Senior Connection Suncoast edition Sept. 2011

Keeping Joe Cool...

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 9

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“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!”

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m : at .co e fl s it t i o n b we nec r ou con t i r s Vi enio .s ww

H-GP Day!

• Help! My Son Moved Back Home • Men and Osteoporosis • VA Membership Has Benefits!

• How to Be Happy in Retirement

SUNCOAST

SEPTEMBER 2011

Caregivers…

Change Your Life Forever!

Come to the New Age of CAregiviNg SympoSium fridAy, September 23rd At ruth eCkerd hAll iN CleArwAter

Caregivers…there’s a very special event taking place at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on September 23 that will change your life forever! It’s The New Age of Caregiving Symposium where you’ll learn from experts how to reduce stress, restore balance to your life and find all the resources you need to help you be a better caregiver. Meet acclaimed Passages in Caregiving author Gail Sheehy; find resource material from more than 50 sponsors; immerse yourself in a massage and healing spa; attend one of 6 breakout sessions, enjoy breakfast, lunch and refreshments at closing ceremony; plus, get the chance to win super door prizes. Advance tickets are just $45 for the entire day’s activities. Bring a friend and make it a great day for yourself and someone you care for. But please hurry. Space is limited! to reserve call kim linder at 727-798-2663 or email kim@thecaregiverhour.com today! or purchase online at www.newageofcaregiving.com.

Portion of proceeds benefits Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 2

Lesson for the Day: Stay Engaged with Life

BY JANICE DOYLE

W

hen school bells rang in August, 81-year-old J. Ellis Rue also started back to school.

With his iPad firmly in hand, most weekdays for Rue revolve around the 7 a.m. bell beginning first period classes at Palm Harbor University High School. He started “subbing” as “something to do with my days,” but it has become something important to both Rue and the students.

Most people shudder to think of going into a class of high school students today. Rue loves it. “I try to engage the students,” he says.

“That gains their cooperation.” The retired orthodontist admits to an initial shock at how inappropriately some students dress and behave in the classroom and says, “If asked, I would recommend school uniforms.”

He sees a lack of scholastic interest among some students, but PHUHS also includes highly

Ellis and Nancy Rue.

motivated International Baccalaureate and Medical Magnet programs.

What about disrespect? “Now I know what to expect and don’t let it bother me.” Hey says most of the students can’t fathom that “I’m doing this at the age I am.” And a sub that age who carries an iPad? They’re fascinated!

Engaging his students may mean teaching them that ‘cannot’ is one word but ‘all right’ is two words. Or that he’s a ‘pragmatic’ substitute. He says maybe one kid in a hundred can tell you when Pearl Harbor occurred.

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To give them perspective, he tells classes he “was 11 years old when WWII started and 15 when it ended.”

He’s “amazed at the general lack of knowledge—so I like to ask them questions about their plans. Many girls in the medical magnet program want to be pediatricians, but they have no idea that it takes at least ten years of school and specialty training to achieve that goal.” Then he shares his knowledge.

PHUHS Principal Christen Tonry says, “Dr. Rue has wonderful rapport with the students and the teachers.

His wide knowledge base gives him the ability to carry on most any teacher’s lesson plans.” And she sees great value in the real life experiences he passes on to students.

Besides subbing, Rue plays baritone horn in three community bands: the St. Petersburg-based Second Time Arounders Marching Band, Dunedin Community Band and the Clearwater Community Band, and that means several rehearsals a week

and regular concerts for each group.

Rue’s wife Nancy, 78, is also still engaged in education as an expert in food safety testing. When the family moved from their home state of Indiana to Florida, Nancy’s career as a nurse widened into nursing education, first at St. Pete Junior College and then at Morton Plant Hospital.

After a few years, she says, “I put my nursing background to work in the food industry.” She has co-authored several books on food safety education for food management testing (for people who work with food in restaurants and institutions). In the most recent texts, she adapted the content to engage different learning styles as well as foreign translation which means much of the material is in cartoon form.

