Mature Lifestyles Mar. 2012 Sarasota/Manatee edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

• Travel: Callaway Gardens • Surviving the Unimaginable • Baby, You Can Drive My Car • Help Me Stop Smoking

Tending Our Little Flock— It’s All It’s Cracked Up To Be Dear Readers,

“I

t shouldn’t be this much fun to keep happy healthy chickens in your own backyard… but it is!” (from the online Janice Doyle, blog: Chicken Editor Keeping Secrets) These days if I wonder where Dear Husband is, there’s a good chance he’s out back on a “tour de coup.” Our mixed-breeds “girls”—hens named Katarina and Ophelia (blacks), Click and Cluck (reds) and Dominique (black and white)—require some sort of checking on five or six times a day. Reality? Nothing much changes in their coop or attached chicken yard during any 24-hour period. We find it fun, however, to just go out and watch their antics. Or toss them some (quite expensive) cracked corn. Or just stand and talk to or about our girls. How we became suburban chicken ranchers is one of those marriage things. I said: “I always loved chickens growing up on a farm.” DH heard: “Janice wants chickens.”

The new-aluminum-porch-salesman said: “Hauling away the old wood is included in the cost.” DH heard: “We’re planning to take cedar 4 x 4s and 2 x 8s to the dump! Some of it is past using, but the rest…” A day later I asked: “What’s your new book?”

DH replied: “Raising Chickens for Dummies.” And that’s how DH became Facilities and Maintenance Director for our little chicken ranch and I became Acquisitions and Distribution Manager. His hand sketches and lists of supplies were free. Wire fencing, nails, hinges and locks were definitely not. He was “man, the provider” as Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 2

with the other girls. he flashed his credit To say “sounds like card at Home Depot a bunch of old hens” and wielded his power makes sense as we listen saw on boards stretched to their universal sound over sawhorses. The of braaaaap, braaaap. man and his tools beA good alpha rooster came a thing to behold. tells the world when the And then one day our sun is about to rise and pleasant chicken kingthen crows again when the dom was completed. sun has followed up on Our future girls would the statement. We don’t go in and out from think our neighbors would coop to yard on a clever Katarina enjoy that information, so ladder; their covered there will be no alpha rooster on our yard fence would allow no predators. ranch. That means no fertilized eggs. A wire floor on the raised coop area I never explained that to Katarina, and offered the Maintenance Director she recently tried to “brood,” sitting on easy cleanup for the anticipated six a nest day and night like a good “mothor seven pounds of manure each er hen.” We didn’t leave her “nest egg” chicken is predicted to provide each under her (lest it become “a bad egg”). year (think flower beds here). You get the picture. We have We took DH’s credit card and made our way to the Tractor Supply store in fresh eggs which I, as Distribution Manager, figure are now costing us Plant City to shop for supplies. Waabout $5 each considering expenses terer? Check. Feeder? Check. Grower mash? Check. Magazines for backyard to date. Because of the girls’ mixed heritage, one red hen lays dark brown chicken people like us? Check. eggs, the other lays large creamIt was time to find our first girls. colored eggs, and our little black From ads on Craigslist, we finally hens lay small creamy white eggs. chose four babies and settled in to get For us – empty nesters that we connected in a small way to the earth, to the reality of food sources, to nature. are – raising chickens has become a point of conversation, a joint Cliches based on chickens come endeavor we created together. to mind. The fresh eggs? Well, they’re “Pecking order”: Katarina and really all they’re cracked up to be. Ophelia were—and still are—at the And, if this makes you homesick top of the pecking order. Guess what? to have chickens, it’s cheaper to They’re just a family of siblings watch a flock live on hencam.com. who’ve had to work out how to I’m not kidding! Someone put a live together, as one writer said. webcam on their backyard flock. We added Dominique recently We’ll not be doing that. and discovered that our girls didn’t want a stepsister and the pecking became real. She now has her own little coop next to the bigger yard, and Cluck sometimes still rushes the fence trying to henpeck her. In the ad “Great Senior Events” Ophelia was “mad as a wet hen” that ran in last month’s edition, the when we carelessly left the nest box date for the Senior Fun Fest at the door open and she “flew the coop.” I St. Petersburg Coliseum was incorfound her circling the chicken yard, rectly listed as March 28. The event rushing headlong at the fence every will be held on March 27, 2012. few feet trying desperately to get back

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Play Lob Shots With Competence The lob shot is one of the most spectacular shots in golf when executed precisely. The ball flies high and lands softly; it is often a get out of jail shot! Highly skilled golfers tend to play this shot with relative ease, yet a high percentage of amateur golfers struggle to play this shot. Why is that? I think there are a lot of misunderstandings about the optimum fundamentals required to play the lob shot effectively. The common mistake that I see in the club golfers that I teach Jon Bullas Director of Instruction, is they open their stance dramatically to the target and do nothing else. This Lakewood Ranch actually moves the ball back in stance. Now they are aiming their body way left with the ball back in their stance! If the ball is too far back, it creates a Country Club steep angle of approach into impact. The golfer then compensates by falling back to the right during their downswing, which helps to shallow the angle. Unfortunately, this is very hard to repeat; the resulting mis-hit shots are thin or hit the ground before impact. The ideal angle of approach for the lob shot is a shallow one. This allows the club to slide under the ball and maintain its loft to produce a high shot with lots of spin. 5. Maintain a good amount of knee flex. Jon’s Fundamentals For The Successful Lob Shot 6. Stand a bit further away from the ball. 1. Take a nice wide stance. 7. The swing should be long and flowing. 2. Open your feet to the target (left) only 8. Through impact imagine your right about 10 degrees. palm to the sky. 3. Aim the club slightly open (right) to target. 9. To maintain a shallow impact it is vital 4. Play the ball forward in your stance; it is that you don’t fire your right side through. okay for hands to be behind the ball. For further details on how to play short game shots like a Tour Professional, contact Jon at The Golf Academy at Lakewood Ranch. (941) 961-9329

Jon Bullas is Director of Instruction at Lakewood Ranch Country Club www.lakewoodranchgolf.com • Call (941) 961-9329 or E-mail: jbullas@yahoo.com

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7357 International Place, Suite 102, Sarasota, FL 34240 • 941-361-1170 Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 4

Around Town

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

very Saturday Adult Singles Club of Sarasota/Manatee Open Dance Party. 7:30 p.m. to 10 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.

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training in Sarasota. Watch them face off against the Atlanta Braves, 1 to 4 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. Details: (863) 559-4405.

“Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas.” Comedienne/singer. 8 – 10 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets and information: (941) 366-9000.

Mixon’s Orange Blossom Festival Health & Business Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Health professional and business give-a-ways. Mixon Fruit Farms is at 2525 27th St. E. in Bradenton. For more info, call (941) 748-5829.

Historic Horses Saving Historical School, featuring Hermann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions dress performance, the Taste of Myakka, children’s games and more. Adults/$12, children/$6. Benefits 1914 School House. 5 p.m. at 32755 Singletary Rd., Myakka City. (941) 322-1304.

A Madcap Evening, You Bet Your Life and Other Marx Brothers Moments! An evening of classic comedy, dinner, silent auction and more. Tickets: $150. Signature gala benefits Senior Friendship Centers. 6 p.m. The Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. (941) 556-3205 for info or to RSVP.

