Mature Lifestyles Feb. 2012 Lake/Marion edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

• Diabetes Aid For Veterans • Everything Old in London is New Again • Hang Up Your Car Keys • Tips For the Heart

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 2

Local Area Is “Crown Jewel of Bird Watching” BY CHRIS PATTON, Hometown Highlights of Lake County

he crown jewel of bird watching in Lake County is also one of the most prized conservation areas in all of Central Florida. And what separates this area from other preserves is the over-four-mile wildlife drive which makes up-close viewing and listening possible. Although the 7,089-acre preserve known as the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is almost a secret outside of the Sunshine State, local bird watchers and environmentalists rave about its large and diverse wildlife population. After only a decade of rehabilitation, the St. Johns River Water Management District, along with support from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society, has accomplished an astounding feat of creating a viable conservation area and an ecotourism attraction.

The Emerelda Marsh is a favorite destination because of its diverse and immense habitats that are favorites of migrating birds. However, from bald eagles to bobcats, wildlife populations at the conservation area are plentiful, including one of the highest alligator production areas in Central Florida. “The most striking thing about Emeralda is it is just a big, big habitat, and that tends to attract not only big numbers, but occasionally rare birds,” said Dr. Peter May, an avid bird watcher and a professor at Stetson University. “So you get stuff out there that unexpectedly shows up one time and then you don’t see it again.” Right after the hurricanes several years ago, for example, there was a bird that showed up called the Purple Swamphen, which is an introduced species in Florida. They are similar to Purple Gallinule, but they are bigger and they are from Australia and Asia. They have been in the Miami area for about 10 years, but

The Snowy Egret (top left), Great Blue Heron (top right), Northern Mockingbird (bottom left) and Anhinga (bottom right) are just a few of the birds that can be found at Emeralda Marsh.

they had never been north of Lake Okeechobee before that season. While all bird watchers are in search of the unordinary species sighting, some birders flock to Emeralda Marsh to witness the sheer numbers of some of the more common sorts.

“One day at Emeralda” begins local bird watcher Greg Gensheimer. His story is like many other fortunate birders that have been to Emeralda Marsh to see the thousands of Common Moorhens, Egrets and Herons that breed in the area. For Gensheimer it was the remarkable sight of witnessing hundreds of Blue-Winged Teal taking off. “It was so loud you could hear the wings,” he said. “You don’t see that everywhere, it was just incredible. It was almost like an Andy Warhol painting, and that’s what makes this place so cool.” A handicapped-accessible wildlife viewing platform is available. Directions: From U.S. Highway 441, turn east on to County Road 44. Turn left on to Emeralda Avenue. When road comes to a “T”, turn left and follow Emeralda Island Road. For more information about park hours, call the St. Johns Water Management District at (386) 329-4404 or log on to sjrwmd.org.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 3

Meet Me At The Fair Dear Readers,

ebruary is my favorite time of the year! Annual festivals, celebrations and fairs will be taking place all over the state. Kathy Beck, Check your local Publisher calendar for some in your area. Many of these events are free or have a small entrance fee, and they include entertainment, education, fun and food! One of my favorites is the Florida State Fair, which has been held in Tampa since 1904. It has grown over the years, but it still holds that hometown Florida feel with the daily parade that includes high school marching bands, horses, themed floats and clowns. Artisans display their crafts, and Cracker Country’s view back into the pioneer days of Florida is a hands-on education for every age.

Lake/Marion & Sumter

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

General Manager: Dave Tarantul davet@srmagazine.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle

I love to take the grandkids to see the 4-H youth (Ag) show of animals, rabbits, chicken, roosters, llamas and more…and don’t forget the moo-turnity ward and the new born piglets. I’ll never forget the surprised look on my grandson’s face when he tried to help milk a cow! This year the fair will be held from Feb. 9 – 20. The Lee County Fair takes place from Feb. 24 – March 4 and offers the theme of “Where old friends meet and fun begins!” Of course there are smaller events and local celebrations of all kinds thoughout the state. Folks come from

all over to enjoy the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City, featuring country music stars and, of course, homemade strawberry shortcake. This year the festival will be held from March 1 – 11. Check out our feature story about Brenda Lee, who will perform at the festival on Mar. 6. While our northern friends fight snow and ice, we have the opportunity to get out there and meet new people and enjoy events happening all over the state of Florida. I’ll see you at the Fair! – Kathy J Beck, Publisher

Update from Our Corporate Headquarters T

his publication, which includes Mature Lifestyles magazines in Tennessee, has been a part of News Connection, USA, Inc. since 2005. The following is an announcement of recent developments. News Connection, USA, LLC is based in Nashville with operations in Tennessee and Florida. The company will continue providing magazine-type publications and other services to the 50+ community and recently announced that it has acquired the business operations and assets of four related Florida businesses, each of which provides similar services. The companies acquired are SR Media, Inc., D&D Events, Inc., Web Concepts, Inc., and 50+ Concepts, Inc. News Connection publishes and distributes its papers across seven counties in Middle Tennessee under the brand name Mature Lifestyles. In Florida, ﬁve editions are published in eleven counties along the west coast. The Florida papers are published under two brand names, Mature Lifestyles and Senior Connection,

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 4

have a 20+ year history and have won numerous awards over the years for content, design and editorial features. In addition to the publications, News Connection conducts events and expos which showcase vendor products and services of interest to the 50+ community. James K. Patterson, President of News Connection, said: “The addition of these Florida businesses provides us with a tremendous opportunity to expand not only our geographic footprint but also our product and service offerings to the 50+ community. The addition of D&D Events will allow us to exponentially grow the expo segment of the business and the addition of Web Concepts and 50+ Concepts provides a quantum leap into the modern day utility of the internet and social media. Through these proprietary, web-based programs we will now be able to offer our advertising clients a lead-based utility to identify and deliver customers to their doorstep no matter where these customers may reside, domestically or abroad.”

