Mature Lifestyles Jan. 2012 Lake/Marion edition

Take Your Oxygen First

Leeza Gibbons

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1

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Finding Peace Along I-95

• Technology: Of Lovers and Liars • It’s On the Tip of My Tongue • Leaving Your Home • He Walked Above the Clouds

LAKE • MARION

JANUARY 2012

Note to Self: Things to Think About in 2012 7. Laugh more! Yes, I want to laugh more in 2012.

Dear Readers,

I

t’s that time of year again. No, let’s don’t try making actual resolutions, since we’re old enough to have gone through Janice Doyle, many stages with Editor the traditional New Year’s Resolutions thing.

There were years we were confident we could really change our weight or our income or a behavior. Other years we were so cynical (or so busy) that we didn’t even bother setting a simple goal. All of us have made resolutions which we didn’t keep.

So I’ve made a list of, not really resolutions, but ideas I want to keep reconsidering this year. I want to come back to them every so often as reminders of the person I want to be. That way I won’t get down on myself if I don’t live up to all of them by March 1 or some other self-serving date. Maybe something here will stir you to join me in looking at others and myself in a new and more humane light in 2012.

1. This year I want to take time to remember that, regardless of what I might think when I ponder on the world situation, God is still in control and we are but a “blip on the screen” of His time. My part in that? Psalm 100: 4, 5 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” So I will be more thankful and praise Him. 2. I will try to think about caregivers in my community more and do something for them when I can.

After talking with TV personality Leeza Gibbons (see the story about her in this issue), I want to help.

For me, at this time, it will be something simple that says, “I care.”

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 2

8. Years ago Ann Landers advised to “Walk tall and smile more.

You’ll look 10 years younger.”

(10 years younger? Wow!) 9. I will say, “I love you” again and again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Some years ago I had a friend who loved to read, as I do. She became caregiver for her husband who had Alzheimer’s. I would take bags of books to her periodically. It was always a warm feeling to know my book choices were keeping her company during the long days and nights she sat with her husband. I’m sure there’s another reader out there!

3. This year I will think “local” whenever possible in order to boost my hometown economy. I will give gift certificates to locally owned beauty shops, use an independently owned car repair shop and buy my veggies at local produce stands.

My home repairs and home improvement work will be done by people who are raising their families within my community.

4. I plan to do a little more exercise every week than I have been doing. Doctors tell us that just about anything we do to exercise makes a difference in our physical and emotional well-being. I walk several miles a week now—I’m just going to add a few more times around the block each week.

5. This is a hard one, but I will be better off if I cut a few hundred calories a week.

6. Most of all, I will remain flexible! Life is short, circumstances that are beyond my control will come up and my priorities will have to change. I can do this.

Humor Matters And now, just for fun, from the website Humor Matters™, take a look as Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D., a Mirthologist and Clinical Psychologist, gives us some just-forfun “affirmations” for the new year.

Read them and laugh with me. And remember, they’re all in good fun— not recommended lifestyle changes!

• I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.

• My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of wisdom and judgment.

• I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain.

• I will strive to live each day as if it were my 50th birthday.

• Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so!”

• I will no longer waste my time reliving the past; I will spend it worrying about the future.

• Before I criticize a man, I will walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he’s a mile away and barefoot.

Now, didn’t it feel good to laugh at how we sometimes think!

Our staff wishes you a blessed and happy new year.

Lake/Marion & Sumter

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 3

Finding PEace on I-95–Road Trip Must-Sees

BY STAN AND SANDRA PHILLIPS

W

hen the Martin Luther King Memorial opened recently on the Mall in DC, we started thinking about the other amazing statues you can see right off the exits of I-95. You can turn your next trip into a treasure hunt to find these carved jewels.

Travel DC – King of Peace

DC Exit 19B: 27 years in the making, a National Memorial to Martin Luther King opened to the public on the 48th anniversary of his “I have a dream” speech. The Mall in Washington, D.C., always a sacred place for monuments dedicated to expresidents, now honors King for his accomplishments as well.

The sculpture shows King emerging from rough stone with his brow furrowed, arms crossed and looking out over the horizon. Long granite walls flanking the sides feature 14 of King’s most famous quotes.

The Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin wanted to show him deep in thought and named it the Stone of Hope.

The words were borrowed from his speech, “From a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

King proves that one person can truly change a nation. mlkmemorial.org.

DE – Lady of Peace

DE Rte. 9 Exit: You can’t miss Our Lady Queen of Peace, high on a hill with her arms outstretched in front of Holy Spirit Church, with the sun bouncing off the 33’ high stainless steel statue.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 4

Father Sweeney started the project with the power of prayer. A committee used “Rosary Checks” to record the number of rosaries that an individual prayed for the building of a statue. The goal was for 500,000. Not only did the number of rosaries prayed exceed this, but unsolicited donations came in before any formal fund raising began.

This sculpture by Charles C. Parks is sometimes referred to as “Our Lady of the Highways,” since it sits majestically on the approach to the the Delaware Memorial Bridge. ourlady-de.org.

MD – Disturbing his Peace MD Exit 2A: In the newest city along I-95, National Harbor, see if you can find the giant who appears to be emerging from the sand, struggling to free himself.

It’s called “The Awakening,” and kids use him as a playground.

Created in 1980 by J. Seward Johnson Jr., the sculpture is actually five separate aluminum pieces buried in the sand. The left hand and right foot barely protrude, while the bent left leg and knee jut into the air. The 17-foot high right arm and hand reach farther out of the earth. The bearded face seems to be yelling as he struggles to emerge from the earth. nationalharbor.com.

NC – End of War – Beginning of Peace

NC Exit 150A: Directly off this exit, at the entrance to the Quantico Marine Base, you can see a re-creation of the famous WWII Iwo Jima Statue created by Felix de Weldon.

It is majestically lit up at night.