Lifestyles After 50 Festival. Great information, prizes and giveaways, bloodmobile, free health screenings, live entertainment and more. Fun for all! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice. (941) 284-2930

Corvettes on the Isle. 150+ Corvettes on display. Public is free; Entrants $25; $30 day of show.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Park, W. Venice Ave., Venice. Register online at venicefloridacorvettes.com or call (941) 697-5469.

Giving Hunger The Blues. An all day family and charity block party with live entertainment, food and fun for all ages. Admission: $5. All proceeds benefit the All Faiths Food Bank. Each $5 donation provides eight meals to the hungry in Sarasota. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Hillview Street, Across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. (941) 366-9555.

Fundraising Concert to benefit Senior Friendship Centers. Enjoy music from Mozart, Operetta, and Broadway to American Rag featuring soprano soloist Sharon Lesley. $5 donation. 1 p.m. at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. (941) 556-3214.

and April 1 “Quilting by the Gulf” show by The Venice Area Quilters Guild. 200 quilts, handmade gift items, raffle quilt, daily silent auctions to benefit the South County Food Pantry. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apr. 1: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice. Admission is $7 or $12 for both days. Details: vaqg.org or (941) 451-8178.

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. March 10 for April event.)

Seeking Memorabilia and Memories

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Sarasota will celebrate their 100th Anniversary in Mar. 2013. The members are now in the process of making arrangements for the event. The club is seeking any memorabilia or oral history that past members or their families might have and would like to donate to the club. Call (941) 923-4143 for details.

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Live the Sporting Life for

BY EVELYN MACKEY

“W

hen all is said and done, it’s not the shots that won the championship that you remember, but the friendships you made along the way.” Seniors universally know that regular exercise, along with a good diet, good medical care, good genes and a bit of luck, can postpone getting to that place called “old.” And today’s seniors are redeﬁning “sports” as they accommodate damaged knees or hips—or as their bodies just plain say “slow it down, buddy.” The thing is that they want to be outside living the sporting life because they still enjoy competing. An added bonus is that they don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore as they adapt to less strenuous sports. Here are some of the sports enjoyed in Florida:

Paddling Kayaking has become the favorite water sport for senior paddlers. Kayaks are faster, easier to steer (because of the low proﬁle) and easier to manage in strong wind than canoes. SOTs (Sit On Top) kayaks even come with a small wheel mounted under the stern to make it easy for one person to pick up and walk it to or from the water. Paddle boats are yet another type of kayak propelled by your feet on pedals much like a cyclist would pedal—especially good for those with arm or shoulder problems who can’t wield the conventional paddle.

Lawn Bowling The sport of lawn bowling takes on the look of a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby with people dressed in white moving gracefully around a green court. It’s a fun lawn or court game where the objective is to roll slightly asymmetric balls so they stop close to a smaller ball (or bowl). Here in Florida it’s an outdoor sport which draws dozens of people who enjoy it as a low impact, therapeutic form of exercise.

Pickleball Pickleball is a court sport, sort of a combination of tennis and ping pong. It’s played with lightweight paddles and whifﬂeballs with four players per court. Look around for a local group.

Shufﬂeboard Now being considered a “retro” sport by a younger generation, shufﬂeboard is a peaceful sport.

Health Fun and

There’s a soothing, quieting effect to the gentle scraping sound of the pucks on the court. Players use broom-shaped paddles to push weighted pucks down a narrow and elongated court hoping they’ll come to rest within a marked scoring area. Of interest: The world-famous St. Petersburg Shufﬂeboard Club is experiencing a surge in popularity by turning the club into a complete Friday night experience for all ages. Hundreds attend for food, music, dance and a feeling of acceptance. Trivia: In its heyday of the ‘30s through the ‘60s, the St. Pete club had 110 playing courts and a membership of over 5,000.

Horseshoes Horseshoes is an old sport, historically played most anywhere horses were found. The goal is to throw horseshoes at a stake in the ground with scoring based on how close the horseshoe gets to the stake. Men and women who love this sport attest to its physical and mental attributes as an aid to staying young. Physically there’s lots of walking, bending, resistance, etc. The mental workout includes using mental math, thinking for strategy, decision-making skills and much more. Add the social component and it sounds like the perfect sport!

Friendship

Cornhole Toss Cornhole or Corn Toss is a great driveway sport for ages 2 to 102. It’s similar to horseshoes except you use wooden boxes called platforms and corn bags. Contestants take turns pitching their corn bags at the platform until a contestant reaches the score of 21 points. This sport is more portable than horseshoes because it doesn’t require sandpits, so once you have your platform it becomes a takealong sport which builds ﬂexibility and balance. It’s also great for those with mobility issues. Other sports to consider are bocce ball, disc golf, badminton, archery—and good, old, free walking! Helen Hayes was right when she proclaimed, “Resting is rusting.” We can’t stop the clock, but we can slow its tick and enjoy life with sports and teammates. Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 7

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The “Snoezelin” multi sensory environment can benefit Memory Impaired Residents with this unique program designed to improve communication, reduce tension, provide gentle stimulation and enhance their understanding of each other. Best of all, family members welcome the opportunity to share this experience with their loved one and encourage them to interact in a stress-free environment. Come to our Spring Open House and Grand Opening of our “Snoezelin” Room on Wednesday, March 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to see for yourself how we “Touch Lives With Love.” To learn more, call (941) 751-7200.

Sports, Dance, Kayak and More

n Sarasota, there’s a sport for every interest. If you’re just getting into sports, try a few to find your perfect fit. You might be surprised; you can have your fun and exercise, too!

on., Weds. and Fri. Pickleball at Laurel Park, 509 Collins Rd., Laurel. Pickleball is played on a badminton court with a plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball and wooden or composite paddles. 9 a.m. to noon, $2 per player. (941) 861-5000.

Men’s 60 and Over Basketball League. Games played at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. in a half court gym. Practice takes place every other Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $35/player. Call Ron Taitch at (941) 993-3579.

and 17 Kayak Sarasota Bay with the experts at Mote. All kayaking equipment is provided and class begins with basic kayaking instruction. 8: Full Moon Paddle, 6:30 to 8 p.m. 17: Sunrise Paddle, 7:30 – 9 a.m. Meet at Mote Marine Laboratory and

Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. (941) 388-4441, ext. 514.

Sarasota Grapeviners. Enjoy music and participatory dance from Greece, Macedonia, Israel, Turkey, and more with this recreational group of international folk dancers. Men and women welcome, partners not required. Exercise with a big fun factor! 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Bayfront Community Center, 750 Van Wezel Way, Sarasota. Cost: $5. (941) 379-6302.

Guided bicycle ride along the paved trail around Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road. Enjoy a relaxing ride and learn about the native flora and fauna. Approx. 3.5 miles. Participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet. 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Preregistration required. Contact Jennifer Rogers at (941) 861-5000. Looking for more activities? Check out scgov.net/parksandrecreation/ to find more sports near you.

