Lifestyles After 50 Hillsborough February 2015 edition

www.lifestylesafter50.com • Tampa Bay • FREE

Vol. 26 February 2015

Lo IN o si k de Gi

Fo rO ur Te ch

ve aw ay !

When Fate Hits You In The Face Dear Readers,

M

atters of the heart have been on my mind recently, and not just because of Valentine’s Day. I am officially a Mrs. Tracie Lukens, Editor now. I met the love of my life two years ago at my younger sister’s wedding.

There was a fairy-tale quality to the whole encounter that wasn’t lost on me, though I would have poked fun at it at the time. I was at a ball, in a dress, when a handsome stranger walked up to me and introduced himself.

Like any girl who grew up with the Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and Disney cartoons—I knew what I was supposed to do next. Take the man’s arm and dance, right?

But it had been a very long time.

I muttered something nervous and slipped off to another room to hide with a cocktail. Cinderella, I was not; I had never been good at this sort of thing. But my sister, Laura, ran into me. She was radiant and commanding in her huge white dress and, in true sibling fashion, told me to man up and go back out there.

A fairy god-sister if there ever was one.

So I did. (One doesn’t argue with a bride on her wedding day.) I found the handsome stranger again and we talked.

We connected. Then we danced (was it possible—someone who danced as badly as I did?) and the time flew by in a giddy rush until my sister was ready to throw the bouquet.

I smooshed my way into the crowd of would-be bouquet-catchers, wondering all the while how all of my sister’s friends got to be so tall and gazelle-like. At 5’4”, my chances were slim. Then I remembered that the bride had a wicked arm.

The handsome stranger, meanwhile, had moved well behind the crowd and was pointing his camera at a group of girls who were precariously close to the wedding cake, hoping they would topple into it in a mad rush for the flowers. So he never saw it coming.

My sister chucked the bouquet. It sailed well over my head, and well over the outstretched manicured fingers of the six-foot females, past the cake and the onlooking bachelors. It smacked right into the handsome stranger’s head. He was startled, but he managed to catch it while the gazelle women and I looked on, bewildered.

I don’t know if my sister knew what she was doing (her back was turned, after all), or if God just knew that I appreciated a good story. But there was some truth to the old bouquet myth in the end. The handsome stranger, who became my dearest friend, proposed to me later that New Year’s Eve and recently, we snuck off to the courthouse to tie the knot.

It was a simple ceremony. After “man and wife” I kissed him so hard I knocked the display vase of fake flowers in the courthouse chapel over.

A couple of our friends found out we were getting hitched and met us outside with bags of yellow rice (the nearest convenient store was out of white rice) and they pelted us mercilessly. They even managed to hurl half-full bags through our car’s open window while we were driving away. The Civic has smelled like saffron ever since, and we’re still picking yellow grains out of the CD player.

Life is weird, and wonderful, and unexpected, and full of stories.

I watched enough of my friends get married and start families over the years to wonder if I’d missed my chance.

A friend of mine has committed to the bachelorette lifestyle— living it up, traveling the world when she can, not tied down to kids or a significant other. “It’s freeing,” she told me. “I can be myself, go where I want, do what I want.” Being single is not a crime, after all, and there are many who could happily do without all of the cultural expectations and hullabaloo that happens around the 14th of February each year. Big whoop!

But love can also happen at any age.

My aunt got married in her sixties, and while illness took her unexpectedly, those last few years with her husband were happy ones.

There’s no set formula for love, even if the fairy tales or the relationship gurus or the wedding industry tells you otherwise. Single, married, whatever you choose, just don’t let fear or doubt stop you from finding happiness, being yourself or having adventures. I often wonder what would have happened if I had stayed hidden in that room.

Life’s too short not to go dancing with a handsome stranger, should one come your way.

—Mrs. Tracie (Schmidt) Lukens

Tampa Bay Edition

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Lukens editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com

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FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 2

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Whether it’s transferring money, getting cash easily, or paying U.S. bills, know you can do so conveniently with TD Cross-Border Banking. Open a U.S. based account today with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 3

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Explore Bok Tower Gardens

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scape to a sanctuary filled with tropical gardens, graceful swans, nature trails, art and music. Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, was created in the late 1920s by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and humanitarian Edward W. Bok for the public to enjoy.

Its signature landmark, The Singing Tower, is a masterwork of sculpted stone and colored tile that rises 205 feet above a reflection pool. It houses a 60-bell carillon that plays daily at 1 and 3 p.m., and during concerts throughout the year.

If you’re planning a visit, there’s plenty to see and do; you can catch a new art exhibit in the visitor’s center; grab a bite to eat at the Blue Palmetto Café; take a tour of a 1930’s mansion; attend an art or gardening class; come for a concert or just spend an afternoon reconnecting with nature by strolling the gardens and trails.

Tickets start at $12; hours are 8 a.m.

– 6 p.m. This month’s events include:

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Lunch & Learn: Plan and Prep Your Garden class. 12 to 1 p.m.

Included with general admission.

Valentine’s Dinner: An Evening of Vintage Charm. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy aromantic evening at the 1930s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate during this exclusive dinner.

Space is limited; Reservations required at 863-734-1222.

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President’s Day Carillon Concerts: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Commemorate President’s Day with special concerts featuring patriotic music on the Singing Tower.

For a complete event calendar or more info, visit boktowergardens.org or call 863-676-1408.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 4

Around Town W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

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ues. and Thurs. Senior Water Volleyball. Meet new friends and join them for lunch as you exercise in a heated pool. Free. 10 a.m. Northdale YMCA, Tampa. 813-269-8485.

Violin with Orchestra and Harp; Somerset Rhapsody by Gustav Holst; and English folk melodies and Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar. 4 p.m., Straz Center, Tampa. $20. 727-827-8087.

ednesdays Early Bird Comedy Open Mic. Stand-up, storytelling and comic spoken word welcome. Full bar and kitchen. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. Tampa Pitcher Show. 813-963-0578.

Parkinsons Support Group.

Helping you or your caregiver cope with the day-to-day realities of Parkinson’s disease. Free. 1 – 3 p.m.

Church of the Nazarine, Himes Ave., Tampa. 813-908-6685.

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– 15 Elvis Monologues. Real life characters whose personal stories cover experiences related to the King of Rock ‘n Roll. $20. 8 p.m. (Matinee Sunday 2 p.m.). Powerstories Theatre, 2105 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-253-2000.

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Florida State Fair Senior Day. Enjoy “A Timeless Tradition” with a newly created midway, free concerts in every genre, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall and More. $7 seniors. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. 813-621-7821.

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Gardening Workshop – Monet’s Garden Comes to Florida. Learn how to make Monet’s French flowering pallet adjust to a brand new environment with wonderful substitutions. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. New Tampa Regional Library. 813-273-3652.

