Lifestyles After 50 Sarasota/Manatee Edition, February 2020 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

SaraSota, Manatee ~ February 2020

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February 27 - March 8, 2020 Plant City, FL

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HE AR TIS | V ENICE

CLAIM YOUR SPOT BY THE BAY The water views are hard to top, but there’s even more beauty to see inside Heartis Venice. Join our team for lunch or happy hour as they share community and construction updates, new renderings, and the benefits of being one of the first residents.

Heartis Venice Dine & Discover Tuesday, March 3, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020 | 4:00 p.m. Allegro Bistro 1740 East Venice Avenue Venice, Florida 34292 To RSVP, call 941-256-7269 or visit venice.heartis.com

WELCOME CENTER 871 Venetia Bay Boulevard, Suite 111 Venice, Florida 34285 HEARTIS VENICE 1020 N. Tamiami Trail Venice, Florida 34229 License pending.

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 2

Sarasota Edition Published monthly by Lifestyles After 50 Volume 31, Issue 2

Publisher Debbie Hansen Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com Website Editor Allie Shaw Allie. Shaw@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution Nancy Spencer Nancy.Spencer@lifestylesafter50.com Questions/Customer Service 813-336-8247 Press Releases Editor@lifestylesafter50.com

“B

et you don’t know why the sun sets red. You see, light is made up of lots of colors. And out of all those colors, red is the one that travels the farthest,” explains Axel Red is a powerful color. It was the first color to be named after white and black and has been used ever since in pieces of art and decorations to demonstrate strong emotions like passion, love and anger. At one point the color was historically known for the revolution. This image is so strong that it symbolizes all sorts of ideas. It can physically be light and dark, it can be good and bad, it can command attention, and yet be subtle. It’s easy to get swayed in any idea that this color brings, but it’s hard to ignore all the ideas that the color red symbolizes. With representation most often related to emotions, such as passion and love, the color red is often associated with the month of February. According to a study to find out the rankings for the most celebrated holidays in the United States depending on the number of holiday cards sold, Valentine’s Day comes in second place selling around 151 million cards (not including cards given in classrooms). Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 and is commonly known as a day to celebrate someone’s love for their significant other by gifting them with red roses, cards, and chocolates. For myself, I’ve never been a typical gift giver. I’ve always felt that handmade gifts or quality time together are more precious than any gift that can be bought. For those who might feel the same way, during the month of February, the Florida Strawberry Festival rolls into town, offering a great opportunity to spend quality time together. This eleven-day festival is full of many activities besides buying fresh strawberries. The event is full of top talented entertainment from many of my personal favorite artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Patti LaBelle, Eli Young and many other amazing vocal superstars. This festival is open to all ages and includes food-eating contests, magic shows, battle of the bands, pig racing, cooking shows and more than I can mention! The Strawberry Festival is an annual tradition in Florida that can turn a mild February day into a fun and unique one full of memories. For more information check out http://www. flstrawberryfestival.com.

For those who may not celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t worry. There are many unique ways you can celebrate during the 28 days (or 29 days during a leap year) in the month of February. For those who don’t have a significant other to take to the Strawberry Festival, don’t worry! February 15th is known as National Single Awareness Day. This holiday was created for those who are single to treat yourself to something nice. Whether it’s going to a balmy, outdoor festival, joining friends for a walk in a park or cooking yourself a nice dinner, check out the informative calendars inside for local events around town and advertisements boasting fun places, good food, or even new ideas. Fun can be found at home curled up with a good book suggested by Kathy Megyeri or watching Randal C. Hills’ suggested movie of the month. Point being, enjoy whatever adventures—no matter how big or small—this month has for you. Have fun and enjoy the month of Red.

Love is everywhere!

Advertising Sales Virginia Laplante, 813-336-8247 Ext: 10167 Virginia.Laplante@lifestylesafter50.com Joe Gess: 813-817-9855 Joe.Gess@lifestylesafter50.com __________________________________

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Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved. As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 3

local events around town • FeBruarY 2020 Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Outlaws & Angels Feb 15 9 p.m. $37

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Venice Farmer’s Market Saturday’s 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. FREE Admission

Place: Florida Studio Theatre Address: 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 34236 Phone: 941-366-9000 Website: www.floridastudiotheatre. org/

Place: City Hall Park Address: 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice, 34285 Phone: 941-484-6722 Website: www.thevenicefarmers market.org/

Event:

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

“LOVE NOTES” A Valentines Concert Date: Feb 17 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Cost: $34/$39 Place: Court Cabaret Address: 1265 1st St., Sarasota, 34236 Phone: 941-366-9000 Website: www.floridastudiotheatre. org/court-cabaret

Valentine’s Day Dinner Feb 14 5 - 9 p.m. $90 a couple

Place: Hotel Indigo Sarasota Address: 1223 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 34236 Phone: 941-487-3815 Website: Reservations suggested

Event: Fest Date: Time: Cost:

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Feb 12 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. FREE

Place: Wimauma Senior Center Address: 5714 North St., Wimauma, 33598 Phone: 813-336-8247 Website: www.lifestylesafter50.com Event: Fest Date: Time: Cost:

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Feb 20 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. FREE

Place: Senior Friendship Center Address: 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, 34236 Phone: 813-336-8247 Website: www.lifestylesafter50.com

Venice Area Women’s College Club Date: March 10 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: $22 lunch cost Place: Plantation Golf & Country Club Address: 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, 34293 Phone: 941-202-4034 Website: Please Call

Event: Date: Time: Cost:

Event:

Country Variety Show Feb 23 7 p.m. $12

Place: Terra Siesta Co-op Address: 8200 Nancy Ln., Ellenton, 34222 Phone: 802-272-3122 Email: tbhiggs149@yahoo.com

Art in the Park March 7 & 8 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. FREE

Place: University Park Country Club, Address: 7671 The Park Blvd, University Park, 34201 Phone: 727-420-0070 Website: www.ArtInTheParkUPCC.com

Thunder By The Bay Festival Feb 14-16 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. $5 Gate

Place: Sarasota Fairgrounds Address: 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 34237 Phone: 941-365-0818 Website: www.thunderbythebay.org/

send Your event news to InFo@lIFestYlesaFter50.com BY the 15th oF each month For puBlIcatIon In the FollowIng month's Issue.

