Mature Lifestyles Lake/Marion by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Honor Flights VOLUME 22, NUMBER 12

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• Volunteer With Passion • Alabama: Prepare to Be Surprised • Keeping the Family Cool During the Holidays • Home For the Holidays & Every Other Day

LAKE • MARION

DECEMBER 2011

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 3

11/10/11 4:13:33 PM

‘Tis the Season! Make It Easy, Make It Fun, Make It Classy! Dear Readers,

y trusty Bulova watch stopped in November, 2010. It was a sleek little number, with a gold rectangular face I’d grown accusJanice Doyle, tomed to. The narrow Editor black leather-look band was feminine and accentuated my thin wrists (which are the only part of my body I can call thin). I’d bought that little gem on a sale table for $13 in 1997 because another lady looking at the watches raved about it. She picked it up and said to no one in particular that it was the “classiest” watch on the table. I have very little flair about such things, so I snapped it up the second she laid it back on the table. Classy, I wanted! The watch became my all-in-one accessory piece, and I wore it daily. Admittedly, as the years passed and my vision changed, I learned how to angle my wrist so I could read the time. “Where is that minute hand?” I would ask myself. Still I never considered getting rid of it and replaced the band many times. When it stopped last year, I went totally out of character—I told my family that the only thing on my Christmas list was a watch. I even encouraged them to have fun with that request, to go a little crazy if they chose to. It seemed a ‘no-brainer’ for all concerned. Watches, after all, are easy to find, come in all price ranges and make an uncomplicated package. From my point of view, watches don’t take up much room and could even be re-gifted. I might even learn to like changing things up a bit! Reactions varied. My step-daughter Whitney is a discriminating, thoughtful and creative gift-giver. She didn’t particularly like the idea that everyone would be getting me watches. To her, it meant if she got me one and other

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 4

people did too, her gift wouldn’t be so special. (Instead, she gave me my all-time favorite pink knit robe.) From my two daughters-in-law, I do believe I heard an audible sigh of relief when I told them. This would be easy, I imagined them thinking—check off the motherin-law gift at the first store! So the word went out, and I sat back to see how people interpreted my wish.

It was great fun! I got a whimsical frog watch which I especially love wearing when I’m going to be with children. There was a unique red one—a large, round red watch face with the letters spelling out Liz Claiborne where the numbers would be (advertising and style all in one!) A very utilitarian LL Bean watch gives me time and date and is even waterproof. Two others are ordinary inexpensive watches to slip on quickly when I’m in a hurry. They are meaningful because they represent a decision, a choice about what Janice would like, and that makes them special. I didn’t hear my dear husband David’s actual sigh of relief at being given a gift idea, but I’m sure there was one. His watch came first, as my early December birthday gift.

It, too, has a rectangular face, only this one is surrounded by tiny diamonds and has a lovely gold band. The perfect gift, lovingly chosen. This year? I’ve spread the word that I’m collecting scarves—bright, jewel-colored scarves. Let the shopping begin! And, yes, it’s that season again! We remember Christmases past, enjoy the seasonal music and look forward to being with friends and family perhaps. One of my Christmas memories almost seems unreal. I wonder if I would react the same way today. This would have been in the ‘70s when my three children were small. A young family’s car broke down on a highway near our house on Christmas Eve and a neighbor called to see if we could help them. Two young parents—very broke— were traveling from Illinois to Texas with a three-week-old baby named Elvis. Calls were made. Our church provided them a motel room for two nights. We picked them up for Christmas dinner with us. A parent wired money for their car repair the next day and they went on their way to family. I sometimes wonder what happened to baby Elvis. It reminds me of that other and familiar story of a baby far from home with his young parents. The difference is that I don’t know what happened to baby Elvis, but I do know what happened to the other baby, the one born some 2000 years ago. That was the baby whose life changed the world. The reason for the season! Blessings! Cover photo courtesy of SantaOnVacation.com

Lake/Marion & Sumter

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Around Town

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

Happy Healthy Holidays Health Fair. 9 a.m. to noon. Vendors and free screenings. Florida Hospital Waterman Garden Conf. Center, Tavares. Call (352) 253-3544. Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Performance. 7:30 p.m. $42 in advance, $45 at the door. St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mount Dora. (352) 589-1500. “Fred Claus” Movie in the Park. Bring lawn chair. Free admission. Donnelly Park, Mount Dora. Call (352) 735-7183 for time and details.

through 18 “The Nutcracker.” Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala. Tickets and info: (352) 236-2274.

Mission Inn Holiday Party. 6 to 10 p.m. Admission: $34.99 per person, reservations required. Mission Inn Resort, Howey in the Hills. (352) 324-3916. through 31 Festival of Lights. Dusk to 8:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Silver Springs Theme Park, Ocala. (352) 236-2121 ext.1186. – 23 “The Child—The Story of the First Christmas.” Musical. Mount Dora Community Building, Mount Dora. (352) 383-2165.

“A Christmas Story,” Movie Under the Lights. 7 p.m. Downtown Square, Ocala. Details at (352) 368-5517.

New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration. $155 per person; reservations required. Mission Inn Resort, Howey in the Hills. (352) 324-3101.

Cracker Christmas Parade and Festival. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cadwell Park, Umatilla. More info at (352) 669-3511. Ocala Christmas Parade. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. SR 40/Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (352) 595-2446.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony. 6 to 7 p.m. Downtown Square, Ocala. (352) 291-2218.

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. December 10 for January event.)

and 11 “Pops and Popcorn” Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Seasonal favorites and Holiday Sing-a-Long. $30, Students/$10. Ocala Breeders’ Sales Auditorium, Ocala. (352) 351-1606.

