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F e at u r i n g
8 Technology doesn’t have an age limit Facebook, FaceTime, Full-on Technology in The Villages Plus
14 Book Review “Come Sundown,” the latest from best seller Nora Roberts
4 In The Villages The meaning of Independence Day lives at Eisenhower Rec Center
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Ted Wright The president of The Villages Computer Club weighs in on technology in the community. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ
Describe The Villages Computer Club: Our club is more than 20 years old and our goal is to help Villagers help themselves to keep their Windows-based computers running well and safely. Our meetings feature a presentation on a relevant Windows computer topic, followed by questions and answers, and we have experts answer questions on any problem a member has on their Windows computer.
Are most Villagers tech savvy? “Tech
V I TA L
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Born in Long Island, New York, and lives in the Village of Winifred Married to Bonnie, with two daughters Designed computers and software in the defense and security fields for three Fortune 500 companies Nicknamed “Q,” like the character in James Bond films, because he designed covert surveillance equipment
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savvy” is pretty much a mixed bag. It appears highly age-related or, more appropriately, work experience-related. If people used computers when they worked, they are comfortable with them now…. The maturing of smartphones and tablets has been such a boon to retirees because they need less attention to keep them running and they are more convenient. Now people can get emails, texts, Facebook, etc., on their portable devices, which frees them from a fixed computer location.
Is there new technology you’d like to see in The Villages? With the evolution of 3D printing and other personal manufacturing tools, I would like to see The Villages establish a “maker” facility like they did for the woodworking hobbies. Maker is an expanded definition of which woodworking is a sub-part. It would provide a space for people to bring their designs and share community-based 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machining equipment. Just like the woodworking shop, there would have to be training on the equipment, insurance, and controlled access to assure safe operation.
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What’s your favorite device? I actually have two favorite devices: my main computer (a high-end laptop) and the small laptop. The main computer is very fast and can support the graphics for my flight simulator program, which I use for my model helicopter. My small laptop allows me to have a simple lightweight device to take to meetings and make presentations.
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A salute to military history Be prepared for your patriotic juices to flow when visiting the Eisenhower Recreation Center. STORY & PHOTOS: JAMES COMBS
T
hey call it a recreation center. It could easily pass for a military museum. That’s because the array of interesting artifacts and photographs spanning World War I through present-day wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will likely broaden a visitor’s knowledge and appreciation of U.S. military heritage. Uniforms representing every branch of the U.S. military are crisply displayed on lifesize mannequins. A brown Western Union telegram sent during World War II begins with the words, “I Regret to Inform You…” Original copies of soldiers’ military enlistment papers and discharge papers hang on a wall. A visit to the Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages offers a peek into the past through the eyes of the men and women who proudly served in the U.S. military. Most of the war souvenirs and memorabilia were donated by Villages residents and are prominently displayed behind glass-enclosed frames in meeting rooms named for military icons such as Gen. George C. Marshall, Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., and Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
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History buffs, beware. You’ll likely stay for several hours. Sentimental types, be prepared. You might leave with a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye. “This is an absolutely beautiful facility,” says Joe Ward, a resident of The Villages and retired Air Force veteran who served as an English language instructor for the South Vietnamese in their homeland in 1969. “I’ve been here hundreds of times, but I get goose bumps each time I come in and see something new. There’s a great deal of interesting military history in here.” The facility, which opened in 2013, also features various photographs of its namesake, Dwight D. Eisenhower, with his wife, Mamie, as well as former President Richard M. Nixon. A model replica of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, basic training platoon photographs, and a knife used in World War I are some of the other artifacts awaiting visitors. “Even if you were never in the service, you have to know someone who was,” Joe says. “It’s always great to come here with family and friends.” Eisenhower Recreation Center is located at 3560 Buena Vista Blvd. in The Villages. For more information, call 352.674.8390.
