Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast Edition, November 2024 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Grateful for Beautiful November

It’s beautiful November and there’s much to be thankful for this year!

Elections will take place across our great nation. No matter who you vote for, it’s important to acknowledge the many public servants of all faiths, creeds, backgrounds and skin tones who give of their time and talents at the local, state, and national levels to make America a beautiful and prosperous place to live and work. Your vote matters – exercise your rights as a citizen and make your choices and values heard on November 5.

On November 11 we honor veterans. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice to keep America safe and free. We appreciate your dedication and your diligence to our shared country.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about what you value. Is it family? Friendship? Kindness, volunteer deeds and good works? Equality for minorities and social justice? Protecting our shared planet? Better schools and education

for your grandchildren? Healthy food for all? Clean water in Florida’s oceans? Whatever it is that you value, be thankful for it. Take time each day to put some “good vibes” into the world around your chosen ideas. Say, “I’m so grateful for ___” and spend a moment in mindfulness or prayer.

Then, put that gratitude into practice: little things end up becoming big things. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Collect school supplies for your neighborhood school. Send a donation to your local homeless shelter. Read to small children. Adopt a shelter pet. Be present in your community and in your family. Remind others how much you love them (and remind yourself, too!).

All these little things add love to the world. In this time of great division, be a unifier. Be thankful. Express it aloud and do the small actions that add up and become an ocean of good.

Happy, happy November, happy Thanksgiving, and much joy!

In gratitude,

Lifestyles After 50

Volume 35, Issue 11

Published by Connected Community

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KLINE TOURS Make Memories Together This Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Holidays are for family, friends, and making memories. Whether it’s bundling up and spending a day walking through a winter wonderland, zipping down an icy hill, or singing Christmas carols while enjoying cookies and milk, you’ll find it at Gaylord Palms Resort. Amid millions of holiday lights, elaborately decorated trees, seasonal cuisine, and a sleigh-full of Christmas cheer, you and your loved ones will experience a Christmas to remember.

Close to home,

but worlds apart

Located in Central Florida, just minutes from Orlando’s famous theme parks, Gaylord Palms is a perfect choice for families looking for a holiday getaway.

From Nov. 15 through Jan. 4, 2025, the resort transforms into a wondrous holiday haven with acres of décor, live entertainment, and immersive activities for all ages.

ICE! featuring Elf™

The coolest attraction of all is ICE! featuring Elf™. Debuting this season only at Gaylord Palms, this holiday spectacle will take guests on a frosty journey from the North Pole to New York City as they explore a winter wonderland carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice, where Buddy’s hilarious hijinks are brought to life in stunning, frozen detail.

And there’s no need to pack coats! Even though it’s chilly inside, Gaylord Palms provides parkas to keep guests toasty while marveling at larger-than-life displays, taking cherished photos, and wandering through the one-of-a-kind, arctic attraction.

Fun for all

With signature events like ICE! and the Cirque: Spirit of Christmas show, holiday activities including photos with Santa, ice tubing down Snow Flow Mountain, and making and throwing real snowballs in Snowball Build & Blast, there’s something for everyone.

So Much Christmas

After a festive day of memory making, unwind with a meal at Old Hickory Steakhouse, MOOR, or Villa de Flora before seeing the holidays light up the night at the Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show.

This season, make memories that will last forever at Gaylord Palms Resort.

ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com

DAYTONA 500 BUS TRIP

Exclusive ticket and motorcoach transportation will be offered to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton Clearwater-Dunedin, Largo, Seminole, and St. Petersburg areas. Just $199 per person includes a race ticket with a ticket value of $240.

Our package includes your ticket and bus transportation for just $199. Option to add UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access for just $95 (a $110 Value)

NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

Sunday-Wednesday December 15-18 $2019 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, and four shows, including a Christmas Dinner show in the ballroom at Gaylord Opryland with the Frontmen.Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice.

NEW ORLEANS PRE-MARDI GRAS 2025

Monday, February 24- Friday, February 28, 2025, $2099 per person (double occupancy) Roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, 5 days, 4 nights accommodations in French Quarter 7 Meals New Orleans School of Cooking, comprehensive city tour of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World Museum, National World War II Museum (including 4D film), Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise, Louisiana Swamp Boat tour, and reserved parade bleacher seating for four parades in New Orleans

KLINE TOURS

(727)-439-5520 | www. klinetours.net/floridadepartures

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No ST43118

Serving the Florida Gulf Coast

Billy Swan’s I Can Help

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

In mid-1974, musician Billy Swan entered Tennessee record producer Chip Young’s Young’un Sound Studio and, in two takes, recorded “I Can Help,” a chart-topping rockabilly shuffle that had taken him 20 minutes to write.