Pagliacci performed by Central Florida Lyric Opera. 3 p.m. $25 for seniors. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium at Lake Sumter Community College, Leesburg. (407) 292-2143.

Opry Star Series. 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Special Show with Lorri Gill’s tribute to Patsy Kline. Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale. (352) 821-1201.

Korean Veterans Meet

f you served in the military, Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines in the Korean Theater between 1945 to the present time, you may want to meet the Korean War Veterans Association of Lake County, Chapter #169. There will be a free breakfast at Perkins Restaurant, located at 27811 U.S. Hwy 27, Leesburg, at

9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13. Go and meet with old buddies you may have served with who have moved to Florida. Please call (352) 748-7009 for reservation as seating is limited. Meetings are held every fourth Wednesday at 1211 Penn Street in Leesburg at 2 p.m.

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 5

Ten-Dollar Christma$ BY TERESA AMBORD

ot much money for Christmas presents this year? That might give you the blues, but it shouldn’t. Look at this as a chance to readjust your focus. If you put your heart into it, when your family and friends look back on this holiday, it won’t be the lack of presents they remember.

We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped carefully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never forget what he gave me. Years ago, the economy was thriving, but my husband and I were in our own recession. As a young man, Mike’s temper and other habits caused him to lose job after job. We barely covered our basic expenses every month. So at Christmas time we assumed we would not be able to buy gifts for each other at all. That was our life then. One year, some friends gave us a small Christmas tree which I decorated with hand-me-down ornaments. Just before Christmas, Mike got paid and we wrote out our bills as usual. To our amazement, there was an extra 20 dollars in the bank. It wasn’t much, but to us, it felt like found wealth. We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped carefully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never forget what he gave me. A couple of days before Christmas he went shopping. He was gone a long time, then ﬁnally he poked his head in the front door. Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 6

“I’m going next door to wrap your presents,” he said with a huge smile. An hour later he returned, carrying a bag and wearing a Santa hat that our neighbor, Pam, had given him. He made me close my eyes while he hid the bag. The next morning Pam came over for coffee after Mike went to work. “Mike must really love you a lot,” she said. “I hope so,” I said, wondering what made her say that. “When he showed me what he bought you, he was so excited his hands were shaking. It was so sweet. I had to cut the paper for him,” she said. Pam’s words were exactly what I needed to hear. My life with Mike was so full of difficulties that each day felt like a struggle. I knew he loved to give gifts. But I wasn’t so sure that he still loved me. Finally it was Christmas morning. As soon as the smell of coffee reached him, Mike bounded out of bed and dug in the closet. Then he appeared, carrying four small presents as if they were fine china. He set them in my lap, then sat on the floor in front of me, watching my face and waiting for my reaction.

The ﬁrst package held green socks—my favorite color. Happily, I put them on. Then Mike handed

me the next package, which was also socks, but red. He pulled off one of my green socks and replaced it with a red one so that I looked more Christmasy. “I got those because your feet are always cold,” he said. “And I know you love new socks.” He was right. I still love new socks. It felt good to know that, even in the chaos of our daily lives, he remembered the things and colors I liked best. Quickly he urged me to open the other two packages, one of which turned out to be a tube of mascara, and the other, a container of eye shadow. They were exactly what I would’ve bought for myself if I’d had a few extra dollars. The colors and brands were perfect. But I was bafﬂed. Mike never paid attention to girly things like makeup. “How did you know what I wanted?” I asked. “I was almost out of both of these. And how did you know the colors and brands I like?” “Before I left for shopping, I looked in your makeup bag. I wrote down what you were running low on. I know you like to have makeup and nice things. But with our money, you can never buy anything for yourself.” My mouth fell open. I pictured my tall, rough-around-the-edges husband, plodding down the makeup aisle at the drugstore looking for the things on his list. Knowing Mike, I assumed the list was written on his hand, and it was. The thought he put into buying these things for me was amazing. No amount of money could’ve replaced that consideration.

That’s the Mike I want to remember. He was a troubled soul with seriously destructive habits that took a heavy toll on our family and on his body. Because of that, he passed away too young. Our years together were tumultuous, but they weren’t all bad. Some stand out like pockets of calm in a long storm. For me that Christmas, it boiled down to one thing. Mike knew me. He could have bought any old thing. Instead he went to great effort to see me smile when I opened his packages. That was the true gift. That was 26 years ago. But today when I think of Mike, that Christmas is the memory I choose. Whether or not money is short this Christmas, our extravagances should not be in the money we spend. It should be in the thought we put into ﬁnding what warms the hearts of our loved ones and makes them smile down to their souls. Anyone can do that. Teresa Ambord is a full-time business writer who works from her home in rural upstate California. For fun she writes family stories, with the inspiration and assistance of her small dogs.

Fun Santa Facts

anta is a man of many names. In the United States, Santa is called St. Nick and sometimes Kris Kringle. He’s called Father Christmas in England, Christkindli in Switzerland, Pere Noel in France, Babbo Natale in Italy and Weihnachtsmann in Austria. Where does Santa go on vacation? You can visit Santa’s Beach House Village in Panama City, Florida. See visitpanama citybeach.com. U.S. scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, traveling at 650 miles a second. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa Claus’s sleigh ride across the globe every Christmas Eve and posts realtime updates via RAO_GenPract_MatureLife_halfpg.pdf the internet. Visit noradsanta.org.

Santa’s traditional suit depends on which country you’re in. In England and the U.S, he wears red and white. In some European countries, he was said to have worn a red or black bishop’s cloak with bishop hat, and sometimes a long green furry robe. On Santa’s blog on santaflorida. com, one reader asks: Does Santa Claus have swimming trunks? His reply: Indeed I do, and I use them regularly. I like to swim best in the summer, but I am known to jump into the icy cold water and play with polar bears. I always make sure the Elf lifeguards are on duty. Every year in California, a “Surfing Santa” contest is held to benefit charities. See surfingsantacontest.org. 10/20/11 5:00:34 PM From internet sources.