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Free Tax Help From VITA. Prepares tax returns for persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers. IRScertified. Electronic filing available.

1 – 4 p.m. Town N’ Country Regional Library, Tampa. Free by appointment only: 813-442-1746.

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2015 Wisconsin-Upper Peninsula Michigan Potluck Picnic. Residents and former residents invited. Meat, coffee and dessert furnished. BYOB (no alcohol allowed). Bring a dish to pass.

Entertainment/door prizes provided. $4.

10 a.m. First Methodist Church Hall, Zephyrhills. 813-780-1549.

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Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival.

Enjoy seminars in the tasting theater and Live music all day. $35/$75.

12 – 6 p.m. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa. 813-274-8677.

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Tampa Bay Symphony Concert: Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy for

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Supper with a Specialist. The role of stress in heart disease will be presented by The Director of Cardiac Cath Lab. Free supper and presentation.

6 – 7 p.m. Memorial Hospital Auditorium, Tampa. RSVP to 813-342-1313.

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Sykes Chapel Concert Artist Series. Hear John Scott, organist and choirmaster of St. Thomas Church, New York and formerly Director of Music at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, perform classical music. Free. 2 – 4 p.m. Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values, Tampa. 813-257-6100.

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Open Mic Night for musicians, writers, poets and anyone else inspired to perform. Everyone is welcome. Music must be acoustic. Free.

7 – 10 p.m. Felicitous Coffee & Tea, Tampa. 813-988-2828.

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– March 8 Florida Strawberry Festival. See headline entertainment, walk the Belle City Midway and visit the Kiddie Korral, Neighborhood Village and more. $10 plus $5 parking.

10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, Plant City. 813-752-9194.

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International YouTube sensation Miranda Sings is bringing a hilarious night of comedy, hit songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings of hate mail and never-before-seen videos to the Tampa Theatre’s historic stage. $33/$58.50. 7 p.m. Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8982.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection .com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

February 10 for March event.)

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 5

Reba Says: Kick Life In The Butt & Have Fun part harmony.” They started a band called The Singing McEntires, and the trio would sing locally whenever they could.

“Any time there was a solo needed, I volunteered,” McEntire said. “I loved the attention; I was the third of four kids, so I did anything for good attention and singing was the way I got it the best.”

After hearing her performance of the “StarSpangled Banner” at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974, country singer Red Steagall helped her get a record deal. Ten years later, McEntire was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, and she went on to win it the next four years. Today, McEntire holds the record as the female artist with the most CMA Award Reba McEntire: March 8 nominations (49), and At The Strawberry Festival is the biggest female hit maker in Country music history. She earned her 64th Top 10

By Tracie Lukens, Editor hit and her 35th #1 with “Turn On The ountry music star, dancer, actor, Radio” from her last album. writer, producer, host, mom and McEntire’s life and career were recently grandma—at 59, Reba McEntire has featured in the “Reba: All The Women I done it all, and there’s no stopping her. Am” exhibit at the Country Music Hall The title of her current hit single is “Going of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The Out Like That” off her upcoming album set exhibit featured costumes, memorabilia, to release in April. She’s more passionate video and music from her 40-year career.

“Looking back on your life so far, did you than ever about music, family and taking on new roles to see where the next adventure ever dream you’d get this big,” I asked. leads. Lifestyles After 50 had a chance to ask “No, but I am a collector—almost a hoarder. about her life, career and what’s ahead. I kept everything from my first grade music program where I sang “Away in a Manger,” Music to all my clothes from every movie, every Growing up in Oklahoma, Reba and her video. They had a field day. I enjoyed seeing siblings were encouraged to develop their what they selected to display. It was a huge musical talents by their mother, who had honor and I’m so thrilled they did it.” once dreamed of being a country singer.

At what point did you realize, ‘I could make Broadway and the Big Screen “When did you know you wanted to go a career out of singing?’” I asked Reba.

It was at a rodeo with her family, she into acting?” I asked.

“Well, because I’m on stage, acting out recalled. Her brother Pake was entertaining the crowd with his version of “Ain’t each song. And when I got into music vidNothing But a Hound Dog,” which earned eos, that was acting too. I wanted to persue him a quarter. Reba wanted to sing, too, it, so my agent got me the movie Tremors “...so I got up right in front of the cow- in 1989—that was my first movie. boys, sang ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and got a “I’d never had an acting class; that was nickel for it,” she said. “After that, mama the first acting I’d ever done outside the taught Pake, Susie and I how to sing three videos, so it was hard,” she said.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 6

Her talent shone through the challenges, however, and McEntire went on to play roles in ten more movies. In 1995, she played Annie Oakley in the TV movie Buffalo Girls, and felt so drawn to the role that she auditioned for Annie in the Broadway play “Annie Get Your Gun.” Her performance was met with rave reviews, a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award.

Some fans know her best from her sitcom “Reba,” which ran for six seasons, and while her second TV show “Malibu Country” only ran for a year, she’s still excited about future projects.

“I’d love to do a western movie. If Robert Duvall happened to be in it, that would be even better,” she laughed.

Family Of all the roles she’s taken on, one in particular has meant the most to her.

“Being a mom is the greatest thing I’ve ever been able to be a part of. It’s my greatest achievement. I’m very proud of all of them,” she says of her three stepchildren, all grown, and her son Shelby, who is a professional racecar driver. Balancing travel, work and home life hasn’t always been easy. “I guess the greatest challenge is time management,” she said, “but I’ve had great help to make sure everything on the business end is running smoothly, and people on the home end, too.”

Her mom, she says, is her biggest hero, and her greatest musical inspirations have been fellow country stars Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

“I had a lot of strong women in my life, and they were my greatest influence. My older sister Alice is in that category, too.”

Some of the things her family taught her that she carries with her to this day are: “If you say you’re going to do something, you do it, don’t back out. Keep your word, work really hard, give everything 110 percent, or don’t do it at all,” she said.

When she does have downtime, McEntire enjoys spending it with loved ones, going to the movies and traveling. Africa, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and road trips across America have been a few of her stops. Austria is still on her bucket list.

She has a message for her listeners: “I just want to let them know how much I appreciate them. I’m in my 40th year of the music business, and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

To others her age interested in reinventing themselves, Reba McEntire gave this advice: “Don’t let anyone say because you’re 50 you have to get put out to pasture. Life’s just starting; go out there, kick it in the butt and have fun!”

See Reba McEntire perform at the Strawberry Festival on March 8. For tickets and info, visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

The Happy Together Tour C

’mon, get happy! The soundtrack to the summer of your life is coming to the Strawberry Festival Mar. 2 at 7:30 p.m. with the Happy Together Tour, featuring The Turtles (Flo & Eddie), Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Chuck Negron (formally of Three Dog Night), Gary Lewis & The Playboys and Gary U.S. Bonds.