Born in Missouri in 1942, Swan drummed in local beer joints before eventually moving to Memphis where he wrote songs for established country artists. In time, he signed with Nashville’s Monument Records.

Billy composed “I Can Help” in the “music room” that his wife, Marlu, had converted from a closet inside the small duplex they shared. Those cramped quarters held an electric organ, an amplifier and a Rhythm Master drum machine. “That Rhythm Master had something like 10 preset sounds,” recalls Swan. “It had mambo, cha-cha, bossa nova, Rock 1 and Rock 2. I used one of those rock settings when I wrote ‘I Can Help.’”

Young’un Sound was a two-room log house about 35 miles southeast of Nashville. To record his million-seller, Billy borrowed a portable organ from a session musician in the studio that day. Swan explains, “Chip set up a vocal mic. I stood in front of the organ, and what you hear was captured on the second take. While I was playing the organ and singing… Chip’s little puppy Bowser was tugging on my pants leg.”

Let’s examine “I Can Help.” On the surface, a kind-hearted man is offering his services to a lady who may need his assistance:

I got two strong arms, I can help

Apparently, nothing is too big a task for him:

If your child needs a daddy, I can help

But the song’s refrain reveals a change in focus, and Mister Nice Guy is obviously also interested in having a traditional romantic relationship, as well:

When I go to sleep at night

You’re always a part of my dream

Holding me tight and telling me everything I want to hear

You’ve yourself, Billy. Now all you can do is await her decision. Good luck.

Movie Preview: “Wicked”

BY RANDAL C. HILL

“Wicked” tells the story of the Witches of Oz. The tale mainly focuses on Elphaba Thropp (Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo), who’s rejected by many because of her unusual skin. (It’s green!) She also has yet to discover and appreciate her true power. Elphaba is the polar opposite of the gorgeous, spoiled, fawned-over and overly ambitious Glinda Upland (global superstar Ariana Grande), who has grown up basking in the warmth of privilege and power.

The pair meet at Shiz University in the Land of Oz, where they form an unlikely but rock-solid friendship. Following an encounter with the Wizard himself, that friendship eventually brings them to a crucial crossroads.

“Wicked” is the film version of the stage musical of the same

name by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The play, of course, drew from L. Frank Baum’s enduring 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Director Jon M. Chu explains: “As we prepared the production over the last year, it became impossible to wrestle the story into a single film without doing some real damage to it… As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us for years. We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one ‘Wicked’ movie but two!” (“Wicked Part Two” coming November 2025.)

Be prepared to be bombarded with a wide range of “Wicked” merchandise just in time for the holiday season, as marketing promotions will include toys, apparel, books and beauty products. See “Wicked” in theaters beginning November 22.

Armchair Adventures: Mexico’s Catrina and the Day of the Dead

By Evelyn Kelly, PhD

We are chatting with a group at the dinner table in Oaxaca, Mexico.

“Tell us about Cinco de Mayo, your Independence Day.” Their faces looked like we were going up the down staircase. No, no, no. That is not their Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in only one city – Puebla – where 2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 invading French troops. Mexican Independence Day is September 16, because in 1821, Father Hidalgo led the nation to freedom from Spain.

Dia de los Muertos

We saw skeletons in fancy clothes everywhere and asked about them. This is important. They told us of Mexico’s most iconic and celebrated traditions, blending indigenous cultures with Catholic influences. These three days of celebration are called the “Day of the Dead:”

• October 31 - Families prepare for festivities, food and decorations

• November 1 - Dedicated to remembrance of children who died

• November 2 - Adults who have died are honored with food, music, and stories

This celebration honors the memory of deceased loved ones through vibrant and joyful expressions. Certain items welcome back their souls: bright orange marigold flowers guide the spirits back to earth. Pictures of, or objects the deceased enjoyed, are placed on the grave. Candles light the way for the spirits, while Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread flavored with orange blossoms, welcomes the dead. Sugar skulls represent both life and death.

Although it is quite a fun celebration, Dia de los Muertos is not “Mexican Halloween.” The origins are pre-Colombian; it is based on traditions of the celebration of life as a continuation of death. Pixar’s “Coco” (2017) beautifully portrays the tradition and philosophy behind the celebration.

