Senior Connection October 2011 Hillsborough edition

Rails & Tales – Lake Neccudah

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VOLUME 22, NUMBER 10

Northern Ireland Treasures

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• Just What the Doctor Ordered • New Technology Benefits Seniors • Tales of the Frugal Couponer • Investing in an Aging World

HILLSBOROUGH

OCTOBER 2011

RV or Bu st...

RVers and Florida—a Grand Love Affair

a ready-made group when the sun sets over the campground—finding neighboring RVers with whom to ust look at that couple share a glass of wine or even dinner. on the cover!Truth be I read that Prince Philip, the Duke told, there are many ways of Edinburgh, has been a patron of to live life in retirement England’s Caravan Club since 1952. and this one may be the Janice Doyle, I doubt that he hits the open road as best. Just maybe the ideal Editor a camper much, especially now that retirement is spending a he’s turned 90, but that doesn’t mean few years driving a comfortable RV he hasn’t wanted to. around our beautiful United States Remember the during the summer and ending up in classic VW CampFlorida for the mild winter weather. ervans of the early RVing is pretty awesome with today’s and RV interiors that rival a lux- 70s—filled with American families ury home in décor and convenience. off to see YellowAs winter approaches, we Floridstone or painted in ians say let the migration of snowpsychedelic colors birds and RVers begin! Although and full of hippies? no one knows for sure, estimates According to a range from one million up as to the recent article in the Financial Times, number of seniors who spend some nostalgic investors are going bonor all of their winters in Florida. kers for those classics. Buy an old one and you can have it renovated Why an RV and why Florida? and retrofitted (to include TV, etc.)

Why RV? Dave Kelly, president at costs of, oh, maybe $20,000. of the Florida RV Association, says RVer John Laktin says for him many people RV because they have there’s all of the above as well as “the memories of camping with parents lure of the open road and seeing the or grandparents as children. “They’re country at our own speed.” His wife reliving the past,” Kelly says. “They Lois loves “setting up for a night or a enjoy the campfires, but they want week in a campground and stepping their conveniences”—conveniences which are found in today’s luxury RVs. out the door into woods and fresh air.”

They enjoy the socialization, too, In fact, mobile homes, campers and the contentment of inviting the camptents have always attracted certain ers next door to sit for an evening types of people. Opinions vary (usuenjoying idle conversation and comally by how much you yourself enjoy paring life stories. (I hear there may the activity) as to whether campbe some lies along the way, as well. ers are the independent type, those What was actually said was, “Janice, interested in the outdoors or people you can be anything you want to be who are loners. Today, they’re just as for one evening around the campfire, apt to be socialites who like to have

Dear Readers,

J

impress the heck out of people and leave before they find out you’re a total jerk or a complete nobody.”

Hmmm. Interesting thought.)

According to Dave Kelly, Florida offers a great many reasons for making the state a temporary home in the comfort of an RV. Of course, the weather in January is a major factor, but he also says that Florida offers “so many dealers that provide the products and services” for buying and maintaining an RV. Compared to many places up north, competition among dealers here assures owners of being able to get a good deal.

Kelly said Florida boasts 110,000 RV sites in 800 RV parks with an estimated five million campers visiting each year (not just seniors), making RVing a huge and valuable industry for our state. It doesn’t take much to imagine how much that means to our economy with purchases of gas, groceries, entrance fees, etc.

So, if you’re sitting outside your RV reading while enjoying your cup of coffee, we’re glad you’re here. And, hey, invite us over to share an evening—there are a lot of ‘wannabe’ RVers living here in Florida too.

T

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 2

country is your backyard, everybody’s your neighbor, and I’ve found this philosophy holds true no matter where I travel.

I was pitching a tent in the Tetons when two senior RVing couples noticed that I was alone and offered to share their dinner with me. Dave and Karen, Brent and Marilyn were on a road trip from Twin Falls Idaho, spending retirement exploring America. We

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 Sun City Center Judy Coleman: (813) 653-1988 Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190

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

P.S. The couple in the cover picture lives in North Port, Florida. We love them!

On The Road Again — Living The RV Life!

his year, I knocked a big one off my bucket list when I took a camping trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons.

I tend to travel alone on trips like these, as most of my friends are attached to home and internet access. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that you’re never alone when you’re camping. There’s a camraderie among campers and RVers.When the whole

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco

talked all evening about grandkids and tall tales, places they’ve seen and where they’re headed next.

It may seem like a simple life to some—living on the road, sharing hamburgers with strangers—but for most RVers it’s a chance to make new friends and live life to its fullest, and I’ll never forget their hospitality. Happy Trails! ––Tracie Schmidt, Production

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

Lake/Marion Counties: Lake Edition

888-670-0040

ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the November 2011 issue is October 15, 2011.

Magazines are out by the 7th of each month.

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*You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium, unless paid by Medicaid or another third party. *You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium, unless paid by Medicaid or another third pa A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved ** Excludes Tier 4 Generics. Part D sponsor. *You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium, unless paid by Medicaid third party.year is not guaranteed.

These contracts are renewed annually, and the availability AofMedicare coverage Advantage beyond theorganization endorofanother the current with acontract Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part 3D sponso Senior Connection • October 2011 • page Exclusions, may apply. ** Excludes Tier 4 limitations, Generics. copayments, coinsurance and deductibles These contracts are renewed annually, and the availability of coverage beyond the end of the current co The benefit information providedwith herein is a brief summary, not aacomprehensive description benefits.

A Medicare Advantage organization a Medicare contract and Medicare-approved PartofDcoinsurance sponsor. and deductibles may apply.

Exclusions, limitations, copayments, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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SINGER® Sewing Brand Celebrates 160 Years

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emember that sewing machine you learned to sew on?

Was it a SINGER® brand sewing machine? To celebrate 160 years, the company is offering to help you learn historic information about your vintage or antique sewing machine and share your own story about SINGER® and sewing. Go online to mysingerstory.com to help celebrate the brand’s heritage.

In January 2012, SINGER® will unveil a limited edition SINGER® 160th anniversary commemorative sewing machine that mirrors machine designs of the past, while offering current, easy-to-use features.

HEY S SENIOR

Join Us For These Great Free Events!

Produced by:

November 4, 2011, (10am-3pm) 7th Senior Friendly Extravaganza Harborside Event Center, Ft. Myers, FL Over 180 Exhibitors, Live Music, Dancing, Senior Sports Area, Free Bingo, Free Health Screenings. “Grandkids Are the Greatest” Photo Contest!

November 17, 2011, (10am-3pm) 7th Senior Friendly Extravaganza Largo Cultural Center, Largo, FL Over 100 Exhibitors, Live Music, Free Bingo, Free Health Screenings. “Grandkids Are the Greatest” Photo Contest! Senior Fun Walk!

December 6, 2011, (10am-3pm) 4th Senior Fun Fest & Jamboree!

Plant City, FL Strawberry Festival Grounds Over 100 Exhibitors, Live Music,Dancing, Free Bingo, Health Screenings, Senior Sports Area. Free Coffee & Muffins. Fun Games & Prizes. Free Parking & Admission.

January 19, 2012, (10am-3pm) 7th Senior Fun Fest, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL Over 120 Exhibitors, Live Music, Free Bingo, Free Health Screenings.

“Grandkids Are the Greatest” Photo Contest! Senior Fun Walk! 9:15, Senior Sports Center, Free Admission & $3 Parking.

February 23, 2012, (9am-1pm) 16th Senior Fun Fest and Backwoods Walk at Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Tampa, FL Exhibitors, Prizes, Free Entertainment, Free Health Screenings, Free Coffee. FREE Admission to MOSI, FREE Bingo Games for prizes!

Call Toll Free: 1-888-670-0040 • Sponsorships & Booths Available Kathy Beck, President • 813-653-1988 • Kathy@srmagazine.com Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 4

“Since the introduction of the world’s first practical sewing machine 160 years ago, the SINGER® brand has brought the craft of sewing to millions of people across the globe,” said Katrina Helmkamp, CEO of SVP Worldwide, producer of the SINGER® products.

The mysingerstory. com website is a place to share individual sewing stories and learn more about personal SINGER® household sewing machines, including the year it was issued and interesting historical facts about sewing from that era. You can learn more online at mysingerstory.com.

Free Admission for Boktoberfest

B

ok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales will have free admission and family entertainment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Boktoberfest, Saturday, October 15.

The day includes the annual plant sale, a Biergarten with live entertainment, German food, craft and seasonal beers, tree climb-

ing, face painting, prize drawings and more.

Live music will be provided by Alpine Express, a four-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music.

Satellite parking will be available.Visit boktoberfest. com or call (863) 676-1408 for more information.

World Series Baseball Thoughts

A

hot dog at the ball game beats roast beef at the Ritz.

—Humphrey Bogart

Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeeed three times out of 10 and be considered a good performer. —Ted Williams

No game in the world is as tidy and dramatically neat as baseball, with cause and effect, crime and punishment, motive and result, so cleanly defined. —Paul Gallico

Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off. —Bill Veeck

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1

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Concert by South Shore Symphony Orchestra at St. Anne Catholic Church, 7 p.m. Mendelssohn, Rimsky Korsakov, more. Open seating. Tickets: (813) 667-7776 or check to SSSO P.O. Box 5867 Sun City Center, FL 33571 or at the door.

8

Sock Hop at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield, Brandon. 7 to 11 p.m. $10/person donation. (813) 6855998 or musicshowcaseonline.com.

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Brews By The Bay – Oktoberfest at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Beer sampling throughout the aquarium.

Food. Entertainment. 8 to 12 p.m.

Details at flaquarium.org.

10

Fall Fashion Show at Brandon Christian Women’s Connection, Special Events Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon. Speaker, lunch. $13. Call (813) 740-0098.

11

Adventures in Writing group at SouthShore Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin. 1 to 3 p.m.

Please call (813) 273-3652 for details.

13

Three Jazz groups entertain at the Community Association Hall, S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center. $15 tickets at Atrium ticket counter. Info at (813) 633-8574.

19

Tampa Community Band Free Concert, Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S. Rome Ave., Tampa. Info: (813) 259-1704.

22

Arts & Crafts Show and Sale at Pleasant Living Mobile Home Park, 10502 Pleasant Blvd., Riverview. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (813) 334-8720.