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Workamping—A Retirement Adventure BY TRACIE SCHMIDT magine waking up every morning with Glacier National Park as your backyard, or stepping out for a coffee break to watch buffalo grazing by Yellowstone Lake. It’s not your traditional retirement or your typical 9 to 5, and Venice resident Christina Hampson, 64, wouldn’t have it any other way. Hampson has called many places home in her career in the entertainment, paralegal and advertising industries, but now she winters in sunny Florida and spends the summer months workamping. I asked her how she got started. “It was just a quirk. One year in the ‘90s I didn’t have a job, and while I was in the employment office I saw a big sign on the wall about working for the National Park Service. I said, ‘I need an adventure, I’ll apply!’” She applied to several parks and was accepted for a customer service position at Glacier National Park.

“I had the most amazing summer I’d ever had in my life,” she said. “I did a lot of hiking, a lot of playing golf, met a lot of great friends, and at that point I was hooked!”

What is Workamping? “Workamping is essentially when you volunteer your time at a campground in return for a site to place Christina Hampson your camper on, and usually welcomes park visitors. the amenities—hookups, Living on Wheels water, sewer and electric,” Hampson Hampson’s home away from home explained. Most positions involve is a 28-foot, 5th-wheel Gulfstream entry level hotel, customer service, Innsbruck that she pulls with a Ford concession or retail duties. Applicants F250 Super Duty diesel truck. with the right experience can apply for “I’m 4’11”. It was daunting at first,” park ranger or skilled labor positions. she laughed as she talked about learnPaid work or labor for housing in a na- ing to maneuver her RV. On her first tional park is usually 40 hours a week, adventure, rig-savvy friends helped she explained. But work for a standard her master backing into a campsite, campsite with amenities at most venues hooking/unhooking and other skills. She uses a mail forwarding service, is usually only part-time—15 to 22 makes sure her campgrounds have hours a week for couples, and about wi-fi and keeps doctor’s visits at home 26 hours a week if you’re single.

Take a Trip To Phillippi Estate Park

here’s always something going on at Phillippi Estate Park. This 60–acre natural area park offers historic buildings, nature trails, fishing piers and a canoe/ kayak launch. With weekly events and a fresh market, the park makes a great day trip. Here’s what’s happening in March:

Brown Bag Concert Series Bring lunch and a lawn chair and enjoy these great free concerts from 12 – 1 p.m. 8 Kitt Moran and Trio 15 My Three Sons—The Ditchfield family Singers 22 Tommy Barrett’s Sophisticated Dixieland Jazz Band 29 Sophisticated Swing Big Band Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 10

“Usually I have someone who comes with me in one direction or another,” Hampson said. “One thing I must say, if this is something you want to do—don’t let the fact that you’re single stop you. You will immediately make friends!”

Celebrate Wellness Fest See over 100 exhibitors and enjoy talks from health experts, group classes, treatments, health tests, a kid’s zone, food demos and over $10,000 in health service giveaways. $5 admission (kids free) benefits Girls Inc. and Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. March 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phillippi Farmhouse Market Every Weds. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can stop by the Farmhouse Market for fresh local fruits and veggies, prepared meals or goods and crafts from local artesans. Parking is free. Phillippi Estate Park is located at 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Call (941) 861-5000 for more info.

when she can. National parks will have clinics, she said, but she cautions those with health issues to consider the risks before workamping. Jobs can involve long periods of standing, physical activity and working outdoors, and resources like grocery stores, hospitals and pharmacies can be over an hour away. For Hampson, however, the rewards far outweigh the risks. “If you’re retired like most folks, you’re at home, you have a few friends, you may go out to dinner once in awhile. But if you’re workamping, you meet new people from all over, see animals and scenery that you’d never see. It’s just the adventures that you have—it’s way cooler than plain retirement.” How to start: Private campgrounds, Army Corps, forest services and state parks are always looking for workampers, Hampson suggests. For job postings, or to find fellow enthusiasts, visit sites like coolworks.com and workamper.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

arasota is painting the town green this month! Grab some friends and spend St. Patrick’s Day with some traditional Irish cheer, entertainment and goodies.

The Women of Ireland. Experience the talents of some of Ireland’s finest female performers. The show spectacular “Celtic Goddess” is a celebration of the music, song and dance traditions of Ireland. 8 – 10 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $10 – $50 at (941) 953-3368 or vanwezel.org.

Songs of an Irish Rover. Famed Irish songster Paul Duffy plays guitar and sings folk songs with Michial Hickmott on the Irish bodhran (drum). $10 admission includes wine and cheese reception after the concert.

4 – 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. 1-888-873-4610.

4th Annual Shamrock Festival. This free, fun-filled family day out, features traditional Irish entertainment, food, beverage and craft vendors, children’s activities and more. Event benefits the Lazarus Foundation charity for children. 12 – 10 p.m. on Hillview Street, Sarasota. Details at (941) 706-7605.

St. Patrick’s Day on St. Armands. Celebrate at Lynches Irish Pub & Grub with bagpipers, Irish step-dancers and lots of singing! Circle restaurants have special drink and menu specials planned for the day. Admission is free. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. 411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. (941) 388-1554.

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www.freedomhealth.com Freedom Health is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare 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. (4) Primary Care Physician Copay is $0. Specialty Physician co-pay varies by plan and county. You must receive all routine care from plan providers. (5) Some plans have no gap coverage and some plans have $0 or $5 co-pay for Tier 1 during the Coverage Gap/Donut Hole. *According to the 2011 Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Survey, Freedom Health was rated 5-Stars “Excellent” by plan members for the Overall Prescription Drug Plan rating for 2012. Plans performance summary star rating are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. H5427_SNP_ADV2_File and Use_12252011 Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 11

Avoiding Ruffled Feathers: Safety And Tech Tips For Snowbirds

f you’ve spent the winter here, you’ve joined almost 1 million North American “snowbirds.” With technology has come new considerations for closing up the winter house and heading north. Best tips for leaving a house behind until next winter include:

Retirement Living

Security and Remote Monitoring Before the bags are packed, you may want to investigate new products that put technology to work while you’re gone. For peace of mind, new services now remotely monitor and control your home’s security and thermostat

from a smartphone or computer. You can remotely arm or disarm the alarm system and control lighting, household appliances and the thermostat. With connected cameras, you can monitor the home from anywhere in the worldeven receive instant text messages when doors are opened or closed.

Telecommunications Services David Gregg, of behindthebuy. com, shares the following advice on telephone, cable TV and Internet services: “Instead of making two separate calls, check out cablemover. com for disconnecting your TV, phone and Internet at your current home and reconnecting at your summer address.

And it doesn’t matter if your cable service provider is different in each location. The best part is, once you are ready to return, you can use the same service again to reverse the process.”

Freshen Up! A dormant home will inevitably become stuffy. Keep it return-ready with a new type of air purifier that cleans the air and prevents the spread of allergens such as mold or mildew. Air purifiers with true HEPA filters capture 99.9 percent of particles and impurities. Put the unit on a timer and your air purifier automatically senses air quality levels and neutralizes viruses/ bacteria, keeping your indoor air clean.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance M ore than 12,000 free tax preparation sites are open nationwide this year. The IRS sponsors both the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $50,000. Most locations offer free electronic filing. The TCE program offers free tax help to people who are age 60 or older. As part of the TCE program, AARP operates the Tax-Aide free tax preparation program during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteers help taxpayers with low-to-moderate income, with special attention paid to those 60 and older. Local VITA site information is available through a new online tool on the IRS Website: www.irs. gov. Taxpayers can search the word “VITA” in IRS.gov and click on the option “Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers,” followed by Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 12

North Port Sr. Center (Wed. 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

Gulf Gate Library, Sarasota (Mon. 3 p.m. –7 p.m.; Thu. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. –1 p.m.)

