Lifestyles After 50 Marion/Lake/Sumter May 2014 edition

www.lifestylesafter50fl.com • Marion/Lake/Sumter • FREE

Vol. 25 • May 2014

Mothers Do Make A Difference

• Late Bloomers • Happiness Matters • Angels of Bataan

Foster Mother: One of the Many Faces of Motherhood

Dear Readers,

M

otherhood can have many faces. I am an adoptive and a biological mother, a mother-in-law Janice Doyle, and a grandmother.

Editor At one point, I mothered three students from Estonia.

Four years ago I became a stepmother when I re-married.

But before any of those, I became Foster Mother to Christy—a relationship that has lasted over 45 years.

My first husband and I were just 26 when we were asked if we would consider taking a 15-year-old girl into our home. We were told she was very bright. She was responsible for the care of seven siblings, five of whom were under the age of six.

“She needs to be where there are no small children and she can just be a teenager,” the case worker friend said.

Christy, angry and suspicious, arrived in a shapeless gray sweatshirt with a scowl on her face. Tom passed her the butter that first night at supper and when she reached for it, he pushed it forward so her thumb went into the soft butter. She looked up to see him smiling broadly at his playful welcome and she started laughing.

She laughed and laughed—and would later tell us it was the first time she’d really laughed in months.

who live interesting, successful and challenging lives like Christy’s.

We are close friends, Christy and I, and we both realize not all foster parent/child experiences result in a bond like ours. At the same time, we feel blessed to have this incredible extension to our lives.

Being foster parents was not always easy, but we had the privilege of giving her the space she needed to gain her footing for what became an extraordinary life.

We offered her family, extended family, a church family, neighborhood relationships, conversations, canoe trips, books, trips, security and the freedom to be a part of a peer group. And I think we laughed a lot!

Christy has what iconic author Gail Sheehy has called “the spirit of survival.”

She went to college and then moved to California over 30 years ago; for some years, we had random communications Editor Janice Doyle and her foster daughter Christy before settling into a enjoy a 45-year-long relationship. close adult friendship.

In this issue, you will read about Christy earned two masters degrees, some Florida women who choose worked for the Los Angeles Times being foster mothers as their lifestyle. and married a wonderful man.

They get up daily and deal head on Two years ago, I went to Los with children of adults who could Angeles for her 60th birthday party. not make life work out to sustain Ten women each told of the gracious, family life physically and emotionhappy and loving friend, companion, ally. We honor them this month of counselor and confidante Christy has been to them. In the group were fellow May for the lasting changes they may bring to even one child. artists, a college dean’s wife, a poet, a librarian, an internationally recognized ukulele player, a sister-in-law, a Bon Apetit magazine editor—all women

Lake, Marion & Sumter Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc General Manager Dave Tarantul dave@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Janice Doyle janice@lifestylesafter50.com Accounting/Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Customer Service 1-888-670-0040

Advertising Sales 1-888-670-0040

Lake/Marion 1-888-670-0040 Pinellas/Pasco Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550 chuck@lifestylesafter50.com Our other editions:

Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Hillsborough Edition: Hillsborough County Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Counties Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier and Charlotte To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040 Distribution (941) 284-2930

News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (813) 653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50fl.com

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 the June 2014 issue is May 15, 2014. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 2

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Remote Controls for Heat, Massage, Recline and Lift

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

Separate Heat and Massage Controls!

Our Perfect Sleep Chair is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more!

It’s designed to provide total comfort and no found in other chairs. It relaxation not can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes This lift chair back pressure relief, and encourages puts you safely better posture to prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the dozens of massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! Weight capacity 375 lbs. Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty. Your choice of fabrics and colors – ships in approximately three business days.

The Perfect Sleep Chair Call now toll free for our lowest price.

Please mention code 58422 when ordering.

46357

We’ve e’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

1-877-670-0743 Tan

Long Lasting DuraLux Leather DuraLux II Microfiber

Burgundy

Cashmere

Brown

Fern

Burgundy

Chocolate

Indigo

© 2014 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 3

Play Mah Jongg—The Game of Skill, Memory and the Luck of the Draw

BY EVELYN MACKEY

M

any people love the challenges of puzzle games and brainteasers, in other words, a game like mah jongg. Wednesday afternoons at the Fruitland Park Library, you will hear two distinct sounds coming from the community room—laughter and the sound of game tiles clacking. That would be the Mah Jongg Club at play. Jo-Ann Glendinning, director of the Fruitland Park Library, says, “When the ladies are playing mah jongg in the community room, I know they are having a wonderful time.”

Several years ago Glendinning was looking for ways to bring people in to the library to experience the services they offered. She decided to try mah jongg. She didn’t play herself, but women who did play began to come. Four years later, from one to four tables of players can be found weekly enjoying the ancient Chinese game of strategy.

Glendinning grew up in New Jersey and says the clacking of the tiles reminds her of the sounds the dominoes made when men played that game on card tables on the street corners in her home town.

Mah jongg is commonly played by four players and is somewhat similar to the Western card game of gin rummy. It is a game of skill, strategy and calculation, and a degree of chance. The National Mah Jongg League publishes the American version of the rules and supplies an Official Standard Hands and Rules Cards each year. It is this card against which all games are played for the year.

Traditionally, mah jongg tiles were very ornately decorated and were made of bone and some of ivory or jade. Modern sets are made of various plastics. Regardless of the material used, the symbols on them are almost always engraved or pressed into the material.

A Merry Medieval Musical

T

he classic musical Camelot will be live on stage at Ocala Civic Theatre from May 15 through June 8.

In long-ago England, noble King Arthur (Alex Pinkston) and his beautiful Queen Guenevere (Joanna Bauernfeind) reign over the peaceful kingdom of Camelot, a land ruled by royal ideals of chivalry, honor, and justice. When fame of Arthur’s

legendary Knights of the Round Table reaches France, gallant Lancelot (Patrick Stanley), “the perfect knight,” heeds its call—but the serenity of the kingdom is threatened when he and Guenevere fall in love.

It’s a medieval tale full of regal romance, heroic deeds, comedy and adventure. Tickets are $22 at ocalacivictheatre.com or 352-236-2274.

Calling Nominations For Senior Awards

H

ave you ever witnessed a person or organization making a positive impact on older Floridians? Now you can do something...recognize them!

Nominations are being accepted electronically through May 9 for an annual statewide awards program that honors the efforts of those who work to improve the quality of life of seniors.

Winners will be recognized on August 5 at the 2014 Quality Senior Living Awards Luncheon at the Florida

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 4

Conference on Aging. The event will be held at the Bonaventure Hotel in Weston, Fla. Winners will receive an awards package valued at over $400.

The four awards categories include: • Public Service • Service to Seniors by an Organization • Senior Vision Media Award • Dr. Carter Osterbind Outstanding FCOA Member Award To nominate someone, or for details, visit fcoa.org or call 850-222-8877.

Lonny Rosenrauch is one of the regular mah jongg players at the library. She’s been playing “30 or 40 years” and says the older sets are often more interesting because they took more hand crafting.

Mah jongg, she says, “…is entertaining and you get to meet other people of like interests.

And it makes me think.”

Another Florida player, Mary Garvin, says, “The game requires

quick calculation skills and sharp memory power. Oh, and smart guesswork with luck thrown in every time I draw tiles. That’s a lot.”

Glendinning organized a mah jongg tournament recently as a fundraiser for summer library programs. To her joy, 20 ladies came, enjoyed a catered lunch and played the game.

The event brought in $250 which will fund one summer program.

Today, mah jongg is enjoying a resurgence in popularity (and has a variety of internet and computer versions). “It’s a fascinating game,” the library director says. “The ladies who play here will teach a beginner, so we have all levels.” She herself recently took a four-hour class at The Plantations to learn the rules. Does she play? For now, she says she enjoys facilitating those who come to play and knowing they are having fun doing it.

Join the club—Wednesdays from noon to 3 pm at the Fruitland Park Library. Information at 352-360-6561.

Older Americans Month Recognized

S

ince 1963 the nation has celebrated May as Older Americans Month. Each year the President signs a proclamation in celebration of the achievements and contributions of the nation’s older persons. This year, we are focusing on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today.

Healthy Tomorrow.

Older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and even death than the rest of the population.

Unintentional injuries to this population result in millions of medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year.

With a focus on safety during Older Americans Month, the Administration for Community Living plans to use

this opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue. By taking control of their safety, older Americans can live longer, healthier lives.

So, this month, take a fresh look at your surroundings and look for ways you could reduce the risk of accidents. It will help make sure you have the healthiest possible tomorrow.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G M AY 2 0 1 4

S

aturdays Leesburg Saturday Morning Market. 8 am to 1 pm, Downtown Leesburg. 352-365-0053 or leesburgsaturdaymorningmarket.com.

S T T

aturdays Central Florida Dance Club. 7:30 to 10:30. $6. Eustis Senior Service Center. 352-383-0209.

hrough 25 “On Golden Pond.”

Moonlight Warehouse Theatre, Clermont. 352-319-1116.

