Lifestyles After 50 Marion/Lake/Sumter February 2015 edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

www.lifestylesafter50.com • Marion/Lake/Sumter • FREE

Vol. 26 February 2015

Lo IN o si k de Gi

Fo rO ur Te ch

ve aw ay !

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 2

When Fate Hits You In The Face Dear Readers,

atters of the heart have been on my mind recently, and not just because of Valentine’s Day. I am officially a Mrs. Tracie Lukens, Editor now. I met the love of my life two years ago at my younger sister’s wedding. There was a fairy-tale quality to the whole encounter that wasn’t lost on me, though I would have poked fun at it at the time. I was at a ball, in a dress, when a handsome stranger walked up to me and introduced himself. Like any girl who grew up with the Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and Disney cartoons—I knew what I was supposed to do next. Take the man’s arm and dance, right? But it had been a very long time. I muttered something nervous and slipped off to another room to hide with a cocktail. Cinderella, I was not; I had never been good at this sort of thing. But my sister, Laura, ran into me. She was radiant and commanding in her huge white dress and, in true sibling fashion, told me to man up and go back out there. A fairy god-sister if there ever was one. So I did. (One doesn’t argue with a bride on her wedding day.) I found the handsome stranger again and we talked. We connected. Then we danced (was it possible—someone who danced as badly as I did?) and the time flew by in a giddy rush until my sister was ready to throw the bouquet. I smooshed my way into the crowd of would-be bouquet-catchers, wondering all the while how all of my sister’s friends got to be so tall and gazelle-like. At 5’4”, my chances were slim. Then I remembered that the bride had a wicked arm.

The handsome stranger, meanwhile, had moved well behind the crowd and was pointing his camera at a group of girls who were precariously close to the wedding cake, hoping they would topple into it in a mad rush for the flowers. So he never saw it coming. My sister chucked the bouquet. It sailed well over my head, and well over the outstretched manicured fingers of the six-foot females, past the cake and the onlooking bachelors. It smacked right into the handsome stranger’s head. He was startled, but he managed to catch it while the gazelle women and I looked on, bewildered. I don’t know if my sister knew what she was doing (her back was turned, after all), or if God just knew that I appreciated a good story. But there was some truth to the old bouquet myth in the end. The handsome stranger, who became my dearest friend, proposed to me later that New Year’s Eve and recently, we snuck off to the courthouse to tie the knot. It was a simple ceremony. After “man and wife” I kissed him so hard I knocked the display vase of fake flowers in the courthouse chapel over. A couple of our friends found out we were getting hitched and met us outside with bags of yellow rice (the nearest convenient store was out of the white rice) and they pelted us mercilessly. They even managed to hurl half-full bags through our car’s open window while we were driving away. The Civic has smelled like saffron ever since, and we’re still picking yellow grains out of the CD player.

Life is weird, and wonderful, and unexpected, and full of stories. I watched enough of my friends get married and start families over the years to wonder if I’d missed my chance. A friend of mine has committed to the bachelorette lifestyle— living it up, traveling the world when she can, not tied down to kids or a significant other. “It’s freeing,” she told me. “I can be myself, go where I want, do what I want.” Being single is not a crime, after all, and there are many who could happily do without all of the cultural expectations and hullabaloo that happens around the 14th of February each year. Big whoop! But love can also happen at any age. My aunt got married in her sixties, and while illness took her unexpectedly, those last few years with her husband were happy ones. There’s no set formula for love, even if the fairy tales or the relationship gurus or the wedding industry tells you otherwise. Single, married, whatever you choose, just don’t let fear or doubt stop you from finding happiness, being yourself or having adventures. I often wonder what would have happened if I had stayed hidden in that room. Life’s too short not to go dancing with a handsome stranger, should one come your way. —Mrs. Tracie (Schmidt) Lukens

Lake, Marion & Sumter Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc

President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Lukens editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Ofﬁce Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution Nancy Spencer: (941) 244-0500 nancy@lifestylesafter50.com

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FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved. Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 3

It’s All About Chocolate: In American History I

t’s Valentine’s Day, so pass the chocolate! Aside from being a traditional gift to your sweetheart this time of year, chocolate has been a celebrated treat in the U.S. for hundreds of years. Here are a few fun facts:

Chocolate in American History: • Chocolate was a military ration during the American Revolutionary War. Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 4

• In 1768, John Hancock, protesting Britain’s decision to tax the colonies without representation in Parliament, organized a boycott of tea from China sold by the British East India Company. As it was unpatriotic to drink tea, colonists breakfasted on coffee and chocolate instead. • George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all drank chocolate.

• Chocolate was drunk for its purported medicinal beneﬁts during the Lewis and Clark Expedition and on the Overland Trails by California Gold Rush miners.

• Amelia Earhart had a cup of chocolate during her record-setting ﬂight over the Paciﬁc from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland on Jan. 11, 1935.

• The ﬁrst published recipe for brownies appeared in the Sears Roebuck Catalogue during the end of the 19th century.

Around Town W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

very first Monday Senior Shakedown. Dancing, singing, games and more. Free admission. 1 – 3 p.m. Tavares Civic Center. 352-742-6477.

– 18 Music in Motion presents A Tale of 4 Cities. Time travel with the zany characters of silent film. Then hold onto your seats! $26. 7 p.m. Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. 352-753-3229.

The American Legion Post 18 is having a luncheon open to the public. Enjoy good food and fellowship. Officers will be on hand for those that want to join. $6.50. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hwy. 44 just east of Hwy. 301 in Wildwood. 352-748-7009.

10th Annual African American Heritage Festival. Gospel choirs, arts, crafts, praise dancers, health screenings, historical/cultural education and more. Free admission. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wooten Park, Tavares. 352-406-9608.

18th Annual Mardi Gras “Party in the Street.” Parades, live entertainment, music, food and more. Free. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Downtown Leesburg. Info: www.leesburgmardigras.com.

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

Beginning Birders Class, Part 1. This indoor class covers the basics. 9 - 11:30 a.m. at PEAR Park Nature Center, 4800 University Ave, Leesburg. Free. Part. 2 will be held on Feb. 25, same time. RSVP/info at 352-253-4950. – 22 Antique Extravaganza. Admission: Friday $10, Saturday $6, Sunday $4 and a three day pass for $15. 8 a.m. Renningers Twin Markets, Mount Dora. 352-383-8393.

Home Improvement Expo. Free. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala. 352-854-3670.

Rotary Discovery Festival Cracker Cattle Drive and Cowboy Roundup. Cattle drive travels through downtown Ocala and ends at Tuscawilla Park. Food, beverages, entertainment throughout the day. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuscawilla Park, Ocala. 352-401-3900.

The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Strings will perform “The Four Seasons” and Tschaikowsky’s “Serenade for Strings.” $45/$15. 7:30 p.m. Clermont Family Christian Center. 352-241-0323.

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. $14/$17. 7 p.m. Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala. 352-854-3670.