Fruitville Library (Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) ”Find a VITA site near you” to access the tool. Site information is also available by calling the IRS toll-free number: 1-800-906-9887. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. Go to the site listed during the following times to schedule an appointment unless a phone number is given. Do not call a public library to make an appointment. For addresses, please visit aarp.org/applications/VMIS Locator/taxAideLocations.action.

Venice Comm. Center (Tue. and Wed. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Thu. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Jacaranda Library, Venice (Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Holiday Park Rec. Center, North Port (Mon. 9 a.m. – noon.)

Selby Library, Sarasota (Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu. 2 – 6 p.m.) Senior Friendship Center, Sarasota (Tue. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) Woodmere Park, Venice (Thu. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

San Pedro Activity Center, North Port (Thu. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Don’t Forget the Basics Gizmos are great, but remember to turn off your refrigerator or turn it down to the lowest setting and unplug your electronics. For those items that can’t be unplugged, be sure to use a surge protector. Consider new devices that power down appliances and tech devices that consume phantom power (power you continue to use even after you hit the off button) saving you money on your electric bill. For more tips and ideas on how to smooth your annual snowbird migration, check out cablemover.com. (NAPSA)

Free Concerts Y

our favorite Sarasota musicians show off their stuff, so grab your friends and show them your support! Don’t miss these great free afternoon shows:

Free “Pops In the Park” concert by Venice Symphony. Irish favorites, Broadway, Beatles, Americana and more. 4 – 5:15 p.m. at Maxine Barritt Park, 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice. Bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. (941) 488-1010.

Munchtime Musicales. Studio Artists from the Sarasota Opera will perform well known arias and duets. Seating is open; no reservations taken. 12 – 1 p.m. at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 351-7467.

Ex-POWs: Surviving the Unimaginable and Dealing With It POWs He talked about POWs. “Two things dward Dement, 88, is Commander are foremost in the memories of of the Florida Gulf Coast ChapWWII POWs held in Europe: winter’s ter of the American Ex-POWs and cold and the lack of food. The POWs former National Director of were young, but the the group. It is an elite group ones who suffered who have survived the unmost were the men imaginable and lived to talk who had a wife and about it, if not to outsiders, child back home. then at least to each other. I was assigned to DeMent’s easy smile and deliver mail and I articulate speech make it easy saw their agony.” to forget that, during WWII, Some ex-POWs he and five others parachuted don’t want to join, from a damaged B-24 (part DeMent said, of the 456th Bomb Group) because they don’t in April 1944. He weighed like groups, but he Edward DeMent and 160 pounds that day over feels that as you framed memories of Yugoslavia and remembers get older there’s his POW days. hearing a dog bark as he more locked in landed in a fir tree and fell to the your mind and sharing helps you deal ground, dislocating both kneecaps with it. Men often don’t talk about and suffering many other injuries. their experiences to non-members but The captured men were treated enjoy sharing with other ex-POWs. well for a time in a camp supplied A few years ago, the director of the with food rations by the Red Cross National Prisoner of War Museum and with books and athletic equip(at Andersonville, Georgia) asked ment by the YMCA. (The pilot told DeMent to help them find a way the men to bail out, thinking he to extend the impact of the POW would go down with the plane.) Museum. DeMent has worked with When Russia closed in to liberate the museum in planning and developthe camp, the men were forced ing a new mobile museum called to leave in twenty below zero “Victory from Within: The American weather, marching toward Stalag Prisoner of War Museum.” Luft III outside of Munich. When DeMent will be honored later this that camp was liberated by General year at the unveiling of the 1,200 Patton himself on April 29, 1945, square foot traveling exhibit which DeMent weighed only 110 pounds. will introduce the public to the He went back to Chicago, married, prisoner of war story through worked and raised a family. Like present-day experiences. most POWs, Dement experienced Edward DeMent and others who flashbacks. A picture on the wall survived the unimaginable will of his Temple Terrace, Florida, then have a part of their story told apartment shows the crew of nine more widely. Other parts of their who flew over Yugoslavia on the story they talk about only among fateful day in 1944. Dement is the others who, like them, survived. only one still living. Also on the Other Ex POW chapters meet in wall are his Silver Star, three Purple Spring Hill, Port Charlotte, Sarasota Hearts, two Presidential Citations, and Dunnellon. For information, call four Battle Stars and much more. Edward DeMent at (813) 985-3783. BY JANICE DOYLE

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Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 13

What Is It About Coffee? affeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive drug in the world, and some of its behavioral effects (such as arousal) may resemble those produced by cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulants. Coffee consumption accounts for about 75 percent of the adult intake of caffeine in the United States, although that might be changing among younger adults with the growing popularity of energy drinks.

Health The caffeine content of coffee varies greatly depending on the beans, how they’re roasted and other factors, but the average for an 8-ounce cup is about 100 milligrams (mg). Tea has about half as much caffeine as coffee. Decaffeinated coffee has some caffeine, but the 2 to 4 mg in an

8-ounce cup is a smidgen compared with the caffeinated version. The lethal dose of caffeine is about 10 grams, which is equivalent to the amount of caffeine in 100 cups of coffee. Caffeine gets absorbed in the stomach and small intestine and then distributed throughout the body, including the brain. The amount circulating in the blood peaks 30 to 45 minutes after it’s ingested and only small amounts are around eight to 10 hours later. In between, the amount circulating declines as caffeine gets metabolized in the liver. Tobacco and marijuana accelerate caffeine metabolism, which reduces the time caffeine circulates in the body. Oral contraceptives slow it down, so they have the opposite effect. Researchers have identified genes that influence a person’s natural risk of caffeine metabolism, which might explain why some people are

200

180

150 exquisitely sensitive to caffeine while others are not. Caffeine probably has 80** 100 multiple targets in the brain, but the main one seems to be adenosine receptors. 35* 50 Adenosine is a brain chemical that dampens brain activity. By hogging ad0 8 oz. “short” 8.4 oz. can 8 oz. cup enosine’s receptors, caffeine cup of Starbucks’ of Red Bull of Lipton sets off a chain of events “bold” coffee green tea that affects the activity of single tea bag steeped in 8-ounce cup dopamine, another important *35 mg presumes a**Per 8.4-ounce can brain chemical, and the the physiological and psychological areas of the brain involved effects of physical exertion. But, in arousal, pleasure and thinking. especially in the short term, it also has A part of the brain affected by negative effects that include raising Parkinson’s disease, called the striablood pressure, making arteries stiffer tum, has many adenosine receptors; and increasing levels of homocysteine, by docking on them, caffeine seems insulin, and possibly cholesterol. to have some protective effects. Habitual use may cause some of these Outside the brain, caffeine effects to wear off. For some conditions, can be a performance enhancer, though, coffee may have some benefit boosting the strength of muscle despite, rather than because of, caffeine. contraction and offsetting some of