11

A Mother’s Day Serenade with Mary Jo Vitale and Josh Leggett. Tickets: $20 and $25. 7 pm at Lake Miona, The Villages, Lady Lake. Details at 352-753-3229.

11

Guitars and Cars Swap Meet and Show. 8 am to 3 pm. Features door prizes, awards, vendors and much more. Admission: $2. Renningers Twin Markets, Mount Dora. 352-383-8393.

12

hrough May 11 Museum Exhibit.

Injustice: Art and Atrocity in the 20th Century. This exhibit will include works by 20th Century masters such as Leonard Baskin, Leon Galub, Robert Morris and Alison Saar. Appleton Museum of Art, Ocala. 352-291-4455.

Forever Elvis Show, 5:30 and 8:30 pm.Tickets: $25 and $30. 13 The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra presents “An Opera Gala”.

Tickets: $28 and $33. 7 pm. Both shows at Savannah Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. 352-753-3229.

9

16

7

14, 21, 28 Wednesdays Mahjong Club at Fruitland Park Library.

Noon to 3 pm. All playing levels welcome. Info: 352-360-6561.

A Tribute to Broadway Dinner and Show. 6:30 pm. $38.

Windsor Rose Restaurant and Tea Room, Mount Dora. 352-735-2551.

9

2nd Friday Movie in the Park.

Sundown. A free screening of a family friendly movie. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Donnelly Park, Mount Dora. 352-735-7183.

28

Symphony Under the Stars. 7 pm at Ocala Golf Club. This annual Mother’s Day event will include music by Ocala Symphony Orchestra, food vendors and fireworks. Tickets: adults: $20; $15/adv. Ages 6 – 12: $5. Under 6 free. Tickets/info at www.fafo.org or 352-867-0355.

arts & craFts, Grape stoMpinG, Live Music, Food & Wine June 20th (10a.M. - 5p.M.) June 21st (10a.M. - 5p.M.) June 22nd(11a.M. - 5p.M.)

through 18 6th Annual Blues and Groove Weekend. Gates open at 5 pm on Friday and Saturday; Sunday gates open at 1 pm. Admission: 3 day pass/$75; Fri./$20 to $35; Sat./$25 to $40 ; Sun. $25. For show line-up visit bluesandgroove.com.

Elizabeth Evans Park and Mount Dora Community Theatre. 352-383-2165.

10 11

24TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL

through June 8 Theatre production of “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel.” Sonnetag Theatre at the Icehouse, Mount Dora. 352-383-4616.

9

The 5th Annual “The World Has Talent” 55 and older competition and show. 7 pm.

Admission: $11 to $13. Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala. 352-854-3670.

Live Music, Food & Wine May 3rd (10a.M. - 5p.M.) May 4th (11a.M. - 5p.M.)

14

23

through 12 Theatre production of “Social Security.” Tickets: $18 to $23. 7 pm at Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, The Villages, Lady Lake. 352-753-3229.

JAZZ ON THE VINEYARD GREEN

Spirited Easel Painting Class.

Bring your food/drink and paint a take-home masterpiece. Materials/ instruction supplied for $35/person.

7 to 9 pm at South Lake Art at Cagan Crossings, Clermont. 352-241-6407 Senior Social at Casino Community Building, 604 W. Berckman Street., Fruitland Park.

Enjoy food, fellowship. Bring side dish or dessert to share. 352-516-5169 x147.

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. May 10 for June event.)

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 5

We Honor Foster Mothers Who Pick Up the Pieces of Children’s Broken Lives

BY JANICE DOYLE

“L

ife is so complex out there. It’s gotten so rough for some of the children,” says Bobbi of St. Petersburg, a foster mother with 31 years of experience.

Today’s foster kids come with lots of mental and emotional abuse.

“We give them something they haven’t had before. And when they are in my home, they are mine.”

Wendy and her pastor husband in Fort Myers have been married 40 years and have raised five kids of their own. Now they are foster parents. She says, “The difficulty comes because the kids all come with some history which may be drug or abuse related. That means they are very scared and very hurt and it takes a while to work through it.”

Peggy in Ocala has been a foster mom 23 years. She says, “You don’t do it for the money, you do it for the kids who need love and care.”

She’s seen older kids come in from parents who have taught them to do the wrong things and the kids don’t want to change. Peggy gives a hearty laugh and says, “But the little ones are still okay. I’ll take the little ones peein’ and poopin’ any time.”

“You have to love them unconditionally so they can heal. They have all been through some sort of trauma and need to heal.

We can help that process,” says Joy in Leesburg.

“I would say the most important challenge is getting to know and understand each child and what they’ve been through and how it has impacted them,” says Victoria from Ocala. “One of the biggest mistakes we made in the beginning was to have the same expectations of foster kids as we did with our own biological kids.”

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 6

These women are all foster mothers Eckerd’s Director of Licensing And so, we honor these and around or beyond the age of 50.

Laurallyn Segur says, “The older all foster mothers, who know that When their phones ring, they may be foster mothers bring experience and every day really is Mother’s Day asked to provide a safe place to live wisdom. They’ve raised families. when you’re making a difference for children who have been removed They understand parenting and in the life of a child. from their family just minutes or love children. Many have a lot to hours before. Many foster children offer and don’t want a house without have major physical issues. children in it. They’re ‘lifers’ as Experienced foster moms keep stashes far as children are concerned.” of clothes and child care supplies in closets and drawers for children who arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Their needs include support, encouragement, reassurance, self-esteem, selfworth and most importantly, love. Oh, and Victoria from Ocala food, schooling and her family. and toys, too.

Foster moms have access to an array of counselors, therapists, Foster mom Bobbi What They Said: doctors and specialists— from St. Petersburg. all a part of the system which • “It’s very fulfilling and I’m never lonely.” tries to pick up the pieces of the broken • “Let it be fun, enjoy them; they will bless your socks off!” lives of families. And at the core of the system is the need for foster mothers.

• “Successes come when there’s an adoption that goes well.

The last infant I had was adopted, and I see him on Facebook all the time. I’m seeing him grow up.”

• “With five kids, the real challenge here is making sure that each child gets quality time in the evenings. And then on the 8th day …God created bedtime!”

• “Every single day, you have to make sure these kids know they are loved and that you are committed to helping them walk through their challenges.”

• “When I have a child at home I’m more organized and stay on schedule.”

• “We have a young lady we had in foster care for two years when she was 9 to 11 yrs old. She’s come back to us at 22 and wants to be part of our family! She never forgot the influence we were in her life!”

Wendy and her husband.

Ft. Myers.

To learn more about being a foster parent, google the words “foster parent” with the name of your city or county and follow the links.

DEXA Bone Scan—Discovering Osteoporosis Before It Causes Fracture

A

bout 40 percent of postmenopausal women in the U.S. have osteopenia (low bone density). An additional 7 percent have osteoporosis, a condition that is characterized by bones that are less dense, and thus weaker, than normal bone.

Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fracture with even minor trauma, such as a fall from standing height, or even from a cough or sneeze.

A DEXA bone scan is a simple, quick, completely painless examination that uses computer imaging to measure bone mineral density and help determine bone status and fracture risk.

“Once a person has low bone density, even normal activities can pose a serious risk of fracture,” says

Radiology Associates of Ocala (RAO) radiologist Dr. Ryan Tompkins.

“Therefore, the DEXA bone scan is important in helping to prevent injury among high-risk individuals.”

A DEXA bone scan is a simple, quick, completely painless examination that uses computer imaging to measure bone mineral density and help determine bone status and fracture risk. DEXA can help predict fracture risk in the same manner that measuring blood pressure can help predict the risk of stroke. Once diagnosed, osteoporosis has many available prescription and nonprescription treatment options to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fracture.

DEXA is recommended for all women over the age of 65, and for women between ages 50 and 65 with elevated risk

factors for osteoporosis. In addition, men and women with sedentary lives, taking certain medications or having certain diseases should discuss testing with their doctor.

The test involves an extremely small dose of radiation (one-tenth that of a chest x-ray) and takes about 2 – 5 minutes for a single area measurement and 10 – 15 minutes

for a whole body scan. Your doctor will determine the examination that is best for you.

DEXA is offered at two convenient RAO locations: Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center. For scheduling, please call RAO at 352-671-4300.

DRIVEN TO DISCOVER

Making things right begins with discovering what is wrong.

I love the recent advances in medical technology – they make it possible to discover the most minute details. Modern procedures like digital mammography and ultrasound-guided testing enable me to capture incredibly precise images and pinpoint abnormalities that might have gone unnoticed even a few years ago.

My vast experience enables me to interpret these sophisticated images and separate what’s important from what’s harmless. When necessary, I can assist your doctor in planning the best course of action to help restore your health and vitality. I take my role in your healthcare earnestly, and I feel honored to be a part of it.

I’m Dr. Fredric C. Wollett and I’m driven to discover more ways to utilize life-saving technologies.

