Senior Connection - Hillsborough May 2011 edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 5

HILLSBOROUGH

MAY 2011

Find Jeans That Fit

Big Ships • Can Wii Make You Fit? • Laugh for Better Health

om c . e b we zin r u a i t o ag s i V rm .s w w ea s it

• Embrace Love Early & Late In Life • Veterans Corner: A Tale About Vietnam w

This Month, Remember Mom’s Advice

BY JANICE DOYLE Dear Readers,

ay is always a busy month for magazines because so many special days Janice Doyle, have been plopped on Editor May’s calendar page over the years. We could focus on May Day, Mothers Day, Memorial Day and graduation. There’s even a No Socks Day in May as well as National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. As a special month, it’s also Older Americans Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. We couldn’t focus on everything, but we have a great May issue for you to read! To honor Mothers Day, I couldn’t resist once again sharing this little piece because I find it so meaningful myself. Read it and let the memories flow! The Stages of Motherhood

4 Years of Age: My Mommy can do anything. 8 Years of Age: My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot.

12 Years of Age: My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything. 14 Years of Age: Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either. 16 Years of Age: Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned. 18 Years of Age: That old woman? She’s way out of date.

25 Years of Age: Well, she might know a little bit about it. 35 Years of Age: Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion. 45 Years of Age: Wonder what Mom thinks about it?

65 Years of Age: Wish I could talk it over with Mom. And, just for fun, remember what our mothers said to us. Of course, none of us were going to say these things to our own children— we were far too modern when our little ones came along! • Always wear clean underwear; you never know when you’ll have an accident. • Don’t make that face or it’ll solidify in that position.

• Be careful or you’ll put your eye out. • What if everyone jumped into a well? Would you do it, too? • You have enough filth behind those ears to grow potatoes!

• Close that door! Were you born in a barn? • If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

• Don’t put that thing in your mouth; you don’t know where it’s been!

What’s inside We offer you a great selection of articles this month. Since May is Jewish American Heritage Month, we were honored when Tracie Schmidt of our staff was invited to interview Elie Wiesel last month. Read her article and learn how a teenaged Holocaust survivor went forward to influence the world. He’s an Older American we can honor in every way. As you read the story about Wiesel, you will find nothing in his gentle wisdom that would tell you about a recent tragedy in his life. Wiesel is one of those who invested with Bernie Madoff—not just his personal money, but also over 15 million of the Wiesel Foundation for Humanity’s funds. Gone, and yet he never mentioned it in the interview. There’s much diversity in this issue, from our ongoing love affair with jeans to the disconcerting facts about artificial sweeteners and fish oil. You’ll want to sign up for a cruise aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s giant ships after you read the publisher’s article about her cruise on the Allure of the Seas. Be sure to take along the information you learn from our brand new column series “Deal Me In” for the tips you want about your gaming life. For your feel-good pleasure, we’ll also let you in on some love stories as well as tell you how to eat right at KFC. Enjoy.

Older Americans: Connecting the Community

very May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have celebrated the enormous contributions of older Americans. Older Americans Month is our chance to show appreciation and support for seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. This year’s theme—Older Americans: Connecting the Community—pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 2

and continuity to the fabric of communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences and wealth of knowledge make our culture, economy and local character what they are today. Older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology and ﬁnancial stability over the last several decades that have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living.

We salute all of you for giving back and making a difference in your communities. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ﬁnd out about volunteer opportunities in your community. In Pinellas and Pasco Counties, call (727) 570-9696. In Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, call (813) 7403888. In Lee and Sarasota Counties, call (239) 652-6900. For Lake and Marion Counties, call (352) 378-6649.

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

(813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.srmagazine.com Send press releases to:

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

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

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

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hrough 15 Closer Than Ever, a musical that looks at mid-life, love and happiness. By Masque of Temple Terrace at 8917 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace. Tickets at (813) 983-1710 or masquetheatre.net.

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Thrift sale to help fight Parkinson’s Disease, First Church of the Nazarene, 5902 North Himes Avenue, Tampa. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information at (813) 932-6902 or adeleidawalter@hotmail.com.

Book Discussion: A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith at Bruton Library. 11 a.m. Call (813) 757-9215 for information.

JUNE 2

Senior Spelling Bee by Community Church College with Steve Otto as moderator. United Community Church, 1501 LaJolla Ave., Sun City Center. $10. 7 p.m. Details (including how to participate) at (813) 634-8460.

“BOOMER HEAVEN”

“The Joy of Jazz” Concert by The Sarasota Jazz Project at Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. 2:30 p.m. $10 tickets at Community Association office. Call (813) 642-2001.

“RAIN creates musical nirvana … makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! A thrilling bit of timewarping nostalgia … Boomer Heaven!”

Fun With Orchids presentation by Master Gardeners at Charles Fendig Library. 10:30 a.m. Call (813) 273-3652 for details.

– Fort Worth Star Telegram ww.raintribute.com

Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045 Group Services (12+ get a discount): 813.222.1018 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 4

Coffee Concert “Alastair’s Choice” by the Florida Orchestra, Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete. 11 a.m. Tickets: $24 up. For more info, call (727) 892-3337 or visit floridaorchestra.org.

Scandinavian Club of Sun City Center meets at 3 p.m. at Aston Gardens. Two short feature movies (five capitols plus true adventure story) and ice cream. $3/guest. Call Harry Jackle at (813) 642-0989 for reservations.

Arabian Nights Dinner Show trip from Brandon Recreation Center. 6 to 11 p.m. $50 includes transportation and dinner. Sign up by May 13. Call David at (813) 376-5755.

Sunset Cinema: The Karate Kid (2010 version) at Al Lopez Park. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Your game ticket is your admission to the movie. Call (813) 274-8981 for info.

“Perennials” class at North Tampa Library by Hillsborough County Extension Service. 6:30 p.m. Call (813) 273-3652.

Franklin Locks Buffet Cruise with Northdale OWLS. 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. return. $60. Call Sylvia at (813) 961-5649.

Swinging American Standards Jazz Concert by Eastern Hillsborough Community Band at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon. Donations accepted. 4 p.m. For information about the band, call (813) 569-1771 or visit ehcb.org.

Memorial Day special at Lowry Park Zoo: military personnel (active-duty and retirees) free admission and three direct dependents with IDs. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Parking is free. Information at LowryParkZoo.com. 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. May 10 for June event.)

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Tai Chi for Health and Well Being Taoist Tai Chi Society® Open House Celebrations Saturday, May 21, 2011 Brandon Center 911 Bryan Rd, Brandon, 33511 11:00 am to 1:00 pm First United Church of Christ 7308 E Fowler, Tampa 33618 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Come join us, watch us practice our Tai Chi set and learn a move or two. Beginner classes start the week of May 23, 2011. We offer morning, evening, and weekend classes, as well as ongoing Health Recovery classes. First class free! Classes held in Brandon, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel Sun City Center and Palma Ceia. For times and locations, please call 1-877-398-1108 or go to www.taoist.org or www.brandon.florida.usa.taoist.org The Taoist Tai Chi Society ® is a charitable organization.

The Cupid in Your Computer Part Two

r. Joy Browne, author of Dating for Dummies, 3rd Edition, says, “When it comes to dating, the Internet has broadened and widened the playing field and deepened the pool.” In addition to being precise and choosing a picture carefully, here are more tips from her book: Make your English teacher proud. Check and then double-check your grammar, spelling and punctuation. Nothing will make you look more like a doofus than misspelled words or incorrect grammar. Browne advises, “Ask a discreet friend to read your listing to see if it makes sense and has no major lapses of logic, taste or grammar. Another set of eyes will often catch something you’ve missed.” Keep the fibs to a minimum. Browne says that on an Internet dating site, Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 6

age, weight and sexual history tend to be the general minefield of fibbing. Use the following guideline:

• Your age should certainly be within several years of your actual age – no decade reductions. Beware of saying things like “salt and pepper hair” if you haven’t had any hair on your head since dirt was invented.

• Make sure any physical description roughly correlates with what your mirror reflects, not what your heart desires.

• Beware of women who use “code” and say they’re “voluptuous,” which translates into “35 pounds overweight.” If you’re a little heavy, then say, “I’m a little heavy. I can live with it. Can you?” Remember: Sooner or later the intent is to meet face to face, and neither of you should be unpleasantly surprised.

• As for sexual history, don’t go there! Your indiscretions are best forgotten or dealt with in the confessional or therapy, but certainly not on a website with strangers.

