Benoit Glazer on
Possibility
5 Best-Selling Authors
Homeless But Never Hopeless
New Vision For a New Year
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GROWING BOLDER AND NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES ASSOCIATION PRESENT
Fountain of Youth will change everything you thought you knew about aging. It’s the jolt of inspiration you need to make the rest of your life the best of your life.
WITH
MARC MIDDLETON
We’re all told the same debilitating lie that aging is an inevitable decline into disease and disability. Fountain of Youth®, a new podcast from Growing Bolder in partnership with the National Senior Games Association, smashes the negative stereotypes of aging and delivers life-transforming lessons for us all. Hosted by masters athlete, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, and Growing Bolder CEO, Marc Middleton, Fountain of Youth shares the inspiring stories of men and women of all ages, sizes, and abilities who are redefining what’s possible and living active, engaged lives into their 80s 90s, and 100s.
SUBSCRIBE NOW and learn the secrets to active aging! podcasts.apple.com/us open.spotify.com/show audible.com/pd
Or Your Favorite Podcast Listening Platform
DA I LY S TO R I E S O N L I N E Visit GrowingBolder.com daily for inspiring stories to help you start Growing Bolder CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Heafy GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Katie Styles EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doris Bloodsworth PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jill Middleton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
T H E B O L D S TA R T Get a daily dose of inspiration curated from our most popular social media posts.
Amy O'Rourke, Bill Shafer, Chef Collette Haw, Jackie Carlin, Lynne Mixson, Tim Killian GROWING BOLDER PRESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Marc Middleton GENERAL COUNSEL Michael Okaty, Foley & Lardner LLP NEWSLETTERS
BECOME AN INSIDER Join our community committed to living a life of passion and purpose for free! Gain access to exclusive content, resources, events, groups and more.
Become an Insider by going to GrowingBolder.com/Insider. All subscribers also get a daily dose of inspiration curated from our most popular social media posts. COMMENTS
Contact us via social media @GrowingBolder or email us at feedback@GrowingBolder.com ADVERTISING AND MEDIA SALES
For information about advertising and sponsorships, email Kevin Houseknecht at advertising@growingbolder.com V I S I T O U R B O O K S TO R E We’ve curated this list of some of our favorite inspirational authors who are dedicated to providing the tools you need to rebrand aging.
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contents. January 2022
I N E V E RY I S S U E 6 YOUR TAKE 7
NOTE FROM THE CEO
9 GROWING BOLDER WITH 11 ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING EXTRAORDINARY LIVES 12 TRANSLATING TECH
Inner Peace? There’s an App for That!
14 RECIPE
Fresh Start
THE ART OF CAREGIVING 28 THE ART OF CAREGIVING WITH AMY O'ROURKE
How To Avoid Mistakes Along The Way
F LO R I DA 18 NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT
Explore Tallahassee, Florida
36 5 BEST-SELLING AUTHORS
Who Call Florida Home
MASTERS SPORTS 22 FLORIDA SENIOR GAMES
Mini Stories on Athletes
FINANCE 26 DOCTOR TRADES RISK FOR LIFETIME REWARDS
How His Annuity Started Him On The Road To Retirement Security
31 FINDING FULFILLMENT IN RETIREMENT BY PAYING IT FORWARD
THE MUSIC MAN
Head to page 32 to read Benoit's story
Giving Back Can Help You Navigate Retirement
LIFEST YLE 16 HOMELESS BUT NEVER HOPELESS
A Geezer Jock Plots His Course
38 NEW VISION FOR A NEW YEAR
Glaucoma Awareness Month
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YOURTAKE What's something amazing you've witnessed in your lifetime that you previously never thought possible?
"Man walking on the moon!"
"Pay TV."
—Jackie M.
—Julie W. M.
"Meeting Neil Diamond in a diner across from where I live at 6 am."
"A cure for the neuromuscular disease that took my daughter's life."
—Rae S.
—Cynthia W.
"The Chicago Cubs win a World Series after being down 3 games to 1."
"A black woman vice president and a black man president."
—Jim S.
—Leslie C.
"Truly electric vehicles."
"Hovering skateboards."
—Frankie C.
—Lori L.
"Women having more options for expression of their skills and abilities."
"Collapse of the Iron Curtain."
—Pat H.
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G R O W I N G B O L D E R / J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 D I G I TA L D I G E S T
—Chris A. C.
From the CEO Every January most of us take a step back to reevaluate our priorities. What’s important to us? What really matters? This internal conversation leads to New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, research shows that 80% of resolutions fail by February. They fail because resolutions are little more than wishes without commitment. They’re dreams without discipline. They’re tigers without teeth. They fail because we’re wannabes and not gonnabes. Make this the year that you replace resolutions with goals that are specific and measurable. Not, “I want to learn to paint” but rather “I’m going to enroll in a painting class by January 15th”. Not, “I want to make a difference in the lives of others” but rather, “I’m going to sign up to volunteer four hours a week at the local food bank.” Without specific goals and a commitment to achieve them, life pushes us around. Circumstances that have nothing to do with us ultimately control our lives. We’re buffeted about by chance and the impact of random events. If you want your resolutions to mean something, turn them into specific goals and hold yourself accountable. It’s as simple as that. As you’re setting goals, understand that the boundaries of possibility are being redrawn every day by ordinary people living extraordinary lives. Men and women are starting businesses in their 60s and 70s, finding love in their 80s, volunteering in their 90s and setting world records in their 100s. Anything is possible. You’re not too old. It’s not too late. This issue of the GB Digital Digest is about possibility. It’s about what can happen when goals replace resolutions.
Make this the year that you replace resolutions with goals that are specific and measurable... Anything is possible. You’re not too old. It’s not too late.
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Catch new episodes now airing across Florida!
Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Marc Middleton, What’s Next! features a team of well-known Florida broadcasters and personalities, including Secily Wilson, Amy Sweezey, Bill Shafer, and George Diaz, all shining the spotlight on ordinary people living extraordinary lives. What’s Next! is a jolt of inspiration that helps audiences of all ages believe that it’s never too late to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities. New episodes are now airing across Florida!