David Tarantul, a principal in the acquired business said: “We are very pleased with this acquisition. News Connection is a much larger company with more resources and access to new markets that will enable us to expand the combined business more rapidly.” Tarantul has been employed by News Connection as General Manager of the combined Florida operations. Patterson added: “In most business acquisitions, the most important asset you get is people. We feel like we have struck gold in getting Dave Tarantul and his team to join ours. Kathy Beck, one of the founders of our Florida business, will continue in her role as Publisher but will assume the added duties of Director of Marketing and Events. We now have two veterans and real pros to lead the growth and development of our multiple business segments, freshen our image and consolidate our multiple brands under a new, uniform brand and logo. We expect to roll this out over the next two to three months.”

janice@srmagazine.com

Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com

Advertising Sales: Lake/Marion & Sumter Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190 glenn@srmagazine.com Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties, Sarasota and Manatee Counties: Call: 1-888-670-0040 Distribution 1-888-670-0040 Corporate Advertising Ofﬁce: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

(813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.seniorconnectionﬂ.com

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher of

Hillsborough County: Hillsborough Edition Pinellas/Pasco Counties: Suncoast Edition

888-670-0040

ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the March 2012 issue is February 15, 2012. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Around Town

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2

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ednesdays Farmer’s Market. 4 to 7 p.m. Town Center at Cagan Crossings, Clermont. (352) 243-9005.

hrough 26 Theatre production of Neil Simon’s “Nunsense.” Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala. (352) 236-2274.

hrough 26 Theatre production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Bay Street Players at the State Theatre, Eustis. (352) 357-7777.

LIFE Luncheon (social support group for widowed persons). Leesburg Community Center. 15 LIFE Luncheon at Elks Lodge, 2540 Dora Ave., Tavares. Both locations: $10 for lunch and musical entertainment. RSVP or more info at (352) 787-0403.

“Just Desserts” Restaurant Sampling Event. Benefits New Beginnings Homeless Recovery Programs. 7 to 10 p.m. $10. First United Methodist Church, Clermont. (352) 404-6946.

“Magic Mark,” illusionist, and The Johnny Mello Show of ‘50s and ‘60s music benefit for Have a Heart for Companion Animals. 7 – 10 p.m. Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd., Silver Springs Shores. $10 tickets. (352) 687-1776 or johnmarinelli@embarqmail.com.

Fox Run Fair/Garage Sale (S.R. 19 in Tavares, then one mile on Dead River Rd.) 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (352) 253-9390 for information.

and 12 Stringfever USA, family quartet. 25 and 26 Jim Stafford from Branson. Concerts at Williams Auditorium, Lake Sumter Community College, Leesburg. (352) 365-3506.

Guitars and Cars Swap Meet and Show. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Features door prizes, awards, vendors and more. $2. Renningers Twin Markets, Mount Dora. (352) 383-8393.

“Cooking With the Calamari Sisters—Manga Italiano!” Delphine and Carmela Calamari cook up family anecdotes, wacky dishes and crazy song-and-dance routines.

7:30 p.m. $26. Fine Arts Center at CF Ocala Campus. (352) 873-5810 ext. 1416.

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Performance. Featured: “A Tribute to Guy Saint-Clair” with his “Slavic Fireworks” compositions. $42/advance, $45/door. 7:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mount Dora. (352) 589-1500.

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

– 19 Mount Dora Music Festival. Schedule available at mountdoramusicfest.com. (352) 383-2627. “Ben Franklin Speaks” program at Lakeside Terrace Mobile Home Park, 24 Sunrise Lane, Fruitland Park. 7 p.m. $10. (352) 728-8892.

Mardi Gras Ball “A Crowning Event.” 7 p.m. Formal or costume attire. Leesburg Opera House. (352) 365-0053.

• Unisex step-through design engineered in Germany • Cross bar is only six inches from the ground, so you can easily step-through the bicycle • Upright seating position for less back pain and clear view of the road

Santos Trailhead Bicycle Shop 8900 S. US Highway 441 Ocala, FL 34480

352-307-2453

• Relaxed arm position for more control

Leesburg Mardi Gras. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Downtown Leesburg. Schedule online at leesburg mardigras.com. (352) 365-0053.

352-343-4181

For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 www.biria.com

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. Horses for Hospice Trail A gift of cashOF or securities this time may not be practical.Your SEEKING DONORS REALatESTATE Ride on the Central Florida

Fine Arts Festival at The Plantation, 25201 U.S. Hwy. 27 S., Leesburg. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (352) 323-8364.

personal residence, farm, vacation home, commercial property, Greenway at the Florida Horse Park in If you have been thinking about making a substantial or parcel of undeveloped land might be more suitable. Ocala. 8 a.m. registration. Entertaingift to Cornerstone Hospice – formerly Hospice of ment, lunch by Tommy’s BBQ, door A present or future gift offers you the opportunity for valuable Lake and prizes. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Sumter – perhaps you should consider Real income tax and estate tax savings. You A togift of cash or securities at this time may not also can free yourself Marion County. MinimumEstate. donation burdensome management and problems involved in selling ride is $30. Nonriders maybe purchase practical. Your of personal residence, farm, vacation the property or leaving it to estate liquidation. $10 ticket to enjoy lunch andhome, entertaintime share, commercial property, or parcel ment. Info/register: (352) 854-5218. of undeveloped land besell more Whether wemight keep or the suitable. property, you will make a satisfying and enduring contribution to Cornerstone Hospice to benefit “The Great Caruso,” Central A present or future gift offers you the patients during their final journey of life. Florida Lyric Opera. 3 p.m. opportunity for valuable income tax and estate tax $25/ seniors. Fine Arts Auditorium For more information You also can free yourself of burdensome on at Lake Sumter Communitysavings. Col“How to GiveinReal Estate,” contact management and problems involved selling lege, Leesburg. (407) 292-2143. Nick Buchholz at Cornerstone Hospice: the property or leaving it to estate liquidation. Send Around Town news to Senior (352) 742-6800 or e-mail: nbuchholz@cornerstonehospice.org Connection Magazine, 1602Whether S. Parsonswe keep or sell the property, you will make Cornerstone Hospice & the Hospice Hope Chest are currently looking Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please fax a satisfying andfor enduring contribution to Cornerstone gently used furniture donations. For information on how you can (813) 651-1989. News must be received Hospice to beneﬁt patients during their ﬁnal journey ofatlife. help, please contact Chandra 352.742.6819 or by the 10th of the month prior to event chandra@cornerstonehospice.org (i.e. February 10 for March event.)