Seniors Celebrate Love Both Early and Late in Life I t’s always fun to hear a love story, isn’t it? Brookdale Senior Living owns and operates a number of senior living communities throughout the U.S. and they have collected some of its residents’ own classic love stories. The newest (and oldest) wedded couple within the Brookdale family met at The Kenwood Lake View in Chicago during 2007. Tom Stinchcomb, 89, had spotted Joan Garrison, 91, and a friend of hers standing in line at the buffet. Stinchcomb introduced himself to the ladies and asked if they’d mind if he joined them at their table. From then on, Stinchcomb took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with Garrison. Before they were married, the couple lived in the same building but ten floors apart. Stinchcomb, always a gentleman, would see Garrison to her apartment to ensure she arrived safely after events they attended. From there, their love blossomed culminating in their recent wedding. Carriage Club Charlotte resident Emily Bauermeister has found love and romance three times. Bauermeister met her third husband, Herman, at an elder hostel in Tennessee and knew immediately that she was going to marry him. For a time she ignored Mr. Bauermeister’s attempts to get to know her, but they eventually went to dinner together. Shortly after they met, he started talking about marriage. They married and spent 25 years together. “I can tell you first-hand these two were a match made in heaven,” said Jaynie Segal, life enrichment director for Carriage Club Charlotte. “They were always holding hands, laughing, enjoying this special time in their lives together, always finding something to talk about and always finding time to steal a kiss.”

William Speir, resident of Cypress Village in Florida, took the time to write his wife, Bobbie, of 58 years an emotional poem titled “Dear Bobbie, Do You Remember?” The poem highlights their history together and ends, “The glue of love is still bonding us together – Love is what I remember. Do you remember?” When Carol Mitchell moved into the Classic West Palm Beach, a Brookdale Senior Living independent and assisted living community in Florida, she wasn’t looking for love. However, last June, Jack Levy was sitting in the lobby when he first spotted Mitchell on a tour of the community. She moved in two weeks later, and he next saw her swimming as he sat by the pool reading. He did not take his eyes off her and soon waved to her, beckoning her to join him. They found they had a lot in common: books, theater, museums and even their favorite New York City restaurants. That night, Levy cooked dinner for Mitchell and they began seeing each other every day. He proposed later that year, and they wed in November 2010. At the Heritage Raleigh, residents Flo Moore and John DeGraff met in November 2006. They met by discovering that they were both Republicans in that election year. They began playing bridge together and taking walks every day, holding hands and enjoying their friendship. Their love has survived his throat cancer and other health problems. Recently, they were sitting outside, holding hands, and a woman crossed the parking lot to where they were sitting to say, “I wish I had what you have!” Don’t we all? Full narratives of each story are available at www.facebook.com/ brookdaleseniorliving.

Mineral and Science Interest? Join the Club R

ockhounds, jewelry makers, metalsmiths and lovers of mineral specimens all have a home in the Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club. There’s even a clubhouse at 10207 Fisher Road in Tampa, where members meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Founded in 1957, the club has offered three generations of rockhounds and lapidaries an opportunity for education, camaraderie and fun. The club offers classes in metalsmithing, lapidary, wire wrapping, beading and faceting. On the third Tuesday of each month members gather at the clubhouse off Faulkenburg Road for activities such as potluck dinners, educational programs and auctions of lapidary materials and other items. In October of each

year, the club holds a regional show that attracts dealers from throughout the Southeast. Through the years, club members have participated in mall bazaars, city hobby shows and local museums. The club has helped establish a lapidary workshop in Nicaragua after the disastrous 1972 earthquake; contributed to scholarship funds, foundation funds and regional workshops. The group supported Florida self-taught paleontologist Frank Garcia on his nationally renowned Leisey fossil dig. The club mostly goes to the public schools and libraries to give lectures on many facets of rockhounding and lapidary. For more information on the Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club, stop by the clubhouse or visit the club’s website at www.tampabayrockclub. com. To contact the club’s president, send an e-mail from the website.

Cirque Du Soleil Comes to Bay Area W

ith its always daring aerial acrobatics, powerfully moving vocal performances and incredibly inventive clowns, Cirque du Soleil is legendary for providing entertainment experiences that appeal to all ages and are applauded by audiences worldwide. This summer, one of Cirque du Soleil’s signature shows, Alegria, will be performed in the St. Pete Times Forum for the first time from June 22 – 26. Alegria is Spanish for elation, joy and jubilation and exemplifies those attributes with its flamboyant costumes, original music

performed live, elaborate sets and always astonishing mix of athleticism and artistry that combines strength, skill and speed. This more than two-hour spectacle showcases the high-energy Aerial High Bars where aerialists fly into the grasp of catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage, the Mongolian art of contortion, the daring Fire-Knife Dance and the vibrancy of Power Track, a dynamic display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system hidden beneath the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists soar through the air and perform spectacular somersaults and mid-air turns, landing on bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of catchers. Tickets are available for all performances at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ alegria or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

STEFAN SANDERLING, MUSIC DIRECTOR

COFFEE CONCERTS

Alastair’s Choice

Featuring Verdi’s Forza del Destino Overture, Gliere’s Russian Sailors Dance, and Piazzolla’s Tango No. 2, Alastair Willis conducts this morning Coffee Concert, with complimentary coffee and donuts served before the performance. Don’t miss the pre-concert conversation in the concert hall one hour before the performance.

Thu, May 19, 11 am Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater

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From the decade that brought us MTV, big hair, and Michael Jackson’s sequin glove, it’s a salute to some of the best-loved pop and rock artists of the 1980s with your orchestra playing music by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper, and more. Sarah Hicks conducts.

May 20 - 22

SERIES FINALE

MASTERWORKS Brahms’ Violin Concerto Acclaimed by The New York Times as “a brilliant violinist,” Augustin Hadelich performs Brahms’ Violin Concerto on a program overflowing with gorgeous music: Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict Overture, Barber’s symphonic prayer Adagio for Strings and Stravinsky’s lyrical Pulcinella Suite. Larry Rachleff conducts.

May 27 & 28

SEASON FINALE

For more information: call 727.892.3337 or visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org For group savings (10 or more) : 727.362.5443 TFO-Senior Connection-May.indd 1

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 7 3/23/2011 12:48:31 PM

All I Want Are Some Jeans That Fit

BY CINDY PHILLIPS

did it again. I spent hours going store to store convinced I could find them. I must have tried on a hundred pairs, putting on one leg and then the other, shimmying as I tugged them up toward my waist. A few times I actually thought I was going to make it only to be disappointed as the material ran out even though my backside kept going. Why can’t I find a pair of jeans that fit? We Boomers invented the perfect jeans. We made them popular. We faded them, acid-washed them, colored them, added stretch to them, cut them into shorts and frayed their bottoms. We paired them with t-shirts, crew neck sweaters, buttondown shirts, tank tops, blazers and

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 8

sequined satin blouses. We wore them with sneakers, boots, high heels, top-siders and flip flops. I remember my first pair of jeans. Actually, they were my sister’s first pair of jeans. The first time I saw them, I was in awe. They were like nothing I had ever seen. When she let me try them on, it was nirvana. Even though she was five years older than me, those jeans fit each of us like a custom-made glove. As I prepared to go off to college, my mother took me shopping for clothes. By this time, I had my own jeans and knew exactly what I needed. They were the Levi’s with the red tag. You didn’t have to try them on, you simply looked for your size, waist times length, and took them to the

checkout. Every pair fit the same. I had three pairs of those jeans and I alternated them each day. I could typically get at least two wearings from each, and then it was time to wash and dry them. It’s not that they were dirty, but they needed tightening up. There was no better feeling in the world than slipping on those Levi’s straight out of the dryer. Sometimes, while struggling with the freshman five, I had to lay on the bed to get them zipped up. But once I closed that top button and stood up, the view from the back was exquisite. And then something went terribly wrong. Those jeans that I had revered all these years rebelled. They started going by names like True Religion and Jordache. And for some totally unexplainable reason, they

decided to come to a complete halt when they got halfway up my behind. Who could think this would be comfortable for a Boomer body already struggling with self-image issues? Who thought this would look attractive on a bulging Boomer belly? Who came up with this idea? Not only do I now have a love-hate relationship with every pair of jeans I own, but I am also experiencing relationship issues with all my shirts. “Pick me, wear me today,” they call out from the closet. It is disheartening to have to look at them and say, “No, I can’t wear you today, you simply aren’t long enough to cover the chasm from where my jeans end and you begin.” It’s time for a Boomer to start a new jeans company to design the denim to fit our ever-changing bodies. I have the perfect name for the line—C.Y.A. Jeans. Any takers? Contact me at cphillipsauthor@ yahoo.com.