Adult In Home Assistance Seniors Helping Seniors

wwwseniorcareeastpasco.seniorshelpingseniors.com/

Assisted Living Love To Know Seniors Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

www.seniors.lovetoknow.com www.npaonline.org/

Food, Clothing, Personal Care, Household Goods Meals on Wheels www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org Trinity Cafe www.trinitycafe.org Feeding Tampa Bay www.feedingamerica.org Daystar Life Center www.daystarlife.com Metropolitan Ministries www.metromin.org Education Eckerd College (St. Petersburg)

www.eckerd.edu/olli

Employment Florida Department of Elder Affairs www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) www.doleta.gov/seniors/ Retirement Life Matters www.retirementlifematters.com Work Force 50 www.workforce50.com Financial Services National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up Women’s Institute For A Secure Retirement (WISER) BBF Capital Advisors

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Government and Senior Community Resources Administration for Community Living (ACL) www.acl.gov/ American Association of Kidney Patients www.aakp.org American Red Cross www.redcross.org American Association of Retired Persons www.aarp.org/tampabay The ALS Association Florida Chapter www.webfl.alsa.org Area Agency on Aging (Elder Help Line) www.youragingresourcecenter.org Department of Business and Professional Regulation www.myfloridalicense.com Florida Information Locator www.stateofflorida.com Hills County Dept of Aging www.hillsboroughcounty.org Internal Revenue Service (Seniors & Retirees www.irs.gov/individuals/seniors-retirees Medicare www.medicare.gov National Parks www.NPS.gov Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) www.seniorsinservice.org Ronald McDonald House Tampa rmhctampabay.org/ Senior Connection (Hillsborough) www.agingcare.com Senior Games www.flasports.com/florida-senior-games Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) www.score.org Social Security Administration www.SSA.gov U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development www.UD.gov Health & Medical Services Addiction Center www.addictioncenter.com American Association of Kidney Patients www.aakp.org Dementia www.dementia.org Florida Medical Clinic www.floridamedicalclinic.com/ Melanoma Research Foundation www.melanoma.org National Stroke Association www.stroke.org Senior Home Improvement Program (SHIP) www.thecentre.org/programs services-for-older-adults National Institute of Senior Health www.nihseniorhealth.gov Insurance Consumer Advocate Legal Services Bay Area Legal Services Tax Counseling for the Elderly

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 4

www.consumersadvocate.org/ www.bals.org www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-counseling-for-the-elderly

Pet Services Consumer Advocate TLC Pet Snip (non-profit)

www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance www.tlcpetsnip.org

Preplanning Final Expenses Aging Care Retirement Living LCB Senior Living Transportation Florida Department of Elder Affairs ITN Suncoast Travel and Leisure Florida Orchestra Gaylord Palms Orlando Players Theater (Sarasota) Straz Performing Arts Center (Tampa) Tampa Bay Rays

www.agingcare.com/articles/funeral-planning www.lcbseniorliving.com

www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us www.itnsuncoast.org/

www.floridaorchestra.org www.gaylordhotels.com www.theplayers.org www.strazcenter.org www.mlb.com/rays

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There’s Always a Sale at Treasures! Treasures celebrates the new year with special sales throughout the month of February. Stop in for a copy of our calendar to help plan your shopping days. Plus, you can save big at Treasures on Saturday, Feb. 15 when everything in the store is 50 percent off! All furniture, all clothing, everything! Can’t wait until Saturday? Shop our preview day on Friday, Feb. 14 and save 30 percent. We’ll pick up your donation — call us for details!

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Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm | Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm | Sunday, Noon to 4 pm Bird Bay Plaza: 523 US Hwy 41 Bypass N. • Venice, FL • 941-882-4467 Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 5

Strawberry Meals Forever BY rAndAl hIll

echnically, they are known as Fragaria ananassa, but we know them as coveted delights—bright red in color and with an alluring aroma, a juicy texture and seductive sweetness. Yes, we’re talking about strawberries here, found in abundance this time of year in Plant City, Florida, the unofficial Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. You can indulge your passion for all things strawberry at the 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival (FSF) where, as always, you’ll find offerings of foods that are deep-fried, grilled or smoked, and all bearing the infusion of the heart-shaped fruit for which the Festival is renowned. Available to the most diverse of palettes are mouth-watering strawberry pies, cobblers, crepes, crème puffs, cheesecakes, shortcakes, jams and milkshakes, as well as—for the culinary adventurous— strawberry pizza, strawberry hamburgers and strawberry peanut butter. (Hey, you’re here only once a year, so why not try something different this time around?) Of course, what would the FSF be without a cornucopia of top-flight musical acts? FSF president Paul Davis enthuses, “The announcement of our headline entertainment is a highly anticipated event.” This year features the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. Hailing originally from Jacksonville, Florida, they took their name from their P. E. teacher Leonard Skinner, who apparently always hassled his male students about their long hair. The veteran band is famous today for such easily recognizable works as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “What’s Your Name?” In the country-music world, there’s nobody bigger than Rascal Flatts. With roots in Oklahoma and Ohio, they paid $5,000 to buy the name of a defunct ‘60s garage band named (for some reason) Rascal Flatts. The trio has been hitmakers since 2000, and there’s a good chance of hearing such Number One country classics as “These Days,” “Take Me There” and “Yours If You Want It.” You can mine even more musical gold with country queen Reba McIntyre, Michael Ray, Josh Turner, the Oak Ridge Boys, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, Neal McCoy and Jimmy Fortune. Ladies, get ready to resurrect your giggly girlhood (complete with moments of ear-splitting shrieks) when cutie-pie American Bandstand icons Frankie Avalon,

