Senior Connection October 2011 Suncoast edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Rails & Tales – Lake Neccudah

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VOLUME 22, NUMBER 10

Northern Ireland Treasures

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• Just What the Doctor Ordered • New Technology Benefits Seniors • Tales of the Frugal Couponer • Investing in an Aging World

SUNCOAST

OCTOBER 2011

RV or Bu st...

RVers and Florida—a Grand Love Affair

a ready-made group when the sun sets over the campground—finding neighboring RVers with whom to ust look at that couple share a glass of wine or even dinner. on the cover!Truth be I read that Prince Philip, the Duke told, there are many ways of Edinburgh, has been a patron of to live life in retirement England’s Caravan Club since 1952. and this one may be the best. Just maybe the ideal Janice Doyle, I doubt that he hits the open road as Editor a camper much, especially now that retirement is spending a he’s turned 90, but that doesn’t mean few years driving a comfortable RV he hasn’t wanted to. around our beautiful United States Remember the during the summer and ending up in classic VW CampFlorida for the mild winter weather. ervans of the early RVing is pretty awesome with today’s and RV interiors that rival a lux- 70s—filled with American families ury home in décor and convenience. off to see YellowAs winter approaches, we Floridstone or painted in ians say let the migration of snowpsychedelic colors birds and RVers begin! Although and full of hippies? no one knows for sure, estimates According to a range from one million up as to the recent article in the Financial Times, number of seniors who spend some nostalgic investors are going bonor all of their winters in Florida. kers for those classics. Buy an old one and you can have it renovated Why an RV and why Florida? and retrofitted (to include TV, etc.) Why RV? Dave Kelly, president at costs of, oh, maybe $20,000. of the Florida RV Association, says RVer John Laktin says for him many people RV because they have there’s all of the above as well as “the memories of camping with parents lure of the open road and seeing the or grandparents as children. “They’re country at our own speed.” His wife reliving the past,” Kelly says. “They Lois loves “setting up for a night or a enjoy the campfires, but they want week in a campground and stepping their conveniences”—conveniences which are found in today’s luxury RVs. out the door into woods and fresh air.” They enjoy the socialization, too, In fact, mobile homes, campers and the contentment of inviting the camptents have always attracted certain ers next door to sit for an evening types of people. Opinions vary (usuenjoying idle conversation and comally by how much you yourself enjoy paring life stories. (I hear there may the activity) as to whether campbe some lies along the way, as well. ers are the independent type, those What was actually said was, “Janice, interested in the outdoors or people you can be anything you want to be who are loners. Today, they’re just as for one evening around the campfire, apt to be socialites who like to have

Dear Readers,

impress the heck out of people and leave before they find out you’re a total jerk or a complete nobody.” Hmmm. Interesting thought.) According to Dave Kelly, Florida offers a great many reasons for making the state a temporary home in the comfort of an RV. Of course, the weather in January is a major factor, but he also says that Florida offers “so many dealers that provide the products and services” for buying and maintaining an RV. Compared to many places up north, competition among dealers here assures owners of being able to get a good deal. Kelly said Florida boasts 110,000 RV sites in 800 RV parks with an estimated five million campers visiting each year (not just seniors), making RVing a huge and valuable industry for our state. It doesn’t take much to imagine how much that means to our economy with purchases of gas, groceries, entrance fees, etc. So, if you’re sitting outside your RV reading while enjoying your cup of coffee, we’re glad you’re here. And, hey, invite us over to share an evening—there are a lot of ‘wannabe’ RVers living here in Florida too.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 2

country is your backyard, everybody’s your neighbor, and I’ve found this philosophy holds true no matter where I travel. I was pitching a tent in the Tetons when two senior RVing couples noticed that I was alone and offered to share their dinner with me. Dave and Karen, Brent and Marilyn were on a road trip from Twin Falls Idaho, spending retirement exploring America. We

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Publisher, President: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com Advertising Sales: Hillsborough/Pinellas 1-888-670-0040 Tampa Bay Area Dena Bingham: (813) 653-1988 Pinellas/Pasco Judy Floyd: (727) 678-0315 Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550 Sun City Center Judy Coleman: (813) 653-1988 Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190

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P.S. The couple in the cover picture lives in North Port, Florida. We love them!

On The Road Again — Living The RV Life!

his year, I knocked a big one off my bucket list when I took a camping trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons. I tend to travel alone on trips like these, as most of my friends are attached to home and internet access. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that you’re never alone when you’re camping. There’s a camraderie among campers and RVers.When the whole

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco

talked all evening about grandkids and tall tales, places they’ve seen and where they’re headed next. It may seem like a simple life to some—living on the road, sharing hamburgers with strangers—but for most RVers it’s a chance to make new friends and live life to its fullest, and I’ll never forget their hospitality. Happy Trails! ––Tracie Schmidt, Production

Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties: Southwest Edition Sarasota/Manatee Counties: Sarasota Edition

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ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the November 2011 issue is October 15, 2011. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

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Matinee Moments BY JUNE HURLEY YOUNG

t’s the time of year when I anticipate a whole season of exciting theatre. Because I am a senior, I eliminate night driving and choose matinee theatre performances in the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of the best matinees for October. Circle Sunday on your calendar because that’s the day most theatres schedule afternoon performances. There’s homegrown talent at the St. Petersburg Little Theatre plus dancing and singing in Putnam County Spelling Bee. This “nerdy” musical plays Sundays on Oct. 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Call (727) 855-1973 for tickets.

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The devil moves into the Straz Center in Tampa on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. “Good is evil and evil is good,” according to C.S. Lewis in his classic The Screwtape Letters. Starring the Master of Deception, the play leaves the viewer wondering which is which. Some $29 seats remain at (813) 229-7827. At the Mahaffey Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m., there’s a special presentation of the Gatlin Brothers, Larry, Steve and Rudy. In four decades, their talent has taken them from the dusty roads of Texas all the way to the White House. Seats are $37.50. Call (727) 892-5767.

“Carmina Burana,” Free Park Concerts and More

and Strauss, along with selections from The King ith over 200 inand I, music from The strumentalists and Muppet Movie and other vocalists on stage, The favorite popular fare with Florida Orchestra opens the evening ending in the 2011/2012 season’s St. Tchaikovsky’s explosive Principal trombone Dwight Decker. 1812 Overture. The Petersburg Times MasPhoto by Thomas Bruce Studio) terworks series with one concerts are Saturday, of the all-time favorite choral extravaOctober 22, at 7 p.m. at Vinoy Park in ganzas: Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. St. Petersburg, and Sunday, October Markus Huber conducts the orchestra 23, at 7 p.m. at Compton Park in with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay New Tampa. Concertgoers are invited and the Tampa Bay Children’s Choto bring canned food donations for rus in Carmina Burana on a program Tampa Bay Harvest for their food that includes the overture to Mozart’s bank services in the Tampa Bay area. Abduction from the Seraglio and Next, Music Director Stefan SanderHaydn’s Symphony No. 100, Military. ling conducts The Florida Orchestra Concerts are October 14, 15 and 16 in in Mahler’s soaring Symphony No. 7. Concerts are October 29 and 30 Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a free Enjoy new lower ticket prices of Pops in the Park Concert under the stars with guest conductor Daniel Boico $15, $30 and $45 for the Masterworks concerts. For tickets or concert leading The Florida Orchestra in a program of fun and familiar favorites by information, visit floridaorchestra.org or call 1-800-662-7286. Brahms, Dvorak, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky BY HENRY ADAMS

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 5

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Information & Directions call: 1-888-670-0040 • www.seniorconnectionfl.com Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 6

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1

, 8, 14, 15 Oktoberfest at German American Society, 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. Doors open 4 p.m. Authentic live music, traditions, ceremonies, dancing and food. For information, call (727) 548-5234.

and every Friday night “Concert in the Park” series at Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. Four area bands. 7 to 9 p.m. Food for sale from local restaurants beginning at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine for purchase. Bring chairs and blankets. Free. Phone: (727) 363-9245.

– 23 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by St. Petersburg Little Theater, 4025 31st St. S, St. Pete. $24 tickets at the box office. Call (727) 866-1973 or vist www.splt.org.

, 14, 21 Seminole Music in the Park, 7464 Ridge Rd., Seminole. 7 – 9 p.m. Bring lawn chair, blanket. Fire Dept. will sell food. 7 jazz; 14 Celtic/Irish; 21 oldies rock n’ roll. Call (727) 391-8345 for information.

Fall Health and Heart Show at Tyrone Square Mall, 6901 22 Ave N. Free. Exhibits, information, medical spa travel, weight loss programs, blood pressure and spinal checks. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call (727) 825-0018.

Seminar on Prescription Drug Plans by a trained S.H.I.N.E. volunteer from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Pinellas/Pasco Area Agency on Aging. Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. Phone: (727) 298-3080, ext. 224.

A Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective at The Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Pete. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22.50/ advance, $25/ door. Box Office (727) 822-3590.

Flea Market at Tarpon Community Center. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (727) 942-5628.

Sunset Beach Cleanup, Tarpon Springs. Trash bags and gloves provided. 8 to 10 a.m. For more information, call (727) 942-5628.

Join The Florida Orchestra for

Music in the Mornings at one of our two matinee series!

Archaeology Lecture Series “Pathos and Plants: Medicinal plant usage among Native Americans in this area.” 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. For more info, call (727) 453-6500 or visit weedonislandpreserve.org.

Pops in the Park Concert with The Florida Orchestra. Fun and familiar favorites ending in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Free. 7 p.m. at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. Bring canned food donations for Tampa Bay Harvest. Pack a picnic; bring a chair or blanket. Details at (727) 892-3337.

