Seniors Today Volusia Edition Dec 10th

A Publication of Schillinger Enterprises, Inc. © 2010 Volume XIX – Issue 25

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The Senior Newspaper Serving Volusia & Flagler Counties For 19 Years—COMPLIMENTARY COPY

December 10, 2010

Visit Us Online At: seniorstodaynewspaper.com

Cordially Invites You To A

Holiday Hope Service A Memorial Service in honor and memory of your loved one Please join us Sunday, December 19, 2010 2 P.M.–3 P.M. Service begins at 2 P.M. followed by refreshments.

Each guest will receive a Gift of Remembrance.

RSVP to 386.673.1100 Program will be held at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond 733 West Granada Blvd. • Ormond Beach

Page A-2—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

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Volusia & Flagler Counties Reverse Mortgage Provider December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-3

Seniors Today 360 S. Yonge Street Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Phone: (386) 677-7060 Fax: (386) 677-0836 Website: seniorstodaynewspaper.com Published by Schillinger Enterprises, Inc. Chairman Of The Board David Schillinger General Manager Bonnie Schillinger Editor Bonnie Gragg Staff Writer Kitty Maiden Seniors Today is published and distributed free every other Friday to inform, entertain, and serve those over the age of 50.

Deadlines: The deadline for advertising is Friday, 5 P.M., one week prior to the Friday publication date.

Advertisements and copy: All advertisements and copy is believed to be truthful and accurate. Seniors Today reserves the right to edit, revise, or reject any advertising and/or submitted articles for publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

Advertisements and copy in Seniors Today are not meant to be an endorsement of any product, service, or individual. All editorial copy and by lined articles are the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily the view, opinion, or policy of Seniors Today.

Errors and Omissions: Neither the publisher nor the advertiser are liable for mistakes, errors, or omissions. The sole liability of Seniors Today to an advertiser is to reprint the corrected ad in the next issue.

Copyright Warning: Pursuant to Federal Copyright Law, all material contained within this publication which was created, designed, composed, written, typeset, imageset, or prepared in any way by Seniors Today remains the sole property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of Seniors Today. This pertains to the duplication of either advertising or non-advertising material. Notice of copyright appears on page one of this and all issues.

What’s Happening Around Town…

Grief Seminar

Holiday Hope

Holiday Worship

Please join Lohman Funeral Homes, Cemeteries & Cremation on Wed., Dec. 15 from 6–8 P.M. at Prince Of Peace Catholic Church, 600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach to hear Dr. Alan Wolfelt speak to bereaved individuals and families. Dr. Wolfelt’s compassionate program will be helpful to anyone who is experiencing grief in their lives. Program and refreshments are complimentary.

Limited seating, advanced registration is required. To register, please contact Felicia at 386-615-1100.

You are cordially invited to join Lohman Funeral Homes, Cemeteries & Cremation for A Holiday Hope Memorial Services in honor and memory of your loved ones. The service will be held on Sun., Dec.19 from 2–3 P.M. at the Lohman Funeral Home, 733 W. Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach.

Refreshments will be served and you will receive a complimentary gift of remembrance. RSVP to 386-673-1100.

Are you looking for a warm, friendly church to celebrate your holidays? Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 724 Big Tree Road, South Daytona invites you to attend their holiday services. On Christmas Eve at 6:30 P.M. is a Communion Service followed by a Christmas Carol Sing from 7–7:25 P.M. Then stay for the beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service beginning at 7:30 P.M. On Christmas Day plan to attend a 10 A.M. Heritage Christmas Service and December 26 at 10 A.M. is Traditional Worship. Then on Jan. 2 join them as they celebrate the New Year at three services: 8, 9:45, and 11 A.M. For more information, call 386-767-6542.

Holiday Tour Of Homes See some of Ormond’s most prestigious homes and buildings during the Holiday Tour of Homes on Sun., Dec. 12 from 1–5 P.M. presented by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

Tours begin at the historic AndersonPrice Memorial Building, 42 North Beach Street, where refreshments will be served. Take our convenient shuttle or drive your own car with a map provided. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for OBHS members, and $25 the day of the event. Reservations are limited and tickets usually sell out in advance. Tickets may be purchased at the OBHS Welcome Center, 38 East Granada Blvd. Call 386-677-7005 for more information or visit www.Ormond History.org

Lunch Bunch Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 724 Big Tree Road, South Daytona host Lunch Bunch every Thurs. at 12 NOON. Just $4 gets you lunch and bingo with non-monetary prizes. Reservations are required by noon the Tuesday prior.

Call 386-767-6542.

Stetson Mansion Tours Enjoy guided tours of this magnificent mansions, which has been decked out for the holiday season. Two tours available; the day tour and the Stetson By Night tour now through Jan. 7.

The Stetson Mansion is located at 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand. All visitors must call 386-873-0167 to schedule a tour. Tours are $15 per person and last approximately 1.5 hours. You may also visit www.stetsonmansion.com

Peninsula Woman’s Club The Peninsula Women’s Club, 415 S. Peninsula Drive, Daytona Beach meets Thurs., 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Luncheon followed by contract bridge or canasta.

For details, call 386-765-0487

Page A-4—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

Pet Vet Cruiser Volusia County’s Pet Vet Cruiser offers free and low-cost spaying and neutering for pets in December. This Pet Vet Cruiser’s spay and neuter program is based on income and has a sliding-fee scale. Appointments for service are required and can be made from 10 A.M.–3 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Walk-ins are not accepted. For more information, please call 386-323-3575.

Holiday Showcase The choir of Unity Church of Daytona Beach, under the direction of Harry Burney, will host Holiday Showcase 2010 Friday, December 17 at 7 P.M. at Unity Church, 908 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill. A reception will follow with a special story presentation by Anne Ross. Admission is $10 with proceeds going to needy families in the area.

Flagler Avenue Art Walk, New Smyrna Art Walk on historic Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach will be held from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Sat., Dec. 18. The popular event along the quaint fiveblocks from the river to the ocean, features works by resident and visiting artists, free children’s activities, entertainment, and street musicians. For additional information, call 386-4281770 or visit online at: www.flagler gallerygroup.com

Free Medicare Meeting You are invited to attend a free neighborhood meeting about Medicare. Learn about your options so you can make the right choice. Geraldine Fennimore from United Health Care will answer your questions on Medicare benefits and services at three meetings. You may atttend on Dec. 20 from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.; Dec. 21 from 9:30 A.M. to 12 NOON; and Dec. 22 from 2 to 4 P.M. at the Ormond Beach Chamber, 165 W. Granada Blvd.

Refreshments will be served. For more information about the meetings, call 386-310-4050.

Flagler County’s RSVP RSVP stands for Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and in Flagler County the organization recruits, places, and recognizes senior volunteers. They are looking for volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact RSVP at 4750 E. Moody Blvd., Ste. 233, Flagler Beach, or phone 386-439-9997.

Scenic Bus Tours Enjoy Scenic Historical Bus Tour presented by the Ormond Beach Historical Society on Wed., Dec. 22 and 29 at 9:45 A.M. This two-hour tour includes the Ormond Scenic Loop, Fairchild Oak, Three Chimneys Sugar Mill Ruins, Ormond Indian Burial Mound, and historic homes along the way. A knowledgeable tour guide will interpret the 30 sites on the route. Tickets are $20 for adults, $7 for ages 7–12, and can be purchased at the OBHS Welcome Center 38 East Granada Blvd. or by phone using Visa or Master Card. Reservations are required as space is limited.

