Lifestyles After 50 Lake Edition, December 2015

It’s Christmas! at Bok Tower Gardens Open daily through January 3 more on pg. 5

Live concerts on the Singing Tower

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 2

Hello and Happy Holidays!

Dear Readers, My name is Amanda Smith and it is with great pleasure that I announce my arrival as the Amanda Smith, Editor brand new Editor of Lifestyles After 50!

A little about me: It feels like I’ve been a writer since birth, always presenting my parents with the latest in an endless string of stories about everything from super girl detectives to talking trees that could tell the future.

After university, I followed my heart and became a writer, and low and behold, I have spent the entirety of my career writing for and about none other than YOU!

is more opportunities to engage with us! Look for more interactive features, including favorite story surveys, advice columns, and many other ways to make your voice heard in Lifestyles After 50. In fact, I encourage any reader to reach out to me personally at editor@ lifestylesafter50.com, or at our mailing address and let me know why

our exploration of the value of giving and volunteering during the season of celebration. We’ve got an amazing feature about how Peace Corps volunteers say the experience of giving their time, skills and compassion shaped their lives, and my own experiences volunteering as a journalist in Nairobi, Kenya definitely attest to that. There is something about giving that soothes the soul and offers intangible gifts to the giver.

Do you have a story about how volunteering, helping or giving has shaped your own life? Post it to our Facebook page, send an email to editor@lifestylesafter50. com, or mail it in and we just may feature you in our first issue of 2016!

Editor Amanda Smith volunteering in Nairobi, Kenya, 2010

With an extensive editorial background serving the 50+ population in the health care industry, I offer deep personal experience and a honed sense of connection with the after 50 crowd. I look forward to continuing to produce the high-quality, pertinent content that made this magazine successful, while adding a creative and personal touch of my own.

it is you read our publication! What do you like? What do you dislike?

What would you like to see more of?

What differentiates our magazine from all the others out there? I am very passionate about developing a meaningful relationship with our readers and the first step is getting to know you, so feel free to drop me a line and welcome me to the job!

A little about you: What I truly hope to offer Lifestyles After 50 readers

Enjoy this December issue filled with lots of holiday inspiration, including

Again, I am proud to be the new editor and I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill with reader-favorite Tracie Lukens leaving. I promise to always do my best to deliver fun, original and informative content, one story at a time.

I look forward to connecting with you all, and wish you a holiday season full of friends, family, giving and gratitude!

Sincerely, Amanda Smith

Lake Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Amanda Smith editor@lifestylesafter50.com Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design 813-689-6104 Distribution Nancy Spencer: (941) 244-0500 nancy@lifestylesafter50.com

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

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 3

Around Town W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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3, 8, 10, 15 & 17. Santa on the Square. Santa & Mrs. Claus cordially invite you to join them on Ocala’s Downtown Square.

Remember to bring your camera to capture this special visit! Free. 6 - 8 p.m. (352)368-5517.

Howey Christmas Festival.

Lighted boat parade begins at Boondocks; easily viewed from Griffin Park. Prizes and food.

Entertainment by Astatula Elementary Chorus and twins Brooke and Brie.

Free. 5:30 - 9 p.m. (352)324-0254.

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ondays. Smooth Country Band. Come enjoy music and dancing every Monday night with The Smooth Country Band, featuring David Allen Potter, David Peddicord, Vern Brewer, George Hawkins, Stan Chase and more. $7. 7 - 9 p.m.

Olympia Banquets & Events Facility, Mount Dora. (352)223-3256.

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aturdays. Leesburg Morning Market. Local farmers, craftsmen, bakers, artists and others gather at the Leesburg Saturday Morning Market located at Towne Square, the heart of historic downtown Leesburg.

Free. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Towne Square, Leesburg. (352)365-0053.

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hrough December 13. Main Street Christmas House. Over 100 crafters offer unique handcrafted holiday decorations and gifts. Free admission, daily, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. VIA Port (formerly Lake Square Mall), Leesburg. (352)323-1250.

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hrough January 3. Leesburg Main Street Christmas House.

50,000 uniquely handcrafted holiday decorations and gifts by 100+ crafters decorate this holiday house. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. (352)365-0053.

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Ocala HOG Chapter Toy Run. Christmas Toy Run for Marion County’s underprivileged children. Police escorted. Register at 10 a.m. at Harley Davidson of Ocala. Ride start: 12 p.m. Arrive downtown to the smiling faces of children when they see all the motorcycles & Santa Claus arrive!

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10, 13. Guys and Dolls - the Musical Set in Damon Runyon’s.

In this oddball romantic comedy, Nathan risks it all to set up the biggest dice game in town. Songs include Luck Be A Lady and Love Wins! $10$20. 8 - 10:30 p.m. IceHouse Theatre, Mount Dora. (352)383-4616.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 4

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Outdoor Walk Through Living Nativity. Walking tour of significant events in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over 120 live actors make the greatest story ever told come alive! End with hot cocoa and homemade Christmas cookies. Free. 6:30 - 9 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food item to share with our neighbors in need. 15333 County Road 455, Montverde.

(407)469-2525.

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Natural Foods & Gift Gala.

Sample wholesome, natural goods prepared by local chefs using local herbs & vegetables. Purchase crafts, fresh-picked vegetables, jams, pickles and more. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $1 admission. Crones’ Cradle Conserve, Citra. (352)595-3377.

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13. Wine & Chocolate Festival. Local artists exhibit their work while guests enjoy live music and complimentary wine tours & tastings all day long. $2 donation.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont. (352)394-8627.

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Christmas Spotlight Show.

Ballroom dance show and open dance at Anastassia Ballroom & Dance Studio. 7 - 9 p.m. Anastassia Ballroom & Dance, Leesburg. $35 Call to register: (352)533-7400.

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Winter Wonderland Tribute to Louis Armstrong.

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series Event featuring John Depaolo Swing Jazz Trio. 3 - 5 p.m. $15 reserved seating; $25 VIP seating.

Mount Dora Community Building Theater. (352)217-5072.