Hear your favorite songs from the ‘60s including “Happy Together,” “Young Girl,” “This Diamond Ring,” “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” and more. “It’s a great show with nothing but hits,” praises Ron Hausfeld, Tour Manager.

“Everyone will do some flashing back, remembering the good times.” Tickets/info: flstrawberryfestival.com.

Take Me To The Fair!

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t’s time once again for corn dogs, funnel cakes, craft shows, animals, live bands and the lights and rides of the midway—fair and festival season has returned to Florida!

There’s more to see and do than ever before. Here are the must-sees near you: Florida State Fair February 5 – 16 New this year: Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall That Heals” and the 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Museum. Senior Day on Feb. 9: $7/adv., $9/gate. Info: floridastatefair.com or 1-800-345-3247.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival Weekends: February 14 – March 29 Armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, seven theme weekends, food and crafts. New this year: Bacon and beer sampling, ale tasting, Royal Tea and more. Senior Day: Friday, Mar. 27. $15.95. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. adjacent to MOSI, 11315 N 46th St., Tampa. Info: bayarearenfest.com; 800-966-8215.

Pasco County Fair February 16 – 22 Fair standards along with talent shows, rodeo, racing pigs, Sea Lion Splash live

seal show, hay bale decorating contest, parade and more. $8/adults. Specials: $3 admission on Feb. 18. Weds: BOGO tickets. Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Rd. 52, Dade City. Info: pascocountyfair.com; 352-567-6678.

Strawberry Festival Feb. 26 – March 8 Enjoy all things strawberry, famous shortcake, big name concerts, parade, fair favorites and more. Senior Days: Feb. 26 and Mar. 5 – $8 admission.

Mar. 3 – $8 for Red Hatters. American Heroes Day, Mar. 4 – free admission for military, veterans and first responders with ID. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City. Info: flstrawberry festival.com or 813-752-9194.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 7

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 8

Try Toastmasters For Fun, Confidence

By Ruth Schmidt

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ave you ever been at a special occasion, itching to say a few words of congratulation, recount a fond memory or regale with a humorous tale, only to feel self-conscious or shy? Or like me, in a business or social setting, do you find that you are repeating yourself and peppering your speech with ums and ahs?

Despite past experience as a trainer and tour facilitator, I found in recent years that I would get “butterflies” before presentations. Some counseled that I needed to work on “getting to the point.” Several people suggested that I check out Toastmasters.

We have a club where I work and I arranged to visit a couple of meetings to get an idea of what Toastmasters had to offer. It was fun! I saw people enjoying the group environment and supporting each other. And everyone had something to do; it wasn’t just about presenting a speech, it was conducting a successful meeting, providing constructive evaluations, thinking on your feet and lots of applause!

Ruth Schmidt (First row, second from left) and the Breckenridge Toastmasters

Each club member receives a manual with ten assignments and develops speeches at their own pace. A leadership manual is also provided that allows members to explore ways to improve their listening and critical thinking, organization and time management skills.

Every club has elected officers who provide direction and action plans to achieve club goals. There are a variety of ways that members can set personal goals: completion of manuals, friendly

speech competitions and officer roles.

You can progress from club level to area to district and beyond. As you gain confidence and experience you may choose to be a mentor to new members or a coach to new clubs.

I am confident in recommending a membership in Toastmasters International. I’ve been a member for a little over a year now and have seen the improvement in the way I communicate.

My “butterflies” have flown away and

I have been congratulated on being able to present information succinctly, with time for Q & A, all within ten minutes!

Toastmasters provides a fun, supportive environment and inspires me to aim for further achievements.

I encourage you to locate a club near you and arrange a visit. For more information about Toastmasters International, membership fees and clubs in your area visit www.toastmasters.org.

Breckenridge Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Friday from 6 p.m.

–7:30 p.m. at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, 330 Pauls Drive, Brandon.

Upcoming events Noon ribbon cutting ceremony at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce with info, food and networking.

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Meeting with guest speaker Toby Martini. Learn how to become a master communicator through the art of improv and laughter. 6:30 p.m., Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

For more info, contact Cate Baierlein, Club President at 813-514-4646.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 9

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 10

Chocolate In American History

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t’s Valentine’s Day, so pass the chocolate!

Aside from being a traditional gift to your sweetheart this time of year, chocolate has been a celebrated treat in the U.S. for hundreds of years. Here are a few fun facts: Chocolate in American History: • Chocolate was a military ration during the American Revolutionary War. • In 1768, John Hancock, protesting Britain’s decision to tax the colonies without representation in Parliament, organized a boycott of tea from China sold by the British East India Company.

As it was unpatriotic to drink tea, colonists breakfasted on coffee and chocolate instead.

• George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all drank chocolate.

• Chocolate was drunk for its purported medicinal benefits during the Lewis and Clark Expedition and on the Overland Trails by California Gold Rush miners.

• Amelia Earhart had a cup of chocolate during her record-setting flight over the Pacific from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland on Jan. 11, 1935.

• The first published recipe for brownies appeared in the Sears Roebuck Catalogue during the end of the 19th century.

Tampa Airport to Atlantic City St.Pete/Clearwater to Atlantic City

Flights Depart & Return to St. Pete/Clearwater Airport

March 10 – 13

St.Pete/Clearwater to Tunica, MS

March 18 – 21 to Atlantic City

**This offer is subject to availability and management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to gamble and enter and remain in a NJ casino and participate in any Harrah’s Resort promotions. Hotel taxes of $13 per night not included. Flights departing from Tampa Airport operated by Republic Airlines are DOT approved and a $30pp air service fee will be applied upon hotel departure. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No ST39092. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 11

Online Dating Tips Part 1—Choosing a Site Most “free” sites require a subscription fee before you can truly connect with other users, and some can be difficult to cancel or get a refund for.

Subscriptions can also auto-renew without informing you first.

By Elle Layne

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St. Joseph’s John Knox of Tampa Bay has been located in the heart of Tampa across from the University of South Florida for over 40 years. We provide an outstanding Independent Living experience for the senior population. St. Joseph’s John Knox offers an extensive activities program which allows you to stay as active and healthy as you choose.

The Assisted Living program at John Knox Village allows those who need assistance in their activities of daily living to get that assistance with the dignity and respect they deserve as they age.

The Med Center at St. Joseph’s John Knox of Tampa Bay is a 163 dual certified skilled nursing facility, serving the community with outstanding care and compassion for all the short term rehab and long term care patients they serve.

Contact St. Joseph’s John Knox Village of Tampa Bay at 813-977-6361 for more information or to schedule a personal luncheon tour.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 12

et’s face it. When you get to my age, you’re done playing games when it comes to dating. Been there, done that. That’s part of the reason why some boomers are turning to the convenience of online dating, whether they are looking for a friend, a fling or a long-term commitment.