Calavera (skull) Catrina

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a Calavera was a humorous poem that might be put on tombstones and published in papers. The poem made fun of the living. These items became a popular part of the Day of the Dead. Today, you will find clever, biting poems in print, read aloud, and broadcast on television and radio programs.

Catrina is a symbol of Dia de los Muertos

To emphasize this point, Catrina was created. She is depicted as a fashionable woman with an elaborate hat, as the elite might wear. “Catrina” means “a well-dressed, wealthy person.” This well-dressed skeleton reminds people that no matter their status in life, everyone is equal in death. In the early 20th century, Posado, a Mexican cartoonist, dressed his personification of death as a skeleton in fancy French garb to mock Mexican society’s emulation of Europe. He commented that we are all skeletons underneath the man-made trappings.

In 1947, artist Diego Rivera stylized Posado’s skeleton in his mural, “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.” He dressed the skeleton in a large feminine hat and called her Catrina, a standing term for “the rich.” Now, Catrina is the symbol of the Dead of the Dead, and it is found in restaurants even in the United States. Many of Diego’s paintings feature skeletons dressed in fancy clothes, playing instruments, or performing daily tasks.

Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are a mother-daughter team whose book “Have a Love Affair with Travel: Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life” is now available. They have traveled to 88 countries, 50 states, and seven continents.

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

Handling Heartburn

Q. Do you get more heartburn when you are older?

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly.

You can control infrequent heartburn by changing your habits and using over-the-counter medicines.

For example, you should avoid heartburn producers such as chocolate, coffee, peppermint, tomato products, alcoholic beverages, greasy or spicy dishes. Quit smoking: tobacco inhibits saliva that helps with digestion. Tobacco may also stimulate acid production and relax the esophageal valve. Lose weight. Don’t eat two hours before you go to sleep.

For infrequent episodes of heartburn, take antacids such as Alka-Seltzer and Rolaids. Or you can take an H2 blocker such as Pepcid or Zantac.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescription medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe PPIs to treat people with heartburn, ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid.

Heartburn two or more times a week may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. See a doctor if you have heartburn too often. The doctor can test for GERD.

In the upper GI series, you swallow a liquid barium mixture. Then a radiologist watches the barium as it travels down your esophagus and into the stomach. Another test is an endoscopy, in which a small lighted flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus and stomach.

GERD makes stomach acid flow up into your esophagus. There is a valve at the lower end of the esophagus that is designed to keep acid in the stomach. In GERD, the valve relaxes too frequently, which allows acid to reflux, or flow backward.

A hiatal hernia may contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, which is the muscle wall separating the

stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the valve keep acid from coming up into the esophagus.

The following symptoms may mean there has been damage to your esophagus: difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food is trapped behind the breast bone, bleeding, black bowel movements, choking, shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness, weight loss.

GERD is a chronic disease that calls for continuous long-term therapy. To decrease the acid in your esophagus, raise the head of your bed or place a foam wedge under the mattress to elevate the head about 6-10 inches. Avoid lying down for two hours after eating. And don’t wear tight clothing.

Prescription medications to treat GERD include the H2 blockers and the PPIs, which help to reduce stomach acid and work to promote healing at prescription strength. In addition, there are agents that help clear acid from the esophagus.

When GERD is not treated, you can suffer from severe chest pain, narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus, bleeding, or a pre-malignant change in the lining of the esophagus.  One study showed that patients with chronic, untreated heartburn were at substantially greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Surgery is an option if other measures fail. A surgeon can improve the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents acid reflux.

Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@ healthygeezer.com.

Matinee Concerts Matinee Concerts

START YOUR DAY WITH good FRIENDS AT THE FLORIDA OR

Raymond James Pops Raymond James Pops

Music of Music of the knight the knight

Featuring music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Nov 16, Mahaffey Theater

y p y Elf™ in Concert!

Sat, Dec 7, 2 pm, Straz Center

Raymond James Pops holiday pops

The greatest holiday tradition in Tampa Bay! It’s a jolly good time for the whole family. Chelsea Gallo conducts

Featuring Geneva Lewis Sun, Jan 12, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sat, Dec 21, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun Dec 22, 2 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall beautiful bohemia

Presented by the Helen Torres Foundation

Our casual morning concert series is back with a fresh face and new experiences. Join TFO Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo as she takes you on a journey into your favorite music — from cello concertos to vacuum cleaners.