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the nt in a t s n nd nly co The o s change, a at i th world chnology, ost e t m with s daily, al r you e en happ But wheth ll i . t y hourl r not, it’s s o adapt o change. t going LY H : LEIG STORY
NEE
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f you say the words “transistor radio” to your grandchildren, you will no doubt get blank stares. Show them the incredible plastic device, that still works, and they will be even more amazed. Radio is just one of the many technologies the GI Generation (born 1901-1926) has watched get smaller and easier to use. English physicist Stephen Hawking says, “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” This statement rings true for every generation. Those who express the most resistance to change too often spend much of their lives in an unhappy state. During the lifetime of baby boomers, the world has changed in ways that were completely unexpected. The science that took man to the moon paved the way for the electronic devices now enjoyed in homes, cars, and places like public restrooms. (What? You think it’s magic that you wave your hand in front of the paper towel holder and it automatically comes out?) The breakthroughs in medicine alone have made life so much better. There
Q& A
Y HNOLOG AND TEC INK OF S R E G A H VILL O YOU T WHAT D AL CHANGES IC IME? HNOLOG THE TEC IN YOUR LIFET
was a time when gallbladder surgery was an extremely painful process that took weeks of healing. Now, thanks to advances in technology, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) is done with small incisions and recovery time is minimal. When “Ma Bell,” as the telephone company was affectionately called in the late ’60s, decided to move to computer technology (Traffic Service Position System) for making long-distance phone calls without an operator, the computer was in a room the size of a gymnasium and the generator for use when the power went out was a jet engine. My, how things have changed. The list could go on and on…and on, and the GI Generation, the Mature/Silent Generation, and baby boomers would recall all the changes. Some will smile and remember the change with gratitude; others will grumble and mumble about the “good old days.” Last year, Link·age Connect and Aging in Place Technology Watch teamed up for a technology survey. There have been many studies and surveys similar to this,
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During the lifetime of baby boomers, the world has changed in ways that were completely unexpected.
“Too many buttons to push. Push this. Push that. Gotta keep it simple. I don’t even own a computer. All I have is this (holds up dated flip phone).” J.B. Heaton, Village of Charlotte
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but what made this one different was they polled 401 people, ages 59 to 85+. Most studies only go to 65+. This study has provided the clearest perspective of the aging population and how it views technology. Among the findings was during the past 15 years, 50 percent of people over the age of 75 say they go online. That’s up 93 percent from a study done in 2000. However, there are still those who avoid technology because they believe “big brother is watching,” and they’re not referring to the popular TV reality show. Others sincerely feel technology is good but also frightening because of its complexity. Art Feen is the facilitator of The Villages iPad Club and vice president of The Villages Computer Club. These clubs have hundreds of members who attend to learn the basics or to understand the latest upgrades in their equipment. Art says they send emails to about 2,500 people every month to give them details about meetings, and generally there are anywhere from 150 to 300 people at the meetings.
“We usually have two to three presenters that talk about topics they’re skilled in,” Art says. “We even have a couple of guys who only attend during the winter months that speak, too. They pick the topics, and we make sure it’s always something different.” With the iPad group, Art says he talks most often about the different apps and how to use them. They always have big groups when the system updates. “When there’s an upgrade, a lot of people don’t want to do it. As always, some people just don’t want to change. They have everything set up like they want it, and they want to keep it that way.” Following the monthly meetings, members can have one-on-one sessions with the experts in the group, and Art always meets with those who want to learn the basics of working with their tablet. They also have experts for those who use Android or other tablets. No one is left out. “This is about as far as I can get from what I did,” Art says with a laugh. “I worked in agriculture for 35 years, but I really enjoy using my iPad, and when other people came to me with questions at the computer club meetings, I realized there was a need for an iPad club, too.”
“Computers are good, but they’re tough to keep up with. My wife has a desktop, two laptops, an Android, and an iPad. My stuff is older than hers because I get the hand-me-downs.” Jan Schmeichel, Village of Springdale
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“As long as I can get into my account, and I’m not hacked, I’m happy with my computer.” Jeannie Balok, Village of Santiago SPONSORED BY VILLAGE AIRPORT VAN
Technology continues to find its way into the lives of senior adults in more ways than one. An interesting point from this study is that Aging in Place Technology Watch is a market research group that focuses on providing guidance about technologies and services to allow older adults to stay in their homes longer. Electronic help systems have been around for years. A device is worn around the neck that makes it easier for elders to call for help when they’ve fallen or become ill. This has not only been a boon for the elderly, but it helps family members feel more secure when the parent or other relative wants to continue living at home alone. Another popular robotic device in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes is robotic stuffed animals. They are soft, respond to touch by purring or barking, and move around like a live pet.
Of course, the downside of any technology is the prevalence of scammers. Elderly people seem to be among the easiest victims because they willingly give out private information, thinking the
“I WORKED IN AGRICULTURE FOR 35 YEARS, BUT I REALLY ENJOY USING MY IPAD, AND WHEN OTHER PEOPLE CAME TO ME WITH QUESTIONS AT THE COMPUTER CLUB MEETINGS, I REALIZED THERE WAS A NEED FOR AN IPAD CLUB, TOO.” —ART FEEN
person on the phone is from their bank or credit card company. Family members must constantly caution elderly people to avoid giving out Social Security numbers or credit card information. If you feel it’s truly your bank contacting you, ask for a number to call back. Hang up and call your bank personally to see if someone has attempted to contact you. If not, share the number you were given so they can give it to the bank fraud department.