Call 386-677-7005 for tickets or more info or visit www.OrmondHistory.org

Support Groups New Alcoholics Anonymous A new Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support group called 1, 2, 3, Miracle will meet at Covenant United Methodist Church, 3701 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Port Orange. The group meets every Thursday at 8 P.M. at the church in room 204. For more information, call Bill at 386-383-9470 or the church office at 386-767-8544.

Parkinson’s Support There is a Parkinson’s Support Group in Flagler County. They meet the first Sun. of every other month at 3 P.M. at Florida Hospital—Flagler. For more details, call 386-445-3371.

Sharing Is A Blessing Given With Love

I

’ve been avoiding most e-mail that is forwarded to me but once in a while, my curiosity is piqued. Helen shared a forwarded video that was just awesome! It was concerning a new way of sharing… in the food court of a mall. (You will find the site at the end of this article.)

Sharing is a blessing given with love.

While Evelyn is collecting and purchasing items for Domestic Abuse, Susan is seeking a grant for teaching children to grow in confidence as they learn to dance.

Sharing is a blessing given with love.

Missy held a “Celebration Of Love” party for her sister, Gayle. Through two years of anguish and many times in the hospital, Gayle has starved for the love of her family and friends. The immediate family has always been there for her but she missed so many who hadn’t been able to visit because of their busy lives… wanting to pick a time to be of good cheer to the young lady who lost all her limbs at Christmastime due to a strep throat that wasn’t treated early.

Just a week before the Celebration Of Life, since there was no chance of survival, the family was called to her bedside and a priest was requested for Gayle at the Tampa hospital. The latest intubation (placed there when there was only a pinhole size area for her to breathe) was to be removed and the doctor’s expectations were nil.

Prayers were being said by all who were aware and a miracle occurred. The tubing was removed. The breathing area had grown to the size of a dime and Gayle was returned home to await the next step.

There were so many who came to the affair and had their time with Gayle.

Sharing is a blessing given with love. For two years, those who care have been kept informed through an e-mail service called “Caring Bridge.” Joy, who is in the medical field, knew of it and suggested that the use of that wonderful service would save the family being inundated with phone calls. Each day, Bob or Betty and many friends write on Caring Bridge. She is just one of many who are blessed to have this connection with others.

Sharing is a blessing given with love.

Each year Song Of The Coast shares their

10 Years

special music… 4-part harmony Sweet Adeline style… with a Christmas show and visits to various pre-planned locations that request their presence as early as January in some cases.

You Name It

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This year the show was held December 5th at St. James Episcopal Church. The audience got to see us at our best, complete with costume changes and the addition of several quartets.

Considering that several of the chorus members had succumbed to colds and flu, Faye, our director, and Sue the main emcee, put us through the paces and kept the rest of us able to deliver a program we were proud to stage.

The audience was alive with the “sound of music” already primed for a beautiful Christmas season.

One of our early shows was for the residents of Southland Suites, where several available singers meet each Wednesday with Diane. She had shown such pleasure with our rehearsals that we felt good and ready for entertaining Southland Suites residents on December 1st.

We opened with We Need A Little Christmas and scripted the rest of the show around war years... beginning with Blue Christmas then coming home to happier times.

Do your best this Christmas season.

Though we hear so much about our downsized economy, we know that gifting is only a small part of the season… the main things for us to remember and to act upon are sharing a blessing given with love.

Have a wonderful Christmas, one that will always be remembered with special significance.

The site mentioned at the beginning is: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v = SXh7JR9oKVE Kitty Maiden is a staff writer for Seniors Today.

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December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-5

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Our Trips Are easy, affordable, & Fun! Dec. 28-29 • Jupiter & Palm Beach; Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Burt Reynolds Museum, Shopping On The Legendary Worth Ave. Seats Remain—Call Today! $179.

Jan. 11-14 • Florida Keys! Hemingway House, Mallory Square, Secret Gardens, Coral Castle, Truman House. Call for details. $579.

Jan. 20 • Solomon’s Castle: Includes Lunch On-Site. $65.

Jan. 25 • Jacksonville: Ride the Skyway Monorail, Robot Factory & Anheuser Busch Tours, The Landing For Lunch & Shopping. $49.

Feb. 3 • Mt. Dora / Eustis: Guided Tour & Shopping. Lunch included. $49.

Feb. 9 • Vero Beach: Navy Seal Museum, McKee Gardens, McLarty Treasure Museum. $69.

Feb. 16 • Lovely Lake County’s Lakeridge Winery, Yalaha Bakery, Leesburg, & The Villages. $55.

Feb. 22-25 • Florida Gulf Coast Neighbors: Apalachicola, Panama City, Ft. Walton Beach, Pensacola. $349.

Feb. 28 • Tarpon Springs: Sponge Boatbuilder—George Saroukos, Helles Restaurant, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. $59.

Mar. 19-21 • Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, Parade, 1800 Belles Club Performance, Museum & Historic Homes Tours, and much more. $349.

Apr. 12-15 • Savannah/Charlston: Tea Plantation, The French Huguenot Church, City Market, and much more. $389.

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Page A-6—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

Tamale, Tamale, Where Art Thou?

by George Goldtrap

O

ne of my favorite subjects of scorn are supermarkets that build stores large enough to accommodate the entire North American population and then design the exit door just large enough for one basket to be pushed through.

We’ll see how that works when folks go in to stock up before the holidays hit.

Recently, while in one of these superduper food markets, I wanted to pick up a jar of tamales to compliment my delicious homemade chili. Van Camps are my favorite and I remembered that they are usually in the section near canned chili beans. I strolled over. No tamales.

Then I remembered that they are sometimes in ethnic foods. Nope! Canned meats? Nah! I looked in the seasoned beans area, in the spaghetti section, and near the salsa section. I was through but still no tamales.

I spotted a young lady putting up stock and asked her about tamales.

“What,” she asked? ‘Tamales’ I said.

‘Finely ground beef packed in a seasoned cornmeal roll’. She made a sour face and rejected the notion that tamales might be good. ‘Check the service desk’ she suggested, pointing to it just a few feet away.

I moseyed up to the service desk.

Service desk? Yea right. The gentleman in charge heard my plea and assigned a pretty little thing to assist me in the great tamale hunt. I was thankful she at least seemed to know what a tamale is… or maybe I should say ‘was’ since I was not sure I would ever see, (or taste) another. With me in tow, she perused all the very same spots I had already searched. Nothing. We walked toward the back and looked in the spice section. Zilch! I asked her if the store had a master stock list. ‘Not that I know of’ she said. (Now remember she worked at the ‘service’ desk.) Then she suggested someone in the stockroom might know and she disappeared behind the swinging doors… no… really, I mean disappeared. I saw her go in there but she never came out. I waited 4 to 5 minutes and gave up. The back room must eat the help because she never appeared again. They’ll need some new help at the service desk.

I must have looked like a lost cause because the man behind the seafood counter saw me and offered to help.

‘Know where the tamales are,’ I asked?

‘No’ he said, adding quickly, ‘let’s look’.

I knew that meant a rerun around the spots already checked so I decided to let him go alone. He couldn’t find

tamales but did report back… and brought more help… a stock-boy. There are now five, count’em, five employees looking for tamales… plus me… and one of the five was the disappearing Houdini girl from the service desk. She was gone in a puff, having vanished somewhere tween corn flakes and the stockroom mops.