Jan 15, 11 am, Ruth Eckerd Hall the french revelation

Love... it’s complicated

Feb 13, 11 am, Mahaffey Theater Latin flair

Mar 19, 11 am, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Mar 20, 11 am, Palladium Theater

Apr 30, 11 am, Ruth Eckerd Hall

May 1, 11 am, Mahaffey Theater

AROUND TOWN

Creekside Manor I & II

Creekside Manor VOA Affordable Housing, LP

are federally subsidized apartments for persons 62 and older or 18 and older with a mobility impaired disability.

ADA units, Studio & 1 bedroom apartments. Rent is based on income. Located in a quiet Clearwater neighborhood

For appointment Call (727) 441-8400

TDD: 727-447-3018

Please note there is a waitlist. Please call for more information.

NOVEMBER 4: FLORIDA ORCHESTRA

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 5: RUMMAGE SALE

Peace Hall, 5600-5698 Sims Ln., New Port Richey

NOVEMBER 9: OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK

Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

NOVEMBER 10: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave. N. Ste. 206, St. Petersburg

TOTAL INCOME LIMIT

NOVEMBER 11, 18: OPEN JAM

One person $28,750 Two persons $32,850

One person $33,450 • Two persons $38,200 YOUR MONTHLY RENT IS NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME

One person $22,400 • Two persons $25,600 YOUR MONTHLY RENT IS NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.

1318 Franklin Street • Clearwater, Fla.

Ofﬁce Hrs. Mon.–Fri. 8–12 & 1–4

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Niagara Tap, 11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo

NOVEMBER 14: PESTS & PUBS

Rock & Brews, 26000 State Rd. 56 W, Lutz

NOVEMBER 14: DWIGHT YOAKAM

The BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 15: CHALKFUL OF TASTE

Pier 60 Park, Causeway Blvd., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 16: COUNTRY WESTERN MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

TAT Civic Association, 3210 Darlington Rd., Holiday

NOVEMBER 16: CAR & TRUCK SHOW

The Oaks of Clearwater, 420 Bay Ave., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 16: TASTE OF CLEARWATER

Coachman Park, 303 Drew St., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 22: 60 WEST

Ukulele Brands, 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

NOVEMBER 22: SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL

Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach

NOVEMBER 22: NATE NAJAR

Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater

NOVEMBER 23: DREAMCATCHER

Duke Energy Center for the Arts, 400 1st St. S., St. Petersburg

NOVEMBER 23: THE FLORIDA NATURAL

Shepard’s Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach

NOVEMBER 24: UNION WEST

Stonewater Grill, 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

NOVEMBER 29: NOCHE SOCIAL W/ VAYA JD AND JENNY MARIE

Rice N Beans, 27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel

NOVEMBER 29: THE BLACK HONKEYS

State Theatre Concerts, 687 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg

Thank you, Johnny Appleseed!

By Patricia Finn

It’s fall and I can’t wait to make homemade applesauce. Up north this is the season when we would go apple picking. Now that I am a senior and living in Florida, I can safely say that picking apples at the market has the same delicious result as standing on a ladder and tossing them into a basket. I love apples and I love homemade applesauce.

Because this is an election year, I have decided to advocate nominating the all-American apple to be our National Fruit. You may find yourself asking, “Do we have a National Fruit?” We sure do. In addition to fruitcake, we have elevated one select fruit to hold the title of number one national fruit. The eagle, bald and somewhat frightening, shares national prestige with a chosen fruit. That chosen fruit is none other than (drum roll) …the blueberry.

What! Don’t get me wrong, I like blueberries. I just think that apples are more deserving of The National Fruit title. I want my national fruit to be crisp. I want it to dangle majestically from a tree, and not be a berry plucked from a humble bush. If we look beyond the superior physical characteristics to the history of apples, they easily trump the lowly blueberry. Superior to mere muffin, or pancake fame, apples have achieved notoriety in the key areas of religion, education and health.

Consider the apple’s history, going back to the Garden of Eden. What other fruit could have spurred the downfall of man? A banana? A grape? No, only the apple could have tempted Eve to lose it all with one single bite. It was then and there that apples got linked to the Tree of Knowledge and fast forward a few thousand years; we have the “bring the teacher an apple” tradition. Today you can’t bring your teacher an apple because all food products brought to schools have to be commercially prepared, labeled and wrapped, but none the less, the apple theme can still be found decorating America’s classrooms.