In a 35 day fight for Iwo Jima, an island that was crucial for U.S. bombing raids on Japan’s main islands, 6,821 marines were killed. On February 23, 1945 U.S. Marines from the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raised the U.S. flag atop Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi.

After being cast in Brooklyn, NY, the original statue actually was driven down I-95, headed to Arlington National Cemetery, where you can still see it.

NC – Keeping the Peace

NC Exit 52B: “The original Iron Mike is a statue that represents all paratroopers in the U.S. Army,” said Paul Galloway of the Airborne and Special Ops Museum foundation. It’s a 15-foot statue depicting the airborne trooper who is always watching, waiting and alert. It has been Fort Bragg’s most prominent symbol since 1961, but was replaced there six

years ago with a bronze replica. Now everyone can see the original standing outside the Airborne and Special Ops Museum in Fayetteville, NC. The statue was the creation of the wife of a former deputy post chaplain.

Mike’s stance reflects an airborne soldier who has completed a combat jump. PFC Michael A. Scambellure, an 82nd Airborne Division soldier who received the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Sicily, originally inspired the statue. Notice his jaw set with determination, the grenade at the ready, the trench knife at the boots and the Thompson 45. asomf.org.

ME – Piece of Chocolate

ME Exit 42: If you’ve come north to see a moose, you will not be disappointed if you stop here. Lenny the chocolate moose is made of 1,700 lbs. of milk chocolate. He was unveiled on July 1, 1997 after having been sculpted on-site in about four weeks.

The shop was opened in 1926 by Len Libby, a master candymaker who was retired but bored. In 1949, Len Libby sold his business to Fernand Hemond, who had apprenticeed here while still in college.

Since you can’t eat Lenny, you will have to choose amongst treats like raspberry cream, coconut roll, peanut butter log, molasses chip, chocolate pretzel and more. If that wasn’t enough, they have 18 kinds of truffles and sugar-free options too. 419 U.S. Route 1. lenlibby.com.

For an exit-by-exit guide on lodging, food, gas, fun facts, attractions and more, read “Drive I-95 5th Edition” or visit drivei95.com.

Around Town

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

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

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hursdays and Fridays Historical Herrmann’s Lipizzaner Stallions training sessions open to the public!

3 p.m. (Saturdays 10 a.m.) Donations welcome. No tickets needed.

Stallions available for viewing any day of the week. 32755 Singletary, Myakka City. For information: hlipizzans.com or (941) 322-1501.

and Benefit. Free admission.

Donnelly Park Building, Mount Dora. Details at (352) 383-4050.

hrough Jan. 22 Museum Exhibit: “Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage or Screen.” Appleton Museum, Ocala. (352) 291-4455.

through February 12 Theatre production of “Lend Me a Tenor.” Ice House Theatre, Mount Dora. Call (352) 383-4616.

T S

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and 21 Blue Parrot Art and Craft Show. Exhibitors, food, entertainment. Free admission. Blue Parrot RV Resort, Lady Lake. Call (352) 259-7380.

20 21

undays Open Air Market at Community Concert Series Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St.,

by The Water Coolers. High Mount Dora. Locally-grown produce, energy, laugh-out-loud comedy baked goods, crafts, entertainment. show. 7:30 p.m. $35. Mount Dora Information at (407) 230-0675.

High School Aud. (352) 383-1165.

S S

aturdays Music at Florida Sunshine Opry, Eustis. (352) 357-4448.

aturdays Special music at Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Call (352) 821-1201.

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American Legion Post 18 luncheon. (Hwy. 44 in Wildwood) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donation: $6. Call (352) 748-7009.

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and 15 Sandy Hackett’s “Rat Pack Show,” starring Sandy Hackett, son of the Buddy Hackett. Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Lake Sumter Community College, Leesburg. Call (352) 365-3506.

14

and 15 8th Annual Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale

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

352-307-2453

• Relaxed arm position for more control

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

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• Unisex step-through design engineered in Germany • Cross bar is only six inches from the ground, so you can easily step-through the bicycle

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE SEEKING DONORS OF and 29 Cagan Crossings Art & Craft Show. Arts, crafts, REAL ESTATE food and fun. Free admission. Cagan If you have been thinking about making a substantial gift to Crossings, Clermont. (352) 344-0657.

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE Cornerstone Hospice – perhaps you should consider Real Estate.

A gift of cashOF or securities this time may not be practical.Your DONORS REALatESTATE The Kingston TrioSEEKING in a

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and 10 “Changes in Latitude,” Jimmy Buffet Show. $28. 6 and 8:30 p.m. Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

352-343-4181

• Upright seating position for less back pain and clear view of the road

“That’s Hollywood” Presented by Questar, A Villages group. $21. 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. (352) 753-3229.

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Minneola Library Literary Book Club at Minneola Schoolhouse Library, 100 S. Main Avenue, Minneola. 10 a.m. Free. (352) 432-3921 or email mmcguire@minneola.us.

Sun Cycle Center 100 W. Burleigh Blvd.

(Hwy. 441) Tavares, FL 32778

personal residence, farm, vacation home, commercial property, benefit performance for If you have been thinking about making a substantial or parcel of undeveloped land might be more suitable.

Mount Dora Library at MDBS Field gift to Cornerstone Hospice – formerly Hospice of House, 301 W. 13th Ave., Mount A present or future gift offers you the opportunity for valuable Lake and Sumter – perhaps you should consider Real Dora. 3 p.m. $30. (352) 383-1958. income tax and estate tax savings.

You Estate. A gift of cash or securities at this time may not also can free yourself burdensome management and problems involved in selling Taste of North Lakebe County. practical. Your of personal residence, farm, vacation the property or leaving it to estate liquidation.