Happy Talk …by George & Peggy Goldtrap

Maybe I should just make a bologna sandwich, I thought. No! Keep a stiff upper lip George. Hold out for the Mexican International favorite, tamales… (favorite to all except that first helper.)

The stock-boy took us to the exact place he had last seen tamales. ‘They are always right here’ he confessed …’in a glass jar. I put’em there myself, but’, he added, ‘we had this same problem last week.’ Someone wanted tamales and I came here, but they were not in their spot. I guess management decided they would be easier to find, elsewhere.’

(Easier to find… I gasped!)

Just then an assistant manager walked up… no doubt wondering why five of his employees were wandering about the store aiding the hungry gringo.

Immediately they all mentioned their devotion to assisting the customer by searching far and wide for tamales.

He joined in… making # 6 in the search party. They huddled and compared notes. The assistant manager confirmed that stocks are rotated so frequently that not even the stock-boys can find something from last week. Great system, I thought!

Time slipped away… I was ready to give up. As I passed the pickles I did a cursory search. Voila… bottom shelf… one row deep… was a can of tamales. Right there under my pickle perusing proboscis. Why had I not thought of that? Not the Van Camps in the glass jar that I favored, but tamales nevertheless. I grabbed ’em like Lynn Swan on the 10 yard line and quickly had them scanned by the scorekeeper. Tamales bagged, I was outta there. I wanted to make chili before July.

I probably should have reported the disappearing ‘help desk girl’ to missing persons but nah… the other six could look for her as they continued the great tamale hunt! ST George and Peggy Goldtrap are both actors, speakers, and writers living in Ormond By The Sea. Contact them at georgegoldtrap@gmail.com

The Twi-light II Motel Lights Up Holly Holly In The Spirit Of Christmas

by Tammy JohnsonWelty y family, the Johnsons, moved to Holly Hill, in 1980 from Danville, Virginia. During our very first Christmas here in Florida, our family were all wearing shorts and it just didn’t feel like Christmas. We decided to start decorating to make it feel more like a festive season. We started out by just decorating one building of the Twilight II Motel. Through the years more and more people came to see our lights so we continued to add more lights and decorations. We now decorate all five buildings at the motel and the four houses behind it.

This labor of love has grown to be a family project and now my parents, Joe and Nelda Johnson are assisted by my husband, Barry Welty, Jr., our four children: Jess, Matt, Scott, & Shelby, and my sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and David Thomas.

It has been wonderful to share our joy and see how many people we have been able to make happy over the past thirty years. The kids love the train ride and of course we also have Mr. and Mrs. Claus here from December 7–23.

M

The children receive a coloring book, crayons, and a candy cane from Santa.

People from around the world have come to see our Christmas display. This year you will also be able to enjoy a live choir singing on December 21, 22, and 23.

In addition to the store bought items we have used to decorate, our son-inlaw, Barry, has also built some of our items such as a Ferris wheel, swing, church, and train. Soon he will be finishing a roller coaster. His goal is to have it ready by next Christmas.

We hope everyone enjoys our lights as much as we have enjoyed displaying them over the past thirty years. ST The Twi-light II Motel is located at 1125 Ridgewood Avenue in Holly Hill.

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December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-7

Inspirational Evening With Dr. Wolfelt

Storewide Christmas Sale

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undreds of local families can receive an “Evening of Inspiration, Insight, and Support”

by World Renowned speaker, Alan Wolfelt.

On Wednesday, December 15, Lohman Funeral Homes along with all the area hospice organizations and Prince Of Peace Catholic Church will sponsor An Evening Of Thought With Alan Wolfelt. The free program will be held from 6–8 P.M. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

“He is one of the best speakers I’ve ever heard in my life” said Nancy Lohman, “he changes peoples’ lives.”

Alan Wolfelt founded the Center For Loss And Life Transition and will bring his message of hope and healing to families in our community who have suffered a personal loss in their past. Perhaps best known for his model of “companioning” versus treating the bereaved, Alan is committed to helping people mourn well so they can continue to live well and love well.

Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., C.T. is an internationally noted author, educator, and grief counselor. He is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medi-

cine and a consultant to hospices, hospitals, schools, universities, and funeral homes across North America.

A respected author, Dr. Wolfelt writes the Children And Grief column for Bereavement magazine. He has appeared on, and is a frequent resource for the media. Appearances include Oprah Winfrey, The Larry King Show, and The NBC Today Show.

Refreshments will be served. The program is open to the public. ST For more information, please contact Nancy Lohman, Lohman Funeral Homes, 725 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida. 386-615-1100.

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Page A-8—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-9

Florida Health Care Plans Announces New CEO Special to Seniors Today

F I’m Mikelle Streicher of Florida Health Care Plans and I would like to invite you to one of our Medicare Informational Seminars.

We offer contracts with every hospital in Volusia and Flagler County and a host of options to meet your needs!

Mikelle Streicher RN, PhD To review your Medicare options, make plans to attend one of our Medicare Informational Seminars going on now thru the end of December.

A sales person will be present with information & applications. Our HMO/HMO POS will be discussed.

For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meeting call:

lorida Health Care Plans has provided health insurance and services to meet the needs of the residents of Volusia and Flagler counties for more than 35 years.

It has served Florida Healthy Kids, small and large groups, Cover Florida, and Medicare during this time.

Continuing this legacy of service, Dr. Wendy Myers has been appointed CEO of Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) effective January 1, 2011. Myers started her FHCP career as a hospitalist, and then continued as a primary care and quality review physician. During the past 10 years as president and chief medical officer, Myers advanced FHCP’s local and national standings by leading FHCP to URAC quality management accreditation and implementing a nationally recognized electronic medical record. Myers received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida.

She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians.

Edward “Butch” Simpson will retire as FHCP’s CEO effective December

31, 2010. Simpson’s extensive career with FHCP began 35 years ago as an attorney. He served as executive director prior to being named CEO in 1994.

Simpson played an instrumental role in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s successful acquisition of FHCP in 2009, further solidifying FHCP’s reputation for high-quality, affordable health care.

Dr. Joseph Zuckerman has been appointed CMO, also effective January 1, 2011. Zuckerman will be responsible for creating health care strategy and policy for FHCP. He will lead the development and maintenance of care, quality, and professional programs. Prior to his appointment, Zuckerman served as director of Hospital Services at FHCP and during that time was instrumental in starting a Hospitalist Service for Halifax Medical Center. He has been actively involved in medical education for more than 20 years, teaching clinical internal medicine, and also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Florida State University College of Medicine. Zuckerman received his Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. ST

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Page A-10—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

mweathers@abc-seniors.com wweathers@abc-seniors.com www.AlwaysBestCareFlaglerCounty.com HHALic#299993719

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A Salute To Sinatra, Davis And Martin Special to Seniors Today

T

he Golden Age of Las Vegas comes to Ormond Beach for one show only with Drinkin’ Singin’ Swingin,’ Salute To Sinatra, Davis And Martin, Sunday, December 19 at 4 P.M. at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

This Las Vegas based musical tribute to legendary icons Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Dean Martin transports audiences to the celebrated era of the Rat Pack with their uncanny impressions and song interpretations.

The trio magically captures the essence of the original Vegas entertainers as they perform legendary hits from yesteryear. You will enjoy hearing renditions of songs such as Candy Man, New York, New York, Mr. Bojangles, and Volare.