Photo credit: Thomas Bruce Studio

Orchid Friends Sale under the trees, 12350 Ridge Rd. Largo. Blooming and non-blooming plants and supplies for sale. Questions answered. 9 a.m. to noon. For more informaiton, please call (727) 475-0750.

Progress Energy Morning Masterworks

22 24

Democratic Women’s Club of Upper Pinellas meeting at Safety Harbor Library, 101 2nd St N., Safety Harbor. 11 a.m. Speaker and business meeting. Information at (727) 581-4630.

Contemporary Books Discussion Group meeting about Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. 7 p.m. Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. Phone: (727) 298-3080, ext. 224. Send Around Town news to Senior Connection 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. October 10 for November event.)

Coffee Concert Series

Enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts as well as lively commentary by the conductor and Pre-Concert Conversations in the hall one hour before curtain. The 7-concert series in St. Petersburg starts at $134, and a 3-concert package in Clearwater starts at $58. This new 3-concert matinee series is designed for fans who love hearing our traditional, classical Masterworks programs and prefer attending daytime concert performances. Prices start at $90. Subscribers to both series receive all of the Fixed Package benefits, including premium reserved seats and free flexible ticket exchanges.

First Coffee Concert of the Season November 3!

Gotta Dance

Enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts at this morning concert featuring Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story, Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, and Milhaud’s Saudades de Brasil. Introducing conductor Stuart Malina.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 7 9/16/2011 2:09:33 PM

He Has Easel, Will Travel to Paint

f you attend the is for gifts, such as for the person likes because what I see Senior Friendly ExChristmas. “Since I is what will go in the portrait. It’s travaganza at the Largo was very young, I’ve crucial that the person likes the photo Cultural Center on always been able to in the first place because I can’t do Nov. 17, you will find get a good likeness of better than the photo given to me.” Art Pressman, artist, a person right away,” Art Pressman began as an artist at drawing caricatures of he says. “I can take a age 3. “By the age of 5 I consciously willing visitors. He’ll photo of a person and realized I wanted to be a painter.” His capture your likeness do a portrait.” parents enrolled and add any distinHe enjoys him in Saturday oil guishing characteristics taking individual painting classes in you might have. He is a photos of sevNew York City at professional artist who eral people—for age 7 where his first paints in public places. example a group painting was a porThe caricatures of siblings—and trait and his second Art Pressman hard at work. he draws “for tips” then painting was a landscape. At are fun to have done at one of the them into a portrait that looks age 8, he sold his events sponsored by this publication like they were all together first painting—of a at a number of venues in the area. “sitting” for the portrait. He’s boat—as the result But Pressman is best-known for the done as many as 20 in one of school art show. portraits he paints. Got a photo of portrait, even though he had “My parents were someone you want to remember? separate photos of each of shocked. I was Pressman will take the photo and make them to work with. “The Publisher Kathy Beck displays happy to sell it and a portrait of the person, or of a group. main requirement is that a portrait of herself and her realized I had the Much of his work, Pressman says, each photo has an expression incentive to paint husband by Pressman.

to make money. I subconsciously knew that if I could paint, I could sell.” Through high school and college he says, “I knew I didn’t want to teach.” His painting evolved from gallery and hotel shows to actually working in public places as people watched. Today, you can find Pressman painting at various fairs. Look for him evenings when you dine at Arigato’s in Clearwater Thursday through Saturday, the Marriott in Clearwater Tuesdays, the Weston in Tampa on Wednesdays. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. he sets up his work in the lobby of the DonCesar Beach Resort in St. Pete. Portraits by artist Art Pressman start at $500 for an 11 x 14 size with prices increasing with larger sizes. He does charcoals and drawings for less, of course, and his work includes some landscapes which are on display where he works. Call Art Pressman at (727) 422-1493.

They say you’re as young as you feel. we agree.

There’s a good chance the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by your Medicare health plan, Medicare Supplement carrier or retiree group as one of your benefits. A SilverSneakers membership includes access to all basic amenities, group exercise classes, health education and fun social activities at nearly 10,000 fitness locations. Don’t miss out on one of the best ways to be healthy and stay independent! Visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632 today to find out if you already have this great benefit.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 8

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 9

Life Gets Easier for Senior Techies

BY KATE FORGACH

he older I get, the more I appreciate the body of my youth. As a Baby Boomer dealing with hearing loss (too much rock music), memory loss (not enough Gingko), and unbending knees (too much biking), I appreciate every bit of senior assistance. That gratitude extends to manufacturers developing products tailored for those with reduced capacity or not familiar with our rapidly changing tech world. While some of the following examples weren’t originally designed with America’s elders in mind, they still offer great benefits to those who don’t want to get totally left behind. Here are seven changes age hath wrought in today’s technological world.

1. Dumb Phones I was bereft when my ancient Razr phone disappeared as it was so easy to use and is no longer available. In looking for a replacement, I found most phones have tiny black buttons and keyboards designed more for texting and playing online than for making calls. Some manufacturers are listening to these concerns, however, and creating phones specifically for my brethren. Think Jitterbug and the Doro PhoneEasy series. 2. Intelligent Phones Intel is working on a phone for those who have memory problems. Using caller ID tech, it’ll display a photo of the person calling, the user’s relationship to the caller and information about their last conversation. It would be even more helpful if Intel would create a human-implant screen that would jog my memory upon meeting people I “know.”

3. Nana Technology Companies like Accenture and Intel have teamed up with universities and other researchers in the development of gadgets that make life easier. These include smart walkers users can retrieve by remote control, pillboxes that remind you to take your pills and mailboxes that let you know when mail has arrived. 4. Tablet Computers I’d give my AARP membership for an iPad. The screen is a joy, the touchpad keyboard is nice and big, and, most importantly, it’s entirely intuitive. Apple’s security technology also nearly eliminates spyware and viruses, which are a nightmare to eradicate. In general, touchscreens are easier for seniors to use. It took me just 30 minutes to get an elderly friend up and running on her new Motorola Xoom tablet. Unable to type anymore due to arthritis, the light touch required for these screens opened a whole new world. We loaded a few useful apps, made Google her home page, set up a Gmail account and she was off.

6. Durable Tech Cases Otterbox has cornered the market on hardcore cases for phones, e-readers, laptops and just about everything else that can be dropped, smashed or end up in water. 7. Online Shopping Shopping the e-commerce way is so much faster and easier for those facing diminished capacities. Plus, the selections are much larger, it’s often also possible to find better prices, and free shipping codes bring your purchase directly to the door without a delivery fee. Isn’t technology wonderful? The author is a senior-consumer expert for Kinoli Inc.

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Prospect Towers is a 17 story apartment community for 208 residences.

Utilities included in the rent. Cable is an additional $18/mo.

Non-Profit housing for the elderly.

Admission Qualifications

• Close to beaches • Grocery store within walking distance • On the busline • Close to medical facilities

• At least one person 62 or older • Or disabled under 62 Must be capable of caring for your apartment.

Visit: http://prospect.presidioproperty.com

Building Features

• Fire sprinklers throughout • Limited entrances to building • Smoke detectors in every apartment • Emergency call buttons in every apartment • 24-hour desk clerks • Library • Coin operated laundry • All electric kitchen • Central heat & air conditioning • Ample closets & kitchen cabinets

5. E-readers Few books are printed in large type anymore, but e-readers can make every book easy to read. The Kindle, for example, allows users to boost the font size with a touch of a button and the resolution improves with every release. The Barnes & Noble NOOK boasts a full-color display that makes reading even easier.

• On Site Wellness Center • Heat lamps and grab bars in tubs and showers • Maintenance work orders completed within 24 to 48 hours • Lighted parking on site • Exterior windows open for fresh air • Small pets welcome (15 lbs. limit) • Subsidized TV cable.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 10

• Local and World News

• Great Stories & Information

• All Your Favorite Events

• Travel, Finance, Health & More!

Learn Tai Chi with SilverSneakers

ecognizing the unique needs of older adults in the community, Premier Choice Fitness, located at 7322 Little Rd. in New Port Richey, has partnered with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program. Premier Choice Fitness is offering a six-week pilot study in the ancient art of tai chi/chi kung. The series, led by Grand Master Dennis Kelly of

the Golden Warriors Tai Chi group, will introduce particpants to this ancient art of exercise that promotes focus, concentration, balance and a calming sense of well being. To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan provider. For details about SilverSneakers at Premier Choice Fitness as well as the tai chi/chi kung pilot study, call (727) 264-8895.

New Senior Concert Series

he Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College is kicking-off their “2011 – 2012 Senior Concert Series.” This series will showcase a wide variety of themes from Broadway to jazz to organ music to cabaret —something for everyone! The first performance is scheduled for Tues., Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Palladium’s Stavros Great Room. Experience the “Music of the Nativity” with

original songs and new arrangements of your best-loved Christmas carols. “A Not So Silent Night,” collaboration between popular local artist Becca McCoy and acclaimed composer and pianist James Weaver, will bring tidings of joy to your holiday season. The Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg. For tickets and info, call (727) 822-3590 or visit mypalladium.org.

Ongoing Activities

ridays: St. Pete Shuffle. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. A hip twist to an old game under the stars. All equipment provided and instruction available on 65 courts. More information at stpeteshuffle. com or (727) 822-2083.

Sundays: Dixieland Dance with

Legion 252, 11433 Park Blvd., Seminole, 7 – 9:30 p.m. (727) 391-8324.

The River City Banjo Band. American

Volunteers needed for after-school literacy program. Read stories aloud, guide responses and more. Located at Martin Luther King Neighborhood Center, 900 North Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater. To volunteer, or for more information, please call (727) 442-5355.