North Lake County’s home, restau- time share, commercial property, or parcel rants will provide dishes for your of tastundeveloped land besell more Whether wemight keep or the suitable. property, you will make a satisfying and ing pleasure. $15/per person advance; enduring contribution to Cornerstone Hospice to benefit $20/person at door; $25/ couple ad- A present or future patients gift offers youtheir the final journey of life. during vance. 5 to 9 p.m. Florida Elks Youth opportunity for valuable income tax and estate tax For information on Camp, Umatilla. (352) 669-3511. savings. You also can free yourself ofmore burdensome “How to GiveinReal Estate,” contact management and problems involved selling Nick Buchholz at Cornerstone Hospice: Send Around Town news to the property or leaving it to estate liquidation.

Senior Connection Magazine, (352) 742-6800 or e-mail: nbuchholz@cornerstonehospice.org FL 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, Whether we keep or sell the property, you will Hope makeChest are currently looking Cornerstone Hospice & the Hospice 33584; please fax (813) 651-1989. a satisfying and enduring contribution to Cornerstone gently used furniture donations.

For information on how you can News must be received Hospice by the 10thto benefitfor patientshelp, during their final journey ofatlife. please contact Chandra 352.742.6819 or of the month prior to event (i.e. chandra@cornerstonehospice.org January 10 for February event.)

For more information on “How to Give Real Estate,” contact Ted Williams at Cornerstone Hospice:

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 5

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Lakeridge Winery: It’s More Than Just the Wine

BY YVONNE CURLEY

“C

ome on out and have fun.

You’re a friend of the family, and we’ll show you around.”

That’s the enthusiastic attitude of Kyle Johnson, Event and Marketing Manager for Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont. He welcomes visitors to enjoy a free tour and tasting as well as come for monthly festivals and music events.

In December, the winery joined forces with Godiva Chocolates to host the first Wine and Cheese Festival which drew over 10,000 visitors.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened in Clermont in 1989. Seven days a week, you can join one of the tours which leave every 15 minutes or so to see the production area and enjoy the overall view of the vineyards in their central Florida landscape. The tours usually include an opportunity to taste some of the wine produced there.

January brings the Winter Music Series to the Winery every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Hand-picked central Florida bands take the stage as hundreds of visitors kick back and relax.

Their 2012 festival season includes the three-day Wine Festival in February followed by the Wine & Seafood Festival in March. There’s an April weekend for blues, a May weekend for jazz and then the Harvest Festival in June. The schedule for the remainder of the year includes grape stomping, music and a vintage wine venture.

People come from miles around to share in the fun at Lakeridge Winery. “We have customers from Ohio who have relatives in this area, and they plan their trips every year around our festivals,” said Johnson.

The computer has made it easy to keep up with what’s going on at Lakeridge, according to Johnson. It’s how you can find discount coupons being offered for limited time periods, even popular BOGO (buy one, get one

free) offers. “Customers appreciate getting the online monthly E-Newsletter to keep up with specials like that, event announcements and other news,” Johnson says.

Johnson has been with the Winery since 1996 when he started working there in landscaping.

When asked what his favorite wine is among the dozens produced at Lakeridge, he said, “I know it’s a cliché, but I really do like them all. Early on I drank a lot of the Southern Red. Even though I like a drier wine now, I still go back to Southern Red sometimes. It’s really one of our most popular wines.”

So, if you haven’t tried the Southern Red, maybe Saturday is the day to do it. Or maybe you’ll choose

Schedule:

another wine to go with the music. Johnson said, “You can’t beat free, and that’s what it costs to get in.” (They do ask for a $2 donation per visitor, all of which goes to a worthy cause in the area.)

Head on out to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, pull the lawn chairs out of the trunk and enjoy some music and wine.

January Music Series every weekend Feb. 17 – 19 Winefest XXII March 23 – 25 Wine & Seafood Festival April 21 – 22 Blues at the Winery May 5 – 6 Jazz on the Vineyard Green June 22 – 24 Harvest Festival

Information at 1-800-768-WINE or (352) 394-8627.

WINTER MUSIC SERIES

FOOD, WINE, LIVE MUSIC - FREE ADMISSION JANUARY 7TH (1:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.) JANUARY 14TH (1:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.) JANUARY 21ST (1:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.) JANUARY 28TH (1:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)

WINEFEST XXII

ART & CRAFTS, WINE, FOOD, LIVE MUSIC $2.00 DONATION TO BENEFIT THE SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 17TH (10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.) FEBRUARY 18TH (10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.) FEBRUARY 19TH (11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.)

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 7

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 8

Is It Time to Pursue Your Dreams?

• Choose the back-to-school path and kick-start a dream or finish one you put on hold years ago.

BY EVELYN MACKEY

A

re you a Baby Boomer contemplating the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” You may want to remain active and engaged, make a contribution to your community or recapture dreams that you let go earlier in your life. If you’re still working, those may just be dreams—how will you turn them into reality?

Many paths can lead you to what’s next in pursuing your dreams. Here are a few ideas: • Take a radical path—become an activist for a cause. Or maybe becoming an entrepreneur or inRAO_GenPract_MatureLife_halfpg.pdf novator fits your life better.

• Take a sabbatical to work at your dream. Getting away from the work routine can help you prioritize your goals.

• The volunteering path lets you use your skills and can take you next door or around the world.

One man’s dream “Ever5:00:34 since PMI was a child, I wanted

10/20/11

to be a pro golfer,” said Keith Gockenbach, who retired from a career as an engineer to take his shot at joining the senior tour. “When I finally got to a point in my life when I could take my shot, I did. I learned a lot more about living life than I did about golf.”

Gockenbach’s book Inside, Outside and On The Ropes includes some life tips he found on the way to the dream:

spending two years on lessons and never becoming very good. And, I’ve certainly had more people say to me, “I admire you for chasing your dream,” than I’ve had say or even imply, “You’re crazy to try.”

• If you don’t enter, you can’t win.

It’s easy to be stopped by the daunting odds that face a pro every week, trying to get on the Champions Tour.