Bobby Rydell, Fabian and Chubby Checker hit the stage this year. Also on hand will be Tommy James and the Shondells, as well as Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the tribute-offering twin sons of teen idol Ricky Nelson. You say soul music is more your preference? How about Patti LaBelle, ex-Gap Band leader Charlie Wilson, and 98 Degrees performing for your pleasure? Too cool! For those seeking a musical act with minimal structure and a taste of the bizarre, there’s Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots. You have been warned. Concert times and prices are listed on the FSF website. Service charges apply to Internet and phone orders. See below for more information. Each year, the highly anticipated FSF also includes agricultural and livestock exhibits, commercial displays, horticulture, fine arts and crafts, youth development programs and parades featuring colorful floats. The Bell City Midway offers 80 different rides, and the Sunny Bell Kiddie Korral is there for the little tykes. But wait—there’s more! Don’t miss the annual Battle of the Bands, the magic show, the cow milking, the pig racing, the dog show, the circus acts and a surfeit of eating contests that usually involve—well, you know what. Local farmers plant over 10,000 acres of strawberries annually, and nearly 3,000 Hillsborough County farms produce fruit and vegetable crops with a value of more than $360,000,000. The FSF was started in 1930 by members of the nascent Plant City Lions Club. Obviously, the idea caught on; last year 509,000 folks eagerly came through the gates to enjoy a gala that now rivals any state fair in the nation. Enjoy!

Oak ridge Boys

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 6

IF YOU GO: The 85th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival When: Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 8 Where: Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City hOUrs: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Midway opens at noon Tuesday through Friday; weekends and Monday at 10 a.m. AdvAnce cOncert tIckets: Get the best seats in advance online at www.flstrawberryfestival.com; by phone at (813) 754-1996; or in person at the Amscot Main Ticket Gate, 2209 W. Oak Avenue, Plant City. Call (813) 719-6680 for information about ADA-accessible seating or tour group sales. GAte AdmIssIOn: Adults 13 and older: $10. Children 6 – 12: $5. Children 5 and under: free with paid adult. Discount admission of $8 available at participating Publix Supermarkets.

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FlOrIdA BlUe senIOr cItIzen dAYs: On both Thursdays, seniors 60 and better receive $2 off admission at the gate. Other: Sorry, no pets other than service dogs. No alcohol is allowed on the festival grounds. Be aware that Interstate 4 can slow to a crawl in Plant City during Festival days. One can avoid Interstate 4 by taking alternate routes. For directions see www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

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Ten Surprising Things About Saint Valentine’s Day By LAUREN REEVES

hese days, Valentine’s Day is often touted as a scheme cooked up by greeting card companies. And although Hallmark, florists and chocolate candy companies do exceptionally well around this time of year, the celebration of love and romance started long before that. Here are some interesting facts, theories and rumors about the oh-sosweet holiday: 1. Valentine’s Day is rooted in ancient Rome with a pagan festival. One very dark theory, according to historians, is that the day stems from Lupercalia, a raucous pagan festival on February 15 where men sacrificed animals, stripped naked and spanked young maidens with animal skins in the hopes of upping their fertility.

6. Perhaps the most notorious Valentine ever was sent by Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. He sent the anonymous Valentine to Lucy Lambert Hale, the daughter of a U.S. Senator in 1862. “To see you has indeed afforded me a melancholy pleasure,” he wrote. They eventually got engaged and, according to some accounts, Lucy dined with Booth two hours before he killed the president. Her picture was found on his body. 7. Valentines weren’t always so nice. After the Civil War, the Vinegar Valentine became popular. These meanspirited cards hurled insults to the recipients such as: You’ve got more curves than a roller-coaster, Your clothes fit like a glove There’s one thing wrong, Glamourpuss, You’ve a face— Only a mother could love.

2. The holiday of love officially originated in A.D. 496. I think what is most important is to be kind Things got much more romantic when Roman Pope Gelasius declared to everyone, every day. But since there is an St. Valentine’s Day to be celebrated on official day to show your appreciation of 8. Wearing your heart on your sleeve February 14 in honor of the Christina (to show your emotions) is a phrase martyr, Saint Valentine of Rome. friends and loved ones in your life, do it! It will that comes from the Middle Ages. About 200 years earlier, the Roman probably mean a lot more to them than you realize. According to the Smithsonian, young Emperor Claudius II was trying to bolster men and women living in the medieval his army, so he forbade young men to days would draw names to see who marry because, apparently, single men their Valentine would be. If they liked make better soldiers. It is reported that in the spirit of love, St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret marriages. For the pick, they would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings. his disobedience, the Roman saint was executed on February 14 in A.D. 269. 3. Saint Valentine’s skull is in Rome. His flower-adorned skull is on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. Other parts of his skeleton are on display in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, England and France. 4. Passing out valentines is a 600-year-old tradition. The oldest reported record of a valentine was a poem Charles Duke of Orleans wrote to his wife when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Today, almost everyone gives out Valentine’s Day cards, affirming their gratitude to those who are special in their life. 5. And it’s pretty big business. According to the National Retail Federation, some 55 percent of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend about $20 billion a year, including more than $1.8 billion on candy alone. In the survey, men said they expected to spend an average of $338 on Valentine’s Day. And the women? A mere $64. C’mon ladies. We can do better than that! Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 8