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Quick Facts About Aging

An Upsurge in the 90-Plus Population ver the last 30 years, the ranks of Americans 90 and older have tripled, with three women for each man. They now total 1.9 million, and a report from the U.S. Census Bureau says the number could reach 9 million by 2050. Factors fueling the aging boom include the decline in smoking, improved nutrition and public health, diabetes control and fewer strokes. Another factor: a higher educational level, which has been linked to better health. Forty percent of the men in the 90-plus group were married; 80 percent of the women were widows. “Ranks of people reaching age 90 tripled since 1980: report” Reuters, Nov. 2011

Marathon RecordBreaker Is 100 Years Old It took him eight hours, and he came in dead last, but Fauja Singh was smiling when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto marathon. No wonder. At the age of 100, he had become the oldest person to ever complete the 26-mile run. Singh, who was born in rural India and wore a yellow turban for the race, entered his first marathon at age 89. He attributes his good health and longevity to his vegetarian diet, which does not include alcohol or cigarettes, and daily exercise—a walk or run of up to 10 miles a day. Ed Payne, “Centenarian completes marathon, sets record” CNN, Oct. 2011

Lifestyle Changes May Boost the Memory Some basic lifestyle changes may help with age-related memory loss and perhaps more serious cognitive problems, according to a recent study published in the journal Lancet Neurology. Summarizing evidence from hundreds of studies, the findings indicate that up to half of all Alzheimer’s cases are associated with a group of risk factors that people can control including midlife obesity, depression, smoking and a couch-potato body and brain. Experts also point out that occasional memory lapses are rarely signs of incipient Alzheimer’s or dementia. When younger people are forgetful, it’s usually because they’re distracted and not creating memories efficiently. “Forgetfulness at an early age is rarely a sign of early dementia” The Washington Post, Oct. 2011

International Aging Traditionally, younger members of Canadian families have seen to the care of their parents as they aged. In fact, Canadian friends and family provide 80 percent of such caregiving. But according to a new report from the Institute for Research on Public Policy, that arrangement may be threatened for a number of reasons, including an insufficient number of family members available to provide care. It is estimated that by 2031, 25 percent of women aged 65 or older will have no surviving children. “Caregiver shortage ‘major cause of concern’” The Montreal Gazette, Nov. 2011

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Yearning for the Past While Driving into the Future BY JOHN C. LIBURDI

ven though many decades have passed since the Beatles song “Drive My Car” was a hit, Paul McCartney’s words still ring in our collective ears: “Baby you can drive my car.” Given that Paul was to be chauffeuring a lady star of the screen, the car had to be a grand automobile. Such a car was easy enough to find back then, but a magnificent automobile might be rather difficult to find in this era of advanced technology and futuristic vehicles. My senility notwithstanding, one would have to agree that most of today’s cars look to be cold techno toys, not unlike scary UFOs. Back in the day, cars had real personality and powerful presence. I yearn for the elegance of the sculptured fenders that graced my postwar Pontiac Torpedo, beautifully flared out with sweeping curves. Like many other cars of the ‘40s, 50s and ‘60s era, its wheels were

adorned with big silver hubcaps, looking like four huge jewels. I also miss the art deco hood ornaments that used to be on those cars, gleaming figures of jet aircraft, exotic animals and semi-nude women, all truly inspiring. Then there were those massive, curvy chrome bumpers of yesteryear, each one heavier than a trendy Smart car. And much like that grouchy old lady at the counter in the burger joint once asked, “Where’s the beef?” I’m asking today’s automakers, “where’s the fins?” The dramatic evolution of the automobile is clearly evident in today’s advertising hype. Forget about the car’s mechanical attributes; instead, everyone is excited about how many channels the satellite radio receives, how the navigation system leads the driver by the nose to a given destination, and how upscale cars autonomously maneuver into a parking spot while the stupid humans inside just watch.

Now everyone is suddenly fascinated with those highly innovative push-button starters, like our cars had way back when. Of course, people who market high tech autos hide the fact that a driver can’t yell at his kids in the back seat anymore; to do so would get the car’s computer all confused about the voice commands he previously screamed into the dashboard. It’s true that my lingering love for old cars is largely a matter of infatuation, but it’s not that I’m stubbornly stuck in the past. The new cars are just becoming stranger and stranger to me as technology evolves. I guess some of us are simply destined to suffer from future-shock. Indeed, the day is coming when cars will travel without a driver at the wheel.

Research engineers are eagerly working to bring that concept into being. When it happens, we’ll all be relegated to mere passenger status and, sad to say, Paul McCartney won’t be able to drive that big car for his Hollywood diva anymore. On the bright side however, the two of them will be able to enjoy more time together in the rear seat, just like we did back in the good old days! (Liburdi lives in the Charlotte, NC metro area. His recent book ItalianAmerican Fusion: Italy’s Influence on the Evolution of America is available at internet bookstores and on the Kindle e-reader.)

The Pontiac Torpedo.

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Walmart to sample the product at more than 70 stores. Giveaways include coupons, educational materials and a BOOST reusable tote bag. In addition, consumers can try the “Which BOOST is Right for You” iPad app. “We are pleased to reach out to the Florida senior community through the BOOST Sampling Tour,” said Abigail Buckwalter, Marketing Manager. “The tour will offer an immersive experience that educates seniors about the benefits of BOOST and inspires them on the road to healthy living.” Join us for a great opportunity to meet our friends from BOOST at these upcoming Senior Fun Fests. March 27 at the St. Pete Coliseum, 535 Fourth Avenue North, St. Petersburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, (727) 892-5202. Also on April 12 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 625-4175. For more information about the Senior Fun Fests, call 1-888-670-0040.

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When Should You Worry About “Senior Moments?”

veryone experiences occasional episodes of forgetfulness. When an older loved one has a few episodes of forgetfulness, friends and family members may wonder whether those misplaced keys or trouble finding the right word in a conversation is the result of normal age-related changes in memory or an early sign of something more serious. The characteristics of these forgetful moments often offer clues as to whether Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia may be the underlying problem. For example: Recognizing and discussing episodes of memory loss. If the person complains about memory loss and can provide details about the episode of forgetfulness, normal aging is more likely. With dementia, it’s common that the person affected will only complain about memory problems if she’s asked about them and won’t be able to recall specific instances. Worry about memory loss. When dementia occurs, the person affected

Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 18

is often much less concerned about memory loss than her family members are. The reverse is true for normal age-related memory problems. Losing the way. If your loved one doesn’t get lost in familiar surroundings but does sometimes pause momentarily to remember the way, normal aging is likely. But if she gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving and takes hours to return, Alzheimer’s or dementia should be a concern. Word-finding problems. Occasional trouble finding the right word probably isn’t worth worrying over, but frequent word-finding pauses and substitutions—for example, calling the telephone “the ringer” or “that thing I use to call you”—are typical of dementia.

Changes in abilities and social skills. While it isn’t uncommon for an older adult to be unwilling to operate new devices or to fumble a bit with their cell phone or DVR, it’s a warning sign if the person has trouble operating common appliances like the dishwasher or has trouble using even simple new devices. Also, if the person has lost interest in social activities or if his or her social skills are in decline, it’s worth noting. Of course, while these tips can help distinguish between normal age-related memory changes and dementia, concerns about memory problems should be brought to the attention of a doctor. The above is from the book“A Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease,” available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications, online at health.harvard.edu/Alzheimers0112 or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free)

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Help Me Stop

ou think you’ve tried everything and your question now is: What can I do to stop smoking if the “standard” treatments don’t work for me?