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“I started with Wisconsin Bell in Milwaukee installing computers. I was a field operations manager putting in computers for office buildings and then I worked with Voice Over IP. I moved to American Family Insurance Company, where I set up agents’ offices with computers.” Allen Kuks, Village of Mallory Square SPONSORED BY VILLAGE AIRPORT VAN
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T N M U L O C N O I N I OP HE
T F O T O O F EHOLD S U O H H : LEIG STORY
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echnology has played a big role in my life. I loved it from the time we went from a party line to a private phone line all the way to being able to Facetime with my grandchildren who live in England. I view technology as my friend and have an array of devices. Recently, however, technology has been causing me a lot of headaches—in the form of my husband making our home an electronic paradise. My husband is an engineer. Those of you who live with this species know they must always be doing something. Engineering made the term “tinkerer” an art form. He has done it all his life. It began with building projects he found in his Popular Science magazine. Since his father was also a hands-on type of man (I have a lamp in my home made from an antique blow torch), I guess it’s in my husband’s DNA. First, he decided we needed the latest in electronic thermostats so it could be programmed to keep our home cooler or warmer when we’re not there. Apparently, it’s set at 80 degrees while I’m at work and is back down to 76 by the time I get home. That’s fine except for the days my boss feels generous and allows us to go home early. I arrive to a sauna until 5 o’clock, when the temperature begins to lower. He told me it was easy to override the programming, and I tried, I really did, but I just couldn’t get it to work. So, I now have a small fan beside my chair in the living room. Next, we needed a new alarm system. The one we’ve had for years has worked quite well but it was definitely out of date and we needed to upgrade. For many, that would mean picking out a new alarm company and having them install it in a few hours and signing a check. For me, it meant three Saturdays of listening to the most annoying little beeps all day long as he was learning to program the new system and add
“I used to be a computer operator when we used those punched cards. I worked on a computer for the St. Louis Police Department. I worked on computers for 45 years for the State Retirement System of Colorado. I just have a laptop now, and I do email and use Excel some. I tell you, those hackers are sick people.” Tom and Jean McLaughlin, Village of Sabal Chase 12
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the elements he wanted to it. There were thoughts of murder, but then I remembered how sad the children would be, and I hate making my children sad. Oh, I forgot to tell you he’s also an amateur radio operator, and one of my beloved guest bedrooms I was so proud to have so all my children had their own space is now a radio room. It is filled with numerous radios, microphones, a collection of old telegraph keys, an antique phone, and a set of golf ball South Park characters. OK, the man does have a touch of whimsy. When all our children were home last August, my daughter had to sleep on an air mattress with the grandchildren. The latest project is security cameras. To install them, he had to make countless trips through the door from the garage, walk through the house, and out the front door. Now, just outside our garage door is a sidewalk that leads to the front porch. Obviously, it wasn’t as much fun as going in and out. At times, I feel like I have a toddler who can’t decide if he wants to play outside or inside, and I can’t make this one stand in the corner. I could lock him out, but he has keys. Anyway, the cameras were finally installed, and I was certain he would put the monitor for them in the blessed radio room. (Stop laughing. This isn’t funny.) There is now a small television mounted on the wall beside the large chest of
drawers in our bedroom. I suggested the radio room before he mounted the TV, but he informed me we needed to be able to see from the bedroom in case we were in danger. Now, I know I can be a victim of crime at any moment. However, most people don’t even realize there’s a subdivision at our turnoff from U.S. Highway 441. We’ve never had a crime reported in our neighborhood, and we have two policemen who live there with their patrol cars parked in front of their homes. I’ve stayed alone many times and never felt frightened. Still, I can now monitor the activity on the front porch, the driveway, and inside the garage. I must admit, the last one confuses me. Why do we need a camera inside the garage? If they’re coming in that way, we’ll see them in the driveway. It makes no sense to me, but somehow it does to him. Personally, I think he just likes to look at his tools and workbench. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. So, yes, I love technology, but I do believe I’ve reached my limit. And while I’m ranting—whatever made car dealers think they could sell more cars by having their dogs in the TV ads? Write me at leigh@akersmediagroup.com if you know the answer.
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I view technology as my friend and have an array of devices. Recently, however, technology has been causing me a lot of headaches— in the form of my husband making our home an electronic paradise.