23

Pops in the Park Concert by the Florida Orchestra. Fun and familiar favorites ending in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. 7 p.m. at Compton Park in New Tampa. Canned food donations for Tampa Bay Harvest. Bring blanket or chairs. Phone for information: (727) 892-3337.

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Author talk about compassionate caregiving by Donna Authers, who wrote A Sacred Walk. At United Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. West, Sun City Center.

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more info, visit sccumc.com or call (813) 634-2539.

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hrough Nov. 14 “Upstairs/ Downstairs” character vignettes interpret the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel and the lifestyles of America’s Gilded Age (1891). At The Plant Museum, Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 13. $7 seniors (65 yrs.).

Call for information: (813) 254-1891.

14

The President’s Own – United States Marine Band at the Straz Center, downtown Tampa. 3 p.m.

Free. Information: (813) 229-7827.

19

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Church of the Nazarene on Himes. No dues; caregivers and family members welcome. 1 p.m.

Info: call Judy Shaw, (813) 931-1235.

at one of our two matinee series!

21

Celtic Thunder – Heritage concert at The Straz Center, Tampa. Tickets from $39.50. For tickets and info, call (813) 222-1059.

– 16 Oktoberfest Tampa at Waterworks Park, downtown.

Opens 4 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. Sat. and Sun. $10 tickets; designated driver $5. See oktoberfesttampa.com.

Music in the Mornings

– 22 Ghosts of the Grey Lady, Tampa Ghost Watchers info and tour of American Victory Ship on Channelside. 9 p.m. to midnight. $15 for seniors 65+. Call (813) 2288766 or visit americanvictory.org.

ov. 5 Tampa Bay Heart Walk.

3-mile walk at Raymond James Stadium to benefit American Heart Association. (1-mile also available.)

8 a.m. Free but donations accepted.

Info at TampaBayHeartWalk.org.

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Join The Florida Orchestra for

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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. October 10 for November event.)

Photo credit: Thomas Bruce Studio

Coffee Concert Series

Enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts as well as lively commentary by the conductor and Pre-Concert Conversations in the hall one hour before curtain. The 7-concert series in St. Petersburg starts at $134, and a 3-concert package in Clearwater starts at $58.

Progress Energy Morning Masterworks

This new 3-concert matinee series is designed for fans who love hearing our traditional, classical Masterworks programs and prefer attending daytime concert performances. Prices start at $90.

Subscribers to both series receive all of the Fixed Package benefits, including premium reserved seats and free flexible ticket exchanges.

First Coffee Concert of the Season November 3!

Gotta Dance

Enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts at this morning concert featuring Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story, Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, and Milhaud’s Saudades de Brasil. Introducing conductor Stuart Malina.

Thu, Nov 3, 11am

Sponsored by:

Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater

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

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 5 9/16/2011 2:09:33 PM

Rails and Tales—Meet the Mayor of Lake Neccudah

BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

I

n a quiet mountain valley, about 45 minutes north of Denver, there’s a town you won’t find on any map.

You’ll know it by the rumble of the train tracks and the clear reflection of the Rockies on the town’s namesake: Lake Neccudah.

The mayor can trace his roots back to turn-of-the-20th century settlers who reclaimed the city after the mining bust had left it all but a ghost town.

An imposing man, he towers over the city—quite literally—as he monitors the comings and goings of the town’s residents and two major rail lines.

of your focus, so you have no room to think about your problems,” he laughs.

Between 60 and 70 buildings, cars, three trains and over 400 people are all airbrushed or painstakingly hand-painted. If there’s one thing he’s a stickler for, it’s HO scale—a standard among train modelers.

“These are not toys, they’re miniatures,” he emphasises, “and I want to make everything as authentic as possible.”

The Saga of Lake Neccudah The mayor gave me the grand tour, and as the Lake Neccudah Pacific chugged over mountain passes and into town, past Bingham Lumber, Riverbend Campground, the local soda fountain and elementary school, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the small stories unfolding below me. In one part of town, folks were skinny dipping at a pool party while others gathered at a local fairground to celebrate “Founder’s Day.” “I would bring people in to see the layout, and I just started developing stories about the townsfolk,” Bingham shares.

He began writing them down to keep everything together and ended up with a 200 page manuscript. He was planning on publishing it when one of his friends suggested that he start a webCharles (Chuck) Bingham, an actual site so that others could see his town resident of Valrico, FL, has been buildand share its story. A few months later, ing this fictional town by hand for the Saga of Lake Neccudah was online. about 16 years. Using wood, asphalt tile, sawdust, paint, scale models, The Community panoramic murals and other materials, At Lake Neccudah’s site, you can Bingham has transformed a room in read the history of the town in full and his house into a bustling western town catch up on the latest news, photos and that has taken on a life of its own. anecdotes from the residents. Visitors “My grandfather in England, Samuel can watch videos of police reports and Dunwell, was a railroad engineer, take an aerial tour of the city, or if they and I have been fascinated by trains like, rent an apartment in town and since I could remember,” Bingham become part of the story themselves. says about the inspiration behind Bingham was surprised by how his town. “My dad would take me quickly a simple hobby could down to the station and I loved to become an interactive world. watch them coming and going.”

“I got going on this, and it just kind of His model started small, as a way grew! Right now, I have visitors from to relax after a long day’s work.

173 cities and 22 different countries,” “I’d come home, I’d be all stressed, Bingham says. He expects the town to but then I would put on my magnifier, grow even more in the years ahead. take out my finest bristle brush and To learn more, visit lakeneccudah.com start painting miniatures. It takes all or e-mail chuck@lakeneccudah.com.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 6

Lake Neccudah: History and Fun Facts ingham came up with the name “Lake Neccudah” using an anagram of his name, his wife’s and his daughter’s. But according to myth, Lake Neccudah takes its name from a loosely translated Indian phrase meaning “where the mountains meet the plains.”

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• Lake Neccudah was founded on July 29, 1859 to support miners who worked the Colorado gold rush from 1858 – 1861.

• In late 1873, five local merchants pooled their resources and founded the Lake Neccudah Rail Road Company to serve the area’s mining and growing agricultural businesses.

• In 1947 a British immigrant named Harold Bingham came to Lake Neccudah seeking to rebuild a life for his wife and two small sons. The current mayor (who is famous for his pool parties) is a direct descendant!

• Every October, Lake Neccudah residents host an annual “Harvest Days” festival to give thanks for blessings.

start your own model train hobby:

odel trains have been around since the 1890s—from intricate clockwork models made in Germany to electric-powered, made-to-scale Lionel trains. There are sets for every collector, and their size and detail are limited only by the builder (and his budget). The largest model train in the world is the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany: miniatur-wunderland.com.

Bingham spent around $12,000 over the course of several years building Lake Neccudah. Part of it was handmade, but a savvy collector knows how to get parts for less. When he first started out, he would look for models at swap meets, finding deals and exchanging stories with fellow enthusiasts.

“The internet has killed local hobby

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shop meets,” Bingham admits sadly.

However, there are still great deals to be found online, and if you’re willing to make the trip, regional train shows are great places to go model-hunting.

Parts Online: internettrains.com; modeltrainstuff.com.

Train Shows: The Great Train Expo: trainexpoinc.com; 61st H&R Train Show: hrtrains.com.

Can’t get enough trains? Or maybe you’re just starting out and you need a few tips from the pros. Try joining a local model railroad club, and meet some friends. Nearby clubs: Suncoast Model Railroad Club: railserve.com; Sun City Center Model Railroad Club: sccmrrc.org; Or, check out a local railroad museum: RealRail: realrail.org; Florida Railroad Museum: frrm.org.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 page 9/27/11• 11:01 AM7

Buying a Used RV? Get a Deal, Not a Headache

HOME LIGHTINGBreakthrough

A floor lamp that spreads sunshine all over a room.

BY TERESA AMBORD

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

S

tudies show that sunshine can both lift your mood and enhance your energy levels. But as we all know, the sun does not always shine. Now, however, there’s a solution to the problem– The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp will change not only the way you see, but also the way you feel about your living and work spaces.

It brings the benefits of natural daylight indoors, simulating the full spectrum of daylight.

Experience sunshine indoors at the touch of a switch. This amazing lamp is not only easy on the eyes, it is easy on the hands as well, featuring a special “soft-touch, flicker-free” rocker switch that is easier to use than traditional toggle or twist switches. And its flexible gooseneck design enables you to get light exactly where you need it. The hightech electronics, the user-friendly design, and a bulb that lasts 10 times Technology revolutionizes the light bulb • Save almost $61 over the life of the bulb • 8,000 hours bulb life • Energy efficient • Shows true colors

longer than an ordinary bulb–all these features make the Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp a must-have.

Try the Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp for the best value ever! Now more than ever is the time to spread Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 8

• Check the condition of the upholstery, carpet, kitchen, and bathrooms. If they haven’t been well cared for, there is good reason to believe that the working parts underneath have also been neglected.

sunshine all over the room in your home at this fantastic low price!

The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp comes with firstSTREET’s exclusive guarantee. Try this lamp for 90 days and return it for the product purchase price if not completely satisfied.

• Check for strong odors that might indicate the unit had been generally neglected.

• Don’t forget to check the tires, battery, air conditioner and the refrigerator to make sure they are all in good shape.

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The Balanced Spectrum’s 27-watt compact bulb is brighter than a 100-watt ordinary light bulb. With the lamp’s sharp visibility, you will see with more clarity and enjoyment in close tasks such as reading, writing, sewing, and needlepoint. It is especially helpful for aging eyes.

A

re you in the market for a good used RV? There are plenty of them out there. But how can the average buyer tell the difference between a good deal and a headache waiting to happen?

Before you buy, do your homework.

There are lots of resources available to help you make the right decision.

Chuck Woodbury, the editor of RVtravel.com says “If I had to boil down my advice, it would be that buyers should take their time with their purchase and do their homework.”

With gas prices high, many RV owners are looking to sell, but whatever you do, don’t get in a hurry. Here are some tips I learned from Woodbury and from other seasoned RV dwellers.

How to Check for Water Damage The source of water damage may not be obvious. You need to check the RV from top to bottom. Check for the smell of mold or mildew, any discoloration in the ceiling, around all openings to the outside, the insides of all cabinets, open areas where there is equipment and spongy areas in the floor.

If you do find water damage but the RV is otherwise sound, take it to a qualified RV technician to find out how bad the damage is and what the cost to repair it is. If the damage compromises the integrity of the vehicle, it may not be worth the fix. On the other hand, you might find the damage is mostly cosmetic and well worth the repair.