WOMEN’S IMAGING CENTER TIMBERRIDGE IMAGING CENTER Like Us on Facebook facebook.com/raocala

(352) 671-4300 • www.RAOcala.com

Follow Us on Twitter twitter.com/raocala

We contract with a wide range of networks, including Medicare, Medicaid, and file all claims with the exception of non-contracted HMOs.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 7

33 off

*

y Da r’s 1th he 1 ot ay M is M

Enjoy

%

“Mother’s Day Spectacular” Bouquet with FREE chocolates Feminine and full of color, this bouquet is perfect to wow any Mom in your life!

E * V A % S

33

Why Happiness Matters

BY HENRY S. MILLER

A

lthough some would have you think otherwise, the uniquely human pursuit of happiness is not merely some frivolous idle-time activity for the fortunate few. Far from it. Instead, it is a serious pursuit—a duty and responsibility for each of us.

Being in a positive, optimistic and happy frame of mind seems to be what allows some humans to be more successful than others in obtaining life’s essentials: food, shelter, social support, even a mate. So it has always been and so it continues today. And if you still doubt the seriousness of pursuing a happier life, consider your loved ones. Fulfilling the duty of being happy benefits not just yourself but also those closest to you.

E FRE ET ATES G D AN OCOL CH

+s/h

19

$

99 +s/h

Plus, as a special bonus, take 20% off * all products over $29!

Visit

www.ProFlowers.com/Laugh

or call

800.781.0552

*Take 33% off “Mother’s Day Spectacular” and 20% off minimum product purchase of $29. Discounts: (i) apply to the regular price of the products, (ii) will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, unless specified, and (iii) do not apply to gift cards or certificates, international delivery, shipping & handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Images in this advertisement may include upgraded, premium containers which are available for an additional charge. Prices valid while supplies last. Offer expires 5/9/2014.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 8

• Socially. Happy people have more friends, richer social interactions, correspondingly stronger social support and experience longer and more satisfying marriages.

• Work. In addition to bringing all their positive personal attributes to work, happy people have been proven to be more likely to perform better, achieve greater productivity and deliver a higher quality work product. They tend to receive a higher income as a result.

• Physical health. Happy people experience less pain, are often in better health, are more active with more energy and even, not surprisingly, live longer. They have lower stress levels and stronger immune systems that fight disease more effectively. By comparison, stressed and depressed people are more vulnerable to various illnesses.

Site Price:$2999

You Pay:

self-confident, more forgiving, more charitable, more sociable, and more loving. Compared to unhappy people, happier people are more trusting, more loving, and more responsive. They have greater self-control, can tolerate frustration better, are less likely to be abusive, are more lenient, and demonstrate enhanced coping skills.

The Benefits Most of the benefits of living a happier life are familiar, yet they are powerful and seemingly endless—and they far outweigh the costs and work needed to achieve this state:

• Success. Overall, happy people are more successful across multiple major domains of life including work, social relationships, income and health. In addition, the relationship between happiness and success seems to be reciprocal: not only can individual success—whether in love or at work— contribute to feelings of happiness, but happiness also results in more success.

• Personally. Happy people more frequently exhibit characteristics such as being strikingly energetic, decisive and flexible. They are more creative, more helpful to those in need, more

• Mental health. Happy individuals construe daily situations and major life events in relatively more positive and more adaptive ways that seem to reinforce their happiness. They are also less likely to exaggerate any criticism, however slight, that they may receive, as opposed to unhappy individuals who react to life experiences in negative ways that only reinforce their unhappiness.

What’s at Stake Remember that one day, you will be sitting on that proverbial rocking chair on some front porch or veranda, maybe overlooking the ocean, and a stranger will sit down beside you and politely ask: “So, what did you do in your life?”

What will you say?

The stakes are high. The price of unhappiness is steep. And life is short.

(Excerpted from the book The Serious Pursuit of Happiness: Everything You Need to Know to Flourish and Thrive)

Seniors are Sweet on Pickleball W

hile it was something of an underground sport for decades, pickleball’s time has finally arrived.

A sport that’s been described as being played with an oversize pingpong ball on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, pickleball is a hybrid of those sports, with aspects of ping-pong and volleyball mixed in, too. A pickleball court is much shorter than a tennis court and the net is positioned lower, plus the serving is done underhand, so it’s easier on the joints and “tennis elbow” isn’t a problem. Fast-paced and easy to learn, pickleball doesn’t require a big financial investment: just some paddles and balls. Those who’ve tried it call the sport “addictive.”

Pickleball was invented 1965 and gained popularity quietly and gradually for decades. But the number of active pickleball players has nearly doubled in the country since 2010.

According to the USA Pickleball

Association, there are currently 1,900 places to play pickleball in the US with more courts being added each month. It’s popular with players of all ages, but seniors in particular are sweet on the sport as an alternative to tennis because it’s less physically taxing. Some players who’ve been sidelined from other sports with bad knees or feet find that they can play pickleball pain-free.

In West Central Florida, there’s a strong pickleball community. Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has introduced the sport to some local recreation centers and offers free lessons several days a week at selected locations. The Sun City Center Pickleball Club is one of the area’s largest and Kings Point, Meadow Pointe in Wesley Chapel and Valencia Lakes have pickleball clubs and courts of their own. Pickleball is consistently the biggest event at the Tampa Bay

Senior Games (held each October) according to event organizers.

In addition to being an easy sport to learn (some say it takes only five minutes), pickleball is a very social sport. Some clubs allow those with physical limitations to join as social members and each club typically has an active social schedule. The social nature of the sport in part accounts for its rapid spread. Before the US Pickleball Association was formed in the 1980s, the sport spread primarily through word of mouth. The association now has over 20,000 members.

Wondering where to get started in learning about pickleball? PickleballChannel.com is a new website that just launched, aimed at providing resources for both novice and experienced pickleball players. The channel’s Executive Producer Rusty Howes says that with the lightning-speed growth of pickleball, there was a need to provide exciting digital content online to serve the sport’s growing fan base. Each week, the channel will debut new video content, and they’re always looking for new players, teams and organizations to feature. The site offers advice on anything from what shoes to wear for play to game techniques, as well as insight into the people who play pickleball.

It may have a funny name, but pickleball is gaining a serious following that looks like it’s here to stay.

If you’ve got a great pickleball story to share, email share@pickleballchannel.com. For more info on pickleball, visit usapa.org/what-is-pickleball.

Stop The Pain! Leg Cramp Relief!

Natural Relief

Hyland’s Leg Cramps: Tough on cramps, gentle on you.

Don’t let your legs cramp your style!

Hyland’s Leg Cramps and Leg Cramps PM offer safe, homeopathic relief of your tough leg cramps*, day or night. Get back on track fast with Hyland’s Leg Cramps, the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand for leg cramp relief.

*The uses for our products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

Please read and follow directions.

Photo Content is being used for illustrative purpose only and any person depicted in the Photo Content is a model.

Hyland’s Leg Cramps was named by U.S. News & World Report and Pharmacy Times as the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand 2013-2014 for Leg Cramp Relief.

Available at: Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 9

B

Cruise Host Lorianne Crook

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 10

y the time the Country Music Cruise docked in Fort Lauderdale this past January, passengers had taken to calling it the greatest fan fest on the high seas. They were surprised, and then some, that their weeklong cruise through the Caribbean wasn’t just back-to-back concerts, perfect days by the pool and visits to postcard-perfect island towns. Already the stuff vacation dreams are made of, the Country Music Cruise turned out to be seven days of getting up close and personal with country superstars who dropped by cooking seminars, classes on songwriting, guitar playing and jewelry making, line dancing lessons, and even each other’s concerts.

“The level of interaction between our guests and the country stars was amazing,” explained Mike Jason, Senior Vice President of Live Entertainment, StarVista Entertainment/ Time Life and Executive Producer of The Country Music Cruise.

“We’re so excited about it that we’re planning even more events for the 2015 cruise, with special meet and greets, autograph sessions, photo opportunities, panels where artists share their stories in front of audiences and live interviews. At last count, we had 30 events scheduled and are still developing more.”

That’s music to any country fan’s ears, who will get to sail with Martina McBride, Charley Pride, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, Asleep At The Wheel, Restless Heart, Wade Hayes, Bryan White, The Roys, Canadian newcomer Brett Kissel and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys when the Country Music Cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on January 18, 2015.

Lorianne Crook of the long running “Crook and Chase” television show will return as the special cruise host.

“To be able to have this many country stars in one place and to really get to sit down with them and talk to them about old times and memories that we’ve shared together is incredible,” said Crook about the star-studded cruise.

“It’s great to be in such an intimate environment and so close to the audience,” added Martina McBride, who is planning something special for fans during her performances on the cruise. “We are incorporating some of the hits into the new show. They will be slightly different arrangements, but of course still recognizable. Me and the band are looking forward changing it up a little bit.”

blue water, this wonderful ship, the great events, the fabulous food, old friends, new friends, what could be bad about that? I love it.”

The 2015 Country Music Cruise will sail from January 18 through 25 with concerts that quite literally fill the days and nights. With more than 50 shows in all, the “floating Nashville” is topped off by a Gospel Hour and a surprise tribute to a country music legend that will bring many of the Country Music Cruise artists together on stage for one all-star performance. Fans will hear 62 number 1 hits and 164 Top 10 smashes, and will have fun guessing which of Charley Pride’s 29 number 1’s he’ll be packing in his suitcase.