Please send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email info@lifestylesafter50.com by the 10th of the month prior to the event (i.e. submit January events by 12/10/15).

Celebrate Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens!

Holiday Home Tour, Singing Tower & More C

hristmas at Bok Tower Gardens, an annual celebration for all ages, is definitely one of the best times of year to visit this National Historic Landmark, located just outside the quaint Central Florida city of Lake Wales. Holiday events and festivities are offered daily through January 3.

The ever-popular Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate is the highlight of Bok Tower Gardens’ seasonal events, but the Christmas fun doesn’t end there.

Visitors enjoy winter walking tours, and poinsettia, bromeliad and amaryllis displays, as well as live music on the 205-foot Singing Tower carillon, and the Sunset & Symphony Holiday Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on December 5.

Tour the 20-room, 1932 Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate to take a step back in time and enjoy a glimpse of how families might have celebrated the holidays in a bygone era. And no two years are ever the same! Committed to giving visitors a new holiday experience each year, designers choose a novel theme for the mansion every Christmas.

This year, guests go back in time to visit 1937, where Pinewood Estate owner C. Austin Buck is hosting a Florida holiday vacation for his daughters and granddaughters. The design theme?

“To Grandfather’s House We Go!” Lovingly decorated by different sponsored designers and volunteers, each room design has a different focus, bringing out that special feeling of being together with family at Christmastime.

Children are also encouraged to tour the 1930s-style home and participate in a fun hunt for a family of Pinewood Christmas Squirrels who are hiding throughout the Estate - an activity actually enjoyed just as much by adult visitors! This truly

The 60-bell, 205-ft. Singing Tower carillon at Bok Tower Gardens features Christmas music through Jan. 3.

is one of Bok Tower’s biggest and most well-attended events all year.

“The Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate is consistently our largest annual fundraiser, thanks to thousands of visitors who have made it a family tradition,” says Jennifer Beam, Director of Visitor Services & Programs. “Every dollar we raise through admission tickets and activities during the Christmas season goes right back into the Gardens.”

With as much work as every detail of the décor requires, the Holiday Home Tour wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated help from dozens of people who began preparing months in advance.

“The staff, volunteers and designers who make this event happen work tirelessly all year to plan for a spectacular display,” Beam says. “A project of this size and scope is truly a team effort.”

Inspired by the history and beauty of the Pinewood Estate, volunteer patron group The Amaryllis Club adorns the home’s hallways, entrances and other spaces with handcrafted décor. This year, they will also decorate the Living Room for the Holiday Home Tour, and club members say their mission is to promote and preserve the heritage and vintage style of this historic home.

The Loggia at Pinewood Estate, seen here at the 2014 Holiday Home Tour.

“The Amaryllis

Club is so pleased to join other designers in celebrating the 21st annual Holiday Home Tour,” says Amaryllis Club organizer Cindy Alexander. “Our members are excited to support the Gardens by focusing on preparing a very special home for the holidays.”

Patti Bostick, lead designer for The Amaryllis Club’s decorating team, explains that the main intent of their Living Room design was to ensure they emphasized the home’s architecture, beauty and style, without compromising the integrity of the house.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to decorate a room in this one-of-a-kind home,” Bostick says. “Our entire team has worked on this project since spring, and we’re excited for visitors to experience how Mr. Buck and his family would have enjoyed a 1930’s Christmas together. The house just speaks to you; you can feel its history. It’s an amazing place, and we all just love it.”

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens is sponsored in part by Visit Central Florida, Winter Haven Honda, WEDU, WUSF, Hall Communications, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

To purchase tickets for Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens and the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, visit Bok Tower online at boktowergardens. org/christmas or call (863)734-1222.

Photos by Chad Baumer, courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens Schedule of Events 21st Holiday Home Tour, Pinewood Estate Nov. 27 to Jan. 3; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily “To Grandfather’s House We Go!” $20/adults; $9/kids ages 5-12. Members: $7/adults; $6/ kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 free. Included with Gardens admission.

Christmas Carillon Concerts LIVE! Nov. 27 to Jan. 3; 30 minute concerts Geert D’hollander performs international Christmas music, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. every Thurs.-Sun. on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon. Carillon fellow Margaret Pan performs live every Mon.-Wed., all holiday season. All 30-min. shows incl. w/ Gardens admission.

Winter Walking Tours Nov. 27-Jan. 3; Mon-Sat. 12-2 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.

From the Visitor Center to the Singing Tower, hour-long tour-goers explore the grounds’ flora and fauna. Free w/ Gardens admission.

1930s Holi-DAYS at Pinewood Estate Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22 ; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Pinewood Estate grounds host vintage Model A’s, historical characters from the ‘30s, & a few surprise personalities from the past.

Free w/ Gardens admission.

Sunset & Symphony Holiday Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Dec. 5; 6 p.m.

A favorite holiday concert of Cental Florida, The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Singing Tower carillon join forces for a show.

Prepare themed picnics, & arrive early for the instrument petting zoo at 4:30 p.m. $20/ adults; $8/kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5, free.

Holiday Home Workshop “Boondoggles” Dec. 12; 1-4 p.m.

Using palm fronds, create “boondoggles” with local artist Catherine Price in this holiday decor class. $15 includes supplies.

Reservations required: 863-734-1222.

Carillon & Chorale Concert w/ Holiday Home Tour Open Late Dec. 20; 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a live choir & hour-long carillon concert under the stars, with an option for a special nighttime tour of Pinewood Estate, complete w/ cookies & hot cocoa. Enjoy light dinner beforehand at the Blue Palmetto Café for add’l fee. Last Estate entry: 9 p.m. Concert only: $5/ person; members, free. Concert & Home Tour: $13/person; members, $7.

Christmas Day, Bok Tower Gardens - Dec. 25 Celebrate Christmas Day with free Holiday Home Tours of Pinewood Estate! Enjoy the sounds of the season with live carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Café, gift shop and Holiday Home Tour open 12-5 p.m. Free tours are subject to availability on timed entry and first-come, first-served basis. Regular Gardens admission rates apply.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 5 R

Can the holidays be healthy?

