Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast Edition, March 2025 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Am I at Risk for Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is a silent but serious health condition that affects millions of seniors. Because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, understanding your risk factors is key to early detection and prevention.

Common Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

Several factors can increase a senior’s risk of developing kidney disease:

• High Blood Pressure – Hypertension puts extra strain on the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste properly.

• Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can damage kidney blood vessels over time, leading to kidney disease.

• Heart Disease – Poor heart health can impact kidney function, as the two organs work closely together.

• Family History – If close relatives have had kidney disease, your risk may be higher.

• Age – Kidney function naturally declines with age, making seniors more vulnerable.

• Medications – Long-term use of certain over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can harm kidney function.

• Smoking and Poor Diet – Smoking and diets high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats contribute to kidney damage.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Although kidney disease often develops without symptoms, warning signs can include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Swelling in the legs, feet, or face

• Changes in urination (frequency, color, or foamy urine)

• High blood pressure that’s difficult to control

Protecting Your Kidneys

The best way to reduce your risk is through a healthy lifestyle. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Seniors should also have regular kidney function tests to catch any issues early.

If you’re concerned about your kidney health, don’t wait— early detection is key to preventing serious complications and maintaining long-term kidney function. Schedule an appointment with a VIPcare provider today. Call 727-761-6867 to take the first step in protecting your kidneys.

Magnificent March

March is here! There’s so much to love about this month – the first day of Spring, the clock moving ahead so it’s not dark at dinnertime, and the lovely weather that comes to us in the South in this gorgeous month.

My younger brother – “Patrick,” what a coincidence! – was born at the end of March. He was born the year I graduated from university. In fact, I have a photo of me in my cap and gown ready to go on stage to get my diploma, and I’m holding him – he was just a few months old and cute as a button! Of course, now he’s a grown man with a son of his own. (In case you were wondering, my nephew Cameron is the most perfect child ever born.)

Then there’s always St. Patrick’s Day, that beer and corned beef holiday that fulfills all of my personal needs. Despite my German and French heritage, there’s a wide streak of “green” inside me that simply loves the Irish beers and craves a Reuben

sandwich. As I get older, my doctor has told me to watch my salt intake, so I’ve had to resort to Rachels instead of Reubens. (A “Rachel” is turkey and Swiss toasted on Rye with sauerkraut and lower-cal 1000 Island Dressing instead of the traditional corned beef and Russian dressing, and I must admit to preferring it now to the saltier version.)

But probably my favorite thing about March is the first official day of Spring. Although I prefer cooler weather, this “snow in Florida” thing we had recently is simply taking things too far! Spring to me means that the sun will finally shine a little warmer, and the days will be a little longer. I can sit outside and enjoy the cool without needing a coat. The cat also appreciates being able to sleep in a patch of sunshine, and when he’s happy, I’m happy.

I wish you beautiful March days, lots of green beer, Reubens and Rachels, and plenty of sunshine on a gorgeous white sand beach–

Have a great month and we'll see you in April!

Lifestyles After 50

Volume 36, Issue 3

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Photo by James Patterson

Single & Ready to Mingle: Best Cities for Single Retirees

By Stewart Willis, AP Wealth and Tax

According to the Pew Research Center, just over a third of people 65 and older don’t have a live-in partner or other romantic relationship. While the way you date might change as you age, by no means does retirement mark the end of your dating years. For many, 65 is the new 40. You’re free to get back out there and find someone to share your life with.

We started with the cities with the largest senior populations. Then, we used 14 categories important to single seniors, awarding up to 14 “chili peppers” based on how well they meet the needs of single retirees: proximity to cruise lines; golf courses; weather (sunny days); safety; air quality; theaters; pickleball courts; walkability; physician group practices for healthcare; parks; casinos; religious groups/churches; museums; senior centers.

The Top Five Best Cities for Single Retirees

The Villages, Florida: 10 Peppers / 14

Philadelphia, PA: 8 Peppers / 14

The Villages is one of the best places to retire for singles because of its walkable communities, recreational opportunities (including golf, multiple parks, theaters, and casinos), proximity to cruise lines, year-round good weather, and no state income tax (a nice bonus for tax season). It’s also one of the safest cities and has much less air pollution. As a bonus, roughly 86% of the population are 65 or older.

Seattle, WA: 9 Peppers / 14

Seattle is lively, culturally diverse, and walkable. It also boasts some stunningly temperate summertime weather. And nearly 13% of its population is 65+, many of whom are single. It’s also great for socially active retirees thanks to its many golf courses, pickleball courts, museums, theaters, parks, and churches. Plus, there’s no state income tax.

New Orleans, LA: 8 Peppers / 14

New Orleans is a charming, culture-rich city that’s home to casinos, historical museums like The Cabildo, and theaters where seniors can catch a show. For seniors who prefer to spend their time outdoors, the city is also quite walkable. Recreational opportunities abound, too, with cruise lines and golf courses. And more than 16% of the population is 65 or older.

