Senior Connection Jan. 2012 Hillsborough edition

Take Your Oxygen First VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1

Leeza Gibbons

Finding Peace Along I-95

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HILLSBOROUGH

JANUARY 2012

t : om a c ite onfl. s b i we nect r u n it o rco s i V n io . se w w

Join us

• Technology: Of Lovers and Liars • It’s On the Tip of My Tongue • Leaving Your Home • He Walked Above the Clouds

at...

Note to Self: Things to Think About in 2012 7. Laugh more! Yes, I want to laugh more in 2012.

Dear Readers,

I

t’s that time of year again. No, let’s don’t try making actual resolutions, since we’re old enough to have gone through Janice Doyle, many stages with Editor the traditional New Year’s Resolutions thing.

There were years we were confident we could really change our weight or our income or a behavior. Other years we were so cynical (or so busy) that we didn’t even bother setting a simple goal. All of us have made resolutions which we didn’t keep.

So I’ve made a list of, not really resolutions, but ideas I want to keep reconsidering this year. I want to come back to them every so often as reminders of the person I want to be. That way I won’t get down on myself if I don’t live up to all of them by March 1 or some other self-serving date. Maybe something here will stir you to join me in looking at others and myself in a new and more humane light in 2012.

1. This year I want to take time to remember that, regardless of what I might think when I ponder on the world situation, God is still in control and we are but a “blip on the screen” of His time. My part in that? Psalm 100: 4, 5 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” So I will be more thankful and praise Him. 2. I will try to think about caregivers in my community more and do something for them when I can.

After talking with TV personality Leeza Gibbons (see the story about her in this issue), I want to help.

For me, at this time, it will be something simple that says, “I care.”

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 2

8. Years ago Ann Landers advised to “Walk tall and smile more.

You’ll look 10 years younger.”

(10 years younger? Wow!) 9. I will say, “I love you” again and again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Some years ago I had a friend who loved to read, as I do. She became caregiver for her husband who had Alzheimer’s. I would take bags of books to her periodically. It was always a warm feeling to know my book choices were keeping her company during the long days and nights she sat with her husband. I’m sure there’s another reader out there!

3. This year I will think “local” whenever possible in order to boost my hometown economy. I will give gift certificates to locally owned beauty shops, use an independently owned car repair shop and buy my veggies at local produce stands.

My home repairs and home improvement work will be done by people who are raising their families within my community.

4. I plan to do a little more exercise every week than I have been doing. Doctors tell us that just about anything we do to exercise makes a difference in our physical and emotional well-being. I walk several miles a week now—I’m just going to add a few more times around the block each week.

5. This is a hard one, but I will be better off if I cut a few hundred calories a week.

6. Most of all, I will remain flexible! Life is short, circumstances that are beyond my control will come up and my priorities will have to change. I can do this.

Humor Matters And now, just for fun, from the website Humor Matters™, take a look as Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D., a Mirthologist and Clinical Psychologist, gives us some just-forfun “affirmations” for the new year.

Read them and laugh with me. And remember, they’re all in good fun— not recommended lifestyle changes!

• I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.

• My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of wisdom and judgment.

• I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain.

• I will strive to live each day as if it were my 50th birthday.

• Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so!”

• I will no longer waste my time reliving the past; I will spend it worrying about the future.

• Before I criticize a man, I will walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he’s a mile away and barefoot.

Now, didn’t it feel good to laugh at how we sometimes think!

Our staff wishes you a blessed and happy new year.

Hillsborough Edition

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

General Manager: Dave Tarantul Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle janice@srmagazine.com

Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com Advertising Sales: Hillsborough/Pinellas 1-888-670-0040 Tampa Bay Area Dena Bingham: (813) 653-1988 Pinellas/Pasco Judy Young: (727) 581-1500 Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550 Sun City Center Judy Coleman: (813) 653-1988 Distribution 1-888-670-0040 Corporate Advertising Office: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

(813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.seniorconnectionfl.com

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher of

Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties: Southwest Edition Sarasota/Manatee Counties: Sarasota Edition

Lake/Marion Counties: Lake Edition

888-670-0040

ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the February 2012 issue is January 15, 2012.

Magazines are out by the 7th of each month.

All rights reserved.

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Information 813-653-1988 or 1-888-670-0040 • www.seniorconnectionfl.com • Directions: 813-621-7821 or 800-345 FAIR Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 3

“Take Another Look”—The 27th Annual Florida RV Supershow

Join The Florida Orchestra for

Music in the Mornings Dwight Decker, Principal Trombone © Thomas Bruce Studio

at one of our two matinee series!

Coffee Concert

The Sounds of Nature

Wed, Jan 18, 10am

© Thomas Bruce Studio

Featuring Debussy’s Clair de lune, Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons, and excerpts from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastorale, Stuart Malina conducts the morning Coffee Concert featuring Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer, with complimentary coffee and doughnuts served before the performance.

Sponsored by:

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Thu, Jan 19, 11am

Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater

New Progress Energy Morning Masterworks

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite

© JM Lennon

Markus Groh returns to perform Bartok’s highly rhythmic musical roller coaster ride…Piano Concerto No. 2 with Bartok’s Divertimento and the sweeping balletic themes of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite. Stefan Sanderling conducts. Join us after the concert for “Lunch with the Musicians” for $25.

Concert tickets start at $15.

Sponsored by:

Fri, Jan 27, 10 am

Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater

727.892.3337 or www.FloridaOrchestra.org For group benefits (10 or more) : 727.362.5443

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 4 TFO-Senior Connection-Jan.indd 1

12/1/2011 4:49:58 PM

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he Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will host the 27th Annual 2012 Florida RV SuperShow, Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15. The Florida RV SuperShow will again be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida.

The theme of the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow is “Take Another Look,” and the event will have representation from every major RV manufacturer as well as hundreds of accessory exhibitors.

A favorite of all visitors to the SuperShow is the FREE entertainment.

From clowns and unicycle riders to barbershop quartets and bagpipe bands, the SuperShow has enough entertainment to keep everyone busy the entire day. And take advantage of the FREE shuttle service inside the SuperShow that will carry visitors from exhibit to exhibit.

Admission to the SuperShow is only $10 for adults, which includes a second day admission for the cost of one day, and children under 16 are free.

The SuperShow hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving $1 off the cost of admission (not valid with other discounts).

Call (813) 741-0488 or visit online at www.frvta.org for more information.

See Dragons Duel at the Circus

BY JANICE DOYLE AND TRACIE SCHMIDT

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t’s 2012, the Year of the Dragon in Chinese culture, and The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is celebrating with their new show “Dragons,” performing Jan. 4 – 8 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Four dragon tribes—representing Strength, Courage, Heart or Wisdom—will hold a tournament of champions to see which one rules the Big Top. It’s a mix of East and West, with traditional Ringling greats like motorcycles, horseback performers, big cats, clowns and elephants alongside Cossack riders, aerial spheres and performances by a spirited troupe of Shaolin monks. This colorful and vibrant performance is sure to be a hit with audiences young and old.

We asked Kenneth Feld, whose family has been running the Greatest Show on Earth since the ‘50s, how the circus has changed over the years.

“Circuses are still full of iconic acts,” he said, “but music gives it a new flavor.” Pop music has replaced the traditional Sousa marches. Acts are high-powered and fastpaced to keep younger audiences engaged, and new technology and lighting have changed the way performers are moved and presented on stage— three rings have been replaced by one.

“The circus is about no limitations, the feeling that anything is possible. Technology enhances that feeling,” Feld elaborated.

You can share your love of the circus with your grandkids this month at “Dragons.” For tickets and info, visit ringling.com or call the St. Pete Times Forum at (813) 301-2500.

Around Town

ARGEST L S ’ D L R O W THE RV SUPERSHOW

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2

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hursdays and Fridays Historical Herrmann’s Lipizzaner Stallions training sessions open to the public! 3 p.m. (Saturdays 10 a.m.)

Donations welcome. No tickets needed.

Stallions available for viewing any day of the week. 32755 Singletary, Myakka City. For information: hlipizzans.com or (941) 322-1501.

F

ridays Tai Chi with Bonnie Birdsall at the Jan Kaminis Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave. Tampa. All levels welcome. 1 to 2:30 p.m. (813) 273-3652.

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Senior Wii bowling and other sports using the Wii. 10 a.m. at the Robert Saunders Library. Call (813) 273-3652 for library info.

8

Piano and organ concert by Kenneth Dake at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center. 3 p.m. $9. (813) 642-8125.

9

Brandon Christian Women’s Connection luncheon in Special Events Center, Bell Shoals Baptist Church, Brandon. Nondenomenational. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reservations at (813) 740-0098.

10

Mexican Train Dominoes Group at the Ruskin Library at 10:15 a.m. Call (813) 273-3652 for library information.

13

– 19 Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition, the event’s history presented at Henry B. Plant Museum.

Exhibits about people, booty, events. Details at (813) 254-1891.

14

– 16 Festival of Chocolate at MOSI. Education, tastings, demonstrations. Presented by Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) All-Chocolate Tasting, Shopping and Interactive Experience. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Info online at mosi.org or at (813) 987-6000.

18

Mah Jongg Club for beginners and experienced at SouthShore Library. 6:30 p.m.

Bring your Mah Jongg set. Register in advance at (813) 273-3652.

19

Senior Fun Fest Presented

by Senior Connection at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Free music, Bingo, health screenings, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (813) 653-1988.

19

Gyspy Star: “Once in a Dream,” a band with international sound. Vocal and instrumentals. At the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa. (813) 269-1310.

21

“Larry King: Standing Up,” a one-man show. At the Straz Center, Tampa. Tickets start at $34.50. Phone: (813) 229-7827.

27

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite concert by The Florida Orchestra at the Straz Center. (727) 892-3337.

29

Sounds Of Swing— Tea Dance at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. 2 – 4 p.m. For more information, call (813) 269-1310.

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through Feb. 12 Les Miserables at the Straz Center. Tickets at (813) 229-7827.

Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

January 10 for February event.)

Lawn & Garden Classes This Month

Here are a few of the classes offered by the Hillsborough County Extension office this month: 10 “Citrus Surprises” by Monica Brandies, Seffner-Mango Library. 6:30 p.m.

10 “Veggies in the Landscape” at the Jimmie B. Keel Library. 7 p.m.

12 “Herbs” at Town & Country Library.

6:30 p.m.