The food codes are revised every two years; therefore, the books she wrote must be revised and updated.

And sure enough, Nancy R. Rue is involved, still engaging herself in the educational process for adults.

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 3

Grandparents’ Role Isn’t Always the Stuff of High-Tech Gadgets or TV Advertising all work out with a new boyfriend.

Three months later, the 12-year-old called Howard to say they hadn’t had re you a high-tech anything to eat for three days. When grandparent? Do you I met Howard, he had moved the text and e-mail and order children to central Florida to live with gifts online? Is Facebook him. He admitted that his struggles part of your daily routine?

Janice Doyle, were not like many grandparents If you’re “connected” this Editor raising grandchildren because he had Grandparents Day, you enough money to care for them. Still, may receive an eCard, a text message at 81, he realized his limitations. “I’m or a “Hey” on your Facebook page giving it my all while I can,” he said. instead of a Hallmark card.

Just as technology has changed, so Two Saturdays every month, Jane has grandparenting. TV ads would (71) dresses to her usual impeccable have us think all interaction with standards for an outing with two grandchildren is fun and games. If grandsons. What she does those two grandpa gets his health in order, acSaturdays is not how she had anticipatcording to the ad, he can play on a sun- ed her role as a grandmother, however. ny day with his small grandson. But She has custody of the two teenagers we all know of families where being a while her son—their father—is in grandparent is just plain difficult, often prison in north Florida. On visitation stretching into downright painful. days, they leave her elegant home Here are some of the grandparents early to be in line when the prison whose stories have touched my opens for visitors at 9 a.m. There is no heart in the past few years. All slouching in Jane’s posture and a smile names have been changed. lights her face as she chats with other

Dear Readers,

A

Doris was sitting alone looking shell-shocked at a gathering after her 16-year-old grandson’s local funeral.

He had died in a car accident, and she was enduring one of the three memorial services which would be held in three different states where he and his family had lived. I did not know her, but I went to sit beside her and hold her hand. She smiled weakly and said, “I didn’t know it was possible to hurt this much.”

Regina’s new grandparent status took a sudden turn when her grandson was diagnosed with autism before he was two. She said she felt a “double edged sword knowing what lies ahead for our family and grief for my daughter’s personal agony.”

Howard knew his daughter in New York City was high on drugs most of the time. On a visit there, he realized how bad the situation was for the children, ages 10, 12 and 16. The daughter, however, told a good story about changing her life and making it

visitors and jokes with her grandsons as they wait. “It’s not what I thought I’d be doing, but I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else on those days.

He’s my son and they’re his sons.

It’s what families do,” she told me.

(Of note: Estimates vary, but it is thought that at any one time 10 million children in the U.S. have a parent either in prison or on parole or probation. Just think of the number of grandparents affected.)

I first met the Carters when they were camped at an RV park in Riverview. They were living in a small, aging RV as cheaply as it was possible to live. A year before, their daughter and son-in-law’s drug use was draining the couple’s financial, emotional and physical resources.

Two grandchildren were pawns in the “game” the daughter played with the Carters to get money to buy drugs.

Also involved were judges who wouldn’t give them custody. After trying everything possible to be able to raise the children without interference

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 4

from the addicted parents, Hazel and James made a heartrending decision to sell out and go “on the road” with the RV, away from their daughter.

“We’ll go back when we can help the children pick up the pieces of their lives without the parents,” James said.

Arthur, an Army retiree, has two grandsons serving in the Marines.

Each grandson has been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan three times. While attention is often given to spouses, children and parents of deployed soldiers, the part grandparents play is often overlooked. Arthur knows the loneliness and dangers of deployment. He agonizes as he watches the news, sends the men e-mails and prays for their safe return.

And so our staff honors all grandparents this month. May we all continue doing whatever needs to be done for the good of our grandchildren (and great grandchildren) in the spirit noted by former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani: What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.

Keep on lovin’ . . . and maybe it’s time to bake some cookies!