ELDER LAW WILLS AND TRUSTS • PROBATE LAW • Medicaid Planning for Nursing Homes • Wills • Probate • Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Estate Planning • Asset Protection Beverly Thomson Shaw, P.A. Attorney at Law

• Living Wills

727-327-9222 5521 Central Avenue • St. Petersburg, FL 33710 www.bevshawlaw.com

Continuum of care – allowing you and your family peace of mind as lifestyle needs change. Pets Welcome Call For More Information 727-669-5261 www.bayviewgardensonline.com 2855 Gulf to Bay Blvd. • Clearwater, FL 33759 Single Story Villas for Independent Living

Prices starting at $1015/mo.

Accepting Medicaid Diversion Assisted Living Facility Lic. # AL11209

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 11

Come Discover One of Florida’s Premier Age 50 & Up Independent/ Active Apartment Community Homes.

Boomers Prepare to Collect Benefits

ree educational workshops titled “Social Security Planning for Boomers: What Everyone Needs to Know” have been scheduled at these times and places:

Weds., Oct. 5, 3 p.m. at the Safety

Harbor Library.

The Lexington Club has the Best of what you need and want! Large one bedroom with den 769 sq. ft. Two bedroom/two bath 870 sq. ft. High ceilings with ceiling fan in every room Full size washer/dryer hook ups in every apartment

Special Autumn Offer Rent reduced to

$610

per month on select units

Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Fitness Center Computer Room & Library • Convenience Store & Hair Salon Playground for Visiting Grandkids • Arts/Crafts Room Party Room • Climate Control Halls & Stairways Planned Weekly & Monthly Events • Sparkling Pool Games Room • Weekly Games including Bingo Elevators For Easy Access • Laundromats on Site

Lexington Club is in a Non-Evacuation Zone Pet Friendly Community

727-446-2582

1200 South Missouri Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756 (opposite Georgie Boy Restaurant) We also accept Clearwater Housing Section 8 voucher. Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 12

Thurs., Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Dunedin Community Center.

Tues., Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. at the

Clearwater Campus Library of St. Petersburg College.

Tues., Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library.

The workshop will be presented by J. Henry Livingston, CFP, President, Retirement Resources Advisory, Inc. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Individuals may reserve space by calling (727) 799-4723.

Live Longer—Make Friends

hy are friends so great for our health? It turns out that friends may help us make healthier choices in food. And many psychologists now think that without a strong base of social support, people are much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of stressful living.

Better with Age In a recent study, seniors over 70 who kept in touch with friends were less likely to die over a 10-year period— phone contact counted too.

Life Support Is your crew undermanned? It’s never too late to make friends. Reach out! Others will do the same for you.

SINGER® Sewing Brand Celebrates 160 Years

emember that sewing machine you learned to sew on? Was it a SINGER® brand sewing machine? To celebrate 160 years, the company is offering to help you learn historic information about your vintage or antique sewing machine and share your own story about SINGER® and sewing. Go online to mysingerstory.com to help celebrate the brand’s heritage. In January 2012, SINGER® will unveil a limited edition SINGER® 160th anniversary commemorative sewing machine that mirrors machine designs of the past, while offering current, easy-to-use features.

“Since the introduction of the world’s first practical sewing machine 160 years ago, the SINGER® brand has brought the craft of sewing to millions of people across the globe,” said Katrina Helmkamp, CEO of SVP Worldwide, producer of the SINGER® products. The mysingerstory. com website is a place to share individual sewing stories and learn more about personal SINGER® household sewing machines, including the year it was issued and interesting historical facts about sewing from that era. You can learn more online at mysingerstory.com.

Buying a Used RV? Get a Deal, Not a Headache BY TERESA AMBORD

re you in the market for a good used RV? There are plenty of them out there. But how can the average buyer tell the difference between a good deal and a headache waiting to happen? Before you buy, do your homework. There are lots of resources available to help you make the right decision. Chuck Woodbury, the editor of RVtravel.com says “If I had to boil down my advice, it would be that buyers should take their time with their purchase and do their homework.” With gas prices high, many RV owners are looking to sell, but whatever you do, don’t get in a hurry. Here are some tips I learned from Woodbury and from other seasoned RV dwellers. • Check the condition of the upholstery, carpet, kitchen, and bathrooms. If they haven’t been well cared for, there is good reason to believe that the working parts underneath have also been neglected. • Check for strong odors that might indicate the unit had been generally neglected. • Don’t forget to check the tires, battery, air conditioner and the refrigerator to make sure they are all in good shape. • Will your family fit comfortably in the RV? How to Check for Water Damage The source of water damage may not be obvious. You need to check the RV from top to bottom. Check for the smell of mold or mildew, any discoloration in the ceiling, around all openings to the outside, the insides of all cabinets, open areas where there is equipment and spongy areas in the floor.

Presents the 7th annual...

If you do find water damage but the RV is otherwise sound, take it to a qualified RV technician to find out how bad the damage is and what the cost to repair it is. If the damage compromises the integrity of the vehicle, it may not be worth the fix. On the other hand, you might find the damage is mostly cosmetic and well worth the repair.

It Pays to Sound Like You Know What You’re Doing Know ahead of time what you are looking for so you don’t end up buying a unit just because the price fits your budget. Check out enough models so that you know what floor plans are comfortable for you. A good prebuying tip might be to take a weekend trip in a rental RV to see if the floor plan is a good fit for your family. Woodbury advises not buying from a private party unless you first have it checked out by an RV technician and (if motorized) a mechanic. Take the rig for a good test drive on the open road to see if you feel comfortable driving it. Never buy an RV from a campground or a parking lot, said Woodbury. No deal is good enough to take that chance. Finally, Woodbury cautions shoppers about buying prior rental units which may not have been properly cared for. That’s why, he said, you must check every detail or you could get stuck with a “bum rig.” That doesn’t mean that every detail has to be perfect. High mileage, for example, is not all that important if you are mainly driving it to a campground 30 miles away, a few times each year.

s... Hey Senior DAY! SIGN UP TO

One mile “FUN” Walk around Largo Central Park Walkers Receive: Walk Certificate, T-Shirt to first 100 walkers registered by mail, Continental Breakfast, Sponsor “Goodie” Bag & GRAND PRIZES to the Winners!

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011 Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Dr. • Largo, FL 33771 Registration begins at 8:45 am • Free Parking Warm Up by Silver Sneakers Walk starts at 9:15 am, $4 minimum donation for Meals on Wheels Please make checks payable to: News Connection USA, Inc. alk After the W the... t a s u in Jo

FREE!

Nov. 17, 2011 10 am – 3 pm Largo Cultural Center

Join the Fun! SEND This Walk Form Today!

LARGO

Name

Age

Fill out ths form and mail it with your $4 donation to: News Connection USA Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583-0638 YES! I would like to join the Senior Fun Walk Nov. 17, 2011! 9:15 am. DEADLINE Nov. 10 or Register at the Largo Cultural Center 8:45 am, Thurs., Nov. 17, 2011

Address City Phone Signature

Zip E-mail Date

In consideration of our acceptance of this entry, I for myself, my heirs, devises, executors, administrators and assign hereby waive, release, discharge any and all claims against Largo Cultural Center, or anyone sponsoring or conducting this event or thier employees, representatives or successors for any and all damages or injuries I may suffer. I hereby, grant permission for the free use of my name and pictures in any broadcast or account of this event. Sponsored by...

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 13

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Rails and Tales—Meet the Mayor of Lake Neccudah BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

n a quiet mountain valley, about 45 minutes north of Denver, there’s a town you won’t find on any map. You’ll know it by the rumble of the train tracks and the clear reflection of the Rockies on the town’s namesake: Lake Neccudah. The mayor can trace his roots back to turn-of-the-20th century settlers who reclaimed the city after the mining bust had left it all but a ghost town. An imposing man, he towers over the city—quite literally—as he monitors the comings and goings of the town’s residents and two major rail lines.

of your focus, so you have no room to think about your problems,” he laughs. Between 60 and 70 buildings, cars, three trains and over 400 people are all airbrushed or painstakingly hand-painted. If there’s one thing he’s a stickler for, it’s HO scale—a standard among train modelers. “These are not toys, they’re miniatures,” he emphasises, “and I want to make everything as authentic as possible.”

The Saga of Lake Neccudah The mayor gave me the grand tour, and as the Lake Neccudah Pacific chugged over mountain passes and into town, past Bingham Lumber, Riverbend Campground, the local soda fountain and elementary school, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the small stories unfolding below me. In one part of town, folks were skinny dipping at a pool party while others gathered at a local fairground to celebrate “Founder’s Day.” “I would bring people in to see the layout, and I just started developing stories about the townsfolk,” Bingham shares. He began writing them down to keep everything together and ended up with a 200 page manuscript. He was planning on publishing it when one of his friends suggested that he start a webCharles (Chuck) Bingham, an actual site so that others could see his town resident of Valrico, FL, has been buildand share its story. A few months later, ing this fictional town by hand for the Saga of Lake Neccudah was online. about 16 years. Using wood, asphalt tile, sawdust, paint, scale models, The Community panoramic murals and other materials, At Lake Neccudah’s site, you can Bingham has transformed a room in read the history of the town in full and his house into a bustling western town catch up on the latest news, photos and that has taken on a life of its own. anecdotes from the residents. Visitors “My grandfather in England, Samuel can watch videos of police reports and Dunwell, was a railroad engineer, take an aerial tour of the city, or if they and I have been fascinated by trains like, rent an apartment in town and since I could remember,” Bingham become part of the story themselves. says about the inspiration behind Bingham was surprised by how his town. “My dad would take me quickly a simple hobby could down to the station and I loved to become an interactive world. watch them coming and going.” “I got going on this, and it just kind of His model started small, as a way grew! Right now, I have visitors from to relax after a long day’s work. 173 cities and 22 different countries,” “I’d come home, I’d be all stressed, Bingham says. He expects the town to but then I would put on my magnifier, grow even more in the years ahead. take out my finest bristle brush and To learn more, visit lakeneccudah.com start painting miniatures. It takes all or e-mail chuck@lakeneccudah.com.