For more information on “How to Give Real Estate,” contact Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 5 Ted Williams at Cornerstone Hospice:

Get your advance tickets today! • www.flstrawberryfestival.com MAR. 1 - MAR. 11, 2012 - PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

s e i r o m e M t e e w S g n i Grow

Ways to Show Your Love Every Day

ere are some tips to keep your love healthy on Valentine’s Day and every day, according to Todd Patkin, author of the new book Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In. 1. Recommit yourself to your marriage every single day.

REBA

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND

HANK WILLIAMS, JR. “TAKING BACK THE COUNTRY TOUR”

2. Evaluate where your self-worth comes from.

VINCE GILL

3. Verbalize to your spouse the things you love and appreciate about him or her all of the time. BRENDA LEE

4. Acknowledge the little things your spouse does, and return the favor.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

FELIX CAVALIERE’S RASCALS

JOSH TURNER

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 6

AIR SUPPLY

CRYSTAL GAYLE

LEE GREENWOOD

LOUISE MANDRELL

CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS

BOBBY HENDRICK’S DRIFTERS

THE PLATTERS

LUKE BRYAN

5. Learn—and then do—what makes your spouse feel most loved. 6. Don’t let resentment build.

7. Take responsibility and stop trying to fix your partner. 8. Figure out what your strengths are and play to them. 9. Date your spouse again.

The author says, “It’s true: Everything—and especially our own happiness—really is, to a huge extent, about our relationships with other people. And I think Cupid would agree!”

February in The Villages

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t The Savannah Center in The Villages:

The Jim Stafford Show from Branson. Tickets: $27.

“Let’s Twist Again” with Chubby Checker and his band, the Wildcats. $29.

– 18 “American Bandstand Remembered.” $22.

“The Unexpected Boys Show,” musical tribute to the Four Seasons and Broadway’s Jersey Boys. $27. At Laurel Manor:

The Keister Family Fiddlers, Canadian family of fast fiddlers and humor. $20.

Prices shown are for non-residents. For tickets and information for all shows, please call (352) 753-3229.

For The Love of Animals Fundraiser

or an evening of fun and an opportunity to help animals, see The Johnny Mello Show and Adult Magic Demonstrations at “For The Love of Animals Gala.” The Gala benefits Have a Heart for Companion Animals and will be held Saturday night, Feb. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m.

in the Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Silver Springs Shores. Tickets are $10, and bring a bag of dry pet food as a donation for local rescue groups. Info and tickets at (352) 687-1776 or visit haveaheart.us.

America’s Little Miss Dynamite Will Light Up the Strawberry Festival BY JANICE DOYLE AND TRACIE SCHMIDT

Though “I’m Sorry” was not released as a country song, it was among the ﬁrst big hits to use what was to become the Nashville sound—singing with a string orchestra and smooth harmonized background vocals.

he Beatles’ own John Lennon once described Brenda Lee as “the greatest Rock and Roll voice of all.” How did he know? Simple. The Strawberry Festival Beatles toured with Appearance Brenda Lee in Europe We talked with Brenda as her opening band on Lee by phone about her a UK tour in the early show at the Strawberry 1960s. She was already Festival in Plant City a star, but they were a on Tuesday, March 6. then-little-known beat She said, “You’ll hear l of al H ic us M group from Liverpool. ry nt just about all of the ou C Lee da en Br , ar st Born in 1944, Brenda e m Fa oldies. Let’s see; ‘I’m Lee’s career started with Sorry,’ ‘Jambalaya,’ her big voice and a catchy song— ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ”Jambalaya”—in 1955. At 4 feet 9 ‘Break It to Me Gently,’ ‘As Usual,’ inches tall, she received the nickname ‘Sweet Nothing’ and some others.” Little Miss Dynamite in 1957 after Now 67, Brenda Lee placed 37 recording the song “Dynamite,” and in songs on the American singles charts 1960 she recorded her signature song during the 1960s. In the 1970s, she ‘“I’m Sorry,” which hit No. 1 on the re-invented herself with country Billboard pop chart. It was her first music, saying, “It’s the honesty that gold single—28 more would follow as appeals to me, people relate to the well as five gold and platinum albums. feelings expressed in country songs.” The little girl from rural Georgia was Later still, Brenda Lee would find one of the earliest pop stars to have a that rock music and its “plain all-out, major contemporary international unadulterated energy” carried her following. along. She found herself with new entertainers who shared “the sheer love of music that we were all inventing at the same time, not knowing what the heck we were $10 adult admission inventing,” she Senior Day: March 1. 60+ years told one writer.

Strawberry Festival Tickets

old/$2 off gate admission. Free Jimmy Sturr Orchestra for listening and dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Brenda Lee concert: 3:30 p.m., March 6. $15 and $20 tickets (in addition to regular gate admission) Phone (813) 754-1996 for tickets.

Brenda Lee’s Successes: • On September 23, 1997, Brenda was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was the first of the baby-boomers and the youngest person to ever be presented this prestigious honor. • She has sold over 100 million records—more records than any other woman in the history of recorded music. • Charted in more categories (including Pop/Rock, Rock, Easy Listening and Country) than any other female in the history of recorded music. • Brenda made a Royal Command Performance before Queen Elizabeth II of England on Nov. 2, 1964. She sang “All the Way.” Married to the same man, Ronnie Shacklett, since 1963, Brenda Lee continues to wow audiences, has appeared on every major TV show ever produced and has traveled the world with her music. We asked the star what has grounded her to stay vital in the music world and not lose her personal focus on family and values. She said, “I had a good mother who taught me a lot about perseverance and discipline, and those are some really great traits to have. I took those to heart, really tried to adhere to them. When you grow up really poor like I did, it will make you one of two ways – either really bitter or really happy to be alive and grateful, and I was one of the latter.” Brenda Lee has always understood audiences, and she knows older audiences appreciate her music for the memories the songs carry for them. But, she added, “An audience is the same the world over. Give them a good show, be glad they’re there and appreciative of them, and they’ll respond back to you.” The Strawberry Festival audience will most likely respond because they’ll know both her and her songs. She said, “I’m still short, I’ve still got big hair, I still look pretty much the same. I’m older though.”