9. The well-renowned candy conversation hearts were originally medical lozenges. Weirdly enough, the story of conversation hearts first began in 1847 when a Boston pharmacist named Oliver Chase invented a machine that simplified the way medical lozenges for sore throats could be manufactured. The result was America’s first candy-making machine because the pharmacist soon shifted his focus to making candy. In 1866, Oliver’s brother, Daniel, devised a way to press words onto the candy tablets, using a felt roller pad moistened with vegetable coloring. His “conversation candies” or “motto lozenges” didn’t become heart-shaped until 1902. Maybe this is where the term lovesick came from? 10. Nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day. According to a recent survey, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to pop the question, with as many as 6 million couples getting engaged on February 14.

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Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix

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Josh Turner

Wed. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35

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Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots

Sat. Feb. 29, 7:30 $35

PATTI LaBELLE Mon. Mar. 2, 7:30 $35

Mon. Mar. 2, 3:30 $25

Sara Evans

Thu. Mar. 5, 10:30

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Dick Fox’s Golden Boys - Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell Thu. Mar. 5, 3:30 $30

Jimmy Fortune and Dailey & Vincent

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Tue. Mar. 3, 7:30 $30

Tue. Mar. 3, 3:30 $30

Ricky Nelson Remembered (The Nelson Brothers)

Michael Ray

Fri. Feb. 28, 7:30 $35

Fri. Feb. 28, 3:30 $25

An Evening with 98°

Sat. Feb. 29, 3:30 $30

Chubby Checker & the Wildcats

Tommy James & The Shondells

Thu. Feb. 27, 7:30 $51

Thu. Feb. 27, 3:30 $25

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Thurs., Feb. 27th & Thurs., Mar.5th FREE Concerts at 10:30am Seniors 60+ get $2 Off At Gate

Thu. Feb. 27, 10:30 FREE

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The Oak Ridge Boys

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Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

Fri. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20

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Battle of the Bands Finale Sat. Mar. 7, 3:30 FREE

Charlie Wilson Sat. Mar. 7, 7:30 $45

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Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 9

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he Players Centre for Performing Arts the area-premier of HEAD OVER HEELS Feb. 19 through March 8. This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts. Tickets are $29 for regular, $34 for premium, and $14 for students. Feb. 6 though 16 don’t miss 12 ANGRY JURORS the second Backstage at The Players installment. A jury must decide whether a 19-year-old man is guilty of murdering his father. The jury votes 11-1 that the man is guilty of the crime, but laws in the United States require a unanimous vote by all 12 jurors in order to pass judgment. Tempers flare as the eleven jurors try their best to convince the 1 dissenter to come around to their side. As the evidence is re-examined, however, new uncertainties come to light, forcing everyone to truly question if there is in fact some measure of “reasonable doubt”. Twelve Angry Jurors is a heightened courtroom thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat while powerfully exploring what it means to live in a democracy. Tickets are $21.50 and seating is limited. To purchase tickets to these wonderful shows call The Players Centre for Performing Arts Box Office at 941-365-2494 or visit our website at theplayers. org. Feel free to visit us in person at 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 10

As Long As You’re Up…

s Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems natural that one’s thoughts turn to relationships. I know mine do. And I’m struck by the changes that can occur after four decades of marriage. Early on, my darling was eager to do my bidding before I even bid. Now, I’ve registered a tectonic shift. The shift is back to the 1960s, and I’m trapped in that old ad for Grant’s Scotch. I’m not sure how many bottles of whiskey they sold, but the slogan “As long as you’re up, get me a Grant’s” had a major impact on popular culture. It went viral before there was such a thing. The Grant ads oozed upper-class sophistication, featuring either an elegant man or woman, dressed for a gala, seated in a chair no doubt purchased at a Sotheby’s auction. Each body was turned slightly as if addressing an invisible off-stage partner. Although the ad has been defunct for years, I’m happy to say that its spirit is alive and well and living in my house. With some revisions. The man (my husband) is not wearing a tuxedo, but is dressed in golf shorts and the chair in which he sits was purchased for comfort rather than its antique value. The woman (me) does not wear a gown, but is attired in jeans and a T shirt, and is not now, and never has been, as thin as the woman in the ad. However, the operative words remain unchanged: As long as you’re up… Perhaps it’s my inability to remain seated for extended time periods. I’m frequently moving about during the course of an hour-long TV show. So it doesn’t

seem unreasonable that a voice from the other room calls out “As long as you’re up, get me a glass of club soda.” He swears he has no recollection of ever seeing that ad, but the words flow from him as easily as scotch over ice. It’s not always club soda. Sometimes it’s a piece of chocolate. Or ice cream. Or a sweater because he’s chilly. Really, it’s all okay. I’m happy to do it. As long as I’m up. Occasionally, however, I hear a slightly different request, one preceded by if you’re getting up…, or, when you go upstairs…, assuming a fact not in evidence. Have my hyperactive tendencies created a monster, or at the very least, a spoiled spouse? Not really, because at the end of the day, I know there’s a balance. I bring him a pillow, and he brings me a … Remind me, what is it he brings me? In fairness, the favors do go both ways. He graciously plays golf with me on Sundays, which can’t be much fun for him, and he doesn’t make me watch football, which is never any fun for me. But most important, he is someone I rely on, someone who’s always there for me, someone who loves me unconditionally. So I will happily continue to bestow him favors. As long as I’m up!