The karaoke club, pool parties, trivia and dance contests, country music-themed films and documentaries and the nowlegendary Corn Hole Tournament keep the party—and the fun—going. And the food never stops coming, capped off by a Red, White and Blue Barbeque Martina McBride and special southern food selections at every meal.

Charley Pride This year guests will enjoy a special exclusive afternoon on the private island of Half Moon Cay with its white sand beaches, glittering ocean bay, tropical fare and spirits.

Holland America’s m/s luxurious Eurodam ship will travel from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (Bahamas), St. Thomas, St. Croix and Half Moon Cay before returning to Fort Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Lauderdale. Cabin rates start at just The Gatlin Brothers had such a $2,150 per person, and include tickets great time on January’s cruise that to every single concert, all meals they’ll be coming back to perform and a wide selection of activities. on the 2015 voyage. “When I was Cabins on the Country Music a little boy and they told me ‘we’re Cruise 2015 can be booked going to pay you to sing’—I knew by visiting the website www. that was a good deal,” Larry Gatlin CountryMusicCruise.com or by joked. “When you throw in all that calling (toll-free) 855-332-6868.

CMC15_LifestylesAd_FP_V03b_PTR.pdf

1

4/15/14

11:40 AM

SPECIAL OFFER

“The intimate nature of the venue is a great opportunity to connect with my fans that rarely get to see me give this kind of performance. They are in for a great week of country music. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the show."

- Martina McBride, Country Music Cruise 2015 Artist

FOR LIFESTYLES AFTER 50 READERS!

ABOARD HOLLAND AMERICA’S m/s EURODAM ME

O

OD NC

JANUARY 18-25, 2015

E

FT. LAUDERDALE * NASSAU * ST. THOMAS * ST. CROIX * HALF MOON CAY

0IVE 5 A LO RECECIAL

NTI

T SPE ATE! A IN R CAB

MARTINA MCBRIDE

specialappearance 1/21/15

aSLEEP AT THE WHEEL

Charley Pride

RESTLESS HEART

WADE HAYES

IMMERSE YOURSELF

IN THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY MUSIC EXPERIENCE

LORRIE MORGAN

BRYAN WHITE

JOHN ANDERSON

THE ROYS

AARON TIPPIN

Brett Kissel

DARRYL WORLEY

CHUCKMEAD& his GRASSYKNOLLBOYS

with host: Lorianne crook

• Sail with the superstars of country and experience the music of these incredible artists • Rub elbows with the stars during special interactive events including panel discussions, meet and greets, autograph session, tribute shows and more • Enjoy fine dining, beautiful accommodations, superb service and exciting ports of call!

CALL US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GROUND TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM TO/FROM THE PORT! TOLL FREE US 855.332.6868 * 855.33COUNTRY * CountryMusicCruise.com *

thecountrymusiccruise

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 11

Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer

BY PATRICIA FINN

I

am returning to college. I have advised my adult son of that so he can put SHE GRADUATED on my tombstone. When my peers are retiring, I will be entering the job market.

I am learning that if you wait long enough, school becomes fun. Last semester, I sat in a classroom for the first time in thirty years. I loved it.

The procedure is so simple. You are given information, you learn the information and then you are given a reward called a grade. You pay money for this, a lot of money.

I am pleased to scream from the rooftops that I am an A student. I have heard it said that nontraditional students may have acquired time management skills that traditional students

lack. My best time management skill has been to take one class at a time. I am taking philosophy. I have become very thoughtful, contemplating such thoughts as: If life is one big school, who is the principal? Am I in trouble?

Am I late? Where’s the nurse’s office?

A senior student, not to be confused with a graduating senior, does not have to worry about ruining their future.

This is the future. So go ahead, mess up, it is too late to ruin your life. You might even be surprised and earn an A. Once I have my AA, I will get a BA, an MA and then a Ph.D. Unless I get a RIP. I could be teaching in a university when I am in my seventies.

Another secret to my academic success is the undeniable parallel between age and the progressive

decline in one’s ability to have wild fun. This is very helpful. I have a definite advantage over the twenty-year-old sitting next to me with her head on her desk.

I am paying for my books by selling t-shirts printed with “Late Bloomer / Baby Boomer” with a picture of a turtle kissing a hare. I draw heavily from preschool influences.

I have advice to give to other baby boomers who return to college. We tend to talk a lot. Don’t monopolize the classroom discussions. My next fundraiser is a discussion guide for “Baby Boomers: When Putting Your Foot in Your Mouth Is No Longer Possible.”

Older is wiser. Anyone can be a Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer and return to school. Apply, register, do the process. Be proud, stand tall. Order and wear your Late Bloomer/Baby Boomer t-shirt. A senior student, not to be confused with a graduating senior, does not have to worry about ruining their future. This is the future. So go ahead, mess up, it is too late to ruin your life. You might even be surprised and earn an A. You can reach the author at patriciafinn12@yahoo.com.

LIVE THE LEGACY Naturally Beautiful • Delightfully Uncrowded • Amazingly Affordable • From The $120’s Ÿ Uncrowded natural setting with private park &

walking paths. Large lots & views available. Ÿ Excellent shopping and restaurants less than 1 mile from main entrance. Ÿ Close to Leesburg Area Medical Center. Ÿ Less than one hour to Orlando area attractions and airport with easy access to -75 & Florida’s Turnpike.

Ÿ Resident owned and operated with affordable

monthly fees and NO CDD’S. Ÿ Outstanding Recreational amenities, including beach entry heated pool & fitness center. Ÿ Easy to maintain homes by Florida Leisure Communities. WE WILL CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOME. Ÿ Private gated community for your peace of mind.

Hurry--Final Phase Now Selling

CGC-013873

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 12

Furnished Models Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday Noon - 5 pm

Legacy OF LEESBURG

www.LegacyLeesburg.com

5280 Legacy Boulevard • Leesburg, Florida 34748 Phone 352-314-0655 or 888-739-2979

I’m Talkin’ Quick Draw McGraw Fast!

BY MARK PILARSKI

D

ear Mark: I attend free slot tournaments when invited and wondered if there are any tips you can give to do well besides hitting the button quickly. —Wayne S.

Gambling Wisdom of the Month: “I’m confident that sooner or later, most race tracks will have a special section reserved for degenerates.”

—John Gillehon, A Gambler’s Bedside Reader (1998).

om Ra Ro fro t m

es

The gist of any slot tournament, Wayne, works like this: Players either congregate in a specific room of the casino, or at the site on the casino floor holding the tournament. Players are then assigned to a specific slot machine, given a set amount of time to play, and the person with the highest number of credits (points) won at the end is the winner.

The tournament format that you were probably playing in is one that uses timed sessions with machines in free-play mode, meaning, you don’t have to put any money in the machine to play. The up-front entry fee, in your case, FREE, is your total cash outlay. Now if the tournament includes a FREE chuck wagon buffet, you just broke the bank.

A typical format when playing free-play tournaments is to give each player 1,000 credits, and 20 minutes to play them, per round. Each time the player taps the spin button, three credits are deducted from their starting credits, and credits that they win are shown on a separate meter. When time has expired, the machine locks up to end play.

As a slot tourney player, you have probably noticed more paying combinations when playing in tournaments than you get with normal play. That is because most casinos have a distinct

slot tournament chip that is used in the machine, one that increases the frequency of winning combinations.

So, Wayne, as your question implies, the real and only trick here is to get your fingers moving at lightning speed, because the more those reels are spinning, the more you give yourself a chance to accumulate points. The faster you get at tapping the max coins button when the reels stop spinning, the better your chances are of winning a slot tournament.

Likewise, it is important to note that the machine will not spin until the winning credits have been tallied and displayed on the screen. Therefore, timing, Wayne, is everything.

You need to be prepared to initiate the spin button INSTANTLY after your credits have been computed.

Also, because any credits that you have not played when the time is up will be lost, you lessen your chances of winning because the players who are super-duper fast at hitting the spin button will have more spins than you, hence, more likely with a tourney chip to have more points.

The bottom line is that in a slot tournament there is but one simple strategy: Get in as many spins as you can. Just keep your fingers on the spin button and get skilled at pushing it with split-second military precision.

Oh, and one other tip. Concentrate on your play, and your play only. Don’t gawk at the scores of the other players. A few precious seconds here or there can sometimes be the deciding factor on whether or not you advance to the next round. (SENIOR WIRE)

69

$

per nig * ht

B I G AC T S COM IN G TO TH E B E AU JO DEE MESSINA MAY 23 CHICAGO MAY 30 THE BAND

B.B. KING JUNE 7 SALTORIYA JUNE 17-AUG 17 DARK MONDAYS

KENNY ROGERS AUG 22 TERRY FATOR SEPT 13 RICK SPRINGFIELD SEPT 26 To purchase tickets call 1.888.566.7469 Plan your visit at BEAURIVAGE .COM

DINING • GAMING • ENTERTAINMENT • SHOPPING • GOLF • POOL • SPA • 1.888.750.7111

*Some restrictions apply and is subject to availability. Offer expires 5.31.2014. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino reserves the right to cancel or change this promotion at any time. Resort fee and taxes may apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Entertainment tickets not included. Tickets based on availability and schedule subject to change. For complete details visit beaurivage.com. When you need to win, you need to quit. Gambling problem? Call 1.888.777.9696 ©2014 MGM Resorts International®

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 13

A F T E R 50

$1000s in Prizes & Giveaways!