After shoulder surgery, I passed on entering three qualifiers where I could have qualified with a low round, as I later did at Sarasota. But when I didn’t enter, I eliminated that opportunity.

• Every stroke counts. I know from playing in the qualifiers that one shot here or there can make the difference between qualifying and going home empty-handed. Life works the same way. When you’re driving a car, focus on safe driving. When you meet someone, take the extra two seconds to learn their name. Give your full attention, even if it’s less than a minute.

Every interaction in life deserves a positive approach and relaxed focus. It’s a good habit to develop.

• The greatest regrets in life are for things you didn’t do, not the things you did and did poorly. People usually regret stopping after only a few piano lessons a lot more than

So, if there’s a dream in your head, what can you do to start making it come true? As retirement years stretch before the boomers, there are dreams waiting in the wings.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 9

From Leeza Gibbons to Caregivers:

Take Your Own Oxygen First the caregiver because we know that if we take better care of the caregiver, we will get better outcomes for the receiver. Taking your oxygen first is the really most selfless thing to do.

BY JANICE DOYLE

Leeza Gibbons

A

lzheimer’s disease doesn’t discriminate. It strikes men and women, rich and poor, famous and ordinary. I talked by phone with TV personality Leeza Gibbons, whose firsthand knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease motivated her to become an activist for family caregivers.

Her grandmother died of the disease at the same time Gibbons’ mother received her own diagnosis. Now, when she is not gracing the airwaves, Gibbons (54) spends her time heading up Leeza’s Place, a place both online and in real life working on behalf of caregivers. “It’s a place for caregivers to get educated, empowered and energized as they care for someone they love.” Gibbons said they teach caregivers to “take your oxygen first, meaning nourish yourself, keep your body strong, take a break and forgive, forgive, forgive…the first steps to caring for your loved one.”

I asked her to tell us what she had learned.

Q: What are some practical ways to do that?

LG: We advocate that

caregivers take the first five minutes and the last five minutes of every day for personal reflection, to do some deep breathing and ask “where are my reserves? How am I doing emotionally? Am I feeling angry or resentful? Am I sad? Do I feel guilty?”

Acknowledge those feelings. Realize that you need support, that you can’t do this alone. We’re not infinite resources.

People roll their eyes when we say to take even a five-minute walk every day. But it allows you to get out of your environment so you can cope with greater skill. It gives you oxygen to your brain and your heart so that you will have more physical and emotional reserves to draw from.

Q: What is a practical way to help a caregiver?

LG: If someone asks to help, a great

first response by the caregiver is to ask them to prepare some veggies or healthy snacks and put them in zip lock bags so when you want to eat, the snacks you grab are healthy ones.

Q: At Leeza’s Place, Q: What can caregivers do to you recommend “take your own oxygen first”? scrapbooking. Why? LG: Scrapbooking and memorykeepLG: Walking the path of a caregiver is extraordinarily challenging and depleting at every level—spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically.

When we advocate “take your own oxygen first,” the idea is to shift focus from the diagnosed individual to

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 10

ing give us validation. When we take the time to elevate an experience—a trip, a shared hug, a moment in time that was special—it lets us know that our life matters and that’s all any of us wants to know.

When we scrapbook, we suggest that you pull out photos that will make a loved one feel competent and in control of their lives. It can be multigenerational. An 8-year-old and 80-year-old can both cut, add to a page, tell about a moment in time.

Working together demystifies the experience for the child. Kids feel more secure if they have information, and if we make them a part of the process, their fear lessens. And journaling forces you to think about feelings.

Sometimes in caregiving, we hurt so much we run from our feelings.

Gibbons and her mother.

Q: Did you make a scrapbook with your mother?

LG: I did. I had a sense

of urgency to record her incredible life, to make sure my children knew how funny she was and how fancy she was and the way she loved to celebrate. It also allowed me to rewind to a time before me, to see her as a girl. Doing it was very healing for me.

Q: What was she like as a grandmother?

LG: My mom had been vocal and excited about having grandchildren. One time when she was visiting and my kids were very young, I remember feeling a cross between anger and resentment that my mother wasn’t really “present”

with the kids. I realize now it was the beginning stages of the disease and that she wasn’t comfortable in her own skin.

One of her big dreams was to take her grandchildren on a cross-country train trip. She never got to do that, so part of what I scrapbooked was what my mom’s hopes and dreams were about the grandchildren.

Q: Any bittersweet stories you want to share?

LG: When I was a little girl, Mom

would say, “When I die, don’t let your dad put me in high heels and pearls. I want to be buried in my pajamas.” I didn’t understand, but I carried that with me into adulthood.

We buried her in this comfortable gown and buying it was the last dutiful daughter experience that I did for her what she wanted.

Q: What about your father through all of this?

LG: My dad cared so lovingly for my mom. He’s an example of taking his oxygen. He found buddies that supported him, and I’m so proud of him.

Resources:

Leezasplace.com Alzheimersdisease.com

What caregivers can do: Offer up Words of Wisdom for others who are struggling.

Go to Alzheimersdisease.com through Feb. 29 to enter your caregiving tips. The top ten will receive gift certificates and be published on the site.

Bidding FarewellDiscounts to Your Home Insurance some old photos of your home which include favorite memories from your years living here. You will have this book to look through if you become homesick during the adjustment phase in your new home or just as a fun way to remember your current home and your good memories.

For Mature Drivers

3. Consider those who will benefit from the home you are passing on.

It may be hard when you’re leaving a long-time residence to consider the value of what you are passing on to the new owner, but this passing on is often the wonderful result of this process. I went back and visited the home where I grew up and saw how much the young family who bought my parents’ house was enjoying it.

BY SUE RONNENKAMP They have done some wonderful remodeling, and the house and f you’re preparing for your own downsizing, or if you’re right-sizing yard look fully lived in again.