Featuring the remarkable voices of Ryan Baker as Frank Sinatra; Bryan Clark as Sammy Davis Jr.; and Rick Michel as Dean Martin, this ninety minute musical extravaganza takes the audience back to a time where song, dance, and comedy ruled the stage.

The show is produced by C.B.T. Productions (Congregation B’nai Torah), Ormond Beach—a faith-based organi-

zation in the forefront of volunteerism and humanitarian works in the community at large. In addition to religious activities, C.B.T. sponsors and finances educational programs for students, an annual walk-a-thon for the area’s food bank as well as partnering with local veteran’s organization’s and hospice facilities. In support of the United States Armed Forces, C.B.T. collects and ships supplies to our nation’s troops overseas. This performance enables C.B.T. to continue its philanthropic efforts for all these worthy causes and more. ST Ticket prices for designated seating are $35, $25, and $15 and can be purchased in advance or day of the event at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center box office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon to 5 P.M. or by calling the box office at 386-676-3375.

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Depressed Grinch

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he Grinch, who lives atop Mt. Crumpet, is likely depressed, says University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill psychologist Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D. “Everybody’s always so down on the Grinch,” says Bulik. “But one of the things I’ve always asked myself is whether the Grinch himself might be feeling kind of down.When people think about depression they often think about people being sad,” says Bulik, who has not officially treated the Grinch, but is very familiar with his story.

Being irritable, grumpy, and seeking social isolation are also hallmarks of depression, and could explain the Grinch’s disdain for the Who—the tall and the small —his mistreatment of his dog Max and, ultimately, why he tried to stop Christmas from coming.

“Especially around the holidays you look around and everyone seems to be feeling the joy, but inside you’re just feeling dark and miserable,” Bulik says. “It’s that contrast between how you’re feeling inside and how all those happy people are feeling out there that can really be torture for someone who has depression.”

“One of the things that happens with people who are depressed, and we see this especially with the Grinch, is that people don’t really want to be around him, and he doesn’t want to be around people,” Bulik says. “So, he’s not getting a lot of love.”

Page A-12—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

She points out, depression can have physical manifestations. The Grinch is overweight, is badly in need of dental work and, Bulik says, “I think what we might be seeing is that his heart might be shriveling from a lack of love.”

The Grinch also might be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, which is associated with fewer hours of daylight, Bulik says. “There are a lot of people who get depressed as the days get shorter, and fall and winter arrive.”

So, Bulik says, besides learning that Christmas doesn’t come from a store, we can learn from the Grinch that depression doesn’t always manifest as sadness.

“If there’s someone in your life who is just really irritable and miserable, and just not getting any joy out of life, you have to wonder whether they might be being challenged by depression,” Bulik says. “Reach out and see if some of your friends who are not doing well could use some help.” ST

The Nutcracker—Christmas Tradition

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ach holiday season, many families attend the only ballet they’ll see all year: The Nutcracker. How did The Nutcracker become such a popular tradition? Where, exactly, did it come from?

The story itself is quite old, and the one we see onstage isn’t even the original but a popular adaptation by the French author Alexandre Dumas, best known for writing The Three Musketeers. Once the story made the leap from page to stage, though, history was in the making.

Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky composed The Nutcracker as his final and least satisfying ballet, taking on the project with a marked lack of enthusiasm. So it is ironic that it would become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions of the 20th century.

The ballet premiered in Tchaikovsky’s native Russia in 1892, but The Nutcracker didn’t exactly make an instantaneous mark in the annals of American Christmas tradition. In fact, it wasn’t until 1944 that an American ballet company decided to perform the entire ballet. That year, the San Francisco Ballet took on the task, performing the ballet as an annual tradition.

It was George Balanchine who really sent The Nutcracker on to popular fame.

In 1954 he choreographed the ballet for a New York company, and not a year has passed since when the ballet hasn’t been performed in New York City.

Balanchine was the first to have the roll of Clara danced by a child, necessitating a much simpler choreography. By the late 1960s, other ballet companies across North America had jumped on the bandwagon, enthusiastically performing The Nutcracker to a receptive annual audience.

Today, many cities have a production of The Nutcracker. It has even become a tradition on TV. Ovation, the art and contemporary culture channel, hosts an annual Battle of the Nutcrackers every December. For a week, the network runs various productions of the ballet—both traditional and modern interpretations—and asks viewers to vote online for their favorite.

The ballet with the most votes is revealed on Christmas Eve and a marathon of all the ballets runs Christmas Day. Whether you go to the theater or enjoy the performance from the comfort of your own home, The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition the whole family can enjoy. ST

December 20, 11 A.M.–1 P.M., December 21, 9:30 A.M.–12 NOON, or December 22, 2–4 P.M. Ormond Beach Chamber, 165 W. Granada Blvd.

Refreshments served.

For more information, call Geraldine Fennimore at 386-310-4050 or 516-902-4280, TTY 711 gfennimore@aol.com

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December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-13

King’s Crossword

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Rehabilitating the human body from injury, illness or stroke requires expertise, regimens and equipment. To recover physically you need support mentally and emotionally. That’s our approach to rehab therapy at the Good Samaritan Society.

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Page A-14—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 46 47 48 49 50 51

Curved line Sheltered Use as an example “Phooey!”

Folder’s locale Hebrew month Workers’ jargon West Side Story gang Loading site Friars Club event Shocking weapon False god Responsibility Accelerator Inseparable Suggest as a theory Bat stat Company’s promotional souvenir, often Versifier Smacks Profundity Wild High point Racetrack shape Curbside octagon Krupa or Simmons Woody’s son One of the brass (Abbr.)

Fit of peevishness Beer ingredient Trivia whiz Jennings

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 30 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45

Tummy muscles “Go team!”

Chinese entree Following Storyteller Building wing “A mouse!”

Wheedle Thought Body artworks, for short Once, old-style Slapstick arsenal Engrossed Snatched Actress Hathaway Foundation A ___ apple Capricorn Gridiron ploy Help a hood Rock (Suff.)

Dr. McGraw Home in the Alps Carrots’ mates Station Clouds (up) Squared Hindu princess Survey Muppet eagle La-la lead-in “Gosh!” ___ compos mentis

Answers on Page B-11

Hana Chaim, D.O. Member of ACAM American College for Advancement in Medicine

What’s In The Stars

For The Week Of December 13 LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Open up your eyes and see some welcome surprises you’ve missed or overlooked for too long. What you find can lead to other favorable changes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) What you expect to be potentially troublesome might simply be especially challenging and well worth your efforts to check out. Good luck!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) A friendship might not seem as trustworthy as you’d like. Okay. Ask your questions, get your answers and settle the matter once and for all.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) A family situation moves into a new area because of (or, maybe, thanks to) some decisions you might have felt you could not avoid making.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) You could be cutting it close if you hope to make those holiday plan changes in time to avoid problems. Get a friend or family member to help.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Friends show how important you are to them.

Keep these precious relationships thriving. They affect much that will happen in the new year. ST

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0

$

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V V V V V V V V

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Don’t feel sheepish about looking to spend more time with that special person during the upcoming holidays. Do it because it’s the right thing to do.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Never mind letting misunderstandings repair themselves. Consider speaking up while the healing process can be shorter and sweeter and leave fewer scars.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)Romance is awakened in the Geminian heart, especially around the happy holiday season. So go ahead and make those plans with that special someone.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Moon Children can glow with their own inner light as the holiday season magic takes hold. It’s a very special time for Cancers and Libras together. Enjoy.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good time for you fabulous Felines to take pleasure in your special gift for, well, taking pleasure! Look for this holiday season to give you every reason to purr.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) This is a good time to let others who are in your life get a little closer to you. You’ll both find out what you’ve been missing for far too long.