Susan Goldfein holds a doctorate in Communication Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University, and enjoyed a successful career as a clinician, teacher, and consultant. For more essays filled with wit, wisdom and irony, visit Susan’s blog, www.susansunfilteredwit.com. Her book, How Old Am I in Dog Years? may be purchased on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

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nts only sleep 12 minutes in any onehour period. An ant can lift 20 times its body weight. A second grader as strong as an ant would be able to lift a car. There are more than 12,000 species of ants all over the world. Ten thousand of these species are citizens of the United States. There are four types of sugar ants. I know because all of them have found shelter beneath the roof of Castle Wright, my home. They are everywhere, not just in the kitchen but in areas where no food is to be eaten, such as The Imaginareum, my writing room, where no food is taken other than the requisite cup of black coffee. When I turn on the light, they scatter like cockroaches. I fire up my iPhone and one ant comes out of nowhere, and runs across the screen only to die like the first Terminator, under my thumb. They seem to drop from the ceiling, where they land and then run down my face, most of them finding their doom before they get a chance to explore my ear (their equivalent of Mammoth Cave). They laugh at ant traps and Terro liquid. Ortho only works if they drown in it. Many home remedies have been suggested to me. I originally shook talcum powder on their stomping grounds, and whenever I saw a little puff of smoke, I’d stab it with an ice pick. This only works on body lice. I made a “tea” of boiled cloves and wiped it onto the countertops. It just makes them angry and defiant. It is said that they won’t cross a line made with Borax. Not only did they cross it, they used it as a racetrack. The most recent suggestion I attempted was to pour liquid dish soap into a condiment bottle, such as those you find in BBQ restaurants. You then run a bead along the seam of the countertop where it meets the backsplash. Did it work? No! But I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that my ants are cleaner than yours. Mike Wright can be found weaving through the streets of his retirement community while playing a flute, trying to get the ants to follow him through the gates and outside of the village. Please send your personal extermination methods to him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

book Review by KATHY MEGYERI

Edited by Daniel Jones, The New York Times Company, 2019, pp. 290

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Modern Love, True Stories of Love, Loss and Redemptionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

K, I admit it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a hopeless romantic who devours each of the Modern Love essays published weekly in the New York Times, but if you too have ever been in love, are searching for love, or whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lost a love, then this book is for you. Author and long-time editor of the Modern Love columns, Daniel Jones collected 42 of the most popular, provocative and unforgettable essays from the columnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past 15 years, and the collection is proving to be one of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular Valentine gift for book lovers and readers. Some essays are unconventional stories, some hit close to home, some reveal the ways technology has changed dating, some explore the timeless struggles in our search for love, but all are honest and tell the larger story of how relationships begin, often fail, or if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky, endure. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect book for someone who longs for romance or is in love, someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stalked an ex on social media, or someone who is just plain interested in the endlessly complicated workings of the human heart. The most powerful tales involve those loves that matured over time like midlife marriages, parenthood, and the loss of loved ones. In each case, as Jones points out, the vulnerability of love takes many forms as we expose ourselves to the possibility of loss as well as to the possibility of connection. He explains love as a combination of three emotions or impulses: desire, vulnerability and bravery, and these collected stories demonstrate each. They

will shock you, instruct you, and provide you with both laughter and tears. I wept when reading Amy Krouse Rosenthalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;You May Want to Marry My Husbandâ&#x20AC;? in which she writes a dating profile for her husband because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dying from ovarian cancer and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want him to be alone after sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone. But readers will hardily laugh as well. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story by Elizabeth Fitzsimons who most showed me the real strength of love. She adopted a baby girl in China, and then discovered the scar on the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spine from a botched spiral surgery that caused nerve damage, paralysis, and loss of all bladder and bowel control. The adoption agency said Elizabeth could keep the damaged baby or trade her in for a healthier one. Elizabeth kept her but back home in the states, there were seizures and a scary diagnosis. Years later, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a happy ending, but at the time, Elizabeth, who wrote this story on one Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, said to the agency, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want another baby; we want our baby, the one sleeping right over there. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our daughter.â&#x20AC;? What bravery, what resolve, what love! So love makes many presentations, wears many guises, and elicits many reactions. Each of the bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essays is a gem with humor, warmth, insight, poignancy, and relatability. I want Editor Jones to compile another volume, but I wonder if I have to wait until next year to give volume two as a Valentine gift. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love another volume right now.

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How to Submit: Send information (200 words or less) and a photo (ID’d with names left to right) to editor@lifestylesafter50.com. Place CommuNitY NEwS in the subject line. Submission should include your name, address, phone number, as well as the club or organization’s location and contact info. Information must be received by the 15th of each month for publication in the following month’s issue. Otherwise, it may be considered for future editions. Community News is published on a space available basis.

Sarasota Ballet to Lead Dancing through Parkinson’s Mini-Class at 2020 PARKINSON’S EXPO on February 29 “I

f I can help one person feel better one day of the week, then I have succeeded,” said Kate Honea, principal dancer, assistant ballet mistress and therapeutic dance instructor for The Sarasota Ballet. W h e n H o n e a ’s m o t h e r w a s diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Honea began researching what she could do to help. She discovered the multiple benefits of therapeutic dance for people with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affects about one million Americans today. While Parkinson’s has no known cure, experts name exercise as one of the most effective means to delay the progression of the disease. According to studies at the Stanford Neuroscience Center, dance is particularly effective in engaging motor skills that affect gait,

balance and coordination as well as the cognitive domains that are specifically affected by Parkinson’s. Honea trained with the Mark Morris Group which developed the therapeutic dance program for people with PD. It is now being taught by more than 600 teachers around the world. Honea uses both seated and standing routines and by the end of the class, “every muscle is warmed up.” Honea is the catalyst behind the re ce n t p art n ers h i p o f T h e Sarasota Ballet and Neuro Challenge F o u n d a t i o n f o r P a r k i n s o n ’s . “This partnership has made it possible for us to offer Dancing through Parkinson’s in this area; we are grateful for the support, generosity and commitment of the internationally acclaimed Sarasota Ballet,” said Neuro Challenge CEO Robyn Faucy-Washington.