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Art Extravaganza hosted by The Villages Visual Arts Assoc. and the VCDD Rec. Dept. Free. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Laurel Manor Regional Recreation Center, The Villages. Questions: email billieledwards@gmail.com.

2nd annual Reading Romance Expo celebrating Florida romance authors and their books. Free. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. W.T. Bland Public Library, Mount Dora. 352-735-7180.

Central Florida Lyric Opera Performance “Something Wonderful,” a tribute to Rogers and Hammerstein. $28. 3 p.m. Paul P Williams Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Sumter State College, Leesburg. 877-211-5346.

Explore Bok Tower Gardens

scape to a sanctuary filled with tropical gardens, graceful swans, nature trails, art and music. Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, was created in the late 1920s by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and humanitarian Edward W. Bok for the public to enjoy. Its signature landmark, The Singing Tower, is a masterwork of sculpted stone and colored tile that rises 205 feet above a reflection pool. It houses a 60-bell carillon that plays daily at 1 and 3 p.m., and during concerts throughout the year. If you’re planning a visit, there’s plenty to see and do; you can catch a new art exhibit in the visitor’s center; grab a bite to eat at the Blue Palmetto Café; take a tour of a 1930’s mansion; attend an art or gardening class; come for a concert or just spend an afternoon reconnecting with nature by strolling the gardens and trails.

Tickets start at $12, and hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. This month’s events include:

Lunch & Learn: Plan and Prep Your Garden class. 12 to 1 p.m. Included with general admission.

Valentine’s Dinner: An Evening of Vintage Charm. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a romantic evening at the 1930s Mediterraneanstyle Pinewood Estate during this exclusive dinner. Space is limited; Reservations required at 863-734-1222.

President’s Day Carillon Concerts: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Commemorate President’s Day with special concerts featuring patriotic music on the Singing Tower. For a complete event calendar, or for more info, visit boktowergardens.org or call 863-676-1408.

and 22 Night Fever. Listen to this world-renowned Bee Gees tribute band. $27. Feb. 21 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Lake Sumter State College, Leesburg. 352-365-3506. – 25 American Bandstand Sock Hop. Theme attire encouraged. BYOB, BYOS (snacks), Fonzie and Pinkie look-a-like contests and more. $23. 7 p.m. Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. 352-753-3229.

Squawk the Show. As seen on the David Letterman and America’s Got Talent, an avian show starring magnificent macaws, amazing amazons, an incredible conure and one kooky cockatoo. $15/$20. 4 – 7 p.m. Mount Dora Community Center. 352-383-2165. Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection .com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. February 10 for March event.)

Question: Like the Taj Mahal, which of the seven wonders was a gift of love from a king to his queen? Your Answer: Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize valued at $25 or more each month. Deadline for entries Feb. 16, 2015. Drawing held Feb. 20, 2015.

Name Address City

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Zip

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

January’s answer is 4. Nick Fabiano is January’s winner.

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

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

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 5 R

Reba Says: Kick Life In The Butt & Have Fun Susie and I how to sing three part harmony.” They started a band called The Singing McEntires, and the trio would sing locally whenever they could. “Any time there was a solo needed, I volunteered,” McEntire said. “I loved the attention; I was the third of four kids, so I did anything for good attention and singing was the way I got it the best.” After hearing her performance of the “StarSpangled Banner” at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1974, country singer Red Steagall helped her get a record deal. Ten years later, McEntire was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, and she went on to win it the next four years. Today, McEntire holds the record as the female artist with the Reba McEntire: March 8 most CMA Award nomiAt The Strawberry Festival nations (49), and is the biggest female hit maker in Country music history. She earned her 64th By Tracie Lukens, Editor Top 10 hit and her 35th #1 with “Turn On ountry music star, dancer, actor, The Radio” from her most recent album. writer, producer, host, mom and McEntire’s life and career were recently grandma—at 59, Reba McEntire has featured in the “Reba: All The Women I done it all, and there’s no stopping her. Am” exhibit at the Country Music Hall The title of her most recent album, “All of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The The Women I Am,” says everything— exhibit featured costumes, memorabilia, she’s a true renaissance woman who is video and music from her 40-year career. “Looking back on your life so far, did you passionate about her music, family and taking on new roles to see where the ever dream you’d get this big,” I asked. “No, but I am a collector—almost a hoarder. next adventure will lead her. Lifestyles After 50 had a chance to ask I kept everything from my first grade music about her life, career and what’s ahead. program where I sang “Away in a Manger,” to all my clothes from every movie, every Music video. They had a field day. I enjoyed seeing Growing up in Oklahoma, Reba and her what they selected to display. It was a huge siblings were encouraged to develop their honor and I’m so thrilled they did it.” musical talents by their mother, who had once dreamed of being a country singer. Broadway and the Big Screen At what point did you realize, ‘I could make “When did you know you wanted to go a career out of singing?’” I asked Reba. into acting?” I asked. “Well, because I’m on stage, acting out It was at a rodeo with her family, she recalled. Her brother Pake was entertaining each song. And when I got into music vidthe crowd with his version of “Ain’t Noth- eos, that was acting too. I wanted to persue ing But a Hound Dog,” which earned him it, so my agent got me the movie Tremors a quarter. Reba wanted to sing, too, “...so I in 1989—that was my first movie. got up right in front of the cowboys, sang “I’d never had an acting class; that was ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and got a nickel for it,” the first acting I’d ever done outside the she said. “After that, mama taught Pake, videos, so it was hard,” she said.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 6 R

Her talent shone through the challenges, however, and McEntire went on to play roles in ten more movies. In 1995, she played Annie Oakley in the TV movie Buffalo Girls, and felt so drawn to the role that she auditioned for Annie in the Broadway play “Annie Get Your Gun.” Her performance was met with rave reviews, a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. Some fans know her best from her sitcom “Reba,” which ran for six seasons, and while her second TV show “Malibu Country” only ran for a year, she’s still excited about future projects. “I’d love to do a western movie. If Robert Duvall happened to be in it, that would be even better,” she laughed.

Family Of all the roles she’s taken on, one in particular has meant the most to her. “Being a mom is the greatest thing I’ve ever been able to be a part of. It’s my greatest achievement. I’m very proud of all of them,” she says of her three stepchildren, all grown, and her son Shelby, who is a professional racecar driver. Balancing travel, work and home life hasn’t always been easy. “I guess the greatest challenge is time management,” she said, “but I’ve had great help to make sure everything on the business end is running smoothly, and people on the home end, too.”