Check local listings and watch a full episode at
GrowingBolder.com/Whats-Next
GROWING BOLDER WITH
Steven Petrow
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Photo by Stephen Lovekin / Stringer via Getty Images Entertainment
Nobody wants to turn into their parents as they age, or at least that’s what Steven Petrow thought. When the noted newspaper columnist started a list of what he called stupid things his parents did he was surprised to discover it was his mindset that made their acts stupid. What he learned was that people should not fear age, they should feel pride in it. Petrow is an award-winning journalist and author of the book, “Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old.” It starts out humorous and lighthearted but quickly aims straight for the heart as he offers something to consider to help create an old age filled with respect and fulfillment. “I was in my 50’s when I started paying attention to how my parents were aging,” Petrow told Growing Bolder. "I started keeping a list I called, ‘Stupid Things They Do.’ I wrote a column about it in the New York Times which turned out to be one of their most popular articles.” Petrow explained he was not trying to be critical but wanted to call attention to understanding why people age the way they do. He admitted he found himself sliding into some of the negative stereotypes of age. “I made it a point to stop sending out birthday cards that make fun of older people and I stopped lying about my age on dating apps,” confessed Petrow. “As I started adding my behaviors up, I suddenly realized the
problem. We are all conditioned to believe there’s something wrong with being older. The truth is, older people have more experience, we have more wisdom, and thanks to greater longevity, we may have more time than any other generation.” Through firsthand experiences and conversations, he now suggests we all reexamine our beliefs and try to see aging in a new light -- one of vitality, adventure, and joy. “This entire project has pushed me to realize that every day matters, as does how you choose to live your days,” he said. “But I have discovered, we fall into negative stereotypes out of fear. Not a fear of getting older, but a fear of getting left behind, being left out, isolated and lonely: ‘The kids don’t call, I really shouldn’t drive anymore, there is no place for me to go.’ It is up to us to help our family and friends get over that. Please, reach out to whoever you can. Let them know you care. Include them in your life. Not only will they feel less lonely, but it will also instill in you the understanding that you have made a significant difference in someone else’s life.”
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You’re never too old, and it’s never too late. The power of setting and achieving goals can empower you with confidence. – Diane Travis, 66 WORLD AND NATIONAL C HAMPION IN DUATHLONS
WATCH/READ DIANE'S STORY
@GrowingBolder
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Photo by Jacob Langston
FOR M O RE DAILY M EME S :
ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING E XTR AORDINARY LIVES®
Michael Ives
Photo Courtesy of Michael Ives
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This month, at the age of 64, Michael Ives set a personal record he never thought possible. He competed in his 100th bodybuilding tournament, the prestigious Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic Physique Show. Incredible, not because of his age, but for how far he has come. His is a story of perseverance, of belief, and proof that it is possible to overcome insurmountable odds. In an emotional interview with Growing Bolder’s Bill Shafer, Ives explained that he was just sixteen years old when the accident happened. He was at work when he was nearly killed in an industrial bailing machine. “Two beams the size of railroad ties clamped down on my arms,” he explained. “It actually lifted me a foot off the ground and pulled me in.” He hung there, screaming until someone found him 30 minutes later. When he regained consciousness, he was at the hospital. “I remember the doctor telling my dad, ‘We need to amputate those arms at the elbows.’” They explained to his father that the chances were no better than 50 percent that Ives’ arms would ever properly heal. “My father told them, ‘I owe it to my son to give him that chance.’ I’m forever grateful that he did.” Recovery was slow and the pain was unbearable. “It was a constant pain, so strong it would wake me up in the middle of the night,” Ives remembered. “All I could do was lay there, rub my arms and cry.” Ives was an active person, a hard worker who struggled from doing nothing. He wondered if exercise would help so he bought a set of weights. “My doctor said, ‘No, no, you don’t want to work out, it is not good for the tendons and
ligaments.’ But I could not take it anymore, so I went against his orders and kept at it.” He noticed almost immediately that using his arms made the constant pain subside, at least for a while. He kept at it, pushing himself through days, weeks, and months of constant exercising. Not only could he feel results, but he could also see them. His arms were gaining strength, in fact his whole body was changing and developing. For the first time since the accident Ives did not feel embarrassed by his withered arms anymore. He began to feel proud of his body. To keep himself motivated he entered a bodybuilding competition, but this time it was his pride that was crushed as he did not place. It was humbling but it made him even more determined to keep working and to keep building strength. It was a turning point. Ives no longer saw himself as the man with the shattered arms, he now saw himself as a bodybuilder. Working out became his daily dose of medicine. He turned away from the temptation of shortcuts, choosing to be as nutritious and clean as possible. He ate so many vegetables that even his competitors noticed, giving him the nickname, Broc Man. Ives, who began working out as a last chance effort to save himself, has accomplished much more than he ever expected. He has also become an inspiration for others. “For the longest time it was all I could do to find a way to believe in myself,” he said. “So, if I can be that guy that people point at and say, ‘If he can do it, so can I,’ that's exactly who I want to be.” G R O W I N G B O L D E R / J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 D I G I TA L D I G E S T
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Photo by 10'000 Hours via Getty Images
Inner Peace? There’s an App for That! Translating Tech
It's time to reevaluate our priorities — after all, the new year is here. At the same time though, we’re under intense pressure to meet new goals. How to calm down? Enter technology. The biggest distraction in your life, your phone, can also be a source of calm and mindfulness.
Growing Bolder has teamed up with Senior Planet to bring you more technology content to keep you on the cutting edge of the latest in devices, platforms and tools.
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How Can Apps Help: Mindful Meditation Many studies show that meditation actually works. Meditation changes people, according to this article, in brain and body and soul. A raft of studies has shown that it lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels, while improving mood and reducing the incidence of anxiety and depression. It makes people more focused, more self-aware, more resilient, and happier too. Can meditation apps provide these benefits? Yes, according to Berkeley.edu, which says the findings may not be as conclusive as app marketers would have you believe — but they do suggest you should at least consider trying one.
The biggest distraction in your life, your phone, can also be a source of calm and mindfulness. Which apps for inner peace? The problem is there are too many apps out there promising to calm you down. (You can have a panic attack just figuring out which one to use!) In fact, the Wall Street Journal reports that more than 2,000 new meditation apps launched between 2015 and 2018. Offerings have only increased as a result of higher demand during the pandemic. Many, including some of the highly recommended ones, are very expensive, rivaling the monthly cost of Netflix or HBO. But there’s no need to take on that kind of cost when there are lots of free meditation apps that offer as much or more than the pricier options.
Inner Peace with an App? So what’s the key to actually finding inner peace using an app? Practice every day, says Diana Winston, director of mindfulness education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center in this article. She recommends meditating daily so that it becomes a habit, and reinforcing the habit by connecting it to an existing daily habit, such as meditating after your morning coffee Why not use your phone to remind you!
Here are some examples of free or low-cost apps and what they can do for you:
Meditation and mindfulness:
Insight Timer is the top free app according to mindful.org, which evaluated hundreds of apps out there. Insight Timer has a huge library of content: over 80,000 free guided meditations from more than 10,000 teachers on topics like stress, relationships, healing, sleep, creativity, and more. You can even sign up to Circle for Teams, one of their newer offerings, which allows you to create circles (read: groups) to meditate in real-time with friends or colleagues. If you prefer a quieter meditation, however, you can simply set a timer and meditate to intermittent bells, calming ambient noise, or soothing music.