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco 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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Remember 9/11

T

his month marks the ten year anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It is a time to remember the victims and heroes of that tragic day.

You can join us on Facebook and talk about your experiences. Where were you when you heard the news? How did 9/11 affect you?

Go to www.facebook.com and search for Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles. Then click on the “Discussion” tab at the top of the page to share your memories with us.

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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 October 2011 issue is September 15, 2011.

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Around Town

SPEAKERS SERIES

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

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through 25 “Barefoot in the Park,” Neil Simon 1964 classic. Tickets: $29 – $50. American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N., St. Pete. (727) 823-7529.

“Moonstruck,” Classic movie showing at historic Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. $8. 7:30 p.m. 13 “The Caine Mutiny,” $6. 7:30 p.m. Info at (727) 791-7400.

Writers Group Meeting Fridays at Tarpon Springs Library. Writers of all levels and all prose genres invited. Free. 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs. 10 a.m. (727) 943-4922.

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– 18 “Camelot,” the musical of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on stage at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $25 tickets, (727) 587-6793.

Florida Folk Concert Series (third Saturdays) 2 p.m.

Free. St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE., St. Pete. Phone (727) 894-1052.

Author talk “With Love, From Grandma” by Susan C. Kotchman. 7 p.m. Seminole Community Library, St. Pete College Campus.

Call (727) 394-6923 for info.

Savvy Social Security Planning class at Oldsmar Library.

6:30 p.m. Learn 5 Factors to consider when deciding when to apply for benefits and much more. Free.

Reserve a space at (813) 749-1181.

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Community-wide yard sale at St. Pete Beach Community Center. Spaces for rent or go to browse. 8 a.m. to noon. Call (727) 363-9245.

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Single Solos meet at the Pinellas Recreation Center, 59th St. N., Pinellas Park. 1:30 p.m.

Bring $2 and a dish to share. For details, call Pat at (727) 520-8797.

Archaeology Lecture on the Driftwood community in Pinellas Village, a historic settlement. 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration requested. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Pete. (727) 453-6500; weedonislandpreserve.org.

Sunset Beach Concert: 7 – 9 p.m. Free shuttle bus between Tarpon Springs High School and Sunset Beach. Pets and alcohol not allowed. Bring chairs/blankets. Concession items available for sale. Free admission. Info at (727) 942-5628.

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– 30 “42nd Street” musical classic includes songs such as “We’re In The Money.” $26. Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. (727) 446-1360

17

Fall Gala (to benefit ALPHA House of Pinellas County), Mirror Lake Lyceum. 6 to 11 p.m.

Auctions, dinner, dessert reception.

Tickets and info: (727) 822-8190.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk from The Pier along the waterfront. Register at 8 a.m. Walk at 9 a.m. (727) 578-2558 or alz.org/walk.

BUY TICKETS TO ALL FOUR and SAVE 50%!

The FIRST 150 packages purchased will receive half-priced tickets.

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Ocean Soul with Brian Skerry, UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER Life: The Unfolding Story with Frans Lanting, PHOTOGRAPHER Beyond the Invisible: Secrets of the Blue Holes with Kenny Broad, CAVE DIVER, ENVIRONMENTAL ANTHROPOLOGIST

Connect With Anybody, Anywhere with Annie Griffiths, PHOTOGRAPHER Tickets and Information

813.229.STAR (7827) •STRAZCENTER.ORG Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045

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Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Upper Pinellas Singles group.

Meets every Tuesday at DuBois Hall, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 750 San Salvadore Drive, Dunedin. $7 includes dinner. Friday nights are restaurant nights; other outings too. 6 p.m. Please call (727) 725-5453 for more information.

all Art Classes at Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Daytime, evening and weekend classes; workshops; variety of media. Register now for the Fall I session: Sept. 12 – Oct. 23. Fall Workshops from Oct. 24 – Nov. 6.

Call (727) 298-3322 to register. Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Class information and registration on the web at: dfac.org.

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. September 10 for October event.)