Kate Honea, principal dancer, assistant ballet mistress and therapeutic dance instructor for The Sarasota Ballet, leads a Dancing through Parkinson’s class for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Pictured (L to R) Linda Garner, Rachel Dolan, Marion Shields, Kate Honea, Ann McConnachie, Brian McConnachie. Photo Credit: Frank Atura

A Dancing Through Parkinson’s class is also provided in Pinellas County through a partnership between Neuro Challenge and the City of St. Petersburg. class meets on Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. to noon at the Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd Street in St. Petersburg. For more information, call 941-926-6413. To observe and participate in a sample Dancing through Parkinson’s class with The Sarasota Ballet, visit the Interactive Demonstration Area of the 2020 Parkinson’s EXPO on Saturday, February 29, at the Bradenton Area ConvenPinellas County Dancing through Parkinson’s class with Instructor Cynthia Montesino Alicea (4th from left) tion Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Photo credit: Carlene Cobb Palmetto, FL, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. licea, a retired educator and found- the class dancing to their own choreBoxing, Cycling and other activities er of Mindful Moves, LLC, trained ography based on the graceful movedesigned for people with Parkinson’s with Mark Morris Dance Group’s ther- ments of cranes. The video was shown will also be available for attendees to apeutic dance program for people with at the Parkinson’s International Confertry out. Parkinson’s and their care partners. Last ence. View the video on the online blog 1,500 guests from around Florida year, Alicea’s Dancing through Parkin- https://mindfulmovesllc.com/photosand beyond are expected to attend the son’s class submitted a video showing and-videos.html. The Pinellas County

EXPO, now in its third year. With the high-caliber roster of nationally recognized Parkinson’s experts that Neuro Challenge brings together each year, the EXPO has been the largest educational forum of its kind in the USA since it began. “Our goal is for each attendee to take away from the EXPO information they can apply right away to improve the quality of their life,” said Faucy-Washington. “Education is the key to living well with Parkinson’s.” The Parkinson’s EXPO is free and open to the public. It includes a boxed lunch, coffee and water. Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. For more information on speakers, topics and to register, please visit the website: NeuroChallenge.org. Registration is required. For more information, call (941) 926-6413.

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 17

It’s Just a Game! (Or Is It?) By RANDAL C. HILL

n November 25, 2019, three months before Super Bowl LIV was to be played on February 2, 2020, Fox TV announced that the game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was sold out of available advertising spots. Companies that hadn’t ponied up $5.5 million dollars per 30-second message were simply out of luck. Tickets for those who wanted to witness the event for themselves shelled out an average of $2,500 to $3,500 per seat. The Super Bowl has become a spectacular advertising and entertainment event, and there’s even a football game thrown in for good measure! Over the years, numerous music icons have brought a “wow” factor to the halftime performances and have included Motown superstars (Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson), several iconic hitmakers (Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, Prince, Katy Perry, Beyoncé’) and some legendary UK entertainers (Phil Collins, U2, the Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney). Today, the Super Bowl draws a viewing audience of about 100 million. It’s America’s biggest annual sporting competition, although the World Cup soccer games draw more viewers worldwide. For many Americans, it’s more a boisterous afternoon of fun and friendship than a mere sports contest. More food (and, presumably, more drink) is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year except Thanksgiving. *** It wasn’t always that way. The first such game wasn’t even called the Super Bowl. Played on January 15, 1967, it was officially termed the AFL – NFL World Championship Game. But NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle wanted something a bit punchier, something easy to remember. The Pro Bowl, perhaps, or maybe even The Big One. The name by which it later became known originated from Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. He had seen his young daughter play with a bouncing toy called a Super Ball, and Hunt was thus inspired to propose the name Super Bowl. Rozelle declared the name too informal, but it didn’t take long for Hunt’s recommendation to take hold with the public. The first game was far from being the sellout it is today. By kickoff time, about 1/3 of the seats at the 94,000-seat Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum remained unsold, as many people grumbled that the $12 ticket price (about $92 in today’s money) was excessive and refused to cough up the required funds. In that initial contest, by the way, the NFL’s Green Bay Packers walloped the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs 35-10, and Green Bay quarterback Bart Starr was named MVP. Was that first halftime show close to the over-the-top, budget-busting extravaganza we have come to expect now? Judge for yourself. Two Bell Rocket Air Men, who each wore hydrogen-peroxide-propelled jetpacks (technically termed “rocket belts”) flew around the field—barely off the ground—to show what future travel could look like someday. Two college marching bands paraded. Trumpeter Al Hirt performed. Ten thousand balloons went airborne. And so did 300 pigeons, one of which left a deposit on the typewriter of sportscaster Brett Musburger.