By Amanda Smith verybody loves the holidays, but how do you stay healthy with endless parties to attend, interruptions to your usual gym schedule and indulgent treats at every corner? With so much to contend with, it’s no wonder that even the strictest diet and exercise routines are often thrown by the wayside as the holiday season gets in full swing.

Rather than undermine a year’s worth of healthy efforts, here’s a guide to staying healthy all through this holiday season.

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Nature Knows Best With the prevalence of diabetes and weight issues linked to sugar, Alisha Chasey, a registered dietitian in Naples, encourages holiday chefs to experiment with the sweet bounty of the natural world. “When preparing sugary sweets for guests, try substituting natural sweeteners, or look for recipes that specifically call for them,” she says.

“Raw honey, stevia, fruit purees, and xylitol are all great sugar alternatives to try, and most natural sugar alternatives boost your immune system and cut out empty calories.”

Shake up Tradition You know the scene - the whole family gathers around grandma’s timeless table every Christmas, waiting for countless favorite dishes to arrive hot all at the same time. But between cleaning the house and cooking for a crowd, holiday entertaining may inadvertently become a source of stress as you age. If you traditionally host Christmas dinner, consider passing the tradition on to your family’s younger generation. Or, if you feel hosting helps you continue to feel active and involved, then at least let younger family members prepare part of the meal and help clean it all up afterwards.

Keep Exercising Without snow and cold weather to use as an excuse for the lack of gym visits, Floridians don’t have much of a defense.

Yes, schedules are busier, and yes, hangovers need to be nursed, but we urge you to try to stick to your gym schedule as much as possible. You’ll definitely feel better about all those extra calories you’re consuming, and hey, some cardio might even help ease off some of that notorious holiday stress.

Drink black tea with honey & cinnamon; look for dark chocolate as a treat.

Sip wisely It’s not just sweet food we have more of during the holidays - many of the drinks we imbibe in also pack quite the caloric punch. “Sweet coffee treats, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages are usually full of empty calories that add up quickly,” Alisha says. Her advice? “If you want to splurge on sweetened coffee drinks, smaller sizes help avoid the excess of ‘liquid calories,’ many of which also dehydrate the body. Request ½ or even a ¼ of your usual syrup pumps... you’ll be surprised how yummy it still

is!” Speaking of fractions, try halving your alcoholic intake by alternating every beer, wine or mixed drink with 12 ounces of water in between. You’ll end up drinking less and staying more hydrated, all while still having some festive fun.

Alisha Chasey holds her master’s degree in nutrition, is a registered dietitian, certified nutrition specialist and owner of Innocent Indulgence. To achieve true health and wellness, visit her online at www.Innocentindulgence.net.

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Protecting Claimants’ Rights For Over 20 Years

877-929-5009

352-326-5009 www.cbell.com Ocala: 352-369-5009 Hablamos Español Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 6

Ocala’s Christmas Parade: It’s What You Do in December

By Evelyn Mackey

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ll parades are important in the life of a town, but Ocala doesn’t know the word small where its 64th annual Christmas parade is concerned. And the community wouldn’t have it any other way. This year, on December 12, over 60,000 spectators will be watching the “Winter Express” parade roll down Silver Springs Boulevard.

“The parade hasn’t changed much,” says Sue Mosley, President of Friends of the Christmas Parade committee.

“The school units like the bands are bigger and the crowds are much bigger, but over the years we have continued to choose to make the parade a family event. We stay very strict with our rules and make it a great space for the whole family to enjoy.”

Impressively, over 6,000 kids and adults will participate in 120 parade units. Ocala and Marion County churches, clubs, civic groups and businesses join the parade. Some groups will walk while others ride on cars, bikes, motorcycles or floats. Others will cover the route accompanied by horses, llamas, goats - and even chickens!

And watch for students. Marching bands from all the area schools will play Christmas music joining the parade with Scout troops, ROTC units, dance troupes, FHA and FFA clubs and more.

The floats in the parade going down the Boulevard are awesome, according to Mosley. “People are so creative. We used to have lots of extremely elaborate, huge floats. Then when the economy

took a serious downturn in Marion County, some groups and individuals couldn’t participate for several years.

Recently, it’s been coming back and we’re seeing lots of kids and adults on big, decorated trailer floats again.”

Designated as the largest nighttime Christmas parade in Florida, the Ocala Marion County Parade draws stars.

The Anheuser Busch Clydesdales thrill

spectators every seven years, Mickey and Minnie have come to the parade, even the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile has appeared.

Every parade, of course, is led by an official parade marshal. Mosley says, “For the position of marshal we choose someone who is active in the community, generous in some sort of way and shows an organizational commitment. This year’s marshal is a female police officer who gained national attention by her interaction with a homeless man.”

Of course, every Christmas parade must end with Santa. “We get the real Santa from the North Pole,” says Mosley. “Some years Mrs. Claus comes with him, but this year he’s bringing one of his elves.”

This is one parade that’ll bring back childhood memories, so put on your Christmas hat and be ready to stake out a spot for the parade’s 5:30 p.m. start.

For more information, go to www. ocalachristmasparade.org. If you miss the event, the whole parade is televised live on The Marion County Educational Channel. Parade replays on the MEC through December every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 7

Christmas Cheer, Florida Style

By Amanda Smith

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hink Christmas just isn’t the same without all that freezing cold weather and snow to shovel?

Think again! Even with all their palm trees, beaches and sunshine, Floridians still know how to celebrate the holiday season with serious style. From St. Augustine’s lights to Tampa’s makeshift ice skating rink, there are plenty of places in Florida that are decorated so well, you’ll think you are at the North Pole. The best part? Fake snow never melts! If you’re having trouble getting in the Christmas spirit in 80 degree weather, we’ve rounded up some of the best places and events in the Sunshine State to enjoy the holidays this year...