Philadelphia is known for its extensive healthcare services, lively senior centers (like the Philadelphia Senior Center), and indoor and outdoor recreational activities. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Walnut Street Theatre to the exclusive Bala Golf Club, there’s plenty to do.

Sarasota, FL: 8 Peppers / 14

Nearly 1 in 3 Sarasota residents are 65 or older. Sarasota has idyllic weather, clean air, and senior-friendly recreational activities like golf, pickleball, casinos, and cruises. Plus, Florida has a high concentration of physician group practices for healthcare.

The Remaining Top Cities for Single Seniors

You are unique. What you’re looking for in retirement might differ from the next person. Maybe you want an active lifestyle with a bustling community and plenty of attractions and amenities to keep you busy. Or maybe you’re hoping for a quieter, small-town feel without the noise. We compiled 60+ more cities that could be a good fit for single seniors.

Each location gets between two and three chili peppers, depending on its amenities and other key features like weather, safety, proximity to cruise lines, healthcare services, and senior population. Three of them are in Florida: Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa. Read the full story at https://www.apsitaxes.com/blog/ best-places-for-single-senior-retirement.

Tampa Bay Watch Welcomes Chip Webster as Board Chair

Tampa Bay Watch is pleased to announce that Chip Webster has been elected as the new chair of its board of directors. With a longstanding commitment to the organization and a wealth of leadership experience, Webster will serve a two-year term guiding Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to restore and protect the Tampa Bay estuary through education, conservation, and community engagement.

Webster has been on Tampa Bay Watch’s board since 2020 and brings extensive experience in leadership and strategic growth. Webster will serve a two-year term as Board Chair, during which he will work closely with Tampa Bay Watch leadership to oversee strategic initiatives, support organizational growth, and strengthen partnerships that advance conservation efforts across the Tampa Bay region.

Chip Webster has a proven track record of building and leading teams. Since 1987, he has been associated with Vistage Florida, a licensee of Vistage International, the world’s leading CEO peer group organization. He served as President from 2000 to 2013 after 14 years of chairing CEO peer groups. In addition to his work with Vistage, Webster has held executive roles with New York Stock Exchange companies and has led small business startups. Currently, he is semi-retired, focusing on selective consulting assignments and mentoring young entrepreneurs. He is also the author of two books, “A Passion for Life and Unity in Service,” and co-creator of “Paint and Poetry.”

For more information about Tampa Bay Watch and its mission, visit www.tampabaywatch.org.

Information from Social Security Administration

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

+ RETIREMENT AGE

Question: What is the maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit payable in 2025?

Answer: The maximum benefit for 2025 is $4,018 a month.

Question: At what age should I start receiving my Social Security retirement benefits?

Answer: Choosing when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision that affects your monthly benefit amount for the rest of your life. If you wait until your full retirement age (67 for people who are born in 1960 or later), you will get your full benefit.

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62. But we will reduce your benefits by as much as 30% below what you would get if you waited to begin receiving benefits until your full retirement age.

If you delay claiming your benefit, your monthly amount will be increased for each month of delay. These adjustments are permanent. For more details on the effect of choosing early or delayed retirement read our publication “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.”

Question: How do I correct my earnings record?

Answer: Ordinarily, you cannot correct your earnings after three years, three months and 15 days from the end of the taxable year in which your wages were paid. However, you can correct your record after that length of time to:

• Confirm records with tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service;

• Correct errors due to employee omissions from processed employer reports or missing reports;

• Correct errors “on the face of the record” that is, errors we can find by examining our records of processed reports; and

• Include wages reported by an employer as paid to an individual but not shown in our records.

With a my Social Security account, you may be able to correct your Social Security earnings record online, but you can also contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup

Looking for a simpler way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Or want a good soup for an appetizer? This hearty, warming soup is easy and delicious! It's simple, it's inexpensive, it's absolutely filling, and it's healthy, too! What could be better than that?

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. canola oil

• 1 (14-ounce) package kielbasa or other cooked sausage, sliced

• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped

• 1 large carrot, chopped

• 1/2 medium green or savoy cabbage, chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 6 cups of chicken broth

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill

• Crusty bread, for serving

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate. Add onion, carrot, and cabbage to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

This classic one-pot dinner is delicious any time of year, but it's most popular on St. Patrick's Day. The easiest way to make it is with your slow cooker, where the low-and-slow heat transforms every ingredient into a supremely tender morsel.

A couple tips: Be sure to rinse the meat before cooking it, or else it will end up much too salty. And use a good, dry, white wine that you'd be happy to drink, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to cook with. It flavors both the potatoes and the cabbage, as well as the meat, in important ways. (Beef or chicken broth can be substituted for wine).