Her mom, she says, is her biggest hero, and her greatest musical inspirations have been fellow country stars Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. “I had a lot of strong women in my life, and they were my greatest influence. My older sister Alice is in that category, too.” Some of the things her family taught her that she carries with her to this day are: “If you say you’re going to do something, you do it, don’t back out. Keep your word, work really hard, give everything 110 percent, or don’t do it at all,” she said. When she does have downtime, McEntire enjoys spending it with loved ones, going to the movies and traveling. Africa, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and road trips across America have been a few of her stops. Austria is still on her bucket list. She has a message for her listeners: “I just want to let them know how much I appreciate them. I’m in my 40th year of the music business, and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.” To others her age interested in reinventing themselves, Reba McEntire gave this advice: “Don’t let anyone say because you’re 50 you have to get put out to pasture. Life’s just starting; go out there, kick it in the butt and have fun!” See Reba McEntire perform at the Strawberry Festival on March 8. For tickets and info, visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

The Happy Together Tour C

’mon, get happy! The soundtrack to the summer of your life is coming to the Strawberry Festival Mar. 2 at 7:30 p.m. with the Happy Together Tour, featuring The Turtles (Flo & Eddie), Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Chuck Negron (formally of Three Dog Night), Gary Lewis & The Playboys and Gary U.S. Bonds. Hear your favorite songs from the ‘60s including “Happy Together,” “Young Girl,” “This Diamond Ring,” “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” and more. “It’s a great show with nothing but hits,” praises Ron Hausfeld, Tour Manager. “Everyone will do some flashing back, remembering the good times.” Tickets/info: flstrawberryfestival.com.

Take Me To The Fair!

t’s time for corn dogs, funnel cakes, craft shows, animals, live bands and the lights and rides of the midway—fair and festival season has returned to Florida! There’s more to see and do than ever before. Here are the must-sees near you: Florida State Fair February 5 – 16 New this year: Vietnam War Memorial “The Wall That Heals” and the 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Museum. Senior Day on Feb. 9: $7/adv., $9/gate. Info: floridastatefair.com or 1-800-345-3247.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival Weekends: February 14 – March 29 Armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, seven theme weekends, food and crafts. New this year: Bacon and beer sampling, ale tasting, Royal Tea and more. Senior Day: Friday, Mar. 27. $15.95. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. adjacent to MOSI, 11315 N 46th St., Tampa. Info: bayarearenfest.com; 800-966-8215.

Pasco County Fair February 16 – 22 Fair standards along with talent shows, rodeo, racing pigs, Sea Lion Splash live seal show, hay bale decorating contest, parade and more. $8/adults. Specials: $3 admission on Feb. 18. Wednesdays: BOGO tickets. Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Rd. 52, Dade City. Info: pascocountyfair.com; 352-567-6678.

Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair February 26 – March 8 New this year: Contests – Count the Jelly Bean; Hay Bale Decorating; Glue the Shoe. Tickets: $5/adult in advance. 11831 Bayshore Road, Fort Myers. Tickets and info at swflcfair.com. Strawberry Festival Feb. 26 – March 8 Enjoy all things strawberry, famous shortcake, big name concerts, parade,

fair favorites and more. Senior Days: Feb. 26 and Mar. 5 – $8 admission. Mar. 3 – $8 for Red Hatters. American Heroes Day, Mar. 4 – free admission for military, veterans and first responders with ID. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City. Info: flstrawberryfestival. com or 813-752-9194. Sarasota County Fair March 13 – 22 ‘60s and ‘70s music, talent and magic shows, bear show, big cat encounter, fair standards and more. Seniors, active military: $4 admission. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Tickets/ info at sarasotafair.com; 941-955-1515.

Lake County Fair April 9 – 18 See Oscar the Robot, The One Man Band, pageants, creative arts, talent shows and more. Senior Days: Apr. 11 and 18 – $5 admission. Apr. 12 – $2 admission. Apr. 14 – $1 admission. Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Rd. 452, Eustis. Tickets/info at lakecofair.com.

More Festivals Edison Festival of Light: Feb. 5 – 23, downtown Ft. Myers. 239-334-2999; Edisonfestival.org.

Lemon Bay Fest and Cracker Fair: Feb. 7 – 14, Englewood. 941-474-5511; lemonbayfest.com. Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival: Feb. 14, Tampa. beerandbourbon.com/florida.

Silver River Knap-In and Stone Age Arts Festival: Feb. 21 and 22, Ocala. Silverrivermuseum.com; 352-236-5401. St. Stefanos Super Greek Festival: Feb. 20 – 22, St. Petersburg. 727-3458235 and supergreekfest.net.

Sumter County Fair: Mar. 6 – 15. Bushnell. 352-569-6851; sumterfair.net. Bonita Blues Festival: Mar. 6 and 7, Bonita Springs. bonitablues.com. Collier County Fair: Mar. 12 – 22, Naples. 239-455-1444; colliercountyfair.com. Sarasota Folk Festival: Mar. 21 and 22, Osprey. sarasotafolkfestival.org Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 7

VETERANS CORNER

Finding What’s Missing: Dad’s World War II Story

By Janice Doyle

t may start with a simple question from a child: What did Grandpa do in the war? Or it may be learning the background to stories Dad has told over and over. For others, it’s a need to find out why a parent never talked about experiences at war.

“Something was always missing from my life,” says Jane Anslaus. “Other people knew how their fathers died. I just knew mine died in the war.” For children, the loss of a parent can lay the foundation of a lifetime of grievances, says Karolyn Rogers. “I was only five when I lost my father and, while there’s no good time to lose a loved one, it was a tender age to lose him. The circumstances of his death—and how my family dealt with it—left a palpable void,” says Rogers, author of the new book, When Daddy Comes Home, which details her journey of healing through researching her father’s death during World War II. The way her family dealt with the devastating loss was by not talking about it, she says. “I simply adored my daddy, Pfc. Tom T. Wilmeth, and I’d never received closure on his passing. I lived knowing that my children and grandchildren would never know their granddaddy, and I probably would have made better decisions Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 8

earlier in my life if I had him growing up—or, at least, better understood his passing,” says Rogers. By researching his life and death she finally provided what was missing in her heart. She started with two boxes of letters from her father that her mother kept from her through the years. She found that her father, Pfc. Wilmeth, died during the waning days of WWII —in Patton’s secret Third Army during the advance on Berlin—a surprise Rogers found out while finally doing the research in her 60s. She learned her dad earned the Purple Heart and many other decorations. Wesley Johnson wanted to learn his father’s war story. His dad survived WWII but died when Wesley was only 8. Wesley had a few fragments of stories, a scrapbook and some WWII souvenirs but little notion of what his dad had seen and done. The result of his research is now a thorough website to help others find and tell their stories. Johnson’s website Dad’s War: Finding and Telling Your Father’s World War II Story is a valuable place to start as well. (at wwjohnston. net/dadswar). Starting a search can begin by clicking on the link “First Steps to Finding Your Dad’s Story.” The site also includes a place to post stories as well as links to other sites for sharing. Johnson’s book Dad’s War: Finding and Telling Your Father’s World War II Story—Workshop Book paperback is also a practical, guided resource. It is laid out in useful outline format. Wesley provides many examples of how to start a search and carry through with research. He gives much information on books, websites, periodicals and other places to find information about the service member.

Announcing an Improved Solution to Sinus, Migraine and Cluster Headaches By Dr. John Scales, Interventional Radiologist

eople suffering from sinus, migraine or cluster headaches understand the unique facial and head pain they can cause. Because these types of headaches often fail to respond to traditional pain treatments, an approach was developed back in 1908 known as the sphenopalatine ganglion block, in which the sphenopalatine ganglion, a large collection of sensory nerves that innervate the face, is numbed using needle injections of lidocaine, a local anesthetic.