We recommend planning an overnight stay to take it all in, while enjoying some of the great dining and entertainment St. Augustine has to offer. For an even more memorable experience, park in the Historic Parking Facility located off Castillo Drive and enjoy the holiday sights on the Old Town Trolley (and accompanying tour), or by horse and carriage. For a romantic way to take in the lights, try a boat tour aboard the Dolphin Water Tours’ Osprey. Two boat tours are offered nightly: 6 p.m. -7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Purchase your tickets online at www. dolphinwatertours.com and for buy one get one free admission, enter in the code DOLPHIN at checkout. This year’s Night of Lights began on November 21,

Downtown on Ice, Tampa Ever think you’d be taking the grandkids to ice skate outdoors in Tampa Bay? Presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the only outdoor ice skating rink in the Bay area will once again open at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. Open now until January 3, 2016, skating is only $10 and includes skates.

Concessions are available for purchase.

Hours are: Monday-Thursday 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday noon-9 p.m. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa, www.TampasDowntownonIce.com.

While You’re There: Stroll along Tampa’s Riverwalk just a short distance to reach a fabulous “Native-American-inspired” restaurant called Ulele. Known for its eclectic menu and its vibrant ambiance, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation at this popular spot on 1810 N. Highland Ave by calling 813-999-4952 or visiting them online at www.ulele.com.

Holiday Boat-A-Long, Cape Coral Get into the Christmas spirit, Florida style, with this fabulous boat parade in Cape Coral! Located at Four Freedoms Park on Cape Coral Pkwy, the Holiday Boat-A-Long features boats decorated with everything from lights to Santa’s reindeer. Featuring food, fireworks, Christmas music and a visit from Santa, the annual boat parade happens on December 19. If you live close to Bimini Basin, watch as the boats line up for the parade here before heading down various canals in South Cape Coral, or make your way down to the Cape

In Tampa, watch the grandkids ice skate outdoors, followed by a meal that offers an historical flair..

Coral Parkway where a few bleachers will be set up in front of the beach to take in the sight of all the boats. We suggest bringing your own chairs and/or blankets to make sure you’ve got plenty of room and a guaranteed place to sit, because this is definitely a Cape Coral favorite and quite the sight to behold!

The festivities begin at 4 p.m., with the actual parade beginning at 7 p.m. A family friendly movie will be shown at the park after the parade, with the event ending around 10 p.m.

While You’re There: Enjoy the parade and do a good deed!

Bring a few canned goods to donate at bins placed throughout Four Freedoms park. For more information about participating in or attending the Cape Coral Boat Parade, visit www.come-tocape-coral.com/christmas-boat-parade

Endless Illumination at St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights Nights of Lights, St. Augustine During the holidays, a long-time Spanish tradition for families has been to display a white candle in the window of their home. Honoring the Spanish roots of America’s oldest city, St. Augustine’s community members pay homage with the Nights of Lights. Featuring two million white lights over two months, St. Augustine’s annual holiday event makes magic shine at every street corner to create what National Geographic has called one of the top ten best holiday lighting displays in the world. Not sure how to best enjoy the Night of Lights?

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 8

and continues nightly through January 31, 2016. For more information on St. Augustine’s Night of Lights, visit www. floridashistoriccoast.com/nights/ Photo credit: www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com While You’re There: For an extra dose of culture, visit Flagler College to view a small recreated collection of men’s and women’s clothing from the beginning of the Gilded Age period. Open now, the exhibit runs until December 31 and is included in the $10 price of the daily Flagler College Legacy Tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 74 King St, 904-823-3378, www.flagler.edu

Cape Coral’s Holiday Boat A Long offers a Floridian type of Christmas spirit!

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 9

100 Club: Celebrating Centenarians! Posture Perfect: Volunteer in the Villages

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wo years before World War One, Salvador was born in Ybor City in October of 1912. Born to cigar-making parents of Spanish descent, Sal was the youngest of seven, and moved to Cuba as a child, where he lived most of his life. He began work as a barber in Cuba, which he continued when he moved back to Tampa at 33. He married Emily and had two sons, one of which followed in his footsteps to become a barber, while the other is a successful singer. Sal turned 103 this year, and says that his faith in God is what

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 10

Happy 103rd Birthday, Sal! keeps him going. With a mind as clear as a bell, Sal says his aging secrets are simple: never stress, eat well and sleep nine hours a night. Know someone over 100? Give us a call at 813-653-1988 or email editor@lifestylesafter50.com to be our featured birthday next month!

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tanding up straight is one of the best things you can do for an instant makeover; it’s almost guaranteed to make you look and feel years younger no matter what your chronological age. If you’re constantly complimented on your beautiful posture and healthy stance, give the gift of a supple spine by volunteering with the Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic in the Villages.

Legacy is looking for an exercise assistant to help out at this friendly wellness center on Laurel Manor Drive.

“During the season we are always

looking for volunteers to help with posture exercises,” says Legacy’s Dr. John Theeck. Opportunities to help are Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For more information on volunteering with Legacy Clinic, call 352-259-0024.

MARION Where we live, work & COUNTY: support our community S

Amanda Ostrom, Dr. Bohsali and Luther Representing RAO at the Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) event

ome medical providers just blow into town, set up shop and present themselves as members of the community, only to be involved in scandals, duplicitous practices or to close down unexpectedly and leave the community at a loss.

RAO is different. We have operated our offices in Marion county for over 40 years; our doctors and support teams live here, and their children attend school here. We support our community because, like you, we love the Marion community and want it to flourish.

The RAO team is very proud to be involved in many local activities, including Casino Royale, an event benefiting abused and neglected children, the Pey It Forward Fun Run in honor of Peyton Evans, a local teen who died from a vascular disorder, the local March of Dimes March for Babies, and

Sportsability, an important event promoting the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association. We are also proud to actively support Marion County public schools and the local Humane Society. For the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer effort in Marion County, we happily offer support to our community as a silver level sponsor.

When you need a diagnostic service, it’s good to know we will always be here, steadfastly committed to our Marion county community – and to you. That’s RAO.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 11

Man’s Guide to Dating After 50: Eight things to know if you want to get back in the game

By Michael Castleman

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years later, you’re single again and, suddenly, on the brink of dating. How should you begin? Maybe call that old high school flame? Sign up for an online dating site? Once you do score a date, what should you expect in terms of s-e-x? For dating after 50, these eight insights might make it a whole lot easier.