If you live in a neighborhood where for a new stage of life, think about many of the older houses are being how you might say goodbye and bring torn down or totally remodeled, it closure to leaving your current home.

Take Your Class Online! may be harder to think of letting You may not feel that this is a high go abecause your a fear that your • Study yourof leisure, 24else hours day, 7ofdays week. priority in theat midst everything current home will disappear once you•must do related your move, materials but Simply readtothe course online and then answer you sell it.

Remember that you had it is important. Bringing some level a few quiz questions. the wonderful gift of living in the of closure with your current home, home classes you created manytoyears.

There is no need orfor listen and•allowing yourself timeto to attend grieve boring Once you decide to pass your home longarelectures. this loss, essential parts of the on to new owners, please accept transition Treat endings with we • Afterprocess. completion, of course will issue a state-certified as much importance as beginnings and that they do have a right to a totally certificate for you to turn intodifferent your insurance company to picture of what they want use this opportunity to say goodbye. their year own dream home to be. receive your discount for a three period.

1. Make plans for bringing closure 4. Realize that you can create a new with your current home. One way is Take Your Mature Driver Course On TheFully Internet! home for yourself. realize that by recalling your favorite memories you can create a new home for yourof this home—room-by-room, alone License If you have a Florida Driver’s and are years self anywhere you55 live.

What of you are or with family or friends. Tears may age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor vehicle leaving is just a house.

You are taking come with this process, but that’s homeyou withtoyou and canacreaccident course thatyour willtrue allow receive okay —leavingprevention a place you have ate it again wherever you areyears. living. called “home” canreduction be very emotional. mandatory on your insurance rate for three Remember: Home is where you Maybe plan a party, especially fitting are, home is what you create, home FloridayouDepartment of Highway Safety if this is the house where raised is not the physical structure. your family. Ask each & person to prepare Motor Vehicle Approved Course to share a favorite memory of your Sue Ronnenkamp is a retirement home. Make sure everyone leaves with living and transition expert. Her work your new address and phone number so focuses on planning ahead, embracing they can stay in touch after your move. change, moving forward, and living every season of life to the fullest.

2. Create a memory book for your For more information, visit Sue’s home, maybe with one of your website at AgeFullLiving.com. children or grandchildren. Include (SENIOR WIRE) current pictures of your home and

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Timeless Advice about Worry W orrying is one behavior shared by just about everybody. Yet we all know that worrying never got a project done or solved a personal problem.

Here is timeless, practical advice on handling worry in a high-pressure world.

b. Prepare yourself to accept the worst possible consequence, whatever it is, and then resolve to find a way to live with the results.

a. Analyze the situation and figure out the worst case scenario.

This information is from the website dalecarnegie.com.

Use this 3-step formula for solving worry situations:

c. Concentrate on how you can improve the worst case situation you’ve already accepted mentally.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 11

Pure Adventure: Pilot to POW

P

Q

: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

A: If you are an adult, you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: • You must be unable to do work you did before you became disabled and we must decide you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and • Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability.

For more information, read our publication Disability Benefits at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Q: If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits?

A: Social Security has several work incentive programs to help people who want to work. You may be able to receive benefits and continue your health care coverage during a trial work period. For information about Social Security’s work incentives and how they can help you return to work, you should: For details, visit socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

ilot to POW is the story of P-51 fighter pilot Dan King and his experiences during WWII with the 364th fighter group. Written by Steve Decker of Dade City, the book chronicles King’s war experiences from training in California to an RAF base in England in 1943.

The book then details King’s life as his plane went down in flames on his 30th mission over Nazi Germany and he was taken POW. In prison camp, his fellow prisoners thought he was an enemy spy, but he was finally freed by the Russian Army.

Back home in Ohio after the war, he and his wife raised seven children while he worked for a steel company.

In the book you can see a rare copy of an official Nazi prisoner of war record plus many other photos.

The book is an e-book available through Amazon and other online sources for $5.99.

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Veterans Corner

A Green Beret in Vietnam: When We Walked Above the Clouds

W

riter H. Lee Barnes lives in Las Vegas and teaches English and Creative Writing at the College of S. Nevada—a far cry from his days on the battlefield as a member of a Special Forces Author A-team in Vietnam.

H. Lee Barnes Typical of many young men in the early ‘60s, Barnes was in college and drifting along as an average student when a letter from his Draft Board made the decision of what he would be doing for the next couple of years of his life. He enlisted in the Army and became, much to his own surprise, a member of the elite Green Beret.

There are the legends of the Green Berets and their clandestine, special operations that are celebrated in story and song, and then there’s the reality of one soldier’s experiences. In When We Walked Above The Clouds: A Memoir of Vietnam by H. Lee Barnes, readers share first-hand the day-to-day loss and drudgery that more accurately conveys the daily grind and quiet desperation behind the polished-for-public-consumption accounts of military heroics.

Barnes tells what it was like to be a Green Beret; first in the Dominican Republic during the civil war of 1965, and then at A-107, Tra Bong, Vietnam, where he eventually came to serve as the advisor to a Combat Recon Platoon which consisted chiefly of Montagnard irregulars.

While Barnes sees his months of simply doing what the mission demanded as nothing to get excited over (after all, bad coffee, heat, insects, sickness, killing rats, cleaning guns and building bunkers make up the routine nature of war), he communicates how this predictability makes the

intensity of patrols and attacks all the more menacing, and his book makes for a very sobering read.

He recalls a particular routine patrol that had gone wrong and four of his own and a large number of Vietnamese and Montagnard tribesmen were killed. As he lifted a buddy’s decomposed body off the ground, both a hatred for the enemy and the stupidity of the war emerged and he began his own patrols.

He learned to do what few other Americans in his outfit could— climb the treacherous mountains and survive the unforgiving conditions as well as a native. Learning to trust the jungle and all its dangers, he felt more alive than he had before or ever has since.