It Pays to Sound Like You Know What You’re Doing Know ahead of time what you are looking for so you don’t end up buying a unit just because the price fits your budget. Check out enough models so that you know what floor plans are comfortable for you. A good prebuying tip might be to take a weekend trip in a rental RV to see if the floor plan is a good fit for your family.

Woodbury advises not buying from a private party unless you first have it checked out by an RV technician and (if motorized) a mechanic. Take the rig for a good test drive on the open road to see if you feel comfortable driving it.

Never buy an RV from a campground or a parking lot, said Woodbury.

No deal is good enough to take that chance. Finally, Woodbury cautions shoppers about buying prior rental units which may not have been properly cared for. That’s why, he said, you must check every detail or you could get stuck with a “bum rig.” That doesn’t mean that every detail has to be perfect. High mileage, for example, is not all that important if you are mainly driving it to a campground 30 miles away, a few times each year.

“Grandma, Come Play with Us”

Grandmother Peggy Land and her husband from isiting a children’s Oldsmar were museum can be visiting with their a great way to spend grandchildren from time with your grandout of state. Peggy children. The Glazer ordered sandwiches Children’s Museum, and pizza at the located in downtown child-sized Outback Tampa, is perfect for restaurant play playing together.

Peggy Land enjoys area and smiled as Sarah Cole, Director “pizza” with grandkids. the brown, red and of Education for the green felt pizza was handed to her.

Museum, says, “The Museum is Next door in Publix, Caitlin, age 7, designed for children 10 and under. pushed a child-size cart and collected Our focus is pretend and exploratory groceries before scanning and bagging play. A key factor in enjoyment for them at the checkout counter. Another different ages is appropriate expectalittle girl found her niche restocking tions, and ‘tweens who are used to computer and tech play who come with the shelves after groceries had been bagged by other children. At the the expectation of being entertained veterinary clinic, Josh listened with his would likely be bored.” Cole enjoys stethoscope to one pretend dog after watching grandparents come with another before putting them in their their young grandchildren and get into carry-cases. In another area—called the fun of playing with the children.

BY AMY WITHEROW

V

Safety Village—Brandon put on the fireman’s hat while David donned the pint-sized firefighter’s uniform to jump in and out of the fire truck, which is complete with siren and lights.

Other grandparents played with children in the “KidsPort” area on the first floor where a simulation of the Tampa Bay area allows young and old alike to create channels, roll a ball across the Skyway Bridge or play in the “rubber sand” near a kid-size cruise ship.

Additional play areas include Kids Network, Design + Build, and Art Smart. All were ready for a child’s imagination and a friend, parent or grandparent’s cooperation for a fun time.

In addition to actively participating in the play with your grandchildren, you can also read signs to them.

There aren’t many since the majority of museum patrons are young, but there are some and reading them helps direct the child’s attention.

Full admission is a bit pricey, but family memberships are available for $100, which covers five named family members (they do not need to be members of the same household, but you do have to name each one, meaning you can’t take five different people each time). Admission paid can go towards the price of a membership if purchased the same day.

Open seven days a week, the Glazer Children’s Museum is definitely a great place to visit with young grandchildren. There’s an in-house cafe for a bite to eat. Visit the website ahead of time and let the grandkids each pick out an exhibit they’d like to see, because you will not be able to see everything in one visit.

Consider purchasing a membership package, perhaps for a birthday or Christmas gift, or give the museum a try on one of the Two Dollar Target Tuesdays.

More information at glazermuseum. org, or call (813) 443-3861.

Plié, Please, Says 93-Year-Old Ballet Teacher

S

uited up in toe shoes, Therrell Camille Smith demonstrates dance positions. At her Washington, D.C. dance school for children, where a vintage record player churns out music, the 93-year-old ballet instructor has raised the bar for late-in-life work and engagement. She has taught thousands of students and her current gig is at several D.C. public schools. The arts are important for kids, Smith believes, “because it stimulates your imagination, and you just have greater dreams.”

Rebecca Sheir; “At 93, D.C. Ballet Teacher Is Still Dancing”; National Public Radio.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 9

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“Carmina Burana,” Free Park Concerts and More

and Strauss, along with selections from The King ith over 200 inand I, music from The strumentalists and Muppet Movie and other vocalists on stage, The favorite popular fare with Florida Orchestra opens the evening ending in the 2011/2012 season’s St. Tchaikovsky’s explosive Principal trombone Dwight Decker. 1812 Overture. The Petersburg Times MasPhoto by Thomas Bruce Studio) terworks series with one concerts are Saturday, of the all-time favorite choral extravaOctober 22, at 7 p.m. at Vinoy Park in ganzas: Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

St. Petersburg, and Sunday, October Markus Huber conducts the orchestra 23, at 7 p.m. at Compton Park in with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay New Tampa. Concertgoers are invited and the Tampa Bay Children’s Choto bring canned food donations for rus in Carmina Burana on a program Tampa Bay Harvest for their food that includes the overture to Mozart’s bank services in the Tampa Bay area.

Abduction from the Seraglio and Next, Music Director Stefan SanderHaydn’s Symphony No. 100, Military. ling conducts The Florida Orchestra Concerts are October 14, 15 and 16 in in Mahler’s soaring Symphony No. 7. Concerts are October 29 and 30 Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a free Enjoy new lower ticket prices of Pops in the Park Concert under the stars with guest conductor Daniel Boico $15, $30 and $45 for the Masterworks concerts. For tickets or concert leading The Florida Orchestra in a program of fun and familiar favorites by information, visit floridaorchestra.org or call 1-800-662-7286.

Brahms, Dvorak, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 11

Life Gets Easier for Senior Techies

BY KATE FORGACH

T

he older I get, the more I appreciate the body of my youth. As a Baby Boomer dealing with hearing loss (too much rock music), memory loss (not enough Gingko), and unbending knees (too much biking), I appreciate every bit of senior assistance. That gratitude extends to manufacturers developing products tailored for those with reduced capacity or not familiar with our rapidly changing tech world. While some of the following examples weren’t originally designed with America’s elders in mind, they still offer great benefits to those who don’t want to get totally left behind.

Here are seven changes age hath wrought in today’s technological world.

1. Dumb Phones I was bereft when my ancient Razr phone disappeared as it was so easy to use and is no longer available. In looking for a replacement, I found most phones have tiny black buttons and keyboards designed more for texting and playing online than for making calls. Some manufacturers are listening to these concerns, however, and creating phones specifically for my brethren. Think Jitterbug and the Doro PhoneEasy series.

2. Intelligent Phones Intel is working on a phone for those who have memory problems. Using caller ID tech, it’ll display a photo of the person calling, the user’s relationship to the caller and information about their last conversation. It would be even more helpful if Intel would create a human-implant screen that would jog my memory upon meeting people I “know.”

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3. Nana Technology Companies like Accenture and Intel have teamed up with universities and other researchers in the development of gadgets that make life easier. These include smart walkers users can retrieve by remote control, pillboxes that remind you to take your pills and mailboxes that let you know when mail has arrived.

4. Tablet Computers I’d give my AARP membership for an iPad. The screen is a joy, the touchpad keyboard is nice and big, and, most importantly, it’s entirely intuitive.

Apple’s security technology also nearly eliminates spyware and viruses, which are a nightmare to eradicate.

In general, touchscreens are easier for seniors to use. It took me just 30 minutes to get an elderly friend up and running on her new Motorola Xoom tablet. Unable to type anymore due to arthritis, the light touch required for these screens opened a whole new world. We loaded a few useful apps, made Google her home page, set up a Gmail account and she was off.

5. E-readers Few books are printed in large type anymore, but e-readers can make every book easy to read. The Kindle, for example, allows users to boost the font size with a touch of a button and the resolution improves with every release. The Barnes & Noble NOOK boasts a full-color display that makes reading even easier.

6. Durable Tech Cases Otterbox has cornered the market on hardcore cases for phones, e-readers, laptops and just about everything else that can be dropped, smashed or end up in water.

7. Online Shopping Shopping the e-commerce way is so much faster and easier for those facing diminished capacities. Plus, the selections are much larger, it’s often also possible to find better prices, and free shipping codes bring your purchase directly to the door without a delivery fee. Isn’t technology wonderful?

The author is a senior-consumer expert for Kinoli Inc.

What Words Do People Look Up Online?

T

hese are the 10 most frequently searched words on Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

1. Pretentious: expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature.

2. Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; widespread.

3. Love: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. (maternal love for a child).

4. Cynical: contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives; based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest.

5. Apathetic: having little or no interest or concern; indifferent

6. Conundrum: an intricate and difficult problem.

7. Albeit: conceding the fact that; even though; although.

8. Ambiguous: capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways.

9. Integrity: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility.

10. Affect/Effect. It’s not that people don’t know what these words mean; it’s that they have trouble remembering which one does what. The simplest distinction here is that affect is almost always a verb, and effect is usually a noun.

Information from Merriam-Webster.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 13

Will That Be One Lump Or Two? SARAH A. SANTIAGO, DVM, MS

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ave you recently noticed a small bump on Fluffy’s eyelid or a large movable lump on Maggie’s hip that has you concerned? That pesky mass is worth mentioning during the next visit with your veterinarian. Our recommendations can vary from simply monitoring the mass for any changes versus surgical excision if it is in your pet’s best interest.

Caring For Your Pet There are various factors to consider when dealing with tumors on our pets. The location of a tumor is often one of the most important pieces of information obtained during a physical examination. Certain tumors have a propensity to grow in specific areas such as ocular melanomas or splenic hemangiosarcomas. The size, shape, and number of masses are all

significant factors to consider. Some tumors such as benign lipomas can be present like clumps of cellulite around the chest of a dog and not cause any health problems.

Lipomas can also grow to be the size of a grapefruit or larger and thus affect how comfortably your pet can lie down or walk.

The time frame and extent of tumor growth are vital pieces of information to relay to your pet’s doctor. For example, a sebaceous adenoma that resembles a wart may appear on your pet’s back at a young age and for the duration of his or her life only be a nuisance during grooming times.

Tumor mapping is often done to monitor multiple lumps over the course of several months to years.

Tumor details are recorded in a pet’s medical record for future reference.