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A health plan with a Medicare contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits described above do not apply to all plans. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-421-7864, (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. *Some exceptions may apply.

To find out more call Affordable Home Care: 386-676-6375 or 1-800-923-6738 www.affordablehomecare.org

Y0040_GHA08TPES_HZ File & Use 10012010

DAY 12/10

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December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page A-15

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Give us a call to discuss joining our family of successful, caring professional publishers.

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Section B December 10, 2010 Halifax Humane Society Shelter Q & A by: Kevin Hancock, Community Relations Director here is quite a bit of misinformation in the area regarding what we do at the Halifax Humane Society.

The following are some of the most common questions we hear regarding our organization.

Q: Does the Halifax Humane Society have trucks and pick up animals?

A: No, while we do have a truck that we use for our Thrift store, we do not have any vehicles equipped to pick up stray or injured animals. The only ways we receive

animals into our care are from animal control in cities that we have specific contracts, owner surrenders from the surrounding area, and concerned citizen bringing injured animals for care. One of the most important factors that set us apart from most other shelters in the area is that we do not turn away any animals. Whether they are strays, lost, injured, or even confiscated by local governmental authority, the Halifax Humane Society will accept them.

Q: Doesn’t the Halifax Humane Society get funds from the local city and county governments? A: No, the Halifax Humane Society is a private, non-profit,

501 (3) (c) organization. Our funding only comes from grants, individual, and corporate donations, and funds generated by contracts with cities fulfilling local and state law regarding animal control statutes.

That funding is not nearly enough for us to meet the needs of the community and the animals we serve; we could not get by without our tremendous volunteers.

Q: Why does the Halifax Humane Society have to euthanize any animals?

Wouldn’t it be less expensive to feed them until they can find foster homes or be adopted? A: Unfortunately, the sheer number of animals brought to our shelter

makes that virtually impossible. Every year for the past four years we have had over 12,000 animals brought to our shelter, last year the number approached 14,000. We were able to adopt, find foster homes, or get placed with breed specific rescue organizations, over 3,000 of those animals. The vast majority of the animals we euthanize are not adoptable due to behavioral or health considerations.ST For details about these and other adoptables, call the Halifax Humane Society, 386274-4703, ext. 337; visit the shelter at 2364 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, or online at halifaxhumanesociety.org

My name is Ella; I am a senior adult female, beige/black tiger, domestic medium hair cat. I would love to curl up in your lap.

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T

*

*The* *Holidays* *Are A Time For* *Remembering Some* *Of Us Will Be Spending * *This Holiday Without One Of * *Our Loved Ones. We Will All Cherish* *Their Memories And The Many Influences* *They Had On Our Lives. Like A Candle, Their* *Lovely Light Shines And Brigthens Another Place* *So Let This Joyous Holiday Season Serve To Remind All* *Of Us, That The* *Light Of Love* *Will Never Dim.*

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Antiques Old Doll

by Larry Cox

Q: I have a doll that has hard feet and hands, but legs and arms that are filled.

Is this doll worth selling? Who would buy it? The doll is not ancient, but old.

— Jean, Farmville, VA A: Dolls don’t have to be ancient to be valuable. Think early Barbies.

There are several excellent reference books about dolls and their values. I especially like 200 Years Of Dolls by Dawn Herlocher (Krause, $29.99), and the Blue Book: Dolls And Values by Jan Foulke (Hobby House Press). Most dolls have markings that identify the maker. When you have that information, you can date your doll and possibly find out its current value. Debra Gulea buys, sells, restores, and appraises dolls and might be able to help you. Her address is 20 North Main St., P.O. Box 705, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. *** Q: I have a pair of ceramic pheasants from an estate. I would like any information that you might have about them.

— Sandra, Spokane, WA

A: Your pheasant figurines have an amateur look to them, making me think they might be a craft project. While I doubt they have much value, you might want a second opinion. You can find a certified appraiser in your region at www.appraisers.org and www.appraiser sassoc.org You should expect to pay for this service. Please let me know what you eventually find out. *** Q: I have a vase marked R.S. Prussia, and I’m curious what it is worth.

— Eva, Zellwood, FL A: There are several price guides that focus on R.S. Prussia. One of my most favorites is R.S. Prussia Popular Lines: Identification & Value Guide by Mary Frank Gaston. Copies are being offered for sale at www.amazon.com ST Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol. com Mr. Cox is unable to answer all reader questions.

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Page B-2—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

• Grapes • Guava • Honeybells • Key Lime • Kumquat

• Lemon • Mango • Orange • Papaya • Pear

• Persimmon • Ponkan • Satsuma • Tangerine

LaRoche Fruit & Gifts

Ho, Ho, Hold Holiday Debt!

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imes are tough but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holidays in grand style. This year, take control of your holiday budget by making a plan and sticking to it! A holiday budget will help you have a festive holiday season and move to the new year without leftover bills because you will have put a ho, ho, hold on holiday spending.

With the economy as bad as it is these days, many people are looking for ways to get through the holiday season with as few bruises as possible. You can still have a beautiful, fun, festive, joyful celebration without feeling like something was lacking.

Spending time with family and friends in holiday related activities such as making homemade ornaments, gifts, and goodies while listening to Christmas music is a great way to bond or re-connect with others and experience the true meaning of the season.

Why not begin a trim-the-tree tradition with the young ones. Here are steps to consider getting you started and saving money too. • Plan your budget. Forget about holidays past and be realistic about your present financial picture. Determine the $$ you can afford to spend and stick to your limit. • List all the people you want to buy for and set a limit. Consider alternatives for buying a gift. • Shop with a plan. Comparison shop to get the best deals. Call around for prices and availability to save time and gas. That way you will know you are not overspending.

• Large families can save money. Enjoy the season by drawing names and setting a price limit to keep things fair. • Consider a round-robin gift exchange to make things more fun.

Day-To-Day

Life ‌by Kathy M. Bryant • Thrift stores, re-sale shops, flea markets, and garage sales are perfect alternatives for finding that one-of-a-kind gift.

Look at things discriminately, checking for defects. Many treasures can be found, some with the original price tag still attached. • Give the gift of time. Many older people need help with errands and household chores instead of more stuff to lie around the house. Make coupons offering the bearer a dinner or lunch out or simply a visit with some meaningful conversation.

Be creative this holiday season. Who knows? You just might find it’s your best holidays ever! ST Kathy M. Bryant is with the Volusia County Extension Office. For further information, call 386-822-5778. All Extension Service programs and information are free and open to the public regardless of race, color, sex, disability, religion, or national origin.

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December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page B-3

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Page B-4—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

A

s I drove through the mountains of West Virginia several years go, I decided it was time to take a lunch break. I pulled into the little valley town of Mullins and soon found a cafe on a corner next to drugstore downtown.

As walked in the door, a waitress recognizing I wasn’t a local told me it would be a few minutes before I could be seated.

One long table was in the center of the room with about a half-dozen fellows sitting there. “Come over here mister and sit down,” one of the men sitting at the table said to me.

I hesitated a little and he pushed a chair out and insisted I sit down.