Barnes’s story is one of loss—of morale lost to alcoholism, teammates lost to friendly fire, of missions that were aborted and those that were endlessly and futilely repeated. As the story advances, so does the attrition— teammates get transferred, innocence is cast off and confidence in leadership dwindles. But against this dark background, Barnes manages to honor these men who nonetheless carried the day.

Nearly fifty years later, Barnes writes that “Vietnam is the only thing in my life that isn’t fiction,” and his book stands as a tribute to the contribution the men of this elite group made, both the routine and the brave.

Vet H. Lee Barnes today is a hiker and biker who loves to tour the highways of the southwest and occasionally rambles down its inviting back roads...just curious to see what’s around the next corner.

For more information on this award-winning author, please visit: hleebarnes.net.

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Nutritionally Hot Recipes for Oatmeal A

steaming hot bowl of oatmeal provides a delicious—and healthy—start to a day. And we’ve all heard that eating oats may help protect against high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Here are three ideas to boost the nutrition further:

Recipe • Make oatmeal with calcium-rich milk instead of water. Follow the same directions given for water, just use milk instead.

• Kick the nutrition up another notch by serving oatmeal with antioxidantrich berries, either fresh or frozen.

• Sprinkle oatmeal with cinnamon for sweetness and possible health benefits.

Stir mixture once more and transfer to an 8 x 8 baking pan that’s been coated generously with cooking spray. (You could also use two small loaf pans.)

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. To serve, cut into squares and drizzle each serving with maple syrup.

Recipe from mrbreakfast.com.

Baked Banana Raisin Oatmeal

3 eggs 2 very ripe bananas, mashed 3 c. quick or old-fashioned oats 1 ½ c. low-fat milk ½ c. raisins ½ c. honey ¼ c. oil 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla Lightly beat eggs. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir until well combined.

Let mixture set at least 10 minutes for oats to absorb some of the liquid.

Orange Cranberry Slow Cooker Oatmeal

1 c. old fashion rolled oats 1 c. chopped apple 1/2 c. dried cranberries 1 tbsp. butter melted 1 tbsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt 1 c. orange juice 1 c. water

Spray the inside of slow cooker with non stick cooking spray. Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl.

Poor into slow cooker. Cook on very low or warm for 9 hours. Serves 6.

New Books—Fiction and Nonfiction Fiction

Into the Wilderness by Deborah Lee Luskin is a love story set in Vermont in 1964.

It tells the story of Rose Mayer, a sixty-four-year-old Jewish widow from New York, who buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life.

Reluctantly, she visits a son in Vermont, in a town where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats nor other Jews.

There, she meets Percy Mendell, a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat and never left the state. When they meet, sparks fly.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 14

Pursuing Happiness…One More Time is a witty novel about life and love in an adult community by Mary Lou Peters Schram.

This fun book doesn’t guarantee a fulfillment of all the women’s dreams, but it’s a fun read.

Let the Rain Fall by Rachel Norby takes on the question of “Does true love exist?” Is it possible to convince someone spited by love to give it a second chance? These are some of the questions that Katherine, now age 75, addresses as she tells her story to the three eccentric sisters at New Horizons Assisted Living.

Nonfiction

“In sickness and in health” sometimes means years with Alzheimer’s. In My Life with Rita, The Love of My Life James Booksh takes readers into his 58-year marriage, from post-WWII days to his wife’s eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Bookish said, “I wrote the book in memory of and to praise Rita, in thanks for a wonderful 58 years,” he says. “We lived as one, even when she had Alzheimer’s.”

Leonard Szymczak’s book, The Roadmap Home, blends the author’s thirty-five years as a therapist with his own personal life challenges. From a violent childhood filled with abuse to following a quest to find “home”—and his journey showed him that “home” is within us—he shows others how to get there.

Another “roadmap” book is The Roadmap to 100 by Walter M. Bortz, M.D. (who ran the Boston Marathon last year at age 80). The right lifestyle choices allow anyone, he claims, to take control of their own health as they age and live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

If you’re concerned about the quality of the food you eat, read The Safe Food Handbook, How to Make Smart Choices About Risky Food.

It gives a balanced and comprehensive look at which food risks we should worry about, which old precautions are now outdated and how consumers can proactively protect themselves.

PCHD_80325_43887_4.875x9.8125:PCHD-80325_4.875x9.8125

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

O

f course they are! You just lead towards the AQ or KJ or some such holding, and, when fate is kind, an extra trick materializes. But, if they can, experienced players will avoid the whims of fate, as in this deal.

West leads the Q♥, and Declarer can see a certain loser in Hearts and another in Diamonds. So, if 4♠ is to make, then Declarer must avoid losing two Clubs. Any ideas?

One way to play Clubs (after drawing trumps) is to finesse the Ten, hoping that West has the King and the Queen.

Finesses Are Easy

That’s somewhat unlikely (around 25 percent). Another possibility is to finesse the Eight, and later finesse the Ten, hoping that West has K9 or Q9. That’s a 37 percent chance. Or, Declarer might run the Jack, giving himself the extra chance that West might neglect to cover with his honor.

Which finesse will you choose?

The correct answer is that you don’t care for any of these finesses, you much prefer the 100 percent method! Draw trumps, cash the red suit winners and exit with a Heart (or a Diamond). The defenders can take their Heart and Diamond tricks but now their goose is cooked.

If they lead another red card then Declarer pitches a Club loser from one hand and ruffs in the other hand (the so-called “ruff and sluff”). And if they break open Clubs then Declarer will lose only one trick in the suit. Yes, finesses are easy, especially when you can avoid taking them!

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail marketing@acbl.org.