A fine needle aspirate, which entails

the use of a sterile needle to collect cells from the inside of a mass, is performed to microscopically examine a tumor. Many tumors do not shed cells well and thus a core biopsy may be needed. This involves removing only a piece of tumor for analysis. Another common procedure is a lumpectomy or tumor excision surgery. The tissue retrieved during either procedure is sent to a laboratory for special analyses. The laboratory report is invaluable in determining the next course of action with regards to additional diagnostics or further treatments. Diagnostics may include thoracic radiographs, further blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound, lymph node aspirates, chemotherapy and more. So the next time a tiny bump or large lump appears it is best to notify your veterinarian of its presence so that it may be handled appropriately and in a timely manner.

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RULES:

Photos should be: Maximum size 8 1/2” x 11”, printed on photo paper only. Maximum 5 entries per person.

NO professional photos. Please no photos by e-mail.

Grandparent Name Address City

State

Zip

Phone Photo Title Sender’s Age(s)

Subject’s Age(s)

Subject’s Name Photo release signature Entries must be received by Nov. 2, 2011 to be entered in the Photo Contest. (Send your photos in early so we can share them with our readers). Photos will be returned within 45 days after contest ends, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (large enough to fit your photo) and name and address on the back of the photo.

LC

The Healthy Geezer

BY FRED CICETTI

and I’m starting QtoI’msee70a blurred area in the :

middle of my vision. Any ideas?

A: Have this checked immediately by an eyecare practitioner. What you describe is a symptom of agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

The macula is at the center of the retina in the back of your eye. The retina transmits light from the eye to the brain. The macula allows us to perform tasks that require central vision such as reading and driving.

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.

It comes in two forms—wet and dry.

Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels behind the retina start to leak and raise the macula. An early symptom of wet AMD is straight lines that appear wavy. Wet AMD is considered to be advanced AMD and is more severe than the dry form. However, dry AMD can turn into wet AMD at any time.

Dry AMD occurs when macular cells break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. Central vision in the affected eye can be lost.

Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye.

The risk of getting AMD increases with age. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, race (whites are at higher risk), a family history of AMD and gender (women are at higher risk).

AMD is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam and tonometry. Visual acuity is measured with an eye chart test.

In the dilated eye exam, drops are placed in your eyes to enlarge the pupils. Then, a magnifying lens is used to examine your retina. Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye.

You may also be asked to look at an Amsler grid. With one eye, you will stare at a black dot in the center of the

grid. You may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy or are missing. These may be signs of AMD. Once dry AMD is in the advanced stage, no treatment can prevent vision loss. However, treatment can delay and possibly prevent AMD from progressing to the advanced stage. Some vitamins and minerals may reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD. Wet AMD can be treated with surgery, therapy and injections into the eye. None of these treatments is a cure for wet AMD. Each treatment may slow the rate of vision decline, but the disease may progress anyway.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) to improve vision in some patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Surgically implanted in one eye, the IMT is a small telescope that replaces the natural lens and provides an image that has been magnified more than two times.

If you have lost some sight from AMD, don’t be afraid to use your eyes for reading, watching TV and other routine activities.

Normal use of your eyes will not damage your vision further.

If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti.

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Transforming Your Life

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Balance can be improved with proper diagnosis, specialized therapy and exercise programs. The American Institute of Balance has successfully treated more patients for positional vertigo than any other clinic in America.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 16

Grufferman says this lets you focus on a bigger picture, allowing you to come up with a vision of your future. Once that theme is in place, you can work on getting rid of everything that doesn’t fit it.

Her theme became simplifying her life. She began clearing the clutter from her life in everything from hair to makeup to food to finances.

Everything. The difference was freed-up time and more energy.

To clear the clutter, Grufferman says one must identify the kinds of clutter that exist in our lives. Some of the forms clutter takes include objects, obligations and habits (such as perfectionism or procrastination).

Clutter can include people who are deenergizing and depleting us, those who whine and complain but never act.

Once you have cleared your life, Grufferman says, “You now have space, time and energy for people, activities, objects and experiences that can move you forward.”

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nce you’re past 50, life can get much easier, right?

Not if your house, friendships and commitments are filled with clutter, those elements that distract you from knowing who you really are.

Barbara Hannah Grufferman in her book The Best of Everything After 50 says that after age 50 a woman knows (or should discover) “who you really are, apart from what your work is or where you live and what you own.”

Furthermore, her challenge is that if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to realize that “unnecessary possessions, unhealthy relationships and bad habits that wear you out and drag you down are all a kind of clutter.”

Though rearranging bookcases is easy by comparison, clearing such clutter as bad habits and unhealthy relationships is what really transforms your life, and the process is rewarding. Here are the steps she suggests: First, acknowledge that change is occurring. It may be that the kids are gone, a spouse becomes ill or disabled or passes on.

Maybe your job changed or your marriage ended. Whatever it is, change can make you more aware of what you truly value.

Next, create a personal theme that defines what your life will be.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 17

Know What’s In Store Before Moving In With the Kids

A

s people age, they sometimes think of moving in with “one of the kids.” Whether real or imagined, they want the kind of relationship that would make such a move an option for their last years. Stories abound about such moves from all angles—emotionally, financially and otherwise. It can be a great joy or a family trial emotionally. Financially there is also much to consider. One example would be if parents move in and share the cost of remodeling the house to accommodate their needs, do they gift their portion of the house to the caregiving child? How do siblings feel about this? How does this affect a person’s eligibility for Medicaid?

Seek the advice of an elder-law attorney before making such a move to avoid possible downfalls. Consider the following discussion points: To Ask The Elder: • Do you want to move in and share a household?

To Ask Other Family Household Residents: • Would you resent this arrangement?

• What adjustments would you have to make?

• Will you pitch in and help?

• Are you willing to treat this person as a family member, not to be ignored or isolated?

• Are there conflicts to be resolved before such a move?

• Do you feel you can talk openly about your feelings?

• Are you prepared to help with the costs?

• Are you comfortable with changing doctors (if necessary)?

• How long are you prepared to live here?

Questions To Ask Nonresident Siblings: • Will you help care for the parent in the event they need extra care?

• How will you pitch in when it’s time for me to take a break or if I get sick?

• Are you prepared to contribute financially to this arrangement?

Questions To Ask Yourself: • Will my spouse and children get the attention they need?

• How will this affect my personal and professional goals?

• Is there another family member that already requires time and attention?

• Am I good at delegating responsibilities?

• Will my elder have access to a full range of activities outside the home?

• Will we create ways for my elder to contribute to the family and feel needed?

• Is there a plan to preserve privacy and autonomy for everyone?

• Is my family financially and emotionally stable enough to take this on?

So, if you’re the elder considering moving in with a family member or a son or daughter facing having mom or dad move in with you, take these questions seriously. Ideally, they need to be discussed with an elder law attorney who may be able to offer solutions and help.

Information from “The Complete Eldercare Planner” by Joy Loverde.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 18

f you attend the Senior Friendly Extravaganza at the Largo Cultural Center on Nov. 17, you will find Art Pressman, artist, drawing caricatures of willing visitors. He’ll capture your likeness and add any distinguishing characteristics you might have. He is a professional artist who paints in public places.

The caricatures he draws “for tips” are fun, but Pressman is best-known for the portraits he paints. Got a photo of someone you want to remember?

Pressman will take the photo and make a portrait of the person, or of a group.

Much of his work, Pressman says, is for gifts, such as for Christmas.

Today, you can find Pressman painting at various fairs. Look for him evenings when you dine at Arigato’s in Clearwater Thursday through Saturday, or the Weston in Tampa on Wednesdays. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. he sets up his work in the lobby of the DonCesar Beach Resort in St. Pete.

Art Pressman hard at work.

Portraits by artist Art Pressman start at $500 for an 11 x 14 size with prices increasing with larger sizes.

He does charcoals and drawings for less, of course, and his work includes some landscapes which are on display where he works.

Call Art Pressman at (727) 422-1493.

“Savvy Senior” Workshop to Discuss Ordinance to Protect Veterans

T

he Board of County Commissioners, in a unanimous vote on September 21, 2011, took measures to protect veterans and their spouses which the U.S. Congress has failed to do as yet.

With a high population of veterans in the Tampa Bay area, there has been fertile ground for a few persons to take advantage of veterans and their spouses despite federal regulations.

The County ordinance creates criminal and civil penalties for violating the

federal regulations, thereby providing an enforcement mechanism.

Location: Savannah Court, 824 North Parsons Avenue, Brandon, FL 33510.

If you are a veteran or a veteran’s spouse looking for benefits such as the“Aid and Attendance” benefit to offset costs of long term care, here are two tips:

Directions: 1 mile North of Hwy. 60 on Parsons Avenue.

1. Only work with a person who is accredited; 2. Never pay any fees for the preparation of or filing the initial application for benefits.

For further discussion about these veterans’ benefits and many other legal and financial matters concerning older citizens, Emma Hemness will be holding a “Savvy Senior” workshop. This is open to the public, but seating is limited. Come join us for this informative discussion!

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 19, 6 – 7 p.m.

RSVP: Seating is limited. Please call Adelina at (813) 661-5297, ext. 11 to reserve your spot.

Emma Hemness, one of only two lawyers in Hillsborough County recognized by the Florida Bar as an Expert in Elder Law, will be the speaker for this event. Emma’s most recent accomplishments include being named both one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in the State of Florida and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Attorney of the Year for 2011!

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A: It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card; or contact your local Social Security office.

Q: Are Social Security numbers reassigned after a person dies?

A: No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In

all, we have assigned more than 460 million Social Security numbers, and each year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. The current system has enough new numbers for several more generations.

For more info, visit socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HECM (REVERSE MORTGAGE) FEDERALLY INSURED LOAN BY FHA & HUD • Make NO mortgage payments during your lifetime • Eliminate your current mortgage/debt payments • Two ways to pay for long term care insurance without touching a penny of your savings, investments or income • Stay in your home as long as you live/You keep the title to your home •Your heirs Will inherit all remaining equity • The lender Cannot own or take your home as long as you follow program requirements •No income/credit to qualify

Simply call our toll free line at 888-669-4383 and ask for your FREE no obligation Brochure & DVD. www.reversemortgagelife.com Nationwide is a Direct Lender-FL License# MLD453 NMLS company ID:1408 Shay Samuch NMLS ID:50808 Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 19

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Call (813) 634-1824 or 1(800) 678-7684 to schedule your complimentary luncheon & tour.