24 “Hi Color/Low Maintenance Gardening” at N. Tampa Library. 6:30 p.m.

Info about classes: (813) 273-3652.

January 11–15, 2012 FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS Seniors 00 off Wednesday

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All the New Models!

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40 of Florida’s Best RV Dealers!

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There’s NOTHING like the Florida RV Supershow!

Wed. – Sat.: 9 am – 6 pm • Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm Admission; $10 for adults 2 Day Admission for the Price of One! Kids Under 16 FREE! Presented by the Florida RV Trade Association • www.frvta.org

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RAND OPERA AT ITS GRANDEST!

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hat’s love got to do with it? A soldier and a clown cope with jealousy, ego and adultery in two of opera’s most popular one-act verismo masterpieces!

Sung in Italian with English translations above the stage.

Visit operatampa.org to learn about the Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci special events before the opera too!

Jan. 27 • 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 • 2 p.m.

Carol Morsani Hall OPERA TAMPA SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR

TICKETS: 813.229.STAR (7827) • OPERATAMPA.ORG OUTSIDE TAMPA BAY: 800.955.1045 • GROUP SERVICES 813.222.1018 Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 5

From Leeza Gibbons to Caregivers:

Take Your Own Oxygen First the caregiver because we know that if we take better care of the caregiver, we will get better outcomes for the receiver. Taking your oxygen first is the really most selfless thing to do.

BY JANICE DOYLE

Leeza Gibbons

A

lzheimer’s disease doesn’t discriminate. It strikes men and women, rich and poor, famous and ordinary. I talked by phone with TV personality Leeza Gibbons, whose firsthand knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease motivated her to become an activist for family caregivers.

Her grandmother died of the disease at the same time Gibbons’ mother received her own diagnosis. Now, when she is not gracing the airwaves, Gibbons (54) spends her time heading up Leeza’s Place, a place both online and in real life working on behalf of caregivers. “It’s a place for caregivers to get educated, empowered and energized as they care for someone they love.” Gibbons said they teach caregivers to “take your oxygen first, meaning nourish yourself, keep your body strong, take a break and forgive, forgive, forgive…the first steps to caring for your loved one.”

I asked her to tell us what she had learned.

Q: What are some practical ways to do that?

LG: We advocate that

caregivers take the first five minutes and the last five minutes of every day for personal reflection, to do some deep breathing and ask “where are my reserves? How am I doing emotionally? Am I feeling angry or resentful? Am I sad? Do I feel guilty?”

Acknowledge those feelings. Realize that you need support, that you can’t do this alone. We’re not infinite resources.

People roll their eyes when we say to take even a five-minute walk every day. But it allows you to get out of your environment so you can cope with greater skill. It gives you oxygen to your brain and your heart so that you will have more physical and emotional reserves to draw from.

Q: What is a practical way to help a caregiver?

LG: If someone asks to help, a great

first response by the caregiver is to ask them to prepare some veggies or healthy snacks and put them in zip lock bags so when you want to eat, the snacks you grab are healthy ones.

Q: At Leeza’s Place, Q: What can caregivers do to you recommend “take your own oxygen first”? scrapbooking. Why? LG: Scrapbooking and memorykeepLG: Walking the path of a caregiver is extraordinarily challenging and depleting at every level—spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically.

When we advocate “take your own oxygen first,” the idea is to shift focus from the diagnosed individual to

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 6

ing give us validation. When we take the time to elevate an experience—a trip, a shared hug, a moment in time that was special—it lets us know that our life matters and that’s all any of us wants to know.

When we scrapbook, we suggest that you pull out photos that will make a loved one feel competent and in control of their lives. It can be multigenerational. An 8-year-old and 80-year-old can both cut, add to a page, tell about a moment in time.

Working together demystifies the experience for the child. Kids feel more secure if they have information, and if we make them a part of the process, their fear lessens. And journaling forces you to think about feelings.

Sometimes in caregiving, we hurt so much we run from our feelings.

Gibbons and her mother.

Q: Did you make a scrapbook with your mother?

LG: I did. I had a sense

of urgency to record her incredible life, to make sure my children knew how funny she was and how fancy she was and the way she loved to celebrate. It also allowed me to rewind to a time before me, to see her as a girl. Doing it was very healing for me.

Q: What was she like as a grandmother?

LG: My mom had been vocal and excited about having grandchildren. One time when she was visiting and my kids were very young, I remember feeling a cross between anger and resentment that my mother wasn’t really “present”

with the kids. I realize now it was the beginning stages of the disease and that she wasn’t comfortable in her own skin.

One of her big dreams was to take her grandchildren on a cross-country train trip. She never got to do that, so part of what I scrapbooked was what my mom’s hopes and dreams were about the grandchildren.

Q: Any bittersweet stories you want to share?

LG: When I was a little girl, Mom

would say, “When I die, don’t let your dad put me in high heels and pearls. I want to be buried in my pajamas.” I didn’t understand, but I carried that with me into adulthood.

We buried her in this comfortable gown and buying it was the last dutiful daughter experience that I did for her what she wanted.

Q: What about your father through all of this?

LG: My dad cared

so lovingly for my mom. He’s an example of taking his oxygen. He found buddies that supported him, and I’m so proud of him.

Resources:

Leezasplace.com Alzheimersdisease.com

What caregivers can do: Offer up Words of Wisdom for others who are struggling.

Go to Alzheimersdisease.com through Feb. 29 to enter your caregiving tips. The top ten will receive gift certificates and be published on the site.

Celebrate at the 7th Annual Senior Fun Fest!

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e can hardly wait for the 7th annual Senior Fun Fest! to be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, in the Special Events building, Thursday, January 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This FREE event features “Senior Friendly” exhibitors, information on health and wellness, senior lifestyles, travel and attractions, senior services and live entertainment throughout the day!

Circus” and Luis, The Amazing Balloon Man will be doing their best to make you laugh.

Win prizes in free bingo games throughout the day.

Get your own free caricature drawn by artist Art Pressman. Check out the all new Senior Sports Center. Take your chance on a hole-in-one and win a prize! Stop by the James Rivard Buick GMC area and check out the new 2012 cars.

Entertainment: Enjoy all your favorite music from the 50s, 60s and 70s featuring Richie Merritt of the Marcels, Ken Brady of the Casinos, William “Duece” Hulett, Best in Country Entertainment, and Russell “Elvis,” Cortese. Bring your dancing shoes for some fun.

And of course, Fritzy the “One Man

Grandkids Photo Contest There is still time to send in your photos for the “Grandkids are the Greatest” photo contest. Photos will be on display during the event and winners and prizes will be announced at 2 p.m. that day. Call (813) 653-1988 or go online for entry forms at www.seniorconnectionfl.com.

Free Health Screenings The Senior Fun Fest is a great place

to check on your health. The Healthy Vision Institute will provide a free DNA test to determine inherited risks for macular degeneration. Other free health screenings will include bone density, ear checks, blood pressure and glucose checks. These and other important screenings will be available throughout the day. The Alzheimer’s Association will also have their Memory Mobile on site for screenings and information during the day. Other screenings will be provided by St Joseph’s, Bay Care.

The Parkinson Research Foundation will provide information and seminars at scheduled times during the day.

Great Prizes and Giveaways There are lots of chances to win $1,000s in prizes and plenty of giveaways. Grand Prize: A two-night stay at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi.

We have lots of good eats: free coffee and goodies from our friends at

Costco, a “Senior Friendly” lunch for $5, and a variety of lunch specials.

Join The Senior Fun Walk The Fun Walk is Thursday morning, Jan 19. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.; warm-up and walk begin at 9:15 a.m., in front of the Special Events Building.

Call (813) 653-1988 or 1-888-6700040 for registration forms, or sign up on the day of the walk. There is a minimum donation of $3 for local charites. Walkers will enjoy free continental breakfast, a walk certificate, a sponsor “Goodie” bag and a T-shirt to the first 120 to register.

Again, this year we are asking guests to bring in a donation of a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry at ECHO. Admission is FREE. Parking is $3. for directions, call (813) 621-7821.

For more information, please call (813) 653-1988 or visit online at www.seniorconnectionfl.com.

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 7

PCHD_80325_43887_4.875x9.8125:PCHD-80325_4.875x9.8125

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When the Telegraph was Twitter, She was a Media Rock Star

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“Reading glasses for your ears” Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid.

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institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 8

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Page 1

mericans are mesmerized by superstar pin-ups, an attraction that can outlive the seductress herself. Case in point: Nearly 50 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe returned to the silver screen recently in “My Week with Marilyn,” starring Michelle Williams.

With all respect to that blonde seductress, author and historian Michael Foster says an even older femme fatale could be an even bigger box-office draw.

Alas, he notes, few know the name Adah Menken, darling of soldiers on both sides in the Civil War. The actress had more chutzpah than Monroe and showed a lot more skin than World War II’s favorite pin-up, Betty Grable, write Foster and coauthor Barbara Foster in their new biography, A Dangerous Woman.

“When the telegraph was Twitter, Adah owned the media. Her scandals made front-page headlines,” Foster says. “Long before Demi Moore posed naked on the cover of Vanity Fair, Adah was ‘“The Naked Lady.”And by the time she died at age 33, she had matched Elizabeth Taylor husband for husband—five—by the same age.”

A number of recent movies and TV episodes have been based on Adah Menken. In “Bonanza,” she was played by Ruth Roman. “Sophia Loren played her in ‘Heller in Pink Tights’ opposite Anthony Quinn,” says Foster. “In the recent movie ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ Rachel McAdams plays an athletic, seductive Irene/Adah. The Sherlock Holmes story ‘A Scandal in Bohemia,’ filmed several times for TV, features Irene Adler playing a character clearly based on Menken.”

Technology—Of Lovers and Liars T

wo stories from the world of technology caught our eye recently.

The first is heartwarming; the second shows that people will be people, no matter what.

Ed proposed to Molly on Valentine’s Day and they married in June surrounded by 25 friends and family.

Liar, Liar, Hard Drive on Fire It’s the face-to-face meeting that makes the difference. A Finding Love at new study finds that commuAges 90 and 82 nication using computers for It’s never too late to find instant messaging and email love. Just ask 90-year-old increases lying compared to Molly Holder and 82-yearface-to-face conversations, old Ed Nisbett who got and that email messages are married in June and honmost likely to contain lies. eymooned in Jamaica. The Underlying this is the connewlyweds met last Nocept of deindividualization, vember—on Match.com.

