Mature Lifestyles October 011 Lake/Marion edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 10

Ne w

Rails & Tales – Lake Neccudah

at : .com e t fl i bs tion e c w ur nne o it co Vis nior e w.s

Northern Ireland Treasures

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

LAKE • MARION

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 to70s—filled with day’s RV interiors that rival a luxury American families 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,

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.

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

Mature Lifestyles • 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

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

Lake/Marion & Sumter

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 3 9/26/11 4:21 PM

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 4

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

Ocala Scottish Highlands Games. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $15 plus tax. Silver Springs Theme Park, Ocala. Call (352) 236-2121.

and 9 Lake County Folk Festival. Indoor and outdoor venues, arts and crafts vendors, festival foods, beer and more. Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park. Free admission. For more info, call (352) 357-8555.

Ocala Cultural Festival. 1 to 8 p.m. Multi-cultural food, music and dance. Downtown Square, Ocala. Call (352) 368-0355 for details.

Anthony Kearns in Concert. 5 & 7:30 p.m. Founding member of the Irish Tenors. Admission: $17 to $30. Church on the Square, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

Women for Hospice presents Rock Around the Clock Sock Hop & Cruise-In. 6 to 10:30 p.m. Dinner, music, dancing, drawings, auctions and more. Admission: $60/ person. Lake Receptions, Mount Dora. Call (352) 362-2162 for details.

and 16 Lady Lake Art in the Park and Music Festival. Free admission. Log Cabin Park, Lady Lake. Call (352) 344-0657.

and 23 Ocala Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at McPherson Government Complex. Free admission. (352) 867-0355.

and 23 Craft Fair. Juried event. Free admission. Downtown Mount Dora. Details at (352) 735-1191 or (352) 683-6722.

and 23 OKDORAFEST. Traditional beer and wine, music, brats. Mount Dora Child’s Park. For more information, please call (352) 383-2165. Beast Feast. 5:30 p.m. Exotic and unusual meats; sides, beverages; entertainment. Tickets: $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Mote-Morris House, Leesburg. Call (352) 365-0232 . Howlofest Dog Parade and Costume Contest. 6 p.m. Costume categories: best small dog, best large dog, most creative costume and best pet rescue float or group. Also, best Dalmation or fireman costume prize. Main Street, Tavares. Call (352) 253-5205 for details..

Hootenanny Saturday Night! 7 p.m. The Showtime Singers song and dance ensemble. Admission: $13. Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

Parapsychology Expo at The Villages. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake Miona Rec Center, 1526 Buena Vista Blvd., the Villages. Call (352) 459-0261 to learn more.

The Amazing Kreskin’s Halloween Show. 2 p.m. Tickets: $13 – $17. Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala. Call (352) 854-3670. Send Around Town news to Mature Lifestyles 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.)

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 5

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Boomer Finds Running Is Also Inspiration for Poetry

ready to emerge. He says, “One night after a long run, hen baby boomer I was crossing the street in Carl Scharwath of darkness and was almost Mount Dora wakes up, hit by a police car.” As he he might go in any one of walked home, he realized he several directions his active could use it for writing a great lifestyle takes him. The story. “The next day I wrote former second degree black a story and a poem about belt Tae kwon Do athlete this experience and a writing started jogging in his 20s hobby/career was born.” and then running competiHow do running and writing Carl Scharwath tively when he was in his work together for him? During 40s, although he says, “I never won a a cool-down walk after a serious run, medal.” When he turned 55, he pushed he says he has inspiration for a new his training up a few notches. “In the work—“...as the blood circulates, the last two years I have won a medal for ideas flow forth.” Carl has had his poa 3rd place finish or higher in my age etry published over 30 times in the last group 20 out of 24 races with over 3 years. But, like all writers, there has 10 first-place finishes. I completed been rejection as well. In his case his my first Sprint triathlon last year three short stories have been rejected and was second in my age group.” many times. However, he optimisticalAnd not long ago the runner Carl ly says, “Like running, I will practice, Scharwath found he had an inner poet learn and strive in my writing as well.