To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

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The Healthy Geezer

you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or . I’m considering having a running, may be discouraged. hip replaced. What are the There can be complications from odds that this operation will work? joint-replacement surgery. These include infection, blood clots, loosA: The American Academy of Orening of the prosthesis, dislocation thopaedic Surgeons says joint reof the joint, excessive wear, prosplacement surgery is successful in thetic breakage and nerve injury. more than 9 out of 10 people. And There are remedies for all of these replacement of a hip or knee lasts complications, but sometimes the at least 20 years in about 80 percent correction will take more surgery. of those who have the surgery.

Surgeons are refining techniques In the procedure, an arthritic or and developing new ones, such as damaged joint is removed and reminimal-incision surgery. There is placed with an artificial joint called a surgical alternative to total hip a “prosthesis.” Artificial joints are replacement. It’s called hip resurmedical devices that must be cleared facing. The primary difference in or approved by the FDA before they hip resurfacing is that the surgeon can be marketed in the United States. doesn’t remove the ball at the top The goal of surgery is to relieve the of the thigh bone. Instead, the dampain in the joint caused by the damaged ball is reshaped, and then a age done to cartilage, the tissue that metal cap is anchored over it. serves as a protective cushion and Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replaceallows smooth, low-friction movement, preserves enough bone to permit ment of the joint. Total joint replacea total replacement if it is necessary ment is considered if other treatlater. Resurfacing is not recomment options will not bring relief.

In an arthritic knee, the damaged ends mended for patients with osteoporosis, of the bones and cartilage are replaced a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some with metal and plastic surfaces that are shaped to restore knee function. In healthcare experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resuran arthritic hip, the damaged ball and facing, if you are older than 65. socket of this joint are replaced by a If you would like to read more metal ball and plastic socket. Several columns, you can order a copy of metals are used, including stainless steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights titanium. The plastic material is durable and wear-resistant polyethylene. Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti.

The two most common joints requiring this form of surgery are the knee and hip, which are weight-bearing. But replacements can also be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow and fingers.

After total hip or knee replacement you will often stand and begin walking the day after surgery. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches or a cane.

Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing, but it will end in a few weeks or months.

Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery,

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

“Tip of the Tongue” Forgetting

R

emember in November when Rick Perry failed to retrieve the name of one of the federal agencies he would abolish if elected president— namely the Department of Energy? That was most likely an example of a very common phenomenon called “Tip of the Tongue” or TOT, says a University at Buffalo psycholinguist.

“TOT occurs when we know the meaning of the word or words we want to retrieve but are unable to access their sounds,” says Gail Mauner, Ph.D., Departments of Psychology and Linguistics.

She says that often, when we are in a TOT state, we have partial access to the form aspects of a word or phrase—that is, we might be able to say what the first letter is

M

or how many syllables it has but are not able to retrieve the entire word.

These events are typically not a measure of intelligence, nor are they evidence of a lack of knowledge, she says. She noted that Rick Perry, as a governor of Texas, is likely to be quite knowledgeable about the Department of Energy.

TOT states are more common for words that are infrequent (like “protractor”) and for proper names.

She says such incidents increase as we get older.

When a word is not produced very frequently, Mauner says the connections between its meaning and its sounds may be weak. (Newswise)

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Services to Help Medicare Answers stand-alone prescription Marci, I enrolled into a new You Stay at Home Dear drug plan in February, your Medicare Advantage plan during

any older adults prefer to stay at home as they age. It’s natural to want to stay at home as you grow older. But is this the right choice for you or your loved on? Sometimes small changes are needed to make it possible to age in place—the term for being able to stay in your own home safely and comfortably.

What can help me stay at home?

You may be used to handling everything for yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse or relying on family members for help. But as circumstances change, it’s good to be aware of all the home care services available that might be of help. What you may need depends on how much support you have, your general health and your financial situation. Think about these factors: Household maintenance Keeping a household running

smoothly takes a lot of work, including laundry, shopping, gardening, housekeeping and handyman services.

Then there are bills as well as financial and healthcare management.

Transportation Transportation is a key issue for older adults. Investigating transportation options can help you keep your independence and maintain your social network.

Home modifications If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications may include grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs or even installing new, more convenient bathrooms.

Personal and health care This can sometimes be done by trained professionals who come to your home for a fee.

From helpguide.org.

Fall Open Enrollment, but I don’t like it.

Can I switch out of this plan? —Dorian

Dear Dorian,

Yes, you can switch from your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). You can only make this coverage change if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, and you can only switch into Original Medicare.

You cannot switch from one MA plan to another. The MADP occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan.

Changes made during this period will become effective the first of the following month. For example, if you switched from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a

new coverage would begin March 1.

Remember, if you are enrolled in a Private-Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plan with a stand-alone drug plan, you must keep your stand-alone prescription drug plan if you switch to Original Medicare during the MADP. Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114.

To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org.

To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 17

2012 Florida State Fair—So Much to See and Do!

T

he theme for the 2012 Florida State Fair, held Feb. 9 – 20, is “The Best Time of the Year!” With returning favorites and exciting new attractions, there’s sure to be something for everybody.

New Thrills New at the 2012 Fair! Thrill seekers, get ready to ride the Zip-line! This exhilarating ride will have you zipping across one of the fairgrounds’ lakes.

You can also catch heart-pounding action at the Xtreme Sports Show!

(Dates and times online.)

Feel the need for “mow” speed?

Lawnmower races presented by the USLMRA will be providing some serious fun on Feb. 18 and 19 in the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Fair Favorites Visit the Arts and Crafts Showcase in the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for unique items and crafty ideas, or shop till you drop in the Expo Hall and get a foot massage before you leave. Don’t forget to stop

by Alessi’s Bakery for their famous Strawberry Shortcake and more!

At Cracker Country, take a stroll back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Florida’s history.

Sit a spell and enjoy the Bluegrass music, dozens of performances, demonstrations, crafts and other activities.