Young people have often discovered Brenda Lee from listening with parents or grandparents. A new generation ﬁrst heard her sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in the 1990 movie Home Alone. That original 1958 Christmas song is now the No. 4 all-time Christmas radio hit, and Brenda herself sings it every year wherever her annual live Christmas tours take her. Brenda said we’d hear ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at the Strawberry Festival. We can also tell you that when she talked about her grandchildren, she said, “My youngest grandson sometimes comes on the road with me and sings ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’ He’ll be in Plant City, so you never know what you’ll see!” We’ll be welcoming Brenda Lee and she’s looking forward to coming to Plant City and said, “I look forward to being there and putting on a great performance, and seeing and saying hello to folks.” Brenda Lee truly is one of America’s living legends. Go to the Strawberry Festival and let her touch your memory bank and your emotions with her warm personality and high-spirited voice. You won’t regret it.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 7

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 8

Travel Tips For The Heart Smart Among Us F

ar too many people see taking vacations as a free pass to eat whatever they want and worry about the consequences afterwards. How many times have you yourself promised to go on a diet as soon as you returned from that luxury cruise or holiday visit to see the family? We’re all guilty of that. But for those of us who are at elevated risk for heart disease, there’s no such thing as taking a vacation from a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the most helpful heart healthy travel tips to help keep you on track while you vacation.

Plan heart healthy travel activities. Wherever you go, there will be plenty of opportunities to get your exercise, even if you’re on vacation mode. Hopping aboard a cruise ship? There’s plenty of room to walk around each day to keep your heart and muscles pumping. Cloistering up in a romantic hotel for a few days? Seek out nearby health clubs where you can get a day pass, or find out if the hotel you’ll be staying at offers gym services. Create a daily agenda and stick to it. There’s nothing easier to do than to fall into relaxation mode because you’ve got nothing special planned and are in no rush to do it. But if you make sure to plan out your activities in advance, you won’t have the opportunity to let last night’s dinner go to work on your waistline—you’ll be too busy being on the move, which is one of the best possible heart healthy travel tips.

Eat smart. Heart healthy travel is only an impossibility if you’ve convinced yourself that there’s no way in the world to eat healthy when you’re on vacation. Fortunately, as long as you recognize that’s just an excuse to enable you to ignore your heart health, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to eat smart wherever you are. Opt for heart healthy or vegetarian dishes when you’re dining in restaurants and choose fruit desserts instead of cardiovascular no-no’s.

Be aware of your surroundings. Vacation destinations that experience extreme climates (whether hot or cold) can be unhealthy for those with existing heart issues. Plan ahead by researching the climate of your destination and by finding out what the expected forecast will be when you’re there. Pack vacation attire that matches up well with the expected climate. Over-exerting yourself in hot or humid weather is bad for you, but so is overdoing it in cold weather. Altitude is another important consideration, because the higher the altitude, the less oxygen your body gets—making your heart work harder even when resting. You don’t have to avoid vacation destinations with high altitudes, but it’s a smart idea to hold off on any high energy activities until you’ve had a couple of days to acclimate. There are many ways to achieve heart healthy travel that won’t cause you any major health setbacks, but in the end it’s entirely up to you to ensure you make those smart choices. Article provided by spot55.com.

Older Americans Want “There’s no place like home...” to be Like Betty White but maybe there is P

eople chose Betty White as the notable personality over the age of 60 that they most want to be like in retirement— because she knows how to laugh. Betty beats out Jimmy Carter, Martha Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steven Tyler, Jack Welch and George Foreman, according to those who responded to a new survey gauging attitudes, opinions, reflections and projections of people who are within 10 years of retiring versus those who have retired within the last 10 years.

• Most often, it’s a milestone birthday that triggers serious financial planning.

Heidi’s Haven

• Retirees are willing to give up some “extras” to make ends meet (moving to a more modest home or driving a less-expensive car is easier for them than to give up dining out, entertainment and recreation, however). • If they could change one aspect of retirement, retirees say they would have saved more money or been better prepared financially. • When asked how long they would like to live, most said “as long as I am healthy.”

• When asked what song they’d use to describe the retirement they have, or the one they hope to have, the song most often chosen was (I Did It) “My Way.”

Here are some of the survey results: • The retirement experience may be better than expected. • Remaining healthy in retirement For more information, visit RAO_MAMMO_MatureLife_halfpg.pdf 9/13/11TheHartford.com/retirementstudy. 11:29:00 AM is top-of-mind.

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 9

Top 10 Movies Guaranteed to Inspire You to Better Heart Health

here comes a point in everybody’s life where a gentle push is all that’s needed to help get us back on track. Movies are one of the most powerful art forms that frequently inspire us to be better and to do better. If you’re needing a swift kick in the posterior and are looking for that inspiration on the silver screen, look no further than the following cinematic works of art: 1. Rocky Balboa. At a spry 60, Sylvester Stallone was no spring chicken when he decided to revive the main character of his Rocky movies for one last go. This inspiring tour de force that shows us that heart and determination can overcome the limitations of age. 2. Pumping Iron. Bodybuilding was a fringe sport when this documentary came out in 1977, but afterwards, the sport exploded in popularity. If you’re looking motivation to pick up those dumbbells and pack on a few pounds of muscle, this is the movie to watch.

Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner.

5. The Natural. Robert Redford’s touching and inspiring performance as an aging baseball player shows that sometimes, physical ability can outlast the expectations of even the most optimistic. 3. Harold and Maude. This classic, often overlooked gem is evidence that you don’t have to work your muscles to the bone to lead a rich, fulfilling life as a senior. Ruth Gordon’s performance as the octogenarian Maude shows that finding adventure at a ripe old age is simply a matter of having the nerve to look for it.

4. Space Cowboys. There’s nothing quite like a troupe of “old timers” showing the younger generation how it’s done to emphasize the virtues of experience over physical ability. Starring the fit-as-a-fiddle Clint Eastwood,

6. The Rookie. With a tag line like “It’s never too late to believe in your dreams,” you know going into this movie that you’re in for something special. Dennis Quaid plays an aging baseball coach who decides to give his dream of being a pro baseball player a shot. 7. Never Say Never Again. At 53, Sean Connery returned to the role he made famous as James Bond, showing that age is no encumbrance to attractiveness, mobility and general on-screen heroics. He’s also an inspiration to those who feel that their best years may be behind them.