FREE

At the Strawberry Festival Expo Hall

June 12, 2014 9 am – 2 pm

All New

Fun with Hot Hula fitness!

2202 W. Reynolds St. Plant City, FL

with Molly Tanuvasa

Denise Looney

Plant City

Richie Merritt

Sandy Nitch

Ken Brady

Luis A-1 Magic

Dancing • Live Music • Free Health Screenings BINGO • Games • and Lots More!

FREE Coffee & Goodies

Chances to Win $100 Throughout the Day

Senior Friendly Sports Center

Play & Win!

LUNCH

Only $5.00

Mr. Rick’s

Hawaiian Shirt Contest

Wear Your Best Hawaiian Shirt For Our Hawaiian Shirt Contest at 1:00 pm

EDUCATION • INFORMATION • ENTERTAINMENT

Call: 813-653-1988 • www.lifestylesafter50fl.com Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 14

repare yourself for a full crop of bud-busting trivia and fun. First, some jokes:

Men and Women

A flower vendor was normally successful at unloading his last few bunches of flowers. Appealing to a businessman who was walking by on his way home, the vendor said, “How about a nice bunch of roses to surprise your wife?”

“I don’t have a wife,” the businessman replied gruffly.

“Well then, how about some beautiful carnations for your girlfriend?” suggested the vendor without missing a beat.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” snapped the businessman.

“You lucky fellow!” the vendor said as he broke into a big smile.

“Buy both bunches to celebrate!”

Favorite Flower

A middle-aged woman convinced her husband to attend a couples retreat.

At the first session the facilitator said, “The fact is, no matter how long we’ve been married, there are many things we don’t know about each other. For example, how many of you husbands can name your wife’s favorite flower?”

The husband smiled knowingly, put his hand on his wife’s knee and said, “It’s Pillsbury All-Purpose, right honey?”

Q and A

What do you call a flower that grows in between your nose and you chin?

Tulips What did the bee say to the flower?

Hello, honey.

What are the bees’ favorite flowers?

Bee-gonias

Trivia Questions

See answers at bottom of page.

1. Which unusual northern flower is pollinated by gnats and the larvae of thrips?

Pussy Willow Jack in the Pulpit Wood Anemone

2. Which flower is symbolic of the first emotions of love?

Purple Lilac Orange Lily Yellow Jasmine

3. Which flower does Prince Charles collect as rent for the Isles of Scilly?

English Rose Iris Daffodil 4. Which flower has varieties that include triumph, fringed and parrot?

Tulip Rose Lily 5. Which state chose the dogwood as its state flower?

South Carolina North Carolina Virginia 6. Where does the hyacinth get its name?

Someone’s grandma A Greek myth The Dutch word for star

7. Native Americans use this flowering plant as an antiseptic to treat wounds.

Wood Anemone Spirea Allium

8. Why do gardenias inspire romance?

They smell good They stand for secret love They are aphrodisiacs when eaten Answers: l. Jack in the Pulpit 2. Purple lilac 3. One daffodil 4.

Tulip 5. North Carolina 6. Greek myth 7. Wood anemone 8. They stand for secret love

P

Forgetfulness—Should I Be Concerned?

E

veryone experiences a decreased ability to learn and memorize things over time, but while some degree of forgetfulness is normal, memory loss is not usual. For instance, it would not be concerning to forget the name of a movie you saw last weekend, but you shouldn’t forget that you saw a movie at all.

Memory loss may be caused by emotional states such as anxiety or depression, uncontrolled metabolic disorders such as diabetes and thyroid

problems, hearing and vision problems, certain drugs, anemia, certain infections and brain tumors.

From The Science of Staying Young by Morley and Colberg.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 15

Medicare Answers D

BEFORE

AFTER SHOT OF EYES

Order online at www.rtfacelove.com or by phone Toll Free 1.855.502.3002.

How to get rid of puffy eyes in the morning

Do you wake up every morning with puffy eyes? Are you loosing elasticity around the parentheses lines by the mouth area? If you’re tired of looking sleepy or under the weather, there is one product you can try to give your eyes a lift. To de-puff your eyes try Renee Taylors faceLOVE™ instant puff reducer. Renee Taylor, Hollywood actress best known for her role in the hit show the Nanny playing Fran Dresher mom, came out with a face tightening serum that really works. Renee and her make-up artist Cindy Cohen developed this fantastic product that works in 60 quick seconds. The product has been voted best anti wrinkle serum in 2013 by the Huffington Post. If you are looking to save your youth and look years younger just applying one drop of faceLOVE™ on the individual lines and wrinkles will immediately diminish fine lines and wrinkles, reduces puffiness underneath the eyes, tightens the skin, closes the individual pores and give you a smoother looking skin in 60 seconds. You don’t have to use painful procedures for optimum results. Get a facelift in 5 minutes with faceLOVE™. One bottle will last for a month if used daily. Get free shipping and a free lipstick with every order. www.rtfacelove.com order toll free @ 1-855-502-3002.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 16

ear Marci, Does Medicare ever cover dental care? —Betsey

Dear Betsey, for the most part, Medicare does not cover dental care by law. In general, Medicare does not cover routine dental care or dental care that you need primarily for the health of your teeth. For example, Medicare will generally not cover routine checkups or cleaning.

However, Medicare will pay for dental services in very limited circumstances if the services are required to protect your general health or if you need dental care in order for a Medicare-covered health service to be successful. For example, Medicare will pay for dental services if: • You have a disease like oral cancer that involves the jaw and you need dental services for radiation treatment;

• You need dental splints and wiring as a result of jaw surgery; or

• You need surgery to treat jaw or face fractures.

Note that while Medicare may pay for initial dental services for the reasons mentioned above, Medicare will not pay for any follow-up dental care after the underlying health condition has been treated. For example, if Medicare paid for a tooth extraction as part of a procedure to repair a facial injury you had, Medicare will not pay for any other dental care you need in the future due to the loss of your tooth.

Keep in mind that some Medicare Advantage plans may cover limited dental care, depending on the plan’s specific benefits. If you get your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan to see what dental services may be covered. —Marci

Veterans Corner

Introducing the Angels of Bataan: Heroic WWII Nurses

BY JANICE DOYLE

T

oday American women serve alongside men in the military and are trained to face combat. In 1941, that wasn’t the case, but 79 Army and Navy military nurses did face combat and near death. They were left behind when MacArthur was forced to retreat from the Philippines. Taken prisoner by the Japanese and subjected to hunger, disease and repeated bombings, the women survived and were saved when the American liberators arrived.

Mary Cronk Farrell’s book, Pure Grit, pays tribute to the heroism and determination of these extraordinary women who cared for the sick and wounded while facing their own illness, lack of food and supplies, and the knowledge they might never return home.

The stories of the individual women make for fascinating reading. For example, Ethel Thor arrived for duty in 1940 in heels, stockings and gloves. When young Frankie Lewey signed up, she told her mother, “If ever there is a war, I hope I get right in the thick of it.”

Peggy Nash had been supervisor of surgery at US Naval Hospital in Guam and was preparing to leave to get married. In October 1941 she was transferred to Manila and became one of the eleven naval hospital nurses incarcerated in Santo Tomas Internment Camp. Maude Denny Williams ended up leaving her soldier husband behind as a patient in Hospital #2 in Bataan when nurses were evacuated to Corregador. Her husband did not survive to come home.

Millie Dalton, an Army nurse from Georgia, said, “There was no way in the world we were prepared for war.”

Frances Nash, who learned life and death nursing at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, was told to “prepare to be taken prisoner.” She continued working, destroying paperwork to keep it from enemy hands.

When she did get orders to flee, she took enough morphine pills to provide nurses with lethal doses if needed.

Maude Davidson refused to leave the Filipino nurses behind when the Americans were ordered to evacuate Manila for Corregidor. Sally Blaine managed her hospital ward lying down on her cot suffering from malaria. The nurses ate meager rations and dealt with discomfort, pain and disease.

When their clothes wore out, they made some from what few supplies were at hand.

Through it all, they never forgot that they were nurses and made the comfort and care for any of the patients of utmost importance even after supplies and medicine were gone. Their attitude was always “I was just a nurse doing my duty.”

When events much larger than they could control took over their lives, they chose to summon pure grit moment by moment… and finally were liberated in February 1945.

When the nurses returned home, they began rebuilding their lives. However, there wasn’t the type of counseling or antidepressants needed to help recover (from what today is known as PTSD), so most suffered emotionally in silence the rest of their lives.