“I love having easy access at the tip of my finger. Technology is great. I am very worried about all the hacking and the safety of computers. My son works in internet security, and they’re working on it constantly. They even go to hacking conventions in Las Vegas so they can learn how the hackers do it. My other son is an exceptional user of technology.” Laura Salter, Village of Alhambra SPONSORED BY VILLAGE AIRPORT VAN
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"Come Sundown"
By Nora Roberts. A daughter the family believed turned her back on them has come back home, after being held captive 25 years. Though her family is strong, will she or any of them ever be the same? STORY: LEIGH NEELY
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You might think all these family members, staff, and outside characters would be a little confusing, but, as usual, Nora fully develops all of them and makes them come alive to you.
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“C
ome Sundown” is No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and I know why. It is riveting. I freely admit Nora Roberts is one of my favorite writers, and one of the few whose books I still buy in hardback the day they are released. She has a way of creating a story that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you reading until the last word. Then, of course, you want to cry because it’s over. In 1992, Alice Ann Bodine was trying to get back home to her family’s Montana ranch. She ran away the day after her sister’s wedding and hadn’t contacted anyone in years. It’s snowing, freezing cold, and she’s walking when a kind stranger stops and picks her up. Unfortunately, he immediately knocks her out, and she wakes up chained to a bed in a dismal basement. It’s now 2017, and the Bodine family ranch now includes a resort and is a booming business. With more than 30,000 acres and four generations running the Montana vacation haven, it is a popular place. It is overseen by Bodine Longbow, the great-granddaughter of Miss Fancy, who still has a good seat on a horse and
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Fiction Bestsellers As of June 20
isn’t slow to give her opinion. Miss Fancy and Cora, who is Alice’s mother, live in the grannie’s place and mostly leave the running of the ranch and resort to Cora’s daughter and husband and their children, Bodine, Rory, and Chase. Nora does a superb job of moving readers between the past and the present, giving them the full horror of what Alice suffered and how the family is still dealing with her absence. We get the full picture of tragedy, grief, and loss. When Alice finally escapes and comes home, we’re moved to a completely different story, but with the same family wit, wisdom, and love that has been there all along. This book is a family saga, a murder mystery, and a beautiful love story because the family’s newest employee is Callen Skinner, who left Montana himself many years ago. Now he has come back and realized home is where he’s meant to be and the feelings he has for Bodine are more adult now. You might think all these family members, staff, and outside characters would be a little confusing, but, as usual,
Nora fully develops all of them and makes them come alive to you. You care about everyone from Alice to Easy, who mucks stalls and grooms horses. Though they may appear briefly, all of these characters have something essential to add to the story. This is such a timely book, with the women who escaped their captor in Ohio and, of course, the amazing story of Elizabeth Smart, who actually confronted her captor before he was sentenced to life in prison and according to many press reports said, “I have a wonderful life now.” Nora handles the ups and downs of Alice’s return with empathy and great care. She lets you know how it affects each family member without overloading the story with narrative. This book will keep you up at night. I know, because I was up until midnight reading on two school nights and was dragging the next day at work. If you enjoy stories of strong families and mysteries that will keep you guessing, this is the book for you. I believe “Come Sundown” will be on the bestseller list for many weeks to come.
1 Camino
Island
BY JOHN GRISHAM
2 The
Identicals BY ELIN HILDERBRAND
3 Into the
Water
BY PAULA HAWKINS
4 Come
Sundown BY NORA ROBERTS
5 No Middle
Name
BY LEE CHILD
6 Dragon Teeth BY MICHAEL CRICHTON
7 The Fix BY DAVID BALDACCI
8 Milk and
Honey
BY RUPI KAUR
About the Author Nora Roberts is the author of more than 200 books and began writing her first book during a bad snowstorm when she was stuck at home with two rowdy little boys. She was among the first authors of the Silhouette romances that had a 30-day shelf life and brought women to bookstores in droves. When she moved to longer fiction, her audience followed. To provide something a little different from her usual romances and family sagas, she created the nearfuture characters Eve Dallas and Roarke, writing under the pseudonym of J.D. Robb for many years. J.D. Robb was finally revealed as Nora in the 12th book, and she continues to write two books in this series every year. She also writes a trilogy every year, and they often have a paranormal or magical element to them. The first book in the 2017 trilogy is “Year One,” and deals with a loss of technology and science that is replaced by magic. Oh, yeah, I’ll be getting that one, too.
9 Nighthawk BY CLIVE CUSSLER, GRAHAM BROWN
10 Testimony
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