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Straz Center Rocks in May I

f you want to relive those hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution days of the ‘60s, here’s your chance. Hair brought the songs that became anthems for the anti-Vietnam War’s peace movement and the beginnings of the genre called “rock musical.” It will be rocking the stage at the Straz Center from May “RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles.” 24 to 29. Set in New York City, the play won the Best Beginning June 3, for anyone who has Musical Revival 2009 Tony Award. experienced the Baby Weight Blues, RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles comes Motherhood the Musical. Hot returns to Tampa on June 2! ExperiFlash! From the successful producers of ence what Beatlemania was all Menopause The Musical. One reviewer about. From Ed Sullivan to Abbey called the show “the joyous journey Road—RAIN looks and sounds and loving look at the blessings and just like the Beatles. RAIN’s perils of being a mom at any age.” Tampa engagement covers the Fab Cancellations at the Straz Center Four from the earliest beginnings include Pawn Stars: Gold & Silver through the psychedelic late ’60s Road Show (was scheduled for May and their long-haired hippie, 14) and Madagascar LIVE! (was hard-rocking rooftop days. scheduled for July 23 – 24).

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 9

Elie Wiesel Connects Cultures, Generations Through His Work It was not easy to start thinking of Author and death as not being he theme for Older teacher, the norm—that it Americans Month this Elie Wiesel. was an individual year is “Connecting the tragedy. And then, Community,” and for writhow to adjust to er, philosopher and Holothe living? How to caust survivor Elie Wiesel, adjust to the other. the tradition of passing How to adjust to down wisdom from one love? Mostly it was generation to another and a total change.” encouraging communicaNot only was the tion between cultures and physical aspect religions has always been Photo by Cheryl Johnston of everyday life of great importance. a challenge, but the experience also Wiesel was born in Romania in 1928 caused him to deeply question his faith. and was only 14 when the German “Before the war, my faith was army swept through his village, forcing total,” he said. “I never thought all of the Jewish residents into the I could question God. Now I do. Auschwitz, Buna and Buchenwald But I never divorced God. concentration camps. His loved “Before the war, I was so religious,” ones were separated, and of his ﬁve he continued. “I came from a Hasidic family members only himself and background and I wanted my faith to his two older sisters survived. be stronger and stronger. But what As a young man. Wiesel lived in did I know about suffering? Only Paris for a time after World War II and what I had read in the Bible and eventually became a journalist, writing to promote awareness of anti-Semitism, Talmud about previous centuries. oppression and indifference. He chroni- Jewish history is actually a history of cled his experiences in the concentration suffering. But in spite of the suffering,” he said, “faith must continue.” camps in the memoir Night—one of his most famous works—and over the Connecting the Community course of his life he has written several Of the ethical problems that the world books, plays, essays and memoirs. faces today, Wiesel sees indifference “I tried to be a witness, so I went and apathy as the greatest challenges. everywhere,” Wiesel said of his trips “I’ve spent years and years of my to countries such as Cambodia and life ﬁghting indifference. It is because Bosnia, where he spoke out against violence and genocide. In 1986, he was so many people are indifferent to other persons’ tragedies, pain, that the awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts on behalf of oppressed peoples. problem becomes so acute it seems Wiesel became a citizen of the United insoluble,” he spoke. “Indifference has become a kind of religion.” States in 1955 and has since devoted Wiesel cites the Holocaust as an his life to educating, writing and example; while it was one of the raising his family. He is currently the history’s darkest tragedies, most of professor of Judaic studies at Manhatthe world was unaware of it until after tan’s City College of New York and it had occurred. However, he stresses teaches classes at Florida International that similar horrors can be prevented Universities as a visiting scholar. with awareness and moral activism, and that hatred and indifference are not Rebuilding innate to mankind, but rather taught. During one of his visits to Sarasota, “It’s not genetic. Ultimately, it’s a I had a chance to ask him what it choice,” he said. “It’s simply easier took to rebuild his life after his not to be involved. It’s easier not to experiences in the camps. “It was not so easy to adjust,” he said, look at those who suffer. But who “not only to the living, but to the death. says that life should be easier?”

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 10

One solution he suggests is to open the lines of communication between peoples and communities, especially in places like schools where different cultures and religions meet in an atmosphere that promotes the exchange of ideas. “I’m sure that where you have colleges, you have Muslims. Meet them,” he urged. “Every month, organize something with you and your friends. Say, ‘Come, lets have coffee together. For an hour, two hours—let’s talk.’ “People want to know each other better. They want to know the good in the other person.”

Dreams and Ambitions I asked him if the ambitions he had when he was younger had come to pass, and if there were still things he wanted to achieve. “My dream was really to become a teacher,” he replied. “A head of a Hasidic academy in a small village. Here I am; I’m a teacher, and I’m the head of at least my department, and I have a special chair in Paris and here. So I do what I wanted to be.” In his classes, Wiesel focuses on philosophy and draws from a variety of sources, encouraging both his students and himself to ask questions. “It can be just history, it can be Danté, or maybe the Bible. I love the Bible. With it, I question not only why people behave the way they do, I even question, ‘Why did God create man?’ Did he need problems?” he laughed. “He must have known that the moment he created us, there would be problems!” Wiesel is also a disciplined writer; he wakes up at ﬁve every morning and writes for at least four hours every weekday, always busy working on new books. As far as accomplishments go, he only has one regret. “The only thing I did want…at one point, I oscillated between music and philosophy,” he remembered. “I wanted to become a conductor, because in Paris when I went from one orphanage to another, I was a choir conductor. And I felt, ah—that’s my goal in life! And for a few months I was really hesitating: philosophy, or music? Then I asked myself, what

good can I do for the world if I become a conductor? So I chose philosophy.” When asked about the high points in his life, he replied, “Oh, I got married and had a son, then grandchildren. I was asked by my students, what does it mean to be a grandfather? And I said, I fell in love again!”

On Aging As a proliﬁc writer, speaker and traveler, Weisel is always on the move, even at 83. But he still feels an intimate connection to his peers. “Not because of my age, but my religion, I have a tremendous affection for older people. When I was younger and my grandfather came to visit, it was the best day of the month,” he remembered. “It is not so in America. Here, children can’t live with their parents—they send them away. Mostly to Florida,” he laughed. “But why send their parents away, when they can learn so much from them?” He encourages seniors to write down their experiences—not only to keep their own memories alive, but so future generations can learn from them. “My fear is not only that a person would forget, but that a generation would forget—that the world would forget,” he cautioned. “As a writer, I compare everything to books. For someone with Alzheimer’s, life is like a book out of which, every day, you tear a page. At the end, the patient is like a book without pages anymore— just a cover and the last page. What can we do to retain that memory? Without it, nothing exists. It needs a language.” Throughout his life, Elie Wiesel has faced illness and death, loss of loved ones and separation from familiar surroundings—issues that many seniors also face. I asked him if he had any advice for others his age. “If you are a religious person,” he stated, “the ﬁrst prayer you say in the morning is, “Thank you, God, for my waking up!” He smiled, and continued, “As long as I am alive, I have a choice. As long as I am alive, I don’t believe in death. With my last breath, I believe that every one of us is immortal. We must do everything we can to help each other.”

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The Caregiver Hour BY KIM LINDER, Host of The Caregiver Hour radio show

Older Americans Month 2011

t’s wonderful to honor Older Americans anytime, but this year’s theme, “Older Americans: Connecting the Community” during the month of May is significant. Older adults have been the fabric of our communities for hundreds of years, and they realize now that, in order to be connected, they need to embrace modern computer technology. As a host of a radio show, I have interviewed senior caregivers who have declared they have fallen in love with e-mail, Facebook and Skype and use them to connect to children, grandchildren and friends who are closeby or thousands of miles away. They know that things aren’t the way they used to be, but they are wise enough to hold on to what is important to them, which is family and community. Older Americans—enjoy your month!

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“Oh, It’s Mr. Richards”—Plant City’s Susbstitute Teacher Extraordinaire STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

It’s also interesting to note that Robert Richards olks who have lived has never owned a in Plant City for a car. He has always while have heard of Robert enjoyed walking, C. Richards. If they had and so he does— kids or grandkids at Plant to Walmart, to City High School, they the grocery, to probably heard about the the bank—and energetic 77-year-old anywhere else substitute teacher the he has a mind to children had. If you drive go. He’s thankful along Jim Redman Parkway “Dancing Man,” Mr. Richards. for a strong heart between Alexander and and steady legs. North Wheeler Streets or visit the This trim and spry gentleman is Bruton Library in Plant City, it’s also proud of his Native American quite likely you’ve crossed his path. heritage. He is one-quarter Indian Richards is a man on the move. from the Santee plains tribe of his He might even be a record holder mother’s people. Richards has an among substitute teachers. For the Indian name, too. “Dancing Man” has past 38 years, Richards has provided been known to demonstrate a native classroom coverage in many eastern dance or the flamenco to students Hillsborough County schools. in several PCHS Spanish classes. Now he keeps to Plant City High One of the consistent joys of his School and Bryan Elementary. life is dancing to the big drum,

worshipping Jesus at the American Indian Christian Church (intertribal/interdenominational), which is hosted the second and fourth Sundays by the United Methodist Church of Thonotosassa. Richards’ childhood in Kentucky included frequent moves as his father pursued farming work. His mother died when he was 12, so he and two siblings lived in a home for half-orphans, children with only one living parent. After Naval military service as a hospital corpsmen, Richards earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at Eastern Kentucky College (now University), where he also minored in Geography and Health. His career included helping scientists at the Naval Medical Research Center in Bethesda. Richards then taught English to rural teens for 11 years near Columbus, Ohio, prior to his 1972 move to Plant City. When Richards is not “subbing,” he entertains himself by walking, reading

the daily news at the library, following Tampa Bay Bucs updates and watching DVD documentaries of WWII. As long as he’s able and still enjoying the students, he’ll continue subbing. Richards says students are “mostly cooperative. I believe in being compassionate to the kids. I treat them like human beings and for the most part they are good for me.” One thing that never fails to delight “Dancing Man” is the sound of student voices as they enter the classroom, acknowledging “Oh, it’s Mr. Richards.” The early elementary students at Bryan especially inspire him because they are “so anxious to do their work.” Their youthful exuberance brightens his day, and he repays them with encouraging words and smiles. In the American Indian culture, giving to others is a time-honored tradition and Plant City is a better place because Richards chooses to gift his substitute teaching skills there.