Ingredients:

• 3 to 3 1/2 pound ready to cook corned beef, trimmed

• 1 cup dry white wine (or broth)

• 1 lb. small new potatoes

Method:

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1/2 lb. carrots, chopped

• 1/2 small head green cabbage, cut into 4 wedges

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add broth, potatoes, and sausage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are cooked through, 17 to 20 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar and dill. Serve with crusty bread.

Rinse corned beef and pat dry, reserving spice packet. Place beef in a 5-to-7-quart slow cooker. Add wine and spice packet. Cook on high 4 hours.

Add vegetables and cook until vegetables and meat are tender, 2 hours on high and 4 hours on low. Remove meat and slice. Serve with vegetables alongside.

Music Flashback: “You Are So Beautiful”

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

Do you recognize these heartfelt song lyrics?

Such joy and happiness you bring // Just like a dream

You’re like a guiding light // Shining in the night You’re heaven’s gift to me

Unless you’re a diehard Billy Preston fan, the answer is probably no. If you are, though, you may remember these words from “You Are So Beautiful,” a tune composed by Preston and collaborator Bruce Fisher as a loving tribute to Billy’s mother, a stage actress.

Since the mid-1950s, Charles had displayed a voice and a style that he used to create a new form of black pop music—by melding gospel with rhythm and blues (R&B) and coming up with an aural stew that many music fans embraced wholeheartedly. Like several UK singers of the 1960s—Mick Jagger, Eric Burdon, Tom Jones—Joe Cocker eventually managed to sound authentically Black—something that British artists often saw as a complement. Charles himself later said, “I would never say Joe Cocker is a disciple of mine. He’s an equal of mine.”

In early 1975, “You Are So Beautiful” lifted Cocker into the Top Five on the Billboard singles chart. A tinkling piano introduces the composition before lush strings carry him away with passionate ecstasy, proving that he could be both breathlessly gentle and gloriously stirring within the confines of a single recording.

You are so beautiful to me // You are so beautiful to me

Can’t you see // You’re everything I hoped for

However, your recollections of “You Are So Beautiful” most likely come from English musician Joe Cocker. Born in Sheffield in 1944, Joe sang in various pub bands, usually copying pioneer American rockers until Ray Charles’s “What’d I Say” blew Cocker’s mind in the summer of 1959. In this American icon, Joe found his mentor and quickly set about emulating Charles’s approach to singing.

Movie Preview: “Snow White”

BY RANDAL C. HILL

By 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm had collected hundreds of German fairy tales and combined them into a book they called “Children and Household Tales.” Included in that first edition was “Snow White,” a downbeat story involving a sadistic queen trying to murder her stepdaughter.

In 1937, Walt Disney Films offered Walt’s own perception of Snow White, and moviegoers instantly embraced a sweet main character whose skin was “white as snow.”

But the world moves on, and the Snow White we’ve known and loved is about to undergo a drastic change. And not everyone is happy about that. Rising star Rachel Zeigler is today’s Snow White. Born to a Polish father and a Colombian mother, Zegler adds a touch of sass, spunk and confident determination to her sure-to-become-controversial role.

You’re everything I need // You are so beautiful to me // To me

These were the only words that Joe Cocker needed to make his statement, as he showed the world that the heart of Billy Preston’s original version could be pared down to just 32 words of raw, Ray Charles-like emotion.

Gail Godot (“Wonder Woman”) portrays the evil queen. (Unlike in the 1937 animation, she sings and dances here.) Tony-winning stage actor Andrew Burnap comes to us as Jonathan, a new character who replaces

the dashing prince.

The Grimms originally saw the dwarfs as unnamed, supernatural beings. Disney, though, felt differently and named Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy and Sneezy as quirky but adorable animated additions to the 1937 release. Now, we’ll be seeing one dwarf actor, with the rest being CGI.

Zegler wants the moviegoing world to know that, as the 2025 Snow White, she won’t be saved by the prince or spend time pondering true love with him. “She’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,” Zegler explains, “and that her late father told her that she could be.”

Controversial? Yep. Zegler: “People are making these jokes about ours being the ‘PC’ (politically correct) Snow White, where it’s like, yeah, it is—because it needed that. It’s an 88-year-old cartoon, and our version is a refreshing story about a young woman who has a function beyond ‘Someday My Prince Will Come.’” She then adds, “Never in a million years did I imagine that this would be a possibility for me. You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent!”

See “Snow White” nationwide in theaters March 21.

Armchair Adventure: The Wright Brothers: From Ohio to the Skies of Kitty Hawk

In North Carolina, I had the privilege of traveling down the Outer Banks. The road is flanked by water, a striking reminder of its vulnerability to hurricanes. Yet beyond its beauty, the Outer Banks hold immense historical significance—from the Lost Colony to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in North America. But most inspiring is the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk.

