Senior Connection Hillsborugh March 2011 edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Aging In Place VOLUME 22, NUMBER 3

HILLSBOROUGH

: a t om e t si .c

a srm . ww Vi s

Presidential Libraries

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• Barry Peterson’s Life As A Caregiver • Tools Made for Walking • The American Voice of Nazi Germany • Art Therapy For Dementia Patients

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MARCH 2011

Rushing to Save Time… For What? BY JANICE DOYLE Dear Readers, “Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” —Will Rogers

Janice Doyle, Editor

ush, rush, rush . . . I’m so busy. I’m rushing to save time, and for what? What do I do with the time I saved by hurrying all through the yesterdays of past years? In a recent airport baggage claim area, I was witness to a typical 2011 “slice of life” scene. The carousel had spit out the bags which had come in on our flight when … oh, no… a big-ego, 70ish man with a New Jersey accent began blustering. He paced and tried to find someone among the departing passengers who cared. But, alas, we were all headed out the door, rushing to our own destinations—thankful that our bags were in hand. Twisting, looking about for someone to blame, he bellowed, “They can’t even get a bag on the right plane!” Wait a minute, Buddy! You flew from Newark to Tampa in just over three hours and your bag won’t come in until tomorrow morning—at which time it will be delivered to your door. Well, you just show ‘em, I say! Next time you drive that distance and keep your bag with you every single minute. See if you can do it without making any mistakes at all. No wrong exits, no choice of a bad

restaurant, no tired body from long days in the car! Try it, Buddy! See, in his hurry to rush about, he forgot to factor in being happy and thankful for the time and weariness he’d saved by flying. I read this last week: “One of the great illusions of our day is that hurrying will buy us more time, without considering what we will do with that extra time.” Why does everything have to be fast? If I say “my computer is really slow today,” I usually mean it’s taking 30 seconds to open a website which will instantly gratify me with the information I have requested. Hospitals are even trying to hurry up emergency room service to make the public happy. You see, we really are in a hurry, even when we’re sick. It’s true, we don’t want to wait on what is often routine medical care which millions on the planet will never ever have available no matter how far they would walk and how long they would be willing to wait. So now we see the billboards advertising “26 minutes wait time at XYZ Hospital Emergency Room.” The numbers are digitally controlled and can change with the supposedly changing time required. So, at some point, one guesses, the time might actually be—could it be real?—10 minutes, or—two hours, etc. A Detroit hospital guarantees treatment in their announced number of minutes or the treatment is free! The sales gimmick worked and business rose 30 percent in the ER (although someone commented that no statistics are available for the mortality rate).

Editor Waves From Air Force One!

ast month my husband David and I visited the Reagan Presidential Library in California which is also home to the Air Force One plane used by seven presidents from 1973 to 2001—Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. Be sure to read inside this issue about the 13 presidential libraries and how each is uniquely tied to the president it represents. Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 2

Fortunately I’ve not had occasion to challenge the digital numbers, but I wonder how accurate the signs are. And how fast do we really want some things to go, like if I’m the patient that day? Unfortunately, we want even God to be an American and act in a hurry on our behalf, regardless of whether we’ve been hurrying about on His behalf lately or not. When trouble comes, we plead and implore and beg Him to take care of our situation instantly so that we won’t have any difficulties today. We’re in a hurry, don’t you see, God? It’s really not new to be busy. Even Jesus’ disciples felt rushed when they were with Him. Mark writes in his Gospel: “For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” As the world grows smaller with technological and transportation advances, we more and more want to have everything done yesterday. It all comes at a price, doesn’t it? We say of our children and grandchildren, “Their lives are so busy.” Friends and neighbors get neglected because we are “so busy.” I’m trying to make myself slow down both physically and mentally, to allow time for quiet pursuits of the soul and mind. Robert Louis Stevenson said it this way: “To sit still and contemplate . . . is this not to know both wisdom and virtue and to dwell with happiness?” Be well and relax in the Florida sunshine.

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Publisher, President: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle 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 Floyd: (727) 678-0315 Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550 Frank Zaccaro: (813) 388-3200 Sun City Center Judy Coleman: (813) 653-1988 Distribution 1-888-670-0040 Corporate Advertising Ofﬁce: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

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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 April 2011 issue is March 15, 2011. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

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His Bookmobile Ministry: Caring by Sharing

BY JANICE DOYLE

He also had to learn how libraries work from people o matter what like Marilyn our interest Lewis who overis—cooking, sports, sees the church religion, etc.—we library at Idlewild seem to collect books Baptist Church in on a subject. Then, north Tampa. And, all too soon, we say, he admits, “A “What can I do with Jack Ryan and his Bookmobile. lot I learned from all these books?” Jack mistakes. It’s been a labor of love.” Ryan of Tampa has one answer. If Perhaps the greatest learning curve your books fit his needs and you was what form his actual ministry donate them to his ministry, he would take. He first thought he’d take will find homes for your books. a bookmobile to churches that didn’t In the four years since God have libraries where people could planted in Ryan the idea of providing check out Christian reference material a bookmobile for his community and and fiction. “We found that churches a friend gave him the cash to buy a weren’t interested, so instead it’s used bookmobile, Ryan has faced become an outreach to the community.” challenges very different from those in He tried taking books to the homehis management job with Famous-Tate. less. “We learned that they travel First there had to be a bookmobile. light and really don’t want to have He bought one on eBay—$3,600 for books. Now we take cash donations a used 1986 Barth RV-convertedand buy small Bibles to hand out.” to-bookmobile in Ohio.

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(must have min of 30 people) pay 22.00 per person - get 30.00 free play & 5.00 meal voucher pick up 8:00 am - returns 5:30 pm.

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Most books go to churches that are updating or building a library. First Baptist Church in downtown Tampa, Ryan says, is experiencing great membership growth, and they are expanding their library to match that growth. A church in Thonotasassa is building a library to meet accreditation standards for its Christian school, so books which fit that niche go to the school. Since the bookmobile with 2,000 books on board only gets about 6 mpg, Ryan is limited in the distance he travels with it from home base with South Tampa Fellowship Church, his sponsoring group. On designated Saturdays, he goes to Britton Plaza for people to come and check out books. Fifty percent of books checked out are fiction. The bookmobile, Ryan says, “has a GPS system—a God Positioning System. We’re looking for places where the lord says we need to be.” To contact Jack Ryan, please call (813) 924-8553.

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One Saturday a month, Ryan and his two-year-old grandson “Guba” go to the homeless in downtown Tampa. As New Beginnings ministry serves a meal, Ryan and Guba hand out pocket Bibles (NIV Translation). Ryan says, “When we first went to the homeless, I would approach them and they’d look at me and growl and say, ‘I’m just here for the food.’ And I understand that. One time I took Guba with me and after he watched me a while, I turned around and he had a handful of little Bibles and walked up to an old guy and said, ‘Want a Bible, Mister?’ And the guy took it.’ He gets a response I can’t get many times.” Ryan’s ministry reaches church libraries. He accepts donated books (nothing copyrighted before 2000 except classics, C.S. Lewis books, etc.). Then he finds homes for the books. Because of his Baptist beliefs, Ryan said he checks books against sources such as Moody Bible Institute and Lifeway Christian Bookstores. “If they carry it, I keep it.”

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Tampa or Immokalee see above for details. Call for details, all prices subject to change.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G M A R C H 2 0 1 1

“My Big Fat Italian Wedding” murder mystery dinner show by MurderS She Wrote at Spaghetti Warehouse in Ybor City. $29.95/ person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: (813) 248-1720 or e-mail Tampa@meatballs.com.

Picnic in the Park; on the lawn at Plant Museum. Barber shop quartets, gospel choir; models in Victorian clothing; Victorian games; cruise aboard Captain Cliff’s Fun Boat. Blue Bell Creameries free ice cream. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Info at plantmuseum.com. (813) 254-1891.

Brandon Christian Women’s Connection luncheon. 11 a.m. Bell Shoals Baptist Church Special Events Center. $12.For more information, call (813) 740-0098.

SkyWatch Telescope Viewing of planets, stars and galaxies. Sundown at MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry, Fowler, Tampa. Visit mosi.org or call (813) 987-6000.

FunFest 2011 in Sun City Center at SCC Community Association Central Campus, N. Pebble Beach Blvd. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flute concert by Eugenia Zuckerman; St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sun City Center. Call (813) 634-1252.

“Women of Ybor – 125 Years of Influence” Museum Exhibit Opening Reception by Ybor City Museum Society. 6 – 9 p.m. 1818 Ninth Ave., Tampa. Music, light appetizers, cash bar. $10 tickets/advance; $12.50/ door. Info at (813) 247-1434.

26 26

“The Future of NASA” talk at South Shore Library, 1 p.m. Information at (813) 273-3652. “Paws for Patriots” benefit ride and rally by Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 11 and area veterans clubs to purchase $5K training sessions for dogs and new masters. Rally 1 p.m. at Quaker Steak and Lube,

Pinellas Park. Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. in Brandon, AmVets 44, Brandon, to ride to Pinellas Park. For information: Paws4Patriots@RollingThunder FL11.com. (813) 508-2078.

– 27 Arts in the Park at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Live music, food, fun. Free. (813) 269-1310.

– 27 Green Fest Plant Festival educational nature experience about the care and cultivation of indigenous plants and flowers. Plant Park (on the campus of University of Tampa). (813) 253-3333.

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

WEEKENDS • Now through April 17 • Weekends & Friday, March 11th 10 AM – 6 PM • RAIN OR SHINE! FREE PARKING! • 800-779-4910

Visit us at: www.BayAreaRennaissanceFest.com

Lawn and Garden Classes

he Hillsborough Extension Service offers many lawn and garden classes each month. Here is a sampling of classes in March that are free and open to the public and which require no pre-registration:

The Tampa Bay

9 To Prune or Not to Prune? 7 p.m. SouthShore Library. .

10 Veggies in the Landscape. 6:30 p.m. Town ‘n Country Library. 14 Managing the Organic Garden. 6:30 p.m. Lutz Library. 15 Managing the Organic Garden. 6:30 p.m. Temple Terrace Library.

15 Modern Roses in Florida. 6:30 p.m. Riverview Library.

16 Shade Gardening 10:30 a.m. Charles Fendig Library. 28 Secrets & Shortcuts of Master Gardeners. 6:30 p.m. Seminole Heights Library.

request the pleasure of your company at the

Second Annual Senior Prom for Senior Citizens Wednesday, April 6 Two-Thousand and Eleven at 1:10p.m. Los Angeles Angels vs. Tampa Bay Rays Press Level Ticket $19 ($35 Value) Enjoy live entertainment throughout the ballpark, an opportunity for a Senior Prom photograph, and your chance to dance across centerfield at the conclusion of the game. For Groups of 10 or more or for additional information contact Group Sales at 727-825-3406 or by email at groupsales@raysbaseball.com

For information about any of the classes, call the Extension Office at (813) 744-5519. SeniorPromSmall.indd 1

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 2/15/11 4:31 PM5

Senior Fun Fest Comes to the Coliseum! STEFAN SANDERLING, MUSIC DIRECTOR

C OFFEE CONCERTS

A Musical Tour: Vienna, Austria

Principal Clarinet Brian Moorhead performs Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto on a program with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and J. Strauss, Jr’s Tales from the Vienna Woods. Concertgoers are invited to enjoy a pre-concert conversation and complimentary coffee and donuts one hour before the concert.