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 18

Bibliography Internet: www.en.wikipedia.org Printouts: Super Ball, Super Bowl I Serafino, Jay. “8 Fascinating Facts About Super Bowl I.” www.mentalfloss.com. Jan. 28, 2019. “Super Bowl Trivia: A Collection of Interesting Facts About the Super Bowl of American Football.” www.topendsports.com

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Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 19

‘The Call of the Wild’ February Film By RANDAL C. HILL

fter five years of writing—and receiving (by his own account) a stack of rejection letters four feet high— Jack London fled the slums of Oakland, California, to join thousands of others headed to the Klondike Gold Rush. He returned home as penniless as when he left, but this time with a wealth of new material. In 1903, his short novel The Call of the Wild became a runaway success, and London soon became the highest-paid author of his time. Adapted now from London’s beloved classic, 20th Century Fox’s The Call of the Wild brings to the screen the story of Buck, a St. Bernard/sheep dog mix

who revels in a pampered domestic life in California until his world is upended. He is stolen from his home by the family gardener, who is deep in debt from his gambling addiction, and Buck is sold and transplanted to the Yukon to become a sled dog. There he learns to adapt to his harsh new environment as he passes through the hands of a series of cruel and bumbling owners. The once-gentle pet is starved and abused but refuses to relinquish his spirit to any man. He eventually meets gold prospector John Thornton, a dour, grizzled outdoorsman who immediately bonds

“I came up here because I didn’t want to be around anyone…and then I met Buck.” ~John Thornton (Harrison Ford) with the animal. They then share a series of adventures. Buck saves Thornton from drowning, and later he helps

Thornton win a $1,600 bet when Buck cast also includes Dan Stevens (Beauty manages to pull a 1,000-pound sled-load and the Beast), Omar Sy (X-Men), Karen of flour. Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2) Over time, Buck feels a primal stirring and Bradley Whitford (Get Out). The that he innately senses is being passed screenplay is by Michael Green (Murder on through his ancestors. He begins on the Orient Express), and the film is making excursions away from his directed by Chris Sanders (How to Train beloved John Thornton until Buck is Your Dragon). eventually finally set free to answer a The Call of the Wild opens nationwide clarion call emanating from the woods. on February 21st. As a live-action/computergenerated imagery (CGI) hybrid, The Call of the Wild employs state-of-the-art visual effects, and we easily find the animals here to be believable characters. London purists will undoubtedly grumble during the film, as the story line sometimes deviates from the original. Harrison Ford, at 77 still capable of the most demanding action sequences, stars as John Thornton. The more-than-able supporting Harrison Ford Stars Alongside “Buck” in Call of the Wild.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 20

# 308

February WORDWord SEARCH Search

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Sudoku #306

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

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

WIN GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by ThE 20Th of ThE moNTh. Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 21

Ten Habits Essential to Good Health I

By LAUREN REEVES

f you developed good, healthy habits when you were young, chances are, you’ve maintained those habits throughout your lifetime. But if not, don’t fret. It’s never too late to start. Good health practices can add quality of life no matter what your age. Now’s the time to open up your new 2020 calendar and schedule important appointments as well as make a list of healthy new behaviors you want to start and maintain. Here are ten habits essential for good health. 1. Eat healthy and hydrate. The digestive system naturally slows down with age, so high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are crucial to a proper diet. Because seniors are prone to dehydration, drink plenty of water to stay energized and sharp. Hydration is an integral part of all body functions and processes, including the elimination of toxins. These days, we have phone apps, watches, and even water bottles with reminders to help us to drink enough water. Or, stack eight pennies a day on the kitchen counter and move one to a new pile for each glass of water you drink. 2. Focus on prevention. Schedule your preventative care visits and make a list of questions you have for your doctor well before the appointment, so you don’t forget to ask something. Follow up with any tests your doctor orders, such as blood tests for glucose and cholesterol levels and cancer screenings. Also, remember to stay up to date on your vaccinations such as influenza, shingles and pneumonia. 3. Get involved with your medication management. When talking with your doctor, review your current medications. Consider possible drug interactions and take note of any new reactions or symptoms or (allergic reactions, drowsiness, loss of appetite, etc.) you are experiencing after changing or starting medications. 4. Get some sleep. Frequent waking and insomnia in the night are common among seniors, but studies have shown that frequent sleep disturbances can lead to dementia. Turn the lights down and electronics off in the evening to spur drowsiness and make sure your bedroom is comfortable, cool and quiet. Lower caffeine intake and stop all caffeine several hours before bed. Limit alcohol. Some people think a couple of drinks help them fall asleep, but studies show alcohol disturbs sleep patterns. Try not to eat heavy or spicy meals late in the day. Create a

Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 22

relaxing bedtime ritual and stick to a schedule, keeping bedtime and wake up time as regular as possible throughout the week. 5. Play and socialize. Games, puzzles, hobbies, and other mental challenges will help to stimulate your mind after retirement. If you have a smartphone or computer, download free apps that offer brain games and play them regularly. Keep up with the news and local events by reading online stories or the newspaper. Time spent with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even pets helps stimulate your brain and improve your mood. See your doctor if you think you may have depression, anxiety, or could be experiencing mental decline. 6. Have an annual eye exam and vision test, whether or not you think your vision has changed. These exams can help detect eye diseases such as glaucoma and other conditions as well. 7. Begin each day with an intention. Many people who strongly identified with their career suffer when that role “disappears” after retirement. It’s important to carry over your career strategies to successful aging with meaningful activities that give purpose to your life. 8. Stay physically active. Exercise not only improves health, but it also boosts energy, mood, and memory. Make sure to have your physician approve any new strenuous activities. Select activities you enjoy and will stick to, such as swimming, yoga, tennis, golf, shuffleboard, dancing or Zumba. It doesn’t need to be expensive; many Medicare plans offer the free Silver Sneakers health and fitness program, which includes free gym memberships and classes. 9. Visit the dentist every six months. Our risk for cavities goes up with age. Plus, many mouth infections are linked to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Aim to brush, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice a day. 10. Volunteer. Even if you lead a hectic life, find time to help others. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a long-term commitment or take a considerable amount of time. Acts of kindness not only help people and organizations in need but can benefit the volunteer by helping them to make new friends and contacts; enhance leadership and social skills; and even advance a career. Studies show that volunteerism can help protect physical and mental health, reduce stress, combat depression, provide mental stimulation along with a sense of purpose.