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 5

Keeping Joe Cool: An Interview with Joe Montana F

overweight, are sedentary, smoke our-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana is also known by the cigarettes, it’s dangerous. One of the nickname Joe Cool for his steely grace reasons Joe Montana is such a wonderful spokesperson for this campaign under pressure. Even as a highly conis he represents the ditioned professional absolutely classic case. athlete, Joe became He never smoked, was one of the 65 million always fit and was never people in the nation overweight. There was living with high blood a little heredity, but he’s pressure (HBP). like the 90 percent of Gary Barg, Editor people in that he just got of Caregiver.com, sat it. One out of every three down with Joe and Dr. adults has it (65 million).

James Rippe, M.D., an There is a 10 percent associate professor of increase in problems cardiovascular mediper decade. By the time cine at Tufts University you are 40, there is a 40 School of Medicine in percent chance, by the Boston, Massachusetts, time you are 50, there is and a leading authora 50 percent chance of ity on preventative cardiology, to discuss Football legend Joe Montana getting hypertension. high blood pressure Gary Barg: Joe, since you didn’t prevention techniques of importance have any symptoms, how did to caregivers and loved ones alike. you find out that you had high blood pressure?

Gary Barg: Tell me about the BP Success Zone Campaign.

Joe Montana: I went for a Dr. James Rippe: It’s a public educa- physical. I was doing my husbandly duty and was tion campaign. Joe and I have been just trying to get in and to 30 cities trying to raise awareness out of the doctor’s about the dangers of high blood office so I could pressure and get more people’s high blood pressure into the Blood Pressure check that box for the year. I was perfectly Success Zone. The great thing about fine. I went in there with the having Joe as a partner is that people expectation I’d go through say, “He is a relatively young athlete the motions and get out of with high blood pressure…maybe I could have it too.” We are trying to get there. When she told me my blood pressure was people in a dialog with their doctor.

That’s what this campaign is all about. high, she sent me directly to a cardiologist.

For 90 percent of the people who have high blood pressure, we don’t Gary Barg: What was know the cause. We know there your blood pressure? are associations between being Joe Montana: It was overweight and smoking cigarettes over 140 over 90. and being inactive. There is a That was way up from hereditary component too, but 90 the year before. percent are of unknown origin.

Gary Barg: So, depending on your situation, it could be genetics, it could be dieting, it could be exercise—we just don’t know.

Gary Barg: What did they say caused it?

Dr. James Rippe: We just know if you have hypertension and you are

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 6

Joe Montana: It was probably due to my cutting back on exercise from when I was on the team. And I was eating foods like steak and fried chicken. I knew my grandfather passed away when he was 54 from heart disease. So it could have been a combination of a lot of things.

Tips for Maintaining Blood Pressure

Dr. Rippe’s guide for maintaining healthy blood pressure: • Pay attention to having fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and less processed foods because there is salt in them.

Gary Barg: Are you on medication now?

• Engage in regular physical activity.

• Know your reading (90% of us Joe Montana: Yes. I am on will get high blood pressure). a combination of medications.

• Know that very good medicines The key to the program is to are available. consult with your doctor, to get • Keep your weight down. proper exercise with your diet and • Try not to smoke. also make sure you are on the right

medication. Just because it’s right with me, doesn’t mean it’s right with everyone else.

Gary Barg: Do you still have to watch what you eat even though you are on medications?

Joe Montana: Yes, one of the things that I have found is that I was eating a typical American diet where you eat a lot of food—and food that is not good for you. I started by cutting back on portion size. In the past, I would rarely order fish in restaurants; now I find a lot of fish that I like. But it all started by cutting back on things like steak and fried chicken. You find that your taste buds change eventually. I still have fried chicken on occasion, but I won’t eat that super size of chips. Now, I can just have a few, and I’m O.K. Gary Barg: What exactly is the Blood Pressure Success Zone?

Joe Montana: The success zone is when your blood pressure is between 139 over 89 or below 120 over 80. So anything below that 139 over 89 is the goal you want to reach.