Wed, Apr 6, 10 am Ruth Eckerd Hall

Presented by: Herman Forbes Charitable Trust

Sponsored by:

Dr. Robert Wharton

For more information: call 727.892.3337 or visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org For group savings (10 or more) : 727.362.5443 Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 6 TFO-Senior Connection-Mar.indd 1

he Senior Fun Fest! is coming to the St. Petersburg Colisuem, located at 535 Fourth Avenue North, St Petersburg. That’s on March 23, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event features “Senior Friendly” exhibitors with information on senior services, lifestyles, health and wellness, travel and more. A Senior Friendly lunch of a hot dog, chips and soda will be available for $5, along with other menu items. Free coffee and goodies will be offered throughout the day.

2/9/2011 12:11:09 PM

Entertainment Enjoy live performances on stage throughout the day. Celebrate the ‘60s with Richie Merritt of The Marcels, William “Duece” Hulett—the “Best in Country Entertaining” as well as Denise Looney, “The DJ with a Twist!” Don’t miss Bill Castner, “King of Dance,” plus dance exhibitions by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. And of course, Fritzy the “One Man Circus” will be there, and much more! Games and Prizes Activities of the day include free

Bingo games and the all-new Senior Friendly Sports Area. Try your sports skills to win prizes, sponsored by “Boost.” Thousands of dollars in prizes will be given away throughout the day, including two round-trip tickets aboard the Key West Express—high speed full transportation service sailing non-stop from Ft. Myers Beach to Key West. Plus, win tickets to Busch Gardens and the Florida Orchestra. The Grand Prize drawing at the end of the day will be a two-night stay at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, including round trip airline tickets compliments of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. “Grandkids are the Greatest” Again, this year we present the “Grandkids are the Greatest” Photo Contest. The photos will be on display during the “Fun Fest.” Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. that day. More Fun Since Easter is late this year we decided to have our Easter Egg Hunt early. Official Senior Connection Easter Eggs will be hidden in the Colisuem throughout the day. Find one and win a prize! Admission and parking are free. For more info, call (813) 653-1988 or 1-888-670-0040 or go to www. SrMagazine.com. See you there!

Richard Thomas: Time Bandit

But then things get a little haywire when Richard meets another newcomer to the paper—Dick, who seems to know a whole lot about Richard’s life, and how he became the person who ran away, rather than confront, his troubles. Dick reveals he’s actually Richard, 30 years older, and he’s here to help him become the man he should be. With Dick offering advice, Richard learns to face a number of challenges—including re-acquainting himself with his former high-school sweetheart Jackie, who is now engaged. Richard is assigned a story that could change the course of Richard’s career … and the fate of his quaint, small town. So wait—amidst the romance and metaphysics and rewriting of history, is “Time After Time” also hiding a warning message about big box stores? “Of course!” laughs Thomas. “This ﬁlm has a social message about valuing the smaller in our society.” Thomas, son of ballet dancers, took to the stage as a child and, in spite of having partial hearing loss (he uses hearing aids now), earned accolades for his work on stage and screen, including live-on-TV appearances in several Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, beginning with 1958’s “The Christmas Tree.”

egrets? Everyone has a few, unless perhaps you’re Frank Sinatra. For the rest of us, time marches on whether we make the right decisions or not—and it’s hard to not look back on the past and wish we’d been able to guide our younger selves. But in the March 19 Hallmark Channel Original Movie “Time After Time,” Richard Thomas gets to play a man with a rare opportunity—the ability to tweak his past by getting to know his brasher, if more fearful, 30-year-old self. Thomas, onetime John-Boy on “The Waltons,” says it’s not about the sci-ﬁ, but about people and relationships. “It’s about how moments are precious and you shouldn’t squander them,” says Thomas, who turns 60 in June. “The present is all we have. It’s an admonition about how you make your choices in the present.” If the present is all we have, then it’s a good thing Thomas’s character Dick Kern shows up when he does in “Time After Time.” The 30-year old Richard is an ambitious journalist based in Tulsa who ﬂees his job and the state when a story goes wrong. He ends up back on Long Island, Richard Thomas’ character meets a New York, working for younger version of himself in Hallmark the small town paper Channel’s new movie, “Time after Time.” where he got his start.

He landed his most notable role in “The Waltons” in 1971, and then left in 1977, returning to the “John-Boy” part several times over the years for various movie specials. For years it was the way in which most people recognized him, though over the decades that’s tapered off—in part to his New York residency, which affords him a certain amount of anonymity. But it took a while before he could shake off being “John-Boy” to everyone. “When you first leave a show you know you’ll have to do some heavy lifting to balance the scales,” he says. “You can’t expect everyone to be on your schedule, just because you left the show and want to play other parts. But it’s astonishing—people still come up to me in England and France and recognize me. I’m glad that’s the TV series I’m known for.” Over the decades, Thomas built a career of playing to the “John-Boy” expectations—and against them, with a career that includes everything from appearances on “Law & Order” (2009) to feature films like “Wonder Boys” (2000) and adaptations of Stephen King works like “It” (1990). He says making “Time After Time” was a unique experience. “I’ve made over 50 TV films over the years—but we shot this film in 15 days. That’s a new land speed record in my life,” he says. “At first I wasn’t sure if they were sending it to me to play the younger guy or the older guy,” he chuckles. Clearly, he was destined for the elder part of Dick, and specifically asked if he could let it all hang out to play the part—that is, just be himself. “I thought, I want to be a little heavy and look my age and not have anything airbrushed out and see how it is.”

As a father of seven—with ages ranging from 34 to 14—Thomas is grateful that ﬁlms like the ones Hallmark makes still exist, which is why he likes returning to the fold. “Hallmark is one of the few places left where I can do a ﬁlm that appeals to the kind of family viewership that loved ‘The Waltons.’ A lot of those people have a hard time with what’s on television right now. It’s family entertainment, and family entertainment is not just children’s programming; it’s a show the whole family can watch together, and when it’s done they can have a discussion. That doesn’t mean it can’t have edges—it just has to be aware of its audience. This picture is that kind of picture,” he says.

“The Waltons,” 1971.

But would he want to time-travel back and give advice to his younger self? Thomas feels like he already does, every time he talks to his kids. “I have a wife I adore, and a 14-year old kid I never thought I’d have, and if I’d done things slightly differently, maybe I wouldn’t have that now,” he says. “But people ask themselves this question all the time. One always does things that one isn’t so proud of, treating a person a certain way, or saying something wrong. But it’s a teaching device. If you can admit to yourself there are things you would change—what does that teach you?” “Time After Time” premieres March 19 (9 p.m. ET/PT, 8C). (Crown Features Syndicate™) Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 7

Aging in Place – My Place or Yours?

BY ALISA SINGER

e raised our kids with the help of baby monitors and nanny cams and now, in our role as the “meat” of the sandwich generation, we boomers are discovering that technology can also help us keep tabs on our aging parents. The developments in “aging-in-place technology” further the goal of allowing our parents to safely stay in their own homes and out of nursing homes. The devices and sensors already available allow us to see who’s ringing their door bell or calling their phone, whether they’ve taken their medication, gotten out of bed in the night, their heart rate and even how much time they’ve spent in the bathroom.

Some systems include one or two way video cameras, allowing us to watch our parents going about their daily routine. But beware—the tables will soon be turned. Before we know it our kids will become the salami of the sandwich generation, and it will be information about our most intimate habits and bodily functions that will be sent via e-mail alerts or text messages to their iPhones. Then our kids may amuse themselves viewing videos of mom wandering aimlessly from room to room or dad trying to remember where he put his glasses. This scenario raises many fears in my mind. If I’m too boring to watch for very long, will my caregivers start channel surfing? Will my voyeuristic offspring sit glued to the screen watching some uninhibited octogenarian love making? The thought is too depressing.

Do you qualify for a special Medicare election period?

(Not the voyeuristic part so much, but the thought that we might still have to deal with sex in our eighties.) What do they expect to see from these recordings? Will they be waiting for the big event—the catastrophe that justifies the investment in the system: “Look Jenna! Mom’s fallen and can’t get up. Now aren’t you glad we spent all that money on video cameras?” I know our kids won’t wish us ill, but discoveries like that are really the point of the whole thing. And lest anyone become too complacent, it’s worth remembering that the technology is only as good as the people monitoring it. How will my ADHD daughter be able to monitor the text messages regarding the regularity of my bowel movements if she keeps losing her cell phone? Even more frightening is the “medcottage”—or “granny-pod”—to be in the backyards of adult children who don’t want their parents actually living

inside their houses but also don’t want to send them to nursing homes. Imagine a hybrid between a hotel room and a doghouse, wired with stateof-the-art surveillance equipment. I have an image of each of us staring mournfully out of the windows of our Little Houses on the Prairie, our respective noses pressed against the glass as we watch our families in the “Big House” sitting around a table in a brightly lit room, enjoying a comfortable meal, laughing and, perhaps, singing. And then a tornado comes along and, like Dorothy’s house in Kansas, our lightweight trailer-park-for-one is swept up into the funnel cloud and carried off. Unaware, the family in the big house keeps on singing. Well, here’s my thought: If that’s how I’m going to be “aging-in-place,” then I’d like to be allowed to age in some other place—preferably one where the backyard has a nice pool.

You may also qualify under certain other circumstances. Call Humana to find out more! We offer a variety of Medicare health plans, including prescription drug plans and all-in-one Medicare Advantage plans. And our licensed representatives have the knowledge and experience to help you choose the Humana plan that suits you best. Call us today:

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PLANT CITY Buddy Freddy’s 1101 Goldfinch Dr. March 15th •10:00 am

BRANDON Golden Corral 815 Providence Rd. March 15th • 2:00 pm

LUTZ Weck’s Amer. Grill 18450 US Hwy 41 N March 16th • 10:30 am

TAMPA Red Lobster 11601 N. Dale Mabry March 22nd • 10:00 am

TAMPA TGI Friday’s 2501 E. Fowler Ave. March 23rd • 11:00 am

RUSKIN Ozzie’s Buffet 3074 College Ave March 23rd • 11:00 am

TAMPA Beef O’Brady’s 9331 Adamo Dr. East March 29th • 2:00 pm

TAMPA Perkins (Spanish) 5602 W. Waters March 30 • 2:00 pm

1-866-836-5082 (TTY: 711) 8:00am to 1:00am EST – Monday - Friday

A health plan and a stand alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-866-836-5082 (TTY: 711) 8:00am to 1:00am EST – Monday - Friday. This is an advertisement. +HEDIS* Measures (11/2010). HEDIS ® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Applicable to Humana Gold Plus H5426 (HMO) and H1036 (HMO) in Florida. Y0040_GHHH18LHHD File & Use 02092011

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Senior Connection • March2/15/11 201111:56:15 • page AM9

Presidential Libraries:

✯ Getting to Know You, Mr. President ✯ Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Missouri

BY JANICE DOYLE

“R

egardless of what I thought of President Johnson, now I feel like I know what he was all about,” my husband said as we left the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. Adding the presidential libraries to your travel plans adds history, nostalgia, culture and understanding to your life.