“Where you from?” he asked as I sat down. I told him and in just a few minutes they had me involved in their conversation.

It seems that one of the oldtimers had just passed away. His name was John T. Casher and he had lived his whole adult life in Mullins alone. He was a big man that walk with a limp and never married, just stayed at home and worked in the coal mines.

John T. had been in the Navy during World War Two. While trying to save two men, his ship had been hit by a Japanese plane’s gun fire with one of the bullets hitting John T. in the back. His hands had been burned as he pulled the men through an escape hatch on the ship. No one in town knew about his war experience. That, they said, did not happen until John T. died and the Navy gave him a military funeral.

John T. kept to himself and had very little to do with others. Kids were scared of him, but that did not keep them from taunting him on occasions. Often, they said, he could be seen sitting on his front porch holding a coffee cup.

A little boy named Billy was with a group of kids and saw the kids calling John T. names. It bothered him and he went home and told his parents what he had seen.

Of course they did not like it and called some of the other parents who in turn told their kids to not do such a thing. For a few weeks the taunting stopped, but it wasn’t long before the kids were back at it again.

John T. never really paid a lot of attention to what they said, and, except for the occasional growl, most of the time he never reacted to their comments.

It was nearing Christmas and Billy went to his parents and asked them for money to buy John T. a present. What to buy him was Billy’s next obstacle. He knew that John T. walked everywhere he went and decided on a heavy scarf.

Christmas Eve arrived during one of the worst early winter storms in the past 50 years. Billy’s parents would not let him deliver the present during the storm, but on Christmas Day after the snow stopped falling they let him go the few blocks away and deliver his Christmas package.

He was both cold and apprehensive about facing the old man head on. Billy knocked on the door and stepped back.

The door slowly opened and John T. stuck his head around the corner of the door and just starred at the boy. Not knowing what to do, Billy reached his hand out with the wrapped package in it and said, “This is for you, Merry Christmas.”

John T. reached his big old hands out and took the box. He looked at Billy and didn’t say a word, nodded and shut the door.

Billy stood there for a few more minutes stunned at what just happened.

Winding Roads …by Byron Spires

Two days went by and the snow was beginning to melt. On their way to play with his friends, Billy walked by John T’s house. He stood at the gate for a few seconds. As he turned to walk away he heard the old house’s door creaking open.

John T. stepped onto the porch and waved at Billy to come to him. Reluctantly he walked up on the porch and as he made the top step he noticed a piece of paper in the old man’s hand. John T. held out the paper and motioned at Billy to take it.

Billy took it and as he did John T. stepped back in the house. Billy read what was on the paper. “I can no longer speak,” the letter said, “from a stroke I had years ago.”

The letter was brief and to the point.

John T. thanked Billy for the scarf and told him that it was the first Christmas present he had received since he was a child.

Over the next few years, Billy would stop

by John T’s house and they would sit on the front porch. John T. would write Billy notes on a piece of paper asking him to tell him about his school day. The neighborhood kids saw what was going on and over a period of time quit calling John T. names and eventually hung around his front yard. He would write them notes and jokes and it was said on occasion, he could be heard laughing.

The story doesn’t stop there. It seems that over the years John T. had made quite a bit of money at the coal mine and had no heirs.

He lived like a poor man, but every saved every penny.

While he was in the hospital not long before he passed away, Billy, now a senior in high school, went to visit him.

Billy walked in his room, John T. motion him over to the bed, and handed him two sheets of paper. One was a power of attorney making Billy his executor and the other was his will. As Billy stood there the old man quietly closed his eyes as if he were finally at peace with himself.

John T. had bequeathed his home to be torn down and a park built in its place. The money he had went to scholarships at the local high school.

When Billy was going through his stuff a few days later he found a small notebook with John T.’s writing inside. At the top of the first page he had written, “It was on Christmas Day that my life started over again when a young fellow named Billy gave me a present.”

I thought about that story as I drove out of Mullins that afternoon, about how a simple gesture of giving a gift to someone could change a life.

Then again, I thought, that is what Christmas is all about, isn’t it? ST You can contact Byron Spires via e-mail at windingroads@netzero.com

Flagler County Residents: Pay Inside information is captured on the skimming device which is either transferred electronically to a laptop computer or the device is

Flagler County Sheriff Sheriff Donald W. Fleming later removed by the thieves. The information is then downloaded onto a blank credit card, complete with the PIN number, which may then be used to purchase items, or draw out cash from the unsuspecting consumer’s account.

Merchants should be check their card scanners periodically for these devices. ST

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

To report fraudulent card activity, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.

Christmas at Holy Cross: DECEMBER 24 6:30 P.M. 7-7:25 P.M. 7:30 P.M.

Communion Service Christmas Carol Singing Candlelight Service

DECEMBER 25 10 A.M.

Heritage Christmas Service

DECEMBER 26 10 A.M.

Traditional Service

New Year’s at Holy Cross: JANUARY 2 8 A.M. 9:45 A.M. 11 A.M.

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lagler County consumers are being cautioned to be alert when they are using debit or credit cards for purchases.

The devices used to steal personal financial information are known as skimmers.

Most consumers would never know that their information had been compromised until bank statements or credit card charges are reviewed.

The Sheriff’s Office urges consumers to avoid swiping their cards at outside gas pumps and ATM machines. Consumers should pay inside the stores and go inside their financial institutions rather than using outdoor facilities.

The skimming method occurs when thieves place a device inside the card slot on gas pumps or an ATM. When the consumer swipes their card, all their personal

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724 Big Tree Road South Daytona

386-767-6542 December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page B-5

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Providing Care As Individualized As Your Signature Our skilled team of Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists evaluates each resident to design a treatment plan specific to the individual needs of the resident. A team approach is used to help each resident attain their greatest level of independence for a speedy return to home. Inpatient therapy services are offered 7 days a week and outpatient services are available Monday through Friday.

Services Include: Post-Surgical Care Cardiac Care IV Administration Skilled Nursing Care Pain Management Individual Nutrition Management Wound Care Respite Care Insurances Accepted: Medicare, Humana, Florida Health Care, and various other insurance contracts.

We invite you to tour our facility at 103 Clyde Morris Blvd. • Ormond Beach or contact Admissions at 386.673.0450

Page B-6—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

Books Sinatra: Hollywood His Way Reviewed by Larry Cox

A

lthough it’s been more than a decade since the death of Frank Sinatra, he is still very much a part of our American culture. Several new biographies have been published, his recordings sell well, and an entire satellite station is devoted to his music.

In his new book just out, film critic Tim Knight documents the 59 films in which Sinatra appeared, beginning with RKO’s Higher and Higher from 1943, and ending with his final credit, Listen Up! The Lives of Quincy Jones, released

by Warner Brothers in 1991. Knight’s book covers each film with reviews, behind-the-scene stories and hundreds of rare color and black-and-white photographs, making this the ultimate guide to the films of Frank Sinatra.

This coffee-table-size book is divided into four basic parts: Frankie’s Rise And Fall, 1941-1952; The Crooner Comes Back, 1953-1959; The Rat Pack Years, 1960-1964; and Sinatra’s Hollywood Twilight, 1965-1991. Sinatra also made several memorable movies, including

From Here To Eternity, which marked his 1953 comeback, and perhaps his best movie performance, John Frankenheimer’s gritty 1962 classic The Manchurian Candidate.