As a Board Certified interventional radiologist, I can report firsthand that the problem with the procedure has been accessing the sphenopalatine ganglion, which is located deep behind the sinus cavity. The inexactitude of the injection placement has created varying results, and the injections themselves tend to be uncomfortable for most patients. But now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new and vastly improved methodology to this procedure offering greater accuracy, superior comfort and less risk. The new image-guided transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block allows treatment to be delivered directly to the nerve system through the nasal passages. After a local numbing agent is applied, a soft flexible catheter is gently inserted into each nostril. A tiny amount of contrast material is delivered to the area, creating a highly detailed image of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Using fluoroscopic, real-time x-ray guidance, lidocaine is delivered directly to the nerves, coating and calming

them, and resulting in dramatic headache and facial pain relief. The total time for the procedure is roughly five minutes. X-ray image guidance allows for far greater accuracy, speed, comfort and lasting results, which is exciting news for both sufferers and interventional radiologists such as myself, who have

long wanted to enhance the application and results of this effective procedure. If you suffer from frequent sinus, migraine or cluster headache pain, a sphenopalatine ganglion block might be right for you. For more information, please contact Radiology Associates of Ocala at 352-671-4300. Lifestyles After 50 â&#x20AC;˘ February 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ page 9

5 Keys to a Healthy Marriage and not using your tongue as a weapon of mass destruction. It also means figuring out how to contain your emotions so that they do not spill out into negative and personal attacks. Working through a relationship impasse involves careful thought, listening and rational debate. By seeking out ways to transform the relationship in a positive manner, you will be able to not only move it forward, but you may also gain new respect for your partner’s opinions and perspectives. Taking the approach that something great will come from the difficulty between you and your spouse leaves both of you more open and accepting of the differences you are facing.

By Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario, Marriage Coach

he statistics about marriage are enough to discourage anyone from walking down the aisle. Studies have shown that nearly one-third of all marriages fail in the first five years and more than one-half end in divorce. Marriages often collapse because couples are not prepared to go the distance and withstand the inevitable conflict that comes as the years go by. Too often, people enter the bond of marriage hoping it somehow results in a harmonious alliance without realizing that the health and happiness of their relationship lies in the quality of your communication with your partner. Below I have identified the five most important communication keys necessary to help a marriage not only survive, but thrive so that both partners can actualize their dreams of “happily ever after.”

undertake changes to help the relationship move beyond this impasse. However, this can only happen if both parties understand the reason for all this friction. When couples do not understand the role of conflict in the relationship, a negative thought process causes them to doubt the security of the relationship and thoughts of jumping ship prevail. Action Item: Think about putting your energies into resolving the conflict and moving to the next phase in the relationship. Let your understanding of the role of arguments dispel all fear. Put a positive spin on the arguing to uncover what needs to change and the specific actions each person can take to help propel the relationship forward.

relationship is one that is argument-free. As a result, those who do start arguing may devalue the relationship by concluding that this is a sign that it was not meant to last. Not true! Even if communication at times means arguing, at least opinions and feelings are being shared. It is important to reshape your thoughts around arguments. Conflict is a sign that the relationship is trying to evolve. Friction starts and arguments tend to follow a theme. When the argument circles on the same issues time and time again, each person can make a conscious decision to Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 10

3. Identify the mood killers.

Mood killers are those things that shut your partner down. Also known as buttons, the longer you have been with your partner, the more buttons you know that you can push to get them to react in a certain way. Usually, pushing buttons does not involve anything fun and romantic. It is more about manipulation—creating drama and emotional conflict with the other person. For the sake of a healthy marriage, you do not want to be a button pusher or a mood killer. These are lethal weapons that do nothing more than escalate the disharmony and push the relationship backwards.

4. Banning outside interference.

2. Fighting fair and with respect.

When accommodating the necessary space for change, your “battle” plan must include strategies for fighting fair and within a framework of respect for the other person. Fighting fair means no name calling, no degrading one another,

Action Item: Go to your partner to resolve relationship issues. They are the only person you need to be talking to. However, if things are critical, qualified assistance can come from marriage coaches who are there to help keep the dialogue between you constructive.

Action Item: Understand the purpose of conflict within a relationship so that you fight in a fair and purposeful way. Make arguing an information gathering session rather than a “battle royale” of name calling and hatred.

Action Item: Stay away from actions and words that you know your mate feels entrapped by, shuts them down, or breaks off communication. Admit your fears and those things that set you off. Vow to never willingly engage those triggers to wound one another.

1. Considering the benefits of arguments. Some believe that the ideal

and emotional conclusions that can be detrimental to your marriage. Your partner may also be very angry to find out that others are now involved in your relationship issues. Don’t go there! Leave that to the professionals.

This key relates to those conversations you may have had with somebody else for advice. The result is not helpful because these “chats” with friends are usually one-sided; all the details are not known and they have only heard one side of a very angry story. Worse, by confiding to these folks you give them the right to butt in with their opinion about how to solve your relationship woes, which can reinforce dangerous

5. Employing positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement always

works, and it is an excellent way to make a significant emotional investment in a healthy marriage as well as receive a sizable return for that investment. This is because it involves telling somebody something good that they’re doing even though they might not be doing exactly what you want. An often-employed tactic with children, positive reinforcement is an effective strategy because we respond more effectively to praise than to punishment and reprimands.The idea is that we, as human beings, all aim to please and prefer to make someone happy rather than upset them. Like the other keys mentioned here, the focus is on the positive, a consideration of your spouse and their feelings and qualities, and a tactic that utilizes respect and thoughtfulness. Action Item: If your mate is not doing what you want them to do, begin to reinforce what it is you do want. Even though they may not be all the way there, when they are making strides, acknowledge that and reward them in a way that you know they like. Jacqueline Del Rosario is an author, speaker and certified marital counselor. Learn more at www.DrJacquie.com.

Join the Celebration from Sea to Shining Sea

ho knew a maturing celebration with more than 100 years on the history books could only get better with time? For the City of Eustis, Fla., the name of Sharron Semento would be a good guess. As former Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Semento helped organize the annual GeorgeFest celebration nearly a dozen times. On Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, the City will show its patriotic spirit with its 113th annual GeorgeFest, which is the longest-standing celebration of George Washington’s birthday in the state. The 2015 theme is “From Sea to Shining Sea” and the festival will run from 3 -10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday in Historic Downtown Eustis. “Some people wanted to stop it after 100 years, and you just can’t stop something after everybody has been to it as a child,” she said. “People have grown up with this and we need to keep it going.” GeorgeFest is a unique community festival as it spans three days. Friday night kicks off with the opening of the carnival at 5 p.m. and a fireworks display in

Ferran Park in downtown Eustis. While the fireworks gets its share of “oohs” and “aahs,” the Saturday morning parade on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. along Bay Street is the show-stealer. “The parade is always patriotic,” Semento said. “They definitely try hard to make it special.” Past parades have been highlighted by the U.S. Navy Band and families who were affected by the terrorist attacks

on Sept. 11, 2001. Historians say more than a century ago GeorgeFest began as a simple boat parade that blossomed into a street parade and then into a fullblown festival. Through the years, the one constant has been the predominant theme of GeorgeFest: patriotism.