in Miniature” and “Baseball and the Presidency,” for example. Besides the libraries, presidents have other buildings, such as family homes which are interesting to visit, but nothing gives as much insight into the presidential decisions as the libraries they created and opened to the public. The Presidential Libraries include: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library (1929 – 1933) Location: West Branch, Iowa Notable: Includes his Birthplace Cottage, Friends Meetinghouse, burial site and other buildings recalling small Midwestern towns of the times.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum (1933 – April 1945) Location: Hyde Park, Our country’s Presidential Library New York System is a network of libraries administered by the Office of Presidential Notable: Tracks the creation of Libraries, which is part of the National the crown jewel of FDR’s New Archives and Records Administration. Deal—Social Security, his greatest These are not libraries in the modern legacy to the nation—as well as sense, but rather they are repositories his leadership during WWII. for preserving and making available Harry S. Truman the papers, records, collections and Library and Museum other historical materials of every (1945 – 1953) president since Herbert Hoover. All of the libraries feature Location: Independence, books, papers, memorabilia, corMissouri respondence, news articles and Notable: Holds the White House gifts. Exhibits in each library give Decision Center where school students visitors a historical perspective of take on the roles of President Truman the president and his decisions. and his advisors facing real-life hisEach library also includes sectorical decisions (dropping the bomb tions about the presidential First on Japan) in a re-creation of the West Lady as well as areas displaying Wing of the White House. See his gifts from foreign dignitaries. famous sign: “The Buck Stops Here.” Behind the scenes are store rooms holding gowns the first ladies wore, Dwight D. Eisenhower drawers of photos (every single photo Presidential Library taken by the official photographers is and Museum kept!) and every piece of mail received. (1953 – 1961) Rotating exhibits can be one of the Location: Abilene, Kansas greatest finds at the various libraries. I’ve seen the “Traveling White House Notable: Tells the story of “Ike”

Travel

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 10

and his military achievements, his role in civil rights legislation, the decision to send Army troops into Little Rock and his responsibility for the Interstate Highway System. John F. Kennedy Library and Museum (1961 – November 1963) Location: Boston, Massachusetts Notable: Covers his historic political campaign, the Cuban Missile Crisis decisions and the U.S. Space Program (Project Mercury); artifacts include the original coconut on which a rescue message was inscribed by Kennedy to rescue the crew of the PT-109. Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library (1963 – 1969) Location: University of Texas, Austin. Notable: Follows his failures in foreign policy as well as his victories in domestic policy. Details his lifelong ﬁght against poverty. Richard M. Nixon Library and Birthplace (1969 – 1974) Locations: Yorba Linda, California and College Park, Maryland Notable: Follows events including the end of the Vietnam War and involvement in The Cold War. Covers Watergate, including the tape recorder used in the incident.

Jimmy Carter Library (1977 – 1981) Location: Atlanta, Georgia Notable: Treats issues of his presidency fairly with no apologies—his real success in creating peace between Egypt and Israel is given no grander treatment than failures such as Iran hostage crisis, energy crisis, the SALT II treaty. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs (1981 – 1989) Location: Simi Valley, California Notable: Conveys the private and public life of a popular president. Displays touching letters written by Mrs. Reagan over the years. Includes Air Force One used during six presidencies, and it can be toured. George H. W. Bush Presidential Library (1989 – 1993) Location: University of Texas, College Station Notable: Documents his most difficult decisions and actions while in office, as well as lighter moments. Special focus is on the Gulf War and the fall of communism. Avenger aircraft and mockup of Oval office (the only one where you can have your picture made at the desk!).

William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Gerald R. Ford Center (1993 – 2001) Presidential Library Location: Little Rock, (1974 – 1977) Arkansas Location: University of Notable: Captures a little of the MoniMichigan, Ann Arbor ca Lewinsky and Whitewater scandals Notable: Denotes the changing times in and his impeachment in a section technology communication by the sheer called “politics of persecution.” numbers of audiovisual items, including photographs, videotapes of news Include a presidential library in broadcasts, audiotapes of speeches and your travel plans, and you will come press brieﬁngs, ﬁlm of public events out saying, “It was good getting to and televised campaign commercials. know you better, Mr. President.”

Veterans Corner

providing 25 years of better hearing

reason #1

The Voice of Nazi Germany to GIs Was American BY JANICE DOYLE

or GIs in Europe during WWII, the voice of Nazi Germany was really the voice of an American citizen. Trapped in Germany when war broke out, Mildred Gillars became the reviled disseminator of Nazi propaganda. Axis Sally: The American Voice of Nazi Germany by Richard Lucas is the true story of Mildred Gillars, the Maine-born, Ohio-bred woman who went to Hitler’s Germany in 1934 to study music and fell in love with a German citizen. At the outbreak of war in 1939, while the last Americans returned home, Gillars elected to stay in Germany hoping for marriage. Although her fiancée died during the war, a charming former Hunter College professor stepped into the breach. However, Max Otto Koischwicz already had a wife and much bigger plans for Gillars.

Gillars, a failed Broadway actress, learned fast and used her sexy, soothing voice to taunt troops... He enlisted her in the German overseas radio in Berlin where, under his leadership, her position as a simple announcer escalated into master propagandist—becoming the messenger of Nazi propaganda and doom to the American GI. Gillars, a failed Broadway actress, learned fast and used her sexy, soothing voice to taunt troops about the supposed infidelities of their wives and girlfriends back home, as well as describing the horrible deaths they were about to meet on the battlefield. Backed by German military intelligence, “Axis Sally” was able to convey personal greetings to individual U.S. units that naturally caused anxiety among the troops

I’ve missed

the sound of her laughter.

who felt the Germans knew exactly who and where they were. At the end of the war, Gillars was captured by the Americans after a failed attempt to pose as a refugee. She was returned to the U.S. to stand trial for the crime of treason. Her 1949 trial captured the attention of a nation whose memory of the horrors of war was still fresh. After a three-month trial, she was found guilty and sentenced to 10–30 years. Paroled in 1961 after serving just 12 years, she quietly spent the remainder of her life as a music instructor in a Catholic Girl’s school in Columbus, Ohio until her death in 1988. Richard Lucas leaves no stone unturned in telling the story of Axis Sally—a woman who attempted to rebuild her life in the country she betrayed, after she had become one of the most notorious Americans of the 20th century! The book contains 16 pages of photos covering Axis Sally’s life from her childhood through her days as a showgirl, to Germany and finally her prison in the U.S. Also included are actual transcripts of Axis Sally’s broadcasts.

In our 25 years of hearing care, we’ve heard a lot of reasons why our patients’ lives were changed by wearing hearing aids. And now we’re sharing them with you, because we think that just like our past patients, once you find a hearing solution that is right for you, your life will only get better. To hear all of our stories, visit us at our stores, online, or on one of the many social outlets we take part in. See you soon!

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Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 11

Canes, Walkers: These Tools Are Made for Walking W

Walkers: Walkers provide a wider base of support and stability for balance and walking than do canes. Walkers, which can support up to 50 percent of the body weight, are especially helpful for moderately severe balance and gait problems, or when there’s a risk of falling. Walkers are available with two, four or no wheels. Two is best when the user places a moderate amount Canes: Canes provide balance and of weight on the walker. The legs support for walking, handling up without wheels help prevent the to 25 percent of their body weight. walker from rolling away. For those Many types of canes are available. who don’t have to lean on the walker, Aluminum ones are adjustable; four wheels may make it easier to wooden canes must be cut to fit. For move about. A standard walker—no everyday use, a hooked, or candy wheels—provides the most stability. cane-style, cane probably won’t be For fit, the top of the walker should the most comfortable. A swan neck come to the crease in the wrist when handle, which is flatter and puts standing straight up with arms at the the user’s weight directly over the sides. A poorly fitted walker can be cane’s shaft, likely will feel better. For appropriate fit, the top of the cane difficult to use, causing back pain or, worse, increased risk of falling. should reach the crease of the wrist Canes and walkers are available at when the user is standing up straight with arms hanging comfortably. Using medical supply stores, drugstores and discount retailers. It’s a good idea to a cane that’s too long puts strain on the arms, shoulders and back muscles. try several styles before making a decision. In most cases, at least some of the Too short, a cane throws off balance. cost of assistive devices is reimbursed Normally, a cane is held in the through Medicare and other insurers. hand opposite of the weaker side. Adapting to a cane or walker takes With weight on the stronger leg, the time and may require a shift in selfcane and the weak leg swing and concept. Attitude about the device—as strike the ground at the same time. a help not a hindrance—can be as imWhen a cane is needed primarily for portant as the device itself. (Newswise) stability, it can be held in either hand. hen walking is difficult because of arthritis, balance problems, pain or injury, don’t avoid a cane or walker because they are dreaded symbols of old age. Instead, consider the devices as a way to help avoid injury and maintain independence. The Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource offered tips for selecting and using canes and walkers:

Fourth Annual Spring Swing

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 12

offitt’s Sun Safety Tour® will offer free skin cancer screenings at specified baseball spring training venues this month as part of their annual Spring Swing. Screeners will be looking for early signs of skin cancer while promoting sun safety, skin cancer awareness and education. Each screening stop will include free Spring Swing t-shirts and Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen. Screenings begin about two hours before the game start.

Call Moffitt Cancer Center for more information: 1-888-663-3488. 13 Charlotte Sports Park, Dunedin. Rays vs. Blue Jays. Screenings: 11 a.m – 1 p.m. Game start: 1:05 p.m. 17 Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, Tampa. Rays vs. Yankees. Screenings: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Game start: 7:05 p.m. 19 Steinbrenner Field, Fort Myers. Rays vs. Twins. Screenings: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Game start: 1:05 p.m.

An Interview with Barry Petersen

Part 2 ast month, Caregiver.com Editorin-Chief Gary Barg sat down with CBS News reporter Barry Petersen for an open and frank discussion about Petersens’ life as a caregiver for his wife, Jan, who suffers from earlyonset Alzheimers. In Part 1, Petersen spoke about his wife’s gradual descent into illness, the social and mental isolation of caregiving, his realization that the burden he placed on himself was causing him to decline faster than his spouse, and his determination to seek help for himself so he could take better care of his wife. Part 2 continues this discussion:

Gary Barg: What do you do about the guilt? Barry Petersen: I talked to people who were good at this; obviously, a therapist is good at this. I asked for their help. They explained this in numerous ways; the most brilliant was the guy in Beijing. I went to him and said, “I am feeling horribly guilty.” This is after Jan is in assisted living in the United States and I am still in Asia. I am having a terrible time getting the wherewithal to get back on a plane and see her. I said, “This is awful. I feel awful about this.” He said, “It is because every time you go back and every time you see her change, you start the process all over again of grieving for what you have lost. It is like going to the same funeral over and over again.” That still goes

on today. We were out there last weekend to see Jan and yes, when there are changes, when you see that she has slipped away a little more, it hurts. That old friend, that old foe, guilt, comes back to haunt you. So I do not think it ever goes away. You ask what do you do about it? I guess what you do is you cope with it. It is going to be there and you deal with it as best you can day-to-day.

“I feel awful about this. He said, ‘It is because every time you go back and every time you see her change, you start the process all over again of grieving for what you have lost. It is like going to the same funeral over and over again.’” Gary Barg: That is why I like the idea of an appropriately led support group. Even though millions of people go through caregiving, each and every one of us thinks we are absolutely alone. Barry Petersen: I think that is on my list of cruelties of the disease. It is so

hard on the caregiver, and the caregiver does not know because you just do not realize it. So I think that to be a caregiver in this disease is dangerous, difficult, and lonely; and, if you do not watch out, suicidal. People do not like to hear that, but I think that is true.