A CHILDHOOD SPARK

By Evelyn Kelly, PhD

Wilbur Wright (1867) and Orville Wright (1871) grew up in Dayton, Ohio, in a home that encouraged curiosity and invention. Their father, Milton, a minister, and their mother, Susan, a skilled mechanic, nurtured their inquisitiveness. But a small gift their father brought home in 1878 changed everything: a toy helicopter powered by a rubber band designed by French aviation pioneer Alphonse Pénaud. This tiny flying machine ignited their lifelong fascination with flight.

FROM BICYCLES TO FLIGHT

The brothers’ curiosity extended beyond childhood. Though neither completed high school, their mechanical ingenuity led them to establish the Wright Cycle Company in 1892. Repairing and building bicycles honed their engineering skills, providing income and technical expertise.

By the late 1890s, their interest turned to aviation. They studied pioneers like Otto Lilienthal and Samuel Langley, recognizing that flight depended on three key principles: lift, drag, and control. Their scientific approach led them to test kites and gliders before attempting powered flight.

THE WINDS OF KITTY HAWK

Seeking the perfect testing ground, the Wrights chose Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for its steady winds and soft sand. Despite setbacks—

including crashes and failed designs—they persevered. They even built their own wind tunnel to refine their aircraft.

On December 17, 1903, they made history. The Wright Flyer, a biplane with a 12-horsepower engine, took flight. Orville piloted the plane for 12 seconds, covering 120 feet, as Wilbur ran alongside. Three more flights followed, with the longest lasting nearly a minute.

A LEGACY THAT SOARS

Their success at Kitty Hawk was not just a technological milestone but a triumph of perseverance and vision. From a childhood toy to the first controlled, powered flight, the Wright brothers proved that innovation and determination can defy limits.

Visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial offers a glimpse into their struggles, failures, and ultimate success. Standing there, it’s astonishing to think that in just one century, humanity progressed from that first flight in 1903 to landing on the moon in 1969. And now, we dream of Mars. The Wright brothers’ legacy continues to inspire, proving that the sky is not the limit—only the beginning.

Evelyn Kelly, PhD is coauthor of the book “Have a Love Affair with Travel: Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life.”

Matinee Concerts Matinee Concerts

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

The Causes of Back Pain

(This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on back pain.)

Back pain is very common: it affects about 8 out of 10 people. But there are many steps you can take to avoid it.

One of the best things you can do to prevent back pain is to exercise regularly and keep your back and abdominal muscles strong.

A program of regular low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or riding a bike will be beneficial. Yoga can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Ask your doctor for a list of exercises appropriate for your age and physical condition.

Here are some quick pointers to prevent back problems:

Always stretch before any strenuous physical activity.

Don’t slouch. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet. Curvature of the spine puts stress on back muscles.

Sit in chairs or car seats with good lumbar support. Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension.

When bending over, supporting your back. For example, brace yourself with your hand over a low sink. Slide objects to the edge of the trunk before removing them.

Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine. Always sleep on a firm surface.

Don’t try to lift objects too heavy for you. Lift with your legs keeping your back straight. Keep the object close to your body. Do not twist when lifting.

Try to control your weight, especially weight around the waistline that taxes lower back muscles.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.

To keep your spine strong, you need enough calcium and vitamin D every day. These nutrients help prevent osteoporosis, which is responsible for a lot of the bone fractures that lead to back pain. Calcium is found in dairy products; green, leafy vegetables; and fortified products like orange juice. Your skin makes vitamin D when you are in the sun. If you are not outside much, you can obtain vitamin D from your diet: almost all milk and some other foods are fortified with this nutrient. Most adults don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D – talk to your doctor about how much you need.

In most cases, it is not necessary to see a doctor for back pain because pain usually goes away with or without treatment. However, a trip to the doctor is a good idea if your pain is severe and doesn’t improve, or if you have pain after a fall or an injury.

It is important to see your doctor if you have pain along with any of the following problems: trouble urinating; weakness, pain or numbness in your legs; fever; or unintentional weight loss. Such symptoms could signal a serious problem that requires treatment soon.

Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com.

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake from Scratch

Using the abundant fresh strawberries in March to make a luxurious dessert is smart and delicious. This cheesecake is one of the easiest, and with artful swirls on top, also beautiful.

Crust:

• 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ⅓ cup butter, melted

Filling:

• 1.5 lbs fresh strawberries, cleaned

• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

• 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

• 3 large eggs

To make the crust:

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl; mix well. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To make the filling:

Blend strawberries and cornstarch in a blender; puree until smooth.

Pour strawberry sauce into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil and stir until sauce is thick and shiny, about 2 minutes. Set aside 1/3 cup strawberry sauce; cool. Cover and refrigerate remaining sauce for serving.

Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; gradually beat in condensed milk. Mix in lemon juice and vanilla extract, then beat in eggs on low speed until just combined.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over crust.