Convenient though they may be, we all know that dating sites aren’t foolproof. But they can be a rewarding experience if you shop wisely and safely. Here’s some important stuff to keep in mind before casting a line into the online pool: How it Works If you’re unfamiliar with online dating, most services follow a similar format.

You start by creating a profile. In it, you list personal traits or answer questions about yourself and what you’re looking for in an ideal mate. You attach a photo or two to your profile and send it off into the dating community, where potential mates can see your picture and browse your profile—and vice versa—and you can contact one another via e-mail or a built-in messaging system.

Some online dating sites are free, while others will charge additional fees for professional matching services, access to certain features or the ability to contact a potential suitor.

Pros: Online dating sites can be an affordable way to connect with a large number of people at once, and can help you find matches by interest or compatibility.

They also offer some anonymity, as well as icebreakers, which can be helpful if you are shy about approaching others.

Cons: There’s always the potential for false profiles—whether they are ads or samples created by the site to generate interest; scam artists trying to phish for personal info; or simply members who are dishonest about their attributes.

Three Tips for Date Site Shopping 1. Choose a site that best fits your interests. Are you looking for sex, a friend or marriage? How about someone with similar beliefs? Are you looking for a younger (or older) mate, or someone who shares certain interests? Doing some soul-searching early on can help you narrow your site-searching later. A smaller, more niche-oriented site may have a better match for you than millions of profiles on a larger site.

2. Read reviews from other users before subscribing. Stay away from sites with reports of questionable billing practices, large numbers of fake profiles or poor customer service.

3. Try a few. Test drive each site for ease of use, profile customization and dating pool size before subscribing, if you can.

Do they overwhelm you with matches that are poor fits, or do you have to hunt to find a single match within driving distance?

Here are a few popular dating sites geared toward the 50+ crowd: SeniorFriendFinder.com: About 300,000 members worldwide seeking friends or serious relationships. Basic features: free; Unlimited access: around $12/mo.

SeniorMatch.com: Around 500,000 single members. $29/mo.

AARP Dating (dating.aarp.org): Encourages face-to-face meetings. Propose a date or scan dates suggested by potential partners. Seven-day free trial; $17.50/mo.

Match.com: Boasts 2.5 million mature members and a matching service. $20.99/ mo. My experiences were mixed, but a friend of mine met her husband here.

Author’s note: Meetup.com: While it’s not a dating site, it’s a (truly) free site that can be used to connect with local singles’ or interest groups, romantic or otherwise. If you don’t meet Mr. or Mrs. Right, you’ll at least make a few friends and have a good time.

Other dating sites abound; I wish you happy hunting! In the meantime, stay tuned for part two, where we’ll talk about online dating safety and ways to make your profile more effective.

“Easy Boarding” Bicycle Puts Older Adults On The Road To Better Health

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recent AARP study reveals that 63 percent of Americans ages 50 – 79 believe that exercise is the “best thing” they can do for their health. Yet, lack of flexibility and conditions like arthritis sometimes prohibit older adults from enjoying a full range of fitness options.

Biria USA’s “Easy Boarding” bike— which features an award-winning German design—is helping to change that.

The “Easy Boarding” bike makes cycling easier for older adults because it has a frame bar that is only six inches off the ground, creating a stepthrough frame that is extremely easy to mount. Riders can mount The “Easy Boarding” bike simply by lifting their leg less than six inches—rather than up and over the bike’s frame, like on traditional designs. The bikes feature: • An award-winning unisex design that is ideal for people looking for comfort • A frame bar that is only six inches from the ground, creating a step-through frame that is extremely easy to mount and dismount

• A comfortable seating angle that keeps the back upright

• A curved handlebar that allows for a comfortable grip and better control • 7 or 3-speed internal gearing, dual braking system, basket, rear rack and fenders • Available in aluminum frame • A price that is extremely competitive when compared to other “comfort design” bikes “The ‘Easy Boarding’ bike accommodates the needs of an aging population that does not want to sacrifice comfort for exercising,” says Michael Biria, president of Biria USA. “Fitness has become a priority for older adults, and they are more determined than ever to keep active.”

For more information about Biria USA and the “Easy Boarding” bicycle, visit www.biria.com.

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale Hillsborough County - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market.The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 13

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 14

Stem Cells May Be The Next Penicillin

By David Ebner, Staff Writer

C

onsider the history of penicillin. In 1939, while Poland was surrendering to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg German offensive, a Scottish biologist by the name of Sir Alexander Fleming was on his 10th year of studying his accidental discovery named penicillin. Sir Alexander Fleming did not know the magnitude that his mold experiments would have a short five years later when the antibiotic would save thousands of lives on the French beachfront on D-Day. It wasn’t until 1945 that Sir Alexander Fleming was acknowledged for his service to the medical field by being awarded the Nobel Prize. Since then, penicillin has been used in vast quantities and has saved millions of lives.

With further advancements in the study of stem cells, the question is posed: are stem cells the next penicillin? Stem cells and penicillin both come from humble beginnings and accidental discoveries; they are both used to treat life-threatening conditions and diseases; and just like penicillin, stem cell biologists have won Nobel Prizes due to the practical uses of their discoveries.

The discovery of penicillin was an early example of groundbreaking medical advancements changing the course of modern medicine.

Stem cells have also been studied extensively over time and have crept into the national dialogue as a buzz word for certain political agendas, particularly the stem cells found in fetuses. How-

ever, the actual stem cells that are now being used to treat diseases in the United States, and the same cells that warranted the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine, are adult stem cells. This type of stem cell is found in fully developed individuals and flourish in all people regardless of age or health.

Most cells found in the body have developed into a specific type of cell, like a skin cell or a brain cell. At the turn of the 20th century, biologists discovered that some cells (stem cells) have not yet been assigned as a certain type of cell. They are simply blank cells standing by to meet your body’s needs.

Stem cells being used to treat diseases traces back to 1968 when the first bone marrow transplant was used to treat a patient suffering from leukemia.

Placing healthy stem cells into a sick individual’s body results in the creation of only healthy blood cells that are not infected with the disease. In turn, these cells replace the diseased ones and start to heal the patient.

Today, one clinic, the Lung Institute, is using adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own fat, blood and

bone marrow to provide similar healing results for people with lung diseases.

Their website, www.lunginstitite.com, states that they have treated over 500 patients to date. These physicians take the blank stem cells from the patient, then they clean and separate the cells.

Once this is done, they use a growth factor that will turn just a few thousand healthy cells into millions. Then, the cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body. The result is that the healthy cells replace the damaged ones found in the lungs. Not only can this slow the progression of the disease, but it also works to restore lung function.