Wine & ChoColate Festival

Featuring Lakeridge Wines and godiva ChoCoLate arts & CraFts, Food, Wine, Live MusiC $2.00 donation to the ameriCan heart assoCiation deCeMber 10th (10:00 a.M.-5:00 p.M.) deCeMber 11th (11:00 a.M.-5:00 p.M.)

Winter musiC series

Food, Wine, Live MusiC Free adMission January 7th (1:00 a.M.-4:00 p.M.) January 14th (1:00 a.M.-4:00 p.M.) January 21st (1:00 a.M.-4:00 p.M.) January 28th (1:00 a.M.-4:00 p.M.)

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 7

Symphony Orchestra Brings Sparkle to the Season BY YVONNE CURLEY

heir repertoire of musical numbers is fascinating. The musicians’ backgrounds are impressive. The Principal Conductor brings incredible energy to the stage. No, you’re not in Boston; you’re in Mt. Dora, Florida, where mostly rural Lake County boasts an impressive professional symphony orchestra on a par with the Boston Symphony. “People are very surprised by our orchestra,” says Audrey Sanders, executive director of Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Sanders and her late husband, pianist and composer Guy Saint-Clair, founded the orchestra seven years ago. Today, that orchestra of more than 60 professionals is composed of musicians from many places. When the couple decided to start an orchestra, they made the decision not to have a mediocre orchestra. “No way,” says Sanders. “We hired the best.”

Sanders continues, “Our St. Patrick Catholic Church on musicians are not volunteers; December 9. With seating for they are all professionals 1,000 and a program involvwho play in other symphoing lots of community nies, literally around the members, this one-time world. I hire people from performance is one you all over Florida as well as won’t want to miss. from London, PhiladelThe first half of the phia, Venezuela, Romaprogram will be traditional nia. We bring them in secular songs of the season, because they are so great.” according to Sanders, and Michael J. Garasi is Printhe second half will be more cipal Conductor, and Sanders spiritual songs. “The Parade says, “Everyone loves him. of the Wooden Soldiers” Michael J. Garasi is He’s very charismatic.” Principal Conductor will feature students from Sanders feels positive the Mt. Dora School of about the way the community has Ballet. Watch for the Junior Cotillion supported the orchestra. “That’s why (“those lovely young girls in their we can continue to grow. Because long white dresses and young men in people buy tickets, we can continue tails”) doing the Polonaise. Members to bring in the musicians we do.” of area church choirs will line the aisles to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Concerts “We need people voting with The Florida Lakes Symphony their feet to keep the orchestra Orchestra is getting ready to present by coming to the concerts to their Christmas Concert at Mt. Dora’s show support,” says Sanders.

Stay Connected! Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles are now on and

“Like” us or “Follow” us to keep up with Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles news, the latest information and fun events in your area, and share your comments with us! Search for our Facebook page under “Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles.” Or visit: www.seniorconnectionfl.com and click on the Facebook icon on the top right side of the webpage. Or type: facebook.com/pages/Senior-Connection-andMature-Lifestyles/139650756073347 into your browser. Or visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MaturLifestyles (without the “e”). Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 8

Tickets are $42 per person in advance—be sure to allow enough time for mailing your check and receiving tickets—or $45 per person at the door. Bus pickup is available in some areas. Call (352) 504-5395. “That’s a good way to enjoy an evening in Mt. Dora—to see the lights and hear the orchestra,” says Sanders. Coming concerts: Mar. 22 and 23 “LA CHAIM To Life!” music from Fiddler on the Roof, The Rabbi’s Dance, Theme from Exodus and much more. Jan. 12 and 13 “Waters of the World” with Blue Danube, Russian Sailor’s Dance, Handel’s Water Music and more. Feb. 16 and 17 “Tribute to Guy Saint-Clair” with his Slavic Dances and Troika. For more information about the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra or to order tickets, call (352) 589-1500 or write Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, 2034 Bayside Ave., Mount Dora, FL 32757.

Friendships: A Key to Longevity “M

ake two friends and call me in the morning.” The next time you ask us how to get healthy and live longer, that may be our answer. No, don’t go crazy signing up new “friends” on Facebook. It’s about quality, not quantity; about having the kinds of friends you can hang with for hours, call with big news or give a kidney to. If you’ve got friends like this, you have a 50 percent better chance of living longer than people who don’t have good friends, says a startling new analysis of 300,000 people and their pals. Put another way: Having friends is as powerful as quitting smoking (and way more fun). Not having them is even more life-threatening than becoming obese or so inactive that just

getting off the couch involves grunting. So making new friends and keeping the old ones near should be at the top of your healthy to-do list. Try this: • Get physical. Take exercise classes together, help in each other’s lawns, do early morning laps around the mall.

• Go out and give. Need a bigger social circle? Volunteer for a community center, a hospital or a park cleanup. You’ll connect with people who care about the same things you do.

• Organize a reunion. Don’t wait for a funeral to get together; have a happy gathering. Family pals are some of the closest friends you’ll ever have.

• Keep these important relationships alive. They’ll do the same for you.

Veterans Corner

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

A Day With a World War II Honor Flight WWII Memorial: H onor Flights are flights to transport WWII veterans to Washington, DC to be honored at the WWII Memorial. A day spent with 75 or more of the 85- to 100-year-old veterans starts early and ends late and is filled with smiles, tears, old memories and new friends.

4:30 a.m.: Arrive at

airport where veterans and their guardians (sometimes family members) meet for a 6 a.m. departure by chartered flight to Washington, DC. Veterans wear one color shirt; guardians wear another color.

