While those experiencing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration may feel very alone, the reality is you are in a growing population. According to Macular Degeneration Research, a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation, this visual impairment affects some 11 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to double by the year 2050.

When veteran news anchor Mike Ahern began his broadcast career at WISH-TV, the world – and the industry – was much different.

For starters, he wondered how they were going to “fill” 30 minutes of air time during the evening news. The staff numbered slightly more than a half dozen. There were no “live” shots as everything had to be filmed in the field and brought back to the studio for processing. At least the competition was slim – only four television stations were on the Indianapolis airwaves in 1967. During the course of 37 years, Mike Ahern became the friendly face that delivered history as it was made and provided the lead in to “Uncle Walter” (aka CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite) during some of the most poignant moments of the 20^th Century.

Those who love a good story often write. For a special group of residents at Nora Commons on the Monon, that love of a good story brings them together weekly to share their stories and put them down on paper.“It’s a training ground where writers can create in a nurturing environment,” says Carol Evans who leads the group each Tuesday from 1 – 3 p.m. “We gather to share gentle and friendly criticism.”