The book is filled with photos and details based on research and interviews.

Editor’s note: This book is written for young people. However, I found it fascinating reading myself and a great book to share with young people.

� � � � � ����Discounts ���������� Insurance ������������������

For Mature Drivers

����a��Florida’s Have ����������� Driver’s License ��������� �������� and are 55 ����������years ������� of age or older? ���� ������������

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

����

������� ��year ���period. turn into your insurance company to receive your discount for�a�� three ��

Take Your Mature Driver Course On The Internet!

If you have a Florida Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor vehicle accident prevention course that will allow you to receive a mandatory reduction on your insurance rate for three years.

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Approved Course

To Register go to:

www.seniordriverclass.com

or call 1-800-771-2255

Americans Still Read the Bible

A

three-year Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis study of the Bible’s place in the everyday lives of Americans set out to answer questions of how, where, when and why ordinary Americans use the Bible.

Here are some of their findings:

• The 400-year-old King James Version of the Bible is far from dead (half of the individuals and twofifths of the congregations surveyed still prefer the King James Bible).

• Among African Americans: 70 percent said they read the Bible outside of public worship services (compared to 44 percent for whites, 46 percent for Hispanics and 28 percent for all other races).

• Bible memorization is highest among black respondents, 69 percent, compared to 51 percent among white conservative Protestants and 31 percent

among white moderate/ liberal Protestants.

• Roughly half of Americans have read religious scripture outside of a public worship service in the past year.

• Most of those people read at least monthly, and 9 percent of all Americans read every day.

• Women were more likely to read than men; older people were more likely to read than younger; Southerners were more likely to read than those of any other region.

• Psalm 23 – which begins “The Lord is my shepherd” – was the most popular Biblical passage.

• Younger people, those with higher salaries and, most dramatically, those with more education among the respondents read the Bible on the internet or an e-device at higher rates. (Newswise) Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 17

Free InFormatIon ServIce Lifestyles After 50

for information please return completed form to:

News Connection USA, Inc. • P.O. Box 278 • Laurel FL 34272-0278

Name: Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Age:

Zip: Date:

E-mail: o Single o Married o Are you a Group Leader?

Please contact me by: o Mail o Phone o E-mail SEND INFORMATION ON AREA(S) CHECKED BELOW AUTOMOBILES: TRAVEL: o Automobile Sales o Cruises o Land Tours o Maintenance and Repairs o Hotels/ Resorts o Recreational Vehicles o Local Attractions o Getaway Packages RESIDENTIAL LIVING: o Mfd/FactoryBuilt Homes HOUSING OpTIONS o RV Resort o Independent o Apartments o Assisted Living o Villa/Condo/Single Family o Senior Apartment o Golf Community o Continuing Care/LifeCare pERSONAL HEALTH: FINANCIAL/ LAW: o Physicians o Reverse Mortgages o Dentists o Retirement planning o Eye Care o Trusts o Foot Care/Arch Supports o Estate planning o Weight Loss o Guardianships o Supplements o Elder Law o Home Health LEISURE TIME: o Prescription Drugs o Golf o Counseling o Gambling o Spas/Gym o Boating o Medical Supplies o Theater INSURANCE: o Dining In/Out o Medicare HOME IMpROVEMENTS: o Health o Sunrooms o Long-term care o Pools/spas o Auto o Contractor o Life o Home Modifications o Home OTHER: LK

Entries will be collected by News Connection U.S.A. for future promotions, special offers, and marketing.

Win a $25 Gift certificate to Home Depot!

When you complete this form and mail it back, your name will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Home Depot.

(Drawing held the 20th of each month.)

P Last Month’s Winner Was: P

P Nick Mancinow

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 18

— Congratulations! P

Finding Peace and Solace After the Loss of a Loved One

BY VICTORIA SCHMIDT

L

osing someone you love is devastating. You have grief, pain, sadness, bewilderment and, even with the comfort of family and friends, you may feel very much alone. But, you are not alone.

There are those you can call on to help you through the four stages of life that lead you to peace and solace…or you may undertake them on your own.

of your life? Not to worry. The time it takes is different for everyone.

Stage One The First Hurdle: The Shock and the Grief – Grieve. Cry. Talk…a lot.

Grieve more. Grieve as long as it takes.

Don’t punish yourself. Then, let go of your grief. Laugh, a lot. Evangelist Billy Graham, says, “Sometimes we need to be alone with our grief and memories.

We just need to guard against making this our only response, for it’s not healthy.”

Stage Four New Life Options…

Adventures – If you are ready to move on there are limitless options to consider: Single?

A new significant other or a different type of relationship.

Unconditional Love? Adopt a pet.

Volunteer work, a new job, your dream job. Pleasurable pursuits, travel, new friends, take in the arts. Pursuits with a purpose, helping others. Pack up and move, when the time is right.

Stage Three The Bridge…The Passage – Have you achieved emotional and physical renewal along with financial security?

Are you prepared to move on? Or should you repeat some of the steps in Stages One and Two to assure you are empowered to take charge

Victoria D. Schmidt’s book is “Finding Solitary Contentment: Ways to Handle Grief and Embrace a New Life.”

Stage Two The Renewal – Prepare for your life without your lost loved one. Identity crisis? Learn to know yourself. Go slowly. Set goals. Have a plan. If you are alone, enjoy the unexpected gains of life alone: exercise, meditate, relax, be kind to yourself. Attain financial security.

Experiencing even some of the steps of the Four Stages of Life is, in itself, a distraction from your loss and sadness to help you move on. While you handle your grief, achieve renewal and undertake one or more of the adventures, you may come to realize and accept why it is you who are still here. You have happy memories to cherish, wonders in the world to enjoy and rewards from reaching out to help others.

You will find solace and peace. It is just a matter of dedication and time!

World Class Medicine.

Hometown Care.

Recognized nationally. tRusted locally.

Patrick Acevedo, MD Geethanjali K. Akula, MD Ahmed Al-Hazzouri, MD Roy M. Ambinder, MD Jennifer L. Cultrera, MD Maria Regina C. Flores, MD Ralph Gousse, MD Maen A. Hussein, MD Vasundhara G. Iyengar, MD Victor W. Melgen, MD Kottapurath Moideen, MD Shemin Saferali, MD Sandeep Thaper, MD Lynn Van Ummersen, MD Marays Veliz, MD

12 Convenient Central Florida Locations AltAmonte SpringS 601 E. Altamonte Dr. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (407) 303.2305

lAke mAry rinehArt 917 Rinehart Rd., Ste. 2041 Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407) 804.6133

orlAnDo Downtown 70 West Gore St., Ste. 100 Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 426.8484

ApopkA 200 N. Park Avenue, Ste. B Apopka, FL 32703 (407) 303.2305

leeSburg 110 North Boulevard E. Leesburg, FL 34748 (352) 323.8022

tAvAreS 4100 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 (352) 343.1117

Clermont 1920 Don Wickham Dr., Ste. 305 Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 394.1150

leeSburg South 601 E. Dixie Ave., Ste. 1001 Leesburg, FL 34748 (352) 787.9448

the villAgeS eASt 1400 N. US Hwy 441, Ste. 552 Lady Lake, FL 32159 (352) 753.9777

DelAnD 1639 N. Volusia Avenue, Ste. B Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 774.7475

orAnge City 765 Image Way Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 774.7411

the villAgeS South 1400 N. US Hwy 441, Ste. 557 Lady Lake, FL 32159 (352) 787.9448

FLCancer.com Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 19

TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED – BIGGER AND BETTER

Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors!

Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in!

NEW

Now comes with...

Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost ® Intel processor – lightning fast Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Advanced audio, Better speaker configuration – easier to hear Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you!

U.S. Based Customer Service

FREE

Automatic Software Updates

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your fingertips.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 20

From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen – it’s now 22 inches. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from Email and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part?

Call now, and a patient, knowledgeable product expert will tell you how you can try it in your

home for 30 days. If you are not totally satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. Call today.

• Send & Receive Emails • Have video chats with family and friends • Surf the Internet: Get current weather and news • Play games on line: Hundreds to choose from!

Call now and find out how you can get the new WOW! Computer.

Mention promotional code 58421 for special introductory pricing.

1-877-748-6787 © 2014 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

80757

“I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.”

– Janet F.

What to Do If You’re Struggling with Debt F

act: More and more people over the age of 65 are struggling with mounting debt levels, fueled primarily by mortgages and credit cards.

Fact: The average debt held by senior citizens has ballooned to $50,000 in 2010, up 83 percent since 2001, according to Federal Reserve data.

Fact: Many seniors are in debt because they borrowed big against their houses. They either took out home equity loans or they refinanced to have cash. Many are in debt because they extended the term of their mortgages.

Finance Fact: Only 24 percent of homeowners over the age of 62 had mortgage debt in 1992, but that figure soared to 45 percent in 2010.

&

Mr. Modem

by Richard Sherman

saved dollars to your card balances with the highest interest rates. Sending in anything beyond the minimum payment, while still fulfilling your other financial obligations, is one of the best ways to get out of credit card debt fast.