1. Some things don’t change.

It’s always been challenging to meet women, and even with dozens of dating sites, it still is. So, use the classic methods: blind dates, meeting through friends or activities (work, play, religion), and plain old serendipity. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking. Ask to be fixed up. Do things you enjoy and you might meet like-minded women!

2. The numbers are on your side.

It’s not “two girls for every boy,” like the Beach Boys sang, but demographics do trend that way. Men die younger than women, so as the decades pass,

women begin to increasingly outnumber men, which subtly works in your favor. These days, Betty and Veronica no longer sit by the phone waiting for Archie to call. If a woman is interested in you, she’ll probably initiate contact.

3. Google yourself.

Women will, so you better know what they’ll find. Try to correct misinformation, or at least be prepared to prove that you’re not the escaped serial killer who shares your name. While you’re at it, make sure your Twitter and Facebook page won’t raise any eyebrows either.

4. Dating sites have advantages.

Tip: Upload smiling photos, as they increase the response rate from women.

In addition to letting you cast a wider net, profiles provide good icebreakers Beyond saying, “You’re really cute and you live near me,” you can add that like her, you also play tennis and enjoy jazz.

5. Dating sites have disadvantages.

Some site members are flakier than

piecrust. They seem interested, but after e-mailing, they disappear, or stand you up. Then some of the ones that do show up look nothing like their picture. One study found that people exaggerate their height, women claim to weigh 20 pounds less than average, and 72% claimed to be “more attractive than average.” Expect some surprises from others, but still tell the truth yourself. Let’s face it, as soon as you meet, she’ll see your real height, weight and how attractive you truly are.

8. Dating isn’t mating.

Get comfortable with the idea that you’ll probably have to date dozens of women before you find Ms. Right. If you know that a budding relationship has no future, don’t waste your time or hers. Say, “I’m sorry, but there’s no chemistry for me.” And be prepared to hear those words yourself, frequently.

Either way, maybe suggest she contact one of your single friends, and don’t be afraid to ask if she’d recommend anyone for you. Just remember, finding a real diamond takes a whole lotta patience.

Show her you’ve still got plenty of style by dressing to impress.

6. Dress for success.

You may be wonderful, but if you look like a slob, women will flee. Trouble is, most men hate clothes shopping, so if that’s you, get help. Ask a female friend to accompany you.

7. Keep condoms handy.

One pleasant surprise about dating after 50 is less groveling for sex. After a few dates, most older women feel fine about going horizontal. Still, they don’t want sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms until you’re monogamous.

- AARP; Article by longtime sex educator and counselor Michael Castleman, M.A., publisher of www.GreatSexAfter40.com.

Better tomorrows are here for those suffering from COPD

By David Ebner

R

ecently diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and shortly before his death on February 27th, 2015, Leonard Nimoy tweeted, “Not soon enough.”

He was referring to his decision to quit smoking. Best known for his role as “Spock” of Star Trek, Nimoy had quit 30 years before, but the damage was done.

In an interview with Pharrell Williams last year Nimoy admitted, “I flunked chemistry in high school.” Apparently, young Nimoy hadn’t fully grasped the long-term effects of smoking, so he spent his final year of life urging people to stop smoking now, before it’s too late.

The internationally beloved actor was 82 years old when he passed.

Behind only heart disease and cancer, COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, with 12 million people diagnosed and another Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 12

12 million undiagnosed. Nimoy is not the only celebrity to have developed COPD, either: The disease played a role in the deaths of Johnny Carson, Dean Martin and Leonard Bernstein.

To expand airways and allow more air into and out of the lungs, physicians often prescribe bronchodilators. It’s common for COPD treatment plans to include supplemental oxygen to regulate diminishing blood-oxygen levels brought on by poor lung function.

While these treatments help, they really only manage symptoms, they don’t cure COPD. A stigma carried by smokingrelated illnesses is that patients only have themselves to blame, and many believe this circumstance has hampered research funding. What isn’t taken into account is that many COPD sufferers started smoking as minors, lured by marketing schemes targeted to children.

A clinic in the Unites States is

Nimoy is only one of millions who passed away from COPD, but new stem cell treatments may offer hope.

creating hope for people with COPD, by developing a treatment using stem cells from the patient’s body. The Lung Institute (lunginstitute.com) has performed over 1500 treatments since 2013, harvesting stem cells through a minimally-invasive procedure that isolates them before returning them to the patient. The result can slow further cell degeneration, bringing normal life within reach. With a 70 percent success rate and proven increased quality of life in patients, the findings seem promising.

Before his death, Nimoy made sure

he took precious time to issue a warning - that with degenerative lung disease, it really is impossible to know when enough degeneration has occurred that the life-threatening damage has already been done.

However, new advancements are in practice, and COPD may soon be on the decline. Regardless of the individual causes of lung disease, all deserve a chance to fight for better tomorrows.

With innovative treatments like stem cell therapy, that hope has now become a reality for thousands.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 13

Volunteer service became their lifedefining experience “My fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

John F Kennedy, inaugural address Jan. 20, 1961 Irene Brammertz with a baby in Malawe (1970)

ca Wellborn. “I saw the opportunity to have a life-defining experience. It was was caught up in the Kennedy more for me than to save someone else.” era, was an avowed and pro- Although most volunteers are young, testing hippie and felt then and Wellborn joined in her 40s. She used her still do that every able-bodied Ameri- job skills as a director of non-profits to establish an envican should either ronmental agenjoin the military, cy in Jamaica.

VISTA, Teacher Irene BramCorps or Peace mertz of Fort MyCorps in gratitude ers had already for all we have,” raised a family says Karen Reiter. and was running “I joined Peace a business when Corps because I alshe joined (Toways felt so lucky day eight percent in life and wanted of volunteers are to return something over 50). She says, to the World.”