Molly joined Match.com (PRNewsFoto/Breezes Resorts where as people grow psy& Spas and Match.com) chologically and physically “on impulse” and quickly made a digital connection Match.com newlyweds, further from the person they ages 90 and 82, are in communication with, with Ed through their honeymooning at Breezes there is a higher likelihood shared interest in reading Grand Negril, Jamaica. of lying, researchers say. poetry and drinking The takeaway: The internet allows scotch. When the Tallahassee, Florida, people to feel freer, psychologically couple met in person in January, no speaking, to use deception, at least one could doubt that their chemistry when meeting new people. was instant. With no time to waste,

Students Find New Friendships, Confidence at Tennis For Fun are divided into four teams that rotate. suggested that he start his own Each focuses on a different skill, like project. He and his friends had n Judy Moore’s van, forehand volleys, forehand ground been involved with the tennis you’ll find racquets, team, so he started a free tennis strokes, backhand ground strokes and gear and hundreds of clinic for mentally handicapped serves. Volunteers throw balls and tennis balls, stacked in assist athletes as they learn new techathletes,” Moore (65) said. baskets to the roof. niques. Moore and crew keep everyNathan rallied together some “It never leaves the thing supplied and running smoothly. friends, located venues that trunk,” she says of the were willing to donate court mountain of equipment, time, collected racquets and all lovingly donated by balls and helped recruit athletes. local individuals and orHe also named the program, Judy Moore ganizations. After all, she and Tennis For Fun was born. has a huge job every Friday from 2:30 The program has been going strong for to 4: making sure all of her students 12 years. “We had fifteen athletes the are geared up, organized and prepared first year,” said Moore, “and now we for each Tennis For Fun clinic at the have over fifty.” They have four clinic loBrandon Sports and Aquatics center. cations: two in Florida and two in Maine.

Students Kristin Wilkinson and Chris McDarby, The program, which teaches special “I loved the program, and once and volunteers Janie and David Kennet. needs individuals of all ages the Nathan went to school, I had to “It’s a very social event,” she basics of the game and helps seasoned keep it going,” Moore emphasized. explained. “It’s fun, and they have players improve and encourage others, To her, it came naturally; she was a great time. A lot of the parents was originally started by her son, a retired special education teacher have becme friends as well; its a Nathan, as part of a school project. and many of the Tennis For Fun good support group for them.”

“Nathan went to Jesuit High athletes had once been her students.

A typical clinic involves stretching The Special Olympics is a big School in Tampa. They did a lot of and socializing before the students annual event for the students, who community service, and his teacher

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look forward to spending a day at Disney with family and friends and competing with other athletes. Last year, Tennis For Fun athlete Sean Anderson won the 2011 Zenay Morales Courage Award. For the students, the clinics and competitions are very positive experiences.

“I think that they take away confidence that they can do something special, a sport. They are able to go out, have fun and create new friendships. And a lot of these athletes could probably beat you at tennis!” Moore admitted.

You can help Tennis For Fun in several ways: by donating new or gently used equipment, starting teams in your own area or volunteering at a clinic—no tennis experience required.

“Most of my volunteers are over 50,” said Moore. “The neat thing for people to realize is that any one person can make a difference. It really keeps you young, active, involved.”

To learn more, visit tennisforfun. org or call (813) 417-3751.

Patty takes pride in her service to the community, celebrating more than 45 years in Brandon and Sun City Center.

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Is It Time to Pursue Your Dreams?

• Choose the back-to-school path and kick-start a dream or finish one you put on hold years ago.

BY EVELYN MACKEY

A

re you a Baby Boomer contemplating the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” You may want to remain active and engaged, make a contribution to your community or recapture dreams that you let go earlier in your life. If you’re still working, those may just be dreams—how will you turn them into reality?

Many paths can lead you to what’s next in pursuing your dreams. Here are a few ideas: • Take a radical path—become an activist for a cause. Or maybe becoming an entrepreneur or innovator fits your life better.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 10

• Take a sabbatical to work at your dream. Getting away from the work routine can help you prioritize your goals.

• The volunteering path lets you use your skills and can take you next door or around the world.

One man’s dream “Ever since I was a child, I wanted

to be a pro golfer,” said Keith Gockenbach, who retired from a career as an engineer to take his shot at joining the senior tour. “When I finally got to a point in my life when I could take my shot, I did. I learned a lot more about living life than I did about golf.”

Gockenbach’s book Inside, Outside and On The Ropes includes some life tips he found on the way to the dream:

spending two years on lessons and never becoming very good. And, I’ve certainly had more people say to me, “I admire you for chasing your dream,” than I’ve had say or even imply, “You’re crazy to try.”

• If you don’t enter, you can’t win.

It’s easy to be stopped by the daunting odds that face a pro every week, trying to get on the Champions Tour.

After shoulder surgery, I passed on entering three qualifiers where I could have qualified with a low round, as I later did at Sarasota. But when I didn’t enter, I eliminated that opportunity.

• Every stroke counts. I know from playing in the qualifiers that one shot here or there can make the difference between qualifying and going home empty-handed. Life works the same way. When you’re driving a car, focus on safe driving. When you meet someone, take the extra two seconds to learn their name. Give your full attention, even if it’s less than a minute.

Every interaction in life deserves a positive approach and relaxed focus. It’s a good habit to develop.

• The greatest regrets in life are for things you didn’t do, not the things you did and did poorly. People usually regret stopping after only a few piano lessons a lot more than

So, if there’s a dream in your head, what can you do to start making it come true? As retirement years stretch before the boomers, there are dreams waiting in the wings.

Wondering what to do this Valentine’s Day? How about joining us at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa for

Enjoy a Delicious Lunch Live Entertainment Dancing Awards Ceremony Fabulous Raffle Prizes and more…

For tickets and more information Go to: www.AgingFlorida.com or Call: 813-676-5583 Proceeds from this event will benefit the

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The West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging is accepting nominations for their annual

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Recognizing Outstanding Work by Local Senior Citizens in the areas of:

• Health & Wellness • Business & Entrepreneurship • Education & Mentoring • Community Service & Philanthropy • Arts & Entertainment We want YOU to tell us about those deserving citizens from your community.

Winners are recognized at the WCFAAA Gala and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 14th at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. If your nominee wins, you will get a free ticket to join them at the luncheon!

Nomination forms and details available at www.

AgingFlorida.com or by calling 813-676-5583.

The Florida Orchestra: New Concert Series, Recordings and More in January

BY HENRY ADAMS

T

he Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series continues with a celebration of the music of English composer Frederick Delius, who lived in Florida briefly and was inspired by African-American plantation songs. Baritone Leon Williams and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay join Stefan Sanderling and the orchestra for Delius’ Sea Drift and Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song, both of which will be recorded live in concert for release on the Naxos label. There are three performances, the first is Jan. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Mahaffey Theater, followed by an optional buffet luncheon for $25 with a discussion of the works of Delius by special guests, orchestra musicians and Russell Gant of WSMR Classical Radio. The program repeats on Jan. 7 at the Mahaffey Theater and Jan. 8 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

At the next Masterworks concert, Stefan Sanderling conducts works inspired by paintings: Respighi’s Trittico Botticelliano, Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler and

Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition as orchestrated by Ravel. Jan. 13, 14 and 15 in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater.

The next Coffee Concert features conductor Stuart Malina and Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer for Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on a program with Debussy’s Clair de lune and highlights from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastorale, among other works. Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. in Clearwater and Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. in St. Petersburg.

The next Raymond James Pops concert, “Music for Lovers,” features Broadway stars Betsy Wolfe and Mike Eldred singing torch songs and ballads

by Barry White, Cole Porter, Dolly Parton and others. Steven Reineke conducts these concerts on Jan. 20, 21 and 22 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

German pianist Markus Groh will perform Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Bartok’s Divertimento along with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite. Jan. 27 and 28 in St. Pete, and Jan. 29 in Clearwater.

For tickets, call 1-800-662-7286 or visit floridaorchestra.org.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 11

Veterans Corner

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 12

riter H. Lee Barnes lives in Las Vegas and teaches English and Creative Writing at the College of S. Nevada—a far cry from his days on the battlefield as a member of a Special Forces Author A-team in Vietnam.

H. Lee Barnes Typical of many young men in the early ‘60s, Barnes was in college and drifting along as an average student when a letter from his Draft Board made the decision of what he would be doing for the next couple of years of his life. He enlisted in the Army and became, much to his own surprise, a member of the elite Green Beret.

There are the legends of the Green Berets and their clandestine, special operations that are celebrated in story and song, and then there’s the reality of one soldier’s experiences. In When We Walked Above The Clouds: A Memoir of Vietnam by H. Lee Barnes, readers share first-hand the day-to-day loss and drudgery that more accurately conveys the daily grind and quiet desperation behind the polished-for-public-consumption accounts of military heroics.

Barnes tells what it was like to be a Green Beret; first in the Dominican Republic during the civil war of 1965, and then at A-107, Tra Bong, Vietnam, where he eventually came to serve as the advisor to a Combat Recon Platoon which consisted chiefly of Montagnard irregulars.

While Barnes sees his months of simply doing what the mission demanded as nothing to get excited over (after all, bad coffee, heat, insects, sickness, killing rats, cleaning guns and building bunkers make up the routine nature of war), he communicates how this predictability makes the

intensity of patrols and attacks all the more menacing, and his book makes for a very sobering read.

He recalls a particular routine patrol that had gone wrong and four of his own and a large number of Vietnamese and Montagnard tribesmen were killed. As he lifted a buddy’s decomposed body off the ground, both a hatred for the enemy and the stupidity of the war emerged and he began his own patrols.

He learned to do what few other Americans in his outfit could— climb the treacherous mountains and survive the unforgiving conditions as well as a native. Learning to trust the jungle and all its dangers, he felt more alive than he had before or ever has since.

Barnes’s story is one of loss—of morale lost to alcoholism, teammates lost to friendly fire, of missions that were aborted and those that were endlessly and futilely repeated. As the story advances, so does the attrition— teammates get transferred, innocence is cast off and confidence in leadership dwindles. But against this dark background, Barnes manages to honor these men who nonetheless carried the day.

Nearly fifty years later, Barnes writes that “Vietnam is the only thing in my life that isn’t fiction,” and his book stands as a tribute to the contribution the men of this elite group made, both the routine and the brave.