Gary Barg: One other challenging aspect we have as the primary caregiver is, so many times, you make a decision and all of a sudden you start getting terrible flack from people you thought were on your side. What can you recommend for caregivers who are going through this issue? Barry Petersen: In fact, people who were my co-workers did not understand what was going on. Afterward, they read the book and said, “My God, I had no idea!” These are people I work with every day, which gives you a pretty good indication of how clever you can be when you try to hide what is going on. I mean, instinctively, you do this. I do not mean it as a purposeful thing. You just say, “I am doing fine,” but the mistake I made was more than that. I protected other people from how Jan really was. I did not want Jan to be embarrassed. I did not want people

to think that somehow this vibrant person had changed so dramatically that they should alter their view of her, even though she had changed. Even though I thought I was being honest when I sent out e-mails and told people about this, the fact is, I did not communicate it. We are now in our third year of assisted living and there are still people who are really angry with me for how I put Jan into a facility. I think my mistake was not being as open as I could have been about how Jan was doing. Gary Barg: What would be the one most important piece of advice you would like to share with family caregivers?

Barry Petersen: Do not do it alone. Do not get sucked into this vortex, into this black hole; because if you do, it will kill you. If it kills you, what good is that going to be for the person you are taking care of? For some reason, we get a martyr complex when we are caring for someone with this disease. I do not know what it is. I have seen other people. I have had the same thing. I can do it alone. I can take care of it. The more the demands are, the more you deny that you are suffering anything from this. It will take you down; and if you do not realize it, then you are going to hurt the very person you are trying to help—the person with the disease. Barry Petersen’s book, “Jan’s Story,” is available at Amazon.com.

Marci’s Medicare Answers

ear Marci, I am a former military service member and have good drug coverage through TRICARE. Should I still enroll in Medicare Part D? —Tony

Dear Tony, It depends. TRICARE coverage is more comprehensive than Medicare’s drug coverage. You may be better

off keeping your TRICARE and not enrolling in the Medicare drug benefit. If you decide you want to enroll in the Medicare drug benefit later, you will not have to pay a penalty as long as you enroll within 63 days of dropping or losing this coverage. Contact TRICARE for more information. Note that if you qualify for full Extra Help, your copays for covered drugs may be less than if you just

kept TRICARE. However, TRICARE’s list of covered drugs could be broader than those of Medicare private drug plans in your area and TRICARE will cover drugs not on its list for a higher copay. If you have TRICARE and you decide to join a Medicare private drug plan, Medicare will pay first and TRICARE will pay second. —Marci Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 13

When Trying to Reclaim Your Life— Don’t Come Out of the Closet too Soon

lutter affects us all—albeit in different ways. While some people live with it, others shudder at the mere thought of it—but the bottom line is that an organized person is way more productive than an unorganized one. When we clear up clutter, we also seem to empty our minds of “stuff.” Author Barbara Tako Barbara Tako understands this and has made it her life’s work to help people use their energy for fun things by helping them de-clutter, and she shares her ideas in a most hilarious fashion in her latest book, Clutter Clearing Choices.

Not nearly so organized in her earlier years, Tako kept everything forever, believing that “you never know when you might need it!” She credits her “so clean you could eat off the floor” mother-in-law with her metamorphosis. Witnessing time and time again the boundless energy this amazing woman always had for family and friends was an inspiration for Tako to get organized in order to have time left over for what she really wanted to do. Clutter Clearing Choices is a humorous, authentic, entertaining and informative book on clutter clearing, home organizing and simple living. To order the book or learn more, visit clutter clearingchoices.com.

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Don’t Keep Yourself in the Dark About Glaucoma

arch is Eye Health Month and a good time to learn about glaucoma. With age come changes, including those to our eyes. Glaucoma begins gradually with a narrowing field of vision and maybe not seeing objects in the periphery. It’s as if you’re been staring down a dark tunnel that is slowly closing. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Interestingly, the disease robs you of your sight but generally produces no early warning signs. “Early on, there’s no pain and no noticeable loss of vision, and then you start losing vision,” says Edward Rockwood, M.D. with Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute. “But because it’s off to the side, many people, at least early on, are completely unaware that they’re losing vision. You lose it permanently, and once it’s gone, it can’t be brought back.” The key to preventing glaucoma from stealing your sight is to know

your risks, schedule regular eye exams and, if necessary, seek treatment. Glaucoma encompasses a family of disorders marked by increased pressure in the eye. A clear fluid (aqueous humor) flowing through the anterior chamber in the front of the eye continually nourishes the surrounding tissues and drains at the V-shaped space where the iris and cornea meet. There, it is filtered through spongy tissue known as the trabecular meshwork before exiting into the rear chamber of the eyeball. In open-angle glaucoma this drainage occurs too slowly or the meshwork is clogged, resulting in a buildup of fluid and increased pressure in the eye. This elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve, affecting the transformation of visual information to the brain and

leading to vision loss. The less common form occurs when the drainage channel is completely blocked, preventing the fluid from flowing into the trabecular meshwork.

Are you at risk? The chances of developing glaucoma increase with age, so that everyone over age 60 and AfricanAmericans over age 40 are considered to be at risk. Your genes contribute to your risk, as people with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Glaucoma is not affected by healthy living or, interestingly, unhealthy living. Through regular eye exams, you can halt the progression of glaucoma or

catch it early enough before it causes permanent damage. The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for adults up to age 60 and annually thereafter. Many experts suggest initiating screening by age 50. Treatment options Treatment can’t cure glaucoma, but it can slow or halt further loss of vision. Medicated eye drops usually can bring eye pressure under control. If eye drops cannot reduce the pressure, the next step is usually a procedure in which targeted laser pulses open the trabecular meshwork. When all else fails, conventional surgery to create a new drainage channel becomes an option. Despite effective treatment, some people with glaucoma still go blind, so follow your doctor’s recommendation for screening and treatment. Information from Men’s Health Advisor.

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Art Therapy Q & A for Adults with Dementia

BY DIANE ALVY, M.A., ATR-BC

. During the week, I drop my husband off at an adult day care center and they offer regular art classes and art therapy groups. What are the differences between regular art classes and art therapy groups for people with cognitive impairments?

A. Regular art classes focus on the

individual’s interaction with the art media and the finished art product. Art therapy groups are aimed to activate the language center of the brain. The implementation of using art therapeutically includes several goals which include facilitating language expression, memory retrieval and socialization.

Q. My father is unable to initiate

conversations anymore, and his ability to verbalize has declined dramatically during the past year. I can tell this really bothers him a lot. Is there a way I can use art therapeutically to facilitate communicate between us?

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 16

A. Yes, definitely!

What I do to help facilitate language expression is to first see there are no other distractions in the room. I provide a quiet environment and begin by having several pre-cut images from magazines that depict several things such as food, animals, sports, facial expressions, objects, etc. for the person to view. I tell the individual I’m going to show them pictures and I ask them to choose images that they like. I usually have the person choose no more than four. I have a large piece of paper and ask them where on the paper they would like the pictures glued. I proceed by asking them what it is about the images they like, or what is happening in the picture. Through this activity, conversations surface.

At this point, I usually try to guess the words they may be trying to convey. I worked with a man that chose an image of a basketball player trying to get a basketball into a hoop. When I asked the man about the picture, he said the picture was about the basketball player’s ‘worries’ of not being able to get the ball into the hoop. At this point, I began to ask him about his ‘worries’ about not doing things. Apparently this hit home because he shared his concerns about not being able to do the things he used to do, such as being able to express himself verbally and being independent. The man felt relieved being able to share what was enormously difficult to express.

Q. How does art therapy work for individuals with dementia?

A. Art therapy works by actively engaging both sides of the brain. The brain has two hemispheres which work in conjunction: left and right. The right side receives information while the left side finds the words to describe the sensory information. Because there are vascular changes in persons with dementia, language areas become less functional. The therapeutic use of art accesses the language areas (the left side) by prompting the other side (right side) of the brain. Older individuals that have lost the ability to communicate feel isolated and self-conscious. Using art therapeutically provides a non-threatening activity which makes it easier for individuals to access and express language. Diane Alvy is a board certified registered art therapist with a Master’s in Psychology. Article compliments of Caregiver.com.

Caregiver Stress: Signs, Symptoms and Relief BY SANCHEZ & BAIETTO, LLC

Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services

aregiving can be stressful. Caregiver burnout is a real and dangerously growing phenomenon among the “sandwich” generation. There are many adults, mostly adult daughters, caring for their family and meeting the needs of their own children while juggling the needs and (at times) demands of their aging parent/s. Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

(from Alzheimer’s Association – alz.org)

• Sense of failure, anger, resentment, guilt or blame; self preoccupation • Discouragement, indifference or negativism; blaming attitude • Excessive anxiety • Rigidity in thinking/resistance to change; feeling immobilized/ “stuck” or “in a rut” • Marital/family conflict • Extreme fatigue, isolation or withdrawal • Sleep disorders and inability to concentrate • Frequent headaches/gastrointestinal disturbances; frequent colds/flu • More approving of behaviorcontrol measures (tranquilizers) The following are some ways to combat caregiver stress: • Educate yourself in problemsolving strategies. • Do not take other’s reactions personally. When under stress we have a higher tendency to personalize other’s actions or to overreact when an offense was directed at us. Take a time-out to gather your thoughts and calm down when offended. Also, be kind to yourself. So often we are our own worst critics. • LOL (laugh out loud): laughter is the best medicine. • Give yourself permission to have fun. Do something you really enjoy at least

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once a day, i.e. take 30 minutes to read a good book, get a massage, put some fun music on and dance or sing, etc. • Take care of your physical health. Exercise, even 10 minutes a day, can make a difference. Make good food and drink choices and rest when you need it. Much research has been done in this area concerning the detriments lack of sleep causes the body. • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find the resources available to you and use them. Some may include: other family members, church organizations, private for-hire individuals, organizations and/or associations who provide respite care. • Join a support group. Support groups are a good way to share your feelings and learn from others who have gone through what you are experiencing. There are all types of support groups and you can find one to fit your needs. • Talk to those around you; be honest about how you are feeling. Isolating is one of the worst things you can do. The more you isolate, the more your feelings of caregiver burnout will increase. When you are ready to open up to others, it is important to seek out people you can trust and who can provide you an unhurried, listening ear. • Journal: this is a great way to understand our own feelings without the pressure of others’ opinions and unsolicited advice. • Therapy is a great tool to help individuals who are struggling—those who need to gain better insight into their situation and how to make positive changes in their lives. • Most of all, call out to God. There are many studies linking individuals’ increased ability to cope with the uncertainties of life when they expressed a strong belief in a Higher Power. For more information about us, visit our website at tampamediations.com.