“In a brochure for Barbara Srur, World Hunger, a retired doctor in I saw a line that Sarasota, joined the said ‘What can Peace Corps while you do about it?’ on a waiting list and one of the opfor medical school. tions was ‘Join She says, “I wanted the Peace Corps.’ to travel and have So I did! Not a chance to reonce, but twice.” evaluate my desire Seven months to become a doctor. PeaceCorps volunteer Barbara Srur with one of her students in Malaysia (1969) after its incep“I saw the Peace Corps as an opportunity to travel over- tion in March 1961, 500 volunteers seas. I had a window of opportunity were in nine countries. Since then and took advantage of it,” says Rebec- nearly 220,000 Americans have served

By Janice Doyle

“I

in 140 countries around the world.

Returned volunteers remember Several hundred Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of all ages live in the west central Florida area, meeting regularly to share memories and experiences unique to their service time – and to continue giving back to their local communities.

Each Peace Corps worker takes multiple skills with them into their service, often not realizing how they will use them. With her contributions to public health in Malawe, Brammertz says her most successful project was teaching women to knit socks using double pointed needles. This allows them to knit socks which they could sell.

In 1969 and ’70, Kayren Reiter served as a teacher in Turkey. Sharing about life in her village, she says, “I was a competitive swimmer and living on the Mediterranean Sea. I took it upon myself to teach the Turkish village boys who couldn’t swim how to swim.” She looks back at the Peace Corps experience as “...the opportunity to live every aspect of your life in a completely different manner than ever before.”

Barbara Srur taught chemistry at a girls’ school in Malaysia from 1968 -‘70, and when her volunteer service was over, she joined other volunteers for a trip of a lifetime - a Land Rover trip across India, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Yugoslavia, eventually closing out her journey with a backpacking stint across France.

Srur says, “The Peace Corps offers a broader perspective which you can’t have any other way and allows experiences you can’t have any other way. I saw that people have the same wants and desires everywhere ” “The Peace Corps opened my eyes to the role the U.S. plays internationally. And looking back to see the U.S. from foreign eyes gave me the realization of where the U.S. is as a nation and people and how I fit into it. It was my ‘aha’ moment,” says Wellborn.

Keep your memories of volunteering close by staying connected to the Peace Corps. For local Returned Peace Corps Volunteer information, email: Sarasota: gulfcoastrpcv@gmail.com Fort Myers: ibrammertz@gmail.com Tampa Bay: tamparpcvs@gmail.com Central FL: peacecorps@ufic.ufl.edu

What is the Peace Corps?

In the 1950s, presidential candidate John F. Kennedy challenged students on the campus of the University of Michigan to help the world. They took it seriously. They organized and made a proposal. Kennedy embraced it.

He called it the Peace Corps which began in 1961 to promote world peace and friendship. Peace Corps volunteers have served in challenges including classrooms, diseases, agriculture, sustainable community-based projects, gender equality and more. Learn more at www.peacecorps.gov.

Rebecca Wellborn at work in Jamaica (1980s) Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 14 R

SWEET SWEET SLE EP

3

Find time to prioritize sleep.

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Paruthi recommends thinking about your schedule and making time for sleep. “If you know you have to get up at 6 a.m. the next day, set your alarm clock in the evening for 9:30 p.m.,” she suggests. “That alerts you that you have a half hour before you need to go to bed and you can begin to wind down.” This trains your body to relax on time and transition to that sweet, sweet sleep much easier. Courtesy of Newswise and the Saint Louis University Medical Center.

Three nighttime habits to improve rest

D

oes your holiday wish list include getting more sleep? Assistant professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at Saint Louis University, Shalini Paruthi, M.D. says almost all adults operate with some level of sleep deprivation from time to time. Paruthi, also a physician at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, treats sleep disorders in both children and adults, but has plenty of secrets for the average insomniac. If you suffer with falling asleep, or staying there, here’s her top three tips, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for trying to keep your sleep steady and sweet.

BONUS TIP:

1

Maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Trying the ‘weekend catch-up’ on sleep isn’t productive, says Paruthi, who warns it can throw off a whole week’s schedule. “People who sleep in on Sundays may not be sleepy by their usual bedtime that evening, so Monday mornings are more difficult. She recommends going to bed and waking up at the same time each day (within an hour).

2

Establish a bedtime routine.

“Even a ten minute routine where you do the same things each night to prepare yourself for going to bed is a good idea,” Paruthi said. “Our brains need a wind-down period to go from ‘on’ to ‘sleep time.’” Every night, try reading, writing in a gratitude journal, listening to relaxing music, or practicing meditation - for just ten minutes.

SHUT DOWN THE ELECTRONICS Want deeper sleep? Keep electronic devices away from the bedroom.

“This ‘go, go, go’ culture has made people feel “on” at all times now,” Paruthi says. “Studies show that the light emitted by electronic devices decreases the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps us feel sleepy.” So, think twice before playing on your iPad in bed, and maybe try counting a few sheep instead.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 15

Easy Boarding Bicycle by

Inspired: three gifts for grandkids

By Amanda Smith

T

he old adage for grandparents has long been the same: your primary job is to spoil. Now, we’re all for a little spoiling, but what if grandparents gave Christmas gifts to their grandchildren that spoiled and inspired the future generation? If you’re anything like me, you want a gift that lasts, and maybe even makes an impact...

So, what might “inspire,” you ask?

How about addressing the concern that kids spend an average of nine hours a day consuming entertainment on media devices by finding a gift that lets them stay on the screen while simultaneously diverting their attention to the here and now? How about thinking about the overwhelming gender differential in math and sciences? Why not inspire your granddaughter to get excited about science by gifting her a chemist’s kit full of color and sparkle? Welcome to our “inspired” mini gift guide for grandparents!

Smart Car, Smart Games USA $26.99, Ages 3 - 8 SmartCar is a 3D wooden car game that relies on your grandchild’s building skills, requiring him or her to assemble a car with the included wooden pieces. We love this game so much because it evolves with your grandkid the model remains the same but the car construction plans get more and more difficult! Learn concepts like “side view” and “top view” all while having fun. Are you ready for a test drive?

Best gift for the future female chemist

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 16

Best gift that blends computer skills with real world fun LEGO AppBrick, LEGO $9.99 and up, Ages 9 - 14 Having grown up with actual building blocks instead of electronic tablets, some grandparents might wonder, where have all the hands-on games gone now that computers have taken over the world?

With LEGO AppBrick, you get to give the best of both worlds. The AppBrick Gadgets are designed to be used with a free Ultra Agents app available for most tablet devices. The app is basically an interactive comic book featuring LEGO characters and sets. Touching AppBrick Gadgets against the screen of the device at various points during the story makes it possible to look for clues (‘intel’) or play minigames. We love the innovation and melding this new toy offers.

$36.99, Ages 10 - 15 We love this crystal growing kit from Thames & Kosmos. The 15 experiments progress from simple to complex, providing perfect learning experiences for blossoming chemists. Grow dozens of dazzling crystals with the provided materials and a full-color, 32-page experiment manual that guides your granddaughter’s experiments in crystal chemistry. Not only will you two mold fun plaster shapes and use dyes to grow a rainbow of custom colors, she will also have the opportunity to learn about the structure and geometry of these unique formations. We encourage you to gift this to a granddaughter...we need more female scientists!

MAKE: Sweet Potato Parsnip Latkes with Feta and Leeks W

ho doesn’t enjoy the perfect simplicity of the classic potato latke at Hannukah? While we all love strippeddown basic recipes, those with care paid to tradition and technique, sometimes it’s fun to go “avant-garde.” This year, bust out the frou-frou trimmings of a latke with say...caramelized leeks, hashed parsnips, feta and even sweet potatoes!

Trust us, you (and your guests!) won’t regret it. With flavors that are complex yet earthy, and studded with delicious and savory accents, this modern twist on a traditional latke will have all the foodies saying, “Happy Hannukah!”

Sweet Potato Parsnip Latkes with Feta and Leeks • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil • 2 medium-sized leeks, washed and thinly sliced • 1 pound sweet potatoes • 1 pound parsnips (number will vary depending upon size) • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper • 1 pinch ground nutmeg • 4 ounces feta, crumbled (a creamy French or Israeli style) • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1/4 cup matzo meal • 1/2-1 cups canola oil for frying (amount will vary depending upon how many skillets you want to have going) Kitchen tools to have on hand: box grater, parchment paper and an open flame.

1. Melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the leeks (and a pinch of salt), and saute, stirring occasionally, until the leeks have softened and are beginning to color (about 10 minutes).

2. While the leeks are cooking, wash and peel the sweet potato and parsnips. Grate them on the coarse holes of a box grater, and place in a large bowl. Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, feta, egg and matzo meal. Stir to combine. Mix in the cooked leeks.

3. Pour the canola oil to a depth of ½” in a frying pan – you can use the pan used for the leeks, and additional pans if you’d like to make quick work of it.

Heat the oil over a medium flame until hot – if you drop in a shred of the latke mixture, it should bubble vigorously.

Shape approx. 3 tablespoons of the latke mixture into a round shape (I like to pack a ¼ cup measure ¾ full), and place in the oil. Flatten slightly to form a

small pancake. Repeat as many times as your pan space allows. Cook the latkes until well-browned, about 5-7 minutes, then flip and brown the other side.

These latkes are more delicate than standard potato pancakes (especially when warm), so be delicate.When the second side has cooked, place on a plate lined with brown paper, stacking as needed.

If you want your funky potato latkes to be extra-good, now and then strain out any rogue bits that have floated into the oil before they burn. Serve. Or...

4. If you’re not serving them right away, layer the cooled latkes in a sealed container with parchment paper between the layers, and freeze. To serve, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the latkes on a cookie sheet (you can place them on a rack on top of a cookie sheet for a crisper result, but usually the sheet is fine for me), and cook until they have colored a bit more and are heated through and sizzling (about 10-15 minutes).

Recipe by Deena of “MostlyFoodStuffs”

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 17

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Christmas Carols: What do they mean?

Want to sound smart at this year’s Christmas party? Here are the “true meanings” of a few classic Christmas carols, explained.

C

hristmas is here and you know what that means! It’s time to carol! You know the words and you know the melodies, but do you know what it all means?

Southeastern Louisiana University Communication Professor Joseph Burns researched the topic thoroughly for a presentation he made recently at the university’s annual Fanfare Festival, a fall celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Burns explained that many people can get the wrong idea by going solely according to the title or lyrics.

“Up on the House Top” Before 1857 Santa did not land on your roof, but on your lawn, as in the phrase “When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.” Burns said the switch came when the song “Up on the House Top” was written by Benjamin Hanbly and recorded by a multitude of singers, most notably Gene Autry in 1953. He’s been landing there since.

“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” In this song, Burns singles out the comma placement. “It has nothing to do with happy, merry men. It was first published in the mid-1700s and is referenced in Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol,’” explained Burns, who produces the weekly radio show Rock School on the university’s station KSLU-FM. “The word ‘merry’ means strong or mighty as in ‘Merry Old England,’ and the word ‘rest’ means to keep or make.

So the title translates to ‘God keep you mighty, gentlemen,’ and refers to the lamplighters and additional men hired to patrol during the holidays.”

“We Three Kings” “Recognize that in Matthew 2:1-12 there are no references to the number three, kings, the Orient, or their names,” Burns states. “The passage suggests the men were Magi, those who studied the stars. Also, they came from the East, which most likely was Persia or present day Iraq. And the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar came from an early 6th century Greek manuscript.”

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” According to Burns, this song was almost never recorded, he said. Written in 1943 by Kimball Gannon about a soldier writing to his family, no music publishers wanted to touch it, thinking it would have brought people down during the holiday.

“Luckily Gannon was a golfing buddy with Bing Crosby, who recorded it on the B-side of the highest selling single of all time: ‘White Christmas.’ A song no one wanted sold 50 million copies,” he said.

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”

This carol is a relatively new classic, released in 1962 by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker. Burns said they were asking if you heard a bomb, and the song was written as a cry for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

“Jingle Bells” “Essentially, you can use all of this to sound informed this year about Christmas carols,” Burns adds. “So Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way which, by the way, is not a Christmas song. It was written in 1857 by James Pierpoint for his Boston Sunday School Thanksgiving celebration.” –Newswise

Astronauts and the aging: new research aims to aid them both Marodyne and NASA join forces to maintain mobility, strength and balance; for those on earth and on the moon.

W

hat do astronauts and the average aging earthling have in common?

Bone and muscle loss. The space program has long demonstrated the damaging physical effects of weightlessness on the human body, including muscle wasting, impaired balance and loss of bone mineral density. These effects occur rapidly in space, yet they actually mimic what occurs gradually as a result of the aging process. Postmenopausal women who are untreated for bone loss can lose one to one-and-a-half percent of hip bone mass in one year, while an astronaut can lose the same amount of hip bone mass in a single month.

When working on the Space Station or living in the reduced gravity of the moon, astronauts lose bone and muscle from their legs, hips and lower backs due to reduced load-bearing. Loss of musculoskeletal tissue mass and function can cause multiple problems for the crew of long-duration space missions, including reduction in physical performance, increased risk of fall-related injuries and accidents, and

potentially, bone fractures.

While bone loss is a serious problem for astronauts and the aging, decreased muscle functioning is also a serious medical factor for space travelers, potentially resulting in impaired balance and reduced performance on the lunar or Mars surface. As humans age, muscles deteriorate significantly as well. So, how can we address both of these concerns? Marodyne and NASA aim to find out by researching ways to combat the degenerative physical effects of time spent in space - and what implications a solution might have on the natural aging process.

With a mission of preserving mobility by maintaining muscle strength and balance, Marodyne Medical developed a unique approach that may enhance the human musculoskeletal system - low-intensity vibration therapy.

Initial research utilized various animal models, and focused on delivering specific low magnitude signals to the bones, in order to maintain bone mass. When formulating a way to

deliver these signals to humans, a device was developed that provided the signals through the soles of the feet, gently stimulating muscle and bone.

Low-intensity vibration therapy recipients stand on a platform that resembles a bathroom scale, and the device oscillates up and down, at a barely noticeable amount. Both the size and speed of the vibration are set to match the natural stimulation that occurs as muscles relax and contract to maintain the user’s posture.

How vibration therapy promotes bone density isn’t well understood, but researchers have several possible explanations, the most accepted being that vibration enhances circulation to muscle and bone, boosting the supply of nutrients to these tissues.

By using low-intensity vibration therapy in space shuttle experiments, the NASA Vibration Study aims to overcome the degenerative musculoskeletal effects of time spent in space. Conclusive research could offer solutions for astronauts - and for us all.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 19

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December 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 Dec. 20 will win.

Good luck!

2 3 3 9 6 8

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Last Month’s Answers

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Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: LIFESTYLES AFTER 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Sudoku must be received by December 20, 2015.)

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Word Search December 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?

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Word 2 3 8 1 5 6 9 9Search 6 7 4 2 1 8 Solution #257

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1 5 2 9 7 3 5 Answers 1 6 8 3 2 6 From 7 4 3Nov. 8 9 7 2 9 5 6 4 3 9 5 7 4 8 8 4 3 2 1 7 4 8 1 6 9 5

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 20

Tech Talk: Interface Computer Glasses Are your eyes fatigued from squinting at a computer screen all day? Try Adlens! An instant prescription eyeglass specifically designed for the person that spends lengthy amounts of time in front of a monitor, Adlens Interface offers a solution.

Using Alvarez lens technology, a continuously adjustable solution for the correction of near, intermediate and distant vision, Interface is lightweight and great for tablets, texting or gamers.

Great Qualities of Adlens Interface: •Unisex frame •Adjustable nose piece •Custom yellow-tinted lenses designed to filter HEV light in backlit screens, combating digital eye strain and boosting productivity and focus •Can be adjusted to improve 90% of eyeglass and contact lens wearers who do not have astigmatism.

We are offering the product FREE to one lucky winner in this month’s giveaway!

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Seniors Getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.

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I like movies, cooking, dining out, long walks, day trips and country music. ISO a man to laugh with me and enjoy the simple things. Ocala, Wildwood area.

4448 IF YOU RESPONDED to my ad I did not receive it. Please re-contact me. SWF, 65YY Into garage sales and flea markets. Quiet country girl ISO handyman, must have common sense, NO B.S. or liars. I have psoriasis, 5’2”, 110 lbs., blonde hair, not ugly, send picture please and phone number. Will call all.

4482 WOMAN LOOKING FOR A SWM. Enjoy traveling and people and having God first in your life.

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CRAFT CORNER

Make Your Own: Pine Cone Christmas Trees T

his time of the year, you start to feel the pressure...you see and hear Christmas everywhere...with all the gifts to buy, cookies to bake, houses to decorate - it’s enough to make anybody crazy!

If you’re a crafter, but Christmas leaves you a little short on time, here’s a quick and easy project to satisfy your DIY. Pinecone Christmas Tree You will need: • pine cone • yellow and green paint • glitter • hot glue • regular glue or Modge Podge • mini terra cotta pot • mini wooden star

Paint the pine cone green; let dry. On the edge of each pine cone’s spine, apply regular glue, then sprinkle some glitter.

While your pine cone dries, paint the star yellow, adding glue and glitter just like you did with your “tree.” Put the tree in the terra cotta pot, glue in place, then glue your star on top, and For a “snowy” effect, try voila! It’s a pine painting the tips of the cone Christmas! pine cone “petals” white.

Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting!

Question: Alvin the Chipmunk wants what for Christmas?

Your Answer: Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize each month!

Deadline for entries: Dec. 16, 2015. Drawing held Dec. 20, 2015.

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

Alicia Veras from Clearwater is last month’s winner!

The answer was: “Turkey Creek, LA; Turkey, TX; Turkey Creek, AZ; Turkey, NC”

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

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

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2015 • page 23