If history were not enough, apples come with a medical endorsement: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Away? How far away? Can this be applied to the dentist and the dermatologist? (The answer is “yes.”)

Even the cliché “as American as apple pie” should promote apples to the honor of being our National Fruit. Have you ever heard “As American as a blueberry muffin?” No. Never.

We would be remiss if we didn’t consider the competition. What other fruits could upset the grocery cart and claim the title of National Fruit? Hawaii might nominate the pineapple, but it

would be competing with cranberries from Wisconsin and the Florida orange. If we move forward with a Johnny Appleseed logo, I predict that apples will win. A focused campaign targeting Wisconsin, Hawaii and Florida will enable us to take those states and replace blueberries in the next National Fruit election.

“But Miss Pat, there is no next National Fruit election. The blueberries have it. They’ve already won.” I guess I’ll have to vote for something else.

Top 5 Money Moves to Make Before Year End

By Michael Berkhahn, CFP®

As year-end approaches, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by holiday responsibilities like shopping, decorating, and spending time with loved ones. However, there is another important responsibility that needs to be considered: your “financial” to-do list. Many people pay too much in taxes – oftentimes unknowingly. Below are the top five money moves to make before December 31:

Review your retirement contributions

Review your retirement accounts to see if there’s room for additional contributions. If so, consider contributing to a Roth IRA, which has a contribution limit of $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re 50+) for 2024. However, there are income limits to keep in mind: as a single filer, your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) must be under $161,000, or under $230,000 if married and filing jointly.

If your income exceeds these limits, you can still contribute to a Roth IRA through a strategy known as the Backdoor Roth Conversion. This allows higher-income earners to convert funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth, bypassing the income cap.

Tax Loss Harvesting

While it’s been a strong year for the markets, not all investments performed well. If you’ve realized capital gains by selling successful stocks, you can offset these gains by selling underperforming assets, a strategy known as tax-loss harvesting. This allows you to reduce your tax liability by using losses to offset taxable gains.

If you’re still confident in the long-term value of a stock you’ve sold, you can repurchase it after 30 days to comply with the IRS’s wash-sale rule.

Employee Health Benefits Account

If you contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), check the expiration date for your funds. Most FSAs require that you to use your savings by December 31, although some employers offer a grace period through March 15 of the following year. To avoid forfeiting your savings, double-check your plan’s specific deadlines.

For individuals with a Health Savings Account (HSA), you’re not required to spend your savings by year-end, as HSA funds roll over. However, it’s wise to ensure you’ve contributed the maximum amount for the year. HSAs are particularly valuable because they can be used as a taxadvantage resource during retirement.

Roth Conversions

If you have pre-tax retirement accounts, a Roth conversion might be a smart move. This involves converting a portion of your traditional IRA or

401(k) into a Roth IRA, allowing you to pay taxes now so that your future withdrawals are tax-free. Done strategically, Roth conversions can save you thousands of dollars in taxes over time, especially during retirement.

Make Charitable Contributions

The holiday season is a popular time to donate to your favorite charity. If you’re required to take a required minimum distribution (RMDs) from your retirement account and want to minimize taxes, consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). A QCD allows you to donate directly to a charity from your IRA, which satisfies your RMD without subjecting the distribution to ordinary income taxes.

Combining these five financial moves before the year ends with a comprehensive financial plan can help ensure that you’re on solid financial footing as you head into 2025.

Michael Berkhahn, CFP®, is Vice President of Graham Capital Wealth Management, an independent Registered Investment Advisor that specializes in providing investment management strategies for high networth families, foundations and pension plans. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Berkhahn is part of an elite group of advisors who have completed the necessary training and requirements to hold the CFP® designation and is a fiduciary committed to complying with its continuing education and ethics standards.

BOOK REVIEW

“Smithsonian’s

by Kathy A. Megyeri

Women: Our Story,” Penguin Random House, 2019 (originally published for the 100th anniversary of women obtaining the vote)

“One is not born, but rather becomes a woman.” Writer Simone de Beauvoir (1949)

How far we women have come even in my lifetime! Massive changes have occurred in women’s rights – I wasn’t allowed to have a credit card or open a checking account in my own name without a co-signer until 1974 when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed. No bank would give me a loan or mortgage without a male cosigner because even though I had a job, I could get (horrors!) pregnant.