Veterans spend time, often telling stories as memories rush in. Many groups are personally greeted at the memorial by former U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole (a World War II veteran who received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star).

Army Nurse Hazel Murphy sat on a rainy visit remembering her four years of duty in the Pacific.

First stop: Iwo Jima Memorial

for a group picture. Other stops: Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam and Korean Memorials.

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Washington arrival: Local volunteers cheer the group and assist in getting to chartered buses. One man, dressed in a WWII Army uniform, brought smiles with his sign “Lookin’ for Kilroy.” Remember Kilroy?

Sun Cycle Center 100 W. Burleigh Blvd. (Hwy. 441) Tavares, FL 32778

Mail Call:

Aboard the flight home, veterans open letters from a thankful nation. Letters come from school classes and friends as well as from anonymous strangers grateful to live in a free country. One seventh grader’s letter read, “Politicians say they’re going to Do It, Do It, Do It. You’re one who went out and Did It.” In the hometown airport, hundreds of people dress in red, white and blue to celebrate their heroes.

God bless America!

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Across Wal-Mart

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 9

Mature Lifestyles â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ page 10

White Christmas Coming

ere’s an opportunity to see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas performed to benefit The Community Medical Care Center by Melon Patch Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. Choose your level of sponsorship as follows:

• Sugar Plum – $25 (one ticket) • Snowflake – $50 (2 tickets)

• North Star – $75 (3 tickets) • Angel – $100 (4 tickets)

Community Medical Care Center is a volunteer organization that provides free medical and dental care to the needy. Melon Patch Theatre is at 311 N. 13th Street, Leesburg. Call Tammy at (352) 787-8489 for tickets.

Music of the Season E

njoy the following at Savannah Center, The Villages. (352) 7533229. Two shows: 6 and 8:30 p.m.

B.J. Thomas Christmas Show. “Another Somebody Does Somebody Wrong Song.” $30.

A Celtic Yuletide starring Michael Londra.

12 14

Mickey Finn Christmas Show with the Liberty Voices. $27

and 15 Tony Orlando Christmas Show. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon.” $31.

Also at Savannah Center The Nutcracker presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. Performance at 7 p.m.

Florida Residents Can Enjoy Biking Every Day!

hat is Florida living without a bike? We have the ultimate climate that is conducive to bike exercise. You can do it virtually every day of the year from January to December. In the cooler winter months, what could be more beautiful than biking on a sunny afternoon? Or in the summer, just get up early to beat the heat and watch our gorgeous sunrises. Either way, you are guaranteed to be able to use your bike to exercise and build good healthy habits every day. Many people want to ride bicycles but find getting on and off of one more than what they can handle. Biria USA is producing bicycles, called the Easy Boarding, that are specifically geared towards this growing market. The “Easy Boarding” bike makes cycling easier for older adults because it has a frame bar that is only six inches off the ground, creating a

step-through frame that is extremely easy to mount. Riders can mount the “Easy Boarding” bike simply by lifting their leg less than 6 inches rather than up and over the bike’s frame, like on traditional designs. With such advanced, senior-oriented features as upright seating (for less back pain), relaxed arm position (for more control), and a unique step-through design (making it easier to get on the bike), Biria bikes can be just the thing for the active senior! Imagine – healthy exercise, good conversation, fresh air,and a feeling of freedom, all while burning off fat and improving your health! Isn’t that why we live in Florida? For more information on Biria bicycles or to find a Biria distributor near you, visit www.biria.com or call 1-201461-1980. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 11

For Healthy Holiday Recipes, Get Creative With New Ingredients

ating healthy during the holidays can be difficult. There’s no need to entirely forgo your favorite festive foods this season. Try substituting healthier ingredients into your favorite recipes. Instead of mayonnaise or cream cheese, use Chobani Greek Yogurt. It’s a great way to cut out extra calories without sacrificing taste. Greek yogurt also has two times more protein than regular yogurt and it’s a great source of calcium. Have fun in the kitchen with these two delicious and nutritious recipes. Find more at chobanikitchen.com. (Family Features)

Recipe Turkey Potpie

Yield: 4 servings 1 small onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 1/2 cup peeled potato, diced 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup chicken broth 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed 1/2 cup frozen peas 1 cup 0% Plain Chobani 1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry

In large saucepan, sauté onion, carrot, potato and celery in butter until tender. Add flour and seasonings until blended; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in turkey, peas and Chobani; divide mixture among four ungreased 5-inch pie plates. Divide pastry into quarters. On a lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into a 6-inch circle; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges; cut slits to vent. Cover and freeze two potpies for up to 3 months. Bake the remaining potpies at 375˚ F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 12

To use frozen potpies: Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges of crusts loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375˚ F for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 – 20 minutes longer or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Nutritional Information: Calories 510, Calories from Fat 240, Total Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 90mg, Sodium 900mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g, Protein 31g

Cranberry Orange Bread Yield: 10 (3/4-inch) slices

2 cups allpurpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup 2% Plain Chobani 1 cup sugar 1 egg 3/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon grated orange zest 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped coarsely Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In medium bowl, combine dry ingredients. Set aside. In large bowl, mix together Chobani and sugar. Add egg and combine. Stir in orange juice. Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Mix only until just combined. Carefully, fold in orange zest, cranberries and walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert pan to remove, and finish cooling on rack. Wrap in plastic and foil. This bread is extra delicious on the second day. Nutritional Information: Calories 160, Calories from Fat 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 230 mg, Total Carbohydrate 31g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 15g, Protein 5g

How to Volunteer with Passion “I

f you want to feel good, volunteer,” said Sellman, a volunteer with 16 different groups and author of the children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake. “There are few ways to feel as good about yourself as volunteering.” The key to discovering that feeling is to let your passion guide you when you decide to volunteer, she added. Her tips for beginning volunteers include: • Choose Wisely—Many people get “roped into” volunteering for an organization because their boss or family member is involved. Those can be rewarding ways to enter volunteerism, but only if the project is a match for your personal interests. The most important aspect to volunteerism is to find what you love. Just pick the right one, and your volunteer time won’t be a chore—it will be a joy.

• Watch Your Schedule—As much as you want your passion to direct your choice of project, you don’t want those volunteer projects to rule your schedule. Most organizations will take as much time as you offer them, but if you only have an hour or two each week, they’ll take that time, too. Your volunteer life should not consume your work or home life.

• Have Fun—Helping others is its own reward, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Even the most mundane task can be fun if you manage it with a sense of humor and passion for helping others. More at lisasellman.com.

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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. to 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 actical. 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 ortunity for valuable income tax and estate tax For information on ngs. 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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ther 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

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The Greatest Human Is Will Power e-mail: Strength twilliams@cornerstonehospice.org R (352) 742-6800

epeat after me: “I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream.” Now, behold the luscious waffle cone heaped with scoops of rocky road and vanilla caramel ripple? Repeat after me: “Well . . . maybe just a little taste . . . .” Arrgh—don’t do it! At least not until you’ve read Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by FSU Professor Roy F. Baumeister. Baumeister learned that willpower “gives people the strength to persevere, how they lose self-control as their willpower is depleted and how this mental energy is fueled by the glucose in the body’s bloodstream.” His research shows that selfregulation, like a muscle, can sometimes be worn down. When

subjects were given a task that required them to resist something—like a sweet treat or not thinking about a certain kind of animal—they didn’t perform as well on a subsequent assigned task involving willpower, a result of what Baumeister calls “ego depletion.” Even more interesting was that when the subjects were given a sugar-sweetened drink, self-control actually improved. Apparently, the sugar provided fuel for the brain to get back to work and restore the person’s willpower. And when subjects were asked to make moderate lifestyle changes, such as exercising, they eventually displayed greater overall self-control in their lives, which showed that willpower can be beefed up much like an unused muscle. (Newswise)

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 14

The Healthy Geezer

BY FRED CICETTI

. What is acetaminophen

and why do I see it listed on so many products in my medicine cabinet? A: Acetaminophen is the most widely

used pain-reliever and fever-reducer in the world. It is contained in more than 100 products. Tylenol is the best known over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen product. It is also a component of well known prescription drugs such as Darvocet and Percocet. Acetaminophen also is known as paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package label carefully. If your doctor prescribes it for you, the prescription label will tell you how often to take it. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. The risk for liver damage may be increased if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks while using medicines that contain acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams in adults. The toxic dose of acetaminophen after a single acute ingestion is about 7 grams in adults. The at-risk dose may be lower in some susceptible populations, such as alcohol abusers. When dosing recommendations are followed, the risk of liver toxicity is extremely small. Acetaminophen is one of the most common pharmaceutical agents involved in overdose, as reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. One of the problems with acetaminophen is its widespread use. You have to check your medicine cabinet to see what products contain acetaminophen. Then, if you’re taking more than one medication, be sure you don’t exceed the maximum daily dose. Adults should not take acetaminophen for pain for more than 10 days without talking to a doctor. Acetaminophen should not be taken for high fever, for fever lasting more than three days, or for recurrent fever without a doctor’s supervision. There are basically two types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Some contain acetaminophen and others contain non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of OTC NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis). NSAIDs are associated with stomach distress. You should talk to your doctor before using NSAIDS if you are over 60, taking prescription blood thinners, have stomach ulcers or other bleeding problems. NSAIDs can also cause reversible damage to the kidneys. The risk of kidney damage may increase in people who are over 60, have high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-existing kidney disease, and people who are taking a diuretic. You should talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about using an OTC medicine before using it in combination with other medicines—either OTC or prescription medicine. Combining prescription medicines and OTC medicines can lead to problematic drug interactions. All older adults should consult their doctors before taking any OTC medication or herbal. Often, older adults use many drugs at the same time, including prescription and OTC drugs. They also process drugs differently than younger adults. This is why older adults need to be especially careful about drug-drug interactions. If you’re a senior, talk with your doctor about all of the drugs and herbal health products you take. He or she can tell you whether you are at risk for having a bad reaction from taking an OTC drug. 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.

Home for the Holidays—and Every Other Day Is There a Kipper in Your House?

own Under in Australia, they call them “kippers”—“kids in parents’ pockets eroding retirement savings.” The 2010 U.S. census figures indicate that more than 80 million so-called American “empty nesters” now find themselves with at least one grown child living at home. U.S. pundits refer to these adult children as the “boomerang” generation. Some kids return home for economic reasons—this year over 18 percent of 16-to-24-year-olds were unemployed vs. 8.7 percent for people over 25. College grads with college loans may move back in with their parents— where life is comfortable and rent is either low or nonexistent—while they get their finances in order.

Of course, some return for personal reasons, to recover from a divorce or an illness, or just because they cannot afford their parents’ lifestyle living on their own. Focus on the Family, which has an extensive family-related website, offers these tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with your adult child: • Trust your adult children to make wise choices, even if they sometimes don’t. They’ll eventually figure things out. After all, didn’t you learn much the same way?

• Squelch the impulse to give advice unless it’s asked for. That’s easier to do when your kids are out of your radar range, but when they’re sleeping just down the hall, selfcensorship can be more difficult. You don’t want to sound like a nagging broken record of “You shouldn’t have” and “Why didn’t you?” • Communication is key. Set a regular time to discuss issues, clarify expectations or simply clear the air. Pray together regularly. • Practice grace—everyone. We all have bad days. Three or more adults living in one house is a challenge whether you’re related or not. Give each other some space! A New York Life spokesman notes that the return by adult children to the nest can become a financial burden that can derail the parents’ plans and jeopardize their financial future, especially their retirement, as they try to do too much for their children.

They offer these key suggestions for dealing with debt and helping your children out financially: 1. Help them restructure debts, rather than simply bail them out. Then teach them how to avoid new debt. One option is to match debtreduction payments with the understanding that they put away credit cards and live within their means. 2. Do not sacrifice your own financial future. Decide how much you want and can afford to help. Children tend to think their parents are wealthy, while some parents provide more financial support than they can afford. Having your children return to the safety net of your home can be a wonderful time of family closeness. Setting the tone, laying out the ground rules and making smart-money financial decisions can help create a positive, supportive environment that is in the best interests of you and your returning family members. Your role is to guide them.

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Handling Family Tension During the Holidays

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This new Talking Atomic Watch is the ultimate in simplicity, accuracy, and practicality. It’s accurate to within a billionth of a second… and it talks!

just threw my watch in the “Ten-ten AM, trash. I got it as a gift a while Thursday, back—and it was something November 30th, else. It had four different 2011” digital displays, about a dozen buttons, was waterproof to about a thousand feet, and I think it could even tell me the weather. I’ll never know, though, because, like I said, it’s in the trash. Turns out it couldn’t do the one thing I want a watch to do … tell me the correct time. It always ran a little slow, which was bad enough, but there were so many displays and they were so small that I couldn’t easy-to-understand voice. So whether tell the time even if it was accurate. you’re driving to an appointment or When I tried to reset it, I pushed the dining in a candlelit restaurant … you wrong button and set it on military time, are sure to know the exact time. Press and I couldn’t figure out how to switch it the button again and it will even tell you back. That was the last straw. Now, I’ve the day and date if you want. There’s got a great watch. It’s super-accurate, even an automatic hourly chime. easy-to-read, and it will even tell … yes tell … me the time. Best of all, I’ll never Try it for yourself… it’s risk-free. have to set it! This is the watch I’ve The US Atomic Clock cost billions to been waiting for. build and maintain, but you can have the next best thing for less than one Whether you travel or not… this watch is hundred dollars. Thanks to a special a necessity. This Talking Atomic Watch arrangement with the manufacturer, from firstSTREET maintains its we can offer you this watch at a phenomenal accuracy because it is special price with our exclusive designed to receive a signal from home trial. If you are not completely the US Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, amazed by the accuracy and quality Colorado. This clock is the standard of this product, simply return it within for time measurement worldwide… it 90 days for a “No Questions Asked” can go 20 million years without gaining refund of the product purchase price. or losing a second! It never needs to Call now. be set, because it automatically adjusts itself for daylight savings time and leap years.

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Easy to read, even easier to hear. The most accurate watch in the world is of no use if you can’t read it. This timepiece is designed to tell you the correct time… anytime. It features a clear, uncluttered analog display that you won’t need reading glasses to see. Best of all, you can press a button and it will tell you the time in a clear,

he holiday season is a hectic time for many people. Staying sane is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family. Every family has dysfunction, of course, because no member is perfect. But some families are prone to more interpersonal tension than others, due to diverse personalities, circumstances, values and lifestyles among members. Read on for some tips on how to cope with the almost inevitable stress inherent when relatives get together for the holidays.

Retirement Living Preparation Make it a point to practice self-care at this time of the year. Eat healthy foods, make time for exercise and get adequate sleep. Allow plenty of time to get ready for a family event, so you’re relaxed and feel your best. Conjure up compassion for relatives who emanate negativity, bearing in mind that they are unhappy individuals. Try to feel pity rather than anger towards them. Set realistic expectations about family members’ behavior. The narcissist, non-stop talker or chronic complainer is not going to change. Plan to steer clear of them if possible, otherwise limit the amount of time you spend with them. Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are up to the challenge of gracefully handling a few hours with anyone. If you are particularly anxious about a gathering, invite a friend along for support. Aim to cut your visit short as a last resort. Plan something to look forward to afterwards. During a Gathering: Do’s and Don’ts Avoid consuming alcohol; otherwise, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Disinhibition can cause you to say things you may regret.

Practice good listening skills: pay attention, don’t interrupt and ask open-ended questions. Be conscious of your non-verbal language, keeping your posture open (avoid crossing your arms), making eye contact and nodding periodically. Show courtesy towards everyone. When you can’t manage any more politeness towards a particular individual, find a reason to excuse yourself and move on. Count to ten and refuse to take the bait when someone tries to one-up you or goad you into an argument. Instead, adopt a “stupid and cheerful” demeanor – signature advice from syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne. Stay away from contentious topics and change the subject if others raise them. Don’t participate in gossip or put-downs of others, or bring up unpleasant events. Engage relatives positively by reminiscing about pleasant times or inquiring about something meaningful to them, such as their children or grandchildren, work, a hobby or a recent vacation. Breathe deeply if you find yourself getting stressed. If that doesn’t help, head to the washroom or step outside, to compose yourself. Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a certain degree, you will make it through family events, perhaps even better than you anticipated. If things don’t go well in spite of your best efforts to be congenial, plan a vacation over the holidays next year, so you can have a guilt-free break from family functions - and other sources of seasonal stress - and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in inter-generational issues.

Medicare: What You Need To Know

he health reform law has made some important changes to Medicare that go into effect in 2012.

• Make way for baby boomers qualifying for “Original Medicare” at age 65. This year, baby boomers begin turning 65, which means more people will be enrolling in Medicare this year than in the past. All of these new enrollees will put more stress on Medicare enrollment experts.

• “Newbies” be aware of deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket limits and prescription drugs. If you’re new to Medicare, it’s important to know that both parts of Original Medicare (A and B) have deductibles. And, the deductibles are not tied to a calendar year like they are with

traditional health insurance. Instead, they’re tied to a 90-day beneﬁt period, with some exceptions.

• Get “star power” in 2012. The Affordable Care Act (health reform) requires a star rating system to be used for Medicare Advantage plans, beginning in 2012. Plans get a rating of 1 to 5, with a 5-star rating equating to an “Excellent Performance,” and a 1-star rating equating to a “Poor Performance.” If you’re lucky enough to have access to a 5-star plan, consider it as an option for your coverage. One beneﬁt of a 5-star plan is that you can enroll in it any time, even outside of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Ross Blair is President and CEO of Plan Prescriber, Inc. (www.PlanPrescriber.com)

Word Search Dec. 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?

Last Month’s Answers

Nov. Sudoku

Sylvia Foster is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Dec. 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. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 21 will win. Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

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

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BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

A Little White Lie

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

n defense, sometimes a little white lie is necessary in order to point Partner in the right direction. No more clues, here’s your problem:

You are sitting East, trying to beat 4♥. Partner leads the ♣A. Where can you find four defensive tricks? No doubt Declarer has the ♠A and the ♥A for that opening bid, so at first glance it may appear that the best the defense can do is to take its two Club tricks and the ♦A. Any ideas for an extra trick? OK, now that you’ve solved the problem, the full hand: That’s right, at Trick 1 East falsecards with the ♣8, showing a doubleton! East’s plan is to conjure up a

trump trick out of thin air. Look what happens! West next cashes the ♣K, and East completes his fake high-low. Then West plays a third round of Clubs and who can blame Declarer for ruffing that trick high in Dummy? Obviously he doesn’t want to get overruffed by East, and, anyway, squandering that high trump costs nothing if the trumps are 3-1 or 2-2. But they are 4-0, so East gets a trump trick and it’s down one! It was necessary to fool Partner as well as Declarer. If East had signaled honestly in Clubs, then, at Trick 3, West would no doubt have shifted to the ♠Q, hoping that East has the Ace and trying to grab a couple of Spade tricks before they disappear on the Diamonds. Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail marketing@acbl.org To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

Only in America. . .

nly in America ...do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America ...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ...do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America ...do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

Only in America ...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke.

Only in America ...do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Congratulations, Mature Lifestyles and Senior Connection!

Dear Readers, very month, Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles magazines look forward to bringing you the latest and best information on health and wellness, travel, finances and retirement living. We celebrate our local heroes and encourage seniors like ourselves to stay connected to their community and live life to its fullest. We are proud to announce that Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles magazines have won awards for excellence at the 2011 North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) convention last month. We could not have done it without the support of our readers and sponsors. Thank you!

Awards and NAMPA Comments: General Excellence, Second Place: Mature Lifestyles, Florida This publication showcases the personalities, events, news and features that fit its readership with strong, clear writing

and cheerful, effective design. It packs a wealth of content into each issue, making it a good investment in the time spent reading it. Travel, First Place: Kathy Beck, “Belfast’s Iconic Titanic Comes to Life,” Senior Connection, Florida In this first-person account, the writer takes us along as she visits both a historic city and the museum dedicated to its most famous ship. Detailed writing and the accompanying photographs put us in the scene. Profile, First Place: Tracie Schmidt, “Elie Wiesel Connects Cultures, Generations Through his Work,” Senior Connection, Florida Elie Wiesel is internationally known for his retelling of the Holocaust story and his pursuit of its perpetrators. At 83, he reveals his private life, including his love of his grandchildren. To learn more, visit maturepublishers.com or seniorconnection fl.com.

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(352) 787-3034 Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 19

Seniors Getting Together Attention SGTers!

4080 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN White, Christian female, never smoke, wine with my dinner (a glass). Honest, healthy, music, exercises, travel, etc. Please send a recent photo.

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!

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 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. 4079 SEEKING ONE SPECIAL LADY SWM seeks SWF who’s normal, nice, mentally stable with no baggage or issues, in good health, for friendship and dating and maybe more.

WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4061 PRETTY DBF, 54, CURVY, looking for a S/DWM who can be monogamous, sensual, funny and patient, and can picture himself in LTR with me. Pinellas County. 4078 WIDOW SEEKS COMPANIONSHIP with a real gentleman. One who likes movies, walking home, cooking besides eating out—a gentleman who is sincere and honest.

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Commonly Used Abbreviations:

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

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

TO PLACE AN AD

At the Appleton

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.

ee the following exhibitions at the Appleton Museum, Ocala: Through Dec. 31: Exhibit: A Dickens’ Christmas: The Urban Family Collection. A vast collection of miniature Charles Dickens-era villages, holiday decorations and dazzling ornaments. Through Jan. 22: Museum Exhibit: Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage or Screen. Information at (352) 291-4455.

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

Name: Address: City: Phone:

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

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 20

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 21

• Shopping ~ Dining ~ Lighted Canal Cruises through Dec. 31st, 2011 • Festival of Lights Daily through Dec. 31st, 2011 • Extended shopping hours • Daily live entertainment/ events

Senior Connection presents... California Coast

9 Days • 11 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners September 23 – October 1, 2012

Travel: To Shop or Not to Shop BY YVONNE CURLEY

hopping can be a big part of travel. Unique wares and low prices draw us to products created in exotic locations. But consider the cost and difficulty of getting it home before you buy. It seems easy enough to say, “I’ll have them ship it.” Not so fast. A fellow traveler at a pottery shop in Peru purchased pottery knickknacks for gifts and told the clerk to pack them for shipping. It turned out that the packing and shipping charges were $95 for her $50 purchases. I bought one very nice bowl and several smaller pieces and decided to carry them home. The shop wrapped them securely in a cardboard box, but I knew it wouldn’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. What to do? I

later bargained at the outdoor market for an inexpensive cloth bag which would fit under the airplane seat. Since then, I carry a very lightweight nylon duffel bag in my suitcase in case I find irresistible items. If I do, I pack the nylon bag with dirty clothes and extra shoes and check it as a second piece of luggage. My larger suitcase can be packed with my purchased treasures safely wrapped in other clothing or wrapped in native newspapers. Some travelers pick something specific and easy to carry to shop for in each location, such as unframed pen and ink drawings or watercolor prints or perhaps embroidered pieces which can be framed at home. To shop or not to shop? Why, shop, of course!

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 22

Take Your Class Online! ��at�� leisure, �� • Study your 24�� hours week. ��a day, 7 days a�� • Simply read the course materials online and then answer a few quiz questions. �� • There no need to attend boring classes or listen to long�� lectures. �� is�� of�� • After completion, course we�� will issue a�� state-certiﬁed certiﬁcate for you to

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Mobile, Alabama…Prepare to be Surprised! On the edge of Mobile Bay, the Five Rivers Delta Center offers outdoor activity and adventure in the scenic waterways, woods and wetlands where ﬁve rivers converge. The interpretive center presents background, live exhibits and is adjacent to the Bertram Canoe Trail. I enjoyed a kayak trip but guided trips are also available on pontoon boats.

BY DAVID LALMOND

n Mobile, Alabama, the coastal way of life is lived out every day in food, music and festivals. Mobile still holds surprises for the traveler, whether for a day or a week. Prepare to be surprised as you eat your way along the bay, visit dozens of historical sites and get out on the water. Or join one of their many festivals. It’s worth a stop!

Travel

Or go to Mobile when the gardens are in bloom, and that is When to go year-round in Mobile at BellinMARDI GRAS grath Gardens and Home – the in Mobile…the house that Coke built. Mr. Walter surprising original! Bellingrath was an early franchise The first known investor in the Coca-Cola CompaAmerican Mardi ny and today his famous 75-yearClimb aboard a real Gras celebration Mardi Gras float at the old estate on 65 acres presents took place in MoMardi Gras Museum. a horticultural bouquet where bile in 1703, even there are blooms most every day before New Orleans had one. Visit of the year. World-renowned for its Mobile Carnival Museum to see a secamellias in winter, 2,000 rose bushes lection of jeweled robes and crowns of in summer, dozens of azalea bushes past celebrations. Go aboard an actual in spring, magnificent Christmas float and learn about the two weeks lights and much more. Popular among of celebrations that culminate on “Fat travelers, it’s an easy drive off I-10. Tuesday” each year. Docents take you through the cultural and social aspects of local Mardi Gras traditions.

Or maybe go for New Years. On New Years Eve, you can relax with an RC Cola and a Moon Pie (or champagne) in Mobile. At midnight a twelve-foot illuminated MoonPie descends from a 34-story tower to usher in the new year, Mobile style. (Mobile consumes four million Moon Pies annually, so many that the city has adopted the delicious treat as an informal emblem.) So...enjoy MoonPie Over Mobile next New Years Eve.

In the Museum of Mobile, a “Human Cargo” exhibit shows how slaves were transported from Africa in the hold of a ship.

What to see In the Museum of Mobile, innovative and state-of-the-art exhibits help you relive the journey of some of the earliest Americans. Particularly impressive were the African-American stories and their inﬂuence in arts, sports and leadership. Civil War soldiers tell their stories. Natural disasters are portrayed as their impact changed the commercial fortunes of Mobile.

Get up close and personal with the human heart at The Gulf Coast Exploreum

The Gulf Coast Exploreum is a kid’s ﬁeld trip delight and the only science center between Houston and Tampa along the Gulf coast. High tech adventure in heart health awaits the visitor. The Ciba Lab offers lab coat and goggles so you can try your hand at table-top experiments. Hands-on interactive exhibits offer a chance to strum a tune on a laser harp. The Virtual Journeys Digital Theater uses powerful computers and digital projection systems the size of an 18-wheeler. You can relive baseball’s glory days at the Hank Aaron Childhood

Jubilee! N

home and museum. His childhood in Mobile is presented at the Hank Aaron Stadium where the Mobile Bay Bears play (afﬁliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks). A walk through downtown Mobile, takes you to A & M Peanut Shop with an original Planters peanut roaster still in operation and Three Georges Ice Cream Shop. Stop for lunch at the Spot of Tea and then be sure to see the old Saenger Theater and the beautiful 19th century cathedral.

Where to stay The newly remodeled Battle House Hotel is one of the grand old hotels of the South. Located in downtown Mobile, the Battle House Hotel opened in 1852 and has been opened and closed a couple of times, but the recently completed renovation easily makes it the most desirable hotel stay along the coast. Rooms are luxurious, the pool and ﬁtness area exceptional and service is genteel Southern. If you don’t have the time or inclination to stay at the Battle House, tours are available through the Beaux Art style lobby. Unique to the second ﬂoor is the “whispering arch” where one may whisper at one end of an arch and be clearly heard 35 feet away at the other end of the arch. For information, visit mobilebay. org or call 1-800-5MOBILE. Oysters at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile, served “fried, stewed or nude” since 1938.

ear Mobile, the town of Daphne is world-known for the unusual phenomenon of “jubilee.” Once or more a year, environmental factors deplete the water of oxygen drawing shrimp, flounder, crab and other fish up to the surface close to the shore. The word goes out, phones ring all over the area—“Jubilee!”—and residents rush with their coolers to the area to collect immense numbers of fish, free for the picking up. Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 23

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