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A: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition does not improve and you remain unable to work. Social Security reviews your case at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, they will automatically convert them to retirement benefits. Learn more about disability benefits by visiting socialsecurity.gov and selecting the “Disability” tab along the top of the page. Q: How often will my case be re-

viewed to determine whether I’m still disabled for Social Security purposes?

A: How often your medical condition is reviewed depends on how severe it is and what the likelihood is that it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review. It will either say “Medical improvement expected” (first review in six to 18 months); “Improvement possible” (first review in about three years); or “Improvement not expected” (first review in five to seven years). For more information, read the publication “What You Need To Know: Reviewing Your Disability,” available at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10068.html.

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blood vessel constriction, decreasing blood flow by about 35 percent. Having relaxed blood vessels decreases strain on the heart. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how mood states affect blood vessels. Different mood states may alter levels of hormones, such as cortisol, that affect blood vessel function or nitric oxide function. Nitric oxide is a chemical messenger that promotes blood vessel relaxation. Proper diet and regular exercise are the mainstays of improving blood vessel health, but laughing often is a great adjunct. Learn health tips at RealAge.com.

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Morgan Exteriors to the rescue! It’s a home remodeling company that services the Tampa Bay Area whose owner said, “We’re large enough to serve but small enough to listen. We pay attention to what we’re doing.” Owner Kirk Morgan said, “We feel like we help people and if we help enough people they’ll help us. If we do a good job for you, you’ll tell 10 people. If we do a bad job, you’ll tell a hundred people.” Word of mouth references account for 35 to 40 percent of their work every month. And now, we are among their very long list of satisfied customers telling other people about Morgan Exteriors, and the rustic wood screen porch fell away and was replaced by bright, clean white aluminum. A company is only as good as the crew that works on your home. “We set ourselves apart with our crews,” Morgan said. “They are our real success. They’re not going to bring a cooler of beer and drink on the job. They are my employees and I know them all.” It’s a mutual feeling of respect. Employees Teddy Penninger and Donald Peacoe told me that Morgan

Exteriors is the best company to work for because they don’t try to cut corners and if they need to go the extra mile for the customer, they do it. The company gives a lifetime workmanship warranty on doors, windows, siding, soffits, doors. “People aren’t used to that kind of service,” Morgan told us. That means that even five years later, at no cost to the customer, he’ll send someone out to replace a piece of siding that came off. Morgan Exteriors does a lot of window replacement in the Tampa Bay area. We’d had many calls from companies claiming new double-pane windows would cut our electric bills in half. I simply didn’t believe it, so I asked owner Kirk Morgan about it. He said they tell customers replacement windows can save 20 to 30 percent on utilities. Now, that I can believe! The big factor with the new windows is that they eliminate “hot spots” that come with summer heat. It’s a family business. Morgan’s wife works in marketing, his dad runs installations, one son works the area’s home shows and another son works marketing. Twenty-two employees keep it all humming for homeowners. Last year was a record year for Morgan Exteriors and they’re “on track to beat it this year.” Meanwhile, at our house, the crew has “broom cleaned” up the area (as they did every day before leaving), a final survey has been done, the warranty work is completed, and it seems like a good time to christen the porch by hosting a pot luck dinner. Someone we invite is sure to need some exterior work done, and we know just who they can call! Call Morgan Exteriors at (813) 9314663 or (727) 502-5300 or visit their booth at our Fun Fest on May 12 at the Seminole Recreation Center. Read customer comments on Angie’s List.

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Veterans Corner

Bright Stars Finalists Shine

Veteran Writes Novel about Vietnam

Candy.” When I asked how much of the book is true, n real life, George Ratz he answered, “I let people went to Vietnam as a decide for themselves. signalman with the U.S. Usually spies won’t tell Army and then worked you if they were spies.” six years for the NaResearching the details of tional Security Institute. the book was very important He followed that with to Ratz. “Those who have a career in the mining been there know the industry which took geography. They him all over the world. know when something Someone along the way isn’t right.” probably said, “You Like many Author and should write a book.” Vietnam veteran, other veterans, Ratz Whether they said it himself returned from George Ratz or not, Ratz has just Vietnam with scars – published “George’s Candy” which with Post Traumatic moves with rapid-fire speed through Stress Disorder. the many adventures of a double Retired now and living in Brunswick, agent and his spy named Candy. Georgia, he said, “I got the help I The novel’s plot begins with a needed. PTSD never leaves you. You package to be delivered to Saigon. don’t become cured, but you learn to The narrator takes the reader down cope with it. From place to place and the streets filled with the destitute person to person you’re always trying locals, into the jungles, the bars to prove yourself as to why you do and back to the States. Safely in the what you do. That’s the difficult part.” U.S., he learns that the woman he One way he copes is by helping met in Vietnam—Candy—needs other veterans. He has gone from him to come back and rescue her. participating in group meetings to As a double agent, he and Candy find working individually with veterans as themselves in the Vietnamese tunnels well as with parents and families of and in mysterious debriefings. There returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan. are dealings with Navy Seals, FBI and Ratz said thinking up the plot for Special Forces before they leave the “George’s Candy” came easily for country. Candy proves herself valuhim. He started writing after his able as a sailor, a pilot and land travyounger daughter wanted to know eler as well. There seems to be no end more about his life before she to their adventures as they make their was born. That effort became a way from one tight spot to another. very long story and eventually The main character in the book strug- the first chapter of the book. gles with what has become known His wife helped with typing and as PTSD. And even as a toughened friends became readers and gave spy who can seemingly take on any suggestions. A golfing buddy’s wife difficulty, he recognizes times when owned the publishing company he must control his emotions; at one Ratz used, and she recommended point he says, “I am afraid this dethe other contacts needed to make briefing has taken too long. I feel the the book become a reality. toll on me could reach a point where it A true page-turner spy novel, would require someone’s intervention “George’s Candy” is a good read to bring me back to the present.” and an excellent adventure. Ratz told me he has spent the Available through Barnes and last three years writing “George’s Noble and Amazon.

BY RALPH MCCLURG

I O

The 12 finalists on stage with emcees Holloway and Johnson.

n Wednesday, April 6, twelve talented seniors took the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The performers were selected for the Senior Idol show after having been chosen as the top 55+ years young talent in their respective communities. Jen Holloway and Virginia Johnson emceed the show and were a huge hit with the audience and the performers. All performers sang or played audience favorites and they all supported each other as they watched the live feed back stage. The proceeds of all the regional shows were donated back to the senior

community in each region, including The Good Life Games in Pinellas, The Senior Games in Hillsborough, Meals on Wheels PLUS in Manatee County, and CARES Adult Day Care in the Tri-Pasco area. The show’s audience cast the winning ballots. For the first time in Sr. Idol history, we had a tie and each recipient received $500 cash and $500 to donate to their favorite local non-profit organization. The winners were Troy Coman and Thomas “Tommy” Johnson, both of the Tri-Pasco area.

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 18

Medicare Answers

ear Marci, I am 65 and just became eligible for Medicare. How much will I pay for preventive services? —Paul

Dear Paul, Starting in 2011, consumers who have Original Medicare will no longer pay coinsurance or a deductible for certain preventive care services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, deductibles and copays may apply to these preventive services in 2011. However, private plans cannot charge you anything for the flu or pneumonia vaccine. In addition, Medicare Advantage plans cannot require that you get a referral in order to get a screening mammogram or a flu shot. Check with your plan to see how it covers preventive services. —Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org.

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Do you have gout?