Entertainment The Florida State Fair is host to several free daily shows and special attractions, as well as live performances on the International Stage. Highlights include: Blues Brothers, Dennis Lee Show, Spanish Lyric Theater, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Kachunga the Alligator Show, Circus Hollywood, Racing Pigs, Yesterdaze Show, Cheer

and Dance Competitions, Chris MacArthur and the Florida Cracker Boys and the Elvis Extravaganza.

Save the Date Feb. 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16: Five After Five. Come to the Fair after 5 p.m. and admission is only $5.

Feb. 14 – 16: Senior Days. Admission for ages 55+ is only $6 for advance tickets (purchased through Feb. 8) or $8 for tickets purchased at the gate.

Feb. 15: Country Gold Tour—Leroy Van Dyke, Lynn Anderson, Gene Watson, Janie Frickie, and T.G. Sheppard perform from noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $10 (does not include fair admission).

Feb. 20: National Salute to Veterans Day. Free admission for everyone after 4 p.m.

To purchase Fair admission tickets and ride armbands, or for more information about showtimes and attractions, visit FloridaStateFair.com or call 1-800-345-FAIR (3247). Shows are subject to change or cancellation.

Music Events

12

“Waters of the World” concert by Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. $45 at the door. St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mount Dora.

Call (352) 589-1500.

23

and 24 The Lettermen Broadway Show. $31.

Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. For more information, call (352) 753-3229.

22

Madama Butterfly, Central Florida Lyric Opera at Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Lake Sumter Comm. College, Leesburg. 3 p.m. $25/seniors. Call (407) 292-2143.

29

The Kingston Trio benefit performance. $30. 3 p.m. Mount Dora Bible School Fieldhouse, Mount Dora.

Call (352) 383-1958.

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 18

Let’s do lunch.

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Take the Grandkids—A Day Trip Just for Fun

BY AMY WITHEROW

W

e stopped recently in Sebring and spent several hours in the incredibly wonderful Children’s Museum of the Highlands with Brandon, 4, and Caitlin, 7. Linda Crowder, Museum Director, has spent over 20 years creating exhibits that children will love.

There are more than 20 areas of play, and kids can spend hours just enjoying themselves. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to play as well—as I did with some of the more popular exhibits. They include a grocery store, a diner, a model train, a race car, an airplane, a fire truck, a postal truck, a fire tower, a construction area, a television station, a hospital, a theater stage and a bank area (complete with safe deposit boxes).

Each area is well-maintained and the quality of the exhibits speaks highly to the ingenuity of Crowder, who is the museum’s only full-time employee, serving as everything from director to maintenance person.

Brandon tries on wigs in the theater.

Crowder says, “The museum is ideal for children ages 2 – 12, especially 4 – 9 year olds, but even middle schoolers enjoy visiting. Older kids like the optical illusions, which involve more reading than the other exhibits.”

Younger siblings can enjoy a toddlerfriendly play area in the middle of the

playgrounds within a 10-minute walk of each other and offers a tram tour, which might be better for older kids since it requires remaining seated for 75 minutes. The tram travels into remote areas of the park where visitors might see alligators, turtles, wading birds and more. Or, you can take a walk on the elevated boardwalk over the Caitlin flies the cypress swamp. kid-sized airplane.

A day trip to Sebring is well worth the drive. The Our family went to Dee’s, which grandkids (and their grandparents) was right across the street. Dee’s is are sure to have a great time! family-friendly down-home cooking.

The museum is located at If you choose not to return to the 219 N. Ridgewood Dr., Sebring. museum after lunch, consider spendOpen Tuesday through Saturday. ing a couple of hours in the afternoon Call (863) 385-KIDS (5437) or visit at the nearby Highlands Hammock State Park. The park has three separate childrensmuseumhighlands.com.

museum, surrounded by padded walls that can double as benches for adults.

There are several local lunch options, and the attendant at the front desk will be happy to stamp your hand if you plan on returning after your meal.

Mature Lifestyles • January 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 4078 WIDOW SEEKS COMPANIONSHIP with a real gentleman. One who likes movies, walking home, cooking besides eating out—a gentleman who is sincere and honest.

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

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.

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.

MEET OTHER SENIORS Over 2,000 seniors have met through Seniors Getting Together.

Send in your ad today!

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

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

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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RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

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

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If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

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Name: Address: City: Phone:

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 20

February 3 – 4, 2012 Friday 9 am – 4 pm Saturday 9 am – 3 pm

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Technology—Of Lovers and Liars T

wo stories from the world of technology caught our eye recently.

The first is heartwarming; the second shows that people will be people, no matter what.

Ed proposed to Molly on Valentine’s Day and they married in June surrounded by 25 friends and family.

Liar, Liar, Hard Drive on Fire It’s the face-to-face meeting that makes the difference. A Finding Love at new study finds that commuAges 90 and 82 nication using computers for It’s never too late to find instant messaging and email love. Just ask 90-year-old increases lying compared to Molly Holder and 82-yearface-to-face conversations, old Ed Nisbett who got and that email messages are married in June and honmost likely to contain lies. eymooned in Jamaica. The Underlying this is the connewlyweds met last Nocept of deindividualization, vember—on Match.com.

Molly joined Match.com (PRNewsFoto/Breezes Resorts where as people grow psy& Spas and Match.com) chologically and physically “on impulse” and quickly made a digital connection Match.com newlyweds, further from the person they ages 90 and 82, are in communication with, with Ed through their honeymooning at Breezes there is a higher likelihood shared interest in reading Grand Negril, Jamaica. of lying, researchers say. poetry and drinking The takeaway: The internet allows scotch. When the Tallahassee, Florida, people to feel freer, psychologically couple met in person in January, no speaking, to use deception, at least one could doubt that their chemistry when meeting new people. was instant. With no time to waste,

Word Search

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Dec. Sudoku

Pauline Pare is last month’s winner!

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Jan. 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 Jan. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

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Word Search Jan. 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

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Marion McClain is last month’s winner!

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&

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

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 21

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 22

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 23

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