More Helpful Info: Joe Montana and Dr. James Rippe have collaborated on a book titled “Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure,” which provides tips and anecdotes about living a heart-healthy lifestyle, a medication tracker, suggested heart-healthy meals and exercises you can easily fit into your daily routine. Montana says, “After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, my family and I really could have used a book like this. It is a great motivational and educational tool.”

This book is available at amazon.com.

Gary Barg’s note to caregivers: Pay attention to yourself and once you realize you are at risk for having high blood pressure, you have to moderate everything.

Joe Montana concludes: Get the family involved. Remove the salt shaker from your side of the table. His wife reminds him to take his medicine. “Getting it under control is hard enough.

Staying there is another issue.”

Interview from Caregiver.com, editor Gary Barg. For more information, visit online at BPSuccessZone.com.

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Information & Directions call: 1-888-670-0040 • www.srmagazine.com Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 7

Three Ways to be Happy in Retirement

BY JERRY RICKER

A

braham Lincoln said: “ Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

That’s positive thinking—an optimistic attitude.

Positive psychology is different.

Positive psychology, championed by psychologist Martin Seligman and others, is a research-based study of our psychological well-being. Seligman suggests there are three approaches to happiness itself. In other words, there are many ways to be happy, but each comes under one of three basic approaches. John Nelson and Richard N. Bolles discuss the three approaches as very important in living the retirement life in their book What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement.

Pleasure This involves having fun in an easy, relaxed way. Pleasure brings a burst of positive emotions which come and go quickly and seldom last long. Using this approach to happiness, you need to keep going back and doing enjoyable activities over and over again to get more happiness.

Engagement or involvement Another word for this approach is “flow,” which happens when your abilities are well matched to some challenging task. It’s the kind of task you get so deeply involved in that you lose track of time. You’re so engaged in it that you lose yourself in what you’re doing, often not realizing that you’re genuinely happy while you’re doing it, but afterwards you say, “That was great!”

Engagement demands something from you, so it’s not as simple as pleasure. It can’t be bought or consumed the way pleasure can, either.

The authors point out that another difference between pleasure and engagement is that engagement sticks with you longer than pleasure does and can build up into a lasting satisfaction with life.

Contrary to the “go with the flow” approach to life, however, engagement is more like “make the flow.” It’s the difference between enjoying a baseball game and becoming a part of a team.

Meaning or purpose This approach to happiness is not as easy to pin down. The way you get meaning or purpose is to use your abilities in the service of something larger than yourself. This approach to happiness requires something of you and doesn’t come just from believing in a cause larger than yourself, but from being in service to that cause.

This is part of living your life in alignment with your core values.

Examples of what is larger than yourself depend on your belief system.

It could be God, family, environment, a political party, a particular culture.

You might find purpose in service to a neighbor who needs help, a child with difficulties or even a cause such as litter-free neighborhood walkways.

And this approach to life is more than contributing money to a cause.

Summary In the first level you are dealing with your interests. When you move to engagement, you’re looking at your skills and strengths and using them to experience engagement in an interest. But the next level—meaning or purpose—is most closely related to your values.

“What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement: Planning a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Future” by John E. Nelson and Richard N. Bolles.

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Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

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ind out by getting a needs analysis. A life insurance needs analysis is key to determining how much life insurance coverage you would need to help keep your family in sound financial shape if you died.

Take a moment to think about how much life insurance you need. It might not be that simple to come up with an answer. To get started, think about the answer to these questions: What would life be like financially for your loved ones if you were no longer there? Would they be able to maintain their standard of living? Would they be able to cover outstanding debts?

Although it may be difficult to think about answers to these questions, it makes it that much more important to take stock of your needs today. With too little, your loved ones might not receive all the financial protection they deserve.

The Family Let’s walk us through a typical needs analysis for a hypothetical family. Chris and Diane Rawley are 45 and 40, respectively. Chris earns $65,000, and Diane earns $40,000.