Just as people were wary about how penicillin might help fight infections when first developed, there is some hesitation that stem cell technology can help treat diseases. However, just like penicillin was recognized by the scientific community, so are stem cell developments. If the number of people successfully treated with stem cells already is any indication, then it will undoubtedly be heralded, like penicillin, as the groundbreaking medical technology of its time.

Give The Greatest Gift This Valentines Day More and more people are choosing to purchase their funeral arrangements and cemetery property in advance of need. By doing so, they are providing a true gift of love to their surviving family members.

Pre-arranging in advance protects the entire family of uncertainty and the stress of making these decisions when a death occurs.

Although your need my be years, even decades, in the future, planning now will allow you to make your own choices, while keeping cost as low as possible by purchasing at today’s prices.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 15

ASK tHe expeRt DR. ORLAnDO pORtAL, MD. InC InteRnAL MeDICIne pH: (813) 374-8883 OFFICe In RIveRvIeW, FLORIDA Dr. Portal is board certified in internal medicine and completed his residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He practiced medicine as a general surgeon for 10 years in Cuba before escaping to the U.S. for a better life. Dr. Portal provides customized care for patients with: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nutrition and Weight Management. Dr. Portal visits his patients at Brandon Regional Hospital and South Bay Hospital.

He will also have physician privileges at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South when they open in 2015.

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Take 5 for Heart Health, Longer Life

M

arathoners are the thoroughbreds of highperformance runners, but even the draft horses of the running world—slow and steady joggers—improve their health.

A study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds that even five to 10 minutes a day of low-intensity running is enough to extend life by several years, compared with not running at all. It shows that the minimal healthy “dose” of exercise is smaller than many people might assume.

Take five to stay alive The new study focused on a group of more than 55,000 men and women ages 18 to 100. About a quarter of them were runners. Over 15 years, those who ran just 50 minutes a week or fewer at a moderate pace were less likely to die from either cardiovascular disease or any cause, compared with those who didn’t run at all.

The study suggests a relatively low entry level for the benefit of jogging, but it is not a prescription. “A little bit is good but a little bit more is probably better,” Dr. Baggish says. A 2013 study in Denmark suggested

that the “sweet spot” for maximum longevity is up to 2.5 hours of running a week.

Feeling better “Many dedicated longterm runners do not run because they want to live longer,” Dr. Baggish notes. “They run because it makes them feel better on a daily basis. There is a mood elevating, qualityof-life benefit that comes from being a regular exerciser.”

For regular runners, the cost of feeling good can be strains and sprains, so Dr. Baggish advocates for the value of what he calls “active rest.” His rule of thumb, not supported by any specific research, is that it’s a good idea to spend 25 percent of exercise time over the course of a year running at a lower level of intensity or doing other activities like swimming or biking.

“The body responds to training, but to preserve that benefit over the long haul there needs to be active periods of recovery,” Dr. Baggish says. “Pulling back allows the body to repair and heal.” (Harvard Men’s Health Watch)

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Tech Talk: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook

W

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier.

We’re giving away the Leuchtturm1917 NotebookwithWhitelines LinkTechnology this month. These smart notebooks combine the best of traditional and digital mediums.

Write or draw on the pages as you would on a regular journal, then download and open the free Whitelines app on your smart phone.

Hold your phone over the book, line it up with guides on the page, and the app makes a clean digital copy of your page automatically—no background lines! You can then send it via email or save it to an Evernote or Dropbox account.

Send your loved one a hand-drawn valentine digitally without a scanner! The notebooks start at $13.95. Order at www. leuchtturm1917usa.com and amazon.com.

We’re giving away two notebooks to one lucky winner this month so you can share with a friend! One is 6 x 8 in. and one is 9 x 12.5 in.

Just email editor@ lifestylesafter50.com or snail mail us at: Attn: Notebooks News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Send us your name, address and phone number by Feb. 19. The drawing will be held on Feb. 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the March issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

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Y0011_81434 0714 CMS Accepted Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 19

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 20

Charlie Chaplin’s “Funny Bones” Exhumed

By Adrienne Hutelmyer

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ast year marked the 100th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic “Little Tramp” character.

To help commemorate the occasion, the Carrollwood Cultural Center has invited celebrated Chaplin expert and movement artist Dan Kamin to present “Funny Bones: The Comedy of Charlie Chaplin” on Friday, February 20 at 8 p.m.

Kamin trained Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscar-nominated performance in Chaplin and created Johnny Depp’s comedy moves for Benny and Joon. This multifaceted artist performs his own comedy shows in theatres and with symphony orchestras worldwide, and he’s the author of two acclaimed books on Chaplin.

In this one-of-a-kind event, Kamin takes audiences on an excursion into Chaplin’s comic world through film clips, live performance and the screening of a newly restored version of The Pawnshop, Chaplin’s short 1916 masterpiece.

There will be lots of audience participation, and the program is one that kids enjoy just as much as adults.

Asked about his movie work, Kamin says, “Classic movies inspired me, and I came full circle by adding classic visual comedy to modern films. I taught Johnny Depp how to roll the coin around his fingers the way he does at the end of Pirates of the Caribbean.

But does he call? Never.”

What got him interested in the type of stuff he does?

“I am overly susceptible to movies. As a kid I saw a movie about Houdini and promptly became Dan Kumin a boy magician. In college I saw a Charlie Chaplin film and became a silent comedian. Yet despite a lifetime of watching superhero films, I have failed to develop superhuman powers,” he said.

Tickets for “Funny Bones: The Comedy of Charlie Chaplin” are $24 – $30 and can be purchased at the Center’s box office at 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa, online at carrollwoodcenter.org or by calling 813-922-8167.

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Dramatic Improvement In Woman’s Musculoskeletal Planes, Trains and Automobiles Health After Using Low-Intensity Vibration

L

ike many older adults, Method exercise and posture Sara Meeks, 74, is at risk program is recognized both in from musculoskeletal degenthe United States and internaeration that affects the health tionally to prevent, arrest and of her bones, leaving her vulreverse the postural changes nerable to painful fractures. that negatively impact muscuDiagnosed several years loskeletal wellness. ago, Sara is still technically Sara began using low-intensiconsidered osteoporotic, but ty vibration about 7 years ago at a time when her muscuwhen she discovered research loskeletal health is expected

by Marodyne Co-Founder and to be deteriorating at a rapid Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Sara Meeks pace, it is actually improving.

Clinton Rubin. Dr. Rubin has Sara puts these improvements in mus- spent more than 30 years researching culoskeletal health down to her compre- the effects of low-intensity vibration in hensive program that includes the use of relationship to musculoskeletal issues. low-intensity vibration, a therapy that can “I’m really excited to see technology stimulate the repair of and maintenance available like this,” Sara said. “I’m an adof musculoskeletal tissues. vocate of a non-drug approach to health.”