Gratitude:
For Thanksgiving and throughout the year, something like the Gratitude app helps you count your blessings. According to this story in Positive Psychology “This colorful app offers a large variety of features; for example, you can write journal entries for your gratitude journal, construct self-affirmations, receive daily quotes, and build a vision board that consists of images and goals. Here is one woman’s experience with gratitude apps.
Sleep:
There are options like the Calm meditation app, which is effective for both meditation and sleep. According to this Good Housekeeping story which lists the best sleep apps, it’s super easy to use, and the Sleep Stories section has bedtime stories (for kids and adults!) read aloud by people with soothing voices, including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey. Only a few stories are included for free, but getting a subscription for $70 per year unlocks a huge library of meditations made specifically for sleep. If you don’t want to pay, here is a list of effective, free, sleep apps. 13
Fresh Start Chef Collette Haw
Happy New Year! Many of us begin each new year resolute on improving our diets. I’m here to remind you that eating well can also taste good! Example number one: this citrus smoothie. What a refreshing way to start your day, and year. The orange, mango and raspberries provide great taste, color and great health benefits, naturally. Oranges contain vitamin C, of course — but also provide fiber, which slows the way our body absorbs sugar, and calcium to help keep our bones, organs and muscles strong. The beta-carotene that gives mangos their beautiful yellow-orange color is an antioxidant, great for fighting free radicals. Mangoes are also rich in potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure. Raspberries add antioxidants, plus omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent stroke and heart disease. The hemp seeds provide protein, and you can add even more with a scoop of whey or vegan protein powder. Flaxseeds are great for digestion and using coconut water makes this friendly for those looking for non-dairy options. Turmeric is a great source of curcumin, which is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and helps support good brain health. Together they provide a whole lot of flavor, and a great way to nourish your body. Enjoy!
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Join Collette for a free cooking class webinar on January 26 through the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Register here: yourhealthandwellbeing.org
Photo by Jacob Langston
Chef Collette Haw studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After training in some of the country’s most honored restaurants, she became a personal chef for celebrities. She then launched her own business, Collette’s Clean Eats, to provide healthy, prepared meals to busy families. Haw is now a restauranteur, partnering with the Winter Park Health Foundation to operate Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen in the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida.
Citrus Smoothie Yield: (1) 16 oz Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
1 large orange, peeled & halved ½ cup frozen mango ¼ cup frozen raspberries 1 tbsp hemp seeds 1 tbsp flaxseeds 1 cup unsweet coconut water 1 tsp turmeric 1 pinch black pepper ½ cup OJ
DIREC TIONS
1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. 2. Enjoy!
Try adding whey or vegan protein powder for a boost of protein!
G R O W I N G B O L D E R / J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 D I G I TA L D I G E S T
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Homeless But Never Hopeless. A Geezer Jock Plots His Course. Ray Glier
Tim Jenkins, 69, has been clobbered by addiction, molestation, homelessness, bullying, murder trauma, and utter sadness. Yet, not once in a 65-minute interview with Jenkins did I hear him add to the calamitous list with this: Hopelessness.
Ray Glier has written for various media for over 40 years, as a contributor to national publications including The New York Times, Vice Sports, USA TODAY, The Miami Herald, The Boston Globe, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Washington Post. The author of five books, Glier has a passion for master sports and seniors athletes, and shares their stories of triumph and joy in his unique, inspiring, and always moving weekly newsletter, Geezer Jock.
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He never said he had given up hope. Not once. The man who has slept on concrete and had a yearslong addiction to crack cocaine, sends himself hope daily, as if he is a compulsive Amazon shopper merely clicking a “proceed to checkout” button. Tim has embraced hope for 60-plus years, even as he ran the rat-infested alleyways of Chicago and Louisville. Things will get better, he kept telling himself, as he was buried under the dogpile of what a mean life has to offer. It was his faith, of course, and a cussed stubbornness, that gave him hope. So, understand, this is not a sob story. It is a hope story. These days, Jenkins is especially hopeful. He has broken the spell of addiction, and he is determined that he can be a Masters track star in 2022 when he is the ripe age of 70. His body, the one he has abused, is his bankroll. He has sculpted it with weights over the last eight years, even when he was homeless, because the Southwest YMCA in Louisville welcomed him. Jenkins is a newbie to track—he has lined up for just 12 races—so his ceiling is still out of his reach, even as he closes in on 70. In 2018, with no training, Jenkins broke the Kentucky record in the senior games in the 50-meter dash. He finished second in the 100. The night before the race he slept in his car. Those were his first races in Masters Track. Jenkins says he wants to win national championships in the 50 and 100 in the 2022 National Senior Games in Ft. Lauderdale (he’s qualified). He wants to win again at the USA Track & Field Masters Championships, which will be held in Lexington, Ky., not far from where he lives.
“I’m due for some home cookin’ at these races,” he said with a little chuckle. Jenkins lives in a small camper in a church parking lot in Louisville, 80 miles from the 2022 USATF meet at the University of Kentucky. Tim has been on the proverbial back foot for three years as he pursued medals in Masters track. He either over-trained or didn’t train properly. He also didn’t know how to race. In the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jenkins showed how unaware he is about competition and how strong he is physically. In the qualifying for the 50-meter dash, the starter commanded “runners to the front of the blocks”, and the ebullient Jenkins jumped to the start line and got in his rigid stance. He remained in a “set” position for 60 seconds before the gun went off. No one told him to relax. He came out of his starting stance tighter than a drum and injured the arch on a foot on his takeoff. It was his third race, ever, and Jenkins finished 17th hobbling to the finish line. That set position, by the way, was a football player’s three-point stance. Get in a three-point stance on the balls of your feet and see how long you last. 60 seconds? That is some strength. Jenkins has run in poor footwear, and didn’t understand the value of stretching, only body building. It led to back surgery a year and a half ago. One by one, Tim said, he has erased these barriers to being a consistent performer in Masters track. He has redoubled his effort the last several months. Jenkins is on the radar. He was The National Senior Games Association Athlete of the Month in November. “If I could win a national championship, and some people who need help hear my story, maybe they wouldn’t feel hopeless,” he said. “If I do well, I could write a book, make a movie, share it, and do good for people. “I hope people are encouraged by what I’m trying to do.” Before showering you with hope, the first scenes of Tim’s movie would make you cringe. He was one of eight children, born in Louisville, and had an ogre for a father, he said. Bill Jenkins molested Tim when he was 14. He also molested a sister, Tim said. The father then abandoned the family. Tim was frail as a child and bullied. He had to “bum” lunch money because so many days he went to school hungry. Jenkins said he thinks he has a 4th-grade education and never finished high school. In the ninth grade he could not add or subtract. It may not be a nice thing to say, but Tim said this: “I was mentally retarded. I really was.” Jenkins got by because he could repair small engines on lawn mowers, and big engines on cars. His was a cash existence. Tim looked for salvation wherever he could find it. He joined a church, but it turned out to be a cult. The hierarchy tried to force him into marriage and demanded he follow rules that were plainly illegal.
“I was spiritually molested by that church,” he said. Jenkins fled to the streets and into the arms of crack cocaine. He had a friend in Chicago who felt ripped off by a drug dealer and went back for his money. The friend never got to the door of the hideout. Tim said he was shot dead on the steps. For 20 years, Jenkins was addicted to cocaine. He did meth, too, and alcohol, of course. He had run-ins with gangs and several times, he said, barely escaped with his life. Jenkins turnaround started in 2012 when he said God got stern with him. “Told me he was tired of having my back and I needed to get my life together,” Jenkins said. Tim moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the aftermath of the tornado that killed 53 people and destroyed 12 percent of the city. He volunteered with the rebuilding and did small engine repair for money. And he worked out. Ferociously. He was on his way to losing 30 pounds and muscling up. Jenkins returned to Louisville in 2013 and used the YMCA as a base. He would squat 225 pounds, 10 times in succession. He was 65, then 66, then 67, and 68. He felt strong. He was strong. Then he heard about the Kentucky Senior Games and thought, “Why not me?” “I don’t look almost 70,” he said. These days, Jenkins works part-time (1:30-5:30) for a company that makes auto body parts. His camper is parked in that church parking lot and he takes his meals in there. Chicken, fish, organic eggs, greens. Louisville is a hub for UPS and jets routinely fly over the camper in the middle of the night. Tim solved that by going to bed at 8 p.m., waking at midnight for two hours, he said, “for time with God” and then goes back to bed. “I am purpose-driven man now,” he says. We may find out that Jenkins is a freak, that his physical gifts paired with a drive to win a national championship means he can be special in Masters track. Jenkins still has demons to deal with and they could yet scuttle his hope-filled story. He talked about nightmares and general restlessness and post-traumatic stress syndrome of having guns pointed at him. Tim has scars and they must be deep psychologically. Jenkins’ reckoning with himself matters. I don’t want his story to disappear down a memory hole. Somebody will come along who needs to know Tim made it out of a serious mess. I have hope. I hope Tim remains poised and in emotional control. He is pouring himself into this quest. Whichever way it goes—win or second, or third, DQ—we want Tim to remain hopeful and forward looking, not just for his sake, but for ours, too. For more great masters sports content, subscribe to Ray’s FREE weekly email at geezerjocknewsletter.com.
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Tallahassee Florida Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida, is known for its rolling red hills and canopied roads, a commitment to the arts, and as home to two universities: Florida State and Florida A&M. Just 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Tallahassee is the largest city in the “Panhandle” part of the state. There is so much to do and see—here are a few of our favorite spots: S T. M A R K S L I G H T H O U S E This historic landmark was originally built in 1831 and is the second oldest lighthouse in the state. It has survived several wars, as well as numerous storms and hurricanes, standing tall as one of the most photographed locations on the Gulf Coast. Spend time at the nearby beach, ride along the bike trails or explore the wildlife refuge.
KO O L B E A N Z If you’re looking for a unique local dining experience, check out Kool Beanz Cafe, where their slogan is “Eat, Drink & Talk Loud—You’re Among Friends!” It’s an eclectic restaurant serving up everything from fresh seafood to pasta, fried green tomatoes to fried chicken, and more. TA L L A H A S S E E AU TO M O B I L E M U S E U M For those who get revved up by car culture, the Tallahassee automobile museum is a must-visit. With over 100,000 square feet of showroom space, it houses a collection of over 160 classic cars. Among the vintage rides are the Batmobile, classic Camaros, a 1900 Snell—one of the oldest gas-combustion cars ever made, and the horse-drawn funeral hearse that carried President Abraham Lincoln! 18
WA K U L L A S P R I N G S S TAT E PA R K Wakulla Springs State Park is home to the deepest and largest freshwater spring on the entire planet. If you visit in the fall and winter months, you’ll be sure to see plenty of manatees from the riverboat cruise. Below the surface, there are underwater caves ready to be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers.
C A S C A D E S PA R K Venture to the center of downtown Tallahassee to explore Cascades Park. This scenic landscape boasts an interactive fountain for children, miles of trails for walking and jogging, open space for picnics, and the Capital City Amphitheater, which is typically active with movies, plays, and musical performances.
STROLL THROUGH FSU No visit to Tallahassee is complete without an outdoor walk through the campus of Florida State University. Admire the beautiful brick architecture, its tree-covered pathways, the stainedglass windows of Dodd Hall, and the “Doak,” Doak Campbell Stadium, home to the Seminoles football team since 1950. Photo by Tessa Wilson via Unsplash
I’m having much more fun now than I did in my 30s or 40s... There’s no one way to do this life; but I try to teach my children to believe that if they follow their hearts, they can make a living at it and find happiness. My advice? Follow the fun. – Kenny Loggins
FOR M O RE DAILY M EME S :
@GrowingBolder
Photo by Nicholas Hunt / Staff via Getty Images
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Florida Senior Games
Mini Stories
The Games Are Back! The National Senior Games, a celebration of active lifestyle, resume in Ft. Lauderdale May 10-23 and Growing Bolder will be there. As the official media partner of the National Senior Games Association, we’re going all in — sharing the inspirational stories of these men and women from 50 to 105 who refuse to live life from their living room couch. We’re launching a special monthly newsletter, a weekly Fountain of Youth podcast and exclusive video features on the men and women who share a love for participating in organized sports. In December 2021, two Growing Bolder crews traveled to south Florida for the Florida Senior Games. We were at the track when 78-year-old Joe Johnston was surprised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He didn’t win it for his countless gold medals. No one really cares about that, including Joe. He won it for his countless efforts to teach and encourage others. He won it for welcoming anyone and everyone into the tribe of master’s sports. Here’s a sampling of those we met at the Florida Senior Games, who embody George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”
DAV E JA RV I S , 74 The Villages, FL
S A N DY GA R N E R , 6 2
G O R D O N R A LPH , 9 0
Dave Jarvis has so much love for his sport that even major surgery couldn’t keep him out of the pool. Jarvis had quadruple bypass surgery just six months prior to the Florida Senior Games. Instead of letting this life-altering moment keep him at home, Jarvis defied expectations and spent time with doctors and coaches to work on his conditioning throughout the year. His hard work paid off, as Jarvis won three of the six events he competed in! As he proudly showed Growing Bolder the scars on his chest, Jarvis said he plans on competing in the National Senior Games in May.
Sandy Garner is a PE teacher at Mainland Highschool in Daytona Beach and the Florida State 2020 Female Athlete of the Year. A multi-sport star who competes in track and field and volleyball, began to cry when we asked her about the physical and social benefits of masters sports. “When you're out there, you don't feel old,” she said. “It's like that adrenaline's going and it just feels good. It's fun finding people with the same interests. I would like to, as I age, be active and enjoy life and then just leave the Earth. I don't want to have to be in the nursing home with people taking care of me. Once you stop moving, it's downhill from there. So keep moving. That's my motto.” After our interview, Sandy led her volleyball team, the Valley Frogs, to first place in the women’s 60-64 age group at the 2021 Florida Senior Games.
Gordon Ralph has one rule in swimming, ‘Outlive the competition.’ At 90, many times he’s the only one in his age group. But that doesn’t mean he’s coasting. A swimmer since he was 8 years old, Ralph trains three days a week to become more efficient in the water. He swam in six events at the 2021 Florida Senior Games — three backstroke and three breaststroke — earning gold in all six races. Gordan appreciates that swimming is great for his circulation and strength, without putting any pressure on his legs, and the teammate’s shoulder to help him get into the blocks.
Daytona Beach, FL
The Villages, FL
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J O E J O H N S TO N , 7 8
MADEL AINE CAZEL , 84
BRIAN HANKERSON, 62
Joe Johnston is a legendary masters athlete and multiple age group world record holder in the pole vault. But it’s not his athletic ability that he’s most recognized for. It’s his willingness to help others, even his closest competitors. Joe and his wife Janet recently added an indoor pole vaulting room, aka “The Joe Dome,” to their house where anyone of any age is welcome to learn or train. Over the year they’ve helped countless beginners, high school state champions, college stars, and older adults learn or refine their skills. At the 2021 Florida Senior Games Joe was surprised at the track venue when he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for unique form of pole vaulting philanthropy. “It's wonderful. It's amazing. It's awesome,” he told us. “But most of that kind of stuff is after you're dead and I ain't done yet.” After our interview he walked over to the pole vaulting pit and set a state age group record.
Most who compete in the Senior Games don’t come to win. They simply come to participate. Madelaine “Tiny” Cazel is an exception. For more than 20 years she’s been the one to beat in multiple sports. The 2002 Florida State Athlete of the Year is retiring from competition after the 2022 National Senior Games in Ft. Lauderdale. “This is my swan song,” she told us. “I've reached that point that I think I'd like to play golf a little bit more and do some traveling because I haven't done that in years. I can still go to the health club and work out and keep yourself strong. But you know, the competition gets to be a little bit tougher, especially if you want to do good. I wanted to be the best I could all the time.” And she’s certainly going out on top. Madelaine won the discus, shot put, javelin, and long jump in the 80-84 age group at the 2021 Florida State Senior Games.
Brian Hankerson began competing in his late 40s and quickly discovered a talent he didn’t know he had. Now in his 60s, Brian is one of the top track and field athletes in the world in his age group. The 2018 Florida Senior Games Athlete of the Year has set American indoor and outdoor records in the long jump and won multiple national championships in the high jump and triple jump. Brian has a PhD in accounting and is the chief operating officer at a 10,000-member church where he also serves as an associate pastor. He and his wife have 12 grandchildren and team up to offer marriage counseling. He says master sports gives him the energy to fuel his active life. “It makes a world of a difference. When I'm not active, when I take time off, man, my body starts to talk to me. It’s just telling me, ‘you need to get out there and exercise!’ And when I do, and I push myself, I feel better. I sleep better. I'm more productive, so maybe it is a fountain of youth.” Brian won all three of the jump events at the 2021 Florida State Senior Games.
Apopka, FL
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The Villages, FL
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Hollywood, FL
G R E G LI N D S AY, 6 0 North Ft. Myers, FL
LUA N N E & R I C H G I R AG O S I A N , 67 & 7 1
J E R RY L A K E , 5 4 Cape Coral , FL
CO R I N N E B J E R K E & D E N N Y M ATH I S , 7 1 & 7 2 The Villages, FL
Greg Lindsay and Jerry Lake are a force to be reckoned with in bowling’s senior circuit. Every sport has its own pinnacle of achievement, and in bowling it’s having a “perfect game” — recording 300 points with 12 consecutive strikes. While many of their competitors have likely bowled a perfect game at some point in their life, Lindsay and Lake admit they are in rare air to have both recorded a perfect game in official Senior Games competition: Lindsay at the 2017 Florida State Senior Games, and Lake at the 2019 National Senior Games in New Mexico. 2021 was no different, as the duo finished 1st in team competition and each won gold in individual competition for their age group as well. However, Lindsay and Lake say it’s the memories they’ve made together over their 20 years as teammates that they cherish the most.
“The Bowling Team” earned four gold and two silver medals at the 2021 Florida Senior Games, including three team golds in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. And while these two couples from The Villages love the challenge of competition, it’s the camaraderie with other bowlers and the fun they have together that keeps them bowling five, and sometimes seven, days a week. Coaching your significant other can be a little tricky, the men add, but it usually works out, and they all enjoy traveling to competitions in different parts of the country and challenging themselves in a game they love.
“When I'm not active, when I take time off, man, my body starts to talk to me. It’s just telling me, ‘you need to get out there and exercise!’ And when I do, and I push myself, I feel better. I sleep better. I'm more productive, so maybe it is a fountain of youth.”
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BRIAN HANKERSON
To learn more about the National Senior Games visit GrowingBolder.com/nsga and to register to compete in the 2022 Games go to nsga.com.
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B E N L A B R OT K N OW S A LOT A B O U T R I S K . Serving in Floating Doctors, an organization he formed to help deliver medical services to people in remote parts of the developing world, Labrot found himself in many life-threatening situations. Like the time he and the team were stuck on a mountaintop in a lightning storm. There were lightning strikes so close, they could feel their hair standing on end. Or there was the time in 2010 when their boat slipped its mooring and drifted onto a reef — in an area so remote, there wasn’t really anyone to come to their rescue. They were able to start one engine and limped to safety — 34 miles away.
His annuity started him on the road to retirement security.
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Doctor Trades Risk for Lifetime Rewards
I have plenty of things to worry about without adding something that I can avoid.
Photo provided by Alliance for Lifetime Income
“ There was even a journey he took in an ancient rebuilt Russian helicopter in Honduras where the landing turned out to be a little more challenging than expected. Rather than hovering over a spot to land, they took an unexpected path. “In order to get to this spot, we had to fly through a chute in the trees. So for several hundred yards, there was canopy above us, canopy below us and canopy on all sides of us.” Labrot asked the pilot if this was safe — the reply was no one’s shooting at us, so yeah, it’s safe. “That was another moment when I thought ‘Hmm, I might have swung a little too far.’” Then his wife (who he met through Floating Doctors) got pregnant, and everything changed. For years, Labrot had been traveling all over the world with a backpack full of medicine to treat people — many of whom had never seen a doctor, didn’t have electricity or even running water — without taking a salary or even thinking about retirement. But with the pending birth of his daughter, Labrot says he realized that the organization he had founded needed to be able to keep going without him overseeing the day-to-day. So while he remains CEO of Floating Doctors, he handed over daily operations to his staff and took a teaching job at the University of Southern California. He also got serious about his finances, and his board of directors helped him set up an immediate annuity to generate monthly income for himself. Labrot admits he’d never even heard of an annuity before, but says what he’s learned from his financial professional and his own research has made him feel more confident about his financial future. And he’s learning quickly. “I know exponentially more than just six months ago,” he says. “And now I have a base that I can build on to try to move forward intelligently.”
B E N L A B R OT
One of the characteristics Labrot likes most about the annuity is that it enables him to feel confident and prepared for retirement, which helps him focus on securing his long-term financial security because retirement “happens to everybody at some stage.” Another benefit of an annuity is that Labrot doesn’t have to treat stock market plunges, such as the one caused by the pandemic, like an emergency. “It was with a sense of considerable relief for me to see that my annuity was, of course, essentially unchanged and completely safe,” he says. “Like a lot of other people right now, I feel like I have plenty of things to worry about without adding something that I can avoid.” Yet the pandemic has caused Labrot to rethink his retirement income goals. Before the pandemic, “I would’ve been more focused on accepting a generally higher risk for my overall retirement plan so that I could have an expectation of a higher return and a more comfortable retirement,” he says. “But I think this pandemic is going to make me prioritize protecting what I have been able to save so that my retirement is more assured and safe from events like this.” It’s been a long journey for Labrot, from the vacation trip to Africa in 2004 that led him to start helping people in developing countries, to founding Floating Doctors in 2008 and now serving as CEO of the organization while teaching at USC. Through it all, he’s kept in mind some advice that he and the team at Floating Doctors lived by: You are never harmed by seeking more educated advice. “There is no one who is so wise that they’re too wise for financial knowledge,” he says.
To learn more about how to protect your retirement and keep doing what you love, visit protectedincome.org
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The Art of Caregiving As the saying goes, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” Living in advanced years is an act of vulnerability that includes a wide range of emotions and concerns, for both the aging individual and his or her loved ones. Our hearts may tell us one thing while our parents’ doctors and other healthcare providers may tell us something entirely different. What we know is it’s possible to learn from those who have been there, done that, and avoid some pitfalls. Growing Bolder’s aging and care management expert Amy O’Rourke shares some advice from her new book, The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones on how to avoid mistakes along the way.
with Amy O'Rourke
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America’s Advocate for Caregivers and Families
Life becomes much more complex as loved ones are drawn into the unfamiliar and complicated world of hospitals, surgeons, medical insurance, nursing homes, assisted living centers, memory impairment programs, and home care. They often receive conflicting advice from these sources and can feel that they’ve entered an alien universe where a different language is spoken. That is why I believe it is wise to be prepared on many levels for an aging family member to enter the fragile years. In most cases, family members and loved ones know that the time is running short, but they are hesitant to take action because they don’t want to upset the aging parent or face the reality themselves, and they don’t realize that help is available to them.
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These are the Most Common Mistakes We Make as Caregivers for Our Older Loved Ones: → → → → → →
Failing to recognize that the aging person has become more and more fragile and far less independent. Becoming over-controlling and not considerate of their wishes. Because of our own anxiety about their fragility, we make decisions based on our own emotions rather than being more thoughtful and exploring options. Not understanding the risks of leaving a fragile person unattended. Refusing to work with them to put their needs first. If a fragile parent is determined to remain independent and in their home, you can avoid upsetting them by providing part-time “housekeepers” who are really experienced aides, or you can send a pizza over so they don’t have to cook on a weekend. Gradual change works better than forcing some big change on them. Misjudging the level of their mental impairment. Often, the fragile older person may think they are doing fine or want to believe they are doing fine; but if they are in danger or putting others in danger, we have to make difficult decisions.
Takeaway Tips For more Caregiving Tips from Amy O’Rourke read The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones
→ → → →
Neglecting to check in on them regularly with face-to-face meetings, either online or in person. In many cases, we’ve had loved ones discover stacks of unpaid bills or decaying food left out by an aging person who has experienced a sudden and rapid decline in judgement. Taking on guardianship without understanding the full responsibilities and what that entails. Not fully grasping the physical challenges faced by the aging person. I had a client who insisted that her mother go to an exercise class when the poor woman had a spinal condition that made it agonizing for her. Adopting the attitude that your roles have reversed, and you are now the parent and your parent is the child. This is a dangerous position to take, and often the aging person will find it repugnant and rebel against it. Approach them as a partner and work with them rather than telling them what to do.
→ Check your aging parent’s car for dents and other damage to ascertain if the time has come to limit or stop them from driving. → Visit or have someone check in on your parent regularly to monitor for changes in daily routines, behaviors, moods, and personal hygiene. → Install a motion detector security camera to alert you to changes in routine and possible emergencies. → Be very observant and note when your parent stops once-favorite activities. → Make note of how fast your parent is moving. One case study showed that the slowing pace of an older person serves as a predictor of life expectancy. → Stay with your parents a couple times a year for seventy-two hours, just to be with them. There is no better way to really see and feel how your parents are doing than staying with them. → It can be helpful to tell them how much it means to be returning the love and care they gave you. If the loved one wasn’t there for you, one option is to tell the person that it would help you if they sought assistance.
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Don’t give up... When you tumble into those valleys of darkness, look up and find the light. Go ahead and cry, if you have to; but always put someone else ahead of yourself, because that is the secret. Nothing in life is perfect; but by loving one another and reaching to help someone else. – Belenda Cypress POET
WATCH/READ BELINDA'S STORY
@GrowingBolder
Photo by Jacob Langston
FOR M O RE DAILY M EME S :
Finding Fulfillment In Retirement By Paying It Forward Giving back, especially during the holiday season, provides opportunities to help our communities and support the causes closest to our hearts. Whether through contributions of time or money, giving back can also bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose, help bridge generation gaps, and prevent senior isolation and depression. “Donating time and money is of course a great way to make a positive impact, but it’s also an avenue to meet people, learn new skills, and connect with your community and the world around you,” says Marci Alboher, one of the nation’s leading authorities on career issues and workplace trends. She is a thought leader on second acts also known as “encores” where purpose-driven individuals can find fulfillment. That counsel is invaluable across generations, especially for those approaching retirement to understand the role volunteering can play in their lives.
Illustration by Dmitrii Musku via Getty Images
Adjust to Life Without a Job Title
To learn more about how to protect your retirement and keep doing what you love, visit protectedincome.org.
Retirement Can Be Your Encore
If you’re feeling unmoored without a job title, know that you’re in good company: many people are in transition these days, with millions of Americans leaving their jobs during the pandemic. In addition to those taking stock of new opportunities, many younger people move more freely between jobs, gigs and roles that fulfill their personal passions and interests. In fact, Alboher has coined a term for those who can’t check a box when asked, what do you do? “Slashies refers to people who pursue multiple interests and income streams in search of a fulfilling life,” said Alboher. “Retirement gives us all the opportunity to become slashies, and pursue multiple opportunities to give us purpose, whether it be volunteering, charitable giving, or a new job.”
Retirement can be an opportunity to try a different or part-time job by leveraging your current skills or learning and using new ones. It also provides ample time to volunteer with an organization you’ve always wanted to be involved with. If you’re interested in finding volunteer opportunities, check out online resources designed to help retirees such as AARP’s volunteering search engine – Create the Good. The best part of retirement is that you don’t have to limit yourself: you can try anything you want in the pursuit of a new purpose.
Tracking Your Generosity
If you’d prefer to make a financial contribution to a cause you care about, first identify which issues you feel passionately about and then look for reputable organizations who work in these areas or with towards these causes. Before writing a check, speak with a financial professional to ensure you can afford to donate while still staying on track in retirement, and to optimize any potential tax benefits that come from these contributions.
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Marc Middleton and Jackie Carlin / Photography by Mike Dunn
Benoit Glazer is a unique, talented and passionate man on a musical mission. To say he personifies focused energy would be a massive understatement.
“I do everything with intensity,” he said. “I don't believe in doing something halfway or half-cocked. I go all the way in everything I do.” This is a story about going all the way. Glazer is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and conductor who played professionally all over the world before taking a major risk and moving from Montreal to Orlando to become musical director of “La Nouba” for Cirque du Soleil. “When we came to the United States in 1998, my wife and I had three, young kids and were $43,000 in debt. We just said, ‘Okay, let's do it,’” Glazer said. “La Nouba” was a significant musical challenge and a major success for Glazer. He loved working for Cirque du Soleil but quickly became restless on his two nights off. “It was very hard in 1999 to find any good live music or exceptional 32
THE MUSIC MAN
cultural experiences on a Tuesday or Wednesday night in Orlando,” he recalled. “So, we decided to have a concert at our house.” Glazer knew how to find musicians. But every concert needs an audience, so he and his wife, Elaine, and their three young children, went door-to-door around the neighborhood to spread the word. “We knocked on our neighbors’ doors and said, ‘We’re having a concert at the house,’” recalls his son, Charles Glazer. “It’s a new thing we’re trying out. Just come over and bring a little plate of food to share.” They put out a few bottles of wine, moved the furniture and created a small space for the musicians and their audience. It was just going to be one concert — a chance to entertain the neighbors and keep Benoit Glazer from being bored on a Tuesday night. “But as soon as it was over,
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everyone asked, ‘When is the next one?’ And that’s how it all began,” Glazer said. Word spread about Glazer’s living-room concerts; and quickly, his living room wasn’t big enough. When the audience spilled out the door and into the backyard, the music man became the demolition man. “He knocked down one of the walls to make the living room bigger,” said his son. Glazer didn’t stop there. After tearing down a second wall, his passion project ran into the proverbial wall and it was time to consider another major risk. “Elaine and I sat down and said, ‘We can pull back on the concerts or we can put all the money we've ever made, and the money we’ll ever make, into building a new house with something more appropriate for the concerts. But if we do that, we might not have a comfortable retirement.’ And we said, ‘Okay, let's do it,’” Glazer said.
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Benoit Glazer stands inside the three-story "listening room" at the White House, which has hosted musicians from around the world playing all genres of music, including classical, heavy metal, Latin, rock, jazz, bluegrass, Indian, African and more. "Everybody tells me that they have never experienced something quite like this," Glazer said. "It's just different."
They found a neighborhood lot with plenty of public parking nearby, tore down the existing house and began building what would become known to musicians worldwide as the White House. The White House features a three-story, nearly acoustically perfect living room designed by Glazer. “It’s not just a living room. It’s a living room. It’s a listening room,” he says in arguably the understatement of the year. Over the years, the Glazers have hosted more than 800 concerts in their living room. For the first 15 years, the children, as young as two, opened for all the concerts. “If it was jazz, I would teach them some jazz, and we would play jazz together,” Glazer said. “If it was classical, we learned and played classical. Indian music, salsa, whatever — they learned to play and perform it all. My youngest son was performing live when he was just two.” Like Glazer, the children are now multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. When they get together, a concert can break out at any moment. The regulars have enjoyed seeing the children grow into adults and accomplished musicians, one performance at a time. In 2019, Camille Glazer was diagnosed with cancer when she was just 24. The community who watched her grow up sprang into action. Artists donated pieces of work to sell to offset medical costs and people around the world reached out with their best wishes. Glazer kept everyone updated on her progress via his Facebook page and in the spring of 2021, he shared this good news: “It was two years ago that we got the
“Arts, in my mind, are the highest form of human endeavor,” Glazer said. “And education is the most important human activity. If you can put those two together then you have a winning combination.”
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BENOIT GL AZER
Photography by Mike Dunn for Growing Bolder
call that every parent dreads. Camille, in Thailand for a surgery internship at the time, had just been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Happy to report that she is still in remission, after a tough battle in 2019.” Of course, her health battle wasn’t the only one the family faced in recent years. Like so many arts organizations, the White House struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The master of improv quickly transitioned to livestreaming previous events on their social channels, something they continue to do today, even after the return of live events. The real draw has always been the eclectic mix of talent that Glazer brings to programs at the White House. “We are focused on letting musicians play what they want and how they want to play it,” he said proudly. “Unlike most venues, it’s not about selling tickets or food and drinks. It’s art for art's sake. That's why we did it, and that's why we still do it. It's as simple as that.” There’s not a genre of music that Glazer hasn’t presented in his living room, including classical, heavy metal, Latin, rock, jazz, bluegrass, Indian, African and more. “There’s sort of this lust for the best room,” said musician Matt Gorney. “You want to play in a creative place, and you want it to sound great. You want the presentation to be professional. You want the audience and the people putting on the show to care. And with the White House, it’s like check, check, check and check. That’s what this place does. It checks off all of these things.”
Glazer has heard similar comments from other musicians. “People from all over the world have played here; and without exception, everybody tells me that they have never experienced something quite like this or even close to this,” Glazer said. “It’s just different.” For the Glazer family, it’s all about making art accessible. The White House fosters a sense of community by not only allowing but encouraging patrons to bring their own wine and food to performances. Children are always welcome to performances, most of which are free. “Arts, in my mind, are the highest form of human endeavor,” Glazer said. “And education is the most important human activity. If you can put those two together then you have a winning combination.”
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Bestselling Authors
Florida has long been a source of inspiration for writers. With hurricanes, exotic animals, and general craziness, there’s no shortage of material. Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West. Zora Neale Hurston grew up in Eatonville, near Orlando. Here is a look at five bestselling authors who call Florida home today.
Who Call Florida Home
1. James Patterson Patterson is the world’s No. 1 bestselling author. He cranks out bestsellers almost faster than McDonald’s flips hamburgers. The former advertising executive, who holds the record for the most “New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers (67), lives with his wife, Sue, in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. The 74-year-old author is best known for his Alex Cross mysteries. In recent years, he also has written bestselling books for children. He and Dolly Parton are working on a novel titled, “Run, Rose, Run”, set for publication in 2022.
2. Carl Hiaasen Hiaasen is Florida’s native son. After attending the University of Florida, Hiaasen joined the “Miami Herald,” where he built a reputation for his investigative work and later as a columnist taking satirical dead aim at politicians. Since the 1980s, Hiaasen, 68, has written a steady stream of bestsellers, including “Strip Tease,” “Sick Puppy,” and “Squeeze Me.” Some books were made into movies. Apple TV is working on a series based on Hiaasen’s book, “Bad Monkey.” He lived in the Florida Keys for a decade before retiring to Vero Beach.
3. Judy Blume Blume and her husband George Cooper, a true-crime writer, have a home in Key West. Blume wrote a series of groundbreaking, wildly popular children’s books in the 1970s, including, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and “Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing.” Blume, 83, also wrote adult books, including “Wifey” and “Smart Women.” Her stories’ popularity and relevancy continue. Lionsgate recently wrapped up production on a film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”
4. Stephen King
There are other recognizable names, including Tim Dorsey, Edna Buchanan, and Michael Connelly of “Bosch” and “Lincoln Lawyer” fame. Connelly splits his time between homes in Tampa and Los Angeles. And who knows? One day you may write the “Great American Novel” and join the list of five bestselling authors who call Florida home!
King, 73, is one of the newer resident-authors. In April 2020, he purchased a home in Casey Key, a barrier island paradise near Sarasota, for $8.9 million. The 6,817 square-foot mansion includes a pool, tennis court and view of the Gulf of Mexico. King, who is a master at horror stories, is known for thrillers, such as “The Shining” and “Misery.” He was previously associated with his Bangor, Maine home, which includes a gate decorated with a vampire and bats
5. Dave Barry Like Hiaasen, Barry enjoyed a successful career at the “Miami Herald,” where his wife is a sportswriter. The “New York Times” called Barry “the funniest man in America. In 1988, he won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. The versatile, bestselling author has hit books in fiction, nonfiction and young adult genres. Two of his books were the basis for the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World.” The 74-yearold Miami resident continues to write and also plays lead guitar in a rock band called the Rock Bottom Remainders, a tongue-in-cheek reference to books that don’t sell well. Other band members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson and Mitch Albom.
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New Vision For a New Year
Illustration by invincible_bulldog via Getty Images
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“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
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HELEN KELLER
How’s your vision?
What is Glaucoma?
With a brand-new year stretching out in front of each of us, it’s a great time to take stock of where we are and create a new vision for where we want to be in all areas of our lives. That includes our physical health, and two of our most essential and complex organs — our eyes. January is Glaucoma Awareness month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include:
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve — a nerve at the back of your eye which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. There are usually no early warning signs or symptoms for glaucoma. That’s why more than half the people that have it don’t even know they do. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to be certain. The exam is simple and painless — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for glaucoma and any other eye issues. A visual field test may also be used to check your side vision. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early detection is key. Treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision. Options include medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery.
> Everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos > African Americans over age 40 > People with a family history of glaucoma > Individuals with diabetes > Anyone who has suffered trauma to the eye
All benefits are not available on all plans. Florida Blue is a PPO and RPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Florida Blue Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue or Florida Blue Medicare depends on contract renewal. Health coverage is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered by Florida Blue Medicare, Inc., DBA Florida Blue Medicare. These companies are affiliates of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., and Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information visit floridablue.com/ndnotice. © 2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. Y0011_108741 2022_M Y0011_108741 2022 EGWP_M
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Living with Glaucoma It is estimated over 3 million people in the US have glaucoma. U2 lead singer, Bono’s signature look includes wearing tinted sunglasses. What you might not know is why he wears them: because over 20 years ago Bono was diagnosed with glaucoma. In October 1998, 77 year-old John Glenn became the oldest human to ever travel in space, as a payload specialist aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Glenn made the trip and saw the earth from Space one last time thanks to an early diagnosis of, and treatment for, glaucoma. Comedienne and television personality Whoopi Goldberg lives with angle-closure glaucoma, and world renown singer Andrea Bocelli has enjoyed a successful career despite losing his eyesight at the age of 12 due to congenital glaucoma. Schedule an Appointment Regular eye exams are a good idea to make sure that no problems are developing with your vision and that you have the appropriate eyeglasses or contact lenses as your eyes change. Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans covers more vision services than Original Medicare. Routine eye exams, lenses, frames and contact lenses are all covered as part of your plan. In some cases, you may have a copay or an allowance.
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Questions to Consider Quantitative tests will reveal data about your eyes, but it’s also important for you to tell your physician about how your sight is or isn’t impacting your everyday life. Questions to consider before your appointment include:
Florida Blue Medicare Advantage members: Your in-network vision partner is iCare Health Services. Visit myicarehealth.com to find an iCare provider or network ophthalmologist or look up your member vision benefits.
> Have you noticed any changes in your vision? > Do you have trouble driving or walking at night? > Are everyday tasks like choosing clothes, making phone calls or taking medications becoming more difficult?
> Select Find a Provider in the upper right corner.
> Have you noticed any new blurred or distorted areas in your vision, or effects from glare?
> Click the Search by Health Plan tab and choose Florida Blue as the Health Plan.
> Has the width of your clear vision changed at all?
> Select Optometry and enter your ZIP code. Click Search. You’ll see a list of nearby providers that you can print. Or call iCare Health Solutions at 1-855-373-7627 (TTY users call 1-800-955-8770), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. There is a $0 copay for a glaucoma screening from an iCare provider or in-network ophthalmologist when you’re at risk of developing glaucoma.
If you fall into any of the groups at risk for glaucoma, or have been struggling with loss of vision or eye issues, make time today to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. We all want to maintain good vision as we move forward in life, and we can all take proactive steps to ensure good eye health.
Take advantage of our online resources at
floridablue.com/medicare G R O W I N G B O L D E R / J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 D I G I TA L D I G E S T
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Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©️2021 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved. Y0011_101935 R1 2020_C