Drop 1/3 cup strawberry sauce by teaspoonfuls on cream cheese layer. Using a knife, artfully swirl strawberry sauce.

Bake until the center is almost set, 45-50 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen; cool for 1 hour at room temperature. Refrigerate 4 hours to overnight before serving with reserved sauce.

MARCH: THE HAREBRAINED MONTH

It’s March. Because of the association with the March Hare, I call March the “harebrained month.” March is wonderful because it acknowledges both the March hare and the Ides of March. I for one have no idea what either of these refer to, but because I am dedicated to helping readers stay informed, I will research these March icons and also take a look at St. Patrick’s Day, Daylight Savings and the First Day of Spring.

For starters, hares and rabbits are not the same. Skipping the scientific differences, I can tell you that hares have pointed ears and rabbits don’t. The beloved term “harebrained” can be traced to the hare and its quirky behavior. (We may be on to something here.) March is hare mating season so we will fast forward to the Ides of March and give our harebrained friends some privacy.

luck by those who are followers of luck.

If you survive the 15th and make it to the 17th, it is St. Patrick’s Day. I was past sixty when I learned that St. Patrick was British and not Irish. I will leave you in suspense to explore this shocking truth on your own. The reality of St. Patrick being British is one that leaves my Irish heritage set in a state of confusion. Did he have a British accent? I may never adjust to this.

The Ides of March is somewhat scholarly and a bit serious. Preceded by the daunting admonition to “beware,” this deserves research. “Ides” refers to the new moon and in March the new moon generally occurs around the 15th of the month. Historically, March 15 was also associated with the payment of debt. (I thought that was April 15.) Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, which adds to the idea that it is a date to BEWARE and considered to be bad

Moving on to Day Light Savings on March 10, I can think of no other tribute to “states rights” in America than Daylight Savings. I spent a few years in Arizona, and they did not, would not, and flatly refused to apply Daylight Savings time within the state borders. Way to go Arizona! No confusion there. In 2022 additional states dropped the time change. (We are proud to be American but don’t ask us what time it is.)

I am starting to sound crabby, but March is sort of a crabby month until March 19th, the first day of spring. For those of us who like the predictability that calendars can give, April and May are next and we can relax because they do not have to deal with animals who have pointed ears or scary numbers.

GREY OAKS CARES RAISES $750,000 FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS

Grey Oaks Country Club has launched Grey Oaks Cares, a philanthropic initiative that raised $750,000 for 50 local charities. Committed to making a meaningful impact on the greater Naples community, the club raised the money during its inaugural single-day golf tournament.

Primary beneficiaries include Grace Place, Guadalupe Center, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, Providence House, St. Matthew’s House, STARability Foundation, The Shelter for Abused Women and Warrior Homes of Collier County.

The event was organized by volunteer committee members Donna Burke, Jeff Diermeier, Bryan Gentry, Steve Granger, Jim and Kim Hummer and Ann McAloon, ensuring 100% of all funds raised benefited the charities.

“For years, our membership has been the catalyst behind positive change and improvement in Collier County,” said Don Emery, general manager of Grey Oaks Country Club. “They have shared their time, talents and resources to ensure that the lives of those less fortunate are improved. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year with the Grey Oaks Cares ‘Week of Giving’ and an ambitious goal of raising over $1 million for the local community.”

Grey Oaks Country Club serves the Grey Oaks and Estuary communities, members from Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, and nonresident club members. It has been designated a Platinum Club® by Club Leaders Forum, Florida Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Association, and a Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Amenities include three championship golf courses, a wellness center, two clubhouses, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and a resort-style pool.

Visit greyoakscc.com for more information.

42. Batter’s spot

43. Impersonators

44. European nation

46. Sedative

48. WWII agcy.

MARCH

49. Wordsworth specialty

51. room

cROSSWORD

50. “I Love Lucy” role

52. “Circular files”

58. Prance

61. Injured

62. Use a blue pencil

52. Point

puzzle

53. Franc replacer

Fill in the answers and win great prizes! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win. Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number and email to:

63. Pile up

64. Tribe member

65. Seldom seen

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

66. Liking

67. Cabin materials

68. Diving duck

LAST MONTH'S WINNER: Valorie Ralich, Wimauma

‘Til I Reach the Higher Ground

Many times I have followed my Sherpa guide up to the peak of Mt. Dora. Not only did my ears fail to “pop,” but I have yet to find a guru sitting crosslegged atop it providing the answers to life’s questions. I have gradually worked my way across Florida seeking greater heights during hurricane seasons. We started out in Port Tampa where the elevation is only 6.9 feet above sea level (Mt. Dora is 184 feet). When we evacuated for Hurricane Charlie in 2004, the neighbors laughed at us and stood their ground.