They owe about $15,000 on their credit cards. They have $200,000 in retirement savings and a $150,000 mortgage. They plan to send their two children to public universities.

The Insurance After deducting the group life coverage that Chris has at work and the Rawleys’ assets that would be available, the Rawleys feel that they should buy a policy that will pay out

$600,000 if he dies, and $500,000 if she dies—about eight times their current income. This includes replacement income, $35,000 for incidental or emergency expenses; $96,000 for education bills; $25,000 for burial expenses; plus help paying off their debt.

By completing a needs analysis, the Rawleys were able to make an informed decision about how much coverage was right for them.

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To take stock of your life insurance needs, visit your local AAA branch (see back cover for listings).

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Docent Training This Month

STEFAN SANDERLING, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Coffeeconcerts 2011/2012 Season Introducing...

Stuart Malina, Coffee Series Conductor “I’m extremely excited to be conducting the Coffee series with The Florida Orchestra this upcoming year. I enjoy making music with this wonderful orchestra, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the audience better in this unique series of concerts.”

9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. No prior background in Holocaust education or history is needed.

An in-depth history course including documentary footage and photographs will be provided. Participants will meet with Holocaust survivors, learning their stories through firsthand accounts, in order to pass on the message to Museum visitors. With A docent leads a tour group through one of the help of experienced the exhibits at the Florida Holocaust Museum. docents, class participants will learn how to interact he Florida Holocaust Museum with students and work with the is recruiting new docents. Incore exhibit and art exhibitions. dividuals must be able to commit Working as a docent is a truly reto a seven-week training course. warding experience. Through fulfilling Prospective docents will be taught the mission of the Museum, docents the history of antisemitism, the help make the world a better place.

Holocaust and post World War II Candidates interested in taking genocides in order to give guided the class should contact Urszula tours. Training classes will take place Szczepinska, Curator of Education September 19 through November and Director of Research by Sept. 13, 21 on Mondays and Thursdays from 2011, at (727) 820-0100, ext. 241.

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Affordable Housing For Senior Citizens

We invite you to another season of delightful morning concerts of symphonic favorites. Enjoy all 7 concerts in St. Petersburg or a 3-concert package in Clearwater. In addition to complimentary coffee and doughnuts prior to the concerts, attendees will enjoy lively commentary by the conductor and Pre-Concert Conversations in the hall one hour before curtain to learn more about the music and composers featured on the program.

7-Concert Series in St. Petersburg starting at $134

Sponsored by:

Thursdays at 11 am, PROGRESS ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS MAHAFFEY THEATER

3-Concert Series in Clearwater starting at $58 Wednesdays at 10 am, RUTH ECKERD HALL

For more information: call 727.892.3337 or visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org For group savings (10 or more) : 727.362.5443 Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 10 TFO-Senior Connection-June.indd 1

4/11/2011 11:47:49 AM

Creekside Manor I & II

are federally subsidized apartments for persons 62 and above.

Special access apartments are also available.

Studio & 1 Bdrm. Apartments.

Rent is based on income.

Located in a quiet Clearwater neighborhood For appointment

Call (727) 441-8400

TDD: 727-447-3018 TOTAL INCOME LIMIT One person $20,800 u Two persons $23,800 YOUR MONTHLY RENT IS NO MORE THAN 30% OF YOUR ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME. 1318 Franklin Street u Clearwater, Fla. Office Hrs. Mon.–Fri. 8–12 & 1–4 Closed Saturday & Sunday

There’s Something For Everyone at the Florida Orchestra

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he Florida Orchestra has lowered its ticket prices to $15, $30 and $45 for the upcoming 2011/2012 season to make concerts available to more people throughout the Tampa Bay area. There are lots of series to choose from with concert packages ranging from as few as three concerts all the way up to 14 concerts. Concertgoers can even create their own package to fit their tastes and calendars with a Compose Your Own series for only $25 a ticket (minimum of 3 concerts required).

