Evansville, Indiana, offers residents the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a small town with the vibrant energy of a city. Situated along the serene banks of the Ohio River, Evansville is a place where history and modernity dance in harmony, creating an engaging community atmosphere. With its historic charm and evolving skyline, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The city's revitalized downtown bustles with local boutiques, charming cafes, and eclectic dining experiences sure to satisfy any palate. The nearly-year-round calendar of festivals and community events
keeps the streets lively, while the scenic riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a tranquil moment of reflection.
Education and innovation intersect in Evansville, home to reputable institutions like the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College. Families relish the quality schooling options, both public and private, alongside a wealth of
Evansville
4 | HelloEvansville, Indiana • Fall Issue
Hello Evansville, Indiana • Fall Issue |5
Evansville
recreational activities. The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and bustling city parks offer countless opportunities for family adventure and exploration.
Evansville's warm Midwest hospitality welcomes newcomers with open arms. Whether you're
enjoying an outdoor concert or exploring charming neighborhoods, you'll quickly discover why Evansville is a city where community thrives, and life feels just right. In Evansville,...
Evansville: A Gem on the Ohio River
Evansville, Indiana, offers residents the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a small town with the vibrant energy of a city. Situated along the serene banks of the Ohio River, Evansville is a place where history and modernity dance in harmony, creating an engaging community atmosphere. With its historic charm and evolving skyline, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The city's revitalized downtown bustles with local boutiques, charming cafes, and eclectic dining experiences sure to satisfy any palate. The nearly-year-round calendar of festivals and community events keeps the streets lively, while the scenic riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a tranquil moment of reflection.
Education and innovation intersect in Evansville, home to reputable institutions like the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College. Families relish the quality schooling options, both public and private, alongside a wealth of recreational activities. The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and bustling city parks offer countless opportunities for family adventure and exploration.
Evansville's warm Midwest hospitality welcomes newcomers with open arms. Whether you're enjoying an outdoor concert or exploring charming neighborhoods, you'll quickly discover why Evansville is a city where community thrives, and life feels just right. In Evansville, dreams are nurtured and cherished memories are made.
The Simple Truth About Estate Planning
Estate planning is not only about writing a will, it is about maintaining control over your assets and decisions. Without an estate plan, the state determines how your property and possessions will be distributed, regardless of your wishes. Many people mistakenly assume estate planning is just for older
adults or those with substantial wealth. However, even if you are under 60 or have a modest estate, planning ahead still matters.A comprehensive estate plan typically includes several key documents. A will is the foundation, designating who will inherit your assets after your death. However, it’s
6 | HelloEvansville, Indiana • Fall Issue
The Simple Truth About Estate Planning
Estate planning is not only about writing a will, it is about maintaining control over your assets and decisions. Without an estate plan, the state determines how your property and possessions will be distributed, regardless of your wishes. Many people mistakenly assume estate planning is just for older adults or those with substantial wealth. However, even if you are under 60 or have a modest estate, planning ahead still matters. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes several key documents. A will is the foundation, designating who will inherit your assets after your death. However, it’s just the beginning. An effective estate plan often incorporates additional components, such as designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts. It may also involve powers of attorney, which allow you to choose someone to handle financial or medical decisions if you become unable to make them yourself. In certain situations, establishing a trust can be beneficial. A trust provides greater flexibility and privacy, and it can help your loved ones avoid lengthy probate court processes. It is also useful for specifying conditions on how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, protecting younger family members or those who may need additional support. Estate planning provides peace of mind and clarity, helping ensure your wishes are honored and easing the burden on your family during a challenging time. By clearly outlining your preferences, you reduce potential conflicts and confusion, providing comfort to those you care about. Ultimately, estate planning is an essential step in securing your legacy and ensuring your hard-earned assets serve the purpose you intend
Bradley Ford
unable to make them yourself.In certain situations, establishing a trust can be beneficial. A trust provides greater flexibility and privacy, and it can help your loved ones avoid lengthy probate court processes. It is also useful for specifying conditions on how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, protecting younger family members or those who may need additional support.Estate planning provides peace of mind and clarity, helping ensure your wishes are honored and easing the burden on your family during a challenging time. By clearly outlining your preferences, you reduce potential conflicts and confusion,...
just the beginning. An effective estate plan often incorporates additional components, such as designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts. It may also involve powers of attorney, which allow you to choose someone to handle financial or medical decisions if you become
Estate planning provides peace of mind and clarity, helping ensure your wishes are honored and easing the burden on your family duri...
About the Author
Bradley Ford is the president of Vineyard Financial, where he leads a team of financial experts in providing personalized wealth management and retirement planning services. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Bradley is dedicated to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals through strategic planning and tailored investment strategies. His commitment to integrity and client-focused service has made Vineyard Financial a trusted partner for individuals an...