Lake Neccudah: History and Fun Facts ingham came up with the name “Lake Neccudah” using an anagram of his name, his wife’s and his daughter’s. But according to myth, Lake Neccudah takes its name from a loosely translated Indian phrase meaning “where the mountains meet the plains.”

• Lake Neccudah was founded on July 29, 1859 to support miners who worked the Colorado gold rush from 1858 – 1861.

• In late 1873, five local merchants pooled their resources and founded the Lake Neccudah Rail Road Company to serve the area’s mining and growing agricultural businesses.

• In 1947 a British immigrant named Harold Bingham came to Lake Neccudah seeking to rebuild a life for his wife and two small sons. The current mayor (who is famous for his pool parties) is a direct descendant!

• Every October, Lake Neccudah residents host an annual “Harvest Days” festival to give thanks for blessings.

start your own model train hobby:

odel trains have been around since the 1890s—from intricate clockwork models made in Germany to electric-powered, made-to-scale Lionel trains. There are sets for every collector, and their size and detail are limited only by the builder (and his budget). The largest model train in the world is the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany: miniatur-wunderland.com. Bingham spent around $12,000 over the course of several years building Lake Neccudah. Part of it was handmade, but a savvy collector knows how to get parts for less. When he ﬁrst started out, he would look for models at swap meets, ﬁnding deals and exchanging stories with fellow enthusiasts. “The internet has killed local hobby

shop meets,” Bingham admits sadly. However, there are still great deals to be found online, and if you’re willing to make the trip, regional train shows are great places to go model-hunting. Parts Online: internettrains.com; modeltrainstuff.com. Train Shows: The Great Train Expo: trainexpoinc.com; 61st H&R Train Show: hrtrains.com. Can’t get enough trains? Or maybe you’re just starting out and you need a few tips from the pros. Try joining a local model railroad club, and meet some friends. Nearby clubs: Suncoast Model Railroad Club: railserve.com; Sun City Center Model Railroad Club: sccmrrc.org; Or, check out a local railroad museum: RealRail: realrail.org; Florida Railroad Museum: frrm.org.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 15

Veterans Corner

News and Observations for Veterans Veterans Promotion – AARP Driving Course is Free during November ll military personnel over 55— active duty, retired, guard, or reserve—are eligible to receive a free DSP (Driver Safety Program) classroom course during November. Spouses (including widows and widowers) are also eligible to take the class as space permits. All participating veterans must complete a Veteran Participant Form, to be provided by the instructor during the course. All registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The offer does not apply to online courses. There are no exceptions to this rule. To locate a course, call the national toll free number 1-888-227-7669 or online at aarp.org/findacourse.

Hang up and Log on! 24/7 Access to VA Prescriptions is now possible with My HealtheVet. With two clicks of your computer mouse VA Prescriptions can be filled by registering for My HealtheVet! Online programs include View Appointments, Health Calendar, Secure Messaging and Online Prescription Refill. To start, first, visit MyHealth.va.gov and register for a basic account. Check “VA Patient” when registering. Once registered as a “VA Patient” on My HealtheVet, go to “Prescription Refill” to start. VA Prescriptions can be refilled any time from any computer with internet access. My HealtheVet has other features to help take charge of your health. By upgrading with a one-time In Person Authentication (IPA) you can use upgraded features. This includes Secure Messaging, Wellness Reminders and Appointments. To upgrade, watch the IPA Video, print the form and bring it in to a local VA facility. Once upgraded, you have access to current and future My HealtheVet features. Learn more about My HealtheVet by visiting MyHealth.va.gov or contacting Todd Wright, My HealtheVet Coordinator, at (618) 997-5311 Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 16

VHA Services Report VHA (Veterans Health Administration) services were found to be either similar or better than the private sector for several chronic disease treatments, including cancer, researchers reported in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Hero Miles for Wounded Warriors Having family around helps wounded warriors find a new “normal” in their life. The Hero Miles program provides family members commercial airline flights to the injured service member in the hospital or to rehabilitation programs through donated frequent flyer airline miles. The 2005 Defense Authorization Act created Operation Hero Miles. Currently, Air Tran, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, United-Continental and U.S. Airways participate in the program. Participants in the frequent flyer miles programs may donate their miles to Hero Miles through the airline’s frequent flyer program. Fisher House has information on their Hero Miles website with details about the process (fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles). The process for a family member to use Hero Miles usually begins when a caseworker in military or Veterans Administration medical facilities refers a family member to apply for a flight to join their injured or wounded Airman. The Hero Miles administrator coordinates the request from a servicemember or their families with the caseworker and makes the airline reservations. To date, Hero Miles has provided more than 25,000 airline tickets donated by American people to servicemembers and their families. There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment.

Just What the Doctor Ordered: Your Favorite Pastime BY DR. JOSEPH MARKENSON

he social aspects of your golf game, spending time with your friends and family, may do wonders for your well-being, but chronic knee pain can make you feel like never lifting a club again. Many of my patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have bought into the myth that physical activity will make knees feel worse. However, nothing could be further from the truth, with the right treatment plan. Regular physical activity has actually been shown to improve some arthritis symptoms and promote general health. So a round of golf with friends and family may be a good way to keep your knees working well. Maintaining an active lifestyle can strengthen muscles, improve functionality and ease pain for people with knee OA.

The American College of Rheumatology recommends physical activity for managing the condition. While it may seem counterintuitive to do something that hurts in order to ease the pain, walking, aerobics and strength training have all been shown to do just that. In fact, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that exercise and physical therapy improved function in people with knee OA and may have helped delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine recently concurred with earlier studies, saying that even a small increase in physical activity helped people with knee OA walk faster. They also found that staying active reduced pain, depression and fatigue. There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to treat knee OA. The unique nature of each individual’s condition usually requires the need for personal evaluation by a healthcare professional. That is why finding the right pain management regimen is an important part of helping patients get and stay active. Treatments are tailored to each patient based on your individual needs. Options include over-thecounter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or, if pain is persistent, speak with your doctor about prescription treatments. Some of the latest advances in topical pain treatments include newer diclofenac applications, which can potentially

offer significant gastrointestinal safety benefits for certain patients. Beginning in 2000, a doctor-prescribed diclofenac patch, gel, and topical solution were approved separately for use in the United States. Early action is key, and exercise is an important tool in treating OA. Walking 18 holes is the equivalent of walking 10,000 steps, making golf just one sport that may prove beneficial for people with knee OA. As with returning from any injury, it is important to stay motivated. Whatever activity you choose, I recommend my patients record their progress and encourage their own movement. One way to do this is through the Arthritis Foundation’s Movement Tracker. To find out more information, visit www.arthritis.org. Dr. Joseph Markenson is an attending physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Please enclose this form with your entry. (make sure to sign the bottom) Mail to: News Connection USA, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583-0638 Presents...

Enter Now! GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Will receive a 2 NIGHT STAY AT THE THE GAYLORD PALMS RESORT, ORLANDO FOR 4.

Could Your Grandchild’s Photo be a Winner?

Including Ice!, ShrekFeast and much more

Selected photos will be published in upcoming issues of Senior Connection magazine. Photos will be on display at the Senior Friendly Extravaganza, November 17, 2011 at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo FL 33771 Call 1-888-670-0040 for more information. X1st Place Winner $75 X 2nd Place Winner $50 X 3rd Place $25 X GRAND PRIZE WINNER X

RULES:

Photos should be: Maximum size 8 1/2” x 11”, printed on photo paper only. Maximum 5 entries per person. NO professional photos. Please no photos by e-mail.

Grandparent Name Address City

State

Zip

Phone Photo Title Sender’s Age(s)

Subject’s Age(s)

Subject’s Name Photo release signature Entries must be received by Nov. 2, 2011 to be entered in the Photo Contest. (Send your photos in early so we can share them with our readers). Photos will be returned within 45 days after contest ends, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (large enough to fit your photo) and name and address on the back of the photo.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 17

Discover The Springs South Pasadena’s Hidden Treasure

Welcome to The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, located in beautiful South Pasadena on the campus of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. We’re not your typical skilled nursing facility. We are a 109 bed Medicare certified Rehab Center offering a variety of health care services: • Skilled Nursing • Wound Care • Social Services • Full scale beauty salon • Individualized activities • State-of-the-art Rehab. We offer Customized Rehab programs 7 days a week both in-patient and out-patient including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. We specialize in: • Orthopedic • Stroke/Neuro • Cardiac programs by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment including Anodyne therapy and Natilus equipment, just to name a few.

: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do?

A: It’s critical that your name and

Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card; or contact your local Social Security office.

Q: Are Social Security numbers

reassigned after a person dies?

A: No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In

Out and About 16 Opera goes to Broadway! 2 p.m. Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. $14. Call (727) 942-5605 or visit tarponart.org

We make admissions easy! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experienced and licensed Nurse Liaison, Catresa Bowie, will meet you at hospital bedside or in your home. If you have a surgery planned, why not come in for a tour and take the mystery out of the admission process. Call Catresa Bowie at (727) 599-1390.