Is your Part D carrier WellCare of Florida or UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | AARP? If so, call 888-853-3922 or email advocate@60plus.org and learn what you can do to make your prescriptions more affordable. This ad paid for by the 60 Plus Association. For more information, contact the 60 Plus Association at info@60plus.org Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 19

Fish Oil Questioned as a Treatment for Heart Disease I

t may be okay for prevention. But eating fish is a better strategy than gulping pills. Fish oil has been flying high as a supplement for the past few years. It has garnered a reputation as an easy way to protect the heart, ease inflammation, improve mental health and lengthen life. Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over-the-counter fish oil.

Health But fish oil may have hit its “Black Tuesday.” In a two-week period at the end of November 2010, reports from four randomized controlled trials—the gold standard of medical research— showed that fish oil in one form or another didn’t work any better than placebo at preventing recurring heart problems among heart attack survivors or people with atrial fibrillation.

Flip-flop on benefits British physiologist Hugh Sinclair kindled interest in the heart-healthy properties of oily fish and fish oil in the 1940s by suggesting they helped keep the Inuit (Eskimo) people healthy in spite of their high-fat diet. Some long-term follow-up studies showed that people who eat one or more servings of fish a week are less likely to have heart attacks or heart rhythm problems or die from sudden cardiac arrest. A few randomized trials in the 1990s that added fish or fish oil to the diet supported this notion. So why do the results of the latest trials tell a different story? The early trials were done before the widespread use of heart-protecting medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, aspirin and beta blockers. Without them,

fish oil by itself could have made a difference. The use of state-of-the-art medical therapy in the more recent trials could have drowned out any small benefit provided by fish oil. Of course, it is also possible that the trials weren’t large enough or didn’t last long enough to have shown a benefit from fish oil. If that’s the case, any benefit from fish oil is small. These findings don’t mean fish oil is a complete flop. It may work against heart disease if started earlier, before cholesterol or high blood pressure damages coronary arteries. It could (stress on “could”) fight other types of cardiovascular disease or problems like depression. And it is a good treatment for high triglycerides. But if you already have heart disease, taking fish oil doesn’t seem to do much good. Eat fish Medical research tends to practice what philosophers of science call reductionism—trying to understand

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the nature of something complex (like nutrition and health) by reducing it to the interactions of its parts. If you have heart disease, taking fish oil doesn’t seem to replace eating fish, says Dr. Robert H. Eckel, past president of the American Heart Association and former member of its nutrition committee. The benefit could be due to fish oil in its natural state (in fish), something else in fish or maybe the fact that eating fish means eating less red meat. What if you just don’t like fish? Then make sure your doctor has prescribed the best medical therapy for your condition and you are following his or her advice. That is far more important than taking fish oil. And what about the American Heart Association’s recommendation that people with documented coronary artery disease take in at least 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day from oily fish or a supplement? “I think the time has come to reconsider those guidelines,” says Dr. Eckel.

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Get Screened for Oral Cancer W hen Oscar winner Michael Douglas disclosed his late-stage oral cancer diagnosis last year, new light was shed on this hidden health threat. Oral cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells that can affect the lip, tongue, mouth or throat. It can first appear as a tiny sore or spot anywhere in the mouth but often has no symptoms in the early stages. In the U.S., 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, making it the sixth deadliest form of cancer (deadlier than cervical, brain, ovarian or skin cancer). About 70 percent of the time, it cannot be detected until it reaches a more advanced and potentially disfiguring stage. With early detection patients have a nearly 90 percent survival rate. Area Coast Dental offices use advanced technology to improve their ability to detect oral abnormalities in

the earliest and most curable stages. Identafi is the first and only multispectral imaging device for detecting oral abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. The technology uses three colors of light to detect abnormal tissue growth, lesions and the blood vessels that nourish them. Lesions with well-developed blood supplies are more likely to be cancerous. Oral cancer has long been associated with people over the age of 40 who are heavy drinkers and tobacco users. New studies show sexually active people between the ages of 20 – 50 are now the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population because oral cancer has been linked to two strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV 16 and 18). The risk profile for oral cancer is changing, making regular screenings an important part of oral and overall health.

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Eight Things to Do After Losing Your Wallet CY

CMY

4/21/11

osing your wallet or purse is stressful. This to-do list from the Federal Citizen Information Center helps you prioritize: 1. Make a list of what you had in your wallet and tackle the important things first. 2. Immediately cancel all your credit and debit cards, letting your bank know that your wallet was lost or stolen. Request new copies of the card with a new account number. 3. If you were the victim of theft, file a police report so there is an official record. 4. Report a missing driver’s license to your state’s department of motor vehicles and request a new copy. 5. Alert the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting companies. They will place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security num-

ber, and you can request that they alert you before opening a line of credit in your name. (Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-3973742; Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289) 6. Request a replacement Social Security card and consider not carrying it in your wallet in the future.

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7. Contact either your company’s HR department or your health insurance provider directly to get a replacement insurance card. If you’ve lost a Medicare card, contact the Social Security Administration to get a replacement. 8. For other club membership, video rental and bonus club cards, you’ll have to contact each company individually.

Having your cards lost or stolen can be traumatic. But these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center can help you recover. The only thing you’ll have left to do is pick out a new wallet.

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 21

Midlife Sibling Forgiveness is Doable

BY CATHY CRESS

orgiveness is doable and forgiving your siblings achievable. The new book Mom Loves You Best: Forgiving and Forging Sibling Relationships proposes a ten-stage process that will allow you not only to forgive your siblings but forgive yourself as well. These ten stages will help you move toward exoneration, feel better about yourself, mend the past with your brother and sister and repair that potholed childhood road so you and your siblings can move into the future as a united family. The 10-step program starts with how to express your pain on paper, say it out loud to tell your sibling story. It will help you move from the past to the present to soothe that hurt. A critical next step is to find ways to care for yourself in the present and engage in activities that help you soothe and emotionally heal yourself.

Retirement Living

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The Mom Loves You Best steps provide the tools to uncover your family rules that told you and your siblings how to behave, perhaps very badly, towards each other. They progress to give you a chance to put yourself in your brothers’ and sisters’ shoes and see what led to such emotional damage in the first place. As you take the steps recommended and do the exercises to expose your long-ago youthful sibling wound to the here and now, and uncover how you and your brother or sister are still hurting you in the present, you can unearth your pain over your siblings and reveal ways to make yourself healthy and happy. Using your

positive feelings, you can tell your sibling your “I Hate You” story and give him or her a chance to understand your weary, sad feelings and hear his or her side of the story. You can then “give peace a chance” and allow yourself to reestablish a relationship. Forgiveness can be just for you and does not always have to involve your brother or sister. The book shows you how to make peace with yourself with or without an apology. If your sibling does wish to reconcile, steps can be taken which let you accept that request for forgiveness. If your sibling says he is sorry, you can then establish a new family relationship and end the blaming and angry feelings. Finally, using forgiveness and all the ways you value yourself, you are guided to how to put together a team relationship with your family. You can help plan a family reunion, allow your children to be full participants in family rituals, start to solve your parents’ aging problems and really forge that new sibling relationship in your adult life that leads to a fulfilling connection for the second half of your life. Your sibling relationship is the longest thread of your life—longer than you and your children, greater than the time you spend with your spouse. Retying that lifelong knot can bring the next 50 years of your life incredible joy and comfort. Gloria Steinem famously said that all she had to say to her sister was “Verner’s Gingerale” and they both knew a whole chunk of their childhood. Bring back the person who knows that secret language and love. Try reconciling with your sibling—at any time of your life.

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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! Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 23

Ask Boyette: Precautions Against Dog Bites BY DR. BOB ENCINOSA

have seen many news stories about dogs severely biting people. How common are dog bites, and what can be done to prevent it from happening?

Caring For Your Pet According to the Center for Disease Control, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States, with nearly 800,000 requiring medical attention. The highest rates of dog bite emergency visits were for children under the age of 10 years old. As animals become an ever larger part of our lives, injuries such as these continue to become more common. Since most of these injuries are not life threatening, we tend to overlook their importance. But, a simple nip to the face of a little girl from a large dog can change her life forever.