The Healthy Geezer

BY FRED CICETTI

. I’m a geezer planning to have surgery in a few months. I was wondering if I can I donate blood to myself in advance?

A: Yes you can. This is called

“autologous” blood donation. It’s done in the weeks before non-emergency surgery. The blood is stored until the operation. Autologous donation is most often employed in surgery on bones, blood vessels, the urinary tract and the heart, when the likelihood of transfusion is high. This form of blood donation is good for the patient, but it’s beneficial to society, too. People over the age of 69 require half of all whole blood and red blood cells transfused, according to the National Blood Data Resource Center (NBDRC). Giving blood to yourself cuts down on the demand for blood.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 10

Typically, each donated unit of blood, referred to as whole blood, is separated into multiple components, such as red blood cells, plasma, platelets and antihemophilic factor, for transfusion to individuals with different needs. With an aging population and advances in medical treatments requiring blood transfusions, the demand for blood is increasing. On any given day, an average of 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed. Volunteers donate almost all the blood transfused in the United States. Using current screening and donation procedures, a growing number of blood banks have found blood donation by seniors to be safe and practical; if you’re a geezer, you probably can help the cause. To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health. In general, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. Donors are screened for AIDS, hepatitis, other diseases and other possible problems.

8. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. If there’s any sixtysomething actor in Hollywood that can make growing old look good, it’s Harrison Ford. His superior physical shape in the last of the Indiana Jones movies may not inspire you to take on the world with a bullwhip in hand, but it’ll certainly show you that being over 60 doesn’t have to be an invitation to the old folks’ home. 9. Red. Helen Mirren delivers a rocking, rolling performance as a gun-toting, sexy sixty-something that proves just because a woman is verging on her seventh decade doesn’t mean she can’t take care of herself and look fabulous in the process. Ladies, take note.

10. Machete. This movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that seeing 66-year-old Danny Trejo lay waste to his mortal enemies with a physique that would shame most twentysomethings could inspire anyone to better physical health, regardless of age.

Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their circulation and adult females have about nine pints. The donor’s body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in about 24 hours. The red blood cells that are lost are generally replaced in a few weeks. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks. What is the most common blood type? The approximate distribution of blood types in the U.S. population is as follows. Distribution may be different for specific racial and ethnic groups: O Rh-positive – 38 percent O Rh-negative – 7 percent A Rh-positive – 34 percent A Rh-negative – 6 percent B Rh-positive – 9 percent B Rh-negative – 2 percent AB Rh-positive – 3 percent AB Rh-negative – 1 percent

Article provided by spot55.com.

In an emergency, anyone can receive type O red blood cells, and type AB individuals can receive red blood cells of any ABO type. Therefore, people with type O blood are known as “universal donors,” and those with type AB blood are known as “universal recipients.” 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.

Vietnam Veterans and the Diabetes Mellitis Connection

eterans who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation and health care benefits. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells ignore the insulin. Signs and symptoms of diabetes type 2 (untreated) are: blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, hunger, frequent urination and weight loss.

Some questions and answers: 1. What veterans will be affected when this condition is added as a presumptive condition for those exposed to herbicides/dioxins? Honorably discharged veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975 and have “adult onset diabetes mellitus” will be affected. This does not include veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam before January 9, 1962. 2. What does “presumptive condition” mean? Normally, the claimant must show proof of relationship between service and the condition being claimed. Under presumption of service connection, VA presumes the service-connected relationship exists based on the other qualifying criteria, such as dates and location of service and that the condition being claimed, in this case, is associated with exposure to Agent Orange.

3. Must I have served “in-country” Vietnam to be eligible? To have presumptive service connection granted for diabetes mellitus-based on Vietnam service, the claimant must have served in-country. 4. What does “in-country” mean? What if I served in support of operations in Vietnam, for example, on board a ship in the Gulf of Tonkin? During the period 1/9/62 through 5/7/75, you must have physically served or visited in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), including service in the waters offshore if the conditions of service involved duty or visitation in Vietnam. This means the ship must have come to port in the RVN and you disembarked. 5. I applied for service-connection for my diabetes and was denied. The condition was, however, rated as non-service connected. Will I need to reapply for service connection? Vietnam veterans who were previously denied service connection for diabetes should reapply by contacting his or her local VA office at 1-800-827-1000 or by email through the VA webpage. 6. If I am already service connected for diabetes, will I be eligible for medical treatment? Even if you decide not to file a claim based on exposure to herbicide, you can still get a free physical examination at the nearest VA Medial Center. You may also be entitled to free ongoing medical treatment at a VA medical facility. You should contact the nearest VA medical facility or you can obtain information and an application for health benefits at the Veterans Health Administration website at va.gov/vbs/health/index. htm or by calling 1-877-222-8387. Info from the Department of Veterans Affairs website: publichealth.va.gov.

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HOME LIGHTINGBreakthrough

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 11

Hey Seniors!

16th

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Early registration from needs to be mailed in by Feb.10th, 2012 or register at 7:30 am on Feb. 23. $8 non-members FREE for Senior MOSI members (member # ) 813-987-6000 for MOSI Membership Day of Walk $12 non-members $8 for Senior MOSI members (member# ) Parking fee included for Registered walkers. Method of Payment: MASTERCARD VISA AMEX Card# Signature Make Checks Payable to: MOSI Foundation, Inc.

Exp. Date

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Senior Back Woods Walk 4801 E. Fowler Ave. • Tampa, FL 33617

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In Consideration of your acceptance of this entry. I for myself, my heirs, devises, executor, administratora and assigns do hereby hold harmless MOSI Foundation, Inc. or their employees, representatives or successors, for any and all damages or injuries I may incur. I hereby grant permission for the free use of my name and picture in broadcast or account of this event.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 12

16th

You Don’t Have to Walk to Enjoy FREE Event Inside Feb. 23, 2012

Starts outside the MOSI Main Entrance at 8 am. Walk Registration Includes: • Packet Pick-up: 7:30 am • Back Woods Walk T-shirt • Continental breakfast • One IMAX® film voucher for use on event day or in the future* *Vouchers not valid for special engagement films

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‘Tis the Month for Thoughts of Love I claim there ain’t Another Saint As great as Valentine. ~Ogden Nash

Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever. ~Author Unknown

We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love. ~Robert Fulghum, True Love

ebruary and time to think about love—maybe serious, maybe funny. Enjoy!

We loved with a love that was more than love. ~Edgar Allan Poe

I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Author Unknown

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author Unknown Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely. ~M*A*S*H, Hawkeye

Love is the magician that pulls man out of his own hat. ~Ben Hecht

Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975 Love me and the world is mine. ~David Reed

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. ~Robert Frost Love is the poetry of the senses. ~Honoré de Balzac

Come live in my heart and pay no rent. ~Samuel Lover

True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked. ~Erich Segal

They Dared To Fly

antasy of Flight’s Legends & Legacies Series continues with “They Dared to Fly” in honor of Black History Month. Join several of the original Tuskegee Airmen as they share their personal experiences of wartime military service during segregated America. This event features open-forum/questionand-answer sessions. Fantasy of Flight’s permanent multi-media

Tuskegee Airmen exhibit and vintage aircraft collection, including the P-51C Mustang, provides the perfect backdrop for this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet these brave men. Admission: $28.95/adults, $26.95/ seniors 55 and over, $14.95/children, ages 6 – 15. Feb. 9– 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fantasy of Flight, 1400 Broadway Blvd., S.E. Polk City. Details at (863) 984-3500 or fantasyofflight.com.

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What Happens When You Hang Up Your Car Keys?

riving off into the sunset—many older drivers have no plan in place after they hang up their car keys. Florida is home to one of the highest percentages of residents ages 65 and older in the United States, but very few of them have thought ahead to a time when they will no longer be able to drive a vehicle safely or considered how they will get around without a car, according to a new survey developed by Florida State University and the Florida Department of Transportation. In fact, 13 percent of survey respondents indicated they would not stop driving at all, with three percent expressing the opinion that they would die before they would stop driving. The findings reflect a serious issue in Florida—and across the nation—that older drivers are at a disproportionate risk for being involved in a fatal vehicular crash, according to John Reynolds, director of the university’s Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy. To address the problem, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) awarded the Pepper Institute grants totaling $475,000 to assist it in establishing and implementing a statewide coalition to create a statewide Aging Road User Strategic Safety Plan.

Retirement Living Recent findings: Most older drivers don’t plan for a future day when they may be unable to drive safely. Eighty-three percent of survey respondents ages 65 and older, and 92 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds, reported that they have no “transportation retirement plan.” When asked to describe how they might transition from driving in the future, many indicated they would rely on family, friends or neighbors, but many more replied that they did not know or had not ever thought about it. Very Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 14

few stated that they planned to use a community driver program or paratransit service such as Dial-A-Ride. Many aging road users see no alternatives to driving in their communities. When asked about ways they get around besides driving a car, riding with family or friends or walking were options, and 15 percent said there was no other way to get around other than driving.

Responses revealed that overall, older drivers consider roads in the state to be fairly safe. “Though many aging drivers in Florida view our roads as very or somewhat safe, we found a lot of concern about the other drivers who are on them,” Reynolds said. “People responding to the survey voiced frustration, and sometimes anger, at other drivers who are talking on their phones, texting or are otherwise being careless while they drive. This concern is being heard all around the country.” Residents ages 65 and older make up almost 18 percent of the Sunshine State’s population. In 2008, 447 older adults were killed in automobile crashes on Florida roads, making up about 15 percent of all crash fatalities in the state. “There are so many groups and agencies throughout the state that are committed to making our roads and communities safer for older adults,” Reynolds said. “The coalition brings these groups together to work as a team on the objectives and goals identified in the strategic safety plan.” (Newswise)

10 Tell-Tale Signs Your Aging Parents Can’t Live Alone

BY CAROLYN BRENT

ith an estimated 13 million baby boomers throughout the U.S. caring for elderly parents, throngs of adult caregivers struggle with determining if their parent is fit to remain living alone. Here are 10 tell-tale signs that can give you peace of mind making this all-important decision: 1. Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to: Ask your parent if help is needed with the clutter, but do it in a nonchalant way that could prompt a conversation indicating assistance is needed here. 2. The bills and other mail are piling up: Basic tasks that were often dealt

with quickly and easily when younger, but that are now falling by the wayside, are signs that your older parent could be getting overwhelmed and not able to manage daily affairs.

3. The checking account balance is wrong and bills are going unpaid: You may also discover amongst mail issues that your parent’s checking account ledger balance is wrong or in arrears. These are also signs that your parent is having memory issues or difficulty with simple math cognition. 4. Your parent is losing a lot of weight: A parent who may have lost their partner or who is generally depressed often loses interest in eating due to a reduced appetite.

Have Healthy Feet

everal things can cause foot pain. Wearing slippers with little or not enough foot support is one. Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces without proper support can lead to pain. Heel spurs or planter’s fasciitis can cause days to seem long as well. Podiatrist Phil Vasyli of Orthaheel (orthaheelusa.com) advises that we pay as much attention to our indoor shoes as our outdoor ones, and offers these tips and recommended slippers from his Orthaheel collection to improve your foot health: • Get out of bed slowly and easily.

• If you put on slippers, be sure they also have hard soles and adequate arch support.

• Look for slippers with a deep heel cup to stabilize, support and realign the feet, which helps to improve posture and balance.

• Should you stand for long periods of time, take time to do recommended toe, heel, calf and achilles stretches. • Roll feet in both directions to warm up your ankles. • Flex and point toes.

• Stretch achilles by flexing foot against a wall and lean forward.

• Stand facing a wall with your feet two feet apart and heels firmly planted on the ground to stretch your calves. For more information, visit their website at orthaheeluse.com.

5. They have forgotten the basics of hygiene: If you notice that your parents are wearing the same clothing day in and day out or that their hair or skin appears dirty on a fairly regular basis, they may have lost the motivation, ability and/or forethought to look after themselves.

6. They appear in inappropriate clothing: There is cause for concern if your parent dons summer clothing in the dead of winter or leaves the house in a nightgown and slippers. 7. There are signs of forgetfulness in the home: All too often there are stories of older people who accidentally burned their houses down or have flooded the home due to forgetting.