Q. I am an 84-year-old woman who

Normal T-Score? Skip the Bone Density Test

omen over 67 with normal bone mineral density scores may not need screening again for 15 years, according to a new study. Prior to this, how often women should be screened was a topic that remained controversial and undecided. “If a woman’s bone density at age 67 is very good, then she doesn’t need to be re-screened in two years or three years, because we’re not likely to see much change,” Margaret Gourlay, M.D. said. “Our study found it would take about 15 years for 10 percent of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis. That was longer than we expected, and it’s great news for this group of women,” Gourlay said.

Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 20

They also learned that older postmenopausal women with a T-score -2.0 and below will transition to osteoporosis more rapidly, while women with T-scores higher than -2.0 may not need screening again for 5 to 15 years, Information from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

recently had stents placed in two coronary arteries. The doctors, of course, told me to quit smoking. I told them, as I have told all of my other doctors, that I have tried to quit but just can’t. I have tried the patch and Chantix, but neither worked. Support groups aren’t for me. I have cut back, but that’s as far as so-called willpower goes. Hearing over and over again that I need to quit leaves me feeling depressed and weak. Is there some news about current or future approaches that might give me and others like me some hope?

A. Before I answer your question,

let me congratulate you for having tried to quit smoking and urge you to try again. It often takes smokers several “tries” before one takes hold. As you have discovered, nicotine is a highly addictive substance. For most smokers, “willpower” alone is not enough. Fortunately, smokers today have a number of tools to fight tobacco addiction. Quit-smoking aids include nicotine replacement (nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, and sprays), bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin), varenicline (Chantix), counseling and behavior-change therapy, and social support. None are miracle workers. You mentioned having tried the nicotine patch. Dr. Nancy Rigotti, director of the Tobacco Research and Treatment Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, said that some smokers find success

moking!

by adding to the patch a short-acting nicotine replacement product, like nicotine gum, lozenges or an inhaler to handle breakthrough cravings the patch can’t counteract. You also mentioned that Chantix didn’t help you. Some people find that Zyban works better for them than Chantix. Researchers are testing whether combining Zyban or Chantix with nicotine replacement is a safe and effective treatment for smoking cessation. You also said that support groups aren’t for you. You don’t have to join a group to get support. You can get free, helpful support from the comfort of your home by calling the national quit line at 800-QUIT-NOW. For some people, support is the missing piece of the solution, says Dr. Rigotti.

For most smokers, “willpower” alone is not enough. Fortunately, smokers today have a number of tools to fight tobacco addiction. Several new treatments are under development and investigation. On the medication front, a class of drugs called cannabinoid receptor antagonists may someday be used to help smokers quit. Also in the development pipeline are several anti-nicotine vaccines. They prompt the body to make antibodies to nicotine. When nicotine enters the bloodstream, these antibodies bind to it. If cannabinoid receptor antagonists or vaccines pan out as safe and effective smoking cessation aids—and that is a big if—it will be years before they are on the market. Please don’t wait for treatments that may never materialize. You have already made a good start by cutting back. Now work with someone who specializes in smoking cessation to figure out a plan tailored for you. I hope this answer doesn’t make you feel weak but that it gives you some hope and power. —Thomas Lee, M.D., Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter.

Wellness Belts

At Last ...Active Aging Made Easy An Effective Solution For: • Back Pain Relief • Posture Correction • Osteoporosis Reversal • Effortless Weight Loss • Convenient Physical Fitness

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.

1-800-978-2358

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 • March 2012 • page 21

Seven Ways to Exercise on the Cheap

BY KATE FORGACH

f you’re having trouble keeping up with highimpact aerobics and jogging, maybe you can still find ways to get your exercise. Try these tips:

1. Go It Alone: It takes discipline to maintain your own workout schedule, but joining an expensive health club isn’t really a necessity. We tell ourselves paying for membership will force us to exercise, but the thinning crowds after January attest to the fallacy of this concept. 2. Bring It Home: More than 10 million Americans use elliptical trainers. An equal number prefer a reclining stationary bike. Both

machines reduce stress on joints while eliminating the aching-back syndrome. Fortunately, a lot of people buy such equipment and then use them as expensive clothes hangers. That means you should never have to buy a new machine. Craigslist is just filled with ads for home exercise equipment and some dealers offer refurbished machines. The key is to give it a whirl before handing over your cash or you, too, might end up with a pricey coat rack. If you don’t already have an MP3 player, this should be your second investment. Nothing impels you through a home workout like hot tunes or an hour-long podcast of “Car Talk.” 3. Stay Limber: Stress is not the only province of youth; nor is muscle elas-

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ticity. Yoga helps soothe frayed nerves, improves flexibility and, not incidentally, provides a great aerobic workout. Pilates has many of the same advantages, but without all that Nirvana stuff. There are countless DVDs and CDs to lead you through these exercises at home, but it’s important to be selective. You want an instructor who gives detailed instructions, like “keep your stomach flat,” “push away from the floor,” etc.

4. Get Outside: Recumbent road bikes are fairly expensive, but you can always pick up a traditional bike for cheap at garage sales, thrift stores, FreeCycle.org or the inevitable Craigslist. If you have shoulder or back problems, invest in high-rise handlebars and have a professional adjust the bike to your body shape and size.

5. Walk It Off: It costs nothing to cruise the neighborhood, checking out houses for sale while listening to music that moves you. Walking regularly with

a friend is a great motivator and maintaining a conversation while keeping a steady pace allows you to monitor the amount of exercise you actually get. An article in AARP reports overweight people who walk 30 minutes per day, five days per week, can reduce their risk of diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

6. Pump It Up: Even if you just add weights to your arms and legs when walking, you’ll increase your body strength while getting a good cardio workout. 7. Mix and Match: Performing just one form of exercise won’t ensure you stay fit. A full regimen combines strength, flexibility and balance training (the latter provided by yoga and Pilates). Mixing it up each day also keeps the doldrums away. The author is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

Y ’all Come. Let’s Go to Callaway Gardens! New at the Gardens is an adventurous two hours on the TreeTop Adventure. All four of us are in the very late 60s to mid-70s age range, but there we were lined up in helmets and safety harnesses letting guides get us started on the obstacle ropes and zip line course for all ages. The brochure says you can “leap, swing and whiz” your way through it. We didn’t do any of those speciﬁcally, but we took it one challenge at a time, cheered each other on, laughed a lot at ourselves and enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

BY JANICE DOYLE

“Y

’all come.” The words are the Song of the South. It might be an invitation to experience places with a long history, beautiful flowers, long walks on wooded paths and charming cottages amidst pines and azaleas. So, y’all come and meet us at Callaway Gardens!

Travel If you have friends you’d like to relax with—or if you want to just stop on your way to somewhere else—there’s no place like Callaway Gardens. Any time of year is a good time to be there, but the Gardens are especially wonderful in the spring as the azaleas bloom. It’s time to go! Located on I-85 southwest of Atlanta, it’s a day’s drive from west Florida to Callaway Gardens. My husband and I joined our good friends there. We stayed in one of the two-bedroom, two-bath cottages nestled into the woods, brought our own food, and everywhere we looked for two days, the woods were full of azalea bushes. An inn and villas are also available for lodging, and you’ll ﬁnd several restaurants on the grounds.