#5133 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

We drove through the old neighborhood a few months ago to see how bad the damage that was left by Debby, Helene and Milton. I was hoping to knock on the door of a former neighbor to check on them. I couldn’t even get to the door. Everything they owned was sitting out between their door and the curb. No one answered their phone. By this time we were living in Lakeland, Florida (elevation 197 feet). We received minimal damage, mostly related to the lanai of our manufactured home. Others weren’t so fortunate.

The safest location in Florida would probably be Britton Hill in the panhandle, fairly close to Ft. Walton Beach (elevation 345 feet).

Passing through North Carolina we saw LOTS of damage. I always wondered why they got it so bad there, so I did the research. North Carolina’s coast is one of the nation’s most vulnerable areas to a direct hurricane strike because its coastline extends out into the ocean. That, plus the fact that the water off Cape Hatteras is considered rough due to the collision of the warm Gulf Stream current with colder waters from the Arctic, creating turbulent conditions. Along with the shallow, shifting sandbars of the “Diamond Shoals” which further disrupt the water flow, it is a treacherous area for ships and swimmers alike, earning it the name “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of the numerous shipwrecks in the area.

The destroyer I served aboard sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Mediterranean, South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Tonkin Gulf. The roughest waters by far were those of Cape Hattaras. If anyone were to fall overboard, they would most likely stay overboard. It is far more fearful than Cape Fear, despite not having Robert Mitchum nor Robert Di Nero.

Mike Wright has quite a stockpile of emergency canned goods. If you have any recipes that include cranberry sauce, please send them to him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

BOOK REVIEW by Kathy A. Megyeri

We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

“When Everything Changed, American Women from 1960 to the Present,” Gail Collins

New York Times columnist and best-selling author Gail Collins takes us back to 1960 to remind us how our lives have changed since then. In 1960, American women had to get their husbands’ permission to get a credit card, but then in 2008 when Hillary Clinton became the Presidential candidate, 400 years of American women’s expectations of our lives were smashed.

In a compendium of research and oral history covering politics, fashion, popular culture, economics, sex, families, and work, this book takes readers back through these dramatically changing decades. The advent of the birth control pill, the end of Help Wanted/Male vs. Help Wanted/Female ads, the end of women who worked in banks who could only be tellers, and the end of quotas for admission to medical and law schools were part of the earth-shattering changes.

“Father Knows Best” and “My Little Margie” were top-rated TV shows before. Stewardesses had to be weighed regularly. Few females were professors. Car salespeople wouldn’t even talk to women because they didn’t make those decisions.

wearing slacks after the magistrate exploded in outrage, “Do you appreciate that you’re in a courtroom in slacks?” No women ran in the Boston Marathon, served in combat or were employed in police departments.

Boys enrolled in math and science classes and girls got home economics. Boys went to college and girls didn’t. Betty Friedan was kicked out of a Ritz-Carlton bar for drinking alone. And in 1960, a woman was ejected from traffic court in New York City for

This book offers a compelling story of what we lived through but have probably forgotten, and younger readers will appreciate what we went through in just one generation. Our victories were definitive but not easily won. It was a time when airlines scheduled business flights that could only be booked by men, flight attendants had to light their passengers’ cigars, and women who graduated from Barnard College who weren’t engaged by graduation were given lemons at commencement.

Many of us protested the Vietnam War, became caught up in the sexual revolution or many of the popular liberal causes of the 60’s and 70’s that became the great Social Revolution. Back then our career choices were limited to nursing, teaching, being a social worker, an executive secretary who had to pass a typing test, or a homemaker, but now women can hold professional, high-paying jobs.

The best aspect of this book is that the author records the voices of individual women and brings diverse threads of history together to demonstrate the changing expectations of women’s lives and women’s issues. It was hard work and a struggle and many sacrifices made over a long time by brave people so we could come of age in the last 50 years, but as Hillary Rodham Clinton says, “Women in America aren’t finished yet.”

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

MARCH SUDOKU

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.

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 much include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win. Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number and email to:

Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for this month. Circle each answer you find and list it in the space provided. Answers can be found in all directions–forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. An example is given to get you started.

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

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

LAST MONTH'S WINNER: Georgette Lundquis, Alva

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in

THIS MONTHS' CATEGORY: FLOWERS

LAST MONTH'S WINNER:

Trivia Palooza

What 3 U.S. states do not observe daylight savings time?

What President started daylight savings time? When?

Name 3 countries that do not observe DST?

WORD

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?

Category: U. S. State Capitals

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

Susan Meijers, Bradenton was our February winner!

February answers: Celebrate St Dwynwen's, Flowers & Chocolate, Women Please enjoy playing our Crossword, Sudoku and Word Search Puzzles. The more puzzles you play & submit, the better chance you have to win!