Vet H. Lee Barnes today is a hiker and biker who loves to tour the highways of the southwest and occasionally rambles down its inviting back roads...just curious to see what’s around the next corner.

For more information on this award-winning author, please visit: hleebarnes.net.

It’s Time to Start Back to School

“I am still learning.”—Michelangelo

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earn all about it! OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) class registration is now open for classes beginning in January. OLLI-USF “attracts those who share Michelangelo’s unquenchable thirst” says the catalog.

Learn about OLLI at the Open House January 12 at Centro Asturiano, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will be the featured speaker.

The OLLI program, which is designed for adults age 50+, offers area residents over 200 liberal arts and computer training courses each year as well as special interest groups, trips and other benefits. Membership is $30 per year with additional fees for some classes.

Classes meet in eleven locations including Carrollwood Cultural Center, Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, Tampa Port Authority as well as on the USF campus.

It’s hard to believe the variety of classes available: from geopolitics to opera, from basic computing to learning Facebook or building your own website. How about taking part in an afternoon of table games? Maybe learn Italian? If you’ve ever wondered about Tampa’s place in the world of espionage, a class is available.

For information about OLLI-USF, please call (813) 974-8037.

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Danny Guarino with a little weight—a past month. Look for them in #2 or #4 hook will do the trick. Rememthe deeper grass flats. Try fishing ber the old saying, “If you feel the bite, trout with one of the many soft it’s too late to set the hook.” Sheephead plastic artificial baits that are available. have a very light bite, so be ready.

Trout season opens January 1st.

Redfish can be found near the many —Capt. Danny Guarino; D.R. oyster bars that fill the back country of Guarino Charters; (813) 956-2010; Tampa Bay or in the deeper swash areas Email shpoint@aol.com or visit that wind through the outer sand bars fishingguidetampabay.com. that line the Southsore area. Try using Call now to sign up for the Southa pin fish under a bobber or one of the Shore Professional Fishing Tournament, many artificial types of bait available at May 10 – 11, 2012. The tournament, the local tackle shops. I usually slow my hosted by The Resort and Club at Little retrieve down when fishing the colder Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin, benmonths of the year. If you can take the efits the Out of School Time programs, cooler water, try wade fishing. This is the mentoring programs of the Southa very good technique for this time of Shore Rotary Foundation and YMCA’s year. You can access areas with low Camp Cristina. southshoreprofish.com. water and fish the deeper pot holes.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 13

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 14

Rabbits As Pets: Helpful Advice

BY ROCHELLE CAMPBELL, D.V.M. is controlled by thorough cleaning at least weekly. Cage furniture includes a thought it would be fun to hide house, a hay rack, a water bottle talk about a species other than and bowls for pellets and fresh greens. dogs and cats, so this month’s Rabbits can also be litter trained, and column is about rabbits. special rabbit litter boxes are available Rabbits can make great pets for those for this purpose. Do not use cat litter in a with only a small living space. They rabbit litter box; pelleted paper bedding can live in a cage that is about three or cage bedding is more appropriate. feet long by two feet wide (the bigger I have seen rabbits live for eight to the better), but enjoy time outside fourteen years, depending on the size the cage to explore if supervised. of the rabbit. The larger breeds tend to live longer. They also come in a variety of colors and coat textures. They have a tremendous amount of personality, Although mesh flooring can be used, and I have known many that are quite it can be very irritating and lead to sore “dog like” in their inquisitive behavior hocks. Lining a solid cage floor with and desire for their owners attention. newspaper and layering a recycled A rabbit’s regular diet should consist of paper bedding like “Carefresh” over timothy hay, as well as timothy haythe top makes for a soft bed that is based pellets. Fresh water is also a must. easier to keep clean. Pine and cedar Rabbits also enjoy fresh greens as part of shavings are extremely irritating to their diet. Pellets containing grains, yothe respiratory system and should not gurt drops and excessive amounts of fruit be used. However, aspen bedding is are not recommended as they lead to obenot aromatic and is safe for use. Odor sity, and can predispose toward diarrhea.

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A pet rabbit should have an annual exam by a veterinarian, but will need its nails trimmed every few months. A properly fed pet in a clean environment will be less likely to need veterinary care, but rabbits can still develop health problems. Respiratory, intestinal, dental and skin issues are the most common health concerns that I see at our animal hospital. If you are concerned that your pet is sick, you should seek veterinary care immediately, as a small pet like a rabbit is less likely to “bounce back” after a prolonged illness.

Rabbits are certainly not a low maintenance pet due to their special dietary needs, but they pack a tremendous amount of personality in a tiny package. The fact that they can comfortably live in a relatively small amount of space can make them an ideal pet for those with space constraints, or those who aren’t allowed to keep dogs in their apartments.

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The Healthy Geezer

you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or . I’m considering having a running, may be discouraged. hip replaced. What are the There can be complications from odds that this operation will work? joint-replacement surgery. These include infection, blood clots, loosA: The American Academy of Orening of the prosthesis, dislocation thopaedic Surgeons says joint reof the joint, excessive wear, prosplacement surgery is successful in thetic breakage and nerve injury. more than 9 out of 10 people. And There are remedies for all of these replacement of a hip or knee lasts complications, but sometimes the at least 20 years in about 80 percent correction will take more surgery. of those who have the surgery.

Surgeons are refining techniques In the procedure, an arthritic or and developing new ones, such as damaged joint is removed and reminimal-incision surgery. There is placed with an artificial joint called a surgical alternative to total hip a “prosthesis.” Artificial joints are replacement. It’s called hip resurmedical devices that must be cleared facing. The primary difference in or approved by the FDA before they hip resurfacing is that the surgeon can be marketed in the United States. doesn’t remove the ball at the top The goal of surgery is to relieve the of the thigh bone. Instead, the dampain in the joint caused by the damaged ball is reshaped, and then a age done to cartilage, the tissue that metal cap is anchored over it. serves as a protective cushion and Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replaceallows smooth, low-friction movement, preserves enough bone to permit ment of the joint. Total joint replacea total replacement if it is necessary ment is considered if other treatlater. Resurfacing is not recomment options will not bring relief.

In an arthritic knee, the damaged ends mended for patients with osteoporosis, of the bones and cartilage are replaced a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some with metal and plastic surfaces that are shaped to restore knee function. In healthcare experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resuran arthritic hip, the damaged ball and facing, if you are older than 65. socket of this joint are replaced by a If you would like to read more metal ball and plastic socket. Several columns, you can order a copy of metals are used, including stainless steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights titanium. The plastic material is durable and wear-resistant polyethylene. Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti.

The two most common joints requiring this form of surgery are the knee and hip, which are weight-bearing. But replacements can also be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and fingers.

After total hip or knee replacement you will often stand and begin walking the day after surgery. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches or a cane.

Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing, but it will end in a few weeks or months.

Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery,

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 16

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 17

Home Care or Nursing Home?

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hen it comes time for an aging loved one to ask for help in doing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning or bathing, many families are unsure as to how much care they actually need. There are many elder care options out there, but two of your main goals may be ensuring that your loved one will be safe and happy.

Seniors who need help running their homes—from cooking and cleaning to bathing and transportation—may

New Year – New Beginnings Caregivers assist you and your family with: • Personal Care • Homemaking • Medication Reminders • Home Cooked Meals • Bathing and Dressing • Transportation • Safety Monitoring • Companionship No minimum number of service hours

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12/15/11 10:31 PM

benefit from a home health aide. These workers are able to manage all domestic needs, making it possible for an aging loved one to remain in their home.

Although the thought of hiring a home health aide may seem expensive, home care options cost a fraction of a nursing home or assisted living facility. Check all of your options, but consider having your loved one age in place.

Arcadia Home Care & Staffing has been providing quality care since 1978. You will be treated like you are our only client—we provide custom service plans to meet the needs of each client. Call us today and receive a FREE care assessment: (813) 651-1300.

M

Services to Help You Stay at Home

any older adults prefer to stay at home as they age. It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older. But is this the right choice for you or your loved on? Sometimes small changes are needed to make it possible to age in place—the term for being able to stay in your own home safely and comfortably.

What can help me stay at home?

You may be used to handling everything for yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse or relying on family members for help. But as circumstances change, it’s good to be aware of all the home care services available that might be of help. What you may need depends on how much support you have, your general health and your financial situation. Think about these factors: Household maintenance Keeping a household running

smoothly takes a lot of work, including laundry, shopping, gardening, housekeeping and handyman services.

Then there are bills as well as financial and healthcare management.

Transportation Transportation is a key issue for older adults. Investigating transportation options can help you keep your independence and maintain your social network.

Home modifications If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications may include grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs or even installing new, more convenient bathrooms.

Personal and health care This can sometimes be done by trained professionals who come to your home for a fee.

From helpguide.org.

Hawthorne Village Retirement Community Hawthorne Estates Independent Living Apartments Discover the Estates...and simplify your lifestyle.

The Estates is an intimate, elegant community for those 55 or better. We offer our tenants freedom, comfort, convenience and best of all, affordability.

At the Estates, our tenants enjoy an array of wonderful services, from our delicious meals served twice daily, to our housekeeping and linen services. We help lighten burdensome chores.

Imagine the convenience of no utility bills, taxes or ongoing home repairs. More importantly, all you pay is an affordable monthly rent.

For your safety, each elegant apartment is equipped with an emergency call system, smoke alarms, a complete sprinkler system, and a daily check-in system. Your spacious bathroom also includes many special safety features.

At the Estates you will meet old friends and make new ones. We encourage participation in our recreational, social, and educational events to give our tenants the opportunity to enrich their lives, while respecting their desire for privacy.

As the Estates Manager, I welcome you to come in for a tour of our lovely building. A variety of apartment styles are available on rental basis with no endowment fees. Let us help you simplify your lifestyle! We look forward to showing you all that we have to offer you here at Hawthorne Village.

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Timeless Advice about Worry W orrying is one behavior shared by just about everybody. Yet we all know that worrying never got a project done or solved a personal problem.

Here is timeless, practical advice on handling worry in a high-pressure world.

b. Prepare yourself to accept the worst possible consequence, whatever it is, and then resolve to find a way to live with the results.

a. Analyze the situation and figure out the worst case scenario.

This information is from the website dalecarnegie.com.

Use this 3-step formula for solving worry situations:

c. Concentrate on how you can improve the worst case situation you’ve already accepted mentally.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 19

Drink Green Tea to Prevent Disease

BY DR. NORMAN

M

y research suggests that drinking green tea can bring a 75 percent reduction in the risk of basal-cell carcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma.