8. Your parent regularly misses appointments and other important items: Forgetfulness, absentmindedness and memory issues may also show up when it comes to keeping certain appointments, recognizing key dates or taking meds. 9. They are just acting plain weird: If you see signs of paranoia, fear, strange phone calls and conversations and nervousness, these should not be overlooked.

10. They exhibit signs of depression: A loss of interest in caring for oneself as well as a lack of participation in socialization and in once-loved hobbies can mean that your parent needs treatment or should reside in an environment where they can be around other people. Carolyn A. Brent is the author of Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parents’ Death. She may be reached at CareGiverStory.com.

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Medicare Answers D

SNPs provide Medicare-covered health care and services that are designed to meet the special needs of people in the groups they Dear Wind, serve. In your case, you Yes, there are Medicare Advantage would choose a SNP (MA) plans called Special Needs that is designed for individuals with Plans (SNPs). A SNP is a Medicare COPD. Be sure to call the plan and Advantage plan (private health ask about the additional services plan) that exclusively serves at they will provide to help you manage least one of the following groups: your condition. You should also • People who live in a nursing home or compare the costs of the SNP plan Intermediate Care Facility for the Men- to your Original Medicare costs to see what works best for you. tally Retarded (either specific nursing SNPs must include drug coverage homes or those in a certain area) and people who live in the community but (Medicare Part D) as part of their benefits packages. —Marci require an institutional level of care. ear Marci, I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Are there any plans that can help with my specific needs? —Wind

Where Warmth, Charm & Gracious Hospitality Is A Way of Life At The Bridge at Ocala, you will discover more than our beautiful facilities and extensive range of services. You will find a caring, professional staff committed to creating a community you will be delighted to call home.

• People who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles).

• People who have a specific chronic, severe or disabling condition defined by the plan (such as diabetes or heart disease).

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To learn more Medicare services, see medicareinteractive.org.

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Nostalgia and Emotional Well-Being

esearch has shown that nostalgia can be a very positive emotion and is even linked to higher self-esteem. Why is that? Krystine Batcho, Ph.D., a nostalgia expert says that nostalgia can be associated with a number of psychological benefits. For seniors, nostalgic reminiscence helps maintain a sense of continuity despite the constant flow of change over time. We see how rich our lives have been—how much joy, hard work, success and excitement we have experienced. During difficult times,

attention to our past can strengthen us by reminding us of how we survived challenges, loss, injury, failure or misfortune in the past. When we are sad or discouraged, it can be uplifting to remember that we are still the person who had been happy, strong and productive at times in our past. Our sense of who we are is closely related to how we see ourselves in relation to others. Research has shown that nostalgia can strengthen a sense of social connectedness by helping us appreciate what we have meant to others as well as what others have meant to us. Nostalgia can help a person cope with loneliness by enhancing the sense of social support that comes from knowing that each of us is someone’s daughter or son, mother or father, sister or brother. Nostalgic memories can help someone who is mourning the death of a family member by reminding us that the bonds we share with those we love survive physical separation. (Newswise)

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Feb. 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 Feb. 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

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEB. 21, 2012

Word Search Feb. 2012

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

Answers From

January 2012

Hilda Santiago is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

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

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

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Feb. 21, 2012.)

Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 17

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Florida Strawberry Mania Time!

“Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.” —Dr. William Butler, 17th Century English Writer

Combine and add poppy seed dressing just before serving. From cookingnook.com.

part from tasting simply delicious, strawberries have beneficial effects on your health. They are low in fat and calories, naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants.

2 cups strawberries 2 tbsp. mint (ground) 1 cup whipping cream 2 egg whites 1 1/2 cups yogurt 2 tbsp. powdered sugar

Strawberry Mint Cream

Recipe Compared to fruits like apples, oranges or bananas, they score highest in most of the nutrients. So, enjoy the season’s bounty of berries.

Strawberry Vegetable Salad 8 oz. lettuce 8 oz. fresh spinach 1 avocado, peeled and chopped 1/2 pint strawberries, halved 1/2 cantaloupe, scooped into balls 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 4 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

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or call 1-800-771-2255 Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 19

Seniors Getting Together Attention SGTers!

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

WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4080 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN Hispanic, kind and loving, white, Christian female, never smoke, wine with my dinner (a glass). Honest, healthy, music, exercises, travel, etc. Please send a recent photo. 4083 SERIOUS AND LOVEABLE WSF, 81 YO, excellent health, NS, ND, NDrg and don’t drive. Love dogs, no cats. Don’t care to cruise or go to Vegas. Like NFL, NBA, reading, TV. Prefer Villages or nearby. Reply with photo and phone number. No games—life is too short.

4093 CHRISTIAN WWBF, 63, ATTRACTIVE, honest, sincere, who loves the Lord. ISO a true Christian black gentleman who believes in the same. Love good home cooking, sports, fishing. A good SOH. 55 – 72. FF, write. Tampa. 4097 SINGLE WHITE FEMALE 50’S looking for Mr. Right. Age 50 to late 70’s. A gentleman, white, romantic, senior, trusting, faithful, loving, caring. I’m looking for long term relationship. Fruitland, Pk. 4099 SEEKING COMPANIONSHIP WITH GUY for an intelligent, pretty Christian lady who likes Christian gentlemen. NS, ND, NDrg for long term relationship with me. 77 YY and under. Please send recent photo. 4101 “BE MY VALENTINE” You are a “special” gentleman, “sweet as candy” who likes to lie, love and laugh. 60 to 70 YY who enjoys music, dancing, concerts and travel. I am a 72 YY petite lady who loves life. Lake/Marion.

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Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

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

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 20

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4088 SEEKING GOOD-NATURED LADY, someone with humor and a personality. Also enjoys music, dancing, broadway, plays, movies, travel, is of normal weight, cooking. Age 55 – 65. Ocala. 4092 SWM SEEKS A WOMAN, A LADY SWM who is a good, decent man seeks SWF who is not just a woman but also a lady for dating and companionship and maybe more. Lets try. Age open.

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

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

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

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

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 21

BY CHUCK AND DENA BINGHAM Jubilee (joo´ be-le´) n.: 1. A special anniversary e.g. a 60th anniversary. 2. A season or occasion of joyful celebration.