“Since I’ve started using the low- High intensity vibration therapy, called intensity vibration as part of my com- whole-body vibration, is available, but prehensive routine, my bone density has this is considered risky and may even be improved a lot,” Sara said. harmful to the elderly, frail or infirm.

As a physical therapist, Sara has focused “Whole-body vibration can be dangerthe last 30 years of her career on muscu- ous,” Sara said. “The devices can give loskeletal health, so she knows just how you headaches. That’s not what my important healthy and strong muscles are patients want; they want safety.” for supporting bone health. Her Meeks Dr. Rubin’s LivMD device is the only

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 22

vibration therapy Sara recommends to her clients. Both she and her husband have been using the low-intensity vibration daily to support their musculoskeletal health, said Sara.

LivMD was developed in line with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety standards.

The device, that accelerates the user at 0.4g at a frequency of 30HZ, is safe to stand on for up to four hours per day, according to the International Standard Organization 2631 evaluation of human exposure to whole body vibration.

“It’s the only one I would use because it was designed with safety in mind,” Sara said. Sara described the sensation while standing on the device as a nice buzzing that works its way through the body “In my experience, people don’t like to exercise. If you can give them something that fits into their daily life, they’re more likely to do it. This fits into your life.”

Contact Sara Meeks for more information about low-intensity vibration and her programs by visiting her website www.SaraMeeksPt.com. To learn more about LivMD, visit www.LivMD.us.

C

heck out the fifth annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles event on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plant City Airport.

It’s a chance to see real airplanes, remote control planes, helicopters, model trains in operation and on exhibit, and classic and exotic car displays.

Bring the grandkids; children ages 8 – 17 will be able to take free airplane flights (limited to the first 150). There will be activities of interest for the entire family including food and merchandise vendors, K-9 demonstrations, live entertainment and a children’s play area.

Admission is free; parking is $5.

The Plant City Airport is located at 4007 Airport Rd., Plant City.

For more info, contact the Chamber at 813-754-3707 or visit plantcity.org.

Middle-Aged Women Missing Passion Seek Affairs, Not Divorce

W

hen middle-aged women seek extra-marital affairs, they are looking for more romantic passion, which includes sex—and don’t want to divorce their husbands, suggests new research.

“Being happy in marriage is far different than being happy in bed,” said Eric Anderson, a professor of sexuality at the University of Winchester in England and the chief science officer at AshleyMadison.com, a website for those interested in having extra-marital affairs. Their study focused on 100 heterosexual, married females, 35 – 45, and their conversations with potential suitors in hopes of determining what drives them to infidelity.

The researchers found that 67 percent of the women were seeking affairs because they wanted more romantic passion, which always included sex.

“But, the most surprising finding is that none of the 100 women were looking to leave their husbands,” said Anderson, who co-authored the study with Matthew H. Rafalow, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of California-Irvine, and Matthew Ripley, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of Southern

California. “Instead, they were adamant that they were not looking for a new husband.

Many even stated their overt love for their husbands, painting them in a positive light.”

According to Anderson, he thought women might be looking for sexual affairs because they were unhappy with their husbands or because they felt unloved. “But this was not the case,” he said. “Our results reflect not martial disharmony, but the sexual monotony that is a social fact of the nature of long-term monogamous relationships. The most predictable thing about a relationship is that, the longer it progresses, the quality and the frequency of sex between the couple will fade. This is because we get used to and bored of the same body.”

While popular culture suggests that men cheat because “they have a stronger libido and women cheat because there is something wrong with the emotional aspect of their relationship, our findings challenge these perceptions,” Anderson said. “Our research suggests that men and women are not as different from each other as some may think.” (From The American Sociological Association; asanet.org)

Pinellas Show: February 18, 2015 – 7:00 pm Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Drive Largo, FL 33779 Tickets: $8 individual/$7.50 groups of 10 or more Info call: 727-587-6751

Hillsborough Show: February 21, 2015 – 3:00 pm Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578 Tickets: $6.00 Info call: 813-635-8179

Pasco Show: February 21, 2015 – 2:00 pm Center for the Arts, River Ridge High School 11646 Town Center Road New Port Richey, FL 34654 Tickets: $6

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring, Pasco: 727-326-1255, Vicki Chansler, Hillsborough: 813-436-2296/813-436-2114 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton

A F T E R 50

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 23

Your Attorney As Counselor Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

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n representing you, your attorney must exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice.

In giving advice, your attorney may refer not only to the law, but also to other considerations such as moral, economic, social and political factors that may be relevant to your situation. In this sense, your attorney takes on the role of counselor, in addition to being

Costs, if any, extra The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about his qualifications and experience.

a legal technician and advisor.

As a client, you are entitled to straightforward advice expressing your attorney’s honest assessment.

Legal advice often involves unpleasant facts and ramifications that you may be reluctant to confront.

In giving advice, your attorney should endeavor to sustain your morale and, therefore, may put advice in as palatable a form as honesty permits. However, your attorney must not refrain from giving candid advice by the prospect that the advice will be unpleasant to you.

Matters that go beyond strictly legal questions are often also in the domain of other professions. Where consultation with a professional in another field, such as psychology or accounting, is called for, your attorney should not hesitate to make such a referral. However, at the

same time, your attorney’s advice at its best often consists of recommending a course of action in conflict with the advice of experts from other professions.

Mr. Mumbauer, a 5th generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. Mr. Mumbauer takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. Mr. Mumbauer is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a participating attorney in the AARP Legal Service Network. Mr. Mumbauer is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of Wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating among judges and lawyers for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

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Finding What’s Missing: Dad’s World War II Story

By Janice Doyle

I

t may start with a simple question from a child: What did Grandpa do in the war? Or it may be learning the background to stories Dad has told over and over. For others, it’s a need to find out why a parent never talked about experiences at war.

“Something was always missing from my life,” says Jane Anslaus. “Other people knew how their fathers died. I just knew mine died in the war.”

For children, the loss of a parent can lay the foundation of a lifetime of grievances, says Karolyn Rogers. “I was only five when I lost my father and, while there’s no good time to lose a loved one, it was a tender age to lose him.

The circumstances of his death—and how my family dealt with it—left a palpable void,” says Rogers, author of the new book, When Daddy Comes Home, which details her journey of healing through researching her father’s death during World War II. The way her family dealt with the devastating loss was by not talking about it, she says.

“I simply adored my daddy, Pfc. Tom T. Wilmeth, and I’d never received closure on his passing. I lived knowing that my children and grandchildren would never know their granddaddy, and I probably would have made better decisions

earlier in my life if I had him growing up—or, at least, better understood his passing,” says Rogers.