I had to wear dresses, skirts and suits to work with high heels. My husband had to sign off on medical procedures I needed or wanted. Employment ads were divided into help wanted: men vs. women. Women could be fired for being pregnant. Men were often paid more for the same job because they were the “breadwinners.”

We’ve come far, but it took the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, the world’s largest museum, to put the journey of women into perspective. In this gorgeously illustrated coffee table book, women get the starring roles as it highlights moments in history made by women.

The book covers a lot of ground from prehistory in 50,000 DCE, to the Bronze Age, through ancient Egypt where women were both slaves and queens, to ancient Greece when women were both priestesses and courtesans, to ancient Rome when Cato the Elder declared that “If you allow women to achieve equality, they will be the masters.”

The book also contains chapters on Empire to Enlightenment (15001800) to the Age of Empowerment (1800-1960) and finally to Smashing the Glass Ceiling (1960 to the present) when most of us experienced the Cold War, apartheid, Civil Rights, feminism, birth control, changes in the family, the fight against femicide, and International Women’s Day.

This is the history we never studied in school but the one in great part that many of us lived through. This is the text I’d like to place in every history curriculum because it covers world history and is a reference guide one can study, browse through, or look for someone specific. There are quotes, time-lines, photos, and artwork to examine women in Western history and civilization as well as in Eastern, African, and Amerindian civilizations.

The book’s sidebars with bios and pull-out quotes on notable women make it a gem and its topics range from childbirth, women in war, motherhood, abolition, politics, science, unionization, nobility, labor, prostitution, fashion, beauty, technology and art.

The book also highlights women’s suffrage, specifically Susan B. Anthony’s 1850 plea to “organize, agitate, and educate. That must be our war cry.” All shine a light on such a timely subject, especially as America’s next female Presidential contender is on the ballot this month. With this in mind, I believe this book’s motto should no doubt be “The Future is Female.”

Find out more about voting in Florida and the races and issues nationwide at www.vote.gov/register/florida.

Last Month’s Answers

SUDOKU

APRIL W ord Sea rch

September Word Search

WORD SEARCH

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

Last Month’s Winner is Carol Sands, Port Charlotte Congr atuL ations ! Good Luck! Good Luck!

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Win Great Prizes!

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

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?

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits1through9inanyorder. 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.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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

New winner selected each month

APRIL

Sudoku

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

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

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku mu ST b E RE c EI v E d by T h E 20T h of T h E mo NT h.

ANSWERS TO

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The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th of the month will win. WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Puzzles must be received by the 20th of the month)

TriviaPalooza!

Trivia Palooza

General Trivia.

Movie Trivia

What are the dying words of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane?

What event on November 21, 1783, marked history's first successful human-crewed flight?

QuestIoN: NAtIoNAL grANdPAreNts dAy Is sePtember 13. WhAt Is the offIcIAL soNg ANd offIcIAL fLoWer for thIs NAtIoNAL dAy of observANce?

What was the first feature-length animated movie ever released?

ANsWer:

Who played the protagonist ‘Rose’ in the famous 90’s movie Titanic?

: Play each month to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! Deadline for entries: September 25th Mary Tursellino, Port Charlotte was last months winner! Last month’s answer: NORAD, Col. Harry Shoup. The more you play the better chance you have to win! Go to LifestylesAfter50.com

Which famous American president was born on November19,1831? Answer & submit

Play every month to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! Deadline for entries: May 20th

Romona

Last month's answers: Aretha Franklin, ‘Respect’, Public Enemy, ‘Fight the Power, Sam Cooke, ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ Please enjoy playing our Crossword, Sudoku and Word Search Puzzles. The more puzzles you play & submit, the better chance you have to win!

Nichole Veesaert, Apollo Beach

Josephine Jimenez, N. Ft. Myers

Steve Torres, Seffner

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Seniors getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.

5626 – SHW LOOKING FOR COMPANIONSHIP I am new to Florida, 59 years young. Looking for a FF SOH male. Likes, relaxing on the beach, music, fishing, camping, flea markets. NS - No drugs - TLC. I am 5.1 and 155 lbs. - Parrish

5635 – SWF RETIRED, SECURE, 80YY

5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.

ISO trustworthy, honest man NSND. Enjoy quiet times, pleasant conversation, dining out, social gatherings and listening to music. I share piano music as a pianist. Friendly and fun. Sarasota area.

5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.