HEY S E S NIOR

I believe the vast majority of these injuries can be avoided since they often involve the family pet. The same parental guidance that can teach a three year old to sit quietly in a restaurant can teach the same child not to harass the family pet, avoiding one of the leading reasons children are bitten. Picking a pet for its disposition and demeanor, rather than its appearance or breed, is extremely important. Also, don’t ignore early signs of a problem. Most dogs who inflict serious injuries have shown some signs of inappropriate aggression before. Often people downplay their dog’s “cute snarl” when trying to sit next to them on the couch or get close to their food bowl. This type of behavior is not cute or acceptable, especially in a household with small children. Proper precautions should also be taken when encountering dogs of others. Children, especially, need

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Dancing, Free Bingo, Health Screenings, Senior Sports Area. Free Coffee & Muffins. Fun Games & Prizes. Free Parking & Admission. August 4, 2011, (9am-2pm) 3rd Senior Friendly Fest Sun City Center-Community Hall South Campus, Sun City Center, FL Denise “D.J. with a Twist!” 50s & 60s Trivia, Senior Sports Area, Dancing, Live Music, Free Bingo Games, Over 60 Exhibitors, Free Coffee & Snacks, Prizes September 23, 2011, (9am-2pm) 15th Senior Fun Fest & Crazy Legs Walk Brandon

Community Center, Brandon, FL Denise “D.J. with a Twist!” 50s & 60s Trivia, Live Music, Free Bingo Games, Over 50 Exhibitors, Free Coffee & Snacks, Prizes. December 6, 2011, (10am-3pm) 4th Senior Fun Fest & Jamboree! Plant City, FL Strawberry Festival Grounds Over 100 Exhibitors, Live Music,

Holiday Festival, Dancing, Free Bingo, Health Screenings, Senior Sports Area. Free Coffee & Muffins. Fun Games & Prizes. Free Parking & Admission. Call Toll Free: 1-888-670-0040 • Sponsorships & Booths Available Kathy Beck, Publisher/CEO 813-653-1988 Kathy@srmagazine.com Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 24

to be taught what they should and shouldn’t do when approached by a neighborhood dog. Even adults should be alert for risky situations such as multiple dogs running loose at the same time. These dogs can get a “gang” mentality, and with it, dogs that are generally not aggressive can lapse into their hunt-kill mode once a victim makes noise or tries to flee. It is this scenario where many of the fatal dog attacks occur. As much as we love pets, don’t ever forget that they are animals, more often led by instincts than conscience.

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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Eat Healthy at KFC

ou may not know that KFC products are the most popular requests for death row inmates’ last meals. In fact, if you’re not careful, their offerings can lead to an early death anyway. The good news is that no single food item on their menu breaks the 800-calorie barrier, according to the book Eat This Not That! However, their Rice and Gravy Bowl comes close and has more than a day’s allotment of sodium. Better to save 300 calories by buying a grilled thigh and drumstick with a side of seasoned rice with gravy. Good choices at KFC include the KFC Snackers Honey BBQ (2 sandwiches for 420 calories, 6 g fat and 940 mg sodium) or the Honey BBQ Sandwich at 490 calories, 14 g

fat but a whopping 1,080 mg sodium. Beware the condiment trap in a place like KFC! Their Garlic Parmesan Dipping Sauce tastes fabulous with just about anything, but it comes at a cost of 130 calories. It’s a tricky soybeanoil-based sauce with more calories than a KFC Original Recipe Drumstick (oooh, so yummy). Skip the sauce! Two more to beware of here are the Crispy Twister which loads up a crispy chicken serving inside a carb-loaded tortilla and tops it off with a load of fat in the “pepper mayo sauce.” Don’t do it. Also pass if you see their Boneless Honey BBQ Hot Wings (720 calories, 40 g fat and 2,080 mg sodium). And, whatever you do, stay off Death Row.

How a Local Lady Podiatrist can Stop Your Foot and Joint Pain Now! BY DR. BONNIE SANCHEZ, DPM

r. Bonnie Sanchez says NO! to surgery and NO! to drugs. Most foot, ankle, knee, hip, back and even neck pain is caused by how you walk and stand. If you walk and stand with better posture, you can get rid of most of your pain. Your body is like a machine—a system of pulleys and levers—and good posture is the result of proper alignment. So, when the arch in your feet is out of alignment, you cannot develop the biomechanical “windlass effect,” also known as “the spring in your step.” A misaligned foot and arch makes your ankles, knees, back and neck overcompensate and rotate to different angles. These joints have to adjust to keep you from toppling over. This is right up to the highest joint in your body at the base of your skull. Misalignment strains your joints and wears them out, leading to joint damage, pain and injury. And without your feet in proper alignment, no amount of knee, ankle, hip, back or neck surgery will

ever have you in proper alignment. To realign your foot you need a biomechanical corrective supportive insert. A cushy gel insert will not help correct your problems. You need to realign and support your feet in your God-given ideal arch position for each individual foot throughout its gait cycle. In my practice I use the most cuttingedge specialized 17 point methodology along with decades of experience to capture your ideal therapeutic arch position during your complete gait cycle. I have the only doctor-owned-and-operated lab using only the most advanced Space-age polymer technology to manufacture the finest Orthopedic Orthotics in the United States. This gives my patients complete support with the proper amount of flexibility and cushion for comfort in the insert while keeping the Orthotics’ corrective realignment function. I find this helps my patients walk with little or no pain, stand taller and improve their health and quality of life. Call (727) 824-5100 or (813) 645-1993.

Word Search

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Word Search May 2011 In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Answers From

April 2011

Otto Sandleben is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 25

Allure of the Seas—Full of Imagination and Innovation ﬁnd your way around, it is easy to maneuver. Interactive touch screen guides offer room ﬁnder information—buttons telling what is going on right now and how many people are eating in each restaurant on board.

jog a lap around the perimeter of the ﬁtness deck, where each lap is almost half a mile.

BY KATHY AND BILL BECK

oyal Caribbean’s newest ship, the Allure of the Seas, is a huge ship, which became an understatement once we were aboard. The ship can sail with 6,000 passengers and over 2,000 crew members aboard. We joined passengers all along the promenade for a look at the “Move It! Move It!” DreamWorks Animation parade including characters like Shrek, Po from Kung-Fu Panda and Madagascar’s penguins in full costume.

Travel Both the Allure of the Seas and her sister ship Oasis of the Seas are the results of years of research and development into making the cruise ship itself a destination to enjoy in the Caribbean. These ships are not about seeing an island or visiting quaint port towns; they are all about the ship and its amenities. They do, however, stop at several ports of call where new, clean facilities have been specially built to accommodate the size of the ships and the numbers of passengers who debark. State-of-the-art technology makes the ships quite manageable. Veteran cruiser Kathy Clor and her husband of Sun City Center recently sailed aboard the Allure of the Seas and commented that once you

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 26

The Royal Promenade With pubs and clubs, karaoke and Latin dancing, the Royal Promenade Kathy and Bill Beck meet Princess Fiona from “Shrek.” is where the action happens. You can enjoy shopping and casual dining The Size and Function or take a trip in the Rising Tides Royal Caribbean has created the Bar—an elevator bar that ferries simplest and most orderly boardings guests between the Promenade and ever. Once aboard, even with over Central Park. There is something 8,000 people aboard, you don’t feel for everyone here; Kathy’s favorite that many people because the ship hangouts were the Cupcake Cupboard is divided into neighborhoods. And and the very first Starbucks at sea. there are enough speedy elevators that you never have to wait. The distinct ship neighborhoods include the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade and Central Park, along with the pool and sports zone, the spa and fitness center, the youth zone, and the Entertainment Place, with its 1,300-seat theater, nightclubs, casino and ice arena. Central Park Sold as an urban experience, guests walk on stone paths in Central Park among thousands of trees and shrubs. It feels like being in a city with five passenger decks of cabins rising on each side. Guests can also walk or

The Entertainment Neighborhood In the entertainment neighborhood, the venues look like they came straight from Broadway. Chicago was fabulous. (On the Oasis, the musical Hairspray has played to raving crowds as well.) Entertainment offered includes a Cirque de Soleil-style water show, an ice skating show, the comedy

club, a jazz venue or the casinos (both smoking and non-smoking), a Latin music club or a karaoke room. Searching for activity? How about four pools and 10 whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall, a basketball court, a miniature golf course, an ice skating rink, a shopping promenade and a fairground-style carousel. The Food It is possible to eat all your meals at restaurants “free” (meaning the cost is included in your cruise fee). Restaurants with the word “specialty” have an added fee. Among the 24 dining choices are Johnny Rockets, an Asian restaurant, a hot dog spot and a pizza place. Fine dining, including wine, can be had for $25 extra. Kosher meals are available in the main dining room.

Don’t Miss the Art! Both the Oasis and the Allure of the Seas feature vast collections of art pieces (over 9,000 commissioned works on each ship). On the Oasis, for example, two cast bronze trees reach toward the sky with individually cast butterﬂies perched on their limbs. Buy the Wonderbook when you get on board to appreciate the diversity of media. Susan Zoeller, former owner of Cruise World in Tampa, says seniors love the ships and all of the new amenities. “I just love all of the different neighborhoods and our seniors do too. They offer so many choices in activities. We have had many groups sail on board the ships and they have all returned with RAVE reviews.”

Fishing the National Wildlife Refuge System A floor lamp that spreads I sunshine all over a room.

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Amenities: Bait and tackle nearby; public rest facilities; boat launch; kayaking; Visitor Contact Station at the Lower Suwannee NWR on Hwy. 347. Other things to know: Visitor Contact Station (at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge) is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on federal holidays.