The Springs At Boca Ciega Bay 1255 Pasadena Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33707

(727) 828-3500

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 18

all, we have assigned more than 460 million Social Security numbers, and each year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. The current system has enough new numbers for several more generations. For more info, visit socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Barrington Terrace Oct. Events

St. Pete Times Festival of Reading at Univ. of South Florida, St. Pete. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 45 authors to appear. See festivalofreading.com

ov. 3 Palm Harbor Newcomers Alumnae and Friends Club Fashion Show; East Lake Woodlands Country Club. $23. 11 a.m. Call (727) 796-1405.

ov. 7 Madeira Beach Social Club (every first Monday). 1 p.m. Madeira Beach City Hall. $10/year dues. Games, field trips, luncheons, more. For more details, call (727) 397-3434.

C O O

heck out this calendar of events at Barrington Terrace Assisted Living & Memory Care Community: ctober 12 – Free Bingo event with prizes. Cruise ship theme! Game starts at 1 p.m.. ctober 27 – Caregiver Support Group, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

RSVP to (727) 588-0020. Respite care available; please call for details. Barrington Terrace, 333 16th Ave. SE., Largo, FL 33771. Visit www.bt-largo.com.

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Complimentary presentation will cover important topics such as: Estate Planning, Long term care planning (Medicaid & Veterans Benefits), the new Florida Power of Attorney law, and Pre‐Need Cremation Contracts. Get answers to your questions! Refreshments will be served. Limited Seating Available. Barrington Terrace 333 16th Ave. S.E., Largo, FL 33771 October 20, 2011 • 2:00PM – 4:00PM Please RSVP to (727) 785-0973 or (727) 399-4471

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Here’s what our families and residents say:

“The size of the community is just right, not too big and overwhelming.” “We enjoy keeping busy with all the activities and the companionship of others.” “The staff is very loving and kind, they treat my parents like they are family.” “We are so happy we chose Barrington Terrace.”

Come Aboard the SS Barrington Terrace. Largo’s Finest Assisted Living & Memory Care Fantasy Cruise Ship. FREE EVENT - October 12th, 1pm to 3pm. Captains Welcome and Tour followed by: BINGO, PRIZES AND REFRESHMENTS RSVP by Oct 10th - 727-588-0020.

Direct Cremation Service no funeral services $945 Complete Includes urn and death certificate. Plan-ahead arrangements available Mark Grande, President (727) 785-0973 (24 hrs) 29399 US Hwy. 19 N., Suite 270 Clearwater, FL 33761 www.EternalCremations.com Member of Better Living for Seniors and Guardian Association of Pinellas Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 19

Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens

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V made everyone familiar with the phrase “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” the trademark of Life Alert Emergency Response. Most everyone over 50 is aware of the potential for bad falls and the subsequent need for medical assistance. But it’s true that falls and frailty can make independent living impossible. In the book The Science of Staying Young, authors John Morley and Sheri Colberg say that the best course is knowing how to prevent falls in the first place.

ear Marci, I am about to be discharged from the hospital, and my doctor thinks I should enter a skilled nursing facility. Can a skilled nursing facility decide not to accept me as a patient? —Nigel

Dear Nigel, Yes. A Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) is not required to take you as a patient simply because your doctor has prescribed care for you and you qualify for SNF care under Original Medicare. Facilities are allowed to select which patients they accept, as long as they do not

violate discrimination laws. A skilled nursing facility can also limit the kinds of services it provides and the types of conditions it will care for. If you need services that the SNF does not provide, the SNF may decide not to accept you as a patient. Sometimes the SNF will not take you as a patient because it believes you do not meet Medicare’s criteria for coverage. If you are in a Medicare private health plan (like an HMO), your plan will generally pay for you to get care only from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that are within the plan’s network. You may be able to get care from a non-network SNF (and pay your plan’s rates) if you were staying in the SNF before a hospitalization, if the SNF is a part of your continuing care retirement community or if your spouse lives in the SNF at the time of your hospital discharge. —Marci For more help, call (800) 333-4114 or visit dearmarci@medicarerights.org.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 20

SAFE AND SOUND

• Strength problems (particularly in quadriceps muscles)

• Alcohol in excess

• Food-associated low blood pressure

• Environmental factors (uneven surfaces, poor lighting for example) • Artherosclerotic disease (fainting) • No freedom (restraints that keep you from being physically active) • Drugs (medication effects)

• Sight problems (poor vision from cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration)

Office Hrs. Mon.–Fri. 8–12 & 1–4 Closed Saturday & Sunday

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Two other things to know about falls is that dementia doubles the risk and that any new disease impacts your health even if it is only temporary. The authors put the risk factors into an easy-to-remember form with SAFE AND SOUND:

• Orthostasis (dizziness or disorientation with standing)

One study showed that for every 287 calories per day those aged 70 to 82 expended doing anything active, they increased their chances of living longer by 68 percent. Falling down occasionally is inevitable at any age, they state, and the more active you are the more apt you will be to fall at some point. They encourage readers to learn to minimize the impact of falls rather than stop being active in the hopes of not falling. One in three people over age sixty falls each year and 95 percent of all hip fractures are the result of falls. The major risk factors for falls are muscular weakness, poor vision, medication effects, unsteady balance and getting up to go to the bathroom in the night. What to learn from this? Keep healthy, strong, stable and physically active with special emphasis on balance and strength exercises.

• Unsteady balance

• Nocturia (frequent need to urinate during the night

• Delirium

Tips to prevent falls: Do your strength and flexibility exercises, remove floor clutter and throw rugs, correct your vision and improve lighting. Simply said, the more active you remain, the less likely you are to lose that capacity. One study showed that for every 287 calories per day those aged 70 to 82 expended doing anything active, they increased their chances of living longer by 68 percent. The study included volunteering, walking, providing care to others and doing household chores. Amazingly, the book notes that watching TV uses almost less energy than sleeping. So, no matter your circumstances, move, move, move.

Mom Was Right—Good Posture Makes You Tougher M others have been telling their children to stop slouching for ages. It turns out that mom was onto something and that poor posture not only makes a bad impression but can actually make you physically weaker. According to a recent study, adopting dominant poses makes people feel more powerful, in control and able to tolerate more distress.

What it means Fake it until you make it. Rather than curling up into a ball when in pain, this research suggests that a person should do the opposite. Curling up in a ball may make the experience more painful because it will make you feel like you have no control over your circumstances, which may in turn intensify your anticipation of the pain. Standing or sitting up straight

In business

creates a sense of power and control over a situation. Keeping your chin up and assuming a dominant posture might really work to manage emotional pain. It may be that it makes remembering a distressing emotional event less painful.

Caregivers Need to Let Go Caregivers often try to baby those for whom they are caring to help make things easier and alleviate stress. In doing this, they force those they are caring for into a more submissive position. This possibly renders their patients more susceptible to experiencing pain. Rather, this research suggests that caregivers take a more submissive position and surrender control to those who are about to undergo a painful procedure to lessen the intensity of the pain experienced. (Newswise)

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 21

“Grandma, Come Play with Us”

Grandmother Peggy Land and her husband from isiting a children’s Oldsmar were museum can be visiting with their a great way to spend grandchildren from time with your grandout of state. Peggy children. The Glazer ordered sandwiches Children’s Museum, and pizza at the located in downtown child-sized Outback Tampa, is perfect for restaurant play playing together. Peggy Land enjoys area and smiled as Sarah Cole, Director “pizza” with grandkids. the brown, red and of Education for the green felt pizza was handed to her. Museum, says, “The Museum is Next door in Publix, Caitlin, age 7, designed for children 10 and under. pushed a child-size cart and collected Our focus is pretend and exploratory groceries before scanning and bagging play. A key factor in enjoyment for them at the checkout counter. Another different ages is appropriate expectalittle girl found her niche restocking tions, and ‘tweens who are used to computer and tech play who come with the shelves after groceries had been bagged by other children. At the the expectation of being entertained veterinary clinic, Josh listened with his would likely be bored.” Cole enjoys stethoscope to one pretend dog after watching grandparents come with another before putting them in their their young grandchildren and get into carry-cases. In another area—called the fun of playing with the children. BY AMY WITHEROW

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Safety Village—Brandon put on the fireman’s hat while David donned the pint-sized firefighter’s uniform to jump in and out of the fire truck, which is complete with siren and lights. Other grandparents played with children in the “KidsPort” area on the first floor where a simulation of the Tampa Bay area allows young and old alike to create channels, roll a ball across the Skyway Bridge or play in the “rubber sand” near a kid-size cruise ship. Additional play areas include Kids Network, Design + Build, and Art Smart. All were ready for a child’s imagination and a friend, parent or grandparent’s cooperation for a fun time. In addition to actively participating in the play with your grandchildren, you can also read signs to them. There aren’t many since the majority of museum patrons are young, but there are some and reading them helps direct the child’s attention.

Full admission is a bit pricey, but family memberships are available for $100, which covers five named family members (they do not need to be members of the same household, but you do have to name each one, meaning you can’t take five different people each time). Admission paid can go towards the price of a membership if purchased the same day. Open seven days a week, the Glazer Children’s Museum is definitely a great place to visit with young grandchildren. There’s an in-house cafe for a bite to eat. Visit the website ahead of time and let the grandkids each pick out an exhibit they’d like to see, because you will not be able to see everything in one visit. Consider purchasing a membership package, perhaps for a birthday or Christmas gift, or give the museum a try on one of the Two Dollar Target Tuesdays. More information at glazermuseum. org, or call (813) 443-3861.