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Understanding Therapy Services & When to Seek Them
When most people hear the word therapy, they may think of counseling or emotional health, but therapy can also mean medical and developmental services that support everyday living. Three of the most common therapy types are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Each plays a unique
role in helping people with their challenges caused by injuries, disabilities, or delays. By understanding what each service does and knowing when to seek them, families and individuals can make better decisions for long-term health and independence.Physical therapy is designed to help with
8 | HelloEvansville, Indiana • Fall Issue
Understanding Therapy Services & When to Seek Them
When most people hear the word therapy, they may think of counseling or emotional health, but therapy can also mean medical and developmental services that support everyday living. Three of the most common therapy types are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Each plays a unique role in helping people with their challenges caused by injuries, disabilities, or delays. By understanding what each service does and knowing when to seek them, families and individuals can make better decisions for long-term health and independence.
Physical therapy is designed to help with movement, balance, and strength. For children, a physical therapist may work on skills like rolling over, crawling, walking, or climbing stairs. These basic movements, called gross motor skills, are important building blocks for growth. For adults, physical therapy is often part of recovery after surgery, an accident, or a medical condition that limits mobility. The therapist uses guided exercises to build muscle, improve flexibility, and restore coordination. They may also teach safe movement techniques that prevent injuries from recurring. By focusing on mobility, physical therapy helps people stay active and maintain independence.
Occupational therapy focuses on the smaller, daily activities that make up everyday life. For children, these are skills such as using utensils, buttoning clothes, writing with a pencil, or tying shoelaces. Many of these tasks require fine motor control, hand strength, and coordination, which occupational therapy builds through creative exercises and structured play. For adults, occupational therapy often becomes important after a stroke, injury, or illness that makes self-care difficult. Tasks such as bathing, cooking, or returning to work may feel overwhelming. Occupational therapists break down these activities into steps and may introduce adaptive tools or strategies to make them easier. The main goal is always independence and participation in daily life.
Speech therapy is focused on language, communication, and sometimes even swallowing. A speech therapist, also called a speech-language pathologist, helps children learn to form words, pronounce sounds, and use language to express themselves. For children who are slow to talk, have unclear speech, or struggle with understanding language, therapy can make a major difference. Adults may need speech therapy after a brain injury, a stroke, or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease that affect speech. Therapy may include practicing clarity, improving fluency, or developing alternative communication systems like picture boards or electronic devices. These tools give people new ways to share their needs, thoughts, and feelings when speech is difficult.
Recognizing when to seek therapy is often the hardest part. For children, developmental milestones serve as important guides. Milestones such as crawling, walking, speaking first words, or feeding independently give parents clues about progress. If a child lags behind peers in meeting these milestones, an evaluation can provide answers. For adults, signs are sometimes more gradual. A person may notice that simple tasks, like climbing stairs, preparing meals, or following conversations, feel more difficult than before. These challenges are easy to dismiss at first, but they often point to a need for professional support.
Early evaluation and treatment can reduce long-term challenges and improve overall quality of life. When therapy is started early, children often catch up to their peers more quickly, gaining confidence in school and social activities. Adults who seek therapy soon after an injury or illness usually regain abilities faster and experience fewer setbacks. Even when recovery is slow, therapy offers strategies and tools that help maintain independence.
Accessing therapy services varies depending on age and need. Young children may qualify for early intervention programs or receive support through school systems. Adults usually access therapy through referrals from doctors, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Insurance may cover some or all of the cost, although coverage differs by plan. Some community programs or state agencies also provide services, especially for individuals with significant developmental or medical needs. The key step is requesting an evaluation, which allows professionals to develop a personalized plan that fits each person’s goals.
Therapy is not a quick process, but it can produce steady and meaningful progress. Sessions often build on each other, with skills improving over weeks and months. Families play a central role, because practicing exercises and strategies at home reinforces what is taught in therapy sessions. Over time, improvements can be seen not only in physical abilities or speech but also in confidence and independence. A child may learn to participate more fully at school, while an adult may regain the ability to live more comfortably at home.
In the end, physical, occupational, and speech therapy each address different needs but share the same goal: improving quality of life. They support children in reaching milestones, and they help adults overcome new limitations. Understanding when to seek these services ensures that challenges are recognized early and addressed with effective care. With consistent support, therapy makes the path forward less overwhelming and more achievable.
Kelly Schneider
or a medical condition that limits mobility. The therapist uses guided exercises to build muscle, improve flexibility, and restore coordination. They may also teach safe movement techniques that prevent injuries from recurring. By focusing on mobility, physical therapy helps people stay active and maintain independence.Occupational therapy focuses on the smaller, daily activities that make up everyday life. For children, these are skills such as using utensils, buttoning clothes, writing with a pencil, or tying shoelaces. Many of these tasks require fine motor control, hand strength, and coordination, which occupational therapy...
movement, balance, and strength. For children, a physical therapist may work on skills like rolling over, crawling, walking, or climbing stairs. These basic movements, called gross motor skills, are important building blocks for growth. For adults, physical therapy is often part of recovery after surgery, an accident,
Early evaluation and treatment can reduce long-term challenges and improve overall quality of life.
About the Author
Kelly Schneider is the President and CEO of Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, where she leads initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion in all areas of life. She oversees strategic operations, builds community partnerships, and advances the organization’s mission to create opportunities and change perceptions about disability.