Cabins at Callaway

Year-round fun Every season provides a great reason to visit Callaway Gardens! Beyond ongoing superb golf and tennis possibilities, there’s a full schedule of things to do. Don’t think it’s all about spring azaleas, by any means. Robin Lake Beach turns into the center of activity for family activities and festivals. There’s a hot air balloon festival for Labor Day, a Spangled Beach Party for the 4th of July, a Fall Festival and, during the Christmas season, Fantasy in Lights has become an annual tradition for many people.

Winter at the Gardens (January through March) ﬁnds programs which connect people socially—think of staying in a cozy cottage with a ﬁreplace by night and enjoying social activities like bridge or tennis by day. Maybe you’d like a class or a Mystery Dinner Weekend. The calendar is packed with possibilities, and many special rates are available throughout the winter.

FDR’s “Little White House”

A don’t-miss side trip Warm Springs, a hidden jewel in central Georgia, is a 15-minute drive from Callaway. Franklin Roosevelt’s Little White House is there. It is where he came to soak in the springs. You’ll enjoy the history and learn how the Georgia mountain people affected his presidential decisions. Warm Springs Village is lined with quaint streets and 100-year-old restored buildings—just lovely. For more information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit callawaygardens.com.

What’s at Callaway Gardens? You’ll find floral beauty in the 40-acres of azaleas and other garden delights as you drive the roads or hike the trails through the property. Better yet, pick up a bike and follow the 10-mile paved trail that winds through the woods, with stops at all the major attractions. At the John A Sibley Horticultural Center, it’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the five acres of gardens: a tropical rain forest, a Mediterranean garden, a desert plot and much more. We loved the sculptures and the indoor waterfall. Landscape Photography – Azaleas: March 31 – April 1: $115. The Gardens include the Virginia Close-up and Macro Photography – Butterfly: April 21 – 22: $115 Hand Callaway Discovery Center, a lovely building full of Herbaceous Plant Propagation: March 10 or March 17: $75 displays and informaPlant Fair and Sale: March 22 – 25, tion. A Backyard Callaway Gardening School: March 22 – 23, Fees vary. Wildlife Habitat and Vegetable Gardening A to Z: March 30: $55 Birds of Prey program interest the critter Planting your Season Vegetable Garden: April 21: $45 crew in a group. Spring Watercolor Painting: April 21 – 22: $225 More than 1000 Special 3-Day Plein Air Painting: April 23 – 25: $395 The Butterfly Center butterflies live in Pine Needle Basket Making: April 28: $65 the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. After spotting Gemstones & Freshwater Pearls Jewelry Design and Making: May 5: $115 four or five, we slowed our steps Workshop fees include admission to Callaway Gardens. To register, and looked more closely to find the call 1-800-225-5292 or email education@callawaygardens.com. hidden beauties among the plants.

Spring Workshops and Classes at Callaway Gardens

Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 23

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

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 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. Walgreens accepts most major prescription plans, including: CVS Caremark, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida! Please join Walgreens in the fight against cancer at the 2012 Anna Maria Relay for Life, March 31st at Coquina Beach. Cash and check donations to the American Cancer Society will be accepted at all listed Walgreens locations during the month of March.

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Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 24

Aging In Place Solutions

ost everyone wants to stay in their own home as they age. Today, that is referred to as “aging in place.” Often a simple solution can make that possible for you or someone you love.

Challenge: Difficulty getting up from a seated position from a chair or sofa. Solution: Furniture risers can lift the legs of a couch up 3 – 4 inches. Ask a carpenter to put 4-inch risers on the back legs of a sofa and 3-inch risers on the front legs of a sofa. Solution: An electric seat assist is best used on a sofa or seat with a softer cushion.

Solution: Have a handyman build a 3-inch platform under a recliner to make getting up and down simpler.

Challenge: Getting in or out of bed

Solution: A bedrail/bedcane slides easily between the mattress and box springs of most beds. A bed pull-up strap will also enable someone to pull up (or turn to the side) of a bed from a prone position. Information by Adam Fine, Accessible Design & Consulting, Inc.

Medicare Answers Dear Marci, I just found out I am eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. How do I apply? —Yvonne

edicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help pay your Medicare costs if you have limited finances. There are three main programs: QMB, SLMB and QI. Each program has different income eligibility limits. You should call your local Medicaid office for exact rules on how to apply for an MSP in your state. Many states allow you to submit your application online, through the mail or through community health centers or other organizations. The list of documents that you will need to include with your application varies by state. Contact your local Medicaid office to find out what documents you need. Examples of documentation that may be required include:

• Social Security card • Medicare card • Birth certificate, passport or green card • Proof of your address, such as an electric bill • Proof of your income, such as a Social Security Administration award letter, income tax return or pay stub • Information about your assets, such as bank statements, stock certificates or life insurance policies —Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (medicarerights.org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114.

As I Get Older I Want to Stay at Home—“Aging in Place”

careful. The unlicensed and insured individual, if they are injured while on the Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist job helping you, can turn out to be much his is a relatively new term to some more expensive than you think. Lawsuits abound even though you hadn’t given people in the industry of Longthis any thought at all. And through an Term Care insurance…Aging in Place. agency, the help will be bonded as well. Basically, it means to be able to have This protects your belongings too. enough funds to hire the type of help The fact is that people are living longer, you’ll need to stay in your own home as and families live farther apart. If you opposed to selling the home and movlive long enough, you will eventually ing into an Assisted Living Facility or a need some assistance. Long-Term Care Nursing Home. While staying at home insurance policies provide the dollars is generally the preferred way to go, the you will need to pay for all levels of care cost of care at home is very expensive. in any setting. The cost of premiums Consider this; you have three 8 is much less expensive for younger, hour shifts in a day. We have two 8 healthier applicants. The baby boomers hour shifts when we are awake and are the primary group buying Longanother when we are supposed to be Term Care insurance. I am still finding sleeping. Again, depending on the an occasional senior who is fortunate type of care you need, the cost per enough to be able to qualify for coverhour to hire additional help varies. For age, but it is becoming more rare. example, a sitter, someone to simply be There are many ways to fund the cost a companion to assist with non-medical of care. Using a Long-Term Care policy chores, will cost less than if you need that was purchased early on is the most a nurse’s aide or a registered nurse. affordable way to accomplish this. Call You can have family members pitch me for a free information packet about in to help, but our lives are very busy your options. I am always glad to hear and sometimes geographic limitations from you and to answer your questions. also get in the way. Staying at home Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior may be preferred, but without help, Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior it can be very dangerous. Falling is healthcare market for over 20 years. She is probably the worse fate a senior can a Certified Senior Advisor and has been a have. It can lead to a mountain of other Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for issues. When elderly seniors try to more than 17 years. She is the Past President of Health Underwriters, a Past President of live at home alone, trouble brews. the Rotary Club of Estero, Member of the A companion to be with someone can Bonita and Estero Chambers of Commerce, cost $15+ an hour; actual professional and a graduate of Toastmaster’s Internationcare is much more costly. Hiring a friend al. She represents all of the finest insurance or a neighbor might sound great because companies in the industry. Can be reached at it could be less expensive than going (239) 274-6678 in Estero, or at her website: through a Home Health provider. But be www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

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Elder Helpline 1-800-963-5337 www.agingflorida.com Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 25

Expert? What Makes an Expert?

he following are quotes by those considered “experts” in their fields at one time:

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” ~ Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899.