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VQ ActionCare SIT AND BE FIT™ Exercise for Seniors

Q ActionCare, makers of mature adult fitness and lifestyle equipment, is pleased to announce its selection as underwriter for season 12 of the awardwinning exercise television series, SIT AND BE FIT™. VQ ActionCare shares SIT AND BE FIT’s mission to improve the health and wellness of others. VQ ActionCare’s award-winning Resistance Chair is an effective home fitness tool, providing low-impact, athome exercise and rehabilitation. The chair was specifically created for adults to improve strength, endurance, flexibility and balance from a safe, seated position. Comprised of 20 half-hour exercise shows, each SIT AND BE FIT series is carefully researched and designed

by Mary Ann Wilson, R.N., and a team of physical therapists, doctors and exercise specialists. VQ ActionCare is dedicated to helping mature adults stay active and mobile through high quality products that enable the physical activity they need in order to maintain strength and agility. The VQ ActionCare line of home fitness equipment includes the Resistance Chair®, SmoothRider II and GentleRider exercise cycles, shoulder stretching attachment and instructional DVDs that allow individuals to stay in a safe, seated position while exercising and employ low-impact resistance bands that are gentle on joints. For more information, visit www. VQActionCare.com or call (877) 368-6800. For info about SIT AND BE FIT, visit www.sitandbefit.org.

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 17

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Home Health Mates...Question & Answer Take The Guesswork Out of Finding the Best Home Health Care

BY BRUCE MUENTER

received many inquiries over the past month on how to select home health care and the questions that need to be asked to make an informed decision. Joe from Sun City asked; “I am bombarded with information, but all any agency seems concerned about is selling me services. In many cases, I am not sure what to ask.” Joe, believe it or not that continues to be the question that the majority of readers need answered. In an attempt to trim the information down, here are the top five questions any prospective client should be asking:

1. Is your agency licensed and accredited? Licensing and accreditation are the nucleus of any home health agency. Without licensing, they would cease to operate. Ask if they have had any violations, and what were the reasons. You should also go to the AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) for Florida. Here, you can look up past performance issues and see if they have been corrected. Accreditation is a little trickier as this has historically been an optional quality approval in Florida; but in 2010 it became mandatory for all new agencies. Regardless of whether the agency had to or not is irrelevant. Any agency concerned about quality will be accredited by one of three agencies: CHAP (The Community Health Accreditation

I would encourage you to e-mail me at bmuenter@homehealthmates.com or send your questions to: News Connection, USA, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33584, Attn. Editor – Home Health Mates. I will answer all questions you may have, including the ones that we do not feature in Senior Connection magazine. Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 18

Program), ACHC (The Accreditation Commission for Health Care) and JCAHO (Joint Commission). If they said this is not really important, then they just told you enough about their concern for quality. 2. Is your plan of care supervised by a Director of Nursing? Your plan of care should be assessed in the beginning and evaluated monthly by a RN with no extra charge. If they charge you for this service, then you have not done your shopping. 3. Do you have hourly minimums? You should not pay for service that is not needed. If the agency tells you that a minimum amount of hours is needed for their services, then you have not shopped around for the right agency. Don’t buy more than you need. 4. How do you hire employees, and are they your employees?

What is their process for hiring (experience of minimum one year in home health care). Licensed? Bonded? Insured? Ask to see the certificate of insurance. Do they work directly for the agency or are they contract employees? Private caregivers also increase your liability…in other words, if they fall in your house while working, then you’re personally liable. 5. What separates you from other agencies? What is their customer satisfaction rating? Do they even know? What percent of their customers end up in the hospital or rehab with the agency’s care? Does the agency let you meet the caregiver free of charge prior to the initial visit? Do you have a choice? These five steps will allow you to make an informed decision. As always, feel free to call me at 813-884-5040 if you have any questions, or visit my website at: www.homehealthmates.com/ tampa.php. Have a great month!

10,000 Steps A Day I

s 10,000 steps a day a good target for an older person?

Q. My daughter gave me

a pedometer and told me to walk 10,000 steps a day. When I wore it for a while, I realized I was taking only about 3,000 steps a day. Is 10,000 a realistic number for someone my age (70 years)?

A. If you are reasonably

healthy, 10,000 steps a day is a good goal for you. It is the equivalent of walking two to three miles per day. You can cover this distance with a walk of 45 minutes or so and get in your 10,000 steps even if you do nothing else for the rest of the day. Ten thousand steps a day may not be feasible if you have arthritis, heart failure or other health issues.

No one is saying you must hit this target every single day. But if you have a day or two in a row with much lower numbers, consider pushing yourself harder during the next few days. — Thomas Lee, M.D. Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

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Neuropathy & Other Foot Problems? Yes, You Can Feel Great About Your Feet Again! We Have Your Treatment Plan New Location & Expanded Hours

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Call to see the Doctor (727) 824-5100 or (813) 645-1993 Medicare, United healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Other Insurance

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BY DR. BONNIE SANCHEZ, DPM Board Certified ABPOPPM

europathy is any strange or unusual sensation in your feet or legs. Often, neuropathy is described as burning, numbness or tingling, like your feet are asleep or that you feel as if you are walking on cardboard. Neuropathy is often associated with diabetes. However, non-diabetics can have it too. Often the non-diabetic with neuropathy has other contributing factors, such as chemo or radiation therapy, a back injury, chemical poisoning, PAD or PVD, or arthritis. Your neuropathy is unique to you. Each person is different with unique symptoms and timing. Various treatments offer different levels of success. So to cut through all of these variables, I have developed a 14 Step Protocol that slices through the clutter to develop an effective treatment plan for you.

With this plan, you can be certain that no treatment option is overlooked. Your plan may include therapies such as physical therapy, electro-stimulation, Far-Infrared, Laser Light waves, magnetics, acupuncture and temperature gradient as well as diet and supplement management, topical medication and, as a last resort, oral medication. Finding the right treatment or combination of treatments or therapies is the only effective way to get any relief from your neuropathy. Fortunately, you don’t have to try each one of these to find relief. Based upon your basic medical history, your answers to my Neuropathy Questionnaire, and your physical examination, I can determine the next logical step to offer relief from this awful condition. Your next step is to schedule an appointment and ask for help with your Neuropathy. I look forward to helping you. Pinellas: (727) 824-5100 or Hillsborough: (813) 645-1993.

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Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 20

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Never Too Late: Living Healthy At Any Age BY DR. ROB NORMAN

s life expectancy increases, it is important for adults to know how to care for their changing bodies. Living healthy depends on more than just going to the doctor’s office for physical examinations – it also requires individual accountability. Personal attention to nutrition and fitness needs to be a prominent part of every person’s life, especially men and women over 50 years of age and those nearing retirement. To increase healthy living in later adulthood, I recommend: • Restraining from using tobacco of any kind. • Avoiding overindulgence in food and alcohol. • Adhering to a healthy diet. • Scheduling regular health screening visits with a physician.

“I had my leaky bladder treated in a doctor’s office ...without surgery.”

It is never too late to drop bad habits and adopt healthier ones. There is a prevailing sentiment amongst aging adults that altering their lifestyle would be pointless because they have continued poor habits for so many years. This is untrue. While time has not produced a mythical Fountain of Youth to cure the effects of the aging process, it has allowed much to be learned about the care of our bodies and skin. The skin is a marvel. It is an organ in and of itself with its own personality. But besides covering our body, it is part of our body and dependent on the nutritional environment our body supplies it. We offer excellent treatments for aging skin and other skin problems, many of which are covered by your insurance. Call us today at (813) 880-7546 for an appointment. We have four locations to serve you.

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Risks: Adverse events (complications) are typically mild and temporary and most resolve shortly after treatment. Reported complications include dysuria (discomfort during urination), hematuria (blood-tinged urine), urinary tract infection, and urine retention (inability to empty the bladder). Infrequently, worsening incontinence symptoms have been reported.

Hawthorne Celebrates 10 Years

ongratulations on your ten year anniversary! (2001 – 2011) Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living and Hawthorne Estates Independent Living, 859 Lumsden Rd., Brandon, FL 33511. (813) 661-8998.

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 21

Eat at Applebees and Stay Healthy

here are ways to eat at Applebee’s Beware of thinking that vegetable and not challenge your calorie means low-cal when you eat out. counts, carbs or fat grams. But it’s Applebee’s Spinach & Artichoke not easy. The Chicken Dip will take up three Fajita Rollup weighs fourths of your in at 1,450 caloday’s calories ries. So, what can if you let it. you eat at AppleThe spinach bee’s and keep and artichoke’s your health intact? only purpose is One way is to stick to provide texture with the 9-ounce Sirloin to what’s otherwise a and Seasonal Veggies meal Applebees’ Steak and massive puddle of fat and top it with either grilled from cheese and cream. Grilled Shrimp onions or sautéed garlic If it’s salt you’re for a 400 to 600-calorie range meal. watching, avoid Applebee’s Sizzling Another good choice is the Steak & Steak Fajitas. They arrive sizzling Grilled Shrimp (NOT the fried shrimp all right and they taste good, but option). It’s just 390 calories, 6 g of they give you 5,700 mg of sodium saturated fat and 1,680 mg of sodium. (way more than a day’s worth) and Other good choices include their 27 g saturated fat. Don’t do it! Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich (at Flavor, atmosphere and good presen530 calories, 3.5 g saturated fat and tation are all fine at this neighborhood 1,500 mg sodium) or the Margherita restaurant, but it’s a restaurant Chicken which packs 700 calories of that warrants careful ordering if good taste on a plate full of flavor. you’re sticking to a healthy diet.

Read “Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!”

he highly publicized estate battles of several deceased celebrities in the past few years have cast a bright spotlight on the importance of having the proper estate planning. Although mega-rich celebrities seem to be affected overwhelmingly by these brutal family squabbles, the book Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights! is designed to help every family, regardless of income level, avoid the financial pitfalls that drained bank accounts and created huge family rifts for the dozens of superstars profiled in the book. The book tells the stories of famous fortunes which created battles including: Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Anna Nicole Smith, Brooke Astor, Heath Ledger, Ray Charles, Princess Di, Jimi Hendrix, Frank

Sinatra, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks … as well as many others that most people aren’t even aware of. You’ll have a front row seat in the courtroom while authors Andrew and Danielle Mayoras replay the “tabloid drama” and point out what went wrong in these riveting cases. You can learn how to avoid similar errors. The husband and wife co-authors are legacy expert attorneys with extensive experience in estate planning, probate, elder law and litigation. “As an estate planner and educator, the most frequent question I’m asked is: ‘How do I get my parents to talk about these issues?’ This book is the answer,” says co-author Danielle Mayoras, a professional speaker, attorney, and credentialed professional gerontologist. For more information visit their website at TrialAndHeirs.com.

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

Grandparent Name

Enter Now! 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, March 23, 2011 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Call 1-888-670-0040 for more information. ✸1st Place Winner $75 ✸ 2nd Place Winner $50 ✸ 3rd Place $25 ✸ Grand Prize Winner $100 Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 22

Address City

State

Zip

Phone Photo Title

RULES:

Photos should be: Maximum size 8 1/2” x 11”, printed on photo paper only. Maximum 5 entries per person. NO professional photos. Please no photos by e-mail.

Sender’s Age(s)

Subject’s Age(s)

Subject’s Name Photo release signature Entries must be received by Mar. 16, 2011 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.

SPC

5 Ways to Simplify the Technology in Your Life Y

our family’s pockets, purses and backpacks are probably packed with gadgets as technology expands into all aspects of your home and work life. It seems like every device is turning into a mini-computer that texts, talks, syncs and computes. But do we really need every device to do everything? Simplifying the technology in your life can make you more serene and even more productive.