“The festival helps families celebrate our country and its presidents,” Semento said. “Some years we have people who come out dressed as Abe Lincoln and other presidents. That’s fine because we like to keep the patriotic theme to it and pay homage to our country.” Semento isn’t sure how the festival began honoring Washington, but she suspects, “I think back then people celebrated their presidents. The patriotism displayed after the Sept. 11 attacks was unbelievable,” she said. “Hopefully the patriotism will keep growing this year too.” While the festival’s patriotic flair reigns supreme, fun activities and entertainment play a role too. This year’s GeorgeFest includes live music, food vendors, business exhibitors and artisans selling their creations. Sunday activities include a patriotic service at 10 a.m. and a free (while supplies last) ice cream social at 2 p.m. The annual GeorgeFest is funded entirely through sponsorships, while the City of Eustis provides in-kind services, such as police patrols. For more information, call the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-357-3434 or visit www.eustischamber.org/GeorgeFest.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 11

Online Dating Tips Part 1—Choosing a Site By Elle Layne

et’s face it. When you get to my age, you’re done playing games when it comes to dating. Been there, done that. That’s part of the reason why some boomers are turning to the convenience of online dating, whether they are looking for a friend, a fling or a long-term commitment. Convenient though they may be, we all know that dating sites aren’t foolproof. But they can be a rewarding experience if you shop wisely and safely. Here’s some important stuff to keep in mind before casting a line into the online pool: How it Works If you’re unfamiliar with online dating, most services follow a similar format. You start by creating a profile. In it, you list personal traits or answer questions about yourself and what you’re looking for in an ideal mate. You attach a photo or two to your profile and send it off into the dating community, where potential mates can see your picture and browse your profile—and vice versa—and you can contact one another via e-mail or a built-in messaging system.

Some online dating sites are free, while others will charge additional fees for professional matching services, access to certain features or the ability to contact a potential suitor. Pros: Online dating sites can be an affordable way to connect with a large number of people at once, and can help you find matches by interest or compatibility. They also offer some anonymity, as well as icebreakers, which can be helpful if you are shy about approaching others. Cons: There’s always the potential for false profiles—whether they are ads or samples created by the site to generate interest; scam artists trying to phish for personal info; or simply members who are dishonest about their attributes.

Middle-Aged Women Missing Passion Seek Affairs, Not Divorce

hen middle-aged women seek extra-marital affairs, they are looking for more romantic passion, which includes sex—and don’t want to divorce their husbands, suggests new research. “Being happy in marriage is far different than being happy in bed,” said Eric Anderson, a professor of sexuality at the University of Winchester in England and the chief science officer at AshleyMadison.com, a website for those interested in having extra-marital affairs. Their study focused on 100 heterosexual, married females, 35 – 45, and their conversations with potential suitors in hopes of determining what drives them to infidelity. The researchers found that 67 percent of the women were seeking affairs because they wanted more romantic passion, which always included sex. “But, the most surprising finding is that none of the 100 women were looking to leave their husbands,” said Anderson, who co-authored the study with Matthew H. Rafalow, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of California-Irvine, and Matthew Ripley, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of Southern

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 12

California. “Instead, they were adamant that they were not looking for a new husband. Many even stated their overt love for their husbands, painting them in a positive light.” According to Anderson, he thought women might be looking for sexual affairs because they were unhappy with their husbands or because they felt unloved. “But this was not the case,” he said. “Our results reflect not martial disharmony, but the sexual monotony that is a social fact of the nature of long-term monogamous relationships. The most predictable thing about a relationship is that, the longer it progresses, the quality and the frequency of sex between the couple will fade. This is because we get used to and bored of the same body.” While popular culture suggests that men cheat because “they have a stronger libido and women cheat because there is something wrong with the emotional aspect of their relationship, our findings challenge these perceptions,” Anderson said. “Our research suggests that men and women are not as different from each other as some may think.” (From The American Sociological Association; asanet.org)

Most “free” sites require a subscription fee before you can truly connect with other users, and some can be difficult to cancel or get a refund for. Subscriptions can also auto-renew without informing you first. Three Tips for Date Site Shopping 1. Choose a site that best fits your interests. Are you looking for sex, a friend or marriage? How about someone with similar beliefs? Are you looking for a younger (or older) mate, or someone who shares certain interests? Doing some soul-searching early on can help you narrow your site-searching later. A smaller, more niche-oriented site may have a better match for you than millions of profiles on a larger site. 2. Read reviews from other users before subscribing. Stay away from sites with reports of questionable billing practices, large numbers of fake profiles or poor customer service. 3. Try a few. Test drive each site for ease of use, profile customization and dating pool size before subscribing, if you can. Do they overwhelm you with matches that are poor fits, or do you have to hunt to find a single match within driving distance?

Here are a few popular dating sites geared toward the 50+ crowd: SeniorFriendFinder.com: About 300,000 members worldwide seeking friends or serious relationships. Basic features: free; Unlimited access: around $12/mo. SeniorMatch.com: Around 500,000 single members. $29/mo. AARP Dating (dating.aarp.org): Encourages face-to-face meetings. Propose a date or scan dates suggested by potential partners. Seven-day free trial; $17.50/mo. Match.com: Boasts 2.5 million mature members and a matching service. $20.99/ mo. My experiences were mixed, but a friend of mine met her husband here. Author’s note: Meetup.com: While it’s not a dating site, it’s a (truly) free site that can be used to connect with local singles’ or interest groups, romantic or otherwise. If you don’t meet Mr. or Mrs. Right, you’ll at least make a few friends and have a good time. Other dating sites abound; I wish you happy hunting! In the meantime, stay tuned for part two, where we’ll talk about online dating safety and ways to make your profile more effective.

New Books

“The Art Of Not Having It All: True Stories of Men, Sex and Other Disasters” Melissa Kite

or Melissa, it seemed like every woman she knew was heroically juggling work and family life, but there was a note on her fridge that read, “Don’t forget to get married and have kids,” which had been covered up by shopping lists and dry-cleaner receipts. A “modern-day Bridget Jones” (Easy Living Magazine), she didn’t believe there was anyone out there even remotely like her. “The Art Of Not Having It All” is Melissa’s relatable journey toward understanding that not having it all—the white picket fence, the kid, the job, and Mr. Right— was enough for her, and can be for others as well. The book is available at Amazon.com, Google Books and us.macmillan.com.