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isa Bekiaris, Founder of Raffle Rescue, Inc., answered questions about a unique way residents can help pets stay in their homes. What is Raffle Rescue? It’s an animal assistance organization to assist pet owners who may be in temporary financial hardship and considering surrendering their animal family member to a shelter. The Rescue is mainly funded by our Raffle program—“Take a CHANCE to give an Animal a CHANCE for Life!” How did it get started? I started having Pet Food Drives, with a table at local businesses, collecting for pet food purchase and distributing to

shelters and people we heard about who were struggling financially to keep their animals. Soon people were calling us to help out. How does it work? We chose the raffle concept because we feel that it is a win-win opportunity. People donate for one of our raffle tickets, and they may win a great prize. 100 percent of ALL of our donations go towards what we do. What success have you had? We have distributed over 6000 lbs. of collected and purchased pet food. How can people help? By participating in our raffle program when they see us at fairs and other venues. We do accept other donations, but we encourage people to “Take a CHANCE to give an Animal a CHANCE for Life.” That’s what it’s all about, For more information, visit their website at RaffleRescue.org. The raffles are hosted by RaffleAmerica. com. Email: RaffleRescue.org@ gmail.com or phone (727) 697-7034.

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 23

Know What’s In Store Before Moving In With the Kids

s people age, they sometimes think of moving in with “one of the kids.” Whether real or imagined, they want the kind of relationship that would make such a move an option for their last years. Stories abound about such moves from all angles—emotionally, financially and otherwise. It can be a great joy or a family trial emotionally. Financially there is also much to consider. One example would be if parents move in and share the cost of remodeling the house to accommodate their needs, do they gift their portion of the house to the caregiving child? How do siblings feel about this? How does this affect a person’s eligibility for Medicaid? Seek the advice of an elder-law attorney before making such a move to avoid possible downfalls. Consider the following discussion points: To Ask The Elder: • Do you want to move in and share a household?

To Ask Other Family Household Residents: • Would you resent this arrangement? • What adjustments would you have to make? • Will you pitch in and help? • Are you willing to treat this person as a family member, not to be ignored or isolated?

• Are there conflicts to be resolved before such a move? • Do you feel you can talk openly about your feelings? • Are you prepared to help with the costs? • Are you comfortable with changing doctors (if necessary)? • How long are you prepared to live here?

Questions To Ask Nonresident Siblings: • Will you help care for the parent in the event they need extra care? • How will you pitch in when it’s time for me to take a break or if I get sick? • Are you prepared to contribute financially to this arrangement? Questions To Ask Yourself: • Will my spouse and children get the attention they need? • How will this affect my personal and professional goals?

• Is there another family member that already requires time and attention? • Am I good at delegating responsibilities? • Will my elder have access to a full range of activities outside the home? • Will we create ways for my elder to contribute to the family and feel needed? • Is there a plan to preserve privacy and autonomy for everyone? • Is my family financially and emotionally stable enough to take this on? So, if you’re the elder considering moving in with a family member or a son or daughter facing having mom or dad move in with you, take these questions seriously. Ideally, they need to be discussed with an elder law attorney who may be able to offer solutions and help. Information from “The Complete Eldercare Planner” by Joy Loverde.

Old People Driving O

n August 25, the PBS News Hour today featured a film called Old People Driving as part of the Economist Film Project. In this documentary, viewers climb into the passenger seat alongside Milton (age 96) and Herbert (age 99) as they confront the end of

their driving years. One man takes his last drive and hands over his keys. The other man vows to drive until he feels he’s no longer safe on the road. To watch the segment, visit the project’s website: film.economist. com/film/old-people-driving.

Volunteer Opportunity

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 24

lorida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. Volunteers identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification are provided. All interested are encouraged

to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Global Graying: Investing in an Aging World BY JEFFREY SEWARD, JD, PHD, Senior Vice President, Trust Services M&I Wealth Management

n the majority of the world’s countries, people are having fewer children and they are living longer. Even in the least-developed parts of the world, for the past 20 years fertility rates have been steadily declining while life expectancies have been on the rise. Although the financial markets are influenced by many forces, especially over short time periods, demographic forces can have a powerful pull on long-term market performance. Understanding how the three trends below may influence the performance of various investments may help you maximize your portfolio.

Finance Trend 1: More people around the world are in their prime earning years. Right now, the world median age is about 29, though it’s close to 40 in developed countries. Middle-aged people in their prime earning years are more inclined to save than the young or old. Result: A large and growing number of people are socking away money for retirement. As populations age, the supply of capital is likely to continue to grow, helping tamp down interest rates and support prices of financial assets. What you can do: You may find it challenging to earn acceptable returns in a low interest rate environment. Step up your savings while you can in the highest-yielding investments with which you’re comfortable. Trend 2: People are living longer. The average life expectancy worldwide now stands at almost 68 years. In developed regions, it’s about 77 years. Result: Many people are postponing retirement and working longer. That, along with shaky public pension and healthcare programs, may motivate people to seek investments that retain the

buying power of their money over time, even if it means taking on greater risk.

What you can do: Despite the poor performance of the past decade, equities have historically outpaced inflation more consistently than other investments. There’s a strong case for maintaining a portion of your assets in equities, even after retirement. Trend 3: The retiree segment is growing. Not only is the world getting older, but the population of older persons is itself aging. Among those 60 years or over, the fastest-growing segment is age 80 and over. Result: Most people have an innate desire to minimize risk, and that tends to grow more acute in retirement, when they start utilizing their savings and investments to maintain their lifestyles. A secular shift toward greater risk aversion would likely favor bonds over stocks. What you can do: Diversification and innovation are likely to become more important in coming years. Consider balancing your stock/bond portfolio with investment products that provide guaranteed income.

While it’s good to be aware of the demographic trends that may affect the markets, don’t let them dictate your plan. Stay focused on your objectives and work with a financial professional to identify strategies most likely to help you achieve your personal financial goals.

Statistics cited in this article are from the United Nations World Population Database. This article provides insights from M&I Wealth Management that may be useful to you in assessing risks and opportunities in the current environment related to your financial and wealth planning needs. The information contained herein should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice, and readers are encouraged to consult their tax, legal, and investment professionals with specific questions applicable to their own financial situations. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

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Northern Ireland’s Treasures

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

strung the rope bridge 30 meters above the sea to allow them to access the best places to catch migrating salmon. Now the bridge presents a challenge to visitors to enjoy the same view and high thrills crossing the bridge.

BY KATHY BECK

among the towering tubes of stone makes the ancient myths of Finn McCool and Benandonner on giant’s pathway to Scotland seem highly probable. Both the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giants Causeway are part of the NationalTrust.org.uk.

y visit to Northern Ireland was such a wonderful way to learn about my Irish heritage. Here is the rest of the story of my visit. After learning about all things Titanic in Belfast it was time to head further north. Our ﬁrst stop was in Carrickfergus at the Andrew Jackson Cottage—a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in the 1750s. Andrew Jackson (1767 – 1845)was the 7th President of the United States of America, and his parents emigrated from Ireland in 1765. The centre displays a collection of Ulster patchwork quilts and farm machinery. Next, we traveled back up along the Causeway Coastal Route to Ballintoy, through the stunning villages of Glenarm, Carnlough and Cushendall. We made a short stop in Torr Head for a fantastic view of Scotland and panoramic cliffs. Further up the Coastal Route, we arrived at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Ballintoy. The hike up to the bridge was exhilarating with stunning views and fauna and bird life. Take the dare to cross this Indiana Jones-style bridge! For more than 350 years, ﬁsherman have

ings and costumed demonstrators depict life in Ireland in the 1800s. A full scale replica emigrant ship and the dockside galley give you a real impression of the way it was for our ancestors to make the trip to the New World. When stepping off the ship on the other side, you are in America where log homes, farms with crops and animals depict the new life for the Irish in America. The museum also includes an indoor Emigrants’ exhibition and Centre for Migration Studies library which is accessible to all visitors. (folkpark.com.)

Whiskey sampling at Bushmill’s Distillery

After getting back on the Causeway we headed to Bushmills. Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery celebrated their 400th anniversary of the original license to distill whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608. You can tour the “Grain to Glass” distillery to learn some trade secrets, watch whiskey making take place and enjoy a wee taster, too! Explore the Giant’s Causeway Amazing! The Giant’s Causeway is recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of thousands of hexagonally-shaped basalt columns, some up to 160 meters high, formed 60 million years ago from volcanic lava. You have to see it to believe it. The sense of geological violence is palpable in the place, and standing

Kathy Beck on the Giant’s Causeway

Only about an hour away is Galgorm Manor, Ballymena—a wonderful spa and resort. It was just what I needed after such an exciting day. (galgorm.com.) On our next day we had the opportunity to stop at Ballaghy Bawn. This 17th-century stronghold contains a guide to archaeology, history and nature around Bellaghy Bawn. It features Seamus Heaney’s poetry ﬁlms and broadcasts. As luck would have it, it was a beautiful day to visit the country side and take a step back in time. Last, we had the opportunity to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, which tells the story of emigration during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Old and New World layout of the Park illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic. Traditional thatched build-

Ulster American Folk Park

My last night I spent in a Castle at Belle Isle, Fermanagh. The castle is situated in the heart of the Bell Isle Estate, which dates back to the 17th century. I had the Red Room and dinner was served by their Bell Isle Cookery School, which offers cooking classes throughout the year. To learn more about all that Bell Isle has to offer, visit belleisle-estate.com. Thanks to the The Northern Ireland Tourist Board for making this such a delightful trip. To learn more, visit their website at discovernorthernireland.com.

Senior Fun Fest and Crazy Legs Fun Walk Crazy Legs Fun Walk Winners: T

he Brandon Senior Fun Fest last month was a big success! Check out more event pictures on our website at seniorconnectionfl.com. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the day!