Retirement Living Go Basic Most people use computers for Web surfing, word processing and e-mail. So why get one with the latest feature film-making software? A basic desktop should suffice, without expensive processing chips and the bells and whistles needed for cutting-edge video. Or be thrifty and trendy by buying a tiny netbook for less than $300. Consider utility software that keeps computers running smoothly. There are several programs from brands like Norton, McAfee and others that keep your hard drive clean and running fast. Calling All Cell Phones! Unless you’re a text-crazed teenager or senior executive, why choose a cell phone with more features than your laptop? Select a phone that does one thing really well—make phone calls! Choose a phone with a simple display and only those buttons you really need, such as dedicated volume controls. For example, Jitterbug is a straightforward model that’s a phone first, with large keys and simple-to-read display.

And if you’ll be traveling, consider a simple global phone, such as the Verizon Escapade, that’s usable from over 220 worldwide locations. Without excess features, it’s one of the lowest priced global phones, so you can check on the kids or grandkids while in tourist mode. And it includes a simple camera to capture images of your travels.

Camera, Ph.D The average photographer doesn’t need to know f-stops to take beautiful shots. Instead of a camera suited for a National Geographic explorer, try one with a Ph.D button—“Push here, Dummy.” While big family vacations may require big cameras, point-and-shoot models are all that are needed for that weekend barbecue. Open Sesame From online banking to e-mail, multiple passwords guard against identity theft. It’s even better to remember them all. Consider selecting passwords thematically: Perhaps all your financial accounts should use variations of your favorite beer, or all e-mail accounts should use your pet’s name. Coordinate Gadgets Do you really need an mp3 player, camera, netbook, e-reader, and home PC? Make sure your gadgets don’t overlap in function. You may even help the environment, since gadgets are often less eco-friendly than paper and pen. Start now and you’ll be on your way to simple serenity. (From StatePoint Media)

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Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 23

Things You May Not Know About Your Car Insurance

mericans have gone to sleep dreaming of cars ever since the first Model T was rolled off the assembly line in 1908. Some dreamt of the cool bullet nose on the 1950 Studebaker Commander Convertible. Some dreamt of classic muscle cars like the 1969 Ford Mustang “Boss 429.” When dreamers become drivers, however, they’d better be sure they comply with state laws mandating that they carry auto insurance. If it’s been too long since you checked your auto insurance policy, you may be surprised by what you may or may not be covered against. Read on:

Finance Remember This Word: Depreciation Picture this scenario: Only a few short weeks after you drive your brand-new car off the lot—wham!—it’s totaled in an

accident. If you’re like 52 percent of those questioned for an “Insurance Literacy” survey conducted recently for MetLife Auto & Home, you’ve been under the assumption that you’re automatically covered for the car’s full replacement cost. Uh, not necessarily. Most insurers subtract for depreciation—and you’d be surprised how much “value” disappears once you drive off the lot. Only a select few policies (like MetLife Auto & Home) will make you whole during a policy’s first year and/or 15,000 miles.

on your loan. If you’re in an accident and your car ends up being declared a total loss but is still valued below the loan payment, guess what: Unless you had the foresight to purchase “gap” insurance, you’re still responsible for repaying the difference on your loan.

Check Your Homeowners Policy If someone steals your cell phone or MP3 player from your car, don’t expect most standard auto policies to cover its replacement cost. That’s handled by homeowners, condo and renters insurance.

Leasing Isn’t a Free Pass Ah, but you say you don’t actually own your car. Nice try; if the vehicle you demolish was leased, you’d also need to have purchased gap insurance to have your insurer cover replacing it and paying off your lease obligation.

It’s Possible To Be “Upside Down” on a Totaled Vehicle The past few years have made us all more familiar with this term, as applied to home mortgages, than we ever wanted to be. However, the same principle applies to auto loans. Say you still owe $15,000

The Rental Car Conundrum Talk about probably wasting an average of $9 to $19 a day. Even though most auto insurance policies and credit cards extend (varying) rental insurance benefits to customers, 28 percent of those surveyed said they nevertheless signed up for the insurance offered by rental car companies when not driving their own cars.

Money-Savers Not To Be Overlooked Why leave money on the table when you don’t have to? Discounts exist for things like carpooling or limiting travel below a certain number of miles per year. Similarly, you might save by buying auto insurance through programs offered by employers. So what’s the takeaway from all this? Fully 77 percent of those surveyed said they were willing to pay more for the “peace of mind” that comes with better coverage. Just check to make sure what your coverage includes. To test your knowledge of auto insurance and see how you stack up against those surveyed, visit metlife.com/insurancequiz. (NAPSA)

Insurance Discounts

For Mature Drivers Have a Florida’s Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older? Take Your Class Online!

• Study at your leisure, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • Simply read the course materials online and then answer a few quiz questions. • There is no need to attend boring classes or listen to long lectures. • After completion, of course we will issue a state-certiﬁed certiﬁcate for you to turn into your insurance company to receive your discount for a three year period.

Take Your Mature Driver Course On The Internet! If you have a Florida Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor vehicle accident prevention course that will allow you to receive a mandatory reduction on your insurance rate for three years.

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or call 1-800-771-2255 Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 24

Pets: Uncontrolled Accidents

BY DR. ROCHELLE CAMPBELL

here can be many reasons why your cat or dog may suddenly begin urinating in places they normally do not. If a dog that is house-trained begins urinating in your dining room, for example, then your pet may be trying to tell you something.

Caring For Your Pet When you take your pet to the veterinarian for an exam, be prepared to answer specific questions regarding the inappropriate urination. You may be asked to roughly estimate how long the issue has been occurring, what time of day it occurs, how often it occurs and whether or not it happens while your pet is sleeping (which is usually associated more with urinary incontinence).

The first test your veterinarian may request is a urinalysis. This can give important information, including the pH of the urine (acidic, basic, neutral), the bacteria content (suggesting a urinary tract infection), the specific gravity (a number value indicating how concentrated the urine is) and whether or not crystals are present. Your veterinarian may also want to run some bloodwork, particularly if your pet is older. Certain disease processes may cause increased urination, which can sometimes be mistaken for inappropriate urination. Changes on bloodwork (along with findings from a thorough physical exam) may make your veterinarian suspicious of illnesses such as kidney failure, Cushing’s disease and even diabetes. Another diagnostic tool that may be utilized is an X-ray or an ultrasound. These can help determine if there are bladder stones or even a bladder tumor present.

When Blueberries Aren’t Really Blueberries

t’s true. U.S. food companies have been caught faking blueberries with artificial colors. An investigative video revealed “blueberry deception” in name-brand cereals, bagels, breads and bars. In the video, big-name food companies that offer blueberry cereals, muffins, pastries and bars have been caught “faking” the blueberries by creating them out of artificial colors, partially-hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. This investigation was done by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as part of the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center. The named companies include Kellogg’s, Target, Betty Crocker, General Mills and other food companies that use artificial colors to create the illusion of real blueberries in their products. One General Mills cereal singled out in the mini-documentary is called Total Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal. But a Consumer Wellness Center investiga-

tion reveals that this cereal contains neither blueberries nor pomegranates. Follow these steps just to make sure you aren’t getting fake blueberries: 1. Read the ingredients labels and look for artificial colors such as Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2. They are usually found near the end of the ingredients list. 2. Don’t buy foods made with artificial colors. If you do, you’re being tricked into something you don’t need. 3. Don’t let kids eat foods with artificial colors. Real blueberries are very good for human health, offering a powerhouse of health-enhancing nutrition. They protect arteries, lower blood pressure and provide an assortment of natural antioxidants to protect the eyes, brain and nervous system. The non-profit “blueberry deception” video can be viewed in its entirety at foodinvestigations.com.

After thorough testing yields no medical causes for your pet’s inappropriate urination, your veterinarian may discuss behavioral modification techniques and certain medications to help the issue. It is always a good idea to make sure that there is not a medical reason for the urinary issue before just automatically assuming there is a behavioral problem. Regardless, you should seek veterinary care if you notice any changes in your pet’s urinary habits as it could be a sign of a bigger issue, and waiting may only make the problem worse.

Ask Boyette Do you have a topic you would like to know more about? Send us your questions and we will answer them in this column. E-mail us at ask boyette@boyetteanimalhospital. com, or mail us at Ask Boyette c/o Boyette Animal Hospital, 10931 Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33569.

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For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 www.biria.com Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 25

Summer in the Berkshires? How refreshing.

Congratulations To The Backwoods Walk Winners!

Welcome to Jiminy Peak, the 4-season resort in the Northern Berkshires of Massachusetts. Each summer, we host lots of people who are looking for a great New England summer vacation. We offer short or long-term lodging – including 2-4 bedroom condos. The Berkshires is home to world class arts & culture, history, outdoor adventures and more. It’s more than a breath of fresh air. It’s a whole summer of it.

Call us at 1-800-882-8859 or go to jiminypeak.com

2/18/11 This year’s winners are: Men (L to R)—1st Place: Bob Perrault; 2nd Place: Chris Ferree; 3rd Place: Percy Townes. Women (L to R)—1st Place: Donna Munz; 2nd Place: Margaret Mustion; 3rd Place: Verla Babcock.

he 15th annual Backwoods Walk at MOSI was really fun this year. Seniors enjoyed visiting the Museum’s exhibits along with all the great information and service companies that came out and supported the Senior Fun Fest event. This event is a community event highlighting the Museum of Science and Industry. Thanks to everyone that participated this year. JP040 MatureLifestyle_qtrSQ.indd 1

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Punta Gorda, Just 3 miles west of I-75. Exit 164 on Marion Ave. Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 26

The New Senior Alphabet

is for apple, and is for boat; that used to be right, but now it won’t float! Age before beauty is what we once said, but let’s be more realistic instead.

Now The Alphabet: A’s for arthritis; B’s the bad back, C’s the chest pains, perhaps car-di-ac? D is for dental, decay and decline, E is for eyesight—can’t read that top line! F is for fissures and fluid retention, G is for gas which I’d rather not mention. H for high blood pressure— I’d rather it were low; I for incisions with scars you can show. J is for joints, out of socket, won’t mend; K is for knees that crack when they bend. L’s for libido, what happened to sex? M is for memory, I forget what comes next.

N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low; O is for osteo, bones that don’t grow! P for prescriptions, I have quite a few; just give me a pill and I’ll be good as new! Q is for queasy; is it fatal or flu? R is for reflux—one meal turns to two. S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears. T is for Tinnitus; bells in my ears! U is for urinary, troubles with flow; V for vertigo—that’s “dizzy,” you know. W for worry; now what’s going ‘round? X is for X ray and what might be found. Y for another year for my strength to decline, but Z is for the zest I still have—in my mind! I’ve survived all the symptoms, my body’s deployed, and I’m keeping twenty-six doctors fully employed!

Last Month’s Answers

Enter

This Month’s to Win! Winner Is Carolyn Allen Congratulations!

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

Last Month’s Answers

February Sudoku

Fran Gosenheimer is our winner for last month’s Sudoku. Congratulations!

LEARN HOW TO PLAN FOR Win Great Prizes! YOUR PETS IN ANGood EMERGENCY New winner selected each month Luck!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

The SPCA’s brochure "Our Best Friends Deserve Better Plans" has all the latest information on Estate Planning for Pets and Florida's Pet Trust Law and it is FREE! This brochure helps pet owners plan for their Sudoku requires no arithmetic pets in case of an emergency or in case their pets outlive skills.The them. Use thisof the game is to object fill all the blank squares with the order form to order your free materials.

Mar. Sudoku

correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any Send Me Information! Clip and mail this coupon order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits Name: 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from Address: the drawing on March 21 will win. Send your answers along City: State: Zip: with your name, address and telephone number to: Home Phone: Work Phone: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES E-mail: 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584 I/We have included the SPCA in my/our estate plan.

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Please send me the following information Best Friends Deserve Better Plans brochures Pet Alert Wallet Card In-Case-Of-Emergency Window Decal

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAR. 21, 2011

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on March 19 will receive $20 cash! Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., 1602 S. Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584

I am interested in: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

SC/Hills and Sun

FILL IN ANSWERS & WINSenior MONEY! Connection • March 2011 • page 27

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

Opera Goes Pops, Beethoven and Bach

March 2- 5

he next Raymond James Pops concert is sure to have attendees exclaiming over and over, “Oh, I know that one,” in a night of some of the best-loved overtures and arias from operas that everybody knows from commercials, cartoons and favorite films, including Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Bizet’s Carmen, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Puccini’s La Boheme and Verdi’s Force of Destiny, among others. Stuart Chafetz conducts this program featuring soprano Elizabeth de Trejo on March 4, 5 and 6 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. A frequent soloist on the Masterworks series, acclaimed German pianist Peter Rösel returns to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 on a program with Luciano Berio’s orchestration of Contrapunctus XIX from Bach’s gloriously uplifting The Art of Fugue. The evening concludes with Shostakovich’s powerful and hauntingly dark Symphony No. 15. Stefan Sanderling conducts these concerts on March 12 and 13 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

March 9 -12

Coming Of Age Drama at Straz

WED - S

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s 0 band k. 1 g n i r Featu ake you bac t that’ll

THE 5TH DIMENSION THE OSMOND BROTHERS March 16 -19

TONY ORLANDO March 23 -26

C H A RO

obsite Theater presents Dael Orlandersmith’s coming-of-age drama, Yellowman, in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center, Mar. 11 – 27. Set in a small, predominantly African-American South Carolina town, watch Eugene and Alma grow up together and fall in love. But their romance is challenged by prejudice within the African-American community and their own families: While both Eugene and Alma are black, Eugene’s skin is lighter than Alma’s,

and what seems on the surface to be a small distinction can truly make a world of difference. Though there are only two actors on stage, they each play a host of other characters. The Straz Center for Performing Arts is located at 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets: $24.50. $10 rush tickets available for seniors 30 mins. before curtain time. Call (813) 229-STAR, visit TBPAC. org or visit the box office for tickets.

Ready for an Art Class?

Karaoke Party

Purchase your 2011 Fun Card at BuschGardensTampaBay.com or at participating AAA offices. Dates and talent subject to change. Seating is limited. Price based on an adult or child (ages 3-9) single-day admission. Price is per person, plus tax per park and subject to change without notice. Fun Cards expire 12/31/11 and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Offer not valid with other discounts or special offers. Fun Cards do not include admission to select special events, parking or discounts on food or merchandise. Other restrictions may apply. © 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 28

Lauded by The Los Angeles Times for his “first-rate technique,” Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate conducts this Masterworks program featuring TFO Principal Second Violinist Sarah Shellman performing Thomas Adès’ acclaimed Violin Concerto with its devilishly difficult high melodic lines. The program also includes Haydn’s Symphony No. 59 in A major (Fire Symphony) and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. These concerts are March 25 in Tampa and March 27 in Clearwater. The Florida Orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. For tickets or concert information on the current season as well as on the upcoming 2011/2012 season, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or call (727) 892-3337 or 1-800-662-7286, Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ere’s your chance to start a hobby in painting! Louise Anders teaches painting classes at Brandon Community Center, 502 Sadie St., Brandon on Mondays. On Fridays you can take her classes by enrolling in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF. For more information, Call Louise at (813) 681-1257. To learn about the USF Osher senior learning programs, call (813) 974-2403, opt. 1.

ocky Creek Village is hosting a Karaoke Party at Rocky Creek Village, 8606 Boulder Court, Tampa on Friday, March 11 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Rick Mellon will be spinning those CDs while you sing and entertain your audience. Refreshments provided by the RCV Resident Council. Public is invited. No cost to Rocky Creek residents. Cost to nonresidents is $5. For details, call Keith Elder at (813) 884-3388, ext. 237.

Owned and operated by the D'Amico family for more than 30 years, Jesse's Restaurant delivers the very best dining quality, value and service to generations of customers. Some have moved but travel miles to enjoy the genuine welcome, the efficient, friendly service, and food quality that's given us top billing since 1980. Fresh is our main ingredient. The freshest, leanest, finest-quality steaks and prime rib trimmed in our kitchen by our own meat specialists. Crisp-fresh salads, fresh-baked bread, fresh succulent seafood and fresh, seasonal vegetables - and Jesse's award-winning charburgers. Enjoy all-day happy hour at our two lively bars; many dine right there among friends and lively conversation. Our customers' comments speak volumes, but we invite you to use our special offers and put them to the test. Expect the warmest of welcomes and food that's great now prepared and served with n for 25 years and it's as ❝I've been a Jesse's patro the torch. D'AmIco family pride. whole generation passing for g din an tst ou er ev as

5 out of 5 ★★★★★

If you're already a Jesse's regular, enjoy the savings!

CLWTR the Gulf Beaches.❞ D.M., Well worth our drive from ———————————— ’ variety. d - not the same old ‘chain ❝Terrific service and foo L.W., GA in every town I travel to.❞ e's ss Je a d fin uld co I sh Wi ———————————— . We return Sarasota to visit Jesse's ❝I drive 1-1/2 hours from ce - it's ed in the food or the servi regularly, never disappoint superb.❞ M.S. ———————————— d our me rib is to die for. We an ❝Super great service. Pri .❞ C.R., SFNR friends will be back often ———————————— tity or s, you can't beat the quan ❝Even without the coupon and seafood.❞ K.M., S/CITY quality. Fantastic steaks ———————————— t food ERFUL experience. Grea ND WO old me sa , old me ❝Sa ND orite place to be.❞ J.M., BR and atmosphere. Our fav ———————————— it have ty and all that goes with ❝Consistency! The quali . we first came here in 1981 remained the same since s.❞ L.P., VLRC Jesse's never disappoint

*Ranking by nationwide Rewards Network customers

MON-THURS: 11am-10pm FRI:11am-11pm SAT: Noon-11pm SUN: Noon-10pm 524 W. BRANDON BLVD.

685-2381

WE'RE EASY TO FIND on SR-60 next to McDonalds, between Kings Ave. and Parsons - minutes from the region's major shopping and entertainment centers. Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 29

AAA Helps Senior Drivers Keep the Keys receive guidance about the features a big transition when you face the Drive Sharp is a software program threat of losing your freedom by that is clinically proven to help drivers in the car and how to adapt it to their present physical situation. not being able to drive anymore.” see more, react faster and cut crash Harris said, “We talk with them As people age, she said, choosing risk by up to 50 percent. From a bea vehicle with the right features ginning assessment the program helps about things like rear view mirrors and make recommendations for side can help improve their safety and develop the skills needed for driving view mirrors. If it’s difficult to get comfort behind the wheel. Smart which tend to diminish as you age. out of the car seat because of knees Features for Mature Drivers includes or hips, we have special seats to help a guide identifying vehicle features you swivel out of your car door. that can assist drivers with the CarFit is tailored to each specific visual and physical changes that are person and their needs to see how frequently encountered as they age. well their personal vehicles fit them.” Recommendations include things like pedal extenders to help drivers AAA Senior Defensive Driving get a safe distance from the steering Program offers a six-hour Driver Imwheel/airbag and adjustable seat belts provement Program in many areas which assist drivers in reaching AAA Carfit experts help senior drivers of the county and is designed to for or buckling/unbuckling. maximize comfort and safety behind the wheel. help senior drivers be safer while staying behind the wheel longer. Smart Features for Mature DrivCarFit: This program shows older To find an available Defensive ers also includes a list of cars that drivers how to maintain optimum Driving class near you, please are senior friendly which take into comfort and control in their own call (813) 289-5831. consideration factors such as safety vehicle. Select AAA offices offer To learn more about any of the other features, comfort in exit # and202 entry one-on-one appointments where programs, call (813) 289-5831. legroom and size of control buttons. seniors sit in their own cars and

BY EVELYN MACKEY

“I

had no idea I could do something about it,” say many seniors when they find they can get so many kinds of driving help from AAA, help that may literally help them “keep the keys” to their cars and the independence it brings.

Retirement Living AAA, long known for rescuing drivers with flat tires and empty gas tanks, offers senior drivers several benefits for safe driving. These include the Senior Defensive Driving Program, Drive Sharp, Smart Features for Mature Drivers and Car Fit. AAA’s goal is to keep older people driving, but to do it safely. Michelle Harris is the AAA Auto Club South Director of Traffic Safety Culture in Tampa. She said, “It’s

Word Search Mar. 2011 WORD SEARCH

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at right of answers the grid. Answers found in allCircle directions -- that forwards, In the gridthe below, twenty can be found that can fit the be category for today. each answer you find and list it backwards, horizontally, and diagonally. An example is given horizontally, to in the space provided at the right of the grid.vertically Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, getand you started. Can you find tothe answers puzzle? vertically diagonally. An example is given gettwenty you started. Can you fiinndthis the twenty answers in this puzzle? Today's Category: Poets B R O W N

G G T U L

S D T

A S D

A L

E O C

H T

B L

K E

N D H

S N C

D D P

D G N K A

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S A C

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A O G T

R C W D

G R D

A Y

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

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Poe ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

The ﬁ rst correct answers selected from the drawing on March 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 Mar. 21, 2011.)

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 30

Word Search Answers From

February 2011

William Tursellino and Louise Ficarra are last month’s winners! Congratulations!

Protect Assets with an Irrevocable Trust Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

30YRS

William R. Mumbauer, P.A.

205 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon

• 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.

be changed by you later if desired. The BY DAWN M. CHAPMAN, ESQ. trustees only have authority to do what is AND WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, ESQ. allowed under the trust which is, primarily, to protect trust assets and provide houghtful people want to plan you with a designated lifetime income. ahead to protect their assets. And With an irrevocable trust, you are as people age, they often become more limited to receiving only the income concerned about the potential cost of from the trust, not distributions from long-term health care. Many worry about losing their assets to pay for nurs- the principal. Generally, the assets transferred to the trust are held in very ing home care. For some, long-term health care insurance is a viable option, safe investments such as annuities or bank CDs. The interest from these but for many, insurance is too expeninvestments is paid to you in desigsive for they do not meet the medical nated amounts and is taxable income criteria. These people should consider to you. Upon your death, the assets establishing an irrevocable trust. in the trust are passed through to the beneficiaries you named in the trust. The irrevocable trust functions to produce income and the assets in the trust An irrevocable trust protects assets may be bought and sold. This allows for because the assets you transfer to the maximum flexibility over the allocatrust thereafter become inaccessible tion of assets based on your changing to you and, therefore, cannot be used for long term care expenses. Typically, financial needs and market fluctuation. Other benefits available with an family members such as adult children irrevocable trust include the fact that you are named as trustees and the trust is are still allowed to gift assets from the usually drafted to allow the trustees to

The Law And You

Automobile Accidents

Health Education Programs Offered

ampa General Hospital offers the following classes in March:

9 Ayurveda: The Science of Life at 6:30 p.m.

18 Determine Your Ideal Calorie In-

take, 1 to 4 p.m. by appointment only.