Seniors Getting Together WomEn SEEKinG mEn

exercises. Likes sports and animals. To PLACE An AD: Send your ad, stating WW. Loves the Lord. Florida. 4939 - onE SWEET HEARTED GUy. what edition(s) you would like it placed in, 5389 - To 5382, iSo LTR 75 years Early 70’s...playful, adventurous, fit, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each old, S, W, disease/drug free, NS very emotionally & financially secure. additional word, abbreviations not charged) light. A one woman man looking Seeks a special lady for cozy to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will for someone to share life and all mEn SEEKinG WomEn togetherness. appear in the following issue. its pleasure. Age and looks not important. Lehigh Acre. 5403 - SWm/LTR 73 yrs old. nS, 4930 - iSo LTR, 68 yR oLD, SWm. To RESPonD To An AD: Write nD, free easy going, outgoing, Romantic, affectionate, sincere, a letter to the person you want to 5391 - LooKinG FoR FRiEnDSHiP. loves life and its simple pleasures. disease and drug free. Loves life contact. Place that letter in a stamped Someone who is honest & caring. Romantic, affectionate. Looking and all it has to offer. Looking for envelope and write the ad # on the bottom Good sense of hunor. NS, W, D. for a lady to enjoy it all with. Will someone to share it with. No game left hand side of the envelope. Place your Someone to share time with. N. Ft. answer all with phone #. Sincerity players or liars. Only sincere need stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another Myers a plus. No liars or game players reply. Photo, phone please. envelope and address it to: thanks. Photo, phone please. Lifestyles After 50 5388 - i REmEmbER CooKinG XXXOOO 4921 - WiDoWED GEnTLEmAn Seniors Getting Together ToGETHER, dancing in the kitchen, LivinG in vEniCE. I’m 84, honest, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 walks & holding hands. ISO FRIEND, 5382 - iSo LTR. 75 yr old, SWm, stable, caring and affectionate. CommonLy USED AbbREviATionS: early 80’s, SOH, NS, LT SD. I am W, disease/drug free. NS, very light 5’10” and average weight. Looking F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWC, widow, 5’5”, HWP & attractive. SD. Romantic/Affectionate. A one for a similar type lady wishing to Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, Reply with phone or email. S. Ft. woman man looking for same in a enjoy the golden years. W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, Myers area. lady to share life and all its simple YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense pleasures with. Age and looks 4903 - iT’S nEvER To LATE for Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS5377 - i Am LooKinG FoR A not important. Personality and dreams to come true. Single white Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social FRiEnDSHiP. Are you a positive sincerity is. Photo, phone please. male, 75, no children. Our passions: (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, gentleman? Passionate about life? I Thank you. running, long walks and talks, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, am a attractive lady in my early 70s. sharing life. Sarasota. Let’s meet. FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care. I like golf, travel, theater, concerts, 5387 - SWm, 73 LooKinG FoR dining out or at home. I am always SWF. NS, ND, for travel, quality on the go and think it is no fun to time, share life’s moments, holding have fun unless you have someone hands, hugs. Affectionate. to share it with. INTERESTED? Personal Ad Placement only $6 per month! 5374 – SinGLE, 75, bALLRoom 5375 – RETiRED LADy bAnK DAnCER. 6’2”, 180, dance all Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement. oFFiCER. Would love to marry a night like a partner for dancing MArk The ediTiOn(S) YOu WOuLd Like TO run YOur Ad in: W, NS, NDrg, gentleman, 60-90 yo. I or life. Have no illness, like tall, ❍ Tampa Bay & Suncoast (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco) am healthy, have positive thinking, skinny, friendly, available for ❍ Lake/Marion/Sumter ❍ Southwest & Sarasota (Lee, Charlotte/Manatee) vibrant, intelligent. I love cooking, every kind of entertainment, Ad Copy ••• PLeASe PrinT neATLY ••• 30 Word Limit homemaking, swimming, travel. volunteer friendship center 16 yrs. TITLE: Bonita Springs. Englewood. (First 4 Words)

Seniors Getting Together

5365 – i Too Am A WomAn WHo LovES To DAnCE and wants companionship. Love music, good music. Love to go to the movies or I collect them. Have hundreds. Write me, I am a lot of fun. 5366 – LooKinG FoR CHRiSTiAn mAn. You must love to dance and have a sense of humor. I enjoy dining out or creating a gourmet meal at home. Let’s meet and walk the beach together. Photo please. Venice area. 4119 SEEKinG HonEST GEnTLEmAn. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and

4959 - LooKinG FoR FRiEnDSHiP. WM, 80, NS, ND, honest, sincere, spiritual. Likes cards, bowling, dancing. Looking for lady to share some time with. North Port area. 4950 - Hi! SWm looking for female who needs a home. Must be somewhat slim, fun, loving, easy going. ND, NS, affectionate. I’m same. Want to share my life. I’m 5’7”, 150. Send photo & phone please. Thanx. 4945 - Hi, i KnoW yoU’RE oUT THERE. I am looking for you too. My life partner. DWM, 76, fit, NS, ND. Likes adventure, travel, U.S. National Parks, sharing expenses. Let’s enjoy what life offers. Ft. Myers.

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If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

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Lifestyles After 50 • Sarasota/Manatee • February 2020 • page 23

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P.P. Contact: Doug Gardner Phone Number: 646-746-5107