How does green tea get its sunblock qualities? The answer lies in the powerful antioxidants, namely epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that acts as a sort of self-destruct button for wouldbe skin-cancer cells, causing them to die off before they can turn malignant.

Health Tip Green tea is reportedly the most powerful antioxidant known to man.

Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (water is the first) and has been used medicinally for centuries in China and Japan.

A number of beneficial health effects are attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered extracts of green tea. Green tea comes from the leaves of the white-flowered tea plant, Camellia sinensis, a bush native to Asia. These tea leaves are

less processed than black tea and contain rich sources of antioxidants which protect the body’s cells from damage and fight diseases. The antioxidants, which are the beneficial particles in green tea, have been linked to cancer prevention, decreased risk of stroke and heart diseases, and lowered blood cholesterol. Catechin, a tannin derivative found in tea, is the main component that provides benefits in green tea and is present in higher amounts than in grape juice and red wine, which are also believed to reduce the rate of heart disease.

Bottom Line You should drink six to eight full glasses of water a day. Green tea can be substituted for two of the glasses or can be drank in addition. Green tea is great for cancer prevention (including skin cancer), decreased risk of stroke, heart diseases and lowered blood cholesterol .

Dr. Rob Norman is a board-certified dermatologist. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-488-7336.

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ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET

$6.49

Valid Monday-Friday from open-4pm

with beverage purchase

Offer Expires 02/12/12. Not valid with any other offer or coupon or if copied, transferred or where prohibited. Dine-in only (no sharing). Valid at participating location only. Present coupon when ordering. Valid up to 2 people. Not valid on holidays.

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Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 20

2 FOR

$8.99 $11.49

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Valid Fri & Sat from 4pm-close & Sunday from 11am

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Offer Expires 02/12/12. Not valid with any other offer or coupon or if copied, transferred or where prohibited.

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Farewell to Your Home Insurance Discounts ��Bidding �For ��Mature ����Drivers ���

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some old photos of your home which include favorite memories from your years living here. You will have this book to look through if you become homesick during the adjustment phase in your new home or just as a fun way to remember your current home and your good memories.

3. Consider those who will benefit from the home you are passing on.

It may be hard when you’re leaving a long-time residence to consider the value of what you are passing on to the new owner, but this passing on is often the wonderful result of this process. I went back and visited the home where I grew up and saw how much the young family who bought my parents’ house was enjoying it.

BY SUE RONNENKAMP They have done some wonderful remodeling, and the house and f you’re preparing for your own downsizing, or if you’re right-sizing yard look fully lived in again.

If you live in a neighborhood where for a new stage of life, think about many of the older houses are being how you might say goodbye and bring torn down or totally remodeled, it closure your current home.

Taketo leaving Your Class Online! may be harder to think of letting You may not feel that this is a high yourafear that your • Study yourofleisure, 24else hoursgoabecause day, 7ofdays week. priority in theatmidst everything current home will disappear once you• must do related move, materials but Simply read to theyour course online and then answer you sell it.

Remember that you had it is important.

Bringing some level a few quiz questions. the wonderful gift of living in the of closure with your current home, homeclasses you created manytoyears.

• There is no need to attend boring or for listen and allowing yourself time to grieve Once you decide to pass your home longarelectures. this loss, essential parts of the on to new owners, please accept transition Treat endings with we • Afterprocess. completion, of course will a state-certifi ed that theyissue do have a right to a totally as much importance as beginnings and certificate for you to turn intodifferent your insurance company to picture of what they want use this opportunity to say goodbye. their own dream home to be. receive your discount for a three year period.

1. Make plans for bringing closure 4. Realize that you can create a new with your current home. One way is Take Your Mature Driver Course TheFully Internet! home for On yourself. realize that by recalling your favorite memories you can create a new home for yourof this home—room-by-room, alone License If you have a Florida Driver’s and are 55 years of self anywhere you live. What you are or with family or friends. Tears may age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor leaving is just a house.

Youvehicle are taking come with this process, but that’s your true home with you and cana creaccident prevention course that will allow you to receive okay —leaving a place you have ate it againrate wherever you areyears. living. mandatory reduction on your insurance for three called “home” can be very emotional.

Remember: Home is where you Maybe plan a party, especially fitting are,Highway home is what you create, home Department of Safety if this is the house Florida where you raised is not the physical structure. your family. Ask each&person prepare Approved Motorto Vehicle Course to share a favorite memory of your Sue Ronnenkamp is a retirement home. Make sure everyone leaves with living and transition expert. Her work your new address and phone number so focuses on planning ahead, embracing they can stay in touch after your move. change, moving forward, and living every season of life to the fullest.

2. Create a memory book for your For more information, visit Sue’s home, maybe with one of your website at AgeFullLiving.com. children or grandchildren. Include (SENIOR WIRE) current pictures of your home and

Have a�� Florida’s Driver’s License � � � � �� � � ���or�older?

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Save your energy

and focus on the important things in life.

Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

When you participate in our free Home Energy Audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

You’ll also learn about our other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more.

Visit tampaelectric.com/save to schedule your free Home Energy Audit today or call 813-275-3909.

Stop at our table on January 19 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Bring this ad and receive a free energysaving kit, made available through our Neighborhood Weatherization program.

To Register go to:

www.seniordriverclass.com

or call 1-800-771-2255

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 21

New Books

Hey Seniors...

SIGN UP TODAY!

Fiction

One mile “FUN” Walk around Florida State Fairgrounds Walkers Receive: T-Shirt, Continental Breakfast, Sponsor “Goodie” Bag & PRIZES to the Winners!

Premiere Sponsor

Jan. 19, 2012

Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Hwy. 301 N. • Tampa, FL 33610 Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. • $3 Parking Warm Up by Silver Sneakers Walk starts at 9:15 a.m., $3 minimum donation for local charities.

Please make checks payable to: News Connection USA, Inc. er Join us Aft . .. the Walk

FREE!

Jan. 19, 2012 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Florida State Fairgrounds Join the Fun! SEND This Walk Form Today!

Fill out this form and mail it with your $3 donation to:

News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, FL 33583-0638 YES! I would like to join the Senior Fun Walk Jan. 19, 2012!

MAIL DEADLINE Jan. 8 or Register at the Florida State Fairgrounds 8:30 a.m., Jan. 19, 2012 Walk starts at 9:15 a.m.

Age

Name Address City

Zip

E-mail Address Signature Sponsored by...

Date

In consideration of our acceptance of this entry, I for myself, my heirs, devises, executors, administrators and assign hereby waive, release, discharge any and all claims against Florida State Fairgrounds or News Connection USA, Inc., or anyone sponsoring or conducting this event or their employees, representatives or successors for any and all damages or injuries I may suffer. I hereby, grant permission for the free use of my name and pictures in any broadcast or account of this event.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 22

FAIR

Into the Wilderness by Deborah Lee Luskin is a love story set in Vermont in 1964. It tells the story of Rose Mayer, a sixtyfour-year-old Jewish widow from New York, who buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits a son in Vermont, in a town where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats nor other Jews. There, she meets Percy Mendell, a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat and never left the state. When they meet, sparks fly.

Pursuing Happiness…

One More Time is a witty novel about life and love in an adult community

by Mary Lou Peters Schram.

This fun book doesn’t guarantee a fulfillment of all the women’s dreams, but it’s a fun read.

Let the Rain Fall by Rachel Norby takes on the question of “Does true love exist?”

Is it possible to convince someone spited by love to give it a second chance?

These are some of the questions that Katherine, now age 75, addresses as she tells her story to the three eccentric sisters at New Horizons Assisted Living.

Nonfiction

“In sickness and in health” sometimes means years with Alzheimer’s.

In My Life with Rita, The Love of My Life James Booksh takes readers into his 58-year marriage, from post-WWII days to his wife’s eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Bookish said, “I wrote the book in memory of and to praise Rita, in thanks for a wonderful 58 years,” he says. “We lived as one, even when she had Alzheimer’s.”

Leonard Szymczak’s book, The Roadmap Home, blends the author’s thirty-five years as a therapist with his own personal life challenges. From a violent childhood filled with abuse to following a quest to find “home”—and his journey showed him that “home” is within us—he shows others how to get there.

Another “roadmap” book is The Roadmap to 100 by Walter M. Bortz, M.D. (who ran the Boston Marathon last year at age 80). The right lifestyle choices allow anyone, he claims, to take control of their own health as they age and live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

If you’re concerned about the quality of the food you eat, read The Safe Food Handbook, How to Make Smart Choices About Risky Food.

It gives a balanced and comprehensive look at which food risks we should worry about, which old precautions are now outdated and how consumers can proactively protect themselves.

Finding PEace on I-95–Road Trip Must-Sees

BY STAN AND SANDRA PHILLIPS

W

hen the Martin Luther King Memorial opened recently on the Mall in DC, we started thinking about the other amazing statues you can see right off the exits of I-95. You can turn your next trip into a treasure hunt to find these carved jewels.

Travel DC – King of Peace

DC Exit 19B: 27 years in the making, a National Memorial to Martin Luther King opened to the public on the 48th anniversary of his “I have a dream” speech. The Mall in Washington, D.C., always a sacred place for monuments dedicated to expresidents, now honors King for his accomplishments as well.

The sculpture shows King emerging from rough stone with his brow furrowed, arms crossed and looking out over the horizon. Long granite walls flanking the sides feature 14 of King’s most famous quotes.

The Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin wanted to show him deep in thought and named it the Stone of Hope.

The words were borrowed from his speech, “From a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

King proves that one person can truly change a nation. mlkmemorial.org.

DE – Lady of Peace

DE Rte. 9 Exit: You can’t miss Our Lady Queen of Peace, high on a hill with her arms outstretched in front of Holy Spirit Church, with the sun bouncing off the 33’ high stainless steel statue.

Father Sweeney started the project with the power of prayer. A committee used “Rosary Checks” to record the number of rosaries that an individual prayed for the building of a statue. The goal was for 500,000. Not only did the number of rosaries prayed exceed this, but unsolicited donations came in before any formal fund raising began.

This sculpture by Charles C. Parks is sometimes referred to as “Our Lady of the Highways,” since it sits majestically on the approach to the the Delaware Memorial Bridge. ourlady-de.org.

MD – Disturbing his Peace MD Exit 2A: In the newest city along I-95, National Harbor, see if you can find the giant who appears to be emerging from the sand, struggling to free himself.