5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.

5636 – I am an oriental lady 5 feet tall, dark hair and slender, who enjoys full life with beach, strolling, dinners out, travel. Romantic and easy-going. 70’s healthy and active. Enjoy the company of non-smoker and nondrinker. Write or call.

5639 – SENIOR GAL, 71 with natural (not enhanced). Drive, ambition, enthusiasm, stamina, seeking guy with the same temperament. Apollo Beach

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.

5640 82 YEARS OLD – Looking 40, feeling 30. Very active. Dance, exercise and travel. Seeking a younger man 45 to 65. Athletic fit and willing to take care of all my needs. Tampa

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!

5620 – ELDERLY, AFFLUENT, nice looking professional WWM seeking 40-50 trim SWF. Enjoys theater, travel, dinner with wine + conversation in condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Send photo(s) + resume.

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

5622 – HI – A VERY MATURE W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA.

seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.

5634 – ARE YOU A BI-CURIOUS, bi or tri or even a poly sexual woman? In search of a little friendly fun? Then be my angel and I will be your devil. Pinellas county only but I do love paradise in Lutz. Good vibes only. Till we meet.

5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.

5638 – HELLO. SWM SEEKING petite relocatable gal to be my companion, best friend, life partner and lover. I’m secure, easy going, loving and romantic. NS, ND. 5’7” 150lbs. Share my life and home. Save that rent. Send photo and phone number please. No pets.

5624 SEARCHING FOR LTR – N/S. I enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Looking for someone to share it all with. Age and looks are not important. Will answer all. Palmetto

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

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 # 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: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

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, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon 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.

Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.

5637 – SWCF 70 YEARS YOUNG 5’6” 140 lbs. Brown hair, blue eyes. Retired medical field. Enjoy cooking, beach, dancing, traveling and reading.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.

5628 – NEW TO FL Looking to fall in love one more time. R-63 YY. 5’2” 160 lbs. blonde hair, blue eyes SF. Enjoys walks, sunsets, dining out, traveling SOH, NS, SD, NDRG. Looking for WM, SD, NDRG. Must know how to treat a lady. Age doesn’t matter. Let’s give it a try!

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5631 – SAIL AWAY WITH ME Off little Sarasota Bay. Spirited aqua eyes. WD, young 70’s. S,R,P, 122lbs. Same size as HS. NS, SD ISO magnetism LTR, FF. SOH makes it work. Into the arts, NCAA. No, you’re close enough in all your moments. Touch, kindness, smiles a lot and travels. Send letter/ email please. Sarasota county

5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

Seniors Getting Together

5630 – LOOKING FOR FEMALE

5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thinning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. Retired Leo. ISO WHF, widow preferred, attractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, intimacy yes, no baggage, drama.

COMPANION I’m 80, YY, SD, SM, LTR, FF, TLC. I like fishing, golf, going to the beach, spending time with family, watching TV, watching movies cuddling on sofa. Romantic. She should like the same, plus some of her own. Lehigh Acres

5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.

(First 4 Words)

5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.

5629 – WANT TO TAKE A TRIP TO ALASKA? Fly there and back, motorhome camping & Jeep waiting for us there, sightseeing & fishing. I am 86 YY, WM,WW, C,NS, 5’9” 165 lbs, SOH. Excellent health, very active. Southern country gentleman. I'm looking for a long-term companion to finish our life's journey. I've been a home & business owner in Tampa for over 60 yrs . I am an active and healthy person looking for similar qualities in a partner. I have all my own teeth and hair too. Give me a call and maybe we can have some fun. Marvin

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.

5632 HI – A VERY MATURE W, M. Italian born, 82 years YY. 170 lbs, NS, NDrg. Looking for W, F 50-70 YY. I own a waterfront condo.

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

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Saturday, November 2 | 10am Panera Bread

1908 Fourth St. N. Community Room St. Petersburg

Saturday, November 2 | 11am Outback Steakhouse 31988 U.S. Highway 19 N. Community Room Palm Harbor

Thursday, November 7 | 10am

BayCare HealthHub® 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. Community Room Valrico

Thursday, November 7 | 10am

St. Joseph's Hospital-North 4211 Van Dyke Road

Garden Classroom A Lutz

Friday, November 8 | 11am

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Classroom C Wesley Chapel

Tuesday, November 12 | 10am

BayCare Outpatient Center 2102 Trinity Oaks Blvd. Conference Room Trinity