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Discover Your Inner Poet

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illsborough resident and win several state and naJohn Foster has tional poetry awards. Now, always been a language as a member of the Florida person. He was a French State Poets Association, he major and teacher, holds regular workshops and would often write to share his love of words tributes for friends or and help others discover special occasions—a few their own inner poet. humorous verses here “At 78 years old, I am and there. But it wasn’t even busier in retirement until he submitted one of than I was as an educator,” his works for a contest he laughs. “It’s never too Poet and teacher, that he began thinking late to develop a hobby or John Foster seriously about his poetry. vocation and, while you still “Although I didn’t win, place or have your health, go for it. Everyone show, the whole experience inspired has something to leave behind. For me to continue writing,” he said. He me, It’s my poetry and my books.” discovered a website called “World His latest book, “Where There’s a of Poets” where he could publish his Quill, There’s a Way,” is available work and get feedback from others. at barnesandnoble.com.

“I got very excited that I could corOn Oct. 10 at United Community respond with poets like myself from Church in Sun City Center, he will New Zealand, Africa, Europe and also be holding one of his workshops many other countries,” he said. Bewhere he will present a unique visual cause of their encouragement, he has and audio presentation of his poetry. gone on to publish more of his work For more info, call (813) 634-8607.

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Luggie Scooters 1-866-217-1757 Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 20

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Medicare Answers D ear Marci, I am about to be discharged from the hospital, and my doctor thinks I should enter a skilled nursing facility.

Can a skilled nursing facility decide not to accept me as a patient? —Nigel

Dear Nigel, Yes. A Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) is not required to take you as a patient simply because your doctor has prescribed care for you and you qualify for SNF care under Original Medicare. Facilities are allowed to select which patients they accept, as long as they do not

violate discrimination laws. A skilled nursing facility can also limit the kinds of services it provides and the types of conditions it will care for. If you need services that the SNF does not provide, the SNF may decide not to accept you as a patient. Sometimes the SNF will not take you as a patient because it believes you do not meet Medicare’s criteria for coverage.

If you are in a Medicare private health plan (like an HMO), your plan will generally pay for you to get care only from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that are within the plan’s network. You may be able to get care from a non-network SNF (and pay your plan’s rates) if you were staying in the SNF before a hospitalization, if the SNF is a part of your continuing care retirement community or if your spouse lives in the SNF at the time of your hospital discharge. —Marci For more help, call (800) 333-4114 or visit dearmarci@medicarerights.org.

ENJOY THE SPIRIT OF THE ISLANDS

Aloha

Welcome … To Grand Court Tampa’s Luau and Renovation Celebration!

The spirit of the islands comes alive at Grand Court Tampa on October 27.

That’s when we’ll celebrate our newly-remodeled community with an authentic Hawaiian Luau! Come make some waves with Polynesian-inspired cuisine, entertainment, and refreshments. You could even win a $500 gift card.* So put on your island attire, hang loose, dance the Hula and get ready for a great time. Be there. Aloha!

Thursday, October 27 • 4 - 7 p.m.

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Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Financial representative, and as appropriate, your attorney and/ or tax professional for additional information.

21573C R8-10 ©2011 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 201003719

Old People Driving O

n August 25, the PBS News Hour today featured a film called Old People Driving as part of the Economist Film Project. In this documentary, viewers climb into the passenger seat alongside Milton (age 96) and Herbert (age 99) as they confront the end of

their driving years.

One man takes his last drive and hands over his keys. The other man vows to drive until he feels he’s no longer safe on the road.

To watch the segment, visit the project’s website: film.economist. com/film/old-people-driving.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 21

Allied Veterans of the World aff. 90

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Remain on Your Feet

BY YVONNE CURLEY

T

V made everyone familiar with the phrase “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” the trademark of Life Alert Emergency Response.

Most everyone over 50 is aware of the potential for bad falls and the subsequent need for medical assistance. But it’s true that falls and frailty can make independent living impossible. In the book The Science of Staying Young, authors John Morley and Sheri Colberg say that the best course is knowing how to prevent falls in the first place.

Two other things to know about falls is that dementia doubles the risk and that any new disease impacts your health even if it is only temporary.

The authors put the risk factors into an easy-to-remember form with SAFE AND SOUND:

SAFE AND SOUND

• Strength problems (particularly in quadriceps muscles)

• Alcohol in excess

• Food-associated low blood pressure

• Environmental factors (uneven surfaces, poor lighting for example) • Artherosclerotic disease (fainting)

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One study showed that for every 287 calories per day those aged 70 to 82 expended doing anything active, they increased their chances of living longer by 68 percent.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 22

Falling down occasionally is inevitable at any age, they state, and the more active you are the more apt you will be to fall at some point. They encourage readers to learn to minimize the impact of falls rather than stop being active in the hopes of not falling. One in three people over age sixty falls each year and 95 percent of all hip fractures are the result of falls.

The major risk factors for falls are muscular weakness, poor vision, medication effects, unsteady balance and getting up to go to the bathroom in the night. What to learn from this?

Keep healthy, strong, stable and physically active with special emphasis on balance and strength exercises.

• Unsteady balance

• Nocturia (frequent need to urinate during the night

• Delirium

Tips to prevent falls: Do your strength and flexibility exercises, remove floor clutter and throw rugs, correct your vision and improve lighting.

Simply said, the more active you remain, the less likely you are to lose that capacity. One study showed that for every 287 calories per day those aged 70 to 82 expended doing anything active, they increased their chances of living longer by 68 percent. The study included volunteering, walking, providing care to others and doing household chores.

Amazingly, the book notes that watching TV uses almost less energy than sleeping.

So, no matter your circumstances, move, move, move.

Mom Was Right—Good Posture Makes You Tougher M others have been telling their children to stop slouching for ages. It turns out that mom was onto something and that poor posture not only makes a bad impression but can actually make you physically weaker.

According to a recent study, adopting dominant poses makes people feel more powerful, in control and able to tolerate more distress.

What it means Fake it until you make it. Rather than curling up into a ball when in pain, this research suggests that a person should do the opposite. Curling up in a ball may make the experience more painful because it will make you feel like you have no control over your circumstances, which may in turn intensify your anticipation of the pain. Standing or sitting up straight

creates a sense of power and control over a situation.

Keeping your chin up and assuming a dominant posture might really work to manage emotional pain.

It may be that it makes remembering a distressing emotional event less painful.

Caregivers Need to Let Go Caregivers often try to baby those for whom they are caring to help make things easier and alleviate stress. In doing this, they force those they are caring for into a more submissive position.

This possibly renders their patients more susceptible to experiencing pain.

Rather, this research suggests that caregivers take a more submissive position and surrender control to those who are about to undergo a painful procedure to lessen the intensity of the pain experienced. (Newswise)

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Why suffer any longer? Come see us, your gentle touch Doctor of Podiatry.

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

of Brandon

Fall Festival

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Our Customers enjoy: • Qualified nursing services • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy • Regular physician on site visits • Laundry and chef prepared meal service • Licensed massage therapy • Outpatient,Vital Stem and ETPS therapy

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Live Longer—Make Friends

W

hy are friends so great for our health? It turns out that friends may help us make healthier choices in food. And many psychologists now think that without a strong base of social support, people are much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of stressful living.

Better with Age In a recent study, seniors over 70 who kept in touch with friends were less likely to die over a 10-year period— phone contact counted too.

Life Support Is your crew undermanned? It’s never too late to make friends. Reach out! Others will do the same for you.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 23

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Your Favorite Pastime

BY DR. JOSEPH MARKENSON

T

he social aspects of your golf game, spending time with your friends and family, may do wonders for your well-being, but chronic knee pain can make you feel like never lifting a club again.

Many of my patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have bought into the myth that physical activity will make knees feel worse. However, nothing could be further from the truth, with the right treatment plan. Regular physical activity has actually been shown to improve some arthritis symptoms and promote general health. So a round of golf with friends and family may be a good way to keep your knees working well.

Maintaining an active lifestyle can strengthen muscles, improve functionality and ease pain for people with knee OA.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends physical activity for managing the condition. While it may seem counterintuitive to do something that hurts in order to ease the pain, walking, aerobics and strength training have all been shown to do just that.

In fact, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that exercise and physical therapy improved function in people with knee OA and may have helped delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Savvy Senior Financial & Legal Seminar

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 24

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Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine recently concurred with earlier studies, saying that even a small increase in physical activity helped people with knee OA walk faster.

They also found that staying active reduced pain, depression and fatigue.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to treat knee OA. The unique nature of each individual’s condition usually requires the need for personal evaluation by a healthcare professional. That is why finding the right pain management regimen is an important part of helping patients get and stay active.

Treatments are tailored to each patient based on your individual needs. Options include over-thecounter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or, if pain is persistent, speak with your doctor about prescription treatments. Some of the latest advances in topical pain treatments include newer diclofenac applications, which can potentially

offer significant gastrointestinal safety benefits for certain patients. Beginning in 2000, a doctor-prescribed diclofenac patch, gel, and topical solution were approved separately for use in the United States.

Early action is key, and exercise is an important tool in treating OA. Walking 18 holes is the equivalent of walking 10,000 steps, making golf just one sport that may prove beneficial for people with knee OA. As with returning from any injury, it is important to stay motivated.

Whatever activity you choose, I recommend my patients record their progress and encourage their own movement. One way to do this is through the Arthritis Foundation’s Movement Tracker. To find out more information, visit www.arthritis.org.

Dr. Joseph Markenson is an attending physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

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What You Should Know About Shingles Herpes zoster (shingles)

Description: Viral infection dormant in a dorsal root ganglion, also known as shingles, reactivated in an immunocompromised adult.

Vesicles appear and later form crusts.

It is possible to get herpes zoster more than once, so the vaccine is most important even if you had the infection before!

Signs/Symptoms: The disease is caused by reactivation of a previous infection with the herpes zoster virus (also named varicella-zoster virus or chickenpox virus) that results in a painful localized skin rash, usu-

ally with blisters (fluid-filled sacs) on top of reddish skin. The pain may be felt before, during, and after (postherpetic neuralgia) the vesicular eruption.

Prevention: Zostavax vaccine.

Covered by most insurances for those 50 and older.

Contact Dr. Norman today at (813) 880-7546 and schedule an appointment for the vaccine that prevents the awful shingles!

Dr. Robert Norman and Associates are at five locations for all your skin care needs. Phone (813) 880-7546.

Call Today!

Bladder Cancer

M

ost men are aware of the warning signs and risk factors for developing the most common cancers, but they are often unaware of bladder cancer which is the fourth most diagnosed cancer among men.

Women also get bladder cancer.

It is one of the most expensive cancers to treat on a per-patient basis, yet bladder cancer is ranked a low 23rd among cancers in funding from the National Cancer Institute.

In business

Anyone can get bladder cancer. It is a “silent” form of cancer—silent because it is not highly publicized and because no one likes to talk about this disease in polite company.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood or blood clots in the urine. Usually it is not painful although there may be pain during urination.

Other symptoms include urinating small amounts frequently and frequent urinary tract infections.

Symptoms that may indicate more advanced bladder cancer include pain in the lower back around the kidneys, swelling in the lower legs and a growth in the pelvis near the bladder (pelvic mass).

For more information about bladder cancer and its symptoms, speak to your doctor or health care provider.

Information from webmd.com.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 25

The Straz Center Yummy! Sugar-Free Chocolate Gelato f you’ve given up ice cream and In a medium mixing bowl, whisk “So if we combine lower fat and Sparkles I chocolate and lots of other good calories with refined-sugar-free agave together the remaining cup of milk he Straz Center season is here! with the cocoa powder and cornstarch.

T 7 13 15 16 19 19 N N

October’s offerings include:

Deepak Chopra: “Healing, Transformation and Higher Consciousness.”

Celtic Thunder.

Broadway Ball 2011.

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band – 23 The Addams Family.

– Nov. 6 Jobsite Theater presents Quills (Oct. 19 – Nov. 6)

ov. 4 Comedienne Jeanne Robertson performs.

ov. 4 Cirque de la Symphonie (Florida Orchestra).

Tickets online at strazcenter.org or by calling (813) 229-7827.

Hey rs! o Seni FREE PARKING & ADMISSION

stuff for health reasons, there’s good news. Gelato: loosely defined as the Italian version of ice cream and one of the main reasons to visit Italy. Mmmm.

Remember the many flavors of gelato in Italian shops around the piazza?

Now think of Chocolate Gelato!

Recipe Gelato contains less butterfat than ice cream (more milk—8 percent or less butterfat and little to no cream—15 percent butterfat) and it is churned less, resulting in less air in the mix and a more intense flavor. And if we’re talking chocolate, intense is what we want.

Corn syrup explains the silky texture of commercial gelato, but at home you can get the same result with raw blue agave nectar (available in natural food stores). This also means a dessert free of refined sugar.

and the health benefits of chocolate, this Chocolate Gelato is actually downright virtuous! Isn’t it great to have a dessert that is rich, indulgent and virtuous?” says Carol Kicinski, on the blog “Simply Gluten-free.”

Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Chocolate Gelato Ingredients 3 cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk) 1 pinch kosher or fine sea salt 2/3 cup organic raw blue agave 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

Directions Heat 2 cups of the milk with the salt and agave in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.

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Add the mixture to the heated milk and agave mixture. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for 1 minute. Strain the mixture into a clean bowl and let cool to room temperature. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 6 hours. (To hasten the chilling process, put the mixture in the freezer for approximately 1 hour instead.)

Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and process for 20 – 30 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s directions. Place in a covered container and freeze until hard, about 6 hours. The gelato will keep for a week in the freezer, covered.

Makes about 1 quart of gelato.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 26

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Tales of the Frugal: Couponing Gone Awry

T

hanks in part to the popularity of TLCs Extreme Couponing, some shoppers are getting more than they bargained for in pursuit of savings. Coupon Sherpa reflects on the most extreme couponing mishaps to date.

hands. Upon exiting the store, Cuevas was pursued by a Walmart employee who demanded she return to “the scene of the crime” and even chased her vehicle as Cuevas left the parking lot.

4. Coupon Capers Lock your doors, 1. “I Didn’t Know close your drapes and it Was a Crime.” hold tight to your...er...

That’s what she said. newspapers; there’s a Seriously. Earlier this new kind of criminal in month, compulsivecoupon-clipper Jamie TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.” town. As arrests of selfproclaimed “discountVanSickler was charged seeking thieves” escalate around the with larceny theft, a misdemeanor country, police warn concerned citicarrying a potential jail sentence and zens of an increase in newspaper theft. hefty fine. Caught in the act by a newspaper-carrier-turned-sting-agent, 5. Discount Diva Dishonored VanSickler took 185 leftover Sunday On the cusp of a new season newspapers, indicating to police of Extreme Couponing, coupon she didn’t realize it was a crime. enthusiasts cried foul when one of the featured shoppers was recognized as Jaime Kirlew, aka “Diva for Coupons.” Kirlew made a name for herself on YouTube, unwittingly filming her unscrupulous strategy of barcode 2. “No [Coupon] for You!” When a mother of ten tried to redeem matching during a shopping trip to Target. After receiving numerous coupons at her local Kroger store in nastigrams, Kirlew quickly threw her Georgia, the store manager allegedly enabler (BeCentsAble) under the bus refused to take her clippings and and later admitted to coupon fraud. called her a “habitual coupon user.”

This southern momma is not only the From CouponSherpa.com, one of only victim of “coupon discriminafour websites operating under the tion,” as other shoppers around the brand name TheFrugals.com and country hit roadblocks at the register. dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.

3. Just Another Day at Walmart April Cuevas was temporarily banned from all Walmarts after an altercation involving competitor coupons. When the cashier refused to take the coupons, management was called and a series of unfortunate events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted the intentions of four male shoppers headed her way during the argument and attempted to film them. A supervisor alledgedly scolded her and tried to knock the iPhone from her trembling

Humor

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 27

Northern Ireland’s Treasures

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

strung the rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them to access the best places to catch migrating salmon.

Now the bridge presents a challenge to visitors to enjoy the same view and high thrills crossing the bridge.

BY KATHY BECK

among the towering tubes of stone makes the ancient myths of Finn McCool and Benandonner on giant’s pathway to Scotland seem highly probable.

Both the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giants Causeway are part of the NationalTrust.org.uk.

M

y visit to Northern Ireland was such a wonderful way to learn about my Irish heritage. Here is the rest of the story of my visit.

After learning about all things Titanic in Belfast it was time to head further north.

Our first stop was in Carrickfergus at the Andrew Jackson Cottage—a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in the 1750s. Andrew Jackson (1767 – 1845)was the 7th President of the United States of America, and his parents emigrated from Ireland in 1765. The centre displays a collection of Ulster patchwork quilts and farm machinery.

Next, we traveled back up along the Causeway Coastal Route to Ballintoy, through the stunning villages of Glenarm, Carnlough and Cushendall. We made a short stop in Torr Head for a fantastic view of Scotland and panoramic cliffs.

Further up the Coastal Route, we arrived at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy. The hike up to the bridge was exhilarating with stunning views and fauna and bird life. Take the dare to cross this Indiana Jones-style bridge! For more than 350 years, fisherman have

ings and costumed demonstrators depict life in Ireland in the 1800s.

A full scale replica emigrant ship and the dockside galley give you a real impression of the way it was for our ancestors to make the trip to the New World. When stepping off the ship on the other side, you are in America where log homes, farms with crops and animals depict the new life for the Irish in America. The museum also includes an indoor Emigrants’ exhibition and Centre for Migration Studies library which is accessible to all visitors. (folkpark.com.)

Whiskey sampling at Bushmill’s Distillery

After getting back on the Causeway we headed to Bushmills. Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery celebrated their 400th anniversary of the original license to distill whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608. You can tour the “Grain to Glass” distillery to learn some trade secrets, watch whiskey making take place and enjoy a wee taster, too!

Explore the Giant’s Causeway Amazing! The Giant’s Causeway is recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of thousands of hexagonally-shaped basalt columns, some up to 160 meters high, formed 60 million years ago from volcanic lava. You have to see it to believe it.

The sense of geological violence is palpable in the place, and standing

Kathy Beck on the Giant’s Causeway

Only about an hour away is Galgorm Manor, Ballymena—a wonderful spa and resort. It was just what I needed after such an exciting day. (galgorm.com.)

On our next day we had the opportunity to stop at Ballaghy Bawn.

This 17th-century stronghold contains a guide to archaeology, history and nature around Bellaghy Bawn. It features Seamus Heaney’s poetry films and broadcasts. As luck would have it, it was a beautiful day to visit the country side and take a step back in time.

Last, we had the opportunity to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, which tells the story of emigration during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The Old and New World layout of the Park illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic. Traditional thatched build-

Ulster American Folk Park

My last night I spent in a Castle at Belle Isle, Fermanagh. The castle is situated in the heart of the Bell Isle Estate, which dates back to the 17th century. I had the Red Room and dinner was served by their Bell Isle Cookery School, which offers cooking classes throughout the year. To learn more about all that Bell Isle has to offer, visit belleisle-estate.com.

Thanks to the The Northern Ireland Tourist Board for making this such a delightful trip.

To learn more, visit their website at discovernorthernireland.com.

Senior Fun Fest and Crazy Legs Fun Walk Crazy Legs Fun Walk Winners: T

he Brandon Senior Fun Fest last month was a big success! Check out more event pictures on our website at seniorconnectionfl.com.

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the day!

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 28

(Pictured left): Men: 1st Place: Willie Davis; 2nd Place: Tony Dan Bun; 3rd Place: Tom Stanley.

Women: 1st Place: Catherine Thornton; 2nd Place: Kay Strzelec; 3rd Place: Doris Prokopi.

Whatever Was I Thinking?

BY ANN G. THOMAS

W

ouldn’t you think, once a person becomes Unmistakably Old, that they would have learned not to make a fool of themselves? Maybe there are older people able to conduct themselves with a consistent decorum, but I don’t seem to be in that group.

About a month ago I fell off a curb. My first response, once I hit the parking lot asphalt, was to look around, hoping that no one had observed, but wouldn’t you know, about seven people were rushing toward me to provide help.

Humor “What happened?” someone asked.