Edward Pudlo, Ft Myers

Dahlia

2025 BRINGS NEW LAWS AND CHANGES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING

BY MICHAEL BERKHAHN, CFP®

New retirement laws this year are poised to impact how individuals plan for their golden years. The Secure 2.0 Act, a federal law that aims to help Americans save more money for their retirement, contained several provisions that have been phased in over the past few years and 2025 is no different. Whether you’re looking to boost your savings or navigate new rules, below is a breakdown of the key changes you should be aware of as you consider your retirement strategies.

1. Supersized Contributions for Ages 60–63

A pivotal change for 2025 involves special provisions for individuals between the ages of 60 and 63. Workers over the age of 50 are allowed to make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 into employer plans. Starting this year individuals between the ages of 60 and 63, can make a supersized contribution of an additional $3,750, bringing their total catch-up contribution to $11,250.

pay and automatically increases the contribution rate by one percent each year until it reaches at least 10%. While employees can opt-out or adjust the contribution rate, this automatic enrollment feature aims to increase participation in retirement plans and help more individuals save for retirement.

This provision could be a game-changer for those who are behind on their retirement savings or want to make a final push toward a comfortable retirement.

2. Simple IRA Catch-Up Contributions for People Aged 60 to 63

For individuals who participate in a Simple IRA, you also benefit from the new catch-up contribution rules for individuals aged 60 to 63. Under the new guidelines, people in this age range can contribute an additional $5,250 to their Simple IRA.

3. Mandatory Automatic Enrollment Contribution Arrangements

Starting in 2025, new rules require 401(k) and 403 (b) plans that were established after Dec. 29, 2022 to be automatically enroll eligible employees into their retirement plans. The initial contribution rate must be at least 3% of the employee’s

4. Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database

The Employee Benefits Security Administration “EBSA” is launching a new public database to help individuals locate lost or forgotten retirement accounts. This centralized database will allow people to track down retirement funds they may have left behind at previous employers, or that may have been transferred to different institutions over the years.

If you’ve ever worried about an old retirement account or have lost track of one, this new tool will be invaluable. It’s an excellent opportunity for individuals to find hard-earned retirement funds that could be sitting untouched.

Conclusion

While the SECURE 2.0 Act’s new laws and regulations may seem confusing at first, they were created to help you save more money as your approach your final working years by providing several opportunities to enhance your retirement savings.

As always, it’s smart to consult with a financial advisor while navigating these changes so you can ensure that you’re taking full advantage of the new laws.

Michael Berkhahn, CFP®, is Vice President of Graham Capital Wealth Management, an independent Registered Investment Advisor that specializes in providing investment management strategies for high net-worth families, foundations and pension plans.

Seniors g etting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.

5635 – SWF RETIRED, SECURE, 80YY ISO trustworthy, honest man NS-ND. Enjoy quiet times, pleasant conversation, dining out, social gatherings and listening to music. I share piano music as a pianist. Friendly and fun. Sarasota area.

5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.

5628 – NEW TO FL Looking to fall in love one more time. R-63 YY. 5’2” 160 lbs. blonde hair, blue eyes SF. Enjoys walks, sunsets, dining out, traveling SOH, NS, SD, NDRG. Looking for WM, SD, NDRG. Must know how to treat a lady. Age doesn’t matter. Let’s give it a try!

5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.

5652 ARTFUL LIVING – Mature, smart, attractive, personable WW looking to meet PM 70+ with similar traits and a kind heart. FF, must like socializing and having fun! Tampa

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5620 – ELDERLY, AFFLUENT, nice looking professional WWM seeking 40-50 trim SWF. Enjoys theater, travel, dinner with wine + conversation in condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Send photo(s) + resume.

5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.

5622 – HI – A VERY MATURE W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA. Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.

Looking for someone to share it all with. Age and looks are not important. Will answer all. Palmetto

seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.

5642 SWM – Y 71 SOH, open-minded. ISO fun HWP F for ST LT. 33701, W, NS, ND. I'm fun, enjoy dancing, cuddling, affection. Outdoors, walking , holding hands, karaoke, romantic movies, much more. Not into sports.

5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.

5647 SEARCHING FOR A NICE WOMAN – Optimistic, 5’8” NS, ND into health and longevity. Like smiles, especially from the heart. Giving contempt the boot! Practicing love is easier. Join me. New Port Richey area.

5648 SBM, 73. – Happy holidays! Enjoy Florida and all it has to offer. Would luv to meet single lady, (race unimportant) to have a great time with. “Old skool” kind of guy. Riverview.

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # 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: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS:

5640 82 YEARS OLD – Looking 40, feeling 30. Very active. Dance, exercise and travel. Seeking a younger man 45 to 65. Athletic fit and willing to take care of all my needs. Tampa

5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.

5643 SWCF. VERY LONELY. – ISO N/S man who can slow dance. I go to Elks, Moose and Eagles. I have a condo near Bay Pines. I’m 85 years old 5’6” tall and enjoys day trips. Leave a message. St Pete.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.

