Mature Lifestyles April 2012 Sarasota/Manatee

How I Overcame Zone Denial and Changed to Avant-Gardening

I laughed the first time our lawn here sprouted clover-looking weeds (Oxalis) f you’re a Florida all a-bloom with little purple flowers. transplant, there’s I had paid $6 to have a shamrock plant a good chance like those shipped to my Kansas house you’ve suffered from one winter years ago. The shamrock some sort of Zone bloomed on my kitchen windowsill, Denial as I have. and I thought it was magnificent.

Janice Doyle, I first heard of Now, I was in Florida and it was Editor “Zone Denial” in blooming all over the yard! Amazing!

Texas. I was in the process of buyA few years after the Kansas shamrock ing some Antique Roses to bring plant, I paid $5 for a straggly little splitback with me when a fellow leaf philodendron plant in late summer. It traveler, an avid gardener herself, had to be re-potted twice that first winter said, “Aren’t you in Zone Denial?” as it thrived in a south-facing window. On It seems Zone Denial is rampant the move to Florida, “Philly,” as we called everywhere gardeners are found. It’s a it, rode in the back of a pickup, roughly malady for Floridians that comes about stuffed inside a wicker clothes hamper. when you live in west central Florida New neighbor Marti advised us to put and deny the fact that, for gardening Philly outside in the ground. Reverse purposes, we are in Hardiness Zones Zone Denial set in—this was a 10, 9a or 9b, but we buy something that houseplant. It couldn’t just be plopped grows best in another growing zone. in the ground and never dug up again!

The Hardiness Zone Map by the But, by rough estimate, Philly is 38 USDA is a way for gardeners to years old now and has a lineup of compare their garden climates with 13 siblings across the back fence. the climate where a plant is known to grow well. The antique roses, for example, were for zones four, five and six. I had a bad case of Zone Denial!

The 2012 zone map reflects a new reality: Many areas of the U.S. are designated as warmer by about five degrees. For a gardener, that means plants which in the past wouldn’t thrive here (given the 1990 map) might well survive beautifully now. Let the plant-buying begin!

It’s the first time since 1990 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Janice Doyle and the “fast-growing” squash. has revised the official guide for the nation’s 80 million gardeners, Avant-gardening and much has changed. Nearly Only in the last few years have entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska enough trees been cut from our and Texas, are in warmer zones. one-third acre yard to create sunny spots for vegetable gardening.

Zone Denial history Dear Husband asked where I The first year I lived here, I was an wanted a vegetable garden. We picked avid flower and vegetable gardener a spot in summer’s full sun, and he wannabe who, in reality, needed a constructed two 8’ x 8’ garden boxes of support group to report to. “Hello, landscape timbers. Compost, top soil my name is Janice. I just planted and DH’s sweat equity—tomato and tulips.” Or English peas. Or crocuses. broccoli plants went into the ground

Dear Readers,

I

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 2

in early February. Then we waited.

And waited. And waited. The plants were there, but nothing happened.

One day I stood and looked at the pitiful plants and realized that as the sun goes lower on the horizon for the winter (right over there behind the neighbor’s beautiful old live oaks), our garden spot never ever had full sun.

Plotting more carefully, DH moved the two garden plots 100 feet across the yard where they now get full sun half the day. And we’re enjoying tomatoes, broccoli, onions and squash.

DH is a compostaphile – to rot or not to rot? Rot, of course. An ordinary, overgrown corner of the yard now boasts three piles of matter in various stages of decay.

Then he found a “recipe” for gardening which has produced amazing results in a short time. From the St. Pete Times (now Tampa Bay Times), July 10, 2004: “Choose an area 6 feet by 6 feet in full sun; spread a 25 pound bag of cheap dry dog food nuggets, a 20 pound bag of cheap clay cat litter and half of a 50 pound bag of alfalfa pellets. . . Once everything has been applied, use a shovel to turn the soil. Water deeply, then cover the site with overlapping layers of cardboard boxes… Mulch… ripen for two to four weeks…” (You can also find the recipe at baysoundings.com/fall08/stories/grow.asp.)

We planted in February, David watered regularly and God gave the increase. Squash plants grew six inches in a week. Tomato and pepper plants shot out of the ground and are full of blooms.

No more Zone Denial here. We’ll just accept Florida exactly as it is.

You can see the Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

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Around Town

HIBACHI GRILL BUFFET

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G A P R I L 2 0 1 2

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undays through May 20 The Sarasota Ski-A-Rees are celebrating their 55th season. Watch talented skiers water ski barefoot, perform fancy turns and feats of teamwork, skill and balance. Free show, 2 – 4 p.m. at City Island, 1604 Ken Thompson Parkway. (941) 388-1666.

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Free Outdoor Concerts. Local musicians perform every Weds. from 11:30 – 1 p.m. at the Downtown Historic Courthouse, 1115 Manatee Ave. West, Sarasota. Donations of nonperishable food for The Food Bank of Manatee are welcome. $6 lunch special from Renaissance on 9th. Tables and chairs available. (941) 840-0013.

– 22 Sarasota Film Festival.

Over 180 films, star-studded events, free movies and programs for kids at venues throughout Sarasota.

Tickets and info: (941) 284-1027 or sarasotafilmfestival.com.

34th Annual Siesta Fiesta.

Beachfront arts and crafts festival and green market. 10 a.m. at Siesta Key Village, Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. Free. (516) 746-6615.

“Historic Courthouse Celebration. Commemorate 100 years with a ribbon cutting ceremony, music and other festivities.

5:30 – 8 p.m. at 1115 Manatee Avenue West. Free event, food available for purchase. Bring chairs/blankets. For more info, call: (941) 840-0013.

7 buffet & sushi bars Large Party Room

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Accommodates 60-100 people

Lunch Buffet

The Venice Chamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the owners of Hibachi Grill Buffet.

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In The Mood – A 1940’s Musical Revue. Up-tempo big band instrumentals and romantic ballads. 7 – 9 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Cost: $10 – $40. (941) 953-3368.

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Bluegrass Jam. Performed by local artists. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or even an instrument. 7 – 10 p.m. on Thursdays. Picnic shelter, Bee Ridge Park, 4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Free. (941) 861-5000.

Fully remodeled and under new ownership

Suncoast BBQ Bash. Food, contests, more. Proceeds benefit local charities. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Venice Airport Festival Grounds, 120 E. Airport Avenue, Venice. Call (941) 809-5232.

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in an all you can eat buffet. Besides traditional Chinese food, we offer grilled steak, BBQ Ribs, shrimp, raw oysters on the half shell, snow crab legs, a full salad bar, a full sushi bar, dessert, ice cream and much more!

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Senior Fun Fest. Great information, prizes and giveaways, free health screenings, live entertainment and more. Fun for all! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. 1-888-670-0040.

Everyday We Serve 300 Items

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Einstein’s Circle. Join the Lifelong Learning Academy’s weekly discussion group. Topics and facilitators change weekly. 1 – 3 p.m. at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Free. (941) 952-0808.

Serving American, Chinese & Japanese

Senior Friendly aerobics class, 9 – 9:30 a.m. at Kathleen K. Catlin Friendship Center. 2350 Scenic Drive, Venice. (941) 493-3065.

Gulf Coast Cheese Fest.

Vendors will provide food items, wine pairings, and many gourmet artisan cheeses from all around the world. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at GWIZ - The Science Museum, 1001 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota. $15/ adult; $7/child. (941) 309-4949.

Send Around Town news to Mature Lifestyles Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. April 10 for May event.)

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aturdays Adult Singles Club of Sarasota/Manatee Open Dance Party. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Payne Park Auditorium, 2100 Laurel St., Sarasota. Cost: $10. Come with or without partner. Live music. Free snacks, BYOB. (941) 756-8303.

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eekly through June 3 “Reel Music.” Journey from the Land of Oz to the nightclubs of Casablanca in a celebration of great movie songs.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Goldstein Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

Tickets: $19 – $42 at (941) 366-9000.

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 3

Singles Dance The Night Away

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just threw my watch in the “Ten-ten AM, trash. I got it as a gift a while Thursday, back—and it was something March 29th, else. It had four different 2012” digital displays, about a dozen buttons, was waterproof to about a thousand feet, and I think it could even tell me the weather. I’ll never know, though, because, like I said, it’s in the trash. Turns out it couldn’t do the one thing I want a watch to do … tell me the correct time. It always ran a little slow, which was bad enough, but there were so many displays and they were so small that I couldn’t easy-to-understand voice. So whether tell the time even if it was accurate. you’re driving to an appointment or When I tried to reset it, I pushed the dining in a candlelit restaurant … you wrong button and set it on military time, are sure to know the exact time. Press and I couldn’t figure out how to switch it the button again and it will even tell you back. That was the last straw. Now, I’ve the day and date if you want. There’s got a great watch. It’s super-accurate, even an automatic hourly chime. easy-to-read, and it will even tell … yes tell … me the time. Best of all, I’ll never Try it for yourself… it’s risk-free. have to set it! This is the watch I’ve The US Atomic Clock cost billions to been waiting for. build and maintain, but you can have the next best thing for less than one Whether you travel or not… this watch is hundred dollars. Thanks to a special a necessity. This Talking Atomic Watch arrangement with the manufacturer, from firstSTREET maintains its we can offer you this watch at a phenomenal accuracy because it is special price with our exclusive designed to receive a signal from home trial. If you are not completely the US Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, amazed by the accuracy and quality Colorado. This clock is the standard of this product, simply return it within for time measurement worldwide… it 90 days for a “No Questions Asked” can go 20 million years without gaining refund of the product purchase price. or losing a second! It never needs to Call now. be set, because it automatically adjusts itself for daylight savings time and leap years.

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Easy to read, even easier to hear.

The most accurate watch in the world is of no use if you can’t read it. This timepiece is designed to tell you the correct time… anytime. It features a clear, uncluttered analog display that you won’t need reading glasses to see.

Best of all, you can press a button and it will tell you the time in a clear,

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very Saturday evening, for about the past 20 years, the Adult Singles Club of Sarasota/Manatee County, Inc. has been holding dances at Sarasota’s Payne Park Auditorium.

This club originally started as a small get-together way back around 1967, holding dances and parties at various locations. Over the years, it gradually grew to over 125 members and finally found a home at Payne Park.

The dances are open to the public and are currently attracting between

150 to 200 friendly, well-dressed participants.

From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., a variety of dance music is played by local bands—such as the popular fivepiece Sig Harder Band—and an intermission DJ. The club also provides complimentary snacks, and participants will sometimes bring in snacks to share. Coffee and soft drinks may be purchased, but since no alcoholic beverages are sold, patrons may bring in their own beverages if desired.

Also included in the $8 member / $10 non-member entrance fee are free dance lessons by Kay Lawson from 6:40 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.

For more information, please call (941) 756-8303 or (941) 807-2226.

Getting Pious with a Little Help from Social Network and Church

F

riendships forged at church seem to play a major role in people’s religious activities and beliefs—even when it comes to their views about how exclusive heaven is, according to a national study from Baylor University.

“Although church-based friendship networks seem to bolster religiosity across the board, the effect of how enmeshed people are in congregational friendships is stronger on their religious behavior than on their beliefs.

“This makes sense—church-goers may not necessarily chat about the finer points of theological beliefs, such as the existence of demons, but they do seem to talk about things like prayer requests or upcoming church events, things that

more directly lead to an effect on religious behavior,” said Samuel Stroope at Baylor. “Also, friends at church can see behavior. Beliefs are harder to monitor.”

The study also found a weaker but consistent link between church friends and various religious beliefs.

People with no friends at church held fewer supernatural beliefs than people who reported that some or more of their friends attended their church.

Meanwhile, when it came to the view of the Bible, drawing a greater proportion of one’s friends from church was associated with increased odds of affirming that the Bible “should be taken literally, word for word on all subjects,” Stroope said. (Newswise)

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Follow the I-75 Florida Wine Trail Winemaking is Three Centuries Old in Florida

BY DAVID LALMOND

B

eyond the beaches and amusement parks, Florida’s vineyards and wineries open up an opportunity to learn an interesting part of the state’s agricultural history—and to taste some unique wines.

Florida is home to the original American wines—native grapes were used for winemaking three centuries before California became a state. But Florida growers faced hot, humid summers which produced diseases other areas did not have to combat.

In 1923 a breeding program was initiated at the University of Florida that has resulted in the development of numerous disease-resistant grape varieties suited to Florida’s soil and climate. And for winemaking.

Florida wineries utilize native Muscadines and local fruits for wines. How about orange or mango or blueberry wine?

Trivia: In 2009, nearly two million gallons of wine were produced in Florida. Only five states produced more than Florida.*

Travel Using I-75 as your main path, follow a wine trail through Florida this summer as the harvest season runs from May through September.

Enjoy the unique sights, tastes and aromas of Florida vineyards and wines at these locations:

Dakotah Winery near Chiefland is a family-run business. Since 1985, the Rittgers family has been cultivating Muscadine grape vines. Today there are over 6,000 vines, including 30-plus varieties of Muscadines which begin ripening in August. Not only can you taste authentic Florida wine, you can also take a therapeutic walk over the grounds and see the vines, sheep (which keep the area mowed) and geese (which help prune the vines). (352) 493-9309.

Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery in Spring Hill is Florida’s newest certified “Florida Farm Winery.” Here you’ll find traditional oak-fermented red wines as well as characteristically Southern wines. They offer tours of the vineyard and processing areas plus tastings. (352) 799-7612.

Tangled Oaks Vineyard in Grandin is just east of Gainesville. Think Italian wine here—the vineyard was started by the DaCasto family with roots in Italian winemaking country. (386) 659-1707.

Trivia: Muscadines are a Southern specialty, not found anywhere else in the world. Their tough skins make them wonderful for children to squish with their feet, which they can do on special weekends at Lakeridge Winery.

Just 25 miles east of I-75 near Clermont is Lakeridge Winery, Florida’s largest. Its buildings and setting make it look for all the world like a small winery in the south of France or California’s Napa Valley.

The winery is popular for its tours, which reveal 5,000-gallon stainless steel tanks, crushers, state of the art harvesters, a large tasting room and much more. Lakeridge Winery is a destination for weekend events, specials on wine, daily complimentary tours and wine tasting. 1-800-768-9463.

Florida Orange Groves Winery in St. Pete began with packing and shipping citrus and evolved into Florida’s original tropical fruit winery (garnering numerous awards along the way). If you think you can’t make wine out of oranges, think again!

These are not fusion or blended grape wines, but 43 varieties of 100% pure tropical fruit wines. (It can take upwards of nine pounds of fruit to produce enough juice for just one bottle of wine.) Try their Mango Mama, which just won “Best of Show Florida Fruit” contest at the 2012 Florida State Fair. 1-800-338-7923.

Lakeridge Winery

Keel and Curley Winery

Trivia: Florida Orange Groves Winery has been invited to the EPCOT Wine Festival nine continuous years.

Eden Vineyards Keel and Curley and Winery, Winery near Plant City 10 miles east (10 miles east of I-75 Eden Vineyards and Winery of Fort Myers on I-4) began when near Alva, was the owner needed to planted in the 70s with cuttings from find new ways to use an oversupply the original hybrid vines at University of fresh blueberries. The winery now of Florida research sites. Since 1986 produces three types of blueberry they have produced six wines on wines as well as fusion wines, made this, the furthest south winery on the by blending grapes with fruit juices. west coast of Florida. Tastings are Try their Peach Chardonnay or Key held every day. (239) 728-9463.

West Key Lime, for example. (TastTrivia: Eden Winery is the oldest ings: 11 Wines for $6. Weekend vineoperating Florida Farm Winery in yard tours: $5/ person or $10 comthe state. Their wines have been bined with tasting.) (813) 752-9100. featured at Disney’s Grand FloridLocated near Bradenton, the Rosa ian, the Palm Beach Breakers Fiorelli Winery is based on expertise Hotel and the Ritz Carlton. the family brought with them from For more information and other Sicily. They pride themselves on wineries, see Florida Grape Growers their ten acres of grapes and with Association at fgga.org or individual over 100 awards under their belts, vineyard and winery websites. it’s still a small, friendly family place *(Information from Alcohol & for a vineyard and winery tour and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.) tasting ($10). (941) 322-0976.

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 7

Getting Around Sarasota—Transportation For Seniors

BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

G

iving up the car keys isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your independence altogether. Sarasota and Manatee counties have some helpful resources available for anyone who relies solely on others for transportation, or even those who just need a little assistance with shopping, medical or recreational trips.

What are my options?

Rides are available from a variety of sources, from private companies and taxis to public transit, government programs, retirement communities and nonprofit or religious organizations.

These services can be free or discounted, membership-based or pay-by-ride, and there are pros and cons to each.

Private pay-by-ride companies usually start around $15+ per hour, and can include a $1 – $3 per-mile surcharge if you use the service’s vehicle rather than your own. It can get expensive, but the good news is

that you get what you pay for. Drivers are trained and insured, and they will accompany you through the front door of your destination. Service fees may also be covered in part by some types of medical insurance.

Government and non-profit programs are more cost-effective, but riders must often meet certain conditions (usually income or physical-related) to make use of these services.

Volunteer-based programs, like those organized by religious groups or social networks, can be free or operate on a low-cost membership. These can be wonderful resources for frequent travelers, but choose carefully—trained and insured drivers are not a certainty, and reliability can be a factor.

Resources for riders ITN Sarasota: A communitysupported transportation service for adults over 60 and the visually impaired. Rides are provided in private automobiles by trained drivers, and can be used for any purpose within

Discover Active Living!

the service area, 24/7. Cost: $50 annual membership and low fee per ride. The organization supports itself largely by donations, so costs for members are kept down. Fees are also adjusted for low-income members.

(941) 364-7530 or itnsarasota.org.

FISH: Provides transportation for needy persons for medically related appointments. Free, but donations are welcome. (941) 953-5838.

SCAT and SCAT Plus: Sarasota County Area Transit’s fixed-route bus system. Unlimited ride passes for seniors are $30. Single rides are 60 cents. SCAT Plus provides paratransit services to individuals who are unable to use local fixed route bus services due to disability. They will pick you up at your location. Cost: $2.50 per ride. Routes and info: scgov.net/scat or (941) 861-5000.

Social Networking: On websites like NuRide, GoLoco or eRideShare.com, you can search for drivers in your area,

organize carpools and share rides.

Costs are split evenly by travelers.

Pay-by-Ride: For a list of providers, check out safeandmobileseniors.org/ FindaRide.htm. You can search by area and service and compare prices easily. Sarasota Memorial Hospital also offers a comprehensive list of companies that offer medical transportation at smh.com/p.aspx?p=380.

Volunteer drivers—you can help If you are able, a few hours a week or month can make a difference in the life of another senior and can give you some great benefits. ITN Sarasota will allow you to apply your volunteer hours as credit for future rides for yourself, and sites like NuRide offer rewards for helping others carpool.

Churches, senior/community centers and non-profits (like the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program: 1-800-227-2345) are always on the lookout for drivers who can serve local members. Contact these groups to see how you can help today!

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 8

Wellness Belts

At Last ...Active Aging Made Easy An Effective Solution For: • Back Pain Relief • Posture Correction • Osteoporosis Reversal

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Here Is A Low Tech Medical Device that Outperforms The High Tech Medical Products and Procedures In Several Major Areas Every once in a while something comes along that truly impacts senior’s lives in a major way. The Wellness Belt product from Wellness Belts USA, Inc. out of Venice, Florida is a current example of such a device.

If you want to live long, healthy, active lives, you must consider this product. Let’s look at some of the major health issues for which it is probably the best solution available.

It is a perfect Anti-Aging therapeutical device. It is very effective at automatically raising your level of physical fitness by using your muscles more every day. This increased exercise causes fat to be burned for fuel, resulting in lowering your amount of unwanted body fat. So automatically you can drop lots of inches and clothing sizes by merely wearing this belt and doing your normal everyday activities. If you are interested in active aging, and easily achievable physical fitness, this product must become part of your personal arsenal.

The Wellness Belt actually helps to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. It can help lower your blood pressure (if it is high) and your cholesterol levels. It accomplishes these very desirable outcomes by making you “work out” when you don’t realize it. Who these days is getting enough physical exercise to maintain their health, never mind improve it? The Wellness Belt raises your activity levels significantly, automatically without you really noticing.

On top of all this, the Wellness Belt is by far the most effective discovery yet for people suffering

from various chronic back ailments. It is truly revolutionary in this area. It excels because it really removes the cause of the condition and gives most people their lives back. You must try it to believe it. You no longer have to live with it - up to 93% of back pain sufferers will be astonished to find their problem has disappeared within a few days Interestingly, it was originally created as a weighted wardrobe accessory to effectively help create stronger hip bones that will not spontaneously fracture from osteoporosis. The creator wanted to offer an alternative to the standard medical treatment which is not focused on fracture prevention but is aimed towards density. The hidden weights inside the Wellness Belt causes the bones of our hips to bear additional weight thus causing natural strengthening. It looks just like an ordinary dress belt. People do not know you are wearing something special.

The noticeable posture correction to the spine causes most people to report that they no longer suffer from migraines and headaches.

Notably, it generates no nasty medical side effects.

Also it is far more effective than traditional medical interventions for these conditions that millions of people are struggling with every day.

It is so simple and the way it works is so obvious that it is incredible that someone hadn’t thought of it sooner. Wearing external weights has been investigated in the past. Until now, however no one had created a weighted product that people can wear as part of his or her normal wardrobe every day. That is one of the keys to understanding why it works so well. It allows you to simply put it on and forget about it. And the benefits just derive from doing your normal everyday activities.

It is so convenient that it only takes about 10 seconds per day to use it. You simply put it on at the beginning of the day and forget about it. Just go ahead and enjoy your day.

Health Canada has deemed it a Class 1 Medical Device for the above conditions. This has allowed many individuals to claim it under their benefits.

But it does even more!

Because of the exercise we get from it, it makes our knees & hips more stable. We believe that there would be far fewer knee and hip replacements if more people wore the Wellness Belt.

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www.wellnessbelts.com 144 Triple Diamond Blvd., Unit A North Venice, Florida 34275 Hours of operation: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 2pm Please Call for Appointment Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 9

How Do Flea Markets Do in This Economy? Quite Well!

Don Esbenshade (79) has been a vendor at Wagon Wheel Flea Market for 35 years. His specialty now is colorful Murano glassware although, like many long-time flea market vendors, over the years he has followed several trends in products.

A

flea market fan could make an entire vacation—summer or winter—right here in west central Florida flea markets and probably never visit the same booth twice. In fact, the combination of the weak economy and television programs that showcase auctions, pickers and re-sellers have driven the public’s interest in flea markets to their highest level ever as people look for both great deals and hidden treasures.

Whether it’s a roadside table full of a family’s castoffs or a covered building with lighting and concrete floors; whether it’s a man’s second job to feed the family or the retiree’s hobby, flea market outings can provide unlimited wandering and maybe, just maybe, the big “find.”

Webster—an early tourist attraction Flea markets—”swap meets” they’re called out west—actually have a long history in Florida. In the ‘70s, before Disney and Busch Gardenstype attractions, Sumter Farmer’s Market, or Webster Flea Market as it is commonly called, was the 8th biggest tourist attraction in Florida.

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 10

According to Webster Flea Market’s General Manager, Mark Harrell, the original farmers market started in 1937 when local farmers needed a place to sell their surplus produce.

And it’s done nothing but grow ever since. During the winter months, as many as 50,000 people make their way through the flea market every Monday. Bus groups come from as far away as Orlando to check out the merchandise.

Besides being so huge, Webster Flea Market has made a name for itself because it’s only open on Mondays, while most flea markets are weekends only.

New merchandise, used items, an entire wholesale area and every specialty market imaginable fill building after building of stalls. One entire building is for produce.

Across the street from the flea and farmers market area is Webster WestSide which showcases antique and collectible dealers. Want a 1920’s Lone Ranger lunch box? Coke collectibles?

Militaria? All the many other things your mom threw away? They’re there!

Many vendors have spent decades selling at Webster on Mondays, changing their merchandise to meet new needs. Harrell said one mistake novice vendors make is not finding a “niche” market. “If you sell what too many others are selling you won’t last long.”

Wagon Wheel Flea Market Harold Huntley started the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park 43 years ago and has over 2,000 vendors in winter and 1,000 in summer.

Huntley understands both his vendors and his customers. “A good vendor has to use common sense, have a good product and be friendly with the customers.” Internet sites and trade magazines also help vendors know what’s hot and what’s not.

“When I started 43 years ago, most everything people brought to sell was used,” Huntley said.

“Gradually there was less and less used stuff out there and more new, overstock merchandise. Our customers didn’t like it. They wanted to see the used stuff, so for a few years in the ‘70s or ‘80s, I gave free space to people who would sell used items.”

He continued, “It’s funny because if there’s a table that has disorganized used stuff on it, people will buy because they think it’s a bargain.”

Do flea market owners become shoppers? “I love the shopping part of being here,” admitted Huntley who has turned most of the management of Wagon Wheel over to his son.

Babe Wright has been a part of the Oldsmar Flea Market since 1980. Have flea markets lost their popularity, I asked. “We have been busy, very busy, all winter. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the economy, but I’m glad.”

She helped get it started, she said, “Because a lot of people in this area like to have a little business, something to do, but if they pay big rent they don’t have much left. Here they don’t have utilities or upkeep to worry about either.”

She encourages people to visit Oldsmar Flea Market. “Here you can have a beer and look around until you find what you want.”

Some area flea markets:

Belleview: The Market of Marion, 12888 SE. U.S. Hwy 441 (352) 245-6766 Belleview: Flea City USA, 12180 Hwy. 441 (352) 245-3532 Bonita Springs: Flamingo Island Flea Market, 1902 Bonita Beach Rd. (941) 948-7799 Bradenton: Red Barn Flea Market, 1707 First St. E. (941) 747-3794 Bradenton: Roma Flea Market, 5715 15th St. E. (941) 756-9036 Clearwater: Forty Niner Flea Market. 10525 – 49th St. N. (813) 473-3367 Dade City: Old Timers Flea Market. N. Hwy. 301 (352) 567-5085 Fort Myers: Fleamasters, MLK Hwy., exit 138 (239) 334-7001 Ft. Myers: Ortiz Avenue Flea Market, I-75 mile marker #24 (941) 694-5019 Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N. Racetrack Rd. (813) 855-5306 Palmetto: The Country Market, Hwy. 301 & 41 (941) 723-6000 Pinellas Park: Wagon Wheel Flea Market, 7801 Park Blvd. (727) 544-5319 Port Charlotte: Sun Flea Market, U.S. Hwy. 41 & 776 (941) 255-3532 Tampa: Big Top Flea Market, 9250 E. Fowler Ave. (813) 986-4004 Webster Farmers Flea Market, Hwy. 47 N. (352) 793-2021

How to shop at a flea market: If you know what you want, locate the office and ask the staff. They’ll know who sells what you want, from canvas awnings to wooden zebras. No specific item on your radar? Wander and enjoy!

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www.freedomhealth.com Freedom Health is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid program. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of available benefits. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/ co-insurance may change on January 1, 2013. (1) You must continue to pay your part B premium, even on plans with Part B reimbursement. (2) Amount varies by plan and county. (3) Limitations and restrictions may apply. H5427_SNPV4Ad_FileandUse_04012012 Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 11

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E-mail, and the Internet are the Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we I just wanted to tell firstSTREET that ones that have had the hardest time I am having a great time on my accessing it. Now, thanks to the have great news for you. There is finally a computer WOW Computer. I am learning that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s something new everyday. I am 79 WOW Computer, countless older the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you years old and cannot believe that I Americans are discovering the in mind. am typing and sending e-mails to wonderful world of the Internet This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and all my friends now. My daughter every day. Isn’t it time you took literally puts the world at your fingertips. From and granddaughter are so excited part? Call now, and a patient, the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how now that I have a computer. They knowledgeable product expert will different the WOW Computer is. The components use computers on their jobs tell you how you can try it in your are all connected; all you do is plug it into an everyday, but they cannot believe home for 30 days. If you are not outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. what you can do on this computer. totally satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a refund of the Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new It is wonderful... Thanks.

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Boomer Women Have Focus on Self-Reliance • As women get older, they indicate they’ve contributed significantly to their children and that the time has come to focus on their own needs for both enjoyment and independence.

M

others have always been known for their willingness to sacrifice financially if it meant their children could have what they needed. Now, a MetLife Mature Market Institute study shows that boomer women are also placing a strong emphasis on self-reliance and providing for themselves.

Here are some results of the study: • Boomer women (in fact women across all generations) desire to be able to give more financially to children or grandchildren.

• Boomer women agree that they need to prepare for retirement to avoid depending on family members later in life.

• Boomer women generally would be reluctant to accept financial help from their children.

• Boomers feel that they are more financially secure than the other generations of women today.

• If given the choice between spending money to enjoy retirement versus saving with the intent to leave an inheritance, boomer women feel it is important to stay focused on enjoying retirement and giving small gifts to children.

• Although they felt they would give financial help to parents and/or inlaws in times of financial difficulty, most boomer women wouldn’t want to accept financial help from their adult children, even if they needed it.

• Among women, life insurance is viewed as a key component to

Run, Walk or Ride for Charity Dining for

Shark’s Tooth 10K Run a scenic, single loop, USATF certified course along the Venetian Waterway Trail. Enjoy a festive postrace party with music, food, goody bag, custom awards for category and age group winners and more. April 14, 7:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Race morning registration and packet pick up from 5:30 to 7 a.m. at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds,120 E. Airport Avenue, Venice. Cost: $32 in advance; $39 race morning. Info and registration: visit sharkstooth10k. com or call (941) 312-4955.

Siesta Key Beach 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness The race will be held on April 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. starting at the Siesta Beach Pavilion, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. Registration from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. Entry is $25.

Awards for men and women by age group, drawing for door prizes. For

info or registration, visit active.com or call (941) 928-8008.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes The race will be held on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8126 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Sarasota. Register at walk.jdrf.org or on the day of the race at 9 a.m. Free family event. Info: (941) 685-6691.

Sharky’s Ride the Beaches In this bicycle event, participants can ride 15, 35 or 65 miles of scenic Sarasota County. All money raised goes to the LiveStrong Organization.

The race will be held on April 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at Sharky’s, 1600 South Harbor Drive, at the Venice Fishing Pier. All riders will start the day with breakfast on the beach at Sharky’s. Info/register: (941) 375-3846 or sharkysonthepier.com.

T

Women

hrough Dining for Women groups, members’ combined dinner donations fund international programs for women living in extreme poverty in some of the poorest countries in the world. Women bring a dish and drop into a basket what they might have spent had they gone out for dinner.

On April 26, the Sarasota Chapter meets at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota at 6 p.m. The motto of Dining for Women is “Changing the world one dinner at a time.”

For more info: diningforwomen.org or call (941) 706-4600.

ensuring their family’s financial security. As one respondent to the study said, “I couldn’t imagine not having life insurance. I just can’t imagine there being that added stress for my family.”

• Over half of boomer women said life insurance is to support their spouse if they die prematurely, followed by having money to cover funeral costs.

• Few boomer women feel a responsibility to support a grandchild’s education.

“What’s apparent from this study is that having a plan for independence is important for family financial security, especially for women as they age; many clearly don’t want to rely on their families,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute.

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In the Mouth, Smoking Zaps Healthy Bacteria

“The smoker’s mouth kicks out the good ccording to a February 2012 study bacteria, and the

by Ohio State University, smokpathogens are called in,” ing causes the body to turn against its said Kumar. “So they’re own helpful bacteria, leaving smokallowed to proliferate ers more vulnerable to disease. much more quickly than Despite the daily disturbance of they would in a nonbrushing and flossing, the mouth of smoking environment.” a healthy person contains a stable The results suggest that ecosystem of healthy bacteria. New dentists may have to offer research shows that the mouth of a more aggressive treatment smoker is a much more chaotic, diverse for smokers and would have good reason ecosystem—and is much more suscep- to suggest quitting smoking, Kumar said. tible to invasion by harmful bacteria.

She likens a healthy biofilm to a lush, green lawn of grass. “When you change the dynamics of what goes into the lawn, like too much water or too little fertilizer,” she said, “you get some of As a group, smokers suffer from the grass dying, and weeds moving in.” higher rates of oral diseases— For smokers, the “weeds” are problem especially gum disease—than do bacteria known to cause disease. nonsmokers, which is a challenge for “When you compare a smoker and dentists, according to Purnima Kumar, nonsmoker, there’s a distinct differassistant professor of periodontology ence,” said Kumar. “The first thing you at Ohio State University. notice is that the basic ‘lawn,’ which

BY MAUREEN LANGLOIS

A

Health

would normally contain thriving populations made of just a few types of helpful bacteria, is absent in smokers.”

The team found that for nonsmokers, bacterial communities regain a similar balance of species to the communities that were scraped away during cleaning.

Disease-associated bacteria are largely absent, and low levels of cytokines show that the body is not treating the helpful biofilms as a threat.

“By contrast,” said Kumar, “smokers start getting colonized by pathogens—bacteria that we know are harmful—within 24 hours. It takes longer for smokers to form a stable microbial community, and when they do, it’s a pathogen-rich community.”

Smokers also have higher levels of cytokines, indicating that the body is mounting defenses against infection.

Clinically, this immune response takes the form of red, swollen gums—called gingivitis—that can lead to the irreversible bone loss of periodontitis.

In smokers, however, the body is not just trying to fight off harmful bacteria.

The types of cytokines in smokers’ gum swabs showed the researchers that smokers’ bodies were treating even healthy bacteria as threatening.

Although they do not yet understand the mechanisms behind these results, Kumar and her team suspect that smoking is confusing the normal communication that goes on between healthy bacterial communities and their human hosts.

Practically speaking, these findings have clear implications for patient care, according to Kumar.

“It has to drive how we treat the smoking population,” she said. “They need a more aggressive form of treatment, because even after a professional cleaning, they’re still at a very high risk for getting these pathogens back in their mouths right away.” (From Newswise)

Volunteer Opportunity F

lorida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’

concerns. Special training and certification is provided.

All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents—who often have no one else to advocate for them—are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Closet a bit crowded?

Then how about this year have spring cleaning with real meaning.

Clean out your garage, your closets or your entire house and give your gently used discards to Goodwill, where your donations create jobs!

To find the nearest donation drop off visit www.DiscoverGoodwill.com Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 15

How Much Do You Love That Doggie in the Window?

A

mericans love their pets to the tune of spending $60 billion (Yes, Billion!) per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

So you get a pet. There are the adoption fees, spaying/neutering, collars, litter boxes, cages, carrier

bags, aquariums, training classes, etc. Those are the initial setup costs.

What happens after those costs?

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) breaks down the annual costs of pets this way. Cost per year by pet:

Fish: $35

Small dog: $355

Medium dog: $470

Large dog: $650

Cat: $495

Hamster: $300

Guinea pig: $635

Rabbit: $730

Think about it. How much do you love that doggie in the window? aPrIL cLassEs arE fILLINg uP! caLL TODaY!

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 16

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Catch-Photo-Release Fishing Tournament

S

easoned pros, amateurs and young anglers alike are welcome to participate in the The Sarasota chapter of Coastal Conservation Association’s annual “Photo All-Release Challenge” fishing tournament on Apr. 20 and 21.

Fishermen will compete for snook, redfish, trout and other fish using identical boxes of lures or flies that are provided. Anglers will photograph their catch with their own digital cameras, which must have a

removable memory card. Fish are judged by largest fish and largest per species. Tournament followed by dinner, raffle and silent auction.

Registration: Apr. 20, 6 p.m. Tournament start: 7 a.m., Apr. 21. Image turn in: 2 – 3 p.m. Entry fee: $100/adults, $30 for 12/under. Proceeds benefit CCA’s conservation projects. Tournament headquarters: Potter Building at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds.

For more info, call (941) 720-4446.

Titanic Museums Open I

f you’ve always been fascinated by the story of the Titanic, now there’s a musical to enjoy and museums filled with memorabilia.

Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants open April 14 in both Branson, Missouri

and in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The date is the 100th anniversary of the night the ship struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage.

Tickets for the unique historical tribute are available now by calling (800) 381-7670.

Mom Loves Peaches E

very year our family would pack a picnic lunch, pile into the car and drive to the local peach farm. The best part was the ride into the groves on a horse drawn hay cart. I would sit next to Mom, both of us wearing identical yellow sun hats, enjoying the way Dad would challenge the boys to see who would pick the most peaches, and talking about the peach cobblers, peach preserves and the famous peach pies Mom would bake for our Sunday family gathering.

I can still remember the cinnamon smell in our kitchen.

This is just one of my favorite memories.

Mom was diagnosed with dementia in 2009 and was admitted to an Assisted Living Community in June of 2010.

At Summerfield Retirement Residence we understand that each resident that joins our Memory

6

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Care Neighborhood is a “Whole Person.” Yes, they are different from what we may remember and they deserve excellent care, not only in the basics such as grooming, medication management, housekeeping or meals, but also in Mind, Body and Spirit. This is our mission at Summerfield Retirement Residence. “We Make Memories…

One Moment at a Time.” To learn more, call (941) 751-7200.

Coupon expires 5-4-12. May not be used with “kids”, early birds, breakfast or lunch specials. Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering.

Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2010 Perkins® & Marie Callender’s, Inc.

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Coupon expires 5-4-12. May not be used with “kids”, early birds, breakfast or lunch specials. Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering.

Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2010 Perkins® & Marie Callender’s, Inc.

Gifts That Last a Year

BY AMY WITHEROW

D

o you need a gift idea for your kids or grandkids? How about a year of new experiences for them or yourself? Consider these: Ringling Museum of Art: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Sarasota Bay has an international art collection, the world’s largest miniature circus, an Italian theater, historic banyan trees and thousands of roses.

Individual membership starts at $75.

Ringling.org or (941) 359-5700.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Originally a swampy banana grove, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the state of Florida. Gardens, animals, critter and bird shows. Annual passes: $30 – 45. Sarasotajunglegardens.com or (941) 355-5305.

Warm Mineral Springs: In North Port, visit the original “Fountain of Youth.” Warm Mineral Springs is a naturally formed warm water mineral spring with a year-round temperature of 87 degrees and water with the highest mineral content in America.

Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination One-day pass: under $15. 10-day Zone (G. Wiz): Located in downtown, passes: $130/person. Annual passes: Gulfcoast World of Science—G. Wiz— $1300 and up. Warmmineralsprings. exhibits include a medical simulation com or (941) 426-1692. lab, a robotics lab and dozens more zones such as ExploraZone and Tech Hint: Pick one attraction per year Zone for grandkids to enjoy. $90 for to make sure you get the best family membership (two adults plus value for your pass. Sarasota is any children or grandchildren under clearly a city with lots of things 16). Gwiz.org or (941) 309-4949. to do—make the most of it!

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 17

Orlando Hotels Offer Luxury with Pleasant Twists

The invention of the year is great news for your ears Perfect Choice HD™ is easy to use, hard to see and costs far less than hearing aids… it’s like reading glasses for your ears™!

NEW

BY YVONNE CURLEY

Now pow with m er an o d cla re rity!

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hen it’s time to get away for a luxury experience with some pleasant and innovative twists, make your reservations at the Grande Lakes Orlando.

Two properties comprise Grande Lakes—a JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. The two hotels are connected by an enclosed walkway and guests are free to take advantage of both properties. For example, if you enjoy art and antiques, stroll through the Ritz public areas even though you may be staying at the JW Marriott. Ritz Carlton guests can enjoy phenomenal breakfast buffets at the Marriott’s Citron restaurant.

New Personal Sound Amplification Product is an affordable alternative Over the years, technology has made the way we live easier, safer and more convenient. In many cases, it’s even made many products more affordable… (remember how much the first VCRs used to cost?). Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids never seemed to come down. Now, a new alternative has been invented… it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.

“Reading glasses for your ears” Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid.

Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist. In order to get a hearing aid, you had to go to the doctor’s office for a battery of tests and numerous fitting appointments.

Once they had you tested and fitted, you would have to pay as much as $5000 for the product. Now, thanks to the efforts of the doctor who leads a renowned hearing

Affordable, Simple to use, Virtually impossible to see

ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations Perfect Choice HD vs Traditional Hearing Aids will be easier to hear Perfect Choice HD Traditional Hearing Aids and understand.

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institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your

Some

Try it for yourself with our exclusive Few home trial. Some Few people need hearing aids but many just Yes need the extra boost as much as $5000 in volume that a PSAP gives them. We rarely want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!

Are you or a loved one frustrated in these situations?

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 18

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• Restaurants • Dinner parties • Outdoor conversations • Lectures • Sermons • Meetings …and other times where you need to turn up the volume

Florida fresh twist Giving everything a nice Florida twist is the citrus theme that begins with citrus-infused water offered in the lobby. A sticky twist (though you won’t get it on your fingers) is the recent addition of honey from a new on-site apiary. The citrusy honey will be found on the restaurant menus and in offerings at the eco-friendly RitzCarlton Spa where guests can take full advantage of the natural skincare benefits of honey with the signature Grande Lakes Honey Treatment.

For fine dining, look no further than the on-site Primo restaurant with its twist on offering fresh local ingredients, often from the Marriott organic garden. “What we offer is absolutely terrific food with what we call an Italian sensibility,” said Chef Kelly, a 1999 recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award. Guests can take a walk through the chef’s herb garden where each plant is identified by name.

The Bodega Cafe offers organic snacks and local products for breakfast and lunch. Other restaurant offerings in the resort complex include an eclectic sushi bar, sandwich areas and several bar areas.

The twist on activities Here’s a twist for beating the Florida heat as well. The large outdoor swimming

pool flows into the Lazy River and meanders in and out of several smaller pools, all surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls. You can grab a swimming tube and a cold drink and float down the river, stopping along the way to get out and sit awhile or refresh your drink at several available stops. It all flows right back to where you started—a lovely way to spend mornings, sunny afternoons, late moonlit evenings. If you happen to have the grandchildren along, they’ll spend hours in the area.

Now here’s a new twist. The Grande Lakes Orlando offers Fly Fishing, including lessons to learn to fly fish Grande Lake for trophy largemouth bass. Another activity option is the Eco Tour, a guided canoe or kayak tour of Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

For golfers, the Ritz Carlton course winds its way through Florida’s natural surroundings, where you might even spot a gator. No worries—he’ll be sunning and can’t be disturbed by the likes of golfers.

You might want to try beach volleyball, bikes or even Bocce ball on the properties as well.

The rooms No twists or surprises here! The room details are elegant yet modern with soft and restful decorating tones and state-of-the-art technology. Note that although free wifi is available in the public areas, a daily fee applies in-room.

Go ahead. Go online now for your reservations and be sure to check for special package rates. For more information, visit grandelakes.com.

Armchair Travel at Its Best E

nough with the road less traveled. “The Europe no one knows about” has become a tediously familiar destination in modern travel writing.

Europe On Five Wrong Turns A Day: One Man, Eight Countries, One Vintage Travel Guide by Doug Mack is straight-up, cliché-ridden tourism. It’s a journey firmly on the beaten path and an exploration of how the path got so beaten in the first place.

Mack stumbles on an inspired idea when he picks up a 47-year-old edition of Arthur Frommer’s classic travel guide Europe on Five Dollars a Day.

A

He decides to go where millions have gone before but with a hopelessly outdated guidebook nearly a half a century old.

The result is a funny and fascinating journey into a new (old) world and a disarming reflection on the ways this experience has and hasn’t changed in the last generation.

Spanning eight countries and spending far more than five dollars a day, Mack delivers a unique version of armchair time travel with Frommer—who is much like a character out of Mad Men—in tow. It’s travel, it’s history and it’s funny.

Doug Mack is based in Minneapolis with a digital home at douglasmack.net.

Front Door Improvements for Aging in Place

good place to start making your house comfortable for aging in place is the front door. Here are four tips:

• Lighting: Increase lighting along pathways and entryways. Motion sensors and timers light the way without the hassle of remembering to flip the switch.

• Pathways: Make sure walking surfaces are kept smooth and obstacle-free. If stairs are the only option, be sure to include handrails on both sides. Make the transition at the door threshold as smooth and even as possible to avoid trips and falls.

• Resting place: Install a small bench or shelf next to the front door to hold packages or supplies to free up hands when opening the door.

• Keys: Use Kwikset’s SmartCode deadbolts and handle sets which allow for easy, keyless entry with the touch of a button. SmartCode allows for several codes to be programmed and changed easily, a convenience to allow neighbors and caregivers access without duplicating keys.

Kwikset also offers handle sets and levers that make it easier to open and close doors no matter your dexterity.

Planning ahead can mean the difference between staying in your own home for years to come.

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 19

FREE INFORMATION SERVICE Senior Connection & Mature Lifestyles for information please return completed form to:

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

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State: 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 Pharmacies o Retirement planning o Eye Care o Trusts o Alternative Health o Estate planning o Emergency Response System o Funeral Planning o Supplements o Elder Law o Home Health LEISURE TIME: o Hospitals o Golf o Music Lessons o Hearing o Gambling o Shopping o Spas/Gym o Pet Supplies/Services o Medical Supplies o Theater INSURANCE: o Dining In/Out o Medicare HOME IMPROVEMENTS: o Health o Home Security o Long-term care o Pools/spas o Auto o Contractor o Life o Home Modifications o Home OTHER: Entries will be collected by News Connection U.S.A. for future promotions, special offers, and marketing.

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

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5 Financial Tips Every Baby Boomer Should Know T

oday, 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65, and “hoping for the best” in retirement financial planning is not a strategy. Here are five financial tips every baby boomer should know: 1. It’s never too late.

Just because someone has reached retirement age, or is nearing it, doesn’t mean that it is too late to make sound financial plans. It’s never too late to create a plan to successfully navigate the rough financial waters.

2. Re-examine your investment strategy. As the focus shifts from growth to income, one may need to reevaluate their current investment strategy to one that may be more appropriate for retirement.

3. Review your risk management plan. It’s important to have proper insurance and legal allocations in place

to help protect any assets that have been acquired.

4. Review your budget.

The budgets we have while we are working may be very different from the budgets we have during retirement. While many save on work related expenses, medical costs and travel expenses may rise after retirement. It’s important to have a handle on the types of adjustments.

5. Get professional help. Working with a financial planner can help make the difference in having a financial plan that leaves one feeling confident. A financial planner assesses, makes sound recommendations and helps create an educated and well-thought-out plan designed to help you achieve your retirement goals.

It’s never too late to make a realistic plan to live by.

A Scam to Beware Of

T

he Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. Beware of this:

Top Identity Theft Scam This one has gotten so prevalent that many hotels are posting warnings in their lobby. Here’s how it works: You get a call in your hotel room in the middle of the night. The desk clerk, very apologetic, says their computer has crashed and they need to get your credit card number again, or they must have gotten the number wrong because the transaction won’t go through, and could you please read the number back so they

can fix the problem? Scammers are counting on you being too sleepy to catch on that the call isn’t from the hotel at all, but from someone outside who knows the direct-dial numbers for the guest rooms.

By the time morning rolls around and you are clearheaded, your credit card has been on a major shopping spree.

For more information on these and other scams, go to BBB Scam Source online at (bbb.org/scam). Sign up for Scam Alerts and learn about new scams as soon as we do. To contact BBB serving West Florida about this release, please call (727) 535-5609 ext. 3317 or jzajac@bbbwestflorida.org.

Veterans Corner

Questions about Veterans Care

BY JANICE DOYLE

Q

: Is there extra V.A. Help for veterans who are housebound or can’t care for themselves?

A: A low-income veteran with war-

time service who is unable to care for himself or is disabled and housebound might be eligible for V.A. Aid & Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits, which can be paid in addition to a low-income, wartime veteran’s basic pension. A veteran must qualify for a low-income veteran’s basic pension in order to also get either A&A or Housebound benefits. A veteran can receive either A&A benefits or Housebound benefits, but not both at the same time.

How to determine eligibility: A veteran eligible for a low-income pension may also be eligible for A&A benefits if at least one of the following conditions applies: • The veteran requires assistance from another person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, eating, dressing, using the toilet, getting in and out of a bed or chair, walking, taking medication.

• The veteran is bedridden, meaning that his condition requires that he remain in bed other than during prescribed convalescence or treatment.

• The veteran resides in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.

• The veteran is blind (corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes).

A veteran eligible for a low-income pension may also be eligible for Housebound benefits if at least one of the following conditions applies: • The veteran has a single, permanent 100 percent disability (as determined

by V.A. disability rules) and is therefore substantially and permanently confined to his residence.

• The veteran has a single, permanent 100 percent disability, plus another disability or disabilities evaluated by the V.A. as 60 percent or more disabling.

How to apply: A veteran applies for A&A or Housebound benefits at the regional office that processes the veteran’s pension benefits. If the veteran is just beginning the lowincome pension application process, he can apply for the basic pension as well as A&A or Housebound benefits at any V.A. regional office. For more information on applying for low-income V.A. pension benefits, see “Does the V.A. have a pension for senior or disabled low-income veterans?”

Q: Does the V.A. pay for family as a caregiver when they take care of a veteran’s that is in need of care?

A: The Veterans Aid and Attendance

Pension Benefit can be used as a source of money to pay family caregivers to provide care at home. This benefit, under the right circumstances, can provide up to $1,949 a month in additional income to pay family members to provide care at home.

Getting veterans benefits for paid family caregivers is not an easy task. There must be a caregiver contract in place and services for care must be initiated and thoroughly documented before application can be made. In addition, state and federal tax requirements must be met.

Getting these applications approved requires an understanding of the documentation requirements. You can visit the National Care Planning Council website for more information.

Questions and answers taken from lawguru.com/answers and caring.com.

Buglers Honor Our Veterans

T

he mission of Bugles Across America, a nonprofit organization, is to provide a live bugler for sounding Taps at the closure ceremony for every veteran, and at other appropriate ceremonies. Services are free, but donations are welcome.

By law, every veteran shall be provided military honors by armed forces personnel, if requested. The minimum is a two-man flag detail and the sounding of Taps. Due to a critical shortage of buglers in the armed forces, the sounding of Taps is usually relegated to a recording.

Bugles Across America was founded in 2001 by Tom Day to restore dignity and demonstrate the honor due our veterans. The organization has over 7500 buglers nationwide, is listed in the Funeral Director’s “Red Book”

and is bookmarked by the military units that fill Honors Detail requests.

If you need a bugler, feel free to contact me directly at (941) 377-1060 for events in Sarasota County, or go to the BAA website at buglesacrossamerica.org and open the “Request A Bugler” tab.

Filling in this form will send a request to all buglers within a 50-mile radius of the event and to Area, Regional and State Directors. Interested buglers will respond with their availability.

Neither method of requesting a bugler will add any cost to the family or others paying funeral expenses.

When Roger Ellis performs Taps he is accompanied by his wife Mitzi, who presents the service flag of the branch in which the deceased veteran served.

– Robert J. Harris, L.F.D., Owner/Veteran

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 21

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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 Apr. 21 will win.

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f you’re ready to make memories but your brand new camera has you mystified, or if you’re just in need of a refresher course, here’s a chance to get a few tips from the experts.

This free two-hour class will teach you camera basics, shooting modes and photography techniques.

What to bring: • Camera – point and shoot or DSLR • Any accessories you might have purchased • Camera manual Where: April 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Photo Experience, 4021 Clark Rd, Sarasota. Contact (941) 799-2404.

Fun Ways to Fight Hunger M eals on Wheels PLUS and Food Bank of Manatee need your help, and it’s as easy as partying the night away or supporting a local farm. Here’s how: Tropical Nights: Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction at a private home in northwest Bradenton. This year’s theme: “In the Vineyard.” April 21 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. 100 percent of

the proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS and the Food Bank of Manatee.

Info at mealsonwheelsplus.org/ annual-events.php or (941) 749-0100.

A Fresh Way to Give: Purchase shares from Geraldson Community Farm to help support The Food Bank of Manatee. Their mission is to create a sustainable local food and agriculture economy. For more information, visit GeraldsonCommunityFarm.org.

Experience Independent Rental Living in elegant surroundings

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“SPRING” into Action With A Long-Term Care Insurance Plan

BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist

L

ong-term care insurance is asset protection. It is designed to pay for care when we get older and need some assistance with our daily lives.

It pays for all levels of care in the home, in an Assisted Living Facility and—as a last resort—Nursing Home Care. Without a private plan, you and your family are at risk for costs of upwards of $80,000 per year. This is a totally avoidable future expense that can be taken care of with a reasonably priced policy. The sooner you investigate this the less you will pay for it, and hopefully the easier it will be to qualify for coverage. Here are a few important mistakes to avoid: 1. Waiting too long to start planning. We can’t make any of you younger than you are, but however old you are, today is a good day to start. You don’t have to buy insurance protection today; but at least find out what a policy will cost. The premiums are totally flexible and depend on the benefits you select combined with your age and health.

2. Believing it won’t happen to you.

Denial is the most common reason not to plan. The government statistics currently published say one in two people age 65 and over WILL need some type of Long-Term Care help.

Even a short use of a Long-Term Care Plan (like recovery from a stroke

or a broken hip), can reimburse you thousands of dollars in claims.

3. Counting on government programs. If you are 50 or older, are you really ready to count on Medicare and Medicaid being able to pay for the care you want in 15 or 20 years? Don’t be mistaken. With the baby boomer generation aging, today’s current government programs for seniors will be reduced, NOT ENHANCED. 4. Not working with a Long-Term Care insurance professional. Costs and discounts vary between insurers, and acceptable health conditions vary.

You want to work with an experienced and knowledgeable professional who stays current and can get you the best coverage for the best price.

You deserve it and it does not cost any more to do it this way. Call today for a free packet of information.

Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 18 years, brokers with only the finest insurance companies in the industry and is contracted with EVERY company offering a product.

She is a Certified Senior Advisor and Past President of the local chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters. She is a member of the Bonita and the Estero Chambers, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero. She can be reached at (239) 274-6678 or at her website: longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

Planning for Long-Term Care is so important.

Learn all you can about something that can jeopardize the financial future of your entire family.

Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 18 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist.

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55+ From $430 Per Month The newly renovated DeSoto Towers in Downtown Bradenton!

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Call for qualifications and additional information.

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 23

Audiences Love “Fallen Angels”

A

solo Repertory Theatre’s newest production, Fallen Angels, has audiences laughing until they cry. The Bradenton Herald writes, “You really can’t go wrong with dueling, desperate housewives” and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune raves, “Hamptons and Clemens are a delight to watch…this early work gets a stylishly elegant and whimsical production at Asolo Repertory Theatre.”

Set in 1920s England, Fallen Angels tells the story of best friends Julia and Jane who have a secret past: they both had an affair with a Frenchman named Maurice before they were married.

Now Maurice is back in town, their husbands have gone golfing, and the two women embark on an evening of hilarious, drunken debauchery and lustful anticipation for the Frenchman’s arrival. Starring Hillary Clemens (of Asolo Rep’s Once In a Lifetime and Yentl) and Kate Hampton (Once In a Lifetime and God of Carnage), this hilarious night at the theatre is selling out fast, so make sure to get

Photo by myunionhouse.

your tickets soon! Fallen Angels runs until May 13 and tickets are available through the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office by calling (941) 351-8000 or toll-free, (800) 361-8388 or online at www.asolorep.org.

Take a Musical World Cruise

The musical cruise features songs, dances and performances from rene Silver-Stender wants to be around the world. It will take you your “Cruise Director” for a musifrom the United States with songs cal journey around the world. The like “New York, New York” through Silver Stars thespian Paris with “That’s is both directing Amoré” and even Michael Edelstein and Irene Silver and performing in a stop in Germany a musical montage with a “Sound of called “Around the Music Melody.”

World Cruise on the One highlight of S.S. Friendship.” the show will be The performance Cliff Bermann, 92, will be a fundraising who tap dances collaboration between while singing The Players Theatre “With a Little Bit Silver Stars performof Luck.” With a ing troupe and the magician, ballroom Senior Friendship dancing, singing, Center. The event hula dancing and will be held on April skits, there’s bound 27, 2012 at The Friendship Center to be something for everyone! located at 1888 Brother Geenen Way The production is the brainchild of in Sarasota. The cost will be $25 per Silver-Stender, who is assisted by ticket and will include a pre-show Musical Director Michael Edelstein. reception of cocktails and light bites.

Call (941) 365-2494 to learn more.

BY MICHELLE RINACA

I

Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 24

See “Stand By Your Van” and a New Car Could be Yours

W

ith the help of Cramer Toyota of Venice, Venice Theatre is living up to the slogan: “See our show!

Win a car!”

There’s something shiny and new parked in Venice Theatre’s lobby: A 2012 Scion iQ. All you have to do is buy a ticket to see Stand By Your Van and the car could be yours!

The American version of Stand by Your Van (originally workshopped in England by British Director Paul Bourne) makes its world premiere at Venice Theatre April 3 and runs through April 22, 2012.

The play explores what happens when a group of competitors tries to win a vehicle by seeing who can keep their hands on it the longest. The comedy and drama of competitive hysteria ensue as the characters spend hundreds of hours standing side by

THE destination for live entertainment in April!

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side. There’s no sleeping, no eating and no chance of being the last one standing, unless they can ward off distractions as simple as sneezing and as serious as mental exhaustion.

Watch life imitate art. Your ticket purchase automatically enters you to win the Scion. There’s nothing to lose, a new car to gain and a unique night of entertainment ahead of you! Tickets are available at venicestage.com or (941) 488-1115.

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 25

Wherever You Live In Manatee County There Is A Walgreens Store Nearby

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

6003 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207 ..................... 941-755-8526 4210 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton, FL 34208 .............. 941-708-9161 4320 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ..................... 941-755-8596 1504 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203 ................... 941-752-0705 4220 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ............ 941-749-1561 1455 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212.. 941-462-1564 5945 U.S. Highway 301 N., Ellenton, FL 34222 ......... 941-722-2884

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W

e learn to count in first and second grade, but somehow this basic skill deserts many bridge players in the heat of battle.

Stores open 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.: 3248 E. Bay Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217 ................ 941-778-0451 3425 53rd Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34210 ................... 941-752-7997 5896 59th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 ..................... 941-792-3817 8315 Market St., Bradenton, FL 34202 ...................... 941-907-2686 14415 Arbor Green Trail, Bradenton, FL 34202 ......... 941-739-5752 3155 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243 ........... 941-351-9290 1700 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 ... 941-926-6132 930 8th Ave. W., Palmetto, FL 34221 ........................ 941-729-5250 3535 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 ............... 941-360-3474 Ask About: • Our durable goods product lines: lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers • Our “Go 90” prescription program • Our prescription savings club • Our exclusive savings for AARP members • Our prescription “auto fill” program • Our daily product discount 15% off Every Tuesday when you bring in this ad to any of the Walgreens stores listed above (some exclusions apply). Discount excludes prescription drugs, cigarettes, beer/wine, dairy, stamps, and phone/gift cards.

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West leads a low Heart and East (correctly) inserts the Jack. Two more Hearts are cashed, followed by a trump shift. “Rats!” mutters Declarer, who had been planning to cross-ruff the entire hand, scoring all nine trumps separately. Those ruffs, plus the ♦A, would be enough to fulfill the contract. But, after the trump return, the cross-ruff leaves Declarer a trick short, so it’s time for Plan B.

Smarter Than A Second-Grader?

Our Declarer’s (faulty) Plan B was to set up Dummy’s Diamonds. He won the trump return in hand, cashed the ♦A, then Club ruff, Diamond ruff, Club ruff, Diamond ruff. This line of play required good breaks (such as Spades 2-2 and Diamonds 3-3, or failing that the doubleton ♦K). But Declarer’s luck was out and, as the cards lie, it was impossible to enjoy those long Diamonds.

Our second-graders need no luck, instead they’ll do some counting: N-S have 23 HCP, so the other guys have 17. In the Heart suit East showed up with five of those 17 missing HCP. West opened the bidding and surely has the remaining 12 HCP. Once Declarer realizes that West has the missing high cards (obviously including the ♣A and ♣Q), it’s routine to win the trump return in hand, and take ruffing finesses against West’s high Clubs. Declarer leads the ♣K which is covered by the Ace and ruffed. Back to hand with a trump. Then the ♣J is led, and run around if West declines to cover. When the dust has cleared, Declarer will have scored five trumps in his hand, plus two Club ruffs in Dummy, plus two Club tricks, and the ♦A. Ten easy tricks for the second-graders!

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.

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M Places to Go M Be Inspired M Things to Do Senior Connection M Find Great Recipes and Mature Lifestyles M Contests M Read Your Paper Online M Great Local Stories M Great Events Go to: www.seniorconnectionfl.com Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 26

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I purposely snubbed it for two reasons: Primarily because the reader did not inquire about a parlay wager, and, more to the point, because the exorbitant house edge on parlay bets stifles any rational enthusiasm.

A parlay bet is a way of simultaneously betting multiple football games with a hope of a much larger payoff than offered by a straight singlecontest bet, that is, if you hit them all.

Each game generally has the same Dear Mark: I have memorized the point spread as straight bets off the basic strategy charts for video poker board.

With parlays, if one game Take Your Class Online! and I believe I play at, or near, an does not win, or at least tie, you can expert level. My wife, who plays next Study to atyour yourentire leisure, a day, daysit. aUnless week. say•goodbye bet. 24 hours to me, just 7 wings she gets • Simply read the course materials online then answer lucky and hits and a couple more four-ofa-kinds than I do on any given night, I a few quiz questions. typically come home with more money, • There is no need to attend boring classes or listen to or lose less than her. What percentage long lectures. advantage does the casino have over • After completion, of course we issue a state-certifi thewill novice player versus someoneed using basic strategy?

—Jake R. to certificate for you to turn into your insurance company

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 27

Even Eggs Have Changed Over the Years

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“bad egg” is not necessarily a bad egg any more. Twenty years ago, we were told to avoid eggs if keeping our cholesterol in check was a health concern. Guess what?

Read this statement: Recent nutritional data from USDA researchers indicates the yolk of a large egg contains 41 IU of Vitamin D which is 64 percent more than in 2002. Cholesterol is down 14 percent to 185 milligrams from a previous level of 220 milligrams.

Recipe It really does say that eggs have changed over the years. And here’s the latest from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Independent of other dietary factors, evidence suggests that one egg (i.e., egg yolk) per day does not result in increased blood cholesterol levels, nor does it increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy people. Consuming less than

300 mg per day of cholesterol can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Consuming less than 200 mg per day can further help individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

All said, watch what you eat in general and enjoy the occasional egg. Here are some ways:

Word Search Apr. 2012

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

Baked Eggs and Spinach

Skinny Omelet Wrap

1 10 oz. pkg frozen, chopped spinach, defrosted, squeezed dry 4 eggs ¼ cup chunky salsa ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 large eggs Salt, pepper Chopped chives Dollop of pesto Goat cheese or feta Handful of mixed salad greens

Divide spinach evenly among four greased 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups.

Press an indentation (about 2-inch diameter) into center of spinach with back of spoon. Break and slip an egg into each indentation. Top evenly with salsa, then cheese.

Bake in 325°F oven until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard, 20 to 25 minutes.

From incredibleegg.com

Beat the eggs and pour in a thin layer in largest skillet. Sprinkle with chives.

Let eggs set—15 seconds to one minute.

Remove to cutting board, spread with pesto; sprinkle on cheese and salad greens.

Roll up and enjoy.

(This lends itself to many additions besides the greens—asparagus, mushrooms, etc.)

From 101cookbooks.com

Word Search Answers From

March 2012

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Mature Lifestyles • April 2012 • page 29

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