Olympics (o-lim´piks) pl.n.: In ancient Greece, a Pan-Hellenic festival of athletic games and contests.

f ever you considered traveling to Merry Olde England, or if it has been some while since you’ve been, pack your bags and head to the British Isles this summer. To kick off the summer season, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, her 60th anniversary as Reigning Monarch. The festivities will extend from June 2 to June 5. With a queen-sized array of special events and functions, this promises to be a truly royal experience.

Travel But, if that’s not enough to get you to cross “the pond,” consider this: London will host the XXX Olympiad—the 30th modern-day Olympics from July 27 to August 12. Athletes from every corner of the world will compete in 26 sports. In London, everywhere you look you see signs of preparation activities for these two monumental occasions. Buildings are being cleaned and pressure-washed, revealing beautiful architecture hidden by

Buckingham Palace – Each room is more resplendent than the last. Make sure you see the Changing of the Guard. Go online for timing, which varies throughout the year. Remember it’s Jubilee; prepare for long lines. royalcollection.org.uk Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 22

time and circumstance. Multilingual signs and icons are in place to guide visitors to their destinations. If you should need assistance, however, you can count on an affable Brit to help you find your way. And here was an unexpected treat—the cabbies were friendly, knowledgeable, and… they spoke English! My California brother and wife met my Florida wife and me in London. We started our tour of London from our hotel—Marriott’s Grosvenor House on Park Lane in historic Mayfair. This iconic hotel, built in 1929, is directly across from the 350-acre Hyde Park. A two-day Hop On / Hop Off bus pass from Golden Tours allowed us unlimited off and on opportunities at any of their 44 different stops. For our first outing, we stayed on board, hopping off only to enjoy a hearty lunch near Trafalgar Square. Buses run continuously throughout the day, so it was only a few minutes’ wait until we hopped on the next bus and continued our journey. We traversed the city in about five hours, making notes on our bus schedule of the major points of interest for future reference. Each bus has a tour guide on board who points out rich historical events along the way. Next day, we emerged from our hotel and hailed a taxi (unless you have a death wish, you’ll want to take taxis everywhere—remember there are 7 million people driving on the “wrong”

Lancaster London Hotel – With state-ofthe-art meeting facilities and superior room accommodations, the Lancaster London caters to the well-heeled business traveler and has all you need to make your stay a memorable one. lancasterlondon.com

London Eye & River Cruise – Whether you are on the open water of the Thames River or soaring 440 feet above the ground, the River Cruise and The Eye are not to be missed. Day or night, the views are spectacular. londoneye.com

Warwick Castle – Just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, is Warwick Castle. The castle has year-round activities for all ages. Plan to spend the entire day. For more info, visit warwick-castle.com.

side of the road, sitting in the “wrong” side of the front seat!). We took a taxi to the Tower of London—really a castle. There are over a dozen “towers” within the two concentric walls of the fortress. Started in 1066, it has been an armed fortress, a royal residence and a prison. It currently houses the Crown Jewels and serves as a working museum of almost 1,000 years of English history. Spend the day, it’s worth it. That evening we made our way to the West End theater district, which is like New York’s Broadway but with a posh British flair. All the world-class stage shows are here, as well as eateries and pubs for every palate and pocketbook. We started our third morning with a hotel change to the Lancaster London, which offered a panoramic view of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Oxford Street from our 18th floor room. After breakfast we headed to Buckingham Palace, where we were treated like—you guessed

it—royalty. It is difficult to illustrate the opulence that surrounds you. You can take a guided tour or rent a headset that explains the origin of the contents of each room. This is a must-see venue while you are here. Then it was back to our hotel where the ladies enjoyed afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. That evening we had reservations for the London Eye River Cruise at dusk and the London Eye at night—think huge Ferris wheel which tops out at 440 feet. The enclosed gondolas give you a spectacular view of London by night. Awesome. Our fourth day in the city allowed us time to explore the shops from Hyde Park to Knightsbridge, including Harrod’s. A trip to London is not complete without a visit to this must-see shopping mecca. That evening, we found a delightful backstreet neighborhood pub for dinner. We raised our glasses and toasted family reunions. It was a perfect ending to a perfect visit.

Grosvenor House – This quintessentially British hotel caters to the discerning worldwide traveler. Service is impeccable, as are the accommodations. The award-winning menus are a must to be experienced. londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk

Tower of London – The famous landmark is rich in history; you’ll want spend an entire day here. This double–walled castle fortress actually has over a dozen “towers” and is steeped in the folklore of “Olde England.” hrp.org.uk

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

ast month, we were trying to avoid finesses in favor of better alternatives. But this week, we are actually going to take a finesse. Eventually.

N-S take the express lane to 6♥ and West leads the ♣Q. You will win that and draw trumps in two rounds, but then what? You have 11 tricks, can you find the 12th? This hand appears to depend on a successful Spade finesse and, if the

No Safe Exit ♠K is with West, then 6♥ makes. But that King is with East on the actual lie of the cards. Does that mean it’s down one? Not at all! Having drawn trumps, Declarer cashes those minor suit winners, and leads a Spade to the Ace. Then he crosses back to hand with a trump and leads a Spade towards the Queen. East wins the King but has no safe exit. With nothing left but minor suit cards, whatever he plays will give Declarer a ruff and sluff. Declarer will pitch the Spade loser from his hand and ruff on the board. Making 12 tricks. Taking the delayed finesse gave Declarer a second way to win. He would still make his slam whenever West had the ♠K, and he would also succeed when the King was doubleton with East. But only if Declarer cashes his minor suit winners first, forcing East to concede that ruff and sluff after winning the doubleton King. Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email 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: stpetebridge.org.

Don’t Worry—Be Happy W

orrying is one behavior shared by just about everybody. Yet we all know that worrying never landed a job, got a project done or solved a personal problem. The following is timeless, practical advice on handling problems in a high pressure world.

Rely on a productive problem solving approach by asking these four simple questions:

a. What is the problem? b. What is the cause of the problem? c. What are all possible solutions to the problem? d. What is the best solution? Information from dalecarnegie.com. Mature Lifestyles • February 2012 • page 23

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