It’s called “The Awakening,” and kids use him as a playground.

Created in 1980 by J. Seward Johnson Jr., the sculpture is actually five separate aluminum pieces buried in the sand. The left hand and right foot barely protrude, while the bent left leg and knee jut into the air. The 17-foot high right arm and hand reach farther out of the earth. The bearded face seems to be yelling as he struggles to emerge from the earth. nationalharbor.com.

NC – End of War – Beginning of Peace

NC Exit 150A: Directly off this exit, at the entrance to the Quantico Marine Base, you can see a re-creation of the famous WWII Iwo Jima Statue created by Felix de Weldon.

It is majestically lit up at night.

In a 35 day fight for Iwo Jima, an island that was crucial for U.S. bombing raids on Japan’s main islands, 6,821 marines were killed. On February 23, 1945 U.S. Marines from the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raised the U.S. flag atop Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi.

After being cast in Brooklyn, NY, the original statue actually was driven down I-95, headed to Arlington National Cemetery, where you can still see it.

NC – Keeping the Peace

NC Exit 52B: “The original Iron Mike is a statue that represents all paratroopers in the U.S. Army,” said Paul Galloway of the Airborne and Special Ops Museum foundation. It’s a 15-foot statue depicting the airborne trooper who is always watching, waiting and alert. It has been Fort Bragg’s most prominent symbol since 1961, but was replaced there six

years ago with a bronze replica. Now everyone can see the original standing outside the Airborne and Special Ops Museum in Fayetteville, NC. The statue was the creation of the wife of a former deputy post chaplain.

Mike’s stance reflects an airborne soldier who has completed a combat jump. PFC Michael A. Scambellure, an 82nd Airborne Division soldier who received the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Sicily, originally inspired the statue. Notice his jaw set with determination, the grenade at the ready, the trench knife at the boots and the Thompson 45. asomf.org.

ME – Piece of Chocolate

ME Exit 42: If you’ve come north to see a moose, you will not be disappointed if you stop here. Lenny the chocolate moose is made of 1,700 lbs. of milk chocolate. He was unveiled on July 1, 1997 after having been sculpted on-site in about four weeks.

The shop was opened in 1926 by Len Libby, a master candymaker who was retired but bored. In 1949, Len Libby sold his business to Fernand Hemond, who had apprenticeed here while still in college.

Since you can’t eat Lenny, you will have to choose amongst treats like raspberry cream, coconut roll, peanut butter log, molasses chip, chocolate pretzel and more. If that wasn’t enough, they have 18 kinds of truffles and sugar-free options too. 419 U.S. Route 1. lenlibby.com.

For an exit-by-exit guide on lodging, food, gas, fun facts, attractions and more, read “Drive I-95 5th Edition” or visit drivei95.com.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 23

National Park Service Passes Available by Mail

L

ifetime passes to America’s national parks for senior citizens and Americans with disabilities are now available through the mail or at national parks.

Many parks have trails, campsites and picnic areas that are accessible to people with limited mobility and to wheelchair users. The Senior ($10) and Access (free and available regard-

Let’s do lunch.

Reptiles, mammals & birds, oh my!

941.355.5305 | SarasotaJungleGardens.com | 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234

less of age for those with permanent disabilities) passes provide admission to federal recreation sites that charge entrance or amenity fees. Both passes require a $10 processing fee to receive by the mail. Download and print applications at nps.gov.passes, complete along with proper documentation and applicable document processing fees.

Gaming Trip to Memphis Area H ere’s your chance to spend some time in Tunica, Mississippi, the Casino Capital of the South, as well as see Memphis, home of the Blues. The April 22—28 trip departs from Brandon and promises to be a first-rate time to enjoy the flowers and trees of spring as well as some great gaming opportunities.

Cost of the trip (per person, double occupancy) is $459, which includes six nights lodging (four of them at the Tunica Casino Resort) and 10 meals. Send $75 upon signing up for the trip. full payment is due by Feb. 15. Information: Marilyn Martin at (813) 654-9562.

Anywhere Tours of Florida, Inc. For groups of 10 or more, call for pick up location: Around Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, South County, Tampa, Plant City, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Pinellas County, Sun City, pick up at parking lot north of Library on North Pebble Beach, and Kings Point.

Jan. 3, 9, 23 and 30, Feb. 2, 8, 15, 21, and 27, 2012 Hard Rock Tampa – pick up 8:45 a.m., returns 3:30 p.m. Pay $15.00, * get $15.00 free play and a $5.00 meal voucher.

Evening pick up is at 3:45 p.m., returns 10:30 p.m.* Pay $15.00, get $20.00 free play and a $5.00 meal voucher.

Jan. 4 and 18, Feb. 17, 2012 Seminole Casino Immokalee – pay $25.00 and get $30.00 in Free play and a $5.00 meal voucher. Bus boards 8 a.m. and returns 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 and 17, Feb. 13 pay $25.00 Tour of Tampa – boards 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. See places in Tampa that you may never have seen, learn about Tampa and Ybor City, have lunch in Ybor City on your own at a great Cuban restaurant, stop at a Cuban bakery and see and learn about the Tampa Hotel, built in 1891

by Henry Plant. Trips must have a minimum of 30 passengers.

Ask About Our Day Trips Dinner cruises, dinner shows, casino cruises, ball games, arts and craft shows, parades, port and airport service.

Anywhere Tours of Florida, Inc. For reservations or information – call Christina at 813-620-3332 or our website – www.tampabus.com ****All prices subject to change****

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 24

2012 Florida State Fair—So Much to See and Do!

T

he theme for the 2012 Florida State Fair, held Feb. 9 – 20, is “The Best Time of the Year!” With returning favorites and exciting new attractions, there’s sure to be something for everybody.

New Thrills New at the 2012 Fair! Thrill seekers, get ready to ride the Zip-line! This exhilarating ride will have you zipping across one of the fairgrounds’ lakes.

You can also catch heart-pounding action at the Xtreme Sports Show!

(Dates and times online.)

Feel the need for “mow” speed?

Lawnmower races presented by the USLMRA will be providing some serious fun on Feb. 18 and 19 in the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Fair Favorites Visit the Arts and Crafts Showcase in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for unique items and crafty ideas, or shop till you drop in the Expo Hall and get a foot massage before you leave. Don’t forget to stop

by Alessi’s Bakery for their famous Strawberry Shortcake and more!

At Cracker Country, take a stroll back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Florida’s history.

Sit a spell and enjoy the Bluegrass music, dozens of performances, demonstrations, crafts and other activities.

Entertainment The Florida State Fair is host to several free daily shows and special attractions, as well as live performances on the International Stage. Highlights include: Blues Brothers, Dennis Lee Show, Spanish Lyric Theater, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Kachunga the Alligator Show, Circus Hollywood, Racing Pigs, Yesterdaze Show, Cheer

and Dance Competitions, Chris MacArthur and the Florida Cracker Boys and the Elvis Extravaganza.

Save the Date Feb. 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16: Five After Five. Come to the Fair after 5 p.m. and admission is only $5.

Feb. 14 – 16: Senior Days. Admission for ages 55+ is only $6 for advance tickets (purchased through Feb. 8) or $8 for tickets purchased at the gate.

Feb. 15: Country Gold Tour—Leroy Van Dyke, Lynn Anderson, Gene Watson, Janie Frickie, and T.G. Sheppard perform from noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $10 (does not include fair admission).

Feb. 20: National Salute to Veterans Day. Free admission for everyone after 4 p.m.

To purchase Fair admission tickets and ride armbands, or for more information about showtimes and attractions, visit FloridaStateFair.com or call 1-800-345-FAIR (3247). Shows are subject to change or cancellation.

$2 OFF for

seniors

Come meet “Winter” the dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap, now swims freely.

Senior $2offAdmission

(55+)

Good forGood up to Not Not valid with other for6uppeople. to 6 people. valid with otheroffers. offers.

Expires December 31, 2011.

XSCA Expires January 31, 2012.Code Code XSCA

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage • Clearwater, FL 33767

(727) 441-1790

www.SeeWinter.com

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 25

Take the Grandkids—A Day Trip Just for Fun

BY AMY WITHEROW

W

e stopped recently in Sebring and spent several hours in the incredibly wonderful Children’s Museum of the Highlands with Brandon, 4, and Caitlin, 7. Linda Crowder, Museum Director, has spent over 20 years creating exhibits that children will love.

There are more than 20 areas of play, and kids can spend hours just enjoying themselves. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to play as well—as I did with some of the more popular exhibits. They include a grocery store, a diner, a model train, a race car, an airplane, a fire truck, a postal truck, a fire tower, a construction area, a television station, a hospital, a theater stage and a bank area (complete with safe deposit boxes).

Each area is well-maintained and the quality of the exhibits speaks highly to the ingenuity of Crowder, who is the museum’s only full-time employee, serving as everything from director to maintenance person.

Brandon tries on wigs in the theater.

Crowder says, “The museum is ideal for children ages 2 – 12, especially 4 – 9 year olds, but even middle schoolers enjoy visiting. Older kids like the optical illusions, which involve more reading than the other exhibits.”

Younger siblings can enjoy a toddlerfriendly play area in the middle of the

playgrounds within a 10-minute walk of each other and offers a tram tour, which might be better for older kids since it requires remaining seated for 75 minutes. The tram travels into remote areas of the park where visitors might see alligators, turtles, wading birds and more. Or, you can take a walk on the elevated boardwalk over the Caitlin flies the cypress swamp. kid-sized airplane.

A day trip to Sebring is well worth the drive. The Our family went to Dee’s, which grandkids (and their grandparents) was right across the street. Dee’s is are sure to have a great time! family-friendly down-home cooking.

The museum is located at If you choose not to return to the 219 N. Ridgewood Dr., Sebring. museum after lunch, consider spendOpen Tuesday through Saturday. ing a couple of hours in the afternoon Call (863) 385-KIDS (5437) or visit at the nearby Highlands Hammock State Park. The park has three separate childrensmuseumhighlands.com.

museum, surrounded by padded walls that can double as benches for adults.

There are several local lunch options, and the attendant at the front desk will be happy to stamp your hand if you plan on returning after your meal.

Please enclose this form with your entry. (make sure to sign the bottom) Mail to: News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583-0638

Presents...

Grandparent Name Address City

State

ZIP

Phone Nothing Captures the love of a grandparent for a grandchild more than a great photo!

Could Your Grandchild’s Photo be a Winner?

Selected photos will be published in upcoming issues of Senior Connection magazine. Photos will be on display at the Senior Fun Fest, January 19, 2012 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Hwy. 301 N.,Tampa, FL 33610 Call 1-888-670-0040 for more information.

X1st Place Winner $75 X 2nd Place Winner $50 X 3rd Place $25 X Grand Prize Winner 2 Tickets to Busch Gardens

RULES: Photos should be: no larger than 8 1/2 X 11”printed on photo paper Maximum 5 entries per person. NO professional photos.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 26

Photo Title Email Sender’s Age(s)

Subject’s Age(s)

Subject’s Name Photo release signature

Entries must be received by Jan. 12, 2012 to be entered in the Photo Contest. (Send your photos in early so we can share them with our readers). Photos will be returned within 45 days after contest ends, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (large enough to fit your photo) and name and address on the back of the photo.

FAIR

Ever Wonder...

W

hy does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?

Why can’t women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery?”

Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do ‘“practice?”

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

Finesses Are Easy

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

O

f course they are! You just lead towards the AQ or KJ or some such holding, and, when fate is kind, an extra trick materializes. But, if they can, experienced players will avoid the whims of fate, as in this deal.

West leads the Q♥, and Declarer can see a certain loser in Hearts and another in Diamonds. So, if 4♠ is to make, then Declarer must avoid losing two Clubs. Any ideas?

One way to play Clubs (after drawing trumps) is to finesse the Ten, hoping that West has the King and the Queen.

That’s somewhat unlikely (around 25 percent). Another possibility is to finesse the Eight, and later finesse the Ten, hoping that West has K9 or Q9. That’s a 37 percent chance. Or, Declarer might run the Jack, giving himself the extra chance that West might neglect to cover with his honor.

Which finesse will you choose?

The correct answer is that you don’t care for any of these finesses, you much prefer the 100 percent method!

Draw trumps, cash the red suit winners and exit with a Heart (or a Diamond). The defenders can take their Heart and Diamond tricks but now their goose is cooked. If they lead another red card then Declarer pitches a Club loser from one hand and ruffs in the other hand (the so-called “ruff and sluff”). And if they break open Clubs then Declarer will lose only one trick in the suit.

Yes, finesses are easy, especially when you can avoid taking them!

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail marketing@acbl.org.

To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle they use for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 27

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 28

Learn The Risk And How To Guard Against Medicare Fraud O ver $60 billion dollars of our nation’s healthcare spending is lost to Medicare fraud. Local Florida Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteers and staff travel throughout Hillsborough County educating seniors on how to protect themselves.

Volunteers teach seniors to never give out their personal Medicare number and information to anyone outside of their medical provider. For example, if anyone asks you for your number in exchange for “free” services or gifts, that is considered fraud.

More importantly, seniors should read their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits

(EOB) to make sure they aren’t being charged for services not rendered and double billing.

SMP recruits and trains senior volunteers to educate beneficiaries and caregivers on how to PROTECT their information, how to DETECT fraud and, once detected, how and where to REPORT it.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself against fraud, visit the SMP booth at the upcoming Senior Fun Fest on the Florida State Fairgrounds January 19, 2012.

Also, please call 1-866-357-6677 if you suspect fraud; want to volunteer or to set up a presentation on Medicare fraud at your facility or organization.

Word Search Answers From

December 2011

Marion McClain is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

&

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

Word Search Jan. 2012

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?

Join the Senior Medicare Patrol. Help stop Medicare fraud in its tracks.

VOLUNTEER! Our volunteers educate consumers to protect themselves against fraudulent, wasteful and abusive health care practices.

PROTECT! DETECT! REPORT! We educate seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries on how to protect their health information, detect fraud by reading their Medicare Summary Notice, and report health care fraud by calling 1-866-357-6677.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST MEDICARE FRAUD? WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED? Billions of Federal Dollars Are Lost Annually Due to Health Care Fraud, Error and Abuse!

Call 1.866.357.6677 visit our website, www.agingcarefl.org/Medicare/SMP VOLUNTEER! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to:

Funded in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on January 21 will win.

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Jan. 21, 2012.)

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 29

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Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone.

Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups.

If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind.

This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the …”surf” the internet Get current weather & news.

world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new operating system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it…and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help.

Until now the very people who could benefit most from Email, and the Internet are the

ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and a patient, knowledgeable product expert will tell you how you can try it in your home for 30 days.

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WOW… A Computer Designed For YOU, Not Your Grandchildren!

Hey Seniors!

16th

Join us on

February 23, 2012

FREE

Doors open inside 9 am – 1 pm PARKING ONLY $2 DAY OF THE EVENT

Presented by:

zes & i r P t a e Gr ment n i a t r e t En

back by popular . demand

Free Admission to MOSI exhibit galleries

INFORMATION • EDUCATION • ENTERTAINMENT

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Registration February 23, 2012 for Back Woods Walk

Method of Payment: MASTERCARD VISA AMEX Card# Signature Make Checks Payable to: MOSI Foundation, Inc.

Exp. Date

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Walk begins at 8 am and will meet at Main Entance at MOSI

Senior Back Woods Walk 4801 E. Fowler Ave. • Tampa, FL 33617

Phone (

)

Address City/State/Zip Affiliation or Club

FREE BINGO

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa Call (813) 653-1988 for more information.

Early registration from needs to be mailed in by Feb.10th, 2012 or register at 7:30 am on Feb. 23. $8 non-members FREE for Senior MOSI members (member # ) 813-987-6000 for MOSI Membership Day of Walk $12 non-members $8 for Senior MOSI members (member# )

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In Consideration of your acceptance of this entry. I for myself, my heirs, devises, executor, administratora and assigns do hereby hold harmless MOSI Foundation, Inc. or their employees, representatives or successors, for any and all damages or injuries I may incur. I hereby grant permission for the free use of my name and picture in broadcast or account of this event.

FREE COFFE E

16th

You Don’t Have to Walk to Enjoy FREE Event Inside Feb. 23, 2012

Starts outside the MOSI Main Entrance at 8 am.

Walk Registration Includes: • Packet Pick-up: 7:30 am • Back Woods Walk T-shirt • Continental breakfast • One IMAX® film voucher for use on event day or in the future* *Vouchers not valid for special engagement films

813-987-6000 presented by Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 31

Final Arrangements Made Easy With Eternal Cremation

BY JANICE DOYLE

Direct Cremation Service $945 Complete Includes urn and death certificate.

Plan-ahead arrangements available Purchase your pre-need plans online Today Mark Grande, President (727) 785-0973 (24 hrs) 29399 US Hwy. 19 N., Suite 270 Clearwater, FL 33761 www.EternalCremations.com Member of Better Living for Seniors and Guardian Association of Pinellas

The Best Compliment I Can Receive is Your Referral

Leave a Legacy to Your Loved Ones

BY JON LYNN

I

ndexed Universal Life Insurance can be used to create a lasting legacy for younger generations. Using the S & P 500 index, as well as other Index options for the investments, the indexing strategy participates in upward stock market gains while protecting against economic losses in an economic downturn. Gains are calculated on an annual basis, added to the current cash value and contractually protected against future losses.

In down market years, no monies are lost and the index is reset on the anniversary date to the Index value; as the market recovers and the index increases, the resulting gains are then added on the next anniversary date.

Cash value grows untaxed by capital gains income tax. The money may be borrowed for future financial needs over a lifetime and, if properly structured, may avoid taxes totally.

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 32

Parents and grandparents can protect the assets from being squandered by making the child or grandchild the insured but retaining themselves as the owner of the policy and providing a spouse or parent as a contingent or joint owner. The owner can then control when the policy passes to the insured’s control and, as the owner, they still control the assets. Ultimately, when the child or grandchild has matured and obtains full ownership, they can enjoy the financial security for themselves and their family members.

Contact the author at (813) 774-1862 or e-mail clynnlutz@aol.com.

Any advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs, and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Always read relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before deciding to acquire or hold a product.

T

here’s never a good time to need his services, but Mark Grande is ready to help you make end-of-life arrangements as easy as possible.

Grande owns Eternal Cremation Services in Clearwater. His is not a full-service funeral home; rather he specializes in direct cremation.

His standard fee of $945 covers the cost of transporting the deceased from the place you pass away to the crematory, the actual cremation, getting the county and state paperwork signed, procuring the death certificate and an urn. He can typically get all paperwork and the cremains back to the family in five to seven days.

Similar services by traditional funeral homes can run as high as $3000 in the local area.

With so many Pinellas County residents having families out of state, he finds that his services are welcome by those who live elsewhere when a loved one dies here. All paperwork can be done by fax and he can send (by registered mail) the cremains to the family for memorial services at a later date. Of course he can also assist in making local arrangements for services.

Only 30 percent of deaths in Pinellas County use traditional burial of remains with funeral service.

Cremations now account for 70 percent of Pinellas County deaths (overall in Florida the number is 62 percent choosing cremation).

Grande often speaks before senior groups about making and signing pre-planning and pre-need arrangements. “People think they have things taken care of because they have given someone power of attorney,” Grande says. In fact, “. . . that power of attorney goes away when you pass away.”

If you think your kids will take care of your final arrangements, you

may be fooling yourself as well.

“If there are four kids, there may be that many ideas about what to do. Then nobody wants to touch it until they agree because you have to get all the children to sign.”

The answer, according to Grande, is to pre-plan and sign what you want done.

Pre-need arrangement doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying. You can sign a pre-need arrangement and your estate pays the bill at the time of your death or you can lock in a price by pre-paying.

Why are people afraid to talk about all of this? Only about 1 in 25 seniors, Grande estimates from his experience, have a written pre-need plan in place even though they may have a will and/or trust. His licensing allows him to do pre-need contracts and Medicaid contracts which require an “irrevocable trust” for qualification purposes. He will also let you make payments with no interest.

“People just don’t want to think about their own mortality. They’ll talk about their friends’ mortality, their family’s, but not their own,” he says. If you don’t like to talk about your own mortality, Grande will gently lead you in that discussion or he’ll talk with your children.

If you’d like to know more, call Mark Grande. He says, “Our clients come to us as strangers and leave as family.”

Call Mark Grande at (727) 785-0973 or see EternalCremations.com.

Boomers Find Redemption Through Expungement

BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorney

www.flwillstrustsprobate.com

B

aby boomers hoping to downsize are sometimes shocked to find that they have been denied an apartment lease because of that unfortunate drug possession arrest from their college partying days forty years earlier. Or perhaps they are denied that part-time cashier’s job, desperately needed to supplement meager retirement savings, because of that long-forgotten shoplifting charge incurred as a teenager. A criminal record can even result in higher auto insurance premiums and higher interest payments on consumer loans, often without the person even knowing they are being singled out to pay more.

The Law And You Despite the fact that one’s criminal record may be very old and even if the charges were dropped or a formal adjudication of guilt withheld, the

criminal charge remains a public record for one’s lifetime. In part due to the present economy, landlords, employers, insurance companies, credit card companies and banks, to name a few, are ferreting out and scrutinizing unflattering public information now more than ever.

But there may be hope for those whose criminal history is now causing problems. Florida law permits an individual who meets certain statutory criteria to petition the court to have his or her criminal record expunged.

Expungement means that the criminal record is physically destroyed. Sometimes, an individual may not qualify for an expungement but may still qualify to have his or her criminal record “sealed.” Sealing means the criminal record remains physically intact, but it is sealed from public view. With very specific exceptions, an individual who has successfully had his criminal record expunged or sealed is entitled to legally deny that the criminal charges ever existed.

EXPUNGE YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD y

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If you are experiencing repercussions or are just embarrassed because of a single mistake made many years ago, it makes sense to discuss your particular situation with an attorney knowledgeable in this area of the law. If you do qualify to have your criminal record expunged or sealed, your attendance at the court hearing is usually not required.

Mr. Mumbauer, a fifth generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. He takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving.

He 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 Services Network.

He 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 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.

Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

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• Free, no obligation consultation.

• Single will $150 • Husband and wife wills $200 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.

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Leave a Legacy For Your Loved Ones Contact Jon Lynn at 813-774-1862 or clynnlutz@aol.com Learn the advantages of a Bonus Index Annuity !

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Learn how these options can benefit you and your family.

$ Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 33

“Tip of the Tongue” Forgetting

R

emember in November when Rick Perry failed to retrieve the name of one of the federal agencies he would abolish if elected president—namely the Department of Energy? That was most likely an example of a very common phenomenon called “Tip of the Tongue” or TOT, says a University at Buffalo psycholinguist.

“TOT occurs when we know the meaning of the word or words we want to retrieve but are unable to access their sounds,” says Gail Mauner, Ph.D., Departments of Psychology and Linguistics.

She says that often, when we are in a TOT state, we have partial access to the form aspects of a word or phrase—that is, we might be able to say what the first letter is or how many syllables it has but are not able to retrieve the entire word.

These events are typically not a measure of intelligence, nor are they evidence of a lack of knowledge, she says. She noted that Rick Perry, as a governor of Texas, is likely to be quite knowledgeable about the Department of Energy.

TOT states are more common for words that are infrequent (like “protractor”) and for proper names. She says such incidents increase as we get older.

When a word is not produced very frequently, Mauner says the connections between its meaning and its sounds may be weak. (Newswise) Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 34

Pinellas Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Japanese Garden Mobile Estates 19709 U.S. Highway 19 North Clearwater, FL 33764-1006 Senior Talent Show: February 11, 2012 - 2:00 p.m.

Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Drive • Largo, FL 33779 SENIOR IDOL SHOW – APRIL 4, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.

Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759

Hillsborough Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to noon Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce 1651 Sun City Center Plaza • Sun City, FL 33573 January 25 - 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m Brandon Community Center 502 East Sadie Street • Brandon, FL 33510 Senior Talent Show February 18, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.

Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578

Participants must be at least 55 years young. Only solo & duet acts, no groups please. Please bring your own instruments and your own tape/cd or accompanist to the audition. A piano will be available. Audition on first-come first-serve basis. No Entry Fee to audition.

Ten Acts will be chosen from the auditions to perform at the show!

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring Hillsborough: 813-436-2296 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 35

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4080 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN White, Christian female, never smoke, wine with my dinner (a glass). Honest, healthy, music, exercises, travel, etc. Please send a recent photo.

4087 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN White, single female, 71 years young, NS, ISO someone for companionship, eating out, movies and sports.

4089 HONEST, KIND, PRETTY, FUN young 75 WWF looking for kind, intelligent, healthy, gentleman open to love and true togetherness, friendship and more. Good music, conversation, reading, going out, all pleasantries.

4091 ATTRACTIVE DBF, 71, 5’5” full figure, healthy, BS degree, good values and morals, NS, SD, sincere. Enjoys God-given pleasures of life. Seeks same qualities in tall SBM, 70-plus for friendship. Will exchange photographs.

4093 CHRISTIAN WWBF, 63, ATTRACTIVE, honest, sincere, who loves the Lord. ISO a true Christian

black gentleman who believes in the same. Love good home cooking, sports, fishing. A good SOH. 55 – 72. FF, write. Tampa.

4095 POLITE COUNTRY GAL, not vulgar, 62, has no criminal background, ISO snowbird male for friendship. Phone or pen pal ok.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4081 EAST INDIAN MALE, 64 YEARS, professional, seeking a soulmate. White female, petite, attractive, into the spiritual nature. Photo. St. Petersburg.

4082 SEEKS BLACK FEMALE DWM, 58, 5’9”, 190 lbs., sense of humor, great personality, NS, SD. Enjoys beaches, basketball, dining, travel, casino and more. Seeking BF, any age. Please send photo and phone. Pinellas County.

4084 LETS TEE IT UP 76 YO WM, HWP, WW, financially secure, SD, NS, NDRG, ISO lady golfing partner.

Ability not important; enthusiasm is. Also interested in dining, walks,

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):

swimming, movies and more, including possible LTR. Hillsborough.

4086 W, WW, 71 YRS, 5’7”, 160 lbs., smoker, likes dining out, walks, flea market, etc. Seeks lady 60 – 75 yrs. for LTR. Tarpon Springs.

4090 ISO PHYSICALLY FIT CHRISTIAN LADY, willing to relocate to my new home on SE side of Plant City, FL. I’m retired and tired of being alone. Plant City.

4094 SEEKING A LOVING LADY, 70+ YY, enjoys movies, dining out, travel, dancing and more. I’m W, M, WW, 5’8”, 175 lbs., NS, SD, Zephyrhills.

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOHSense 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.

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 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584 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 News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. 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.

Last Month’s Answers

Dec. Sudoku

Pauline Pare is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Jan. Sudoku

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: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 36

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 Jan. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY JAN. 21, 2012

Last Month’s Answers

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Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 37

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 38

American Legion Hall

BINGO Post 26

Plant City, FL Baker & Woodrow Wilson

Every Sat. night 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Public Welcome

(813) 752-8608

OZZIE’S BUFFET BAR & GRILL “Great American Home Cooking”

Open for:

Lunch ~ Dinner LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET Breakfast ~American • Caribbean NOW SERVING Italian • Oriental Welcome Back Friends! Crab Legs & Whole Evening Entertainment!

6pm – 9pm, Wednesday & Thursday

Lobster Specials

Best Fried Chicken in town Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Lobster or Crab Dinner

with 2 sides. Buffet not included.

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m

Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available

3074 E. COLLEGE AVE.

Ruskin, FL off 674

PH. (813) 641-1300

Healthy Choices Available SENIOR DISCOUNT Located at Sun Port Plaza

Unique Vacation Hotel for Cats Only!

15501 Boyette Rd. Riverview

F

eb. 3 “Ben Franklin: Bigger Than the Legend.” Dr. Rich Davis, as Ben Franklin, will entertain and enlighten with history, stories and fun as he discusses Franklin’s life and achievements. 4 – 5:15 p.m. at SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin. Register in advance at (813) 273-3652.

Admission is free!

1851 Rickenbacker Drive Sun City Center, FL

(813) 634-9900 or 1 (877) 346-5600

Senior Expo

THE ORIGINAL

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

Free Program at SouthShore Library

• Pre-Planning Available • Cremation • Local Burial • Out-of-State Burial/Transfer • Anatomical Donation • Grief Counseling/Grief Support • Spacious Chapel and Family Rooms • Children’s Play Room • Conveniently Located in Sun City Center • Hearing Impaired Service Available • Golf Cart and Wheelchair Accessible • Sponsor of Toys for Tots Program • Member of Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce • We Accept all Insurance Funded Pre-Arrangement

CAR AND PASSENGER TRANSPORT TO AND FROM FLORIDA, WEEKLY, FROM LAKELAND, MELBOURNE AND DAYTONA TO WILKES-BARRE, PA, FISHKILL, NY AND WESTBOROUGH, MA.

Let us do the driving for you Just sit back and RELAX

S

ave the date! The City of Temple Terrace Leisure Services Department will be hosting its 23rd Annual Senior Expo on Friday, March 16, 2012, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Expo will be held at the Family Recreation Complex located at

6610 Whiteway Drive in Temple Terrace. The goal of this event is to offer information about the many senior services provided by local agencies. For more information, please call (813) 506-6630 or (813) 506-6635.

Comfortable, Safe and Professional Please Call for a Free Detailed Brochure

Call 800-233-8342 ext. 3

We Seniors!

Monday – Friday • 10 am – 5 pm or visit www.auto-bus.com

Family Owned & Operated since 1974

(Please mention this ad when you call for information)

u 212

Senior Connection • January 2012 • page 39

SrConnectionsAd_31301 1111:File&Use11272011

11/22/11

11:13 AM

Page 1

Eligible for Medicare? *

Look what

Blue

has for you.

Monthly Plan premiums on BlueMedicare Regional PPO and HMO** plans!

• Prescription Drug, Dental, Hearing and Vision coverage included • Large Statewide Network of participating doctors, hospitals and pharmacies • Exclusive member discount programs and online coupons for popular products

We’ll help you find a Medicare Regional PPO, HMO, Supplement or Rx plan that’s right for you

Call toll-free 1-800-876-2227, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

TTY users dial 1-800-955-8771.

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Visit us at a Florida Blue center. floridablue.com

Contact your local agent.

*You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B Premium unless paid by Medicaid or another third party. ** In select counties.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Health Options, Inc. (HOI) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and Medicare approved Part D sponsor. These contracts are renewed annually and availability beyond the end of the current contract year is not guaranteed. Exclusions and limitations may apply.

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Y0011_31301 1111 File & Use 11272011 BMRPPO, BMHMO, BMPDP