It’s Sinatra’s flops, however, that make this book so intriguing. For example, one has to wonder why he agreed to get involved in such monumental misfires as The Devil At Four O’Clock, The Naked Runner, and None But The Brave, which he also directed. The fact that he took such chances is why he remains such an interesting entertainer.

Sinatra never played it safe.

Knight has researched his subject well and sets the record straight. For example, despite rumors to the contrary, Sinatra did not pull The Manchurian Candidate from circulation due to political concerns, and it was never a “lost� film. Today, nearly 50 years after its premiere, the movie is regarded as a masterpiece. Time has not diminished either its power or relevance, and the same might be said for Frank Sinatra.ST Books reviewed in this column are available at your local bookstore.

Think Of Safety This Holiday Season

W

e’re now deep into the holiday season with just a couple of weeks to go until Christmas. There’s a lot of last minute rushing around now as stressed-out shoppers look for the final gifts on their lists and travel to see distant loved ones. Please be safe during the holidays. There are a lot of distracted drivers on the highways, and crooks are on the lookout for easy marks. I just want you to take care of yourself and finish off 2010 safely and happily.

When spending the holidays at home, don’t forget about security. If there is a rush of relatives and visitors stopping by or even staying with you, don’t neglect locking the doors and windows. It might be convenient to leave the doors unsecured so that guests can come in as they need to, but keep in mind that it would also be convenient for an opportunistic burglar who is paying attention to comings and goings in your neighborhood. Also, don’t display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway, especially anything that is expensive like electronic equipment.

Keep all receipts for your purchases. They might be helpful for exchanges later on, but more importantly they will be needed to check your credit card statements. Identity theft is a frequently reported crime lately, and in the flurry of shopping in multiple stores it can be easy for a criminal to get your credit card information.

When you are out doing that last minute shopping, be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry only what you need to, and don’t overbur-

den yourself with packages so much that you lose track of your purse. If you are traveling to multiple stores, lock your purchases in the trunk for safe keeping. Shop before dark if possible, and park only in well lit parking lots if you are out after dark.

From The Sheriff

…Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson

After all the gifts are opened, it would be a good idea to mark all of the new electronic equipment with identification numbers and keep a record of the serial number, make, and model for insurance purposes. Jewelry and expensive clothing should also have identification of some type marked on them.

If you are hosting a party, please be careful with alcohol. Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests, and serve something to eat before serving alcohol.

Make arrangements ahead of time for transporting anyone who might have too much to drink. Don’t let your guests drink and then drive.

Be careful of strangers coming to your door. Don’t be fooled by criminals pretending to deliver gifts.

Finally, be wary of people soliciting for charities.

If you are in doubt as to anyone’s story, call the organization’s office as it is listed in the phone book.

My best wishes to you and your entire family for a safe and happy holiday season! ST

Give The Gift Of Clean Air To Your Family!

Do You, Your Children, Or Grandchildren Suffer With: • Allergies • Headaches • Colds • Flu Viruses • Asthma Are you breathing air full of cold and flu viruses, allergens, mold spores, and bacteria now??

This unit creates pure air naturally, by using the natural elements of invisible ultra violet light (UV)—light that is emitted by the sun at the violet end of its spectrum. The unit is installed in the central air unit and one unit can cleanse the air for 3,000 square feet.

The US Government requires UV units in government buildings to control microbial growth. You can have the same protection.

For Question Or To Order A BEUV˛ Unit Call: 386-446-4377.

Special Offer: Free installation for units purchased by December 31, 2010

Prince of Peace Like New Shop Do Your Christmas Shopping With Us & Save!

All proceeds go to aid the poor & needy.

Clothing • Books • Household items

Monday–Friday 9:30 A.M.-3 P.M.

739 South Nova Rd. Tomoka Plaza • Ormond Beach

386-672-2836 December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page B-7

Acupuncture And Physical Therapy: A Life Changing Treatment

O …With Acupuncture and Physical Therapy MEDICARE & OTHER INSURANCES ACCEPTED RELIEVE PAIN WITHOUT CHEMICALS

ne of the most common causes of neck pain is a pinched nerve from a root that emerges from the spine. Aside from the pain that may radiate to the fingers, patients often feel some numbness and tingling.

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural responses to allow irritated nerve fibers to heal by promoting blood flow and the release of endorphins.

Acupuncture treats most forms of low back pain as well. It treats both the “symptom and the root” of pain. Acupuncture addresses the symptoms while the root cause of the pain heals. It also reduces inflammation associated with disc protrusions, compression fractures, misalignments, arthritis, and more.

Simultaneously, acupuncture restores normal parasympathetic nerve impulses to the affected regions such that the body is capable of producing the normal chemistry required for the healing of internal tissues and nerve fibers via the endocrine system. The National Institutes of Health confirms this success in an important US Government report (NIH Consensus Statement, v15, #5, 1997; p19).

In practice, most cases of low back and neck pain are best treated with the integration of manual techniques in Physical Therapy.

Most of the underlying issues associated with low back and neck pain involve a structural imbalance such as an abnormal curvature on the spine or a pelvic bone that is out of alignment, which can lead to scoliosis. These can cause nerve impingement to the nerve fibers that come out from vertebral bodies.

Acupuncture & Physical Therapy Ramon Gutierrez, D.O.M. Acupuncture Physician Pain results and the back and neck muscles eventually guard causing the individual to assume a poor posture which leads to more pain as muscles become even tighter.

With the combination of acupuncture and physical therapy, the mechanical problems are addressed, proper posture restored and affected muscles get to relax due to better blood flow. This eventually decreases irritation on the nerves and translates into pain relief with significantly better range of motion.

For more information, please feel free to call 386-615-4800.

Look for a Votran bus and hop on.

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Page B-8—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

PGA Electric

386-428-1955 EC13003104

Chicken Soup For The S oul A Handful Of Hope From “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers”

G

“

oodbye, Trevor,” I said to my 9-year-old son as he trudged through the snowy yard on his way to school. As usual, he didn’t turn around or acknowledge my words. He had just been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which now explained his lack of expression and communication. It left us with more questions, more pain, and more worry for the future. Since the age of 3, he had almost completely stopped talking. He wouldn’t even look at me and smile.

Everything had to be the same every day, including his black mittens. No other pair would do. This morning I couldn’t find his black mittens, so he had to wear a spare pair. He had become angry with me and slammed the door.

I watched his little blond head bob up and down behind the fence as he continued walking to school, gesturing with his hands. He talks to himself all the time. If only he would share a story or two with me, I thought, as I left the window and returned to finish the breakfast dishes.

Tears dropped onto the table as I wiped the spot where Trevor sat each morning for breakfast. He routinely blurted out inappropriate messages to his cereal, but I was merely the invisible robot that served him.

“Goodnight, I love you,” was only a rote saying that he recited each night at bedtime after he brushed his teeth and put on his pajamas.

A knock at the door interrupted my sullen thoughts. I wiped the tears from my face and wondered who could be here so early.

When I opened the door, Trevor stood trembling on the doorstep.

“Trevor! What’s wrong? Did you forget your books?”

He didn’t answer. He stepped in and looked up at me. His cheeks were a rosy pink form the cool February day.

“Mommy,” he began.

I held my breath. For several years, he hadn’t looked me straight in the eye or called me by name.

“Yes?” I whispered. I slowly lowered to my knees to be at his eye level. If I moved too quickly, I would shatter this fragile moment.