25 Screenings and Immunizations for All of Life’s Stages & Ages, 10:30 a.m. 25 What You Need to Know About

Advance Directives, 1:30 p.m.

25 Advance Directives Consultations, First come, first served; 2:30 to 4 p.m. 31 Options for Snoring and Sleep

Apnea at 6:30 p.m.

All programs offered at 740 S. Village Circle, Tampa (Hyde Park Village). Check in for each program 30 minutes prior to the time the program will begin. Please register for programs by calling 1-800-822-3627.

trust. Such gifts can be made to your children or anyone else you desire. The recipients of the gifts are free to use the gift any way they wish, including even for your benefit. Lastly, irrevocable trusts can become revocable if all of the beneficiaries of the trust are in agreement that it is in your best interest that the assets be returned to your ownership and control. This action may have tax consequences and should only be done after consulting an attorney. Warning: Never undertake a complex plan such as a trust or other asset protection plans without legal and tax planning advice. Always ask for a second opinion and be certain that you understand all possible implications before signing any legal document. Seek competent legal advice. Dawn M. Chapman, Esq. has practiced law in Brandon, Florida for over five years, concentrating in Family Law, Estate Planning, Asset Protection and other areas of Elder Law. She can be contacted at (813) 643-1885.

• 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

We provide prompt, aggressive representation for victims of automobile accidents.

1851 Rickenbacker Drive Sun City Center, FL

(813) 634-9900 or 1 (877) 346-5600 Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 31

Bright House Networks would like to thank everyone who participated in our Bright Stars Senior Talent Shows this year. All proceeds from ticket sales from the Regional Shows went to benefit local senior non-profit organizations. Bright House Networks was pleased to assist the following organizations that do so much for our seniors each and every day: Pinellas ticket proceeds went to benefit Good Life Games 2011 Tri-County ticket proceeds went to benefit CARES Adult Day Care Manatee ticket proceeds went to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS Hillsborough ticket proceeds went to benefit Tampa Bay Senior Games The winners from each of our regional shows have been chosen to perform at the Bright House Networks Senior Idol Show:

April 6, 2011 - 7:00 pm • Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759 • 727-712-2759 Tickets - $6 each General Admission Twelve terrific acts will be performing, Jen Holloway and Virginia Johnson will host the show culminating with the selection of one performer who will be named Tampa Bay Senior Idol 2011. Be sure to tune in to Tampa Bay On Demand Channel 340 in late April to see Bright House Networks Tampa Bay Senior Idol 2011 show again! The Tampa Bay Senior Idol will receive $500 from Bright House Networks and will choose the charity of their choice to receive $500. Then tune in to find out who the audience will select as the Tampa Bay’s Senior Idol. Thanks to Humana for being our Senior Idol Sponsor!

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 32

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 1038 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess & model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Fort Myers. 3954 DESIRING A RELATIONSHIP with a Christian/Messianic Jewish Carpenter. 50 – 60yo. Enjoys nature, pets and quiet times. I’m petite, with long hair and SOH and I live a healthy lifestyle. I also enjoy carpentry and would love to start a garden in the spring and with your help I know it will be a success. Hillsborough. 3978 ASIAN WOMAN seeking SWM, clean cut, not overweight, gentle and easy. She likes painting, writing, decorating, gardening and cooking. She is a faithful partner for life. 3981 CHRISTIAN W F Attractive, petite, ISO honest gentleman, NS, LTR, SOH, likes dancing a little, movies, 68 to 70s. Maybe live together in your home or mine. Only God will know!

3983 SEEKING COMPATIBLE GENTLEMAN 63 – 75 I am 69yo, 5’3”. 140 lbs. H, W, C, NS, SD, FF. Attractive, honest and loving, looking for someone to share life, travel, exercises, music, etc. Recent photo would be nice. 3987 SENIOR LADY W F SEEKING loving WM for companion. 75+. Walks, movies, travel, dining out. Must be neat, NS, SD, enjoy nature. Zephyrhills.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

3953 SEEKING SLIM ROMANTIC FEMALE for LTR or cohabitation with retired SWM, 5’7”. I50 lbs. Non smoker, easy going, new home, new life. Send photo, description with letter. All answered – Gulf Coast, Venice area. 3969 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN 58-68, HWP, calm, true. I’m 55, 6’2”, 175, Bld, hazel, kind, true. Nature parks, animals, SOH. St. Pete. 3982 INTELLIGENT CHRISTIAN COMPANION PARTNER Former police officer, 64yy, WM, 6’, 180, grey, blue, D, C, NS, SD. Active, no couch potato, not mattress minded. Tennis, golf, nature but mostly female companionship. ISO close friend, LTR, HWP, C, with pixie-like quality for mutual TLC. Clearwater.

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):

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:

Phone:

State:

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SMSmokes, 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, FFFriendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Cool Stuff in the Kitchen Reheat Pizza eat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done.

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.

Spring Bazaar

ocky Creek Village will be holding its 25th annual Spring Bazaar on Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy plant sales, raffles, baked goodies, vendors, games for children, music, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. The Spring Bazaar will be held at Rocky Creek Village, 8606 Boulder Court, Tampa. For details, contact Keith Elder at (813) 884-3388, ext. 237.

Check Us Out Online!

City (No Charge):

City:

3984 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN Very youthful senior guy, 6’, 190, blonde, blue, seeking 1960s style woman. I’m a real gentleman; thoughtful and considerate. I enjoy dining in and out and most activities. Phone number please. Thank you! Tampa. 3986 SEEKING ASIAN OR HISPANIC LADY for LTR. I am SWM, 56 years old. Like daytrips, walks, movies and dining out. Please send photo if you can; include phone number. 3988 I AM MALE, 64 YEARS, spiritual counselor. 6’1” tall, seeking a white blonde petite for LTR. Please write.

Zip:

E-mail:

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

Senior Connection Is Now On and

Visit www.twitter.com/MaturLifeStyles or Like “Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles” on www.facebook. com for the latest news and fun events in your area. Get your “Smile for the Day!” or share comments with us! Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 33

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 34

Trashformations Tampa Bay Time the fun at the za contest. Applications JwatchoinRecycle Regatta and due by March 11—no groups paddle age restrictions; art is their watercrafts (made from at least 70 percent recycled material) over a quarter-mile course on the Hillsborough River March 26, 2011 at Lowry Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or enter a piece of art in the Transformations Tampa Bay Reuse-a-Paloo-

classified by categories and age groups. Submit art piece March 26; winning selections displayed at the Florida Aquarium. Contact Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful at (813) 960-5121 for details or e-mail khcb2@ yahoo.com for the entry form.

Senior Expo

Helpful Events in March

he City of Temple Terrace invites you to attend the Senior Expo, Friday, Mar. 11 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Family Recreation Complex, 6610 E. Whiteway Drive, Temple Terrace. Find info about the many senior services provided by local agencies. Booths available: $10/ private vendors; $5/non-profit. For details about the event, or to sign up for a booth, call (813) 506-6630.

16 Parkinsons Disease Support

Group, Church of the Nazarene, Himes Ave. (between Sligh and Hillsborough), 1 to 3 p.m. (813) 931-1235.

22 Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers

Program at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 Morrison Ave., Tampa. Presented by USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Inst. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch included. No charge but registration requested. (813) 974-4355 or 1-800-633-4563.

Mike’s Music and Magic Instrumental Guitar, Classic Oldies Hits, Close - Up Effects to Amaze & Amuse Affordable Entertainment Small Wedding Special

813-486-3275 Or visit our website

MikesMusicandMagic.com

Worried about High Gas Prices? Would you like to receive FREE Gas? Did you know that

16 major oil companies are giving away FREE $200 Gas Gift Cards to thousands of Americans EVERY MONTH? Go to http:// www.cnicards.com to discover how you can receive your FREE $200 Gas Gift Cards!

OZZIE’S BUFFET BAR & GRILL “Great American Home Cooking” You’ve tried the Rest LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET

Now try the Best

Welcome Back Friends! NOW SERVING American • Caribbean Breakfast Legs & Whole Italian • Oriental $7.95 + tax Evening Entertainment! Crab Lobster Specials starting at 6pm Children $4.89 + tax Best Fried Chicken in town Tuesday – Saturday Lobster or Crab Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Lunch $8.25 + tax Dinner $10.99 + tax Senior $7.96 + tax Healthy with 2 sides Children $4.95 + tax Buffet not included Choices Dinner Hours Available $9.99 + tax Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m SENIOR Senior $9.69 + tax Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. DISCOUNT Children $5.95 + tax Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available FL Located at 3074 E. COLLEGE AVE. Ruskin, PH. (813) 641-1300 Sun off 674 Port Plaza

u 212

THE ORIGINAL

Mar. 17 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

Senior Haircuts $7 Master barber newly located at Barber Unisex Regular Haircut $10

Located inside Riverview Flea Market Same Shopping Center as Ruth’s Steakhouse

Best Quality Work/Prices in Town 7415 US Hwy. 301 S. Riverview Closed Mon. & Tues. Ask for A.B. Senior Citizen Discount 55+

Business Phone: 813-900-9949

Open: Wed.,Thurs., Fri., & Sat. 10am – 6pm, Sun. 10 – 5pm Call For Appointment 5 min. ahead before coming in for a haircut.

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

Let us do the driving for you Just sit back and RELAX Comfortable, Safe and Professional Please Call for a Free Detailed Brochure

Call 800-233-8342 ext. 3

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

Seniors!

Unique Vacation Hotel for Cats Only! ✦ Featured on Nationwide TV ✦ Reasonable rates ✦ Huge windows on tropical gardens ✦ Vet on call ✦ Soft music, lots of loving & petting

15501 Boyette Rd. Riverview

Family Owned & Operated since 1974

(Please mention this ad when you call for information)

Senior Connection • March 2011 • page 35

All You’ve Ever Wanted – And It’s All Here!

PAIRED VILLAS & SINGLE FAMILY HOMES PRIcED FROM tHE $140s as america’s Premier 55 and Better master-Planned Community, Florida’s new Sun City Center Has it all! • neW HomeS! neW DeSiGnS! • Minto is the Only New Home Builder in Sun City Center • Single Family Homes from 1,544 - 2,284 Sq. Ft. • Paired Villas from 1,360 - 1,862 Sq. Ft. • 4 Community Recreational Facilities

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6 Professionally Managed Golf Courses 10 Indoor & Outdoor Swimming Pools 4 Fitness and Wellness Centers 2 Full Service Spas Dining, Restaurants and Cafes Onsite Golf Cart Accessible Roadways and Paths to Amenities and Nearby Shopping • Over 200 Clubs and Organizations and Much, Much More!

Tour Our New Model Homes Today or call (877) 815-0022 105 CommerCial Center Dr., Sun City Center, Fl 33573 From I-75, Exit 240A, East on S.R.674/Sun City Center Blvd., South onto 33rd St, S.E. Open daily. All dimensions, prices, plans, specifications, features, programs, amenities, designs, materials, HOA fees, condo fees and availability are approximate and subject to change or substitution by Seller without notice. Exterior colors may vary. Artist’s rendering. Minto Communities, LLC, CGC 059780 CGC 1516596 CGC 1518693 © Minto Communities, LLC 2010 All Rights Reserved.