By researching his life and death she finally provided what was missing in her heart. She started with two boxes of letters from her father that her mother kept from her through the years. She found that her father, Pfc. Wilmeth, died during the waning days of WWII —in Patton’s secret Third Army during the advance on Berlin—a surprise Rogers found out while finally doing the research in her 60s. She learned her dad earned the Purple Heart and many other decorations.

Wesley Johnson wanted to learn his father’s war story. His dad survived WWII but died when Wesley was only 8. Wesley had a few fragments of stories, a scrapbook and some WWII souvenirs but little notion of what his dad had seen and done. The result of his research is now a thorough website to help others find and tell their stories. Johnson’s website Dad’s War: Finding and Telling Your Father’s World War II Story is a valuable place to start as well. (at wwjohnston. net/dadswar).

Starting a search can begin by clicking on the link “First Steps to Finding Your Dad’s Story.”

The site also includes a place to post stories as well as links to other sites for sharing.

Johnson’s book Dad’s War: Finding and Telling Your Father’s World War II Story—Workshop Book paperback is also a practical, guided resource. It is laid out in useful outline format. Wesley provides many examples of how to start a search and carry through with research. He gives much information on books, websites, periodicals and other places to find information about the service member.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 25

Some Points to Consider When Adopting a Dog Dr. Rochelle Campbell

A

dding a new dog to the family can be an exciting experience but it is always good to think about a few things before bringing your new pet home. First, consider what type of home you have. Do not choose a larger dog, such as a Great Dane mix, if you live in a small apartment. Pick a dog that is compatible with the amount of space you have available.

Another thing to consider is what type of lifestyle you lead. If you are a very active person that likes to do a lot of outdoor activities, then a border collie mix or another high energy type of dog may be for you. On the other hand, if you are fairly inactive, a toy mix may be better suited for you.

If you have children, it is better to pick a family-friendly dog and also maybe one that is not geriatric, as they tend to be less active in general. With regard to senior dogs, also keep in mind that you may need to visit the veterinary office more often because older dogs, like older people, tend to have more medical issues. Having said that, older

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dogs can provide a lot of happiness and love to the right family.

Puppies will need a lot of attention and time. Sometimes adopting a dog that is a little older may be a little easier, as they may already have mastered basic training skills such as potty training and crate training.

Speaking of training, it is not possible the majority of the time to know the previous history of the dog you are adopting.

Therefore you may want to attend basic training classes in general to ensure your dog has the best manners possible.

Adopting a dog can be a great and rewarding experience, especially if you do your homework beforehand!

• Blood Analysis • Xrays • Behavioral Consultation • Lab Work • Boarding & Grooming Facilities • Reptiles & Birds welcome too!

Office Hours By Appointment Mon. – Thurs. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 7 – 6:30 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Unique Vacation Hotel for Cats Only!

F Featured on Nationwide TV F Reasonable rates F Huge windows on tropical gardens F Vet on call F Soft music, lots of loving & petting

Question: Like the Taj Mahal, which of the seven wonders was a gift

15501 Boyette Rd. Riverview

of love from a king to his queen?

Your Answer: Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize valued at $25 or more each month. Deadline for entries Feb. 16, 2015. Drawing held Feb. 20, 2015.

Insurance Discounts For Mature Drivers

Name State

Email

Phone

Zip

Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583

Have a Florida’s Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older?

January’s answer is 4. Nick Fabiano is January’s winner.

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Approved Course

Click on the Trivia Palooza button and answer a Trivia question each week for a chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

www.seniordriverclass.com

Play more trivia online and win more prizes at www.lifestylesafter50.com

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 26

Ask about our competitive pricing and interest free financing for qualified applicants.

Cleanings

Bridges

Fillings

Whitening

Crowns

Extractions

Implants

Root Canals

Dentures

GEt YOUR sMIlE In shAPE FOR thE nEW YEAR! Come in before 2/28/15 and receive temporary dentures for $295 (reg $405)

You Must Mention this Ad When You Make Your next Appointment.

Offer Good Until 2/28/15.

Address City

sMIlE WIth COnFIdEnCE

To Register go to:

or call 1-800-771-2255

Open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5811 E. Broadway Ave. Insurance and Medicaid Accepted

Full Service General Dentist • In-House Lab Serving The Dental Needs of the Community Since 1974

623-1014

Major Credit Cards Accepted

Take a “Gone With the Wind” Tour

T

he Seniors on the Road travel group invites you on an adventure through Atlanta and Georgia featuring historic sites and activites inspired by the classic “Gone With the Wind,” Mar. 16 – 21, 2015.

The tour includes five nights lodging, 14 meals, a half-day guided Atlanta City Tour, admission to the Georgia Cyclorama, a tour of the Margaret Mitchell House, admission to the Southern Trilogy Plantations Tour, a visit to the Museum of Aviation and admission to the Georgia Agrirama,

including train. Guests will also have a chance to participate in the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.

Travel in comfort with deluxe motorcoach transportation with water and snacks provided. The cost of the trip, which includes all gratuities, is only $945/person double occupancy, or $1,430/person single occupancy. $100 is due with registration. Guests will also receive their own DVD of the trip to take home. For info, or to RSVP, call Marilyn Martin at 813-654-9562.

Last Month’s Answers

January Sudoku

Bob Ellis is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Feb. Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on February 20 will win.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From all of us at Lifestyles After 50!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to:

u 212

NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by FEb. 20, 2015

Word Search February

Word Search

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Answers From January

Kelli Wiggins is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on February 20 will win.

Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by February 20, 2015.)

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 27

Seniors Getting Together Women Seeking Men 4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy & exercises.

Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord.

4430 C, S, F SEEKING CHRISTIAN S, W, M, NS, ND, SD at least 5’7”, 65+ to enjoy life at church, beach, dancing, travel, cruise. LTR. Largo area.

4432 W, F, NS, SD, R, P, athletic, SOH, loves animals, books, music, learning, movies, travel, golf, adventure, art, kindness and freedom. ISO man with similar interests. Zephyrhills area.

4435 ARE YOU ANSWERED PRAYER? Petite, single CRWF, 58 YY, 5’2‘, HWP, hazel-eyed, natural curly-haired, ISO S/D, R/P, honest, trustworthy, emotionally/financially stable C/M. Family oriented, old fashioned values, FF/LTR/TLC, NS, ND, NDrg. Likes listen/dance to 50s jazz and southern gospel music. Optimistic. Compassionate. Respectful. Fun-loving. Adventurous.

4436 PRETTY, FUN, INTELLIGENT, CHARMING, SWF. Just retired, 55, likes to work out and many other activities except golf and sailing.

LTR, need my forever man/friend/companion and lover. No affairs here. Eastern Hillsborough.

4438 CHRISTIAN LADY SEEKING CHRISTIAN MAN. W, NS, ND, NDrg, R, FF, SOH, WW, W, LTR. 73YY looks 50. Swims 2 hours a day

in summer, walks 1 hour a day in winter.