The St. Petersburg Times Masterworks series kicks off on Oct. 14, 15 and 16 featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Other beloved works scheduled are Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Eroica Sym-

phony. phony Other major works scheduled include Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, Major Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite.

The Raymond James Pops series opens on Nov. 4, 5 and 6 with great tunes and dazzling acrobatics at Cirque de la Symphonie. The series also offers a salute to The One and Only Frank Sinatra, holiday hits at Christmas at the Pops and favorite ballads from Barry Manilow to Barry Gordy in Music for Lovers. Other concerts include A Night in the Tropics with trumpeter Charles Lazarus, Rock on Broadway featuring rock-flavored musicals of the 70s, 80s and 90s, An American Songbook Encore with hits by Gershwin and Cole Porter, and a salute to the “City of Lights” in a concert titled Postcards from Paris.

To learn more, visit floridaorchestra.org or call (727) 892-3337 or 1-800-662-7286.

Presented by the City of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department and the Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles

Tickets only $5

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR AGE 50+ Tuesday, October 18th 6–9pm Dunedin Community Center • 1920 Pinehurst Road No appointment needed

For more infomation call: (727) 812-4530 Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 11

Quick Facts about Aging The Graying of the Suburbs esearchers predict that instead of heading for Florida or Arizona, most baby boomer retirees will stay right where they are, in suburbia. Brookings Institute scientist William Frey expects the political and cultural impact to be substantial.

In their younger years, he says, the boomers were worried about their children and the schools, but now they’re more concerned about their own well-being. Suburban areas are beginning to prepare for the demographic shift. Fairfax County, Virginia, has presented forums on wheelchair accessibility, altered pedestrian traffic signals, and created a police unit to cope with fraud against older people.

“If baby boomers stay in suburbia, analysts predict cultural shift,” —The Washington Post, June 2011.

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Our safe and secure gated community and home-like environment is the perfect setting for every level of care that may be needed. Day, night and respite stays are also available.

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727-467-9464 • www.villasofbellair.com 620 Bellair Road, Clearwater, FL 33756 Assisted Living Facility Lic.#9666

69th Wedding Anniversary T

he Rowlatts celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary last month at Arden Courts of Largo. The couple renewed their vows, surrounded by family and friends, and enjoyed a reception at the Arden Courts Community Center.

When Peggy and Eric married in 1942 in Havre, Montana, The United States, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was just entering World War II. The average home cost was $3,770, average annual wage was $1,880 and gas was 15 cents a gallon.

While the world has changed a lot over the past 69 years, the love the Rowlatts have shared has not.

Eric met Peggy while he was working on the Great Northern Railroad and Peggy was attending college, both in Havre. The couple married and settled in Havre to raise their family. They have two children, four grandchildren and they are blessed with ten great-grandchildren.

In November of 2010, they moved to Florida to be closer to their daughter.

And now—you can find them at home at Arden Courts of Largo still enjoying their life together.

To learn more about Arden Courts of Largo, call (727) 559-8411.

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 12

With Two New Knees, Billie Jean Is Back Fifty years after she won her first doubles victory at Wimbledon, tennis legend Billie Jean King is back on the court, courtesy Photo by George Herringshaw. of double-knee replacements. At age 67, she’s pain-free now and playing with her life partner Ilana Kloss on the public courts in Manhattan. King promotes her World Tennis League and serves on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

“Billie Jean King on new knees and boomer fitness,” —Associated Press, June 2011.

Aging Fictional Detectives Hold Onto Their Jobs Some of the most popular authors of mystery tales have written themselves into a corner by allowing their heroes

to age in real time. The problem: Their detectives are losing, or have lost, the strength and stamina needed to physically take on the bad guys.

Photo Illustration by Lindsay Holmes/WSJ Harry Bosch, the Los Angeles homicide detective created by Michael Connelly, has turned 60. James Lee Burke’s detective Dave Robicheaux is 73. And J.P. Beaumont, the J.A. Jance character who has been chasing killers around Seattle for 26 years, is now a grandfather. The authors’ fