Growing Bolder Magazine, March 2021: DEFY Issue

Eugene snowden Soul Musician

Empty Nest Inspiration from Claudia and Sergio Lordao p. 14

Top 5 Birding Locations in Florida p. 40

FE ATURING YOUR MARCH MEMBER UPDATE FROM

MEDICARE

MEDICARE

Thank you, Your Florida Blue Medicare Team Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are 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. You may access the Nondiscrimination and Accessibility notice at floridablue.com/ndnotice. © 2021 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

Y0011_104969_C 0221 C: 02/2021 Y0011_104969_C 0221 EGWP C: 02/2021

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

3 PM

10

MARCH

1 0A M

12

Alzheimer’s Association: COVID-19 and Caregiving

Sesiones De Doctor: Fortalece tu Sistema Inmune*

Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19.

However, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk. Join us to learn about additional precautions you can take to help keep people living with dementia safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether at home or in a residential care setting.

COVID-19 has made us realize how important it is to maintain a healthy immune system. Learn how to improve your immune system to stay strong and healthy in 2021.

MARCH

MARCH

25

26

COVID-19: Vaccine Update

The Power of Creative Engagement

Join us for a live webinar for an update on COVID-19 and the latest news about vaccines and their availability.

Dr. Elizabeth Malko, Florida Blue Medicare’s Chief Medical Officer, will also review updated safety guidelines that protect your health and the health of those who are most at risk. Florida Blue Medicare members pay $0 for this vaccine. Learn how and where you can get a vaccine.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get the latest information from Florida Blue Medicare about COVID-19 and get your questions answered!

WATCH ALL OF THESE EVENTS BY VISITING FLORIDABLUE.COM/MEDICARE-EVENTS

featuring Growing Bolder One of the greatest gifts we possess as we age is creativity. Growing Bolder will explore the power of creative engagement and the vast impacts it has on our lives. You’ll hear powerful examples of how creativity is linked to problem solving, adapting to circumstances and overall happiness.

March 2021 M O N DAY, M A R C H 1

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 9

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2 3

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM

National Hearing Benefit Education and Digital Hearing Experience Demo | 2PM

Dietitian Session: Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure with Healthy Eating | 10AM

W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 1 0

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2 3

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2

HealthyBlue Rewards | 10AM T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2

National Hearing Benefit Education and Digital Hearing Experience Demo | 2PM W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 3

Doctor Session with IMC: How to Find and Get Care | 10AM

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM F R I DAY, M A R C H 1 2

Rock Stars of Aging | 2PM M O N DAY, M A R C H 1 5

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM

HealthyBlue Rewards | 2PM W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 4

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 4

Doctor Session: Dementia, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” with ChenMed | 2PM

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 6 W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 4

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM

Controla el Colesterol y la Presión Arterial con una Sana Alimentación* | 10AM

T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 4

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 6

W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 4

W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 3

Take a Tour of My Health LinkTM | 2PM F R I DAY, M A R C H 5

National Hearing Benefit Education and Digital Hearing Experience Demo | 10AM F R I DAY, M A R C H 5

Health Wealth Connection | 2PM M O N DAY, M A R C H 8

Doctor Session: Fall Prevention with ChenMed | 10AM M O N DAY, M A R C H 8

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM T U E S DAY, M A R C H 9

HealthyBlue Rewards | 10AM

HealthyBlue Rewards | 2PM W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 1 7

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM & 2PM W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 1 7

Alzheimer’s Association: COVID-19 and Caregiving | 3PM

Introduction to PopHealthcare | 2PM

Alzheimer’s Association: COVID-19 and Caregiving | 3PM T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 2 5

Take a Tour of My Health LinkTM | 10AM M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 9

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM

F R I DAY, M A R C H 1 9

The Power of Creative Engagement | 2PM

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 3 0

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 2

W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 3 1

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM

HealthyBlue Rewards | 10AM

Welcome & Onboarding | 10AM

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 2

National Hearing Benefit Education and Digital Hearing Experience Demo | 2PM

*This event will be in Spanish G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

5

dreams launched here

When the first Canyon Ranch resort opened in 1979, it was the beginning of something new. Something big. Sparked by a revolutionary vision of uniting mind, body and spirit. It has influenced the world, and inspired thousands of guests over 40 years. Begin your own lifelong journey to wellness with Canyon Ranch as we embark on our next 40 years – and beyond.

800.742.9000 | canyonranch.com/40years

navigators wanted

In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we welcome everyone who shares our spirit of adventure. Discover a vibrant collection of cultures and activities, along with many ways to stay and play. Start planning at sunny.org

|

Volume 44 PUBLISHER Jackie Carlin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Thompson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Heafy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katie Styles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sarah Brown EXECUTIVE EDITOR Doris Bloodsworth PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jill Middleton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Cameron O’Rourke, Chef Collette Haw, Claudia and Sergio Lordao, George Diaz, Leslie Kemp Poole, Mary Shanklin

GROWING BOLDER PRESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Marc Middleton PRESIDENT Robert Thompson NEWSLETTERS

To sign up for Growing Bolder’s weekly newsletter, go to GrowingBolder.com/newsletter.

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 Ame Fuhlbruck at advertising@growingbolder.com

Follow us @GrowingBolder

8

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

CONTENTS

March 2021

in every issue

40

5

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FLORIDA BLUE

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEMBERS

11

NOTE FROM THE CEO

12

GROWING BOLDER WITH

14

ORDINARY PEOPLE LIVING

EXTRAORDINARY LIVES

18

TRANSLATING TECH

Best internet devices for older adults

20

SAVOR THE SEASON

A new twist, vegan ceviche with florida citrus

22

GB RECOMMENDS

Documentary picks from ceo Marc Middleton

34

YOUR TAKE

Readers share their pandemic accomplishments

feature 36

SOUL MUSICIAN EUGENE SNOW

Channeling the energy of improvisation in art and life

florida travel 25

BIKE CAMPING ADVENTURE

Would you ride a bike across florida, camping gear in tow?

40

TOP 5 BIRDWATCHING SPOTS IN FLORIDA

Best places to see migratory birds this spring

defy 27

MIRACLE MAN

Darryl Perry’s inspirational comeback story

heal 33

THE BOTTOM LINE

Tips for peace of mind about your colorectal cancer screening

finance

36

31

THE LONGEVITY PARADOX

An unfolding crisis

the art of caregiving 35

IT’S GOING TO GET MESSY

How to discuss end of life conversations G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

9

NOTE FROM THE CEO

Let’s be honest. The pandemic put all of us on our heels. It was unexpected, unprecedented and unequaled in terms of disrupting our lives. And that’s for the fortunate ones who didn’t lose their lives or the life of a loved one.

The pandemic is an important reminder that there are no guarantees in life.

Despite all of our best efforts, we can’t shield ourselves from the unexpected. While our inclination might be never to leave the house again, the answer is not wrapping ourselves in surplus safety and being afraid to live. Yes, we have to take precautions, but we can’t stop living life on our own terms. We can’t stop pursuing our passions. We can’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect conditions to try something new, to start a relationship, launch a business or give back to our community. We have to keep moving forward with the understanding that continual course corrections are part of an active and successful life.

Like Eugene Snowden, who is featured in this issue of “Growing Bolder,” we have to be ready and willing to pivot whenever necessary. We have to understand that not only is it never too late to make our move, it’s also never too early.

At Growing Bolder we have a human-scale “DEFY” sign wrapped around the curved wall of our circular conference room, our collaboration command center. It’s there to remind our team of the grit required, not just for successful aging but successful living. We have to learn to defy the never-ending challenges that life throws at us. It’s also there to remind us, as a business, that our success is dependent, to a large extent, on our ability not just to endure difficult times but to grow stronger and better because of them.

Life is for living boldly; and defy, in a word, sums up what Growing Bolder is about – the philosophy, the company and the stories we tell of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things.

We have to understand that not only is it never too late to make our move, it’s also never too early.

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

11

GROWING BOLDER WITH

Rosanne Cash

65 Photo: Clay Patrick McBride

Johnny Cash is one of the most iconic musicians in history, but his daughter Rosanne Cash’s successful career is the result of her own talent, hard work and grit. She’s a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter with nearly a dozen No. 1 hits and is a bestselling author. Her latest album, “She Remembers Everything,” features collaborations with artists, such as Kris Kristofferson, Elvis Costello and the Decemberists’ Colin Meloy.

Like most of her albums over the past 25 years, it’s produced by her husband and music partner John Leventhal. She says it has taken them years to learn to work together in harmony.

“John and I have worked hard at getting to a place where we don’t take everything personally when we’re in the studio. We work at bringing our best selves to each other and appreciate what the other one does well, which is really marriage in a nutshell,” she said.

Cash has never run from the shadows of her famous father and stepmother, June Carter Cash, but she’s also forged a career that is uniquely Rosanne. She says her years and experience make her feel free.

“It can take a lot of doubt and uncertainty to get to this place. I know a lot of people who are burnt out at my age, and I’m so lucky I still feel inspired. I’m still in love with my husband. I love being a mom. I love my work. And when I do feel burnt out and tired, I remind myself I’m lucky to do what I do,” Cash said.

Bill Nye

65 Photo Courtesy of Bill Nye

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

Bill Nye is a science educator, mechanical engineer, best-selling author and host of the Emmy-nominated Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix.

He’s also the CEO of the Planetary Society, co-founded by the late Carl Sagan, the esteemed astronomer and Nye’s former professor at Cornell University.

Nye is now inspiring people of all ages to open their minds to the wonders of science. He’s taking on such topics as evolution, climate change and the possibility of time travel.

He feels a sense of urgency to educate the public. “I direct my energies to work on TV to engage people to save the world,” he says. “The world will be here no matter what we do. But I want to save the world for humankind.”

Lately, Nye says he’s been thinking about thought leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and the Age of Enlightenment.

“We want people to grasp and embrace the process of science,” he says.

“We use critical thinking to understand the world. The enlightenment guys were into designing a government based on the same ideas. We’re living in a time right now when the ideas of enlightenment are being set aside. But I believe they’ll bounce back very soon, because you can’t compete economically if you deny science and the process by which we know nature and our place in it.”

Chita Rivera

88 Photo: Laura Marie Duncan

Chita Rivera is a national treasure. After more than 65 years in show business, this musical theater goddess is still going strong.

She’s a force of nature who originated some of the most iconic roles in Broadway history, including Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma in Chicago, and, perhaps her most beloved role, Anita in West Side Story.

Since making her Broadway debut in 1951 at the age of 18, she’s come to represent the very best of the Great White Way. The 10-time Tony Award nominee (and two-time winner) is the first Latina to receive a Kennedy Center Honor. In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Just before her 84th birthday, Rivera added another major achievement — headlining her Carnegie Hall solo debut. Says Rivera of the experience: “The old saying goes, ‘How do you get to Carnegie Hall?’ ‘You practice.’ Well, I had a lot of time to practice for my first show at Carnegie Hall!”

Rivera adds that one of the keys to her longevity is surrounding herself with people and experiences she loves. That’s why she’s still touring the world, performing songs from some of her most memorable theatrical runs.

“I’ve been so inspired by so many people,” she says. “They’ve made me what I am today. I hope I can do the same thing for young dancers and young actors. I’d also love to inspire older people who think their lives are over and that they can’t do anything anymore. Of course you can! You just have to share it, care about it and do it.”

Ernie Hudson

75 Photo Courtesy of Ernie Hudson

IN E VERY IS SUE : GROWING BOLDER WITH

Ernie Hudson rose to fame in Ghostbusters in 1984 and all these years later, he’s in greater demand than ever, with stand-out performances in hit shows like Blue Bloods and Grace and Frankie.

Hudson learned at an early age that his choices, not his circumstances, would define his future.

By 18, he was working as a janitor and had a new wife, with a baby on the way, but he still had a dream—to act.

“I never imagined not working as an actor,” he says. “I’ve always loved it. I can look at my career and I could get frustrated thinking of guys who’ve gone on to do bigger things -- but the more I focus on that, the worse I feel. I’d much rather focus on the things I have. And I have so much to be thankful for.”

Hudson says his grandmother taught him that when you make a choice to do something, the universe will support you.

“Even when you’re going through something very difficult, don’t accept it as if it’s out of your control,” he says. “As long as you know your future is in your hands and you can make another choice, the universe will make that choice with you.”

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

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Soul

THE

EXPLORERS Claudia and Sergio Lordao

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

Growing Bolder interviewed the Soul Explorers before COVID-19 restricted travel globally.

When our son left home three years ago, we found ourselves at a crossroads. We were both 46 at the time and knew things would never be the same.

For years, we had been successfully swimming back and forth in our “comfort zone pool.” But with an empty nest and more free time on our hands, we had started to question ourselves.

After three decades working in marketing, our jobs were no longer fulfilling. We were bored and confused; feeling super young and extremely old at the same time. Something was missing—and it wasn't just our son.

Some people call it a middle-age crisis. We call it middleage enlightenment. There was so much we wanted to do, to create and to share. Our minds were full of ideas and hopes.

Our hearts were full of passion! But how could we change our lives? At this age and time?

For two years, we discussed our options, our fears, our future.

In December 2017, we finally took a leap of faith and quit our jobs

to start an initiative called The Soul Explorers—a photographic storytelling project showcasing people from all walks of life.

It has been almost a year since The Soul Explorers hit the road. We've been to three continents, nine countries and more than 40 cities so far. We've conducted more than 250 interviews.

And when we truly connect to total strangers, and they share their personal stories with us, we feel extremely rewarded.

Some people call us crazy. Maybe we are. We’re funding the project ourselves, working a lot, travelling on a budget and making no money at all. And no, we’re not rich. We just understood what’s important to us now.

We know it's a big cliché, but life is, indeed, too short. And the older you get, the more evident that fact becomes.

Allow yourself to change, if that's what you want. Don't be afraid of trying and don't wait for the right time. There’s no such thing. No matter how old you are, make a plan and then go for it. Stop postponing. Don't let “later” become “never.”

From Australia to the world, one story at a time.

Since we started The Soul Explorers project, we've been publishing a different story every day. In our travels, we come across people from all over the world and all walks of life. We talk about their struggles and hopes, their passions and fears.

Regardless of their age, culture, language, gender or beliefs, they all want the same things: to be happy, to have a purpose in life and to be surrounded by loved ones.

Here is a selection of some of our favorite stories.

Remember, we approached all these people on the streets. We asked them to share something personal with us – and here’s how they responded.

Never Too Old We came across Marianne on a beautiful day in Noosa, a paradise on earth in Australia. She was hiking with two friends and we loved what she said about aging:

Noosa, Australia

I started hiking 20 years ago; I wish I'd started much earlier in life. I'm 76 now, and I'm making the most of it every day.

When you get older and especially when you're on your own—I'm a widow —it's very important to have friends around you and to socialize. The worst thing in the world is to sit home and do nothing and feel sorry for yourself.

We do a lot of walking. We ride our bikes, do yoga and go to the gym.

Always have a coffee stop on the way—that's very important!

Aging is so unfair! I feel like I'm in my mid-30s. But I look in the mirror and go, 'Oh, God, I'd like to be a little younger than that!’ My mind says I'm young, but my body says 'No, you're not.’ But I try to be very active and keep myself as young as I can.

As you get older, some people think you're too old to do some things.

No, you're not! You're never too old to start exercising. We can't stop aging, but we can definitely slow it down!"

I N E V E R Y I S S U E : O R D I N A R Y P EO P L E L I V I N G E X T R AO R D I N A R Y L I V E S

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

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The Soldier

London, England

Sid was sitting by himself at Trafalgar Square in London, waiting for his family to arrive. His story surprised us. The more we travel, the more we learn not to judge a book by its cover:

My name is Sid, and I'm 64. I was in the Army for 12 years. The rigid discipline didn't bother me at all. I was used to it, as my dad was oldfashioned and very strict. But, to be honest, when you go into a war zone, discipline goes out the window. You don't need discipline to survive.

I've been to seven war zones and been shot three times. But I'm still here -- Scottish men are hard to kill. I killed 87 people. You don't feel anything; you just go and blank your mind. You have to think it's a job. If you think about it any other way, you end up in a nuthouse.

Oporto, Portugal

The Portuguese Artist We were walking down the alleyways of the historic city of Oporto, Portugal, when we came upon an open door. Inside, a woman was working on a painting. She welcomed us in with a sincere smile. Her name was Clara and she told us her life was divided into two stages:

The first stage took place in a competitive field. When I was 40, I was at the top of my game and decided to pursue my Ph.D., in addition to my job.

Halfway through the program, my head went on a spiral. I knew if I continued, I’d follow that path forever.

In my 50s, I quit the doctorate to start the second stage of my life -- a more humanistic, emotional and pleasurable period. I began my training in the arts, and two years ago, I had my first exhibition.

It’s been a path of self-discovery. It isn’t an easy process. I would have been very comfortable in my career if I’d continued. In today's world, to quit your job and start over is very difficult. To go against what they expect of us requires a lot of energy and a lot of courage.

Sense of Purpose We were freezing when we came across Bill, who managed the Arthur's Seat Carpark in Edinburgh. He wasn't cold, like us. In fact, he said it was a beautiful summer's day in Scotland! We asked for directions and he went inside his cabin to grab a map of the area. He didn't have to do that, but he did. And we could tell how pleased he was. He clearly had a sense of purpose in his job:

I'm 65. I used to work in a call center. It wasn’t a job -- it was a nightmare. I hated it. It's been seven years that I look after this carpark, and I love it! I meet new people every day and I love helping them. I love being close to nature! Look at this incredible view! What else can I ask from life?

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

Edinburgh, Scotland

Common Interests We met Benno and Jeanne in a coffee shop in Barcelona. They were sitting next to us and attracted our attention because they were wearing similar glasses. Plus, they seemed so genuinely happy together. They told us that they had three children and six grandchildren, and that they were planning a big party to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They shared a bit of their "secret recipe" for a happy marriage with us:

Barcelona - Spain

Respect each other. This is very important. And freedom. Don't make it a prison. Have some common interests, too. When you’re together, live your life together.

We see a lot of young people who have a lot of friends and busy jobs.

When do they have time for each other? What do they have together?

And always exercise. We’re very lucky to be healthy. We walk and bike a lot.

Sunshine Coast, Australia

The Dancing Guy We were at a Street Market the other day and we stopped to watch an amazing musician. The atmosphere was great, the crowd was happy, and we were all having fun. When the performer started playing his last song, a man came out of the blue and started to dance. It was so unexpected and yet so special. He was enjoying himself so much that I'm sure a lot of people were tempted to dance along with him. Once the show was over, we talked about his passion for life:

I'm John Harris, and I'm about 70. I like to dance to keep the body moving and keep it flexible so that I can live for quite a few more years.

If you stop, you seize up and the blood stops flowing.

We are what we eat, and drink and think. If you think you can't do something, you probably can't. And vice versa.

I think being out and about and talking to people keeps you happy.

We’ve got to pass a bit of happiness on, you know?

It's been a phenomenal journey for me, all over the place. I've been to Vanuatu, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore—I've done a bit of dancing everywhere. Whenever I see someone playing on the streets, I instantly dance like that. I feel free when I dance! The spirit floats off! Goes with the flow, bangs with the breeze! It's fantabulous!

Visit their website to see their gallery exhibit, buy their book or follow their project virtually at

thesoulexplorers.com

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

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TRANSLATING TECH Best Internet Devices for Older Adults

Thinking of upgrading your tablet or laptop but not sure where to start? Check out the official list of Senior Planet recommended devices to connect you to the world wide web.

G R OW I N G B O L D E R HAS TEAMED UP WITH S E N I O R P L A N E T TO B R I N G YO U M O R E T E C H N O LO GY C O N T E N T TO K E E P YO U ON THE CUT TING EDGE OF T H E L AT E S T I N D E V I C E S , P L AT FO R M S A N D TO O L S .

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

Tablet

iPad, 2020 standard 32Gb WiFi model The iPad is the long-standing champion of tablets, offering an intuitive, touch-based interface and access to thousands of easy-to-use Apps. Some iPad models can get expensive, so we recommend the base model listed above. It has everything you need to get online and start using a variety of apps.

W H E R E TO B U Y:

Apple | Best Buy

$329

Chrome Device

HP Chromebook 11 Using the Chrome OS, this laptop provides everything you need to access the internet, video chat, compose emails, watch videos, and do any other online activity you can dream of. If you’re looking for an affordable laptop, we recommend this Chromebook over traditional Windows laptops in the same price range. Cheaper Windows laptops often have performance issues and other limitations.

W H E R E TO B U Y:

Target | Walmart | B&H

$200-$300

Windows Laptop Asus Zenbook Flip

If you prefer to buy a standard Windows-based computer over a tablet or Chrome device, we recommend a “2-in1” device like the Zenbook Flip. With its removable keyboard and touchscreen interface, this device can be used either as a traditional laptop or a tablet. It’s the most expensive of the options we recommend, but it does bring the best of both worlds!

I N E V E R Y I S S U E : T R A N S L AT I N G T EC H

W H E R E TO B U Y:

Adorama Camera | Best Buy | B&H

$829-$900

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

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Savor the Season Chef Collette Haw

People think comfort foods and healthy foods are mutually exclusive, but that’s not true! I believe comfort foods are really what make you feel good.

When people think about healthy eating, they think, “Oh, I have to eat a salad for the rest of my life.” But there are so many other nutrient-dense foods people can eat that aren’t raw kale or steamed vegetables.

Take this dish, for example. People usually associate ceviche with seafood, but I made this version using fresh, seasonal ingredients from my local farmer’s market.

Not only is it colorful to look at, thanks to the acid from the limes and grapefruit, it explodes in your mouth with fresh, bright flavors. The best part about a recipe like this is you can customize it to your tastes, or to whatever’s in season.

Experiment and enjoy!

H A P P Y FA L L F E A S T I N G !

Chef Collette Haw is a classically trained Culinary Institute of America graduate.

Chef Haw operates the Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, Florida, and approaches the Nourish menu with a unique hybrid of her comfort-food-gone-healthy and food-as-medicine philosophies. She also instructs cooking programs at the Center and online at WellbeingNetwork.org.

Want more tips? Visit WellbeingNetwork.org to watch me make some of my favorite recipes.

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

E D U C AT I O N A L RESOURCE P R OV I D E D BY F LO R I DA B LU E MEDICARE

Spring Farmers Market “Ceviche” Salad 10 servings INGREDIENTS 1 ½ cup fresh frozen edamame or fresh garbanzo or lima beans 2 ½ teaspoons lime zest ⅔ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup avocado oil 2 scallions, thinly sliced 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced thinly 1 large shallot, thinly sliced 2 cups fresh corn off the cob 2 grapefruit, supreme 3 Hass avocados, cubed 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (yellow, red, orange) 3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges ¾ cup chopped cilantro Himalayan pink salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

I N E V E R Y I S S U E : R EC I P E S

DIREC TIONS If you’re using fresh, frozen, whole edamame, let the edamame thaw while you’re putting the rest of the recipe together. If you’re using fresh garbanzo or lima beans, remove them from the shell, blanch in boiling, salted water for 6-9 minutes and shock in an ice bath.

(Ice bath: Fill mixing bowl with ice, cover ice with water until it’s about 50 percent water.)

Combine the lime zest, lime juice and avocado oil in a small mixing bowl. Add the scallions, jalapeno and shallot and let it marinate in the vinaigrette while preparing the rest of the salad.

In a separate mixing bowl, add the fresh corn, grapefruit, avocados, bell peppers and cilantro. Lightly toss all those ingredients together, add the vinaigrette with the scallions, jalapeno and shallot to the bowl with the heirloom tomatoes and lightly toss once more.

Season to taste, and let the salad marinate in the fridge at least an hour before serving. , and let the salad

marinate in the fridge at least an hour before serving.

N U T R I T I O N FAC T S ( P E R S E R V I N G ) :

Calories 118, Total fat 3.6g, Saturated fat .4g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 58mg, Carbohydrates 19.9g Fiber 4.4g, Total Sugar 6.1g, Protein 4.7g

G R O W I N G B O L D E R / VO L . 4 4

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MARC’S PICKS Most Saturday and Sunday mornings, I’m on the couch by 5 a.m., answering emails, organizing my calendar for the upcoming week and watching a documentary film.

The best documentaries are insightful and entertaining but can also be amusing, disturbing, inspiring, shocking or infuriating. A great documentary cannot only change the way I think about some people or issues, it can change the way I act or consume.

Documentaries are supposed to be founded in the truth, but it’s important to understand that all were written and directed by someone with a perspective and a motive. As we’ve all learned through social media and the emergence of biased “news” organizations, what’s presented as truth can be far from it.

No matter what your interest is, there’s an entire genre of documentaries about it: art, business, sports, travel, food, fashion, religion, military, health and aging. And there are an ever-increasing number of places to view them: Netflix, Amazon, HBO, ESPN, PBS, HULU, YouTube, the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and many others.

My taste in documentaries is quite eclectic. If it’s well made, I can find myself totally absorbed in a film about almost anything. That said, here are a few that I’ve watched and enjoyed lately:

“Icarus” Bryan Fogel, the film’s director, who is an amateur bike racer, planned to investigate the use of performance-enhancing drugs by injecting himself and then trying to evade detection. As Fogel was shooting, his consulting expert, Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, was identified as the mastermind behind Russia’s elaborate state-sponsored doping program at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Recognizing a story more compelling and sinister than the one he was shooting, Fogel wisely pivoted and began getting first-hand details about the biggest athletic scandal in sports history. The result is a tense, fascinating and stranger-than-fiction, Oscar-winning film.

“Get Me Roger Stone” Whether you like where we are politically or not, if you want to know how we got here, “Get Me Roger Stone” will provide insight. The film is a riveting and disturbing look at the self-described “Dirty Trickster” of American politics.

Stone ran smear campaigns for Richard Nixon in the 1970s. In the 1980s, he and his business partner, Paul Manafort, practically invented big-money lobbying and corporate influence, peddling access to President Ronald Reagan.

Stone proudly takes credit for all but creating negative advertising, mud slinging and the use of misinformation in political campaigns. It was Stone who first suggested Donald Trump run for president and ignited his obsession with the “birther” issue. Last year, Stone was convicted of lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstruction as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Trump’s presidential campaign. Stone was set to begin a 40-month prison term when his sentence was commuted by President Trump.

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

“Free Solo”

I can’t imagine the stress of watching this story unfold without knowing the outcome, because it’s mind-blowingly dramatic and unnerving when you do know the outcome. “Free Solo,” winner of the 2019 Oscar for Best Documentary, details Alex Honnold’s obsession with accomplishing the impossible — climbing the 3,200-foot sheer face of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan without the use of any rope or safety equipment. This gripping and awe-inspiring documentary from National Geographic is either a unique personal profile in courage or idiocy. You be the judge. This much is guaranteed: Alex Honnold and “Free Solo” will blow you away.Oscar-winning film.

“Filthy Rich”

This four-part, true-crime docuseries from Netflix is infuriating but difficult to stop watching. The arrest and suicide of Jeffrey Epstein, the high-society financier and convicted sexual offender, was one of 2019’s biggest news stories.Director Lisa Bryant weaves together the stories of survivors revealing a horrific look at how Epstein used power, influence and wealthy connections to prey on minors and escape justice for decades.

“The Price of Everything” I love just about any documentary on art and artists. And I enjoyed “The Price of Everything,” even though it received mixed reviews. The film examines the white-hot contemporary art market, in which wealthy collectors, driven by a frenzy of speculation, buy not what they love but what they can make a profit on. The question driving the market today is, “Who’s the most undervalued artist?” with the art market becoming a de facto stock market, complete with trading, flipping and commodities futures.

With so much personal wealth in the world, prices have been driven so high that even well-funded museums can no longer compete with private collectors. The result is that many pieces of great art have disappeared into private collections, never to be seen.

“Man on Wire” After interviewing Philippe Petit for Growing Bolder radio, I had to watch “Man on Wire,” the 2008 documentary about his daring high wire stunt, which has been called “The artistic crime of the century.” In 1974, Petit and his crew eluded security overnight, lugging hundreds of pounds of equipment to the roof of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. They shot a line from one tower to the other and anchored a three-quarterinch wire across the span. When the sun came up the next morning, Petit walked along the bouncing wire with no safety net as stunned crowds gathered far below. The film, complete with stunning archival footage, is less about the stunt itself and more about following your passion. While it makes no mention of 9/11, it’s impossible to watch without feeling a deep pain for the loss the Twin Towers now represent.

I N E V E R Y I S S U E : G B R EC O M M E N D S

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Bike Camping

adventure Life doesn’t happen on the couch Mary Shanklin

Our breath steamed and our headlights refracted the rain as we navigated our bikes around slippery rocks and roots along a dark, narrow footpath in the Etoniah Creek State Forest.

It was the first Saturday night in February and our group of six friends were midway on a three-day bike camping trek across Florida.

Most people my age would have balked at a trip like this.

“Thanks but no thanks...I prefer hotels...I need to clean my garage that weekend.”

For this particular group of intrepid adventurers, life doesn’t happen on the couch.

We started our 225-mile adventure on the Gulf of Mexico in Steinhatchee. It was a glorious course devised by the celebrated route architect Karlos A. Rodriguez Bernart.

Picture the Florida that early explorers knew. We just picked a stormy weekend to do it.

As my contemporaries paired wine with dinner back home, we squinted into the darkness looking for orange trail blazes painted on trees. We had trail notes to get to the Iron Bridge Camp Shelter but no Internet.

Threading our way deeper into the forest, a loud bang ricocheted in the tree canopy. Someone’s tire exploded in what is known as a pinch flat. Then, I heard a dreaded thud.

My own rear tire had flatted.

Things quickly worsened. A rider missed a turn and disappeared. A one-person search party set out on foot for the missing rider, leaving her flat-tire bike behind in the wet palmetto leaves.

Our remaining band of four stood debating options and shivering as temps neared the thirties. We trekked on by foot, trying to pump warm blood through our shivering limbs.

Then we hit the swamp.

Read the full version of journalist Mary Shanklin’s cross-Florida bike trek in the Spring edition of Growing Bolder.

Subscribe at growingbolder.com/magazine Izf via Getty Images

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Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another.

We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.

–Serena Williams

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

Miracle Man Darryl Perry’s ultimate comeback story inspires new career goals George Diaz

His friends call Darryl Perry the Miracle Man. It’s a perfect fit, reflecting the power of perseverance.

His speech is labored. His motor skills are compromised.

He can’t see clearly.

But Darryl Perry doesn’t have time for your pity party.

He is too busy enjoying life, embracing his strong faith and constantly filling the room with loud laughter.

It’s the proud and defiant soundtrack of a man who came back from the dead.

“I had always wanted to be a motivational speaker, so I guess God said ‘I am going to give him something to talk about,’ ” Perry said.

Perry’s inspirational journey began on March 15, 2007.

After going out with his wife, Nicky, and friends for dinner, Darryl Perry began choking, gasping and foaming at the mouth.

He went into cardiac arrest, losing oxygen to the brain for seven critical minutes. At one point, the paramedics told Nicky Perry there was no hope for her husband. Darryl Perry was lifeless. His heart stopped beating, and he slipped into a condition called cerebral hypoxia.

As the paramedics were about to give up, Nicky Perry insisted they keep trying to pump life back into her husband’s body.

“Keep going!” she screamed.

Nicky Perry’s persistence would save her husband’s life.

Paramedics continued to use a defibrillator to jolt Darryl Perry’s heart until they finally detected a heartbeat. Darryl Perry was flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Doctors braced Nicky Perry for the worst. Darryl Perry slipped into a coma, and there were few signs of life. But then, unexpectedly, three weeks later he woke up to a new life that would shatter the blueprint of the one that existed before the near-death experience. His weight had dropped from 250 to 146 pounds. The heart attack caused irreparable brain damage, but it did not break his soul.

“The things that I’ve gone through and seen in him motivate me,” said longtime friend Tony Jones. “As tough as it is for him, he’s always reaching out to help and lift someone else up. He’s the Miracle Man in more ways than one.”

Now 52, Darryl Perry uses his tough-man instincts, honed on the football fields of Jones High School and the University of Florida, where he was a bruising fullback and lead blocker for star Emmitt Smith.

Step by step, word by word, Darryl Perry learned to walk and talk again. Although he still has physical limitations, Perry takes life as it comes. He rides a bus to get around town.

He cooks for himself – his specialties include salmon, stir fry veggies and crab cakes. He works out regularly at a former teammate’s gym in Longwood, methodically pounding away at the heavy bag and taking it outside to work on agility drills.

And now as a single, divorced father, he still provides a nurturing touch for his three children: two girls, one boy — all Gators, including Austin, a junior walk on.

“Anytime God gracefully wakes me up, I say, ‘OK, God, you mean I got to get in the game again today?’” Darryl Perry said. “God will say, ‘Yep.’ So I’m ready to get in.”

His ultimate game plan is to hit the road as a motivational speaker. He has quite the story to tell. His message is quick and to the point.

“Never quit on anything, find your faith and go with it.

You say I can’t do it. I say I can do it.”

Never quit on anything, find your faith and go with it. You say I can’t do it. I say I can do it.

Photos: Jacob Langston

DEFY

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WE BRING YOU

Season 7 Growing Bolder will air on public broadcasting stations nationwide, so check local listings to find it in your area.

Florida’s Aging Connection Since 1955

ADVOCACY The Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) supports various policy and funding issues that allow older adults to age with dignity in a safe environment.

EDUCATION FCOA provides the general public with information and resources for : + older adults + caregivers + people who work with elders FCOA connects experts and peers to share new research and best practices. Together we serve Florida’s diverse aging interests.

COMMUNICATION FCOA provides timely, educational updates on issues that affect caregivers, decision makers, professional service providers and older adults.

Members receive this information through our e-newsletter, social media and health messaging posters and flyers for senior centers.

MEMBERSHIP FCOA has been Florida’s Aging Connection for 65 years, with diverse members in all 67 counties.

We help members with a wide range of business and community initiatives such as: + pilot project consultation and hosting + employment announcements + grant opportunities + forming of a task force + volunteer opportunities

JOIN THE FLORIDA COUNCIL ON AGING Share your wisdom.

Learn innovative best practices.

Make a difference.

Become a member at FCOA.org or by calling 850-222-8877.

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TV

New season coming to public TV this fall. Check local listings: GrowingBolder.com/TV

Podcast

New episodes each Sunday. Subscribe at GrowingBolder.com/podcast

Growing Bolder is not just media, it’s a movement.

Follow us @GrowingBolder

Radio

Check your local NPR listings or visit GrowingBolder.com/radio

Monthly Digital Magazine Included with your Florida Blue Medicare Advantage Plan

Live

Watch What’s Next, live on Facebook and YouTube every Friday at 10 am ET

Gaming

Twitch users 50+ are the fastest growing community on the platform. Visit our Twitch channel to find your tribe at Twitch.tv/GrowingBolder.

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

THE LONGEVITY PARADOX:

AN UNFOLDING CRISIS Marc Middleton

Extra years of enjoyable life should be considered a major goal and one of life’s greatest blessings. but without sufficient resources to adequately fund a longer life, that additional time may be filled with heartbreak and disaster.

A major crisis is now unfolding at the intersection of rising healthcare costs and a rapidly aging, and mostly unhealthy, population.

Actuaries are now calculating what they call “longevity risk,” the very real and rising risk of outliving your money.

Longevity is the single biggest risk to your financial future.

That’s the longevity paradox: The thing that we most aspire to in the future—longevity—is, in fact, the greatest threat to that future.

Of course, part of the answer is to plan, save, invest and reduce spending. But the true solution to the longevity paradox is found in the health-wealth connection.

The single most important investment that you can make beginning today—and the one investment that will provide the greatest overall returns in the decades ahead— involves no money and is affordable to everyone. It’s PLM, or “positive lifestyle modification.”

PLM is the most powerful and cost-effective form of healthcare. It will make whatever retirement savings you now

FINANCE

have or might accumulate last longer and go further by lowering your future healthcare costs.

This is critically important because healthcare costs will continue to rise and preventable, chronic illness will continue to be the single biggest driver of those costs.

That’s the longevity paradox: The thing that we most aspire to in the future—longevity—is, in fact, the greatest threat to that future.

The tragic result will be financial ruin for millions of families, and yet, we continue to live as though we’re indestructible and will have limitless resources to buy our way out of any future health crises.

You can’t improve your overall health and wellness without also improving your overall financial health. The two are inextricably linked. All the money in the world can’t buy you good health, but good health can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

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The Bottom Line: GET SCREENED March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. And since I’ve lived with Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) for over 30 years, I try to find as much humor as I can when it comes to any type of bowel screening.

I’ve had at least a dozen colonoscopies over the years. And I’ve tried all the different preparations for colon cleansing.

If you are age 50 or older, call your doctor to see if you should have this important screening. If you have a friend, parent or neighbor who is age 50 or older, ask them to call their doctor, too. Colorectal cancer is serious business; there’s no joking about a cancer diagnosis. But there’s good news: Modern medicine has made tremendous advances in detecting colorectal cancer early and successfully treating it.

ANNE EBRIGHT MEDIC ARE CUS TOMER C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Modern medicine has made tremendous advances in detecting colorectal cancer early and successfully treating it.

Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are 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. ©️ 2021 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.

Y0011_101112_C 0221 C: 02/2021 GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21 Y0011_101112_C 0221 EGWP C: 02/2021

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HAVE PEACE OF MIND ABOUT YOUR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING I don’t know anyone who hasn’t complained about getting a colorectal exam. Let me help you with any misunderstandings you may have about the exam and what it involves.

1

“The test is difficult or painful.” Actually, you can take some colorectal cancer tests right in your home, without any pain or discomfort.

2

“I’m too embarrassed to talk about my bowel movements with my doctor.” Believe me, your doctor has seen and heard it all. Your doctor wants you to be honest and tell them everything going on with your body.

3

“Nobody in my family has ever had colon cancer, so I’m not at risk.” I’m the first person in my family to have Crohn’s disease. Just because nobody else in your family has ever had colon cancer doesn’t mean you can’t get it.

The American Cancer Society urges all individuals at average risk to be screened for colorectal cancer.

4

“I don’t have any symptoms of colon cancer.” Screening can help detect early signs of colorectal cancer before you start to have symptoms.

5

“I don’t want to do the prep.” Clear liquids, Jell-O, broth – mmm. Your doctor can prescribe many different types of bowel cleansing preparations depending on your needs. To have accurate results, it’s important that your colon is completely empty. You don’t want to have to go through all that work to hear you need to reschedule because you weren’t “clean.”

6

“I’ve heard the test is very expensive.” Your Florida Blue Medicare health plan covers many preventive screenings, like colorectal cancer screening, at no additional cost to you. At-home tests are very affordable, but screenings like sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and ColoGuard® are also covered as part of your benefits. For more details, simply log in to My Health Link (your member account) on floridablue.com/medicare and look up your plan information.

7

“I can’t take time off of work for the exam,” or “I have no one to drive me home.” Some tests don’t have these issues. Talk to your doctor to see which test is right for you.

For more information, search the American Cancer Society’s website for valuable information about all types of cancer screenings, including colorectal cancer screening, at cancer.org.

hisa nishiya via Getty Images

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YOURTAKE What is something positive you achieved in 2020?

My husband published his first book and I’m right behind him with a lifetime goal of an illustrated book. We’ve concentrated on becoming healthier, calmer and building our relationship and paying down debt. Gratitude is my favorite word this year. I’ve come a long, long way in one short year.

Linda Goetsch

Made over 500 masks for hospital workers, and first responders, family and friends.

I planned, organized, and implemented a Virtual Photography Conference with 33 Live sessions; 12 instructors; Keynote and Guest Speaker. I had never done anything like this before; and was so pleased that it went so well.

Laraine Ritchie

Began meditation practice to deal with anxiety.

Jay Grammond @lstankov

I learned to cut my wife’s hair!

I stayed sane!!

Audrey Samuels Kurtz

Edie Gendron Michael Ungar

B OU LR DE R K/EM A R C H 2 1 TA 34I N E V EGRRYOI SWSIUNEG: YO

I quit the gym where I worked as a personal trainer and started my own online training business for older adults at age 57!

It’s Going to Be

Messy And That’s OK

Amy Cameron O’Rourke

When you become a caregiver, you become an advocate. You need to fully understand your loved one’s wishes before you can help make key decisions about the kind of care and intervention he or she would want—or not want—toward the end of life.

This requires discussions that can be difficult. But it’s important such discussions begin well before there’s a health crisis. You need to fully understand and follow the values of your loved one, not your own.

That can be really hard to do.

The healthcare system is designed to treat, fix and cure.

When people are older, however, they may not be fixable, treatable or curable. It’s possible that some people in such a system might not be able to walk or eat after surgery. Perhaps they might not even survive a surgical procedure.

If your parent ends up in the hospital, slow everything down and buy some time before immediately being swept into a series of tests. Tell the doctors or nurses: “Let me take a few minutes and think about this. Let me talk to my siblings. Let me talk to my parent.”

Ask yourself and your parent: “If, as a result of these tests, we find a medical problem—are we going to do the thing they recommend we do?”

THE ART OF CAREGIVING

If you’re not, then do you really need the test? If the result is going to be an invasive surgery that your parent doesn’t want, then consider not taking the test.

There’s a common conception that when you’re caring for someone, you must do something; you must intervene.

However, most of the older people I work with don’t want the intervention.

They don’t even want to go to the hospital. The hardest thing to do is to simply let them be, and to let them ride out their remaining time in a respectful way.

These are the difficult decisions you’ll be faced with as a caregiver. Don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect; to do everything right. It’s not possible. Just be with your parent and understand that, at times, it’s going to be messy.

And that’s really ok.

Finally, if you have an aging parent, ask yourself what you need to do to have no regrets—and then do that thing.

You want to be able to lay your head on the pillow at night feeling comfortable about what you did —and what you chose not to do.

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Improv in

Action 36

GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

The Indomitable Optimism of Eugene Snowden George Diaz

Eugene Snowden is many things: Bombastic. Soulful. Hilarious. Kind. Groovy. Sexy.

Intellectual. Humble. Aggressive. Outrageous. Creative. Uncontrollable. Lovable.

Artistic. Singular.

That’s the lowdown list from his good friend, John Washburn, owner of three Imperial Wine Bars, where Snowden has played many times to deliver his blend of powerhouse rhythm and blues.

“The worst thing you can do is ask an artist to describe themselves,” Snowden said, acknowledging his friend’s colorful descriptions with a soulful laugh.

Snowden is chatting on the phone from Atlanta, where he is taking care of his elderly parents. It’s a more important gig than his regular one, which is also impressive.

Snowden has been an iconic presence in Central Florida’s music scene for decades.

He has played in all kinds of funky juke joints, from the Imperial to Will’s Pub and Lil Indies, where he regularly served up something called, “Ten Pints of Truth,” on Wednesday nights.

It’s all rather quiet now. COVID-19 has mostly silenced Snowden and all artists who rely on the connectivity of an audience to make the magic happen. But at 57, Snowden is cool with the New World Order.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” he said. “I went from five shows a week to zero.

But I’m easily adjusting. I’m in my 50s now, and every major thing I did was early in life.

Married. Divorced. Bought a house. I have since divested myself of all that stuff. So, I was prepared when the world got pulled out from under me. I set myself up to be ready.”

Consider it improv in action. Snowden is very good at that. It’s what great musicians do. Go with the flow. It happens quite a bit during his live performances. He will beckon musicians and friends to join him on stage so they can riff together. It can be wildly imperfect, but that’s the sweet spot.

“They know me,” he said. “I can take these chances.”

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Influenced by grandfathers on both sides, Snowden has fine-tuned his craft since he began playing at 16. He was originally a drummer. After moving from New York to Orlando in 1993, Snowden found a world music vibe for a while before moving in another musical direction with a group called the Legendary JC’s in 2001. It was a ninepiece jam of soul and blues who toured with B.B. King, James Brown, Bad Company and Jethro Tull, among other notable acts.

In 2013, when the group broke up, Snowden taught himself how to play guitar, and he played on. With the help of a Kickstarter campaign, he recently cut an album that needs a little bit of tweaking and will be out soon. For a snippet of his work, check out the album’s first single, “I’ll Do It,” on your favorite music streaming app or watch the music video on YouTube. It’s a 4:43-minute house party.

The music is mostly silent now, but it will be back at some point. Eugene Snowden will be there on the front lines playing a gig somewhere.

You may want to check him out. And feel free to add your own colorful description to an already impressive resume.

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I went from five shows a week to zero. But I’m easily adjusting. I’m in my 50s now, and every major thing I did was early in life. Married.

Divorced. Bought a house. I have since divested myself of all that stuff. So, I was prepared when the world got pulled out from under me.

I set myself up to be ready.

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Top 5 Birdwatching Spots in Florida Where to see migratory birds around Florida Leslie Kemp Poole

As the days grow warmer and longer, there’s no better time to get out into Florida’s natural areas and enjoy the varied birdlife that brings color to our state. Grab your binoculars and join millions of avian enthusiasts in enjoying everything from nesting eagles to graceful swallow-tailed kites to raucous gulls and terns. Birding, which brings in billions of dollars in revenue, is a booming activity and there is plenty to see at sites that vary from wildlife refuges to county parks to restored wetlands. Here are five premier year-round viewing spots where visitors might also see butterflies, alligators, and bears as well as lush inland and coastal landscapes.

Photos: Clay Henderson

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GROWING BOLDER / MARCH 21

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

A group of wading ibis preen and bask in the waters of this Panhandle refuge where more than 300 bird species have been spotted. Impoundment pools also attract many types of waterfowl. Mark your calendar now for the fall migration of Monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico—a spectacular sight.

Lake Apopka

Once considered the most polluted lake in Florida, Lake Apopka is now the focus of a major restoration project—and the hundreds of species of birds it attracts are proof it is working. Here a limpkin, known for its distinctive cries, looks for freshwater snails, its sole diet. The lake’s north shore has a one-way, 11-mile Wildlife Drive, with close views of birds and, quite often, enormous alligators.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A century ago, roseate spoonbills were hunted near extinction so their feathers could adorn women’s hats. Today the refuge is an important rookery for spoonbills and many other varieties who use it as a permanent home and a migration flyway. Several trails and roads lead to bird nirvana in different ecosystems, including the Scrub Ridge Trail where fearless indigenous scrub jays just might land on your head.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge on Sanibel Island is named for Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and pioneer conservationist, who championed saving this precious Gulf Coast site. Birders flock from around the planet to admire wading birds, visible by road or by water. Join a boat or tram tour or hike and kayak to find feathered treasures.

The Florida Keys

Famed artist John James Audubon found the stuff of his dreams in 1832 when he reached birding heaven: the Florida Keys. In the Dry Tortugas islands, now a national park accessible by boat or seaplane, Audubon found sooty terns that still nest by the thousands. Be sure to tour the park’s historic Fort Jefferson and snorkel along its coral reef.

F LO R I DA B I R D I N G T R A I L .C O M

R E A L LY A DV E N T U R O U S ?

C H E C K O U T T H E S E 5 1 0 S I T E S D E S I G N AT E D A S T H E G R E AT F LO R I DA B I R D I N G A N D W I L D L I F E T R A I L

Photos: Bruce Hunt/ Arthur Morris vis Getty Images

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Exuberance is beauty.

-William Blake

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