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“The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?” ~ David Sarnoff’s associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s. “There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom.” ~ Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923.

“Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value.” ~ Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre, France. (1.4 miles south of Venice Ave.)

“640K ought to be enough for anybody.” ~ Bill Gates, 1981.

“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” ~ Western Union internal memo, 1876. “Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You’re crazy.” ~ Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859. “Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.” ~ Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929.

“Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances.” ~ Dr. Lee DeForest, Father of Radio and Grandfather of Television. “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” ~ Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in “Gone With The Wind.”

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Buy One Entrée and Two Beverages at the Regular Price and Receive the Second of Equal or Lesser Value For Half Price Coupon expires 2/29/12. 2-17-12. 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.

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

his month we take a look at “trump promotion.” Put yourself in the West seat, defending 4♠.

To start with, please locate a sheet of paper or your morning slice of toast (marmalade side facing up). Place it diagonally across the diagram, so that only the West and North hands are showing. As West, your opening lead is the ♣A on which Partner plays the Seven and Declarer the Nine. Next, you cash the ♣K (everyone following the suit), then the ♥A. You’ve cashed your three winners, where’s the setting trick? A Diamond ruff? No, Partner

A Couple Of Upper-Cuts had two Clubs, and can hardly have more than two Spades. He cannot have 2=9=0=2 distribution, with that shape he would surely have pushed on to 5♥. The only other possibility is a trump trick. Yes, indeed! The magic card here, amazingly enough, is the Spade Six! You lead another Club, and if East ruffs with the Six he forces Declarer to overruff with an honor, promoting a trick for your ♠J! This form of trump promotion is known as an upper-cut, and East must ruff with the Smashing Six to deliver the knock-out blow. Ruffing with the Feeble Four would be no more than a tickle under Declarer’s chin. A Second Upper-Cut! Next, imagine that East is Declarer, playing in 4♥. South cashes the ♠A, ♠K, and leads a third Spade, which North ruffs with the ♥J. Another upper-cut, promoting South’s ♥T? No, Declarer simply pitches away his Diamond loser and makes his contract. Let’s have a do over. After cashing the top two Spades, South cashes the ♦K, and then leads the third Spade. Now Declarer really is done for, this time the upper-cut sets the contract. 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.

Be The Next Shakespeare!

he Players Theatre is accepting original plays for its 11th annual Players New Play Festival; open to Gulf Coast residents over the age of 18 until May 4, 2012. Theatre Artist, Professor and Players Board Member Louise Stinespring will coordinate and lead the event.

A committee of judges will select a minimum of six plays to be presented in a “Reader’s Theater“ style during the week of August 13 – 18, 2012 at The Players, 838 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. One of the winning plays will be selected as “Best of Series” and will be produced at The Players Theatre in the summer of 2013. Call (941) 365-2494 for guidelines and more information.

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

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Fallen Angels Opens at Asolo Repertory Theatre

oël Coward’s dialogue that drove outrageous comedy critics mad when the Fallen Angels will bring show first opened. The two desperate housewords that were used to wives, one French lover describe the production and unlimited chamwere vulgar, disgustpagne to Asolo Repering, shocking, nauseattory Theatre on March 9. ing and obscene. One Set in 1920s England, newspaper went as Fallen Angels tells the far to refer to the two story of best friends women as “suburban Julia and Jane who have sluts,” which cemented a secret past: they both the show’s popularhad an affair with a ity with audiences! Frenchman named MauDirected by Peter rice before they were Amster and featuring Photo by Annamae Bafia married. Now Maurice Hillary Clemens is back in town, their husbands have (Once In a Lifetime, Yentl) and Kate gone golfing, and the two women Hampton (Once In a Lifetime and embark on an evening of hilarious, God of Carnage), Fallen Angels runs drunken debauchery and lustful antici- until May 13. Tickets are available pation for the Frenchman’s arrival. through the Asolo Repertory Theatre Fallen Angels has been likened to a box office by calling (941) 351-8000 1920’s version of Sex & the City, with or toll-free, (800) 361-8388.

Happy Birthday, Players Theatre!

or something about to turn 83, you could say that The Players Theatre is aging gracefully. The organization just happens to be the oldest arts venue in Sarasota County and the second oldest in the entire state! The Players may be growing older, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see new things! In fact, last season, five of the seven Broadway shows had never appeared on The Players stage before. Not an easy task when you think about the repertoire that can accumulate in 82 years of performances. The 83rd season will be equally as exciting. We’re bringing you a season Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 28

full of violets! Coincidentally, there are three shows with a character named Violet—9 to 5, Violet, and Side Show! The entire season is comprised of Applause, Nunsense, Annie, Violet, 9 to 5, Harvey, and Side Show. With subscriptions starting at $60 for Broadway Shows, it is a must see season! If you didn’t already know, The Players is a community theatre. This means from the moment you walk through the doors to the end of the amazing performances you see on stage—you are touched by volunteers. None of the talented actors on The Players stage are paid; they simply do it for the love of the theatre. Now that is grass roots volunteerism at its finest.

The Season at Golden Apple O

ur 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 through March 25. 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. Back by popular demand: Let’s Hang On. One night only: Monday, April 2! The best tribute to Frankie Vallie anywhere! The show will sell out! Check out our website at thegoldenapple. com for all the up-to-date info! Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza continues every Friday night. Doors open at 6:30, show is at 8. Tickets are $5. Visit www.thegoldenapple.com or call (941) 366-5454 for tickets and info.

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

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 produced 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 in side by side. There’s no sleeping, no eating and no chance of being the last one

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Mar 27 - May 5 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 lifewith all their facets glowing.

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t’s hard to keep up with new technology since today’s technological world requires conveying a message in several styles and methods, depending on which social media you’re using. Let me try to explain. We’ll start with something we understand: an old fashioned, handwritten (in perfect cursive penmanship!) touristy postcard to Aunt Suzy.

Dear Aunt Suzy, I’m back in Iowa visiting the old hometown. Since Mom died, the house here has sold and the new owners have painted it a horrible blue color. A few changes in town – Main St. Donut Shop is long gone. I’m sitting in a Dunkin’ Donuts next to the super WalMart north of town on the new bypass. See you in June. —Love, Betty

Here’s the way that it’s done in social media: Twitter: I’m eating a donut. Facebook: I like donuts. Foursquare: This is where I eat donuts. Instagram: This is a vintage photo of where I eat donuts. YouTube: Here I am eating a donut. LinkedIn: My skills include eating donuts. Pinterest: Here’s a donut recipe. Last FM: Listening to “Donuts.” G+: I’m a Google employee who eats donuts. Whew! Now the world knows!

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Answers From

February 2012

Veronica Devine is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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he Silver Foxes, professionallydirected volunteer performers over fifty, have been entertaining around the area for 20 years. Bringing song, dance and laughter to community centers, religious groups and clubs throughout Sarasota County, they currently reach 5,000 audience members each season.

Every March they produce a full-length variety show for the theatre’s MainStage—The Follies—which helps raise money for Venice Theatre’s education and outreach programs. The show will run March 14 – 18, 2012 at Venice Theatre. Reserved seats for the Follies are $24 and can be purchased online at venicestage.com or by calling the box office at (941) 488-1115.

Mature Lifestyles • March 2012 • page 35

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