What can the savvy senior do?

If you’re in debt, you may need to get help. Consider NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling) which can help in person, online or by phone. Don’t be tempted to take out a debt consolidation loan.

Repeat: Do NOT start with that.

Here are some creative solutions to help you get out of credit card debt fast: 1. Spend less than what you earn and pay more than the minimum amount due on your credit cards. If you can’t afford to pay for it now, don’t buy it.

Live within your means and divert those

3. Boost your income. Get a second job. Sell items you no longer need on Craigslist. Have a yard sale.

Use your skills for extra income.

4. Use a debit card so you will buy only what you can afford based on the balance in your bank account. If the money is not there, you can’t spend it.

5. Remember cash? Making small-dollar purchases with a credit card may not seem like much individually, but they add up fast.

7. Call your creditors. If you’ve been making consistent payments, call your card provider and request an interest rate reduction or new monthly repayment schedule so that due dates fall after you receive your paycheck.

8. Plan for unexpected expenses.

9. Set a realistic goal and reward.

Calculate a date when you’d like to pay off a credit card or bill and then enjoy a responsible dinner out or new item of clothing as a reward—nothing expensive, but there’s a psychological boost to be gained when achieving each milestone on the way to becoming debt-free.

10. Pay more every month and pay debts off smallest to largest to maintain a sense of accomplishment.

Don’t be overwhelmed by debt to the point of doing nothing about it. Take charge of your finances.

Flash Drive Longevity Click to place a check mark in the box next to Display Delete Confirmation dialog, followed

by Apply > OK. The next time you delete a file, you will be prompted to confirm thethe deletion.

Through eyes

I went to delete a file and it just deleted without asking for of someone with confirmation. I intended delete Effect: Ruining I use aYour flash drive to back up ThetoAMD advanced AMD. it, so the lack of a confirmation my data and I leave it plugged Granddaughter’s Ballet Recital wasn’t a big deal, but I prefer in all the time. Does leaving it having a “safety net” requiring plugged in wear it out quicker, or me to confirm any deletions. Do should I be plugging it in only when ThedoAMD Ruining Your you know why it would this? Effect: I need to copy something to it?

Granddaughter’s Ballet Recital

Did you perhaps speak it Leaving a flash drive Early detection is key to to saving your sight from age-related harshly?

It sounds like your Replugged in have no in macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause ofwill blindness cycle Bin settings may have changed, adverse effect on the drive. Wear people 55 and older. but Don’t it’s easy to get them back on track: and tear thevision read/ or wait to notice the warning signs, likeoccurs blurryduring central Right-click your Recycle Bin and sewrite process, not from a flash difficulty seeing fine details. lect Properties. Select the Global tab, drive sittingfor idly in a USB port.

Contact the Foundation Fighting Blindness a free packet on which will encompass all hard drives.

I recommend (and use) a preventing and managing AMD. (In Windows 7, select the General Tab,888-345-2473 which not many users know was named after General Horatio Tab, FightBlindness.org/AMDnow an unsung hero of the Civil War.)

2. Avoid unnecessary expenses.

Stop going to the movie; eat at home; cancel memberships until you pay off your debt. Redirect those savings toward your credit card balances.

6. Review your budget OFTEN to manage your finances more effectively.

rotational flash-drive backup protocol which results in one or more backup flash drives NOT residing in a computer at all times.

In other words, I have two or more flash drives for each computer and each time I back up data, I remove one drive and insert another. So at any time, my flash drives are either current or one backup behind. I also keep my most important data backed up within a free Gmail account I maintain for that specific purpose. To do this, I simply mail (as an attachment) any important files I want to keep safely off-site.

Why do I keep getting a message that my Windows 7 is not genuine? It came installed on my Dell computer that I bought in December 2011.

Windows 7 includes a Windows Genuine Advantage checker that verifies that your copy of Windows is legally licensed. However, sometimes an error may occur which causes Windows to forget it is registered.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this.

The first step is to look on the back or bottom of your computer for the Windows Authenticity Label. This label will display your Windows Product Key or serial number. Write it down.

Next, click the Start button and in the Search box type Activate Windows.

In the window that appears you will be able to enter your Product Key and proceed with activation. You may need to click the Change Product Key button and type the Product Key again.

Once activated, you will receive a message confirming activation and you will no longer be pestered by an impertinent message that dares to suggest your copy of Windows is not genuine. (Of all the nerve!)

Use Promo Code MODEM when entering your six-month subscription to Mr. Modem’s award-winning weekly computer-help newsletter and receive one month for free!

Visit www.MrModem.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 21

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 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.

4357 DBF, 62, NS, ND Christian, educated, ISO male 60 to 70 who enjoys traveling, maybe fishing, gardening, for relationship leading to marriage. Prefer retired military but not necessary. Plant City.

4374 where r.U.? UR SWM 65 to 75 YY. Happy, healthy and lively, to enjoy friendship with petite SWF, 74YY who appreciates and has great outlook on life with variety of interest. Marion/Lake County.

MeN SeeKING wOMeN 4380 SwCM ISO SwCF 72– 77. No games, no baggage; simple lasting committment.

Let’s chat. Leesburg.

4381 Tall, NICe lOOKING financially sound gentleman, 61, ISO good looking lady 50 – 65 for romance, LTR. Heavyset; tall ok.

Photo or phone appreciated.

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

Only $6 to place an ad!

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

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

Title (First 4 Words):

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

We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

Name: Address:

Phone:

State: E-mail:

Zip:

MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 22

TO plaCe aN aD

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.

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.

Hotspot Access on the Go F

reedomPop offers new, affordable internet access with Freedom Spot, a pocket-sized hotspot that offers access to WiFi-enabled devices.

Freedom Spot’s plan includes 500MB of data and is ideal for checking emails and travel plans.

Powered by the FreedomPop data network, Freedom Spot

supports up to eight devices at once including laptops, smartphones and tablets and has a battery life of more than six hours.

Need more service?

FreedomPop offers upgraded data plans as low as 2 1/2 cents per MB for extra data.

For more information please visit FreedomPop.com.

Can You Hear Me Now?

City (No Charge):

City:

TO reSpOND TO aN aD

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

A

mplicom™ USA offers a new line of amplified telephones and accessories to offer the hearing loss community the newest in quality, functionality and versatility.

The new PowerTel 7-Series collection includes more than 20 different configurations of phones, accessories and special features including cordless and corded phones, answering machines, handsets, wireless shakers,

Bluetooth connectivity, DECT and voice navigation. The series, which can be purchased according to the user’s needs, offers the same induction level, low distortion (vs. conventional amplified phones), along with customization.

Products are compatible with both hearing aids and cochlear implants. Visit AmplicomUSA.com for more information.

Last Month’s Answers

Enter

Last Month’s to Win! Winner Is Patricia Dahl Congratulations!

BY TARA EISNER

I

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

Last Month’s Answers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on May 19 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

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

How Technology Brings Us Closer to Our Grandkids

Lake

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

t’s tempting to see the various devices our grandkids won’t put down as “the enemy,” something that prevents face-to-face conversation.

But as a grandmother of eight, I’ve learned that embracing screens—and using them—has been one of the best ways to stay connected.

With six of my grandkids living out of town, applications like Skype and FaceTime have turned out to be a great way for us to share in each others’ lives. The kids have used these to show me everything from jewelry they’re designing to art projects in progress. I’ve tuned in to soccer games with the help of an iPad, watching them in real-time and then rehashing the details later via Skype.

Whether they’re in Seattle, San Diego or Las Vegas, my grandkids use technology to bring me into their homes, show me their pets, their evolving growth charts on the walls and whatever new gadgets they’re into.

Using technology has also brought me closer to my grandchildren who live near me; there seems to be something magnetic about a screen, and the kids are far more inclined to sit and chat with me when there’s a screen between us than when we’re together in a room.

So, I embrace it.

In fact, I’m usually the one who has to end a Skype call! They may live close, but everybody’s schedule is a moving target, and visits are hard to plan. Technology lets me stay more involved in their daily lives than I would be without it.

FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts,

Tango (like FaceTime but for Android users), and Zoom (a Skype alternative) are all amazing tools, and the firm I work with, LivHOME, offers videoconferencing and messaging capabilities through its LivHOME CareMonitor system for seniors.

To anyone wary of these newfangled devices and their effects on relationships, I say: Technology is here to stay. Embrace whatever it takes to bring you closer the people you love.

Tara Eisner has been a professional Care Manager at LivHOME.

Train to be a Child Advocate L

earn to become a volunteer with the 5th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program. Be an advocate for abused, neglected or abandoned children whose cases are being heard in dependency court.

Volunteers work as part of a team including a volunteer supervisor and program attorney.

Requirements: Pre-service training program; criminal background check; complete 30 hours of pre-service training; be willing to spend 5 - 10 hours a month on a case, and most cases last 10 months.

To learn more, please contact Sarah Jay at 352-274-5231 or email Sarah.Jay@gal.fl.gov.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 23

From Apricots to Computer Chips:

California’s Silicon Valley

STORY BY ANDREA GROSS; PHOTOS BY IRV GREEN

A

life-size model of a cosmonaut floats near the ceiling. A few feet away a green Statue of Liberty holds aloft a plasticized chocolate sundae.