“The Widow or Widower Next Door” Mary Lee Robinson

In her book, Mary Lee recounts the day that doctors told her that her husband, Pat, who suffered from a cerebral hemmorage at 63, was not going to be with her much longer. She took a red marker and a ballpoint pen with her to the hospital on Valentine’s Day, then took his hand and drew a heart on his palm. She wrote “my heart” inside it and said ‘I love you; you hold my heart in your hand.’ The mortician left it in place. Mary Lee states, “Pat still holds my heart in his hand and my heart is warm because of it.” “The Widow or Widower Next Door” is a collection of stories from 25 storytellers revealing the unexpected reactions that occur after the death of a loved one. “We hope to educate others about what is helpful and what is not when a friend or loved one is grieving,” Mary Lee says. Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Google Books and maryleerobinson.com.

“Easy Boarding” Bicycle Puts Older Documentary Adults On The Road To Better Health Honors “America’s • A comfortable seating angle that AARP study reveals that 63 Shakespeare” keeps the back upright Arecent percent of Americans ages 50 – 79

believe that exercise is the “best thing” they can do for their health. Yet, lack of flexibility and conditions like arthritis sometimes prohibit older adults from enjoying a full range of fitness options. Biria USA’s “Easy Boarding” bike— which features an award-winning German design—is helping to change that. 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 stepthrough frame that is extremely easy to mount. Riders can mount The “Easy Boarding” bike simply by lifting their leg less than six inches—rather than up and over the bike’s frame, like on traditional designs. The bikes feature: • An award-winning unisex design that is ideal for people looking for comfort • A frame bar that is only six inches from the ground, creating a step-through frame that is extremely easy to mount and dismount

• A curved handlebar that allows for a comfortable grip and better control

• 7 or 3-speed internal gearing, dual braking system, basket, rear rack and fenders • Available in aluminum frame • A price that is extremely competitive when compared to other “comfort design” bikes “The ‘Easy Boarding’ bike accommodates the needs of an aging population that does not want to sacrifice comfort for exercising,” says Michael Biria, president of Biria USA. “Fitness has become a priority for older adults, and they are more determined than ever to keep active.” For more information about Biria USA and the “Easy Boarding” bicycle, visit www.biria.com.

“A

merican Masters — August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand” premieres Friday, Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) in honor of the 70th anniversary of Wilson’s birth and Black History Month. This new documentary explores the life and legacy of Tony- and Pulitzerwinning playwright August Wilson (Fences, The Piano Lesson)—the man some call America’s Shakespeare—from his roots as a Pittsburgh activist and poet to his indelible mark on Broadway. Rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his 10play cycle chronicling each decade of the 20th-century African-American experience. Features interviews with Viola Davis, Laurence Fishburne, James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and others. DVD available Feb. 24 from PBS Distribution. Info at pbs.org/wnet/ americanmasters.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Eat Your Way To Better Blood Pressure A

healthy, balanced diet plays a major role in blood pressure control. And you should consume some speciﬁc minerals on a regular basis for good blood pressure management: calcium, magnesium, and potassium. But do most of us get enough of these? “If you’re eating a healthy diet, you probably have nothing to worry about. But people eating a diet of processed and canned foods might need to be concerned, as well as people taking certain medications,” says Dr. Randall Zusman, director of the Division of Hypertension at the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center.

1. Potassium

Normal body levels of potassium are important for muscle function, including relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and protects against muscle cramping. Normal potassium levels also are important for the conduction of electrical signals in the nervous system and in the heart. This protects against an irregular heartbeat. Potassium is found naturally in many foods, such as prunes, apricots, sweet potatoes, and lima beans. But food may not be enough to keep up your potassium levels if you take a diuretic for high blood pressure such as hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDiuril). These drugs cause potassium to leave your body in the urine, thereby lowering your body’s potassium levels. “I’d say at least a third of patients on diuretics for heart failure or high blood pressure or edema don’t get enough potassium from their diets. In those cases, we do use supplements,” says Dr. Zusman. Don’t try a supplement on your own. Too much potassium, like too little, can lead to dangerous irregular heart rhythms. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of potassium is 4.7 grams per day for both men and women ages 51 and older.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium helps regulate hundreds of body systems, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and muscle and nerve function. We need magnesium to help blood vessels relax, and for energy production, bone development, and transporting calcium and potassium. Just like potassium, too much magnesium can be lost in urine due to diuretic use, leading to low magnesium levels. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that most older adults in the U.S. don’t get the proper amount of magnesium in their diets, although extreme magnesium deﬁciency is very rare. It’s best to get the mineral from food, especially dark, leafy green vegetables, unreﬁned grains, and legumes. The RDA of magnesium is 420 milligrams (mg) per day for men ages 50 and older; 320 mg/day for women ages 50 and older. Too much magnesium from a supplement or from magnesium-containing drugs such as laxatives may cause diarrhea. There are no known adverse affects of magnesium intake from food.

3. Calcium

Calcium is important for healthy blood pressure because it helps blood vessels tighten and relax when they need to. It’s also crucial for healthy bones and the release of hormones and enzymes we need for most body functions. We consume it naturally in dairy products, ﬁsh with bones (such as canned salmon and sardines), and dark, leafy greens.

The RDA of calcium for men ages 51 and older is between 1,000 and 1,200 mg per day. For women ages 51 and older it’s 1,200 mg per day. Unfortunately, most people get about 700 mg of calcium in their daily diet. So should you take a supplement to make up the difference? That’s tricky business. Some studies have suggested that calcium supplements have heart health benefits, and many have shown that fish oil is good for your heart, too. But calcium supplements have recently come under scrutiny following a report that men who took more than 1,000 milligrams of supplemental calcium daily over a 12-year period were 20 percent more likely to succumb to heart disease than those who didn’t take the pills. And while some studies have found that popping fish oil capsules lowers the chance of having a heart attack or other related problem, others have failed to find such benefits.

Some observational studies have also shown links between heart health and higher intakes of certain vitamins—specifically, vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and three B vitamins (folic acid, B6, and B12). But more rigorous studies that compared people who took specific vitamins with those who took placebos have come up short. In fact, guidelines from the American Heart Association state that supplements of the vitamins listed above should not be taken to prevent heart disease. Not only do they not help, there’s even some suggestion that taking vitamin E supplements may slightly raise the risk of heart failure and hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes. The bottom line? It’s better to get your nutrients from foods, not pills. When you eat whole, healthy foods, you don’t get individual nutrients in isolation—you get a blend of vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, and some fat, all of which have been proven to be beneficial for heart health. (Harvard Health Letter) Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 15

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 16

Stem Cells May Be The Next Penicillin By David Ebner, Staff Writer

onsider the history of penicillin. In 1939, while Poland was surrendering to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg German offensive, a Scottish biologist by the name of Sir Alexander Fleming was on his 10th year of studying his accidental discovery named penicillin. Sir Alexander Fleming did not know the magnitude that his mold experiments would have a short five years later when the antibiotic would save thousands of lives on the French beachfront on D-Day. It wasn’t until 1945 that Sir Alexander Fleming was acknowledged for his service to the medical field by being awarded the Nobel Prize. Since then, penicillin has been used in vast quantities and has saved millions of lives. With further advancements in the study of stem cells, the question is posed: are stem cells the next penicillin? Stem cells and penicillin both come from humble beginnings and accidental discoveries; they are both used to treat life-threatening conditions and diseases; and just like penicillin, stem cell biologists have won Nobel Prizes due to the practical uses of their discoveries.