Port Richey area.

4440 A LADY OF DISTINCTION who is a youthful 69, petite, widow, no children, non-smoker, non-drinker, a heart full of love (been told I have a nice smile & legs) sincere, loyal, works hard, creative, trustworthy, determined to succeed, strong but gentle, not much on cooking and sports. New England French roots, loves airplanes, Harleys, boating, sports cars and animals. Seeking bright, financially stable white gentleman of integrity, 65 – 75, no beards, who is neat, distinguished, who laughs, has fun, is adventurous, successful, and has a natural warmth and compassion for others.

Men Seeking Women 4412 looking for companion I am a white, single gentleman. I live in Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida. 84 YY, 5’8”, SOH, NS, SD. Like dancing, singing, playing cards and golf. Age open.

4421 Attractive, in shape, 57YO Athletic build, good values, good listener, financially secure, conscientious and considerate. I enjoy travel, adventure, sports, movies, music and fun. ISO lady with similar interests.

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

Only $6 to place an ad!

Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit Title (First 4 Words):

City (No Charge):

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583 Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 28

4422 RWM 5’10’ Youthful 73 ISO slender lady, any age up to 70, to share enjoyment of art, music and adventure.

Background unimportant, but kindness, warmth and sincerity are. Tampa area.

4431 WHITE MALE, 60, 5’9”, 165lbs, looking for female 60 to 67. Height and weight proportionate, non smoker, laid back woman. Likes fishing, beach, day trips. Looking for romance to send photo and letter. Madeira beach area.

4437 Mission Impossible Size Four.

This SWM, 6’2’, 183# would love to meet very slender, active, educated female, late 50’s to early 60’s for day trips, museums, concerts, art fests, biking, etc. Ambition is a LTR with that very special person.

Looking for people 4414 C, F, S, seeking friend for senior adventure. Enjoy short bike trips, exploration, overnight or day trips, short hikes, state parks, outdoors, nature, lunch or whatever.

Have Condo Kings Point. Female/Male OK.

Commonly Used Abbreviations:

To PLACE An AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the address listed below. Make any checks out to News Connection USA, Inc. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person.

The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

To Respond To An Ad

Write a letter to the person you want to contact.

Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Last Month’s Answers

Enter to Win!

Enter To Win!

This month’s Last Month’s Winner Is J. Owen winner is Congratulations!

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

Last Month’s Answers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Feb. 20 will receive $20 cash!

Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

Hills

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 29

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 30

Seniors Got Their Groove On At Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest!

M

ore than 85 seniors came out at 8 a.m. for the 19th annual Back Woods Fun Walk at MOSI. T-Shirts and breakfast went fast after the exercise class and 1-mile fun walk wrapped up.

MOSI, the Museum of Science and Industry, opened its doors at 9 a.m. to The Hillsborough County Senior talent show the masses of seniors and painting festival was a big hit. waiting to come in Congratulations to our Walk Winners! for the Lifestyles “That’s what the shows are free bingo and, of Women – 1st: Rene Simica; 2nd: Doris Garnecky; After 50 Fun Fest all about,” says Lifestyles course, free coffee.

3rd: Donna Van Name and Hillsborough Kathy Beck and Doris Prokopi after 50 Publisher and Over 1,800 seniors Men – 1st: Willie Davis; 2nd: Jack Grim; 3rd: Stuart Fisher County Senior embraced the event’s theme Event Director Kathy Beck, attended this year’s of “Feeling Groovy!”

Painting Festival and “bringing in the businesses event and took information they are looking for,” says Talent show. and services that cater to this advantage of all there was to offer. Jeff Provencer of Morgan Exteriors.

Barbara Davidson says she comes to all demographic in our community.”

Sponsors and vendors alike were Join us for the next Lifestyles After 50 the Lifestyles events so she can meet the “It’s one-stop shopping for me,” says pleased with the turnout and look Fun Fests on Feb. 12 in Bradenton at doctors who check her blood pressure Anna Clause of Tampa. forward to attending the next the Renaissance on 9th and March 19 in and the home improvement company And that’s not all the Lifestyles events Lifestyles After 50 event.

Clearwater at the Kapok Pavilion. that expanded her patio. This year she do—they also create a venue for friends “It is so great to see all the seniors havCall us for information about available brought a friend who needed to get her to meet and learn about new products ing a great time and being able to provide sponsorships and vendor space at: hearing checked. and services, enjoy great entertainment, them with the business and product 813-653-1988. See you there!

Coming To Firehouse Cultural Center

7

and 8 Love Letters: A Valentine’s Day Love Story. A charming, poignant play centered on two characters as they read letters in which, over nearly 50 years, they have shared hopes and dreams that have passed between them throughout their separate lives. 7 p.m.

Saturday show with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets: $12 – $20.

13

Wear your Stetson for an evening of Country, CountrySwing, Bluegrass and Rockabilly with Hapi McKensie and Patty Pfitser of the

! cing n u o Ann

Crabgrass Cowboys. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 – $20. arch 2 – 6 During “Spring Forward” Writers Week, novelist Laura Lee Smith will meet offer ten aspiring writers consultations of their work. Space limited; call to reserve a slot. Manuscript submissions due by Feb. 15. $50 consultation fee.

Firehouse Cultural Center is located at 1st Ave. NE at Shell Point Rd., Ruskin.

For tickets and info, call 813-645-7651 or visit firehouseculturalcenter.org.

M

All New! Lowry Park Zoo

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest April 21, 2015 – 9:30 am to 2 pm

1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604

FUN WALK • BINGO

Educational Seminars, Live Entertainment and more!

Held inside the beautiful SAFARI LODGE

For more information call: 888-670-0040 Sponsorships available call 813-653-1988

SPECIAL PRICE $10 includes

Admission to the Zoo, FUN FEST and Parking!

Very few bands have ever reached the musical heights of Jay and The Americans. From 1962–1971, this group charted an unprecedented “12” Top 10 records.

Getting their breakthrough on the West Side Story soundtrack - Jay and the Americans will perform many of their hits and pay tribute to some of the “greats”!

Show time: 7:30 PM Neel Performing Arts Center

at State College of Florida 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL

Jay and The Americans have toured with such legendary artists as ROY ORBISON, THE BEATLES, and THE ROLLING STONES.Be sure not to miss this amazing show!!

TICKETS: Orchestra $39 | Mezzanine $34 Tickets Available at the Manatee Performing Arts Center Box Office: 941.748.5875 or Online at www.ManateePlayers.com Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 31

At Continucare, we take your health personally.

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Everyone works together, as a team, to help you live a healthier life. That’s why we focus on preventive medicine, and offer most of the services you need under one roof, for your convenience. At the end of the day, our greatest satisfaction comes from doing what is best for you – our patient. We take that very personally.

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