And sitting next to me are two men who might, just might, be making a deal that will change my life.

This is Buck’s of Woodside, a restaurant in the hills surrounding California’s Silicon Valley. It’s a place known for comfort food, quirky décor and big deals, like the ones that resulted in funding for Hotmail, Netscape and PayPal.

Travel

This transformation from a region of bountiful orchards to one filled with some of the world’s most renowned high tech companies began just a few miles from Buck’s in a small garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto.

In 1939, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and David Packard pooled their life savings ($538) in order to start a small electronics company.

Today Hewlett-Packard ranks 43rd on Fortune’s 2013 list of the world’s largest companies, and the small garage is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sign out front dubs the garage the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” My husband dubs the $538 a good investment.

“The Valley,” as it’s generally called, is centered in the fertile farmland between Palo Alto and San Jose. “This area was paradise back in the Sixties,” says Phil Consentino, who owns J & P Farms, the last commercial orchard in San Jose. Since then, the valley’s population has increased six-fold, and flourishing fruit trees have been cut down to make room for middle-class homes and apartments.

The Google Maps Exhibit lets visitors to the Computer History Museum find their own house on a giant screen.

The Google campus is so large that the company provides bikes for its employees.

Stanford University was the incubator for new technology.

Another Silicon Valley landmark, the house where Steve Jobs lived from the mid-1990s until his death in 2011, is a few blocks away at 2101 Waverly Street. The two-story brick home, which sits on about a half acre, is fairly large but at the same time unpretentious and casual.

People walk with purpose in the The garage where Bill Hewlett and Silicon Valley, but the suits of Mad David Packard started their small electronics company has been dubbed Men have morphed into the jeans of geniuses. During our week in Silicon the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.”

Valley, we see only four men in sports coats, none in ties. (The dress code for women is more liberal. The only rule: save the stilettos for after-hours.)

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 24

Comfortable shoes are a necessity here where workplaces are not clustered in high-rises but sprinkled across “campuses”—a word that connotes low-slung buildings interspersed with large open spaces and youth and conviviality. Some companies provide their employees with bicycles.

Except for the Apple store, the buildings are closed to visitors, so we move on to Castro Street in the town of Mountain View.

Unlike Buck’s, which is the restaurant where people make deals, Castro Street is filled with eateries where folks hatch ideas. Here, over salads and stir-fry, lattes and scones, ideas are floated, debated and often massaged into “the next great thing.”

In the Red Rock Coffee Company we find a packed crowd taking advantage of the café’s free wi-fi. Most people are in baggy shorts, sandals and look to be about nineteen years old.

Finally we set out for the geeky part of our expedition—a visit to three Silicon Valley museums that will, we hope, give us a layman’s overview of high tech wizardry. They succeed beyond our wildest expectations.

At the Computer History Museum we see everything from ancient

abacuses to the first 1976 Apple computer to an interactive display that explains how street-mapping works. At the Intel Museum we learn about semiconductor technology, and at the Tech Museum, which is not as much about how things work as it is about how much fun you can have when they do work, we train like Olympic contenders by virtually bobsledding down a virtual hill.

We spend the final day of our visit strolling among ancient redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park. It’s a delightful as well as humbling experience, reminding us that nature predates even the oldest man-made wonders.

On the plane ride home, we reflect on what makes Silicon Valley so different from other places. Our conclusion: Silicon Valley is a state of mind as well as a geographical entity, a place where optimism and creativity are as much a part of the environment as buildings and museums.

Tip: Silicon Valley lodging can be pricey. By luck we happened upon a modest B&B in a perfect location.

It’s clean, reasonably priced and the owner serves up terrific chocolate chip cookies. madisonstreetinn.com.

Word Search

Word Search May

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 April

Nancy Granert is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Last Month’s Answers

April Sudoku

Alberta Maltby 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 May 21 will win.

Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by May 21, 2014.)

May 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 May 21 will win. Good luck!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Sudoku must be received by May 21, 2014.)

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 25

Try a Little

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

TENDERNESS

®

and Save 67% on World-Famous Omaha Steaks

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

I

f it’s not too late already, try looking at just the N-S hands and decide how you are going to play that Spade suit. Where’s the lady?

Perfect For

FATHER’S DAY

The Favorite Gift 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 Stuffed Baked Potatoes 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets 49377EDA

Reg $154.00 | Now Only...

49

$

That 1NT opening showed 15 – 17 HCP, after which the auction inches its way up to 4♠. West leads the ♦Q, which is won by your Ace. You have one loser in each of the side-suits, so to make your contract you must avoid losing a trump trick.

99

In the play of the Spades you could choose to finesse against West, or to finesse against East, or to play “for the drop” (hoping that the suit is 2 – 2 or the ♠Q is singleton). The general rule, when holding a 9-card fit, is to play for the drop, all things being equal that is about a 58 percent chance.

But why settle for 58 percent when you can have 100 percent? Yes, it’s time for some counting. N-S have a combined 22 HCP, that leaves E-W with 18.

West has already played the ♦Q, leaving precisely 15 or 16 HCP in the East hand. As East has already advertised 15 – 17 he must have all the missing high cards with the possible exception of one of the missing Jacks. So at Trick 2 you lead a Spade to Dummy’s Ace and then, when East plays low on the second round, you finesse the Jack with complete confidence.

That’s 10 tricks for those who count, but only 9 for the rule-followers.

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org /D9Clubsmap.htm. Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club: stpetebridge.org.

50 Couples to be Honored T

PLUS, 4 More

Burgers

FREE!

Limit 2 of each selection at these special prices. Your 4 (4 oz.) burgers will ship free per address and must ship with The Favorite Gift (49377).

Not valid with other offers. Standard S&H will be applied per address. Expires 6/30/14. ©2014 OCG | 20180 | Omaha Steaks, Inc.

Call 1-800-738-2460 and ask for 49377EDA or order online at www.OmahaSteaks.com/dad20 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 26

Cherchez La Femme

he Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-theHills will celebrate 50 years of continuous family ownership by honoring 50 couples married 50 or more years with a complimentary invitation to renew their vows.

The “Golden Vow Renewal Ceremony” will be held on Sunday, November 23 at Mission Inn, located

in Howey-in-the-Hills in central Florida’s rolling hill country.

The resort has been owned and managed by the Beucher family since 1964. Fifty lucky couples will be selected by submitting a simple application which may be found online at http:// www.missioninnresort.com/gvrc.

Healthy Ways to Spice Up Your Summer BBQ

A

n old-fashioned summer cookout is not always a healthy affair, but you can convert a fatty-food blitz into a healthy and tasty menu:

Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

It is not every day that you get a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that also boasts a healthy dose of antioxidants. Try it with beef, chicken, pork or grilled shrimp.

• Throw some unexpected foods on the grill, like peaches, asparagus or even bread.

• Incorporate veggies into your BBQ menu by making kebabs instead of burgers.

Recipe

Asian Barbecue Sauce

1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp rice-wine vinegar 2 tsp minced fresh ginger 1 1/2 tsp chile-garlic paste

• Cut the calories in your potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni salad by using mustard, vinegar or lowfat yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

• Chicken gets a fresh burst of flavor when you cut back on salt and season it with fresh or dried herbs, vinegars or citrus juices.

Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl. Brush on meat before grilling.

May be made ahead and refrigerated.

1 Tbsp canola oil 1 small red onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped 1/2 c bourbon 2 c fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries 1/2 c ketchup 1/3 c cider vinegar 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp molasses 1/8 tsp ground allspice Cook onion in oil over medium heat 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno, stirring and cooking, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bourbon, increase heat to high and bring to a boil; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in blueberries and remaining ingredients; return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

May be made ahead and refrigerated.

Fun Facts to Know

Did you know…

A wire coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

Alfred Hitchcock did not have a belly button.

The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.

Humphrey Bogart was seventh cousin to Princess Diana.

When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart.

Only 7 percent of the population is left-handed.

40 people are sent to the hospital every minute.

The average person over 50 will have spent five years waiting in line.

The average housefly lives for one month.

gart

Humphrey Bo

40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

Only two animals can see behind themselves without turning their heads: the rabbit and the parrot.

In most TV commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of milk.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 27

The Villages Center for Health

Accepting New Patients World-renowned Surgical Oncologist, breast and melanoma expert, Dr. Douglas Reintgen, and Florida Hospital North Pinellas Director of Oncology, Rosemary Giuliano, ARNP, MSN, are accepting new patients at The Villages Center for Health.

Douglas Reintgen, MD, FACS Surgical Oncologist

Rosemary Giuliano, ARNP, MSN 441

LADY LAKES

l ea oR in m Ca El

lvd sB re i e sA Av no e os r Bu e nd Ba

8575 NE 138th Lane I Lady Lake, Florida 32159 I (352) 750-0608

27 ORANGE BLOSSOM HILLS COUNTY CLUB