The discovery of penicillin was an early example of groundbreaking medical advancements changing the course of modern medicine.

Stem cells have also been studied extensively over time and have crept into the national dialogue as a buzz word for certain political agendas, particularly the stem cells found in fetuses. How-

ever, the actual stem cells that are now being used to treat diseases in the United States, and the same cells that warranted the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine, are adult stem cells. This type of stem cell is found in fully developed individuals and flourish in all people regardless of age or health. Most cells found in the body have developed into a specific type of cell, like a skin cell or a brain cell. At the turn of the 20th century, biologists discovered that some cells (stem cells) have not yet been assigned as a certain type of cell. They are simply blank cells standing by to meet your body’s needs. Stem cells being used to treat diseases traces back to 1968 when the first bone marrow transplant was used to treat a patient suffering from leukemia. Placing healthy stem cells into a sick individual’s body results in the creation of only healthy blood cells that are not infected with the disease. In turn, these cells replace the diseased ones and start to heal the patient. Today, one clinic, the Lung Institute, is using adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own fat, blood and

bone marrow to provide similar healing results for people with lung diseases. Their website, www.lunginstitite.com, states that they have treated over 500 patients to date. These physicians take the blank stem cells from the patient, then they clean and separate the cells. Once this is done, they use a growth factor that will turn just a few thousand healthy cells into millions. Then, the cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body. The result is that the healthy cells replace the damaged ones found in the lungs. Not only can this slow the progression of the disease, but it also works to restore lung function. Just as people were wary about how penicillin might help fight infections when first developed, there is some hesitation that stem cell technology can help treat diseases. However, just like penicillin was recognized by the scientific community, so are stem cell developments. If the number of people successfully treated with stem cells already is any indication, then it will undoubtedly be heralded, like penicillin, as the groundbreaking medical technology of its time.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 17

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida. 4344 SWF LOOKING FOR SWM 70 84 YY, SWF Looking for SWM who has an easygoing personality, between the ages of 70 – 84 and at least 5’9” or taller. I like movies, cooking, dining out, long walks, day trips and country music. ISO a man to laugh with me and enjoy the simple things. NS, ND. Ocala, Wildwood area. 4402 CHRISTIAN LADY W/H, 70’s, blue eyes, brown hair, likes to exercise, travel, cooking, gardening, dancing, music and more. ISO nice gentleman to share life together. Send a recent photo please. 4417 F, ISO A C, W gentleman who likes to travel, football, dining out, fishing. Prefer rancher/farmer. Must be 5’11” – 6’4”, 80s, in good health, honest, NS, NDrg. Webster.

4418 OVER 80, LADY, SLENDER 5’5”, NS, ND. Hoping to meet a gentleman who has a good SOH. Enjoys yard sales, TV and just having good times together. 80 – 88, Wildwood area.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4405 SWM SEEKS SWF LADY. Are you alone? Would you like someone to go to the movies or walks, eating out, mini-golf or to get rid of dust and rust and feel alive again? Let me rescue you. Here I come to save the day or night. I may not be Superman, Batman or the Lone Ranger but I could be your hero who’s just right for you. Age open. 4423 ISO A, S, F who lives up north in the summer and in the south in the winter who likes gardening, flea markets, cooking, homelife, HWP under 70 and healthy. I am a SWM, HWP, NS, ND, NDrg, easygoing, nice looking and I like animals. 4424 SWM SEEKS HAPPY HOLIDAY The holiday season is here. How about me as the special package under your tree? We can let the yule log burn all

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Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

Join The Senior Games

thletes 50+ can compete in local Senior Games events, which serve as qualifiers for the annual Florida Senior Games in December. For details about events and locations, visit the website for your local games: Clermont / Lake County Senior Games Jan. 24, 2014 – Oct. 31, 2015 lakeseniorgames.com Lee County Senior Games Feb. 8 – Mar. 24; leeparks.org

Pinellas County – Good Life Games Feb. 9 – Apr. 19; goodlifegames.org

Sarasota – Gulf Coast Senior Games Feb. 17 – Feb. 22. scgov.net

Charlotte – Fit For Life Senior Games Mar. 1 – Apr. 12; charlottecountyfl.com/ communityservices/seniorgames The Villages Senior Games Mar. 30 – Apr. 15; districtgov.org/ departments/Recreation/seniorgames.aspx More Senior Games info: flasports.com.

This Month At The Appleton

City (No Charge):

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MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583 Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 18

– Mar. 29 “A Treasury of Indian Miniature Painting” exhibit. Fascinating stories of Rajas, princes, demons and superheroes.

Join the Trips ’N’ Tours group to Tampa Bay Downs. Call 352-291-4455, ext. 4456, to RSVP; Cost: $70/members; $80/non-members. Lunch included.

“Mayan Art and Culture” docentled tour of the Mayan art and artifacts in the Appleton’s permanent

collection. from 2 – 3 p.m. Included in the cost of museum admission. RSVP to Lara Sundberg at sundberl@cf.edu or 352-291-4455, ext. 1836.

Richard Brantley, University of Florida professor Emeritus, will give a talk titled “Emily Dickinson’s Conversation with God.” 6 – 7 p.m. Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, 352-291-4455. AppletonMuseum.org.

Tech Talk: Leuchtturm1917 Notebook

W Last Month’s Answers

Enter to Win!

Enter To Win!

This month’s Last Month’s Winner Is J. Owen winner is Congratulations! Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Feb. 20 will receive $20 cash! Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

We’re giving away two notebooks to one lucky winner this month so you can share with a friend! One is 6 x 8 in. and one is 9 x 12.5 in. Just email editor@ lifestylesafter50.com or snail mail us at: Attn: Notebooks News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Send us your name, address and phone number by Feb. 19. The drawing will be held on Feb. 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the March issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

Congratulations! To last month’s winner: Ruth Clevenger of Belleview Who won a hipS-sister!

Tampa Airport to Atlantic City St.Pete/Clearwater to Atlantic City

Last Month’s Answers

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier. We’re giving away the Leuchtturm1917 NotebookwithWhitelines LinkTechnology this month. These smart notebooks combine the best of traditional and digital mediums. Write or draw on the pages as you would on a regular journal, then download and open the free Whitelines app on your smart phone. Hold your phone over the book, line it up with guides on the page, and the app makes a clean digital copy of your page automatically—no background lines! You can then send it via email or save it to an Evernote or Dropbox account. Send your loved one a hand-drawn valentine digitally without a scanner! The notebooks start at $13.95. Order at www. leuchtturm1917usa.com and amazon.com.

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name

Flights Depart & Return to St. Pete/Clearwater Airport

March 10 – 13

St.Pete/Clearwater to Tunica, MS

March 18 – 21 to Atlantic City

Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

Lake

**This offer is subject to availability and management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to gamble and enter and remain in a NJ casino and participate in any Harrah’s Resort promotions. Hotel taxes of $13 per night not included. Flights departing from Tampa Airport operated by Republic Airlines are DOT approved and a $30pp air service fee will be applied upon hotel departure. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No ST39092. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 19

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 20

Last Month’s Answers

January Sudoku

February Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Mar. 20 will win. Good luck!

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

Bob Ellis is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Sudoku must be received by March 20, 2015.)

Mystery Prize!

Word Search February

Word Search

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

Kelli Wiggins is last month’s winner! Congratulations! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on February 20 will win. Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by February 20, 2015.)

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 21

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Heart-Healthy Desserts

he aim of healthy nutrition is a critical one, especially for those who want to achieve optimum heart health. But how necessary is it to do without the sweet things in life? As it turns out, it’s not necessary at all. Just add a dash of resolve, a pinch of creativity, and stir. The results are a lot tastier than you might have imagined. Check out these suggestions for some truly amazing, impeccably flavorful heart-healthy desserts and drinks. (From spot55.com)

Fresh Fruit Kebabs

4 oz. fat-free, sugar-free lemon yogurt 1 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. lime zest 4 to 6 pineapple chunks 4 to 6 whole strawberries 4 to 6 red grapes 1 peeled and diced kiwi Approximately half a banana, sliced 4 skewers Instructions: Mix the yogurt, lime juice and lime zest in a bowl, cover and refrigerate. Spear the individual fruit pieces onto the skewers and serve with yogurt dip.

Strawberry Shortcake

Instructions: Mix flours, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut the chilled margarine into the bowl, using a fork to break it into small chunks. Add the chilled skim milk and stir into a moist dough. Knead the dough by hand and use a rolling pin to shape it into a 1/4inch thick rectangle. Slice the dough into 8 squares. Bake at 450 degrees on a baking pan until golden. When ready to serve, simply add strawberries and yogurt and commence devouring.

6 cups sliced strawberries 3/4 cup plain, fat-free yogurt 1 3/4 cups sifted whole wheat pastry flour 1/4 cup sifted plain flour 2 1/2 tsp. low-sodium baking powder. 1 tbsp sugar 1/4 cup chilled trans-free margarine. 3/4 cup chilled skim milk

Peaches A La Mode

2 peeled, sliced peaches 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/3 cup low-fat granola 1 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put peaches in a baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray, and bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle with granola and cinnamon, and bake another 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then serve with fat-free vanilla ice cream.

Cranberry Spritzer

1 qt. low-calorie cranberry juice 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1 qt. carbonated water 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup raspberry sherbet 10 lemon or lime wedges

Instructions: Refrigerate the juices and water until cold, then mix the juices, water, sugar and sherbet into a large pitcher. Serve with lemon or lime wedges.

BOOMER BEAT

Beating Loneliness by Finding New Ways To Connect social relationships tend to live Silver Sneakers longer than those who don’t. Being lonely has a bigger eeling lonely? You’re not alone. A study by the National Institute on impact on mortality than smoking, Aging found 43% percent of adults 65 obesity, physical inactivity and and older feel lonely, even though only drinking, says Louise Hawkley, 18% live alone. A powerful antidote: a senior research scientist at the University of Chicago who studFind a way to connect with people. That’s what Delores Muldrew, 70, de- ies health and well-being in aging. cided to do when she retired three years “Loneliness trumps all of those ago as an insurance sales supervisor. other factors,” Hawkley says. Feeling very lonely or feeling It was only after Cecil Daniels, 73, Through the AARP Experience Corps, which uses older volunteers in 20 cities lonely over a period of time doubles your retired as a school administrator that to boost literacy of elementary school chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease he realized how lonely he was. Then students, she spends three days a week and can cause sleep problems, high blood a friend suggested the SilverSneakers helping Philadelphia first graders to read. pressure and depression, says Dr. Carla Fitness program (silversneakers.com). SilverSneakers, an exercise program “I fell in love with the kids immediately. Perissinotto, assistant professor of geriThey have such a great capacity to love,” atrics at the University of California, San for older adults, is available at 12,000 she says. Muldrew, who never married, Francisco. Loneliness also is associated locations nationwide and offered through says the program has “provided me with “with functional decline, meaning not be- Medicare Advantage and other health a purpose”—and she gets to spend time ing able to do activities of daily living as plans. “People get together for the socialwell,” says Perissinotto, who conducted ization,” says Daniels, who lives in Miami with teachers and other volunteers. Gardens, Fla., and goes five days a week. Perhaps you’re newly retired, your spouse the National Institute on Aging study. Even if you’re not lonely now, prepare “I’ve found the program to be invigorator a close friend has died, or your children and grandchildren live elsewhere. It’s es- for the years you could be—stay in touch ing both emotionally and physically.” sential to hang out with friends, volunteer, with friends and find new social activijoin a club or find another way to be with ties. “Relationships become increasingly Look for Places to Make Connections If you are seeking volunteer opporpeople, according to health experts. Stud- important as we age and it pays to nurture tunities, check out the Senior Corps ies show that individuals who have good those now,” Hawkley says. By Christopher J. Gearon, Kiplinger

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 22

program of the Corporation of National & Community Service (nationalservice.gov/ programs/senior-corps). Also look at AARP’s Create the Good (createthegood.org) and VolunteerMatch.org. Eldercare Locator (eldercare. gov) can connect you with local activities through your Area Agency on Aging. Activities can include group meals, fitness classes, theater outings and senior center programs. Check out community college offerings aimed at seniors. For homebound adults, ask your aging agency for information on your community’s Friendly Visitors Program, which sends volunteers to visit seniors’ homes. The program also enables the homebound to call others who are homebound. If it’s difficult to invite friends over, Hawkley says, speak with friends and family by phone. “Some agreed-upon schedule of calls could go a long way to ensuring a sense of connection,” she says. Plus, Hawkley says, “a pet can be a great companion and arguably a helpful defense against loneliness.”

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2015 • page 23

Leaving Canada doesn’t mean leaving your comfort zone. Enjoy convenient banking in the U.S. We have over 1300 TD Bank locations. Whether it’s transferring money, getting cash easily, or paying U.S. bills, know you can do so conveniently with TD Cross-Border Banking. Open a U.S. based account today with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank.

Visit tdbank.com/crossborderbanking or call 1-877-700-2913 TD Bank is TD Bank, N.A., a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. Member FDIC. Accounts issued by TD Bank, N.A. are not insured by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.

0008369-002_N5048_4B_R1.indd 1

12/15/14 5:19 PM

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Round

Job Description:

Mechanical Specifications:

Client: TD Docket #: 112-LTDCICM5048 Project: Cross Border Banking

Bleed: None Trim: 10” x 9.76” Live: 9.375” x 9.135”

Contact:

Acct. Mgr: Colours: 4C Start Date: 12-8-2014 5:09 PM Crea. Dir: Dave F Revision Date: 12-9-2014 10:18 AM

Producer: Barry D Studio: Kim C