger American workers.
According to the study, they
face a number of issues such as
stagnant pay, declining median
incomes, a housing collapse,
and soaring student debt.
The cost of college tuition
today is just one of those economic factors. Rising tuition
threatens to discourage all, but
the well-off, from going to and
finishing college, restraining
future economic growth, and
widening the gap between
winners and losers in the
U.S. economy, wrote David
Wessel, economics editor and
columnist for The Wall Street
Journal.
The College Board says
over the past 20 years, the
inflation-adjusted average
published cost of tuition and
fees at a four-year state university have more than doubled.
Factor in scholarships and tax
breaks and its still up more than 50 percent. Over the same period, the income
of the typical family in the middle class
has risen only 7 percent. Thats one reason
student borrowing is up so much, he
noted in the same recent article.
In addition to these challenges, public
policy now burdens the young with
ever-increasing interest payments on the
federal debt. The study says the cost of
preserving retirement and health benefits
for older Americans and baby boomers
should not be passed on to younger generations that have already been losing out
on their share of private wealth. If current
trends are not reversed, todays younger
Americans may be more dependent when
they retire on safety net programs that are
less capable of providing basic support,
according to the study. In this country,
the expectation is that every generation
does better than the previous generation,
said Caroline Ratcliff, an author of the
study. This is no longer the case. This
generation might have less.
Over the years, we have seen increasing numbers of parents and grandparents
spending more than they anticipated for
their children and grandchildren. And,
with increased longevity, this may affect
their own retirement plans in the years
ahead.
Take the first step to ensure your
retirement by doing a financial plan. Its
crucial to helping you decide the amount
you can contribute, if any, and how it
might affect your own retirement. No
matter what issues either generation face,
having a plan helps ensure youve done
everything you can to prepare yourself
for the challenges of the future. And, that
is a responsibility both generations must
realize.
Brad Dillon is managing director of Carson
Wealth Vincennes. In his spare time, Brad
enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon
and beautiful daughter, Harper. He is also
an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.
Study Source: http://www.urban.org/publications/412766.
html
The above material was prepared by Peak Advisor Alliance.
Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, a
Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through LPL
Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial is under
separate ownership from any other named entity.
Boomer July 2015 41

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6/24/15 6:51 PM
HOMEBASE SKATE SUPPLY
Thomas Tucker in front of a wall of skateboards inside Homebase Skate Supply, a shop he opened earlier this year in
downtown Vincennes.
Photos by Bernie Schmitt
Inspired by his mother, young

business man opens new shop
By Bernie Schmitt
young entrepreneur has opened

a new business in downtown
Vincennes inspired by the untimely death of his mother.
Thomas Tucker, 25, of Vincennes is
the owner of Homebase Skate Supply,
a skateboard and accessories shop that
opened earlier this year at 24 N. Fourth
St.
His mother, Debra Martinez, died of
lung cancer last December. She encouraged him to follow his dreams.
She was awesome, Tucker said.
Anytime I wanted or needed anything
she always found a way to make it work.
She is the reason I do this. Shes my

inspiration.
Tucker has 15 years experience in
skateboarding, and wants advocates to
know that the local skateboard shop is
actually owned by a skateboarder.
I know pretty much all there is to
know about skateboarding, he said. Ill
make sure you are taken care of and that
you get what you are looking for.
Tucker said skateboarding is now as
big or bigger than baseball and that it
is a multi-million dollar industry. There
are more skateboarders worldwide than
people in any other sport. His shop
caters to those enthusiasts. It is the only
store of its kind in Vincennes. The only
others in the area or either Evansville or

Bloomington, he said.
We have the highest quality of professional made skateboards and accessories, he said. Skateboarders want that.
It has to be very precise and the quality
of wood and the quality of trucks the
mechanism that holds the wheels onto
the board are perfectly formulated.
The majority of our brands are made in
America.
The best kind of skateboard is made
of solid Canadian maple and they are
made in the USA, he said. There are
boards made of other materials such as
carbon fiber and Kevlar, but Tucker said
the best like the Louisville Slugger
are made in America.
They are more expensive to make,
he said. Skateboards dont last forever.
Thats why skateboard shops exist.
Tucker started the business at his
42 July 2015 Boomer

p42-45Skateboards.indd 1
6/24/15 7:27 PM
Browsers look over the selection of skateboards, left, at Homebase Skate Supply. At right, Tucker poses with his girlfriend,
Kylee Coatney.
home, but realized that it just wasnt
possible. Then he found his location and
put it all together.
I put a lot of money into it, but it
has been worth it, he said. I have money saved and I sold a few things to make
it happen. But I wanted to do this right.
Tucker considers Homebase Skateboard Supply to be an independent, core
skateboard shop, a business that does
business with other like-minded companies. The philosophy puts skateboarders
first. Tucker said he tries to always buy
products from others who want to provide the best quality of merchandise for
the needs of skateboarders.

For instance the shoes we have for
sale come from a company made by
skateboarders, he said. We want to
try and give independent companies a
chance. The big companies like Nike or
Addidas have all the money, technology,
advertising, you name it. They can do
anything. In the last year or so theyve
put some of the smaller companies out
of business. So skateboarders have to
support these smaller companies.
Having his own skateboard shop
has been Tuckers dream for as long as I
can remember, he said. He still works a
fulltime job at Bill Bobes Pizzeria, and

he plans to continue working there.
They are really good to me there,
he said. They know Im doing this and
have worked with me a lot. I really like
working there and really appreciate their
support.
In addition to the dozens of
skateboards that line the shops wall,
Homebase Skateboard Supply also sells
footwear, apparel, videos, books, and
magazines on the skateboarding. Shoppers can scope out the skateboards, hang
out, and even watch videos of skate
boarders and their techniques.
Boomer July 2015 43

6/24/15 7:27 PM
Homebase Skate Supply is designed, its owner says, to be a hangout for skateboarders, as well as a supply shop.
Leave a Legacy today...

For your children
For your grandchildren
For your community
For all of those you love.
Contact the Knox County Community
Foundation today to learn more about
how you can leave a legacy.
The Knox County Community Foundation.

For Good. Forever. For Knox County.
20 N. 3rd St., Suite 301 Vincennes www.knoxcountyfoundation.org Ph: 812-886-0093 Fax: 812-886-0133
44 July 2015 Boomer
6/24/15 7:27 PM
Tucker looks outside the window of his business at 24 N. Fourth St. in Vincennes. The shop is a dream his mother helped
him fulfill just before her death last December.
A skateboard shop is different,
Tucker said. I want anyone to feel
comfortable to come in, look at our
merchandise, talk with us or with
others, mingle and hang out with other
like-minded people. Thats what I want
this place to be.
He wants people to know that skateboarders are not hoodlums or anything

like that. They are independent in their
style and their focus on the sport, but
they are not trouble-makers.
It keeps kids out of trouble, Tucker
said. I had no problem with drugs or
alcohol growing up. I was always skateboarding. Thats why Mom supported
me in all this.
For more information, contact Homebase
Skateboard Supply at 812-316-0234 or log
onto www.homebaseskatesupply.com.
Boomer July 2015 45

6/24/15 7:27 PM
BOOMER FITNESS
THE PICKY EATER

By Kaila Stevens
t seems like in todays world

nutritionists and other assorted health food experts try
to link everything we do, feel,
and think
to what
we eat.
Weve all
seen the
infomercials for
this food
or that
pill or that method of cooking.
But beyond all the mumbo
jumbo, the facts are food is
fuel, and the kinds of foods and
drinks you consume determine
the types of nutrients in your
system and impact how well
your mind and body are able to
function. You have at least three
meals a day to make the correct
choice for yourself.
The subject of healthy eating can be very confusing. But,
it does not have to be. Everyone
should take an interest in their
food. We, as food consumers,
have the power to curb diseases and some types of cancers
everyday just by eating foods
that are high in protein, fiber
and vitamins. Sound too simplistic? Its not; many illnesses
are caused by a lack of proper
nutrients. Simply put, what
we eat everyday predetermines
our health many years down
the road. Im not saying food is
the only factor in diseases and
cancers, but food can play a
large role.
Mental Health America
conducted a study testing food
and mental health issues and
they found, people who follow
a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts,
whole grains, and unsaturated
fats were 30 percent less likely
to develop depression than people who

ate high-fat dairy, and fried, sugary foods.
And yet, every town has as at least one
fast-food restaurant waiting to serve you
fried or sugary foods.
With all these facts, and if it was so
easy to prevent diseases, why isnt everyone doing it? Because its not that easy.
The market is flooded with good and bad
food choices every day. Over time those
food choices add up. Another piece of the
food puzzle is, the general population has
a really low food IQ.
An easy way to up your food IQ is to
preplan your meals. Pack a mid-morning
snack like a banana or a baggie of grapes.
This way when the hungry urges come,
you have something healthy to snack on.
Another easy method of assessing your
diet is the color of food on your plate. If
your plate is filled with more colors on

the rainbow, the much greater chance
youre making healthy food choices.
People have always called me a picky
eater because of the types of foods I will
or will not eat. Foods that are fried or any
fast food restaurants or sugary drinks like
pop, I do not eat. Making a choice day
after day to choose healthier foods has
given me a noticeable advantage over my
peers in the long run advantages in
concentration and energy level. However,
sometimes eating healthy options are
not in the cards that day. So how do you
cope? By not letting yesterdays choices
beat you up today. If you slip once, its
okay; you will have many other eating
opportunities to make better choices. Just
be mindful.
Kaila Stevens is a health and wellness
columnist. A four-time NCCAA AllAmerican, she was team captain for the
Bethel College womens track team.
46 July 2015 Boomer

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6/22/15 12:09 PM
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6/18/15 10:53 AM
p48ColonialJul15.indd 1
6/18/15 10:55 AM

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BOOMER

21st CENTURY HEALTH CARE IS HERE

2015 Knox County

Patrick Henry Square

Friday, July 31st

Vendor Booths Open

Saturday, August 1st

Great American Grill Out All Day

4 July 2015 Boomer

12 Someone You Should Know

Maria Marcroft, CASA volunteer

July 2015 Vol. 7, Issue 6

28 The Converted Cynic

Photo by Joy Neighbors

6 July 2015 Boomer

How many medications do you take? Are you cured yet?

You will lose 20-45lbs or more in 40 days GUARANTEED!

312 East Main Street Washington

STILL TAKING OFF

Photos by Kelly Overton

Ken Snider is a man of many trades with

alk into Ken Sniders office

a farm manager. And thats just the list

filled with mementos. D.D. Meyer was

8 July 2015 Boomer

back to Evansville with him. The only

Boomer July 2015 9

and explained the typical protocol to

Love for boxing

10 July 2015 Boomer

in a knock-out and had to go back. It got

Flying is just one of Ken Sniders passions.

ers family was told he may never walk

Boomer July 2015 11

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

MARIA MARCROFT: volunteer with the Court-Appointed

aria Marcroft, 63, a

have to pass that on, if theyre going to hurt

On gaining the childrens trust

Volunteer Marie Marcroft at her desk at the CASA office in Vincennes.

Photos by Matt Griffith

12 July 2015 Boomer

a lot about how school was going, home

On why she chose to volunteer

A sign bearing the CASA logo.

I wanted to do something. I put it off and

Boomer July 2015 13

doing what they need to do for the child or

14 July 2015 Boomer

someones turned them in for neglect. They

doing right and youre coming in with

On the most difficult part of

everything you can do, given them every

Realizing that theres nothing you can

For more information on the CASA program,

On parents with alcohol and

Boomer July 2015 15

THE SONIC BOOMER

Saturday in my basement (I think it was the 4th of July)

ack in the early

alize that there will never be a bikini-clad

is the week of July 4, so if you choose to

16 July 2015 Boomer

Open: Mon.-Sat. 2 PM-3 AM Sun. 12 PM-Midnight