I can’t explain my answer, but I heard myself saying, “I must have been pushed.” Three people backed away at that point, leading me to believe they

must have a history of why they are in a particular pushing people and didn’t room or where they left want to be implicated. their keys. But I’m embarA woman asked if I rassed to admit that I seem had broken anything. I to forget there are things I smiled, said I was fine can’t or shouldn’t do at my and let her help me to age. As a result I’ve found my feet so I could walk, myself at the top of the with whatever dignity I ladder unable to take that could muster, to my car. next step to the roof where Once there I suddenly I planned to do something, had a new thought—this although I could no longer Dr. Ann Thomas time about my underwear. remember what. Or I find I was sure that when I got home, I myself on my knees in the garden would find that I was wearing my old wondering which plants I can chew on raggedy underpants. At least seven to sustain life if I can’t figure how to people would know that I was not get myself into an upright position beonly a clumsy, wacky old woman, fore dinnertime. So far I’ve managed but one who didn’t remember what to solve these dilemmas, although her mother had taught her about occasionally one of my daughters wearing your good underwear finds out and then I have to listen whenever you went out—just in case. to the lecture that begins, “Really Forgetting only sometimes embarmother. Whatever were you thinking?” rasses me, since it seems everyone I There are other “little mistakes.” know, from time to time, has no idea Recently I decided to color my hair.

Word Search

I know enough not to try the stuff that turns you blue, but I’ve always liked black so I bought that color. The woman on the box looked gorgeous in a sultry, sexy way. Once I’d completed all the steps and looked in the mirror—well, what can I say? I’ve never seen an Unmistakably Old Hooker, but I swear I now know what they must look like and it’s not a pretty picture.

Still, I’ve decided that the only way to avoid an occasional embarrassing situation is to pull in and do little or nothing, and as far as I can tell, that’s not a life worth living. So I console myself, whenever I’m asked, Whatever were you thinking? with something a friend told me years ago when he was dealing with the consequences of a dumb decision.

“Well”, he said, “I guess I didn’t think it through because it sure seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Dr. Thomas can be reached through her website at dr-annthomas.com.

Word Search Oct. 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

September 2011

Dorothy Hoggatt and Carol Ott are last month’s winners! Congratulations!

&

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

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

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

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Oct. 21, 2011.)

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 29

Top Ten Diet Traps

B

rother and sister Dian Griesel, Ph.D. (Nutrition) and Tom Griesel, coauthors of TurboCharged, say the top ten diet traps include:

starvation-survival mechanisms kick in making the brain scream for food.

4. Burning the candle too

late, is counter productive to fat burning. A good night’s sleep burns fat and keeps us from eating!

10. Commercials could make anyone hungry—they are designed to be enticing.

9. Manufacturers

make foods addictive with chemicals and preservatives.

8. Manufacturers

make foods addictive by using sugar/fat/salt combos.

7. Hanging out with an overeating, unimaginative crowd.

Coming November 16

6. Boredom.

5. Dieting and aerobic exercising

together reduce calories, so primitive

3. We eat when we are really thirsty.

2. Motivation. The

choice needs to be: Which do I value more? A chocolate bar now or a longer and healthier life with my family?

1. Traditional diet and exercise advice is all wrong.

In TurboCharged, the Griesels introduce concepts that promise ways to achieve a lean, aweinspiring body and teach avoiding common diet traps. (Newswise)

The beloved characters from such films as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar join the fun, just in time for Christmas at

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 30

◆ 10 am-6 pm East Elementary School PTO Pumpkin Patch ◆ 10:00 am-10:30 am, Center Court, performances by East Elementary and Sallie Jones School Chorus ◆ 11 am-12 Noon, Center Court 2nd Annual Wiener Dog Derby ◆ 2-4 pm, Center Stage Steinswingers Oompah Band performing German and Bavarian Polkas, Waltzes and Marches ◆ 5-9 pm, Center Stage Schuplattler Gruppe Alpenrose dancers and Peter & Edith performing your favorite German tunes ◆ Village restaurants will feature German food specialties.

Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda.

From I-75 take exit #164, turn left onto Hwy. 17 and proceed 3 miles to the Village.

For more information, call 941 639-8721 or visit Fishville.com. Follow us on

October 2011 Fishing Forecast SouthShore Tampa Bay

O

competition from the declined ctober is here and the snook population. Look thunderstorms will start for grass in the 4-foot-plus to wind down as we get farther range and fish for trout with into October. Water temperashrimp under a popping cork. tures will begin to drop from Another good technique for the mid 80s to the low to mid trout is to use a DOA Shrimp 70s by month end. With the under a popping cork. This cooling water temperatures works very well from now we will begin to see fish Capt. Danny Guarino through the spring season. become more active.

October can be a great month to fish In early October I like to fish Snook Tampa Bay. Please try to get out and and Redfish on the flats, but with the enjoy this great area we live in. cold weather of 2010 and the subseCall to sign up for the SouthShore quent decline of our snook population Professional Fishing Tournament, May we will be targeting more redfish 10 – 11, 2012. The tournament, hosted and trout through this fall season.

by The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, The Redfish started to group up 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin, benefits Out early this year. Look for redfish around of School Time programs administered mangroves and oyster bars and try by the Rural Social Services Partnerusing small pinfish about the size of ship, the mentoring programs of the the palm of your hand under a cork.

SouthShore Rotary Foundation and The trout will move into deeper areas YMCA’s Camp Cristina.—Capt. Danny near the river mouths and passes as the water temperature begins to fall. Expect Guarino; D.R. Guarino Charters; to see a good number of big trout caught 813-956-2010; SHPOINT@AOL.COM; www.Fishingguidetampabay.com. this fall season mostly due to less

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Starting from $329* Choose from a 4-night cruise to Cozumel or a 5-night cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya Available 5-night dates: 11/12, 11/21, 11/26, 12/5, 12/10, 12/19, 12/24. 1/2, 1/7, 1/16, 1/21, 1/30, 2/4, 2/13, 2/18, 2/27, 3/3, 3/12, 3/17, 3/26, 3/31, 4/9, 4/14 Available 4-night dates: 11/17, 12/1, 12/15, 12/29, 1/12, 1/26, 2/9, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/19, 4/23 *Prices shown are based off December 10th sailing. Prices are per person in U.S. dollars, capacity controlled, double occupancy and do not include port charges and taxes.

Please call toll free

(888) 313-8883 for specific pricing Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 31

October Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well.

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Oct. 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 October 21, 2011.)

Last Month’s Answers

Sept. Sudoku Betty Berry is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Fun Stuff in October

7

13

10

15

Grateful Ed performs music and humor. United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. 6:30 p.m. $5 donation. Call (813) 634-2539.

and 20 AARP Driving Classes at Univ. Community Hospital. 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Camelot, Rm. A; 20 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Auditorium Foyer. For details, call (877) 482-4362.

Luncheon. Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay Speaker: Tampa Chief of Police Jane Castor. 11:15 a.m.

Rusty Pelican. $50. (813) 932-5228, ext. 228 or seniorsinservice.org/events.

SCC “Antique Road Show” – Trash or Treasure appraisals by Burchard Galleries. Two items free.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sun City Center Community Hall. Call (813) 642-8260.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 32

Global Graying: Investing in an Aging World

BY JEFFREY SEWARD, JD, PHD, Senior Vice President, Trust Services M&I Wealth Management

I

n the majority of the world’s countries, people are having fewer children and they are living longer.

Even in the least-developed parts of the world, for the past 20 years fertility rates have been steadily declining while life expectancies have been on the rise. Although the financial markets are influenced by many forces, especially over short time periods, demographic forces can have a powerful pull on long-term market performance.

Understanding how the three trends below may influence the performance of various investments may help you maximize your portfolio.

Finance Trend 1: More people around the world are in their prime earning years.

Right now, the world median age is about 29, though it’s close to 40 in developed countries. Middle-aged people in their prime earning years are more inclined to save than the young or old.

Result: A large and growing number of people are socking away money for retirement. As populations age, the supply of capital is likely to continue to grow, helping tamp down interest rates and support prices of financial assets.

What you can do: You may find it challenging to earn acceptable returns in a low interest rate environment.

Step up your savings while you can in the highest-yielding investments with which you’re comfortable.

Trend 2: People are living longer.

The average life expectancy worldwide now stands at almost 68 years. In developed regions, it’s about 77 years.

Result: Many people are postponing retirement and working longer. That, along with shaky public pension and healthcare programs, may motivate people to seek investments that retain the

buying power of their money over time, even if it means taking on greater risk.

What you can do: Despite the poor performance of the past decade, equities have historically outpaced inflation more consistently than other investments. There’s a strong case for maintaining a portion of your assets in equities, even after retirement.

Trend 3: The retiree segment is growing.

Not only is the world getting older, but the population of older persons is itself aging. Among those 60 years or over, the fastest-growing segment is age 80 and over.

Result: Most people have an innate desire to minimize risk, and that tends to grow more acute in retirement, when they start utilizing their savings and investments to maintain their lifestyles. A secular shift toward greater risk aversion would likely favor bonds over stocks.

What you can do: Diversification and innovation are likely to become more important in coming years.

Consider balancing your stock/bond portfolio with investment products that provide guaranteed income.

While it’s good to be aware of the demographic trends that may affect the markets, don’t let them dictate your plan. Stay focused on your objectives and work with a financial professional to identify strategies most likely to help you achieve your personal financial goals.

Statistics cited in this article are from the United Nations World Population Database.

This article provides insights from M&I Wealth Management that may be useful to you in assessing risks and opportunities in the current environment related to your financial and wealth planning needs. The information contained herein should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice, and readers are encouraged to consult their tax, legal, and investment professionals with specific questions applicable to their own financial situations. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

Estate Planning Legal Services Are a Bargain

BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorney

www.flwillstrustsprobate.com

I

n a world where it takes as much as $50 to top off your gas tank and a $100 bill won’t even fill half a grocery cart, it’s hard to argue that estate planning legal services are not a real bargain. This is especially true when one considers the often dire consequences of not having appropriate estate planning in place in case of death or incapacity.

The Law And You If you believe you can’t afford a will and other estate planning documents, such as a Durable Power of Attorney, I would urge you to contact a qualified estate planning attorney and inquire as to the actual costs involved. You might be surprised how affordable basic estate planning legal services really are

and how much can be accomplished for as little as a few hundred dollars. And additional discounts are available if you are a member of AARP. Just as one example, an AARP member is entitled to have legal services performed at a 20 percent discount. For example, an AARP member would be entitled to have a Durable Power of Attorney prepared for probably no more than $40. So, for the cost of one tank of gas, you can be assured that you will be protected should you fall victim to a catastrophic illness or injury. Also, many current or retired union members are entitled to reduced fee estate planning legal services as a union benefit.