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 6

What Makes RAO a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence? It Starts With The Quality, Expertise And Accuracy Of Full Service Imaging

he chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her lifetime is about one in eight. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, making annual screening mammograms more important than ever. For many women, there is some confusion about when and where they should get a mammogram. The doctors at Radiology Associates of Ocala (RAO) agree with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology that women have their first mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 to establish a healthy baseline, then continue to have them every year from age 40 to catch changes early when they’re smaller and easier to conquer. Why digital mammography is better The benefits of digital over traditional film are clear. RAO’s digital

mammography creates sharper, faster images, enhanced viewing angles, immediate storage and transfer to your doctor, easy comparison with previous exams, shorter exam times and the potential for less exposure to radiation. Sometimes your self-exam, doctor’s exam or mammogram may indicate a change in your breast tissue, requiring more extensive testing. Of course you want answers that are quick, accurate and in the hands of doctors with exceptional experience. RAO has 35+ years serving the Marion County area and a team of 17 Board Certified radiologists, including specialists in the most sophisticated and extensive breast imaging technologies available, including: • Breast MRI –When used in conjunction with mammography, a breast MRI can provide valuable information for the detection and characterization of breast disease.

• Breast Ultrasound – Breast ultrasound uses painless, noninvasive high-frequency sound waves to capture pictures of internal structures of the breast.

• Stereotactic Biopsy – When a tumor or nodule is captured by mammogram or ultrasound but is too small to be felt, stereotactic biopsy (using x-ray guidance) is used to find its exact location so your RAO doctor can carefully guide a biopsy needle to obtain tissue for testing. • Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy – When a breast ultrasound or mammogram shows an abnormality, ultrasound guidance is used to direct the doctor’s instruments to the site of the abnormal growth so that a tissue sample can be taken. In addition to providing comprehensive breast imaging services,

RAO is the only local imaging center to use Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), giving your doctor immediate access to your imaging results. We are the only centers with hospital privileges at Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala Regional Medical Center, and West Marion Community Hospital. These are among the reasons that RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center have been named among Florida’s elite 5% of Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We think our caring and understanding play a big role, too. RAO offers digital mammography without a doctor’s referral and hours designed to fit your schedule. Call us any time for an appointment and discover the difference a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence can make. For more info, call (352) 671-4300.

We’re a horse of a different color! Leading the Race Against Breast Cancer. RAO and the American Cancer Society agree - part of early detection includes getting a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 - 40, when a clear image of your healthy breast tissue can be captured and digitally stored. It can help the radiologist spot subtle changes when compared to future mammograms. You can schedule your baseline screening mammogram at one of our award winning centers with or without a doctor’s referral - just call to make an appointment. At RAO, we know getting a mammogram won’t be your favorite event of the day, but we can make it quick, comfortable and accurate so you can breeze through to things you’d rather do.

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In the race against breast cancer, we’re in it to win it! Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 7

Rails and Tales—Meet the Mayor of Lake Neccudah BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

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. Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 8

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.”

• 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

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: Ocala Model Railroaders Historic Preservation Society, Inc. ocalamodelrailroaders.com; Or, check out a local railroad museum: RealRail: realrail.org; Florida Railroad Museum: frrm.org.

Art and Music Events

hrough 26 History in Your Midst. Art exhibit celebrating Jewish life. Mount Dora Center for the Arts. (352) 383-0880.

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Featured performance: The Magnificent Seven – Song of Love & Fate. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mount Dora. (352) 589-1500.

hrough 30 Thanatos to Eros: E. Sherman Hayman & Julie Mardin. Art in miniature coffins. Lake Eustis Museum of Art, Eustis. (352) 483-2900.

hrough Nov. 6 Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft and Traditional Art.

Appleton After Hours. 5 p.m. Live Oktoberfest and Bavarian music by Alpine Express. $8. Appleton Museum, Ocala. (352) 291-4455.

– 16 “A Nice Family Gathering.” 7 p.m. Family comedy by The Villages Theater Company. $14. Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

“Poperetta” by Central Florida Lyric Opera. 5 and 7:30 p.m. $15, $20 and $25. Church on the Square, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

Autumn Concert by the Village Voices. 6 p.m. Admission: $5, $7.50 and $11. Church on the Square, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

at Williams Fine Arts Auditorium, Lake Sumter Community College, Leesburg. $25/seniors. (407) 2922143 or visit centralfloridalyricopera.org.

and 30 Ocala Symphony Orchestra Concert “On a Dark and Stormy Night.” Adults – $30. Ocala Breeder Sales Auditorium. (352) 351-1606.