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 26

(Pictured left): Men: 1st Place: Willie Davis; 2nd Place: Tony Dan Bun; 3rd Place: Tom Stanley. Women: 1st Place: Catherine Thornton; 2nd Place: Kay Strzelec; 3rd Place: Doris Prokopi.

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idea why they are in a particular room or where they left their keys. But I’m embarrassed to ouldn’t you think, admit that I seem to forget once a person there are things I can’t or becomes Unmistakably shouldn’t do at my age. As Old, that they would a result I’ve found myself have learned not to make at the top of the ladder a fool of themselves? unable to take that next Maybe there are older step to the roof where I people able to conduct planned to do something, themselves with a consisalthough I could no longer tent decorum, but I don’t remember what. Or I find seem to be in that group. myself on my knees in the About a month ago garden wondering which I fell off a curb. My Dr. Ann Thomas plants I can chew on to first response, once I sustain life if I can’t figure how to get hit the parking lot asphalt, was to myself into an upright position before look around, hoping that no one dinnertime. So far I’ve managed had observed, but wouldn’t you to solve these dilemmas, although know, about seven people were occasionally one of my daughters rushing toward me to provide help. finds out and then I have to listen “What happened?” someone asked. to the lecture that begins, “Really I can’t explain my answer, but I heard mother. Whatever were you thinking?” myself saying, “I must have been There are other “little mistakes.” pushed.” Three people backed away at Recently I decided to color my hair. that point, leading me to believe they must have a history of pushing people I know enough not to try the stuff that turns you blue, but I’ve always and didn’t want to be implicated. liked black so I bought that color. The woman on the box looked gorgeous in a sultry, sexy way. Once I’d completed all the steps and looked in the mirror—well, what can I say? I’ve never A woman asked if I had broken seen an Unmistakably Old Hooker, but anything. I smiled, said I was fine I swear I now know what they must and let her help me to my feet so I look like and it’s not a pretty picture. could walk, with whatever dignity I Still, I’ve decided that the only way could muster, to my car. Once there to avoid an occasional embarrassing I suddenly had a new thought—this situation is to pull in and do little time about my underwear. I was sure or nothing, and as far as I can tell, that when I got home, I would find that’s not a life worth living. So I that I was wearing my old raggedy console myself, whenever I’m asked, underpants. At least seven people Whatever were you thinking? with would know that I was not only something a friend told me years a clumsy, wacky old woman, but ago when he was dealing with the one who didn’t remember what her consequences of a dumb decision. mother had taught her about wearing “Well”, he said, “I guess I didn’t think your good underwear whenever it through because it sure seemed you went out—just in case. like a good idea at the time.” Forgetting only sometimes embarDr. Thomas can be reached through rasses me, since it seems everyone her website at dr-annthomas.com. I know, from time to time, has no

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Call: 727-785-7947 or 727- 455-1237 e-mail: Russell.Elvis@yahoo.com website: www.russellelvis.com

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 27

What Words Do People Look Up Online?

hese are the 10 most frequently searched words on MerriamWebster online dictionary:

1. Pretentious: expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature. 2. Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; widespread. 3. Love: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. (maternal love for a child).

Coming November 16

4. Cynical: contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives; based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest. 5. Apathetic: having little or no interest or concern; indifferent

6. Conundrum: an intricate and difficult problem. 7. Albeit: conceding the fact that; even though; although.

8. Ambiguous: capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways. 9. Integrity: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility. 10. Affect/Effect. It’s not that people don’t know what these words mean; it’s that they have trouble remembering which one does what. The simplest distinction here is that affect is almost always a verb, and effect is usually a noun. Information from Merriam-Webster.

The beloved characters from such films as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar join the fun, just in time for Christmas at

Join the official Seniors Fan Club of the Tampa Bay Rays for only

Give your Holiday Getaway some Character with two-night Packages starting at $199* per person for a limited time. For Best Rates Book Today!

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All Rays fans 55 and older can join the Golden Rays and receive:

• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt • Official Golden Rays Tote Bag • Golden Rays Membership Card • Coupons for merchandise and concession items

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*Per person based on double occupancy and availability, plus taxes, Osceola County assessment fee, resort fee and parking. Extra adult and child rates available. See website for restrictions. Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and properties © 2011 DreamWorks Animination L.L.C.

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 28

$25!

G R GR

• Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events • Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games

For More Information Visit

Or Contact 727-825-3403

Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 8th, 2011 Family friendly FREE festivities include:

◆ 10 am-6 pm East Elementary School PTO Pumpkin Patch ◆ 10:00 am-10:30 am, Center Court, performances by East Elementary and Sallie Jones School Chorus ◆ 11 am-12 Noon, Center Court 2nd Annual Wiener Dog Derby ◆ 2-4 pm, Center Stage Steinswingers Oompah Band performing German and Bavarian Polkas, Waltzes and Marches ◆ 5-9 pm, Center Stage Schuplattler Gruppe Alpenrose dancers and Peter & Edith performing your favorite German tunes ◆ Village restaurants will feature German food specialties.

Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. From I-75 take exit #164, turn left onto Hwy. 17 and proceed 3 miles to the Village. For more information, call 941 639-8721 or visit Fishville.com. Follow us on

Hey! Senior Explorers

Join Us in Welcoming the Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas to Tampa Bay!

All Ne Trave w l Club

and

Starting from $329* Choose from a 4-night cruise to Cozumel or a 5-night cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya Available 5-night dates: 11/12, 11/21, 11/26, 12/5, 12/10, 12/19, 12/24. 1/2, 1/7, 1/16, 1/21, 1/30, 2/4, 2/13, 2/18, 2/27, 3/3, 3/12, 3/17, 3/26, 3/31, 4/9, 4/14 Available 4-night dates: 11/17, 12/1, 12/15, 12/29, 1/12, 1/26, 2/9, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/19, 4/23 *Prices shown are based off December 10th sailing. Prices are per person in U.S. dollars, capacity controlled, double occupancy and do not include port charges and taxes.

Please call toll free

(888) 313-8883 for specific pricing Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 29

Seniors Getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4023 SEEKING CUTE 59 –65YO HONEST, ONE-WOMAN MAN. IQ, “Patriotic,” conservative with SOH. Love travel, have RV? Love Ford Mustangs (rear-drive), beaches, sm Dogs! NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5’5”, HWP, Pretty w/blonde hair. Let’s dance—make Bucket list! Florida. 4049 SEEKING A LOVING MAN with SOH, 65+. I love adventure, world travel, gardening. I’m a NS, SD, HWP, love animals, movies, reading, having fun. How about you? Sun City area. I’m a white female. 4051 SAVVY GENT OUT THERE? Share cultural events and fun sports. (70s WW, NS, ND, C, P, R and petite). 4053 SEEKING 57 – 60 YO KIND, loving, giving, sincere one-woman man. SOH. Love to travel, beaches, kittens, holding hands. NS/SD/ND. I’m 59, 5’2”, HWP, blonde/ blue-eyed. LTR. No games. Ruskin. 4055 HISPANIC LADY 70 YO, 5’3”, C, WW, NS, ND, good values, loving. Likes gym, travel, music, gardening, reading, etc. Seeking nice gentleman. Please send a recent photo. 4057 ATTRACTIVE BLONDE, 5’5”, HWP, NS. Looking for caring, honest, faithful SWM 75+. I enjoy movies, travel, dancing,

dining out, time at home. Lets share good times. I’m caring. Zephyrhills. 4059 ATTRACTIVE PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN BDF seeking faithful Christian black or white W/D male. 55 – 65 years old. Enjoys walking, movies, plays, music, laughing, dinner, church. NS, ND, NDrg. LTR, lifetime if right. Brandon. 4060 FUN TO BE WITH (Hills Co.) ATTR RDWC lady, 70 YY, no baggage. HWP, varied interests, country or city. ISO kind, happy gentleman with SOH, NS/ND, SD for FF relationship.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4044 SEEKING DINING AND TRAVEL COMPANION WWM, 84, 5’8, HWP, NS, SD. Prefer senior lady 75 – 84 in Clearwater area. 4046 4-STAR 24 CARAT SERIOUS ROMANTIC desires that one special lady to adore, pamper and spoil. Total, complete and utter devotion and commitment from both parties a must. Age not important—seriousness is. 4050 NEEDED SLIM ROMANTIC HEALTHY female, nonsmoker, able to relocate to my new home, share new life, love, companionship, each other. I’m SWM, 66, 5’8”, 155 lbs. Your photo description gets mine – thanks.

4052 I AM MALE, HINDU, TALL 67 years young, handsome, retired. Living on the Tampa Bay, downtown St. Petersburg. Seeking a blonde female, spiritual, honest. Age below 70 years. LTR. St. Petersburg. 4056 RETIRED BI-LINGUAL CHRISTIAN WW professional, NS, SD, seeks quiet, well-educated caring lady, 65+ with SOH for LTR. St. Petersburg area. 4058 S,W, D, C, M, R, 68 YY, 5’7”, 175 lbs., NS, ND, NDrg. Enjoy walking, slow dancing, music, sports, good conversation, etc. ISO lady, HWP, C, with similar tastes and qualities. Please send photo and phone number. Will answer all. Tampa.

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOHSense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

TO PLACE AN AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge. TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

Only $6 to place an ad!

Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit Title (First 4 Words):

City (No Charge):

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.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 30

BRANDON Auto Clinic of Brandon .................813-654-8686 Xtreme Powersports ....................813-626-6060 BROOKSVILLE Sunrunner Automotive.................352-596-2314 Napa Auto Parts ..........................352-796-4936 Master Auto/Air ............................352-799-6444 Brooksville Transmission ............352-796-6544 General Auto Parts ......................352-796-2522 Complete Automotive Care ..........352-799-0298 CLEARWATER M & M Ultrasports ........................727-412-8020 Stouts Auto Service .....................727-216-6622 DADE CITY Reliance Auto Center ..................352-567-5281 DUNEDIN Jeff Rhodes Isuzu Powersports ..727-216-2886 HOLIDAY NAPA Auto Parts .........................727-934-4651 HUDSON White’s Quality Trans...................727-862-1968 County Line Collision ..................727-861-7009

LUTZ Dale’s Auto Service .....................813-264-0007

SEFFNER Schembries Auto Serv ................813-685-5654

OLDSMAR Murray Motive ..............................813- 854-5115

SUN CITY Killingsworth Automotive .............813-634-4758 Sun City Automotive ....................813-634-4758

PINELLAS PARK George’s Performance ................727- 521-2206 PORT RICHEY Parts Depot

727-844-5588

RUSKIN Thompson’s Auto Parts ...............813-645-3204 Walker’s Tire & Auto ....................813-645-0736 ST. PETE Park Auto Service ......................727-521-2910 Royal Edger ................................727-573-1700 Bob Lee’s Tires ..........................727-822-3981 Complete Auto Parts ..................727-895-3821 Miles Automotive ........................727-323-0180 J.C. Automotive ..........................727-866-0044 St. Pete Power Sports ................727-456-6088 Suncoast Auto & Tire .................727-520-1148 Yacht Power Products ................727-822-2628 Rick Stroud Auto ........................727-549-1911 Modded Motorsports ..................727-432-0270

TAMPA John Erb’s ....................................813-908-3333 Storm Automotive ........................813-469-0055 Atlantic Automotive ......................813-936-1510 Tony’s RamTech ..........................813-877-6642 Insty Tune & Lube ........................813-960-3908 Santiago Chopper........................813-6719097 Xtreme Powersports ....................813-626-6060 Mad Hatter ...................................813-933-4179 Mad Hatter ...................................813-374-9230 Mobile Auto Serv. ........................813-892-3603 ZEPHYRHILLS “A” Team Cycles...........................813-763-3013

If you or your business would like to get AMSOIL products at Wholesale CALL 800-411-6160

Free Admission for Boktoberfest

ok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales will have free admission and family entertainment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Boktoberfest, Saturday, October 15. The day includes the annual plant sale, a Biergarten with live entertainment, German food, craft and seasonal beers, tree climb-

ing, face painting, prize drawings and more. Live music will be provided by Alpine Express, a four-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music. Satellite parking will be available.Visit boktoberfest. com or call (863) 676-1408 for more information.

Last Month’s Answers

Sept. Sudoku

Betty Berry is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Oct. Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on October 21 will win. Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

World Series Baseball Thoughts

hot dog at the ball game beats roast beef at the Ritz. —Humphrey Bogart

Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeeed three times out of 10 and be considered a good performer. —Ted Williams

No game in the world is as tidy and dramatically neat as baseball, with cause and effect, crime and punishment, motive and result, so cleanly defined. —Paul Gallico

Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off. —Bill Veeck

Word Search

Good Luck!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCT. 21, 2011

Word Search Oct. 2011 In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Answers From

September 2011

Dorothy Hoggatt and Carol Ott are last month’s winners! Congratulations!

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

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

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

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Oct. 21, 2011.)

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 31

Pinellas Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Japanese Garden Mobile Estates 19709 U.S. Highway 19 North Clearwater, FL 33764-1006 Senior Talent Show: February 11, 2012 - 2:00 p.m. Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Drive • Largo, FL 33779 SENIOR IDOL SHOW – APRIL 4, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759

Hillsborough Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to noon Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce 1651 Sun City Center Plaza • Sun City, FL 33573 January 25 - 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m Brandon Community Center 502 East Sadie Street • Brandon, FL 33510 Senior Talent Show February 18, 2012 - 3:00 p.m. Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578

Participants must be at least 55 years young. Only solo & duet acts, no groups please. Please bring your own instruments and your own tape/cd or accompanist to the audition. A piano will be available. Audition on first-come first-serve basis. No Entry Fee to audition. Ten Acts will be chosen from the auditions to perform at the show!

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring Hillsborough: 813-436-2296 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 32

Last Month’s Answers

Last Month’s Winner Is Elaine Somoza Congratulations!

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Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 33

Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 34

Tales of the Frugal: Couponing Gone Awry

hanks in part to the popularity of TLCs Extreme Couponing, some shoppers are getting more than they bargained for in pursuit of savings. Coupon Sherpa reflects on the most extreme couponing mishaps to date.

Just off the Press

hands. Upon exiting the store, Cuevas was pursued by a Walmart employee who demanded she return to “the scene of the crime” and even chased her vehicle as Cuevas left the parking lot.

4. Coupon Capers Lock your doors, 1. “I Didn’t Know close your drapes and it Was a Crime.” hold tight to your...er... That’s what she said. newspapers; there’s a Seriously. Earlier this new kind of criminal in month, compulsivecoupon-clipper Jamie TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.” town. As arrests of selfproclaimed “discountVanSickler was charged seeking thieves” escalate around the with larceny theft, a misdemeanor country, police warn concerned citicarrying a potential jail sentence and zens of an increase in newspaper theft. hefty fine. Caught in the act by a newspaper-carrier-turned-sting-agent, 5. Discount Diva Dishonored VanSickler took 185 leftover Sunday On the cusp of a new season newspapers, indicating to police of Extreme Couponing, coupon she didn’t realize it was a crime. enthusiasts cried foul when one of the featured shoppers was recognized as Jaime Kirlew, aka “Diva for Coupons.” Kirlew made a name for herself on YouTube, unwittingly filming her unscrupulous strategy of barcode 2. “No [Coupon] for You!” When a mother of ten tried to redeem matching during a shopping trip to Target. After receiving numerous coupons at her local Kroger store in nastigrams, Kirlew quickly threw her Georgia, the store manager allegedly enabler (BeCentsAble) under the bus refused to take her clippings and and later admitted to coupon fraud. called her a “habitual coupon user.” This southern momma is not only the From CouponSherpa.com, one of only victim of “coupon discriminafour websites operating under the tion,” as other shoppers around the brand name TheFrugals.com and country hit roadblocks at the register. dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally. 3. Just Another Day at Walmart April Cuevas was temporarily banned from all Walmarts after an altercation involving competitor coupons. When the cashier refused to take the coupons, management was called and a series of unfortunate events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted the intentions of four male shoppers headed her way during the argument and attempted to film them. A supervisor alledgedly scolded her and tried to knock the iPhone from her trembling

Humor

Hot! Hot!

EW ALL N tionfl.com c orconne i n e .s w ww ite webs • Local and World News • All Your Favorite Events • Great Stories & Information • Travel, Finance, Health & More!

Senior Games T

he Florida Senior Games State Championships and Florida International Senior Games will be held December 3 – 11, 2011 in Polk County, Florida. The 2011 Games will introduce the Florida International Senior Games, where all out-of-state domestic and international competitors are only permitted to compete in the International Games, and qualifying at a local event is not required. Listing of sports offered: Archery, Badminton, 3-on-3 Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Cycling, Golf, Horseshoes, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Race Walk, Racquetball, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimmng, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and more. For more information, contact the Florida Sports Foundation at (866) 354-2637 or e-mail them at games@flasports.com, or visit www.flasports.com.

Happy Halloween! FREE DIABETIC BRACELET Are you a Diabetic? Join America’s Diabetic Savings Club MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

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Come meet “Winter” the dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap, now swims freely.

Senior $2offAdmission

(55+)

Good for up to 6 people. Not valid with other offers. Expires December 31, 2011. Code XSCA

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage • Clearwater, FL 33767

(727) 441-1790

www.SeeWinter.com Senior Connection • October 2011 • page 35

Humana’s 2012 Medicare Advantage plans are here! Humana has a full range of Medicare plans. Find out more about which one could be right for you. Call to schedule an in-home appointment or to ﬁnd a seminar near you. CLEARWATER Holiday Inn Express 2580 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Oct. 14th, 19th, 31st 10am and 2pm

LARGO Hampton Inn & Suites 100 East Bay Drive Oct. 12th • 10am and 2pm Oct. 20th • 10am

ST. PETERSBURG Holiday Inn Express 2171 54th Ave. North (located behind Cracker Barrel) Oct. 12th, 14th, 20th, 27th 10am and 2pm

PINELLAS PARK Banquet Masters 8100 Park Blvd N. Oct. 13th, 21st, 26th 10am and 2pm

DUNEDIN Kally K’s 1600 Main Street Oct. 13th • 10am Oct. 26th • 2pm

ST. PETERSBURG Red Lobster 6151 34th Street North Oct. 15th, 17th, 28th 1:30pm

TARPON SPRINGS Hampton Inn & Suites 39284 US Hwy 19 Oct. 17th • 10am Oct. 27th • 10am and 2pm

ST. PETERSBURG Obistro’s 6661 Central Ave. Oct. 18th, 25th 2:30pm

CLEARWATER Red Lobster 26320 US Hwy 19 Oct. 18th, 24th 2pm

SEMINOLE Super Buffet 11227 Park Blvd. Oct. 19th 2pm

1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

New Medicare enrollment dates! The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2012 have changed. The new dates are October 15th - December 7th,* so don’t forget enrollment ends December 7th.

A Health plan with a Medicare contract. A sales person will be present with information and applications. This is an advertisement. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-877-713-6179 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. *Some exceptions apply. Y0040_GHHH4NRHH File and Use 10012011

TMP 10/11