And since it is rare for an estate planning attorney to charge a fee for the initial consultation, there’s no excuse for not finding out just how much can be accomplished toward protecting yourself and your loved ones at such a modest cost.

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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

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• Free, no obligation consultation.

• Single will $150 • Husband and wife wills $200 Costs, if any, extra The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about his qualifications and experience.

Automobile Accidents

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

1851 Rickenbacker Drive Sun City Center, FL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578

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

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

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring Hillsborough: 813-436-2296 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 34

Veterans Corner

News and Observations for Veterans Veterans Promotion – AARP Driving Course is Free during November ll military personnel over 55— active duty, retired, guard, or reserve—are eligible to receive a free DSP (Driver Safety Program) classroom course during November. Spouses (including widows and widowers) are also eligible to take the class as space permits.

All participating veterans must complete a Veteran Participant Form, to be provided by the instructor during the course. All registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The offer does not apply to online courses. There are no exceptions to this rule.

To locate a course, call the national toll free number 1-888-227-7669 or online at aarp.org/findacourse.

A

Hang up and Log on!

24/7 Access to VA Prescriptions is now possible with My HealtheVet. With two clicks of your computer mouse VA Prescriptions can be filled by registering for My HealtheVet! Online programs include View Appointments, Health Calendar, Secure Messaging and Online Prescription Refill.

To start, first, visit MyHealth.va.gov and register for a basic account.

Check “VA Patient” when registering. Once registered as a “VA Patient” on My HealtheVet, go to “Prescription Refill” to start. VA Prescriptions can be refilled any time from any computer with internet access.

My HealtheVet has other features to help take charge of your health. By upgrading with a one-time In Person Authentication (IPA) you can use upgraded features. This includes Secure Messaging, Wellness Reminders and Appointments. To upgrade, watch the IPA Video, print the form and bring it in to a local VA facility. Once upgraded, you have access to current and future My HealtheVet features.

Learn more about My HealtheVet by visiting MyHealth.va.gov or contacting Todd Wright, My HealtheVet Coordinator, at (618) 997-5311

IT’S FALL TUNE UP TIME!

Is Your Central A/C & Heating System Ready for Winter?

VHA Services Report VHA (Veterans Health Administration) services were found to be either similar or better than the private sector for several chronic disease treatments, including cancer, researchers reported in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hero Miles for Wounded Warriors Having family around helps wounded warriors find a new “normal” in their life. The Hero Miles program provides family members commercial airline flights to the injured service member in the hospital or to rehabilitation programs through donated frequent flyer airline miles.

The 2005 Defense Authorization Act created Operation Hero Miles.

Currently, Air Tran, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, United-Continental and U.S. Airways participate in the program. Participants in the frequent flyer miles programs may donate their miles to Hero Miles through the airline’s frequent flyer program. Fisher House has information on their Hero Miles website with details about the process (fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles).

The process for a family member to use Hero Miles usually begins when a caseworker in military or Veterans Administration medical facilities refers a family member to apply for a flight to join their injured or wounded Airman.

The Hero Miles administrator coordinates the request from a servicemember or their families with the caseworker and makes the airline reservations.

To date, Hero Miles has provided more than 25,000 airline tickets donated by American people to servicemembers and their families.

There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 35

Seniors Getting Together Attention SGTers!

Screen respondents carefully. Always meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4023 SEEKING CUTE 59 –65YO HONEST, ONE-WOMAN MAN. IQ, “Patriotic,” conservative with SOH. Love travel, have RV? Love Ford Mustangs (rear-drive), beaches, sm Dogs! NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5’5”, HWP, Pretty w/blonde hair. Let’s dance—make Bucket list! Florida.

4049 SEEKING A LOVING MAN with SOH, 65+. I love adventure, world travel, gardening. I’m a NS, SD,

HWP, love animals, movies, reading, having fun. How about you? Sun City area. I’m a white female.

4051 SAVVY GENT OUT THERE? Share cultural events and fun sports.

(70s WW, NS, ND, C, P, R and petite).

4053 SEEKING 57 – 60 YO KIND, loving, giving, sincere one-woman man. SOH. Love to travel, beaches, kittens, holding hands. NS/SD/ ND. I’m 59, 5’2”, HWP, blonde/ blue-eyed. LTR. No games. Ruskin.

4055 HISPANIC LADY 70 YO, 5’3”, C, WW, NS, ND, good values, loving.

Likes gym, travel, music, gardening, reading, etc. Seeking nice gentleman. Please send a recent photo.

4057 ATTRACTIVE BLONDE, 5’5”, HWP, NS. Looking for caring, honest, faithful SWM 75+. I enjoy movies, travel, dancing, dining out, time at home. Lets share good times. I’m caring. Zephyrhills.

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)

4059 ATTRACTIVE PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN BDF seeking faithful Christian black or white W/D male.

55 – 65 years old. Enjoys walking, movies, plays, music, laughing, dinner, church. NS, ND, NDrg. LTR, lifetime if right. Brandon.

4060 FUN TO BE WITH (Hills Co.) ATTR RDWC lady, 70 YY, no baggage.

HWP, varied interests, country or city.

ISO kind, happy gentleman with SOH, NS/ND, SD for FF relationship.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4044 SEEKING DINING AND TRAVEL COMPANION WWM, 84, 5’8, HWP, NS, SD. Prefer senior lady 75 – 84 in Clearwater area.

4046 4-STAR 24 CARAT SERIOUS ROMANTIC desires that one special lady to adore, pamper and spoil. Total, complete and utter devotion and commitment from both parties a must. Age not important—seriousness is.

4050 NEEDED SLIM ROMANTIC HEALTHY female, nonsmoker, able to relocate to my new home, share new life, love, companionship, each other.

I’m SWM, 66, 5’8”, 155 lbs. Your photo description gets mine – thanks.

MEET OTHER SENIORS

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

Over 2,000 seniors have met through Seniors Getting Together.

Send in your ad today!

Senior Games

City (No Charge):

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

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

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

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

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 36

T

he Florida Senior Games State Championships and Florida International Senior Games will be held December 3 – 11, 2011 in Polk County, Florida.

For more information, contact the Florida Sports Foundation at (866) 354-2637 or e-mail them at games@flasports.com, or visit www.flasports.com.

4052 I AM MALE, HINDU, TALL 67 years young, handsome, retired.

Living on the Tampa Bay, downtown St. Petersburg. Seeking a blonde female, spiritual, honest. Age below 70 years. LTR. St. Petersburg.

4056 RETIRED BI-LINGUAL CHRISTIAN WW professional, NS, SD, seeks quiet, well-educated caring lady, 65+ with SOH for LTR. St. Petersburg area.

4058 S,W, D, C, M, R, 68 YY, 5’7”, 175 lbs., NS, ND, NDrg. Enjoy walking, slow dancing, music, sports, good conversation, etc. ISO lady, HWP, C, with similar tastes and qualities.

Please send photo and phone number. Will answer all. Tampa.

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

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584 TO PLACE AN AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

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Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Oct. 19 will receive $20 cash!

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

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 37

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 38

Insurance Discounts

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

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u 212

PRESENTS THE ALL NEW

www.seniorconnectionfl.com WEBSITE

• Local and World News • All Your Favorite Events • Great Stories & Information • Travel, Finance, Health & More!

Volunteer Opportunity

F

lorida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care

homes. Volunteers identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification are provided.

Interested? Call 1-888-831-0404 or visit ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 39

Humana’s 2012 Medicare Advantage plans are here!

Humana has a full range of Medicare plans.

Find out more about which one could be right for you.

Call to schedule an in-home appointment or to find a seminar near you.

TAMPA Piccadilly 11810 N. Dale Mabry Oct. 10th, 27th 10:00 am

TAMPA Ranch House Grill 4426 W. Gandy Blvd.

Oct. 10th, 20th, 27th • 2:00 pm Oct. 15th • 11:00 am

PLANT CITY Buddy Freddy’s 1101 Goldfinch Dr. Oct. 13th, 15th, 20th • 10:00 am Oct. 27th • 10:00 am (Spanish)

TAMPA Lee Roy Selmon’s 4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Oct. 11th, 15th, 25th • 10:00 am Oct. 20th • 2:00 pm

TAMPA Golden Corral 6942 W. Hillsborough Oct. 15th • 10:00 am (Spanish seminar)

TAMPA TGI Friday’s 2501 E. Fowler Ave. Oct. 15th, 19th 11:30 am

TAMPA Lander’s Steakhouse 4744 N. Dale Mabry Oct. 12th, 25th 11:30 am

BRANDON Golden Corral 815 Providence Rd. Oct. 18th, 25th 2:00 pm

RIVERVIEW The Alley 10221 Big Bend Rd. Oct. 19th, 26th 2:00 pm

VALRICO Beef O’Brady’s 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. Oct. 20th, 27th 2:00 pm

BROOKSVILLE Denny’s 31015 Cortez Blvd.

Oct. 21st, 28th 1:00 pm

WESLEY CHAPEL Super Buffet 28444 State Rd. 54 Oct. 11th, 18th, 25th 11:00 am

ZEPHYRHILLS Humana Guidance Ctr. 7400 Gall Blvd. every weekday at 3:00 pm beginning Oct. 10th

LAND O’LAKES Village Inn 2003 Collier Parkway Oct. 13th, 20th, 27th 2:00 pm

SEFFNER Cracker Barrel 6150 Lazy Days Blvd.

Oct. 13th, 20th, 27th 2:00 pm RUSKIN Ozzie’s Buffet 3074 College Ave. Oct. 18th, 25th 2:00 pm

ZEPHYRHILLS Golden Corral 6855 Gall Blvd.

Oct. 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th • 9:00 am Oct. 24th, 26th, 31st • 9:00 am SAN ANTONIO Tampa Bay Golf & CC 10641 Old Tampa Bay Rd. Oct. 20th, 26th 9:00 am

1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

New Medicare enrollment dates!

The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2012 have changed.

The new dates are October 15th - December 7th,* so don’t forget enrollment ends December 7th.

A Health plan with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. This is an advertisement. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. *Some exceptions apply.

Y0040_GHHH4NRHH File and Use 10012011

TMP 10/11