His bright blue eyes grew shiny, and a tear slipped down his round cheeks.

“Mommy, I’m sorry,” he said.

He only spoke three simple words, but his soul had opened. He had talked to me from his heart. He finally had showed emotion.

Then his face was hardened, and he turned and ran. The moment was over. Iron bars separated my heart and his once again.

I stayed in that spot on the floor and pressed a handful of hope to my heart.

It was like a door had opened for the first time, and he had pulled me through it into his world.

It didn’t happen again for a long time, but I always knew it would. I knew that Trevor was in there. Sometimes, he smiles so brightly that the chains of autism rattle their retreat for a few moments, and we connect.

All it took was three words, a tear, and his round blue eyes looking into mine. I will always be grateful to God for giving me this spark of hope. ST

Holy Cross Lutheran Church 724 Big Tree Rd. • South Daytona

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Dec. 16

Camper’s Stew, Salad, Dessert, & Beverage

Dec. 23

Roast Beef & Cheese Croissant, Potato Chips, Cole Slaw, Dessert, & Beverage Closed Until January 6, 2011

Reservations are required by noon the Tuesday prior.

Call The Office, Monday Thru Friday

at 386-767-6542 December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page B-9

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of PREVENTABLE blindness in people over 40.

Are you at risk?

50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.

We offer state-of-the-art technology to detect glaucoma.

Dr. Etienne is a Fellowship Trained Glaucoma Specialist whose knowledge of the latest care for glaucoma is sought by both patients and other doctors throughout East Central Florida.

We offer second opinions.

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We accept Medicare and many insurances.

Please check your plan.

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Rebecca M. Becker Elder Law Attorney & Mediator

Dedicated to helping you and your family be prepared for whatever life brings.

“Legal preventive maintenance” for peace of mind. Providing for your health care, your loved ones, and your property through: • Health Care Directives & DPOAs • Asset Protection • Probate Avoidance • Medicaid • Wills & Trusts • Probate • Guardianships • Real Estate “Personal & Confidential Attention in a Comfortable Atmosphere” Tel: 386-672-4365 Ormond Beach, Florida www.BeckerLaw.net The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about qualifications and experience.

Page B-10—Seniors Today—December 10, 2010

Empower Yourself

E

very hour of the day, you are being empowered or you are being disempowered. It is all in the way you manage and distribute the power that is constantly coming your way.

Therefore, you have two choices; to be engaged with Spirit or to cut yourself off from the flow.

We can choose to enjoy fellowship with Christ or we can think that power is not attainable in life. Imagine yourself as living in His time an see yourself becoming his friend. Every year that you walk and talk with Him, He’s rubbing off on you with love, understanding, compassion, and wisdom.

People who answered His call to discipleship grew into great souls. Church tradition says most of them died for His truth. They were so empowered that death meant very little to them compared to the bliss of fulfilling His call and His companionship.

We must see and fully realize that fellowship with Him is just as possible to us today as it was back then. He said He was with us “to the end of time.”

He is always with us. Just open to communication with Him because there is no space or time between us and God. I know I am a mystic but I am not talking about some ethereal, mystical thing. I am speaking a basic Christian truth. Could you find a Christian who would doubt the omnipresence of Jesus?

You can certainly find some who refuse to accept and enjoy it, but there are also many who fellowship with Him all the time. You and I can choose that path.

Another path of empowerment is our spiritual circle. We each have certain friends that we get spiritual juice from and give spiritual juice to. Some are so strange that we might miss them if we judge by appearance.

Like my illiterate Baptist friend, Hubert, who powerfully influenced me in my teens by his loving friendship and support of my talents. I still receive empowerment when I remember reading the Bible to him late at night when the house was quiet. He would jump up and praise God and honk his nose in a handkerchief as his cup overflowed. He overflowed all over me for the rest of my life. Today, he still comes alive and empowers me when I need it.

Cherish friends who do that for you.

Each one is a little filling station along your roadway of life. Each one give you the juice to keep going and growing.

We must develop our antennas to rec-

ognize these people and nurture them.

Each one is a source of empowerment.

Mothers can be lifetime empowerers to us. Donnie Jenkins once told me, “You and I have had disturbed female relationships because we had good mothers.” Because we had good mothers, we subconsciously assumed that all women would love and adore us like our mothers.

My Sunday Journal …by Dalton Roberts

My mother so instilled and installed self-confidence in me that I have always felt I can do anything. Many times, against all odds, I have been able to succeed because of the streak of selfconfidence she installed. Never forget these empowerments and nurture them in your consciousness. It is one of life’s powerful power connections.

Claim your power! ST Please e-mail to downhomep@aol. com or visit Dalton’s website at www. daltonroberts.com

King’s Sudoku

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Difficulty this week: ★ ★ ★★ ★★★

Moderate Challenging Hoo Boy!

© 2006 King Features Syndicate, Inc. World rights reserved

Answers on Page B-11

To Your Good Health

by Paul G. Donohue, M.D. Dear Dr. Donohue: What are triglycerides? What do they do to you? I am a 55-year-old male in good health, or so I thought. My lab tests have shown I have elevated triglycerides. My doctor believes I need to make funeral arrangements. He told me to cut down on fats. I have never eaten much fat. I don’t use butter. How do I get my level down?

— R.F. Answer: Triglycerides are fats. The marbling in meat and the stuff that surrounds a cut of meat are triglycerides. In the blood, they are not solids. They’re a source of energy for body cells. Excess amounts are stored as fat.

Cholesterol gets all the blame for clogging heart arteries and causing heart attacks.

Triglycerides bear part of the blame. A very high blood triglyceride level inflames the pancreas—pancreatitis. That happens, but is a somewhat rare event compared with other causes of pancreatitis.

The normal triglyceride reading should be less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L).

Values between 150 and 199 (1.7 to 2.2) are considered borderline high. Anything above 500 (5.6) is very high.

Weight reduction will almost always brings down triglycerides. Fatty foods, fatty meats, and fried foods should be eaten sparingly. Surprisingly, sugar raises triglycerides, as does immoderate alcohol drinking. Omega-3 fatty acids lower them. Fish —a good source of omega-3 fatty acids— ought to be a major part of two weekly meals. If you don’t like the taste of fish, you can take omega-3 in pills.

I know people must cringe when they hear exercise mentioned, as it appears to be a panacea for every ill. A half-hour of brisk walking on most days of the week reliably lowers triglycerides. You can start more modestly, and work your way to the 30-minute goal.

If none of these lowers your triglycerides, medicines can. Lopid, Tricor and Niacin are three reliable drugs. *** Dear Dr. Donohue: I just received a lab slip from my doctor’s office for tests

Crossword Puzzle On Page A-14

that should be done before my visit. Electrolytes are circled. What are they? They sound like something to do with electricity.

— M.Z. Answer: Electrolytes are sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride. They do have something to do with electricity— they carry a charge.

They’re involved in a huge number of body processes, including keeping the heart beating, facilitating nerve transmission, helping muscle contractions and maintaining the balance between acids and bases.

The booklet on electrolytes describes their functions and details the things that can go wrong when one or other is deficient or excessive. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue—No. 202W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. ST Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Epiphany Manor 4792 S. Ridgewood Ave. Port Orange 62+ or Disabled Income Eligible Call For Application 386-767-2556 TTY: 1-800-955-8771

Sudoku Puzzle On Page B-10

December 10, 2010—Seniors Today—Page B-11

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