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 9

Life Gets Easier for Senior Techies

BY KATE FORGACH

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.”

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.

Yummy! Sugar-Free Chocolate Gelato I

f you’ve given up ice cream and chocolate and lots of other good 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. Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 10

“So if we combine lower fat and calories with refined-sugar-free agave 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.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of milk with the cocoa powder and cornstarch. 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.

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.

Health Screenings H

ospices of Marion County Thrift Stores will offer free vision, hearing and diabetic screenings in store parking lots this month. The screenings will be held:

at., Oct. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jasmine Square Thrift Store, 6114 S.W. State Road 200, Ocala; call (352) 237-7707 for details.

at., Oct. 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Silver Springs Shores Store in Heather Island Plaza, Ocala; call (352) 680-9698 for more info.

Buying a Used RV? Get a Deal, Not a Headache BY TERESA AMBORD

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. • 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. • 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. • Will your family fit comfortably in the RV? 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.

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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.

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: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do?

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.

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).

Q: Are Social Security numbers reassigned after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In

Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 11

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

2nd Annual

WREATHS OF HOPE

A silent auction to benefit

Habitat for Humanity Mon., 11/28/11 – Thurs., 12/1/11.

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.”

Therrell Smith, ballet instructor.

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

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Global Graying: Investing in an Aging World BY JEFFREY SEWARD, JD, PH.D, Senior Vice President, Trust Services M&I Wealth Management

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.

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(352) 787-3034 Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 13

The Healthy Geezer BY FRED CICETTI

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CORNERSTONE HOSPICE SEEKING DONORS OF REAL ESTATE If you have been thinking about making a substantial gift to CORNERSTONE HOSPICE Cornerstone Hospice – perhaps you should consider Real Estate. A gift of cashOF or securities this time may not be practical.Your KING DONORS REALatESTATE personal residence, farm, vacation home, commercial property,

have been thinking about making a substantial or parcel of undeveloped land might be more suitable. o Cornerstone Hospice – formerly Hospice of present or future gift offers you the opportunity for valuable nd Sumter –Aperhaps you should consider Real income tax and estate tax savings. You A gift of cash or securities at this time may not also can free yourself burdensome management and problems involved in selling ctical. Your of personal residence, farm, vacation the property or leaving it to estate liquidation. e, time share, commercial property, or parcel undeveloped land besell more Whether wemight keep or the suitable. property, you will make a satisfying and enduring contribution to Cornerstone Hospice to benefit

A present or future patients gift offers youtheir the final journey of life. during rtunity for valuable income tax and estate tax For information on gs. You also can free yourself ofmore burdensome “How to GiveinReal Estate,” contact anagement and problems involved selling Buchholz at Cornerstone Hospice: e property or leaving itNick to estate liquidation.

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her we keep or sell the property, you will Hope makeChest are currently looking Cornerstone Hospice & the Hospice fying andfor enduring contribution to Cornerstone gently used furniture donations. For information on how you can to beneﬁt patientshelp, during their ﬁnal please contactjourney Chandraofatlife. 352.742.6819 or chandra@cornerstonehospice.org

For more information on Mature Lifestyles • October 2011contact • page 14 “How to Give Real Estate,” Ted Williams at Cornerstone Hospice:

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.

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Your Favorite Pastime BY DR. JOSEPH MARKENSON

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.

Word Search

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.

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

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 15

Northern Ireland’s Treasures

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.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope 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.

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.

Visit our website at: Thanks For Reading www.seniorconnectionfl.com www.srmagazine.com Visit o•urFINANCE HEALTH www.srm website at: gazine.co TRAVEL • aEVENTS HEALTH • FINANCE m CALL 1-888-670-0040 TRAVE CALL 1-8L • EVENTS 88-670-0 for more information 040 for m ore inform

Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 16

ation

SINGER® Sewing Brand Celebrates 160 Years

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.

“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.

World Series Baseball Thoughts

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

Last Month’s Answers

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

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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.)

People Driving Gardening Events Old O 8

Master Gardner Fall Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lake County Extension, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares. Please call (352) 343-4101.

Master Gardner Fall Plant Sale. 8 a.m. to noon. Plants, compost bins, fertilizer, micro-irrigation kits, gardening publications and seeds. Free

admission. Marion County Extension Auditorium, Ocala. For info, call (352) 671-8400.

Florida Friendly Landscape Series. 1 p.m. Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds. Free admission. 4027 CR. 106, Oxford. Call (352) 793-2728.

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.

Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 17

Veterans Corner

News and Observations for Veterans

Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 8th, 2011 Family friendly FREE festivities include:

◆ 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

Transforming Your Life O

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.” 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

Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 18

disabled or passes on. 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. 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. The difference was freed-up time and more energy. 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). 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.”

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.

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

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.

Whatever Was I Thinking? BY ANN G. THOMAS

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.

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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.

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(888) 313-8883 for specific pricing Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 19

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 4040 SEEKING COMPATIBLE GENTLEMAN for friendship and dating, 60 – 80 years. I am 67, W female, 5’2”, 140 lbs. in good health. 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.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4042 SEEKING MATURE COMPATIBLE LADY SWM, R, 63 YO, 5’8”, 170 lbs., 32” waist. Good looking and good dancer, seeks HWP good-looking 45 – 50 YO, interested in dancing, music, good food, animals, travel. Please send copy of recent photo. Ocala. 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. 4047 SEEKING PETITE (SLIM) CHRISTIAN LADY RDB active, 67, 5’11”, 197 lbs. would like a motorcycle and travel companion. NS, ND, NDrg, exercises. Juvenile prison ministry. Best age; 42 – 52, all ethnicities. Ocala. 4050 NEEDED SLIM ROMANTIC HEALTHY female, nonsmoker, able to

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Mature Lifestyles • October 2011 • page 20

MEET OTHER SENIORS Over 2,000 seniors have met through Seniors Getting Together. Send in your ad today!

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.

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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.

Free Admission for Boktoberfest

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.

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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.

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What Words Do People Look Up Online?

hese are the 10 most frequently searched words on MerriamWebster 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).

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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

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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.

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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!

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Tales of the Frugal: Couponing Gone Awry

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.

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.

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 he Red Tail Memorial coupons. When the cashier refused Chapter 136 of the Air Force to take the coupons, management Association (AFA ) will meet on was called and a series of unfortunate Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m. events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted They will meet in the Ocala the intentions of four male shoppers Airport Administration Building, headed her way during the argument 750 SW. 60th Ave., Ocala. and attempted to film them. A superviFor more information, please call sor alledgedly scolded her and tried to Mike Emig at (352) 854-8328. knock the iPhone from her trembling

Humor

Red Tail Chapter Meeting Red Tail Meeting

AARP Driver Program Free to Vets

he AARP Driver Safety Program is offered free in Marion County to veterans and/ or their spouse absolutely free during November. Marion County has a team of some 20 highly qualified instructors ready for classes that will be held throughout the county. To take advantage of this opportunity, call the national toll free number 1-888227-7669 or the Marion County Volunteer Telephone Coordinator, Linda, at (352) 489-0656. This program is offered throughout Florida as instructors have classroom space.

The Christmas House is Back! T

he 16th Annual Leesburg Main Street Christmas House will open for the holiday season on Saturday, October 29 through December 10, 2011 and is located at 712 W. Main Street (Corner of Orange and Main Street) in Historic Downtown Leesburg. The annual event features Handmade Holiday Crafts from over 100 crafters from throughout Florida, the U.S. and Canada. Over fifty thousand items are blended into themed displays and rooms, sure to put you into the holiday spirit. The Christmas House is open Mon. – Sat. from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun. from 12 to 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day). The Main Street Christmas House is a community project of the Leesburg Partnership. For more info call (352) 323-1250 or visit leesburgpartnership. com. Don’t miss the Sneak Preview Open House, Oct. 27, 4 – 9 p.m.

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