Circle the Wagons for the AARP Spelling Bee

t’s time for a “Whether you enjoy “spell.” You can reading the dictionary sit a spell, or you can to keep your mind sharpen your skills for sharp or just meeting the 16th annual AARP other like-minded National Spelling Bee adults, the AARP June 17 and 18 in National Spelling Bee Cheyenne, Wyoming. Photo Credit: Kenneth Jarecke; Contact Press Images always proves to be Open to anyone age exciting and highly 50 or older, the Bee attracts spellcompetitive,” said Tim Summers, ers from all over the United States AARP Wyoming Director. “Many of who compete for gifts and prizes. the spellers prepare year-round for In celebration of the competition, this competition, and we’re pleased Cheyenne is offering city-wide events to be able to provide a forum for and attractions all weekend long, as folks to test themselves. And while well as a special hotel rate at The they are here, they can also enjoy Little America Hotel and Resort. In Cheyenne’s many attractions and addition, a free pre-Bee workshop, events that coincide with the Bee.” “Gray Matters: Training the Grownup Information about the Bee, Brain,” will feature interactive sesincluding schedule, sample word sions that explain the impact of diet, lists, contest details and offitness and relationships on brain ficial rules can be found at aarp.org/ health, and answer your questions. spellingbee or 1-877-926-8300.

The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp brings many of the benefits of natural daylight indoors for glare-free lighting that’s perfect for reading.

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f you want happiness for a day, go fishing, holds a Chinese proverb. Cast your line in a national wildlife refuge, enthusiasts might add, and you can also relish spectacular scenery and glimpse wildlife in its natural setting. Refuge fishing caters to all tastes. An online Guide to Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges is searchable by state, species, region and amenities (such as boat launches and rest facilities). More than 270 of the Refuge System’s 553 refuges are open to fishing; some 7 million anglers visit refuges each year. Visit fws.gov/ refuges/fishingguide for details.

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 27

The Not-So-Sweet Truth about Sweeteners D

r. David Friedman was featured in the March edition of Healthy Living Magazine on the “BitterSweet Truth about Artificial Sweeteners.” What about artificial sweeteners? Friedman says commonly found restaurants packets of yellow, blue and pink, artificial sweeteners are formulated with an array of toxic chemicals that lead to imbalances in the body and can cause ailments like depression, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer! Sucralose, in the yellow packet, is commonly sold as Splenda. Sucralose got its origins as an insecticide repellant and is formulated by taking

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 28

tar derivative and has no food value whatsoever. Many chemicals are used to formulate Saccharine, one of them being ammonia. You may want to reach for a healthy alternative like xylitol.

real sugar and chemically modifying it with chlorine to make it calorie-free. Acetone (used in nail polish remover), benzene (a toxic carcinogen found in gasoline), toluene (used in glues and paints), and methanol are added to the mix. If that’s not bad enough, the formulation also includes formaldehyde! Aspartame, in the blue packets sold as NutraSweet and Equal, is the most contested product in FDA

history—more complaints are received on aspartame’s adverse reactions as a food additive than anything else in existence. Aspartame’s main ingredient, phenylalanine, can interfere with proper mental function and wreak havoc on the nervous system. Saccharine, in the pink packets commonly sold as Sweet‘N’Low, was linked to cancer in animals in the 1960s and 70s. Saccharine is a coal

Xylitol is a natural, low-calorie, diabetic-friendly sugar alternative extracted from the birch tree. Xylitol also helps reduce cavities and has received official endorsements from several national dental associations, making it the ideal sugar alternative for chewing gums and candy.

In conclusion, look to nature, not chemists, for sweeter and far safer choices. Dr. Friedman is a “Health Expert” for Lifetime Network’s morning show.

DMe In eal

Will a Roll of Quarters 4.5 Yards Long Last the Weekend?

BY MARK PILARSKI

ear Mark: Is $600 enough of a bankroll for playing quarter slots for a weekend casino trip? —Theresa S.

That depends, Theresa, on which quarter machines you choose to play and the speed at which you play them. A $600 bankroll on a two- and three-coin machine should be enough to keep you playing for a weekend just so long as you’re not Speedy-Gonzales-fast when hitting the credit button. Characteristically, a player yanks a handle or pushes a button once every ten seconds. On a 3-coin quarter machine, wagering 75 cents per spin, that’s $4.50 per minute, or $270 per hour. Since the average quarter machine returns approximately 92 percent to the player, over the long run you will lose around $22 for every hour of play. Four, 4-hour sessions will cost you $352, which is less than your stated bankroll. Simple “Rithmetic” states you probably won’t tap out and that $600 is enough.

Entertainment But I couldn’t help thinking of those quarters, each 1.75 mm thick, in one immense coin roller, stretching 4.5 yards, and why it won’t work on all quarter machines. A $600 bankroll wouldn’t be enough for a multi-coin/ multi-line slot machine where you’re betting 50 quarters per spin, which buys you fewer than 50 spins. If you’re on a cold machine you could bust after 10 minutes of play Another alternative, Theresa, is that I sweet-talk you into playing video poker instead. Even poor play on a video poker machine will give you a better payback than most “reel” slot machines do, and that $600 bankroll will last even longer.

Dear Mark: My husband left a cold video poker machine and within two minutes, someone else sat down on the machine he was playing and instantly hit a four-of-a-kind, followed a few

minutes later by a royal flush. Would another $10 in that machine have gotten him the same hands? —Sherry F. I share your disappointment, Sherry, in giving up on a cold machine only to see someone else plop down in front of it and good fortune suddenly bless the newcomer. Yet, the chill comfort I can provide you is in letting you know that all machines cycle through thousands and thousands of outcomes each and every second. Your husband would have had to hit the deal button at the exact same instant that the following player did in order to have had that four-of-a-kind, let alone the royal. A millisecond difference, earlier or later, would have produced a less juicy outcome. Dear Mark: Thanks for sharing your great insights about gambling in the casinos. Reading your material quells lots of myths about how slot machines react to gamblers. My question is, are there general casino rules concerning money that a customer finds left on a slot machine, or if when the Player’s Club card is inserted a voucher prints out with money on it? Can the customer keep the findings? —Grady K. According to them, and we all know who “them” is, ‘taint yours. “Sea gulling,” i.e. purposively circling the casino looking for orphan credits on a slot machine, vouchers, change on the floor, chips under roulette wheels, or half-eaten sandwiches in the coffee shop, is illegal. That doesn’t mean there are not opportunists making a full-time occupation of cruising the casino and scavenging the millions lost each year by gamblers who forget their stored credits (winnings). Clearly, you’re not a slot stalker looking for an easy score. But a tip to you and other slot-playing patrons: before you walk away from any slot machine, don’t forget to press the cash-out button. Millions are lost each year by gamblers forgetting their stored credits. (SENIOR WIRE) Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 29

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 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. 3989 SWF RED HEADED “LEO SEEKING LEO” I’m 86 yrs, old. 5’6”, 140 lbs. Italian from Miami via Brooklyn, NY. Love crosswords, plants, NASCAR, horse races and the “Dolphins.” ISO good-looking gent, 70s, mustache a plus. Photo/phone. 4002 SEEKING NICE, POLITE MALE W, NS, SD. I like walks, movies, slow dancing, dinner. Age: late 60s. Possible LTR. Like to travel.Small frame. I enjoy life. 5 ft. Like to have fun. Call me! Pinellas/Pasco. 4004 TRANSPLANTED SPUNKY CALIFORNIA ARTIST WF, 68, widow, featured in TBMetro April/May, seeks a buddy, possibly LTR. Please have sense of humor, adventurous, NS, NDrg, SD. Please send phone/photo. Tampa. 4006 HEALTHY, SLENDER, ATTRACTIVE WDWF seeking good gentleman

friend, 75 plus, for sharing fun times, possible romance. Enjoy dancing, beaches, movies, travel, flea markets, togetherness, much more. St. Pete. 4010 FILIPINA WOMAN 60 yrs. old. Weight: 116; height: 5’3”. A nursing assistant, caring, faithful, nice and cute. Seeking SWM who is nice, gentle and caring. 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.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 3992 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN I am looking for a woman in her late 50s or early 60s. Going for walks, movies, going out to eat, staying home watching tv. Send phone number. Pasco County. 4003 SEEKING ASIAN OR LATIN LADY FF/ LTR. I am D,W, Latin, 67 years old, like sports, gardening, movies, walking. ND, NS and mellow. Please send photo, include telephone number or letter. Must be Christian.

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):

4005 SWM, 66, 5’7”, 150 LBS. Seeking relocatable slim, healthy, romantic, non-smoking gal, best friend, companion to share new life, new home near Gulf beaches. Please send photo/description. I’ll send mine. 4009 SEEKING INTENSELY ROMANTIC LADY This male works extremely hard at looking and being his absolute best. Her age utterly unimportant. Sincere loving is. This is to be a permanent relationship. 4011 QUIET, CLEAN MALE, RETIRED, Iives on the Bay, does meditation and yoga, seeking a while female, fair hair, blue eyes, between 45 yrs. to 75 yrs. for LTR in St. Pete or around. 4012 ITALIAN-AMERICAN, 60’S, 225 LBS. in shape, seeking well educated, good morals, slender, SD, NS, WW, Catholic for friendship first. Kindly send photo and description. Thanks. Apollo Beach. 4013 I AM SEEKING a slim white female, blonde, green eyes, forever LTR. I am male, 64 yrs. old. I am a Hindu. I have a car and a home in St. Petersburg. All answered.