5644 PLANT CITY WIDOW – A Plant City widow who misses her longtime husband and best friend. Searching for a white easy-going male in his 70s to meet and start a friendship with and perhaps lead to a longtime companion to share my life with. Plant City

5649 SWF ISO SOH MAN – I am from a city. Want to see more in Florida. No drama, no smokers but REAL! HWP is myself. Pinellas Park

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5651 FS 70YY HWP – Greenlight. Spirit filled woman. Medical career. Retired. Enjoys friends, planting flowers, music, movies, reading and fishing. Peace. Send me a note. Tampa.

5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

5650 WANNA SING – Meet new friends while singing with the Venice, Florida Gondolier – singers and four-part Harmony. Men and ladies' welcome. Lee 941–953–3752.

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, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon 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.

5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

5630 – LOOKING FOR FEMALE COMPANION I’m 80, YY, SD, SM, LTR, FF, TLC. I like fishing, golf, going to the beach, spending time with family, watching TV, watching movies cuddling on sofa. Romantic. She should like the same, plus some of her own. Lehigh Acres

5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thinning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. Retired Leo. ISO WHF, widow preferred, attractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, intimacy yes, no baggage, drama.

5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.

Seniors Getting Together

5629 – WANT TO TAKE A TRIP TO ALASKA? Fly there and back, motorhome camping & Jeep waiting for us there, sightseeing & fishing. I am 86 YY, WM,WW, C,NS, 5’9” 165 lbs, SOH. Excellent health, very active. Southern country gentleman. I'm looking for a long-term companion to finish our life's journey. I've been a home & business owner in Tampa for over 60 yrs . I am an active and healthy person looking for similar qualities in a partner. I have all my own teeth and hair too. Give me a call and maybe we can have some fun. Marvin

5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.

5638 – HELLO. SWM SEEKING petite relocatable gal to be my companion, best friend, life partner and lover. I’m secure, easy going, loving and romantic. NS, ND. 5’7” 150lbs. Share my life and home. Save that rent. Send photo and phone number please. No pets.

Name:

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.

Email: If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential. TITLE: (First 4 Words) CITY: (No Charge)

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

5624 SEARCHING FOR LTR – N/S. I enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.

Classic Reuben Sandwich

It’s March, and a Reuben sandwich is the perfect lunch. Made with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, it has endless variations to suit your tastes. Here is the classic recipe.

Ingredients for 1 sandwich:

• 1/3 lb. corned beef, sliced thinly

• 2 slices Swiss cheese

• 2 oz. sauerkraut, drained (with or without caraway seeds)

Method:

• 2 slices fresh rye bread

• 2-3 Tablespoons Russian dressing

Preheat the oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, mound the corned beef and sauerkraut. Place in the oven while preparing the rest of the sandwich.

Lightly butter one side of each piece of bread and place on a griddle or frying pan. Top with Swiss cheese. Grill the bread until brown and crispy.

Place one piece of bread on a plate and top with hot corned beef fresh from the oven. Add Russian dressing and top with the other slice of bread.

Serve hot with salt and vinegar potato chips and a kosher dill pickle. Variations:

For a “Rachel,” substitute roasted turkey for the corned beef and low calorie 1000 Island dressing for the Russian. Try pumpernickel, sourdough, or wheat instead of rye bread. Use red cabbage slaw instead of sauerkraut.

AROUND TOWN

MARCH 4: FOUR TOPS

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MARCH 5: 38TH INTERNATIONAL GRAVENS CONFERENCE

Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater

MARCH 8: CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Ln., Safety Harbor

MARCH 8: JOHN MORELAND

Art & Music Center, 706 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor

MARCH 8: BEACH CLEANUP W/SALTY SOUL FOUNDATION

Dunedin Causeway, Dunedin

MARCH 8, 15, 29: CRUISE-IN

Americana 50’s Family Diner, 1730 US-19, Holiday

MARCH 9: ANI DIFRANCO

Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave.N.STE.206, St. Petersburg

MARCH 11: TASTY TUESDAYS – ORGANIC MARKET

Public Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey

MARCH 12-16: REGGAE

Reggae Rise Up, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE., St. Petersburg

MARCH 15: DRAKE WHITE

Cowboys Dance Hall, 12333 66th St., North Largo

MARCH 15: SETH WALKER IN CONCERT

Art & Music Center, 706 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor

MARCH 15, 16,21,22: CALENDAR GIRLS

Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

MARCH 16: COUNTRY IN THE PARK

England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park

MARCH 18: ST. PATRICK’S DAY 5K/10K

Dunedin Downtown Market, 420 Main St., Dunedin

MARCH 19, 26: VIRTUAL ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP

South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Dr., Holiday

MARCH 23: JIMMY CLANTON

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MARCH 25-26: STOMP

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MARCH 28: CHASCO FIESTA

Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey

MARCH 29: LITTLE RIVER BAND

BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater