Mature Lifestyles Dec. 2012 Sarasota/Manatee edition

Take Your Oxygen First

Leeza Gibbons

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1

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Finding Peace Along I-95

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

SARASOTA • MANATEE

JANUARY 2012

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 2

You Don’t Have To Struggle With Hearing Loss Anymore f you say “huh?” or Older adults are most feel sad or anxious, be less active Ifrequently, “what did you say?” quite affected, as hearing socially and feel greater emotional you may want to tends to deteriorate with insecurity than are those with hearing keep reading this article. age. An estimated 30 If you are having problems percent of Americans with hearing, you may feel age 65 and older, and uncomfortable when you’re in approximately 50 social situations and converspercent of those over ing with others. Not being able age 75, have a hearing to hear clearly can be frustratimpairment. But hearing, to say the least, as you try Doug Gibson, Gibson’s ing loss can occur at to maintain the conversation.

Hearing Technologies any age due to factors Hearing loss can cause such as noise exposure, social isolation because you may trauma, genetics and illness. Worldfind it easier to withdraw from group wide, the number of people with hearactivities rather than participate in ing loss is estimated at 500 million. them. Such behavior might in turn Many people refuse to acknowledge cause people to think of you as hearing loss. Estimates are that timid or disconnected and give up only about one person in four who trying to communicate with you. would benefit from a hearing aid Then again, if you have hearing actually wears one. Many choose to loss, you have plenty of company. persevere without any assistance.

At least 10 percent of America – According to a study from the Americans – 30 million – have National Council on Aging, people some degree of hearing loss, rangwith hearing impairment who don’t ing from mild to profound. use hearing aids are more likely to

impairment who do use hearing aids. The study also reported that hearing aid users maintained better relationships with their families.

Hearing aids have come a long way since the conspicuous ear trumpets of the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, astounding improvements in hearing technology have been made in the last few decades. More options for treating hearing loss are available. And some of these options are not even noticeable to onlookers.

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Gibson’s Hearing Technologies • 2344 Bee Ridge Rd. #101, Sarasota 927-2424 Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 3

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

Dear Readers,

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 4

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

You’ll look 10 years younger.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our staff wishes you a blessed and happy new year.

Sarasota / Manatee

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Around Town

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

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

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

3 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. Donations welcome. No tickets needed. Stallions available for viewing any day of the week! 32755 Singletary, Myakka City. For more information, visit: hlipizzans.com or (941) 322-1501.

7

14, 21, 28 Adult Singles Club of Sarasota/Manatee. Open dance parties with a variety of dance music by bands and intermission DJ. Donation $10 (members $8) 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. BYOB; complimentary snacks. Payne Park Auditorium, 2100 Laurel Street, Sarasota. For more information, call (941) 756-8303.

10

“Love Sung in the Name of Aretha.” Visit with four women who live together in a Florida apartment building as they musically review their life experiences through the songs made famous by the legendary Aretha Franklin. $28. 8 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. (941) 366-1505.

12

– 14 “Music and Magic” Venice Symphony concert.

Selections include: Leroy Anderson’s The Phantom Regiment, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, selections from Beauty and the Beast and much more. Church of the Nazarene, 1535 E. Venice Avenue, Venice.

Times and tickets: (941) 412-4725.

14

Pioneer Days. Demonstrations and an original play depict the life of Venice pioneer families during Venice’s 85th Anniversary celebration.

Food available for purchase.10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lord-Higel House, 409 Granada Ave., Venice. Free. (941) 486-2626.

15

and 16 “Back Home Again, A Tribute to John Denver.”

Featuring Tom Becker, former member of the New Christy Minstrels.

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. Tickets: $30. (941) 488-1115.

21

New Balance Ringling Bridge Run IX. Four-mile course that

• Unisex step-through design engineered in Germany

traverses the Ringling Causeway, and a one-mile fun run and post-race free family festival. $25 registration benefits Sarasota YMCA. Register by Jan. 13. Details at (941) 953-3368.

• Cross bar is only six inches from the ground, so you can easily step-through the bicycle

22

“Great Romantic Piano Impressions: From Classics to Gershwin” by Russian pianist Eleanora Lvov. Free. 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota. Info at eleonoralvov.com or (941) 358-0235.

24

Hemingway at the Crosley.

Ernest Hemingway performs some of his best-loved works, joined by a few of his literary counterparts and guests from the silent silver screen.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $10 – $25. (941) 929-0066.

27

Native American Indian Festival. Traditional music and dance, arts, crafts, food and more. $7 adults, $3 children. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3050 Ringling Blvd. Details: (941) 924-2784.

28

9th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival. Jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. Free. Starts at 10 a.m. Details at (561) 746-6615.

30

– Feb. 5 West Coast Super Senior Tennis Grand Prix. Held at University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd., Sarasota. Open to ages 55 – 90. Register by Jan. 24: $75.75 for singles, $48.88 per player for doubles. Details at (941) 359-8888 and universitypark-fl.com.

F

eb. 4 and 5 Annual Venice Orchid Show and Sale. Exotic plants, supplies and orchid art will be available from 15 vendors. $4. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday.

Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice. (941) 484-9606.

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. January 10 for February event.)

• Upright seating position for less back pain & clear view of the road • Relaxed arm position for more control

Backyard Bike Shop 5610 Gulf Of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

941-383-5184 Louie’s Bicycle Shop 14580 Tamiami Trl., Unit C North Port, FL 34287

941-423-2613

Bicycles International 1744 Tamiami Trl. S Venice, FL 34293

941-497-1590 Ringling Bicycles 3606 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205

941-749-1442

Golf Tip of the Month “Fore Thoughts”

Sarasota Schwinn Cyclery Inc. 3800 S. Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34239

941-366-4144 For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 www.biria.com

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Practice with a Purpose

Next time you come out to the range and practice, keep these thoughts in mind: When you practice have goals in mind.

Just don’t go out and hit your bag of range balls in record time. Try and go through your pre-shot routine with each shot; this will make it easier to Corey Pion, PGA take your game from the range to the golf course.

Head Golf Professional, Work your way through all the clubs in your bag.

River Strand Golf & Hit wedges, short irons, mid-irons, hybrids, fairway Country Club woods and driver and be sure mix up your targets as well. Don’t hit balls without picking out a target or spot in the background to aim at. If you do not have a routine, I would suggest you get one and stick to it. Try these and if they don’t seem to work, contact either myself or your local PGA professional to help you.

Corey Pion, PGA, Head Golf Professional River Strand Golf & Country Club 941-708-3617 PlayGolfSarasota.com

7357 International Place, Suite 102, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941-361-1170 Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 5

High Tech, Long Distance Practices Bring Band Members Together Again

BY JANICE DOYLE

D

on’t underestimate technology for dreaming and doing! Here’s what happened when a retired social worker in Florida, a retired attorney in Arizona and an information technology guru in Maryland put their “bucket lists” together—they brought back 35 years together as a band and recreated themselves as The Boomers, a ‘50s band—ready to rock ‘n roll.

Ken Kaplan of Venice brought out his old saxophone four years ago and joined a group of musicians to play for an event at the Venice Golf & Country Club where he lives. He had played a lot—“back in the day.”

Ken says, “I’ve played music with two brothers, Bruce and Keith McLendon, since we formed a band during junior high back in Maryland. Keith plays guitar, Bruce plays keyboard, I play the sax and we all sing.”

Along with two other guys, the threesome’s band played at parties all

the way through college. Later, says Ken, “All around the Washington, DC area we were a variety band for weddings, parties and in some of the embassies.”

For 35 years, Keith, Bruce and Ken played together. “We went over pretty well in the DC area into the 80s.

Then jobs called us in different ways and we disbanded.”

Recently, as the men entered their retirement years, Keith’s wife felt Florida audiences would love a ‘50s band. The problem was that they were in three states. No problem. Bruce set up the group to rehearse via Skype on the computer. He took music arrangements, put them on the server, and

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 6

“from my house I can practice the sax part and then twice a week we go over songs together on Skype,” Ken says.

In November, they met in Venice and The Boomers band was created.

New name, same friends and music.

Ken says, “It really did work!

We’ve been surprised at how the songs came right back to us.”

First, they played for a party in Ken’s neighborhood. Then they played at the Saltwater Café in Nokomis, and “that was so successful the owners booked us for Feb. 1.”

In late January the three will spend a week in Venice again. They’ll play for events at the Venice Golf & Country Club as well as the

Pelican Point Golf & Country Club and at the Saltwater Cafe.

They’re looking for other gigs. Ken says, “I try to tell people we work cheap. We just love to play together.

We’re a ‘50s and ‘60s band that plays songs people remember.”

As musicians, Ken says, “We love to play ‘Rhythm of the Rain.’ Bruce is really good on the keyboard and the harmony is good. So that’s probably the favorite. Our most asked-for song from early ‘60s is ‘Light my Fire’ by The Doors. People also ask for ‘The Stroll’ a lot and that’s another one we all enjoy doing.”

It may be high tech practice, but the real deal for these three men is when, once again, they enjoy the friendship they’ve shared since becoming friends when they were six years old. The music just adds to the fun!

For more information, call Ken Kaplan at (941) 492-9245.

The Saltwater Café is at 1071 Tamiami Trail N., Nokomis.

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 8

From Leeza Gibbons to Caregivers:

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

BY JANICE DOYLE

Leeza Gibbons

A

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

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

I asked her to tell us what she had learned.

Q: What are some practical ways to do that?

LG: We advocate that

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

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

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

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

LG: If someone asks to help, a great

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gibbons and her mother.

Q: Did you make a scrapbook with your mother?

LG: I did. I had a sense

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

Q: What was she like as a grandmother?

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

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

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

Q: Any bittersweet stories you want to share?

LG: When I was a little girl, Mom

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

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

Q: What about your father through all of this?

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

Resources:

Leezasplace.com Alzheimersdisease.com

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

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 9

“The Time To Talk About Assisted Living”

O

ne of the most difficult conversations an adult child can have with a parent regards moving into an assisted living community. This will involve a lot of financial and emotional strains on all members of the family; but in most cases, it is the best option for your loved one.

Approaching the subject is a delicate procedure.

Remember to tell your loved one that you are genuinely concerned for their health and, for that reason alone, you think an assisted living community is best. Social activities, round the clock attention and opportunities to make new friends will help reassure your family member that they will still have

their independence and much more.

At Summerfield Assisted Living Facility, our caring staff will make every effort to assist all family members with the transition. Families may contact Pam Green at (941) 751-7200 for further information on the benefits of life at Summerfield Assisted Living Facility.

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Technology—Of Lovers and Liars T

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

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

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

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

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

Expires 1/31/12

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 11

Is It Time to Pursue Your Dreams?

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

BY EVELYN MACKEY

A

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

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 12

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

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

One man’s dream “Ever since I was a child, I wanted

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

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

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

• If you don’t enter, you can’t win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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M

Services to Help Find a Farmers Market time of year to enjoy Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market You Stay at Home It’sthethecoolperfect weather and take a stroll Every Saturday morning

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

What can help me stay at home?

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

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

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

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

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

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

From helpguide.org.

through your neighborhood fresh market. You can support local growers, enjoy tasty homemade treats or find a treasure trove of arts and crafts at these farmers markets near you: Downtown Venice Farmers Market Every Saturday morning, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., on the corner of Nokomis and Tampa Avenues. Free.

from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8126 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Sarasota. Free.

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market.

Every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Lemon Avenue and Main Street, Sarasota. Free.

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Many parks have trails, campsites and picnic areas that are accessible to people with limited mobility and to wheelchair users. The Senior ($10) and Access (free and available regard-

less of age for those with permanent disabilities) passes provide admission to federal recreation sites that charge entrance or amenity fees. Both passes require a $10 processing fee to receive by the mail. Download and print applications at nps.gov.passes, complete along with proper documentation and applicable document processing fees.

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

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 15

Page 1

The Healthy Geezer: Hip Replacement

BY FRED CICETTI

In an arthritic knee, the damaged ends of the bones and cartilage are replaced . I’m considering having a with metal and plastic surfaces that hip replaced. What are the are shaped to restore knee function. In odds that this operation will work? an arthritic hip, the damaged ball and A: The American Academy of Orthopae- socket of this joint are replaced by a dic Surgeons says joint replacement sur- metal ball and plastic socket. Several metals are used, including stainless gery is successful in more than 9 out of steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and 10 people. And replacement of a hip or titanium. The plastic material is duknee lasts at least 20 years in about 80 rable and wear-resistant polyethylene. percent of those who have the surgery.

The two most common joints requirIn the procedure, an arthritic or daming this form of surgery are the knee aged joint is removed and replaced and hip, which are weight-bearing. But with an artificial joint called a “prosreplacements can also be performed thesis.” Artificial joints are medical on other joints, including the ankle, devices that must be cleared or apfoot, shoulder, elbow and fingers. proved by the FDA before they can After total hip or knee replacement be marketed in the United States. you will often stand and begin walking The goal of surgery is to relieve the the day after surgery. Initially, you will pain in the joint caused by the damwalk with a walker, crutches or a cane. age done to cartilage, the tissue that Most patients have some temporary serves as a protective cushion and pain in the replaced joint because the allows smooth, low-friction movesurrounding muscles are weak from inment of the joint. Total joint replaceactivity and the tissues are healing, but ment is considered if other treatit will end in a few weeks or months. ment options will not bring relief.

Q

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 16

Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery, you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or running, may be discouraged.

There can be complications from joint-replacement surgery. These include infection, blood clots, loosening of the prosthesis, dislocation of the joint, excessive wear, prosthetic breakage and nerve injury. There are remedies for all of these complications, but sometimes the correction will take more surgery.

Surgeons are refining techniques and developing new ones, such as minimalincision surgery. There is a surgical alternative to total hip replacement.

It’s called hip resurfacing. The primary difference in hip resurfacing is that the surgeon doesn’t remove the ball at the top of the thigh bone. Instead, the damaged ball is reshaped, and then a metal cap is anchored over it.

Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replacement, preserves enough bone to permit a

total replacement if it is necessary later.

Resurfacing is not recommended for patients with osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some healthcare experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resurfacing, if you are older than 65.

If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti.

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

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

Take Your your Class Online! may be harder to think of letting You may not feel that this is a high your afear that your • Study yourofleisure, 24else hoursgoabecause day, 7ofdays week. priority in theatmidst everything current home will disappear once Simply read to the course online and then answer you• must do related your move, materials but you sell it.

Remember that you had it is important.

Bringing some level a few quiz questions. the wonderful gift of living in the of • closure with your current home, There is no need to attend boring or for listen homeclasses you created manytoyears. and allowing yourself time to grieve Once you decide to pass your home longarelectures. this loss, essential parts of the onwill to new owners, please accepted • Afterprocess. completion, of course issue a state-certifi transition Treat endings with we that they do have a right to a totally as much importance beginnings certifi cate forasyou to turnand intodifferent your insurance company to picture of what they want use this opportunity to say goodbye. receive your discount for a three period. their year own dream home to be.

1. Make plans for bringing closure 4. Realize that you can create a new with your Your currentMature home. OneDriver way is Course Take TheFully Internet! home for On yourself. realize that by recalling your favorite memories you can create a new home of this home—room-by-room, alone License and are 55 yearsfor If you have a Florida Driver’s ofyourself anywhere you live. What you are or with or friends.

Tears mayeligible age family or older, you are now to complete motor vehicle leaving is just a house. You are taking come with this process, but that’s accident prevention course thatyour willtrue allow receive homeyou withtoyou and cana creokay —leaving a place you have ate it againrate wherever you areyears. living. mandatory reduction on your insurance for three called “home” can be very emotional.

Remember: Home is where you Maybe plan a party, especially fitting Department of Safety are,Highway home is what you create, home if this is the house Florida where you raised is not the physical your family. Ask each&person prepare Approved Motorto Vehicle Course structure. to share a favorite memory of your Sue Ronnenkamp is a retirement home. Make sure everyone leaves with living and transition expert. Her work your new address and phone number so focuses on planning ahead, embracing they can stay in touch after your move. change, moving forward, and living every season of life to the fullest.

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

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BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist

I

recently spoke to a Long-Term Care company administrator who shared with me some interesting numbers. This administrator is responsible each month for paying 5 to 8 million dollars in Long-Term Care policyholder claims. There is a strong misconception that people are simply paying premiums and no one is receiving benefits. But perhaps the misconception has been perceived because people are still denying the reality of needing these benefits some day.

If you live long enough, you will use a Long-Term Care policy. That’s a true statement. And when you go on claim, all the premiums you have paid to that date will be returned to you because the premiums are far outweighed by the benefits.

People who buy policies do so to protect the major part of their assets—sometimes for another spouse, sometimes for their children and, in some cases, for themselves. The reason for that is that since these policies pay for care at home, in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, if you are rehabilitated from an injury, for example, you will need to protect your assets for yourself once you are well again. If you deplete your assets while you are recovering, the financial lifestyle to which you are accustomed could be drastically changed.

There is much value in a Long-Term Care policy. But oftentimes people wait too long to look into purchasing a plan. Once you need benefits, naturally you cannot qualify for insurance. It is necessary to be pro-active and establish a plan for yourself long before you think you’ll need it. Therein lies the problem. People falsely tell themselves that they probably won’t need to think about this. “It won’t happen to me.” With the U.S. Government publishing statistics stating that one in two people over the age of 65 will have a Long-Term Care claim, I do believe planning ahead is your best first line of defense in protecting your finances and your peace of mind.

Now that the holidays are here, we spend more time with our families.

Talk about the future with them and help them by planning ahead.

These plans help your family help you. Now is the time. It is affordable if you plan properly. It really is.

Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 17 years and brokers with only the finest insurance companies in the industry. 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.

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 19

“Tip of the Tongue” Forgetting

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R

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

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

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

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

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

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

She says such incidents increase as we get older.

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

Seven Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

BY D. KEITH COBB, M.D.

T

he toll of grief goes beyond an emotional cost. Our mental struggles also affect our physical health. Don’t hesitate to see your physician for advice and help as you go through this difficult time. Here are seven common symptoms that mourners experience.

Health Abdominal pain and “heartache.”

The emotional pain recognition site in the brain is located near the region that senses and interprets sensations, including pain, from the stomach and other abdominal organs. When we suffer emotionally, the brain responds by releasing neurochemicals we experience in our body as an intense aching in our upper abdomen and lower chest.

Eating disturbances.

The nervous system chemicals that contribute to our emotional state also affect healthy hunger signals. Eating too much (trying to self-comfort using food) and eating too little (loss of appetite) are commonplace among those who’ve suffered a loss.

Fatigue and insomnia.

The inability to sleep easily, deeply and through the night is common under these circumstances and may take months or years to improve. Chronic insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue.

Mood swings and irritability.

Grieving people often feel as if they are going insane. That’s because anxiety is a frequent component of

bereavement, and the neurochemicals that produce it also contribute to irrational mood swings and uncontrollable irritability.

Functional impairment. Anxiety and

stress resulting from extreme grief can cause the mourner to experience noticeable impairment in concentration, decision making and even physical reaction time, known as psychomotor retardation.

It can be hazardous to your health to do any activity—such as driving, skiing, roof work, etc.—when you’re under severe duress from mourning.

Sensitivity to aches and pains.

Intense grief leads to feelings of depression, rejection, despondency and

loneliness. All of these understandable emotions are brought on by a decrease in serotonin and norepinephrine, the compounds that help to relieve pain and boost mood. These “feel-better” chemicals are abnormally low in the brains of grieving and depressed people, so it’s normal for grievers to be more sensitive to aches and pains.

Exacerbated medical problems.

It is a well-described phenomenon that existing medical problems often worsen and healing slows down when a person is under extreme stress, such as that caused by the profound burden of mourning. This is why people who are in mourning often have chronic medical complaints.

D. Keith Cobb M.D. is an internal medicine physician and the author of “The Grief Survival Handbook: A Guide from Heartache to Healing” (Trafford Publishing). Learn more about him at drkeithcobb.com.

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A Low-tech Gal in a Hi-tech World

BY ANN G. THOMAS

I

just received an e-mail from my credit card company asking me to answer a questionnaire online. “It will only take a few minutes of your time,” they said.

They lied. It took a half-hour.

They wanted to know what it would take to convince me to handle my account with them online. They offered choices for my reasons, but there was no choice that said because the number of tech things I already deal with has left me exhausted.

Humor Even a clock now needs attention. Clocks no longer work on a spring or even on a battery.

They work, according to my grandson, on a chip and apparently part of a chip’s nature involves flashing because my clocks flash. The strangest part is that all of these clocks flash 12:00. I wonder why they don’t choose a different number. They could flash a favorite hour—even a clock must have a favorite.

I’ve asked several people to explain this preference clocks have for 12 but the only one who even attempts to answer is that same grandson who is now an unemployed dot com person. From the complexity of his answer, I can understand why some dot com stocks got into difficulty.

Many of my appliances, I am told, have chips that allow them to start doing whatever they do without my being around. My oven, microwave and bread machine can all be programmed to start themselves at prearranged times so I could come home from an afternoon at the movies to find my dinner, complete with freshly

baked bread, warm and waiting for me. I don’t think there is any chip that sets the table, but maybe I’ve just not read that far in the direction book.

My children have equipped me with an entertainment center where various buttons ask me to play or program a video or audio tape or disc, pre-record one television show while watching another, burn a CD or do a myriad of other things that are also apparently entertaining. The grandchildren offered to buy me one of those “things” where you read books from a screen, but I turned them down. “My local library provides unlimited entertainment with no technology involved,” I told them. The next week the library had installed machines where borrowers check their own books in and out.

I recently replaced my heating/ air conditioning system with this new, energy efficient model that functions on a keypad, which I’ve pretty well mastered.

On the other hand, my security system is a computerized nightmare, and I’m seriously thinking of replacing it with a Great Dane. My garden is watered by a sprinkler system that requires “setting.” My car doors open and lock with a tiny computerized keypad, which is nice except for the little button marked PANIC which is easy to accidentally press. Once pressed, the car will than begin to make a lot of noise, causing the owner, in this case me, to begin to experience PANIC. We are told that all of this is designed to make our life easier, but I don’t find it so. In the old days there was a more direct interaction between the person and the object. And so, Credit Card Company, I will not pay you online. If you want my business, you’ll have to accept my check.

Dr. Thomas can be reached online through her website at dr-annthomas.com.

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Here are three ideas to boost the nutrition further:

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe from mrbreakfast.com.

Baked Banana Raisin Oatmeal

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

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

Orange Cranberry Slow Cooker Oatmeal

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

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 25

Take the Grandkids—A Day Trip Just for Fun

BY AMY WITHEROW

W

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

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

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

Brandon tries on wigs in the theater.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ami’s Island Market and Catering will provide you with an inspired culinary experience! Owner Marc Laurin and his team will create flavorful masterpieces for business meetings, weddings, corporate functions, intimate dinner parties or life’s most significant occasions. Full service catering, including party and tent rentals, ice carvings, full service wait and bar staff and personal chefs are available to make your party or gathering spectacular.

Gourmet foods at affordable prices are the mainstay of Sami’s catered offerings. All items are handmade, in-house.

There are three chefs: one who specializes in vegetarian food, another who cooks traditional dishes, and Marc, who prepares everyone’s gourmet favorites.

Sami’s catering provides a full range of exquisite offerings for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and everything in between. For breakfast, try the raspberry and cream cheese stuffed French toast or a vegetarian quiche, made Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 26

to order. For lunch, enjoy the now Venice-famous tender slow-roasted pot roast with homemade gravy, Swiss cheese and garlic aioli on fresh Kaiser rolls—one of our many sandwich platters—or the Strawberry Fields salad with imported brie wedge and mango-poppy seed vinaigrette. For dinner, try Chicken Chasseur, a boneless breast of sautéed chicken with Cognac, mushrooms, onions, carrots and fresh herbs with a touch of cream.

Top it all off with a generous slice of homemade “fruits of the forest” pie.

“Not only is Marc easy to work with, but for the wide array of wonderful food, it was a real steal for our company. Guests of our open house continually praised the food while asking where or who provided it.” —Jeremy Waldrip, Director of Operations, Dimensional Imaging.

Please check out our affordable and extensive catering menus at Samisislandmarket.com. We have something special for every occasion.

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

BY STAN AND SANDRA PHILLIPS

W

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

Travel DC – King of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

DE – Lady of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

NC – End of War – Beginning of Peace

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

It is majestically lit up at night.

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

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

NC – Keeping the Peace

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

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

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

ME – Piece of Chocolate

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

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

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

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 27

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AT THE GOLDEN APPLE Dec 27th - Feb 5th

Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, this is the sweetly comic story of Lois and Marge, two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. The score showcases 18 Neil Sedaka classics, including Where the Boys Are, Sweet Sixteen, Calendar Girl, Stupid Cupid, Solitaire and, of course, Breaking Up is Hard to Do!

The New Year at the Golden Apple

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tart the new year with—Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Dec. 27 – Feb. 5. Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, this is the sweetly comic story of Lois and Marge, two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend.

The score showcases 18 Neil Sedaka classics, including “Where the Boys Are,” “Sweet Sixteen” and, of course, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do!”

Find out more at www.thegoldenapple.com

941-366-5454

Our 41st season continues with the comeback of Disenchanted: Bitches of the Kingdom. Come see the princesses take over the castle…

AGAIN! Disenchanted is a brand new, fun-loving, hilarious musical revue in which the original fairy tale princesses

bemoan the exploitation they’ve suffered in the Disney theme parks and films! Happily ever after can be a royal pain! Playing February 7 – 26!

Just Announced—Oliver, March 27 – May 6. Based on the Dickens novel, it will engage you with its pathos and drama while delighting everyone with its outstanding musical numbers.

“Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Where is Love?” “Consider Yourself,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” “Who Will Buy” and “Reviewing the Situation” are musical theatre classics. Dickens’ characters are brought to life—perhaps larger than life— with all their facets glowing.

Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza continues every Friday night.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.

For tickets: (941) 366-5454 or thegoldenapple.com.

“A Chorus Line” Comes to The Players Theater

along with other notable tv credits includebruary will be a ing Dallas and PBS singularly sensational Huggabug Club. month for Sarasota’s comArtistic Director munity theatre. The PlayJeffery Kin explains, ers will be bringing the “We are planning an musical A Chorus Line to exciting evening of the stage. A strong cast of song, dance, video local actors will sing and clips. A pre-show wine dance their way through and cheese reception this beloved story of a begins at 7 p.m.; there Broadway dance audition. will be a live auction The production runs Febduring intermission and Audrey Landers ruary 15 – 26, 2012. a champagne reception headlines benefit.

You are invited to attend following the show.” the “T&A Soiree” on February 20.

T&A Soiree tickets are $65 each or The event, titled after the unprinttwo for $100. Sponsorships are available name of one of the show’s most able with perks that include media memorable songs, will feature local recognition and a private backstage celebrity Audrey Landers. Ms. Landmeet and greet with Audrey Landers. ers starred alongside Michael Douglas To purchase tickets, call The Players in the film version of A Chorus Line, box office at (941) 365-2494.

BY KAYLENE MCCAW

F

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 30

Rep Season Begins at Asolo Repertory Theatre E

veryone is working hard to kick off the 2011 – 2012 rep season. The first three shows of the rep season, Once In a Lifetime, God of Carnage and Yentl have already begun rehearsals, the sets are being built, the costumes are being built and the actors are to bring one of the best seasons yet to Florida’s premiere professional theatre.

The first repertory production, Once In a Lifetime, follows three downand-out vaudeville performers that abandon their struggling act in New York and head across the country to try their luck in Hollywood. Considered one of the best collaborations by Broadway legends Kaufman and Hart, this screwball comedy showcases the beginning of the modern age of performance as we know it.

Directed by Mark Rucker, Associate Artistic Director of San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre,

Photo by Annamae Bafia

Once In a Lifetime opens on January 6, and previews begin January 4.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (941) 351-8000 or at asolorep.org.

Also running is God of Carnage (opening January 13) and Director Gordon Greenberg’s new interpretation of Yentl (opening January 20.)

Call today to get your tickets now!

SPONSORED BY

Almost, Maine: “Love in the Time of Frostbite” O ver the years, New York reviewers Venice Theatre’s compared Almost, Maine’s Pinkerton Stage (the “offbeat sensibility” to the intimate “black box” beloved TV show “Northern theater across the Exposure” and said the lobby from the larger “whimsical” play was MainStage) has been “sweet, poignant and witty”. transformed into just In 2010, Almost, Maine surabout any locale you can passed Shakespeare’s “Midimagine, from a Louisisummer Night’s Dream” Director Kelly Wynn ana swamp to the Oval as the most-produced play Woodland chose four Office. Beginning Jan. 5, versatile actors to portray in North American high characters in “Almost, it will be home to a tiny the 19 schools. It has also been Maine.” Top: Jessica town in northern Maine Szempruch and Rebecca well-received in Australia, Phippard. Seated: Richard Mexico and Dubai. And of when Venice Theatre Robertson and Jeremy presents the romantic course theater-goers loved it Guerrero-Heideman. comedy Almost, Maine. in Portland, Maine. Venice The script by actor/playwright John Theatre thinks you’ll love it too.

Cariani weaves together nine delightThis quirky mid-winter night’s ful vignettes, all set in the remote, dream plays at Venice Theatre mythical town of Almost, Maine. On January 5 – 22. Get your tickets for one cold winter night, nine different Almost, Maine and all the rest of couples fall in and out of love in unex- the shows on the season schedule at pected and often hilarious ways. venicestage.com or (941) 488-1115.

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 31

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 32

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BY ANN G. THOMAS ear Mark: What is the best apjust received an e-mail from blackproach/method when playing myusing credit company ask- Shuffle jack thecard Table Master from Master?

Table limits are $5 – $200 doling me to answer a questionnaire lars where I play.

Mytake sole amotivation is online.

“It will only few to win moderate while playing minutes of your amounts time,” they said. and itlied. appears to me that basic strategy They It took a half-hour. may be a possible solution.

—Myles H. They wanted to know what it would take convincemultiple-player me to handle my Thetoelectronic account with them They blackjack game youonline. speak of combines offered for my reasons,with but the latestchoices interactive technology there was no choice that table said because the camaraderie of a live game by using a life-sized video dealer on a large the number of tech things I already screen—and it can be played for deal with has left me exhausted.as little as a buck a hand. Herein lies your first problem. Your table minimum of $5 seems a bit steep for the lunchbox flock who enjoy video-based gaming. Yes, I realize you’re in Atlantic Even a clock now needs City, while I’m in the woods of attention. Clocks nonorthern Michigan, but for work a video-based machine, $5 longer on a spring seems bit apricey, especially when or evena on battery. all I’m forking over is $1 a pop.

They work, according Being that the payoffs are effectively to my grandson, on a the same as those of a live game, yes, chip apparently part way to go basicand strategy is the smart of a chip’s nature inagainst a video dealer, but I’m also led volves flashing because to my second concern, and that is the my clocks flash.

The read it here before. speed of play.

You’ve strangest part that allenvironment.

Speed kills in aiscasino ofAnd these clocks flash why do you think casinos love 12:00.

I wonder why Table Master video games? Because they choose they don’t can offer thesea games at a fraction different They they can be of the costnumber. of live tables: could a favorite hour—even placedflash where live games are not legal; athey clock haveand a favorite. aremust disputemisplay-free; virtual dealers don’t people ask for to holidays I’ve asked several explainoff and preference health care;clocks and—here’s the 12 triplethis have for barbed hook, Myles, the one that can but the only one who even attempts really gobble up your to answer is that samegambling grandsonfunds— TableisMaster nearly double the who now angames unemployed dot com number of hands played per hour. person. From the complexity of his Involving what’s called “incremental answer, I can understand why some game speed,” the more you are dot com stocks got intooften difficulty. exposed to the built-in house advantage Many of my appliances, I am told, on a Table Master blackjack game have chips that allow them to start(i.e. the more hands you play per hour), doing whatever they do without my the faster the machine can tenderize, being around. My oven, microwave barbeque, and swallow your bankroll. and machine all Myles, be Thebread best thing to docan here, is to programmed to start themselves preslow your play against these videoatgame arranged times so I could come home gizmos, and, if the table minimums from ansame afternoon thegame, movies are the as on aatlive I to find my dinner, complete with would recommend the latter, andfreshly

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as the columnist always recommends, the use of basic strategy. baked bread, warm and waiting for Dear Mark:think Whythere is it that when losing, me.

I don’t is any chip that so long as I keep playing, casino sets the table, but maybe I’ve just not management is the polite and courteous, read that far in direction book. but once I start winning, and winning big, My children have equipped me with I feel a change in center attitude?

—Fred F. an entertainment where various buttons ask meFred, to play program Regrettably, thereorare some a video or audio tape or disc, pre-record in casino management that sweat the one television showtheir while watching money as if it were own pirated another, burn a CD or know, do a myriad of loot. Deep down, they or at least shouldthings know,that thatare your winnings over other also apparently time usually flow back the casino’s entertaining.

The grandchildren of-way.

Though I nome longer toilthose within the fered to buy one of “things” casino you walls, there are three related where read books from facts a screen, to your question that remain givens but I turned them down. “My localin gambling: 1. Casino operators realize library provides unlimited entertainthey will suffer short-term losing streaks. ment with no technology involved,” I 2.

The longer you gamble with the told them. The next week the library house’s money, the moremachines exposure you had installed have to thewhere casino’s edge.

3. check Winners borrowers tell losers their whereown theybooks won their money. in and out.

If the player’s game is on the up-andI recently replaced my up, the casino shouldn’t be hot and heating/ air conditioning bothered when Freddy from Fresno wins system with this new, energy a huge sum of money, even if Freddy efficient model that funcstarted with a meager bankroll.

It is tions on a keypad, not all that rare for a player towhich unleash a $100 billI’ve andpretty run itswell statemastered. of health On the other my up to four digits, or evenhand, higher. is a computThe waysecurity the housesystem safeguards against erized nightmare, and I’m financial ruin during a player’s winning seriously thinking of replacstreak is to set table betting limits. It ing limit” it withthat a Great Dane. is the “house protects the My gardenagainst is watered byassault a sprincasino bankroll a lucky from Fred,kler Freddy or Frederica. system that requires The house knows that longer “setting.” My car doorsthe open and lock Fred gambles, the more exposure with a tiny computerized keypad, he has is tonice the casino’s inescapable which except for the little casino marked edge. Your biggest advantage button PANIC which is easy against the house is to quit on your to accidentally press. Once pressed, owncar terms, on the casino’s. the will and thannot begin to make a lot of As for your winning loads lootcase noise, causing the owner, inofthis and to thebegin casinotonot being so cheery me, experience PANIC. about it, told buried within We are that all oftheir this scowl, is designed they know few easier, winnersbut will slip past, to make oura life I don’t even if every wager is designed in their find it so. In the old days there was favor. More to the point, Fred, is that acasinos more direct interaction betweenIf are retail establishments. the person and the object. so, none of the customers had And any chance Credit Card Company, I will not pay of winning big, how long do you think you If you mytheir business, theyonline. would be ablewant to keep doors you’ll have to accept my check. open? Heck, they actually prefer a Dr. winners, Thomas because can be reached few winners tell the online 90-plusthrough percenther whowebsite lose where they at diddr-annthomas.com. the big winning. (SENIOR WIRE)

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 35

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

O

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

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

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

Finesses Are Easy

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

Which finesse will you choose?

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

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

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

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

If you qualify, you may be entitled to double your existing IRA, annuity, or bank CD value to use for qualified, healthcare expenses, TAX FREE!

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 36

New Books Fiction

Into the Wilderness by Deborah Lee Luskin is a love story set in Vermont in 1964. It tells the story of Rose Mayer, a sixtyfour-year-old Jewish widow from New York, who buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits a son in Vermont, in a town where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats nor other Jews. There, she meets Percy Mendell, a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat and never left the state. When they meet, sparks fly.

Pursuing Happiness…

One More Time is a witty novel about life and love in an adult community

by Mary Lou Peters Schram.

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

Let the Rain Fall by Rachel Norby takes on the question of “Does true love exist?”

Is it possible to convince someone spited by love to give it a second chance?

These are some of the questions that Katherine, now age 75, addresses as she tells her story to the three eccentric sisters at New Horizons Assisted Living.

Nonfiction

“In sickness and in health” sometimes means years with Alzheimer’s.

In My Life with Rita, The Love of My Life James Booksh takes readers into his 58-year marriage, from post-WWII days to his wife’s eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Bookish said, “I wrote the book in memory of and to praise Rita, in thanks for a wonderful 58 years,” he says. “We lived as one, even when she had Alzheimer’s.”

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

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

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

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

Forks and Corks Festival

R

aise a glass and toast to the New Year! The 5th annual Forks and Corks Festival has returned to Sarasota.

This four-day culinary festival, held Jan. 27 – 30, features wine maker events at area restaurants, interactive food, wine and beer seminars and The Grand Tasting—a dining event featur-

ing signature dishes from the area’s top chefs along with a vast array of wines and beers from guest vintners and breweries, held at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard on Jan. 29.

Tickets go quickly; for more information, call (941) 955-3663 or visit freshoriginals.com/forksandcorks.

Last Month’s Answers

Dec. Sudoku

Pauline Pare is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Jan. Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Jan. 21 will win.

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

‘50s and ‘60s Hits Performed Live

J

an. 22 and 23 The Diamonds.

Don’t miss this blast-from-the-past celebration featuring ‘60s hits like “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “The Stroll” and “Silhouettes.” 22 at 8 p.m., 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $37.

F

eb. 3 and 4 “The Legends of Doo Wop.” Featuring Tony Passalaqua of the Archies, Tommy Mara of the Crests, Frank Mancuso of the Imaginations and Steve Horn

Word Search

Good Luck!

of the 5 Sharks. 3 at 8 p.m. and 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $37.

F

eb. 6 “The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters.”

Kim Kollar is joined by Cathy Baudrit, Michelle Pryun and trumpet virtuoso Charly Raymond. One show only at 8 p.m. Tickets: $32.

Shows at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. (941) 488-1115.

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY JAN. 21, 2012

Word Search Jan. 2012

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

Answers From

December 2011

Marion McClain is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

&

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

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

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

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Jan. 21, 2012.)

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 37

2012 Florida State Fair—So Much to See and Do! Check Us Out Online! he theme for the 2012 Florida and Dance Competitions, Chris

by Alessi’s Bakery for their famous

T

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

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

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

(Dates and times online.)

Feel the need for “mow” speed?

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

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

Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 38

Strawberry Shortcake and more!

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

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

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

MacArthur and the Florida Cracker Boys and the Elvis Extravaganza.

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

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

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

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

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

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“Follow” us or “Friend” us to keep up with Mature Lifestyles news, contests, the latest information and fun events in your area. Share your comments with us!

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Sarasota Shell Club Monthly Meeting Held on the second Thurs. of each month, each meeting includes a guest speaker, raffle, door prizes, business meeting, refreshments, and a whole lot of shell talk. Jan. 12, 7 p.m. at Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota. (941) 492-5296

Sarasota National Stamp Exhibition Visit stamp exhibits by more than 36 dealers from across the country.

Bring your stamps for sale.

Free appraisals, silent auction, learning center, door prizes, free admission and parking. 10 to 6 on Fri.; 10 to 5:30 on Sat. and 10 to 3 on Sun. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 922-7191.

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Mature Lifestyles • January 2012 • page 39

HEARING LOSS? It May Be Just Earwax Build Up

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– Dr. Jill Cardinal, Doctor of Audiology

Small...Discreet...and Comfortable “Better Hearing” means Better Quality of life.

Uses Natural Ear shape Combines your natural ear shape and state-of-the-art technology.

Hands Free Operation There are no volume control adjustments for ease of handling.

Just Place It In Your Ear and Hear

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

ALL EARS Hearing Services

941-320-2122

Digital Hearing Aids Starting at

750

$

FREE

New Technology Hearing Aid Demo TRY the Latest Digital Technology Find out for yourself how the New Digital Hearing Aids Help YOU

per aid

Mark Selis

30 years experience Board Certified Hearing Instrument Science Owner All Ears Hearing

SARASOTA OFFICE

2727 S. Tamiami Trail #4 Between Webber And Grove St. Across From Southside School

By Appointment At Our Office or With the Ears Mobile Office TO YOUR HOME FREE