Photography Exhibit

ow through July 6, see “Classic Images: Photography by Ansel Adams” at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 200 North Tampa St., Suite 130, Tampa. Docent tours are available on Sundays at 2 p.m. starting May 8. For more info, call (813) 221-2222.

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. 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.

It’s MAYnia at MOSI MOSI’s $5 specials in May:

City (No Charge):

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

7 7 14 21

$5 IMAX film and popcorn with one standard ticket purchase. and 8 $5 Mother’s Day admission – just for Mom.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

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

Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 30

$5 Cafe Special.

$5 off annual memberships.

– 30 $5 admission Memorial Day weekend for active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers, with valid ID. Additional family members and guests: $5 off admission ticket (up to six people).

May not be combined with other discounts or offers. Excludes special engagement exhibitions and films. Admission to “Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World!” can be added for $3 per person. (813) 987-6300.

Painting Festival Last Month’s Answers

This Month’s Winner Is Annette Dentale Congratulations!

Enter to Win!

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

Congratulations !!!

Last Month’s Answers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on May 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

local senior artists, entertainment and games, prizes and give-a-ways, and free lunch for all seniors in attendance. Beginning at 10 a.m., the event is free and open to the public. For more information or to enter paintings or crafts, call (813) 272-5160.

May Sudoku

Myron L. Guisewite

n Tuesday, June 7, the Hillsborough County Department of Family and Aging Services will hold the annual Senior Painting and Craft Festival at University Area Community Center, located at 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa. The event will feature the works of

SC/Hills and Sun

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

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

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on May 21 will win. Good luck! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584 Mystery WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Prize! (Sudoku must be received by May 21, 2011.)

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April Sudoku Donald Reynolds is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 31

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Memorial Day Ceremony In Oldsmar

he public is invited to the City of Oldsmar’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Park on Tampa Bay’s waterfront, 250 Shore Drive East. City officials and military personnel will present a 60-minute outdoor ceremony and tributes honoring those who have died and sacrificed in our nation’s service. Granite walls circle the center of the park’s walkway, etched with names of hundreds of Oldsmar residents who have served their country. Oldsmar Leisure Services has also established a Commemorative Brick Program for the park, providing the opportunity for the public to purchase a personalized remembrance to recognize veterans, children, grandchildren and special events. For more information about the ceremony, Veterans Wall, or Commemorative Bricks, please call (813) 749-1260 or visit MyOldsmar.com.

�� Insurance Discounts For Mature Drivers AAAHC-approved ambulatory surgery center on site

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.

Have a �Florida’s ��

Driver’s �� License �� and are 55 years ��of ��age ��or ��older? �� Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Approved Course Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 32

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.

To Register go to:

www.seniordriverclass.com

or call 1-800-771-2255

Many Kids and Even More Stuff BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorney

www.ﬂwillstrustsprobate.com

reader asks: I own an extensive art collection, many antiques and a number of expensive pieces of jewelry. I also have five kids to whom I wish to eventually leave all my stuff. My attorney suggested that I simply make a list of who gets what and attach it to my will. The problem I have with this approach is that I don’t know which items each child wants, not to mention the lengthy list I would have to make. Is there a better way?

The Law And You Response: The list your attorney is proposing is known as a separate writing. For it to be enforceable, your will must allude to the possible existence of a separate writing and the separate writing itself must sufficiently identify the will to which it applies. You have, however, identified

Some Say “No Way” to Cutting Costs in Retirement

ighty-five percent of those turning 65 this year have no plans to downsize their homes, while others say they don’t intend to reduce any expenses in retirement. That’s according to an AARP survey of 801 adults. How will they finance their lifestyle? More than half of employed respondents expect to work until they’re age 70 or older. Another study also found that those who don’t have enough money to retire said they would delay retirement and save money rather than reduce their standard of living. From U.S. News and World Report, January 4, 2011.

certain drawbacks with the separate writing—not knowing which items each child really wants and the fact that, with so many items, completing the list could become quite tedious. You might consider another approach. Put a clause in your will assigning each child a number, one through five (making certain the will addresses the possibility that one or more children could predecease you). After your death, the child assigned number one will select an item. The child assigned number two will then select an item and so on until all five children have selected an item. However, in an effort to minimize the relative advantage of the child who gets to select first, in the next round the child who selected last in the first round—the child assigned number 5—gets to select first in the second round. The child assigned number four will then select an item and so on until all five children have selected a second item. In the third round, the child who got to select next

to last in the first round gets to select first in the third round, and so on. This method of distribution will ensure that each child has at least one opportunity to be first to select an item. Mr. Mumbauer, a fifth generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. He takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a participating attorney in the AARP Legal Services Network. He is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s MartindaleHubbell Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

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.

Automobile Accidents • 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.

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(813) 634-9900 or 1 (877) 346-5600 Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 33

French Toast Means Doing Breakfast Right Baby Cheetah Gets a New Puppy Pal F J

or Mother’s Day, an ordinary day or a visit from the grandkids, making French Toast means doing breakfast right. It’s an all-purpose meal that can be made the night before or be quickly put together in the morning. Gotta love it!

Recipe Heart Smart French Toast 1 whole egg, slightly beaten 2 egg whites 1 tbsp. honey 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup skim milk 1 mashed, overripe banana 10 slices whole wheat bread Mix egg, egg whites, honey, cinnamon, milk and banana. Spray heated griddle with cooking spray. Dip bread in egg mixture, turn to coat both sides. Cook on griddle till done.

Orange French Toast 2/3 cup orange juice 1/4 tsp. salt 2 eggs 2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs Bread slices

Beat together 2/3 cup orange juice, eggs and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dip bread slices into egg mixture and into bread crumbs, coating evenly on both sides. Fry in small amount of hot shortening until golden brown. Overnight French Toast 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 8 eggs, lightly beaten 3 cups of 2% milk 4 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 tsp. salt

Topping: 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Maple syrup, optional

Place bread cubes in a greased 13-in. by 9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with combined sugar and cinnamon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 – 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with maple syrup if desired.

ust a month after Busch Gardens took in a cheetah cub whose mother wasn’t caring for it, the park’s animal care team has identified the perfect four-legged friend for the 8-week-old cat: a 16-week-old female yellow Labrador puppy. The two have been spending supervised play times together each day. Eventually, the pair will live together and even travel together, helping the park’s education team teaching the public about the plight of cheetahs in the wild and the importance of Busch Gardens’ conservation efforts. Guests can see them at Jambo Junction in the Nairobi area of the park. Visit buschgardens.com for tickets.

Join the official Seniors Fan Club of the Tampa Bay Rays for only Season Ticket Holder Price $15 (excludes ticket vouchers)

$25!

All Rays fans 55 and older can join the Golden Rays and receive:

• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt • Official Golden Rays Tote Bag • Golden Rays Membership Card • Coupons for merchandise and concession items • Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events • Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games • Get 2 ticket vouchers to use for your choice of the games listed:

G R GR

One ticket for voucher #1

One ticket for voucher #2

April 21 vs. CWS

May 3 vs. TOR

June 27 vs. CIN

August 9 vs. KC

August 22 vs. DET

August 24 vs. DET

www.raysbaseball.com Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 34

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FOR $25, ANY LAWN

Call Mike (813) 475-2136 Anytime

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.

Ready for an Art Class?

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) 685-1257. To learn about the USF Osher senior learning programs, call (813) 974-2403, opt. 1.

Happy

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Do You Have Something to Sell?

From Your Friends At

May 8

If you have something such as antiques, crafts, collectables or general stuff, consider leasing you own little store inside our big store here in Brandon. The rental in our store is quite reasonable and all you need to do is stock your little store, price-tag each item and you are done. Our staff will, sell your wares, handle sales taxes and credit card costs and settle up with you at the end of the month. Our store will receive a 15% commission on all items we sell for you. Our store is open seven days a week, so drop by and see if one of our little stores will work for you. The Curiosity Shoppe is at 1335 West Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, FL We enjoy a car traffic by our store of approximately 48,000 cars per day. Or call: (813) 294-2581 Senior Connection • May 2011 • page 35

Wednesday’s are WILD on ! A M A DR ! N O I T ! AC E R U T N E V D A Tampa Bay’s only FREE 24 hour Movie Channel!

Digital 32.2 BrightHouse 630 Verizon 463 Comcast 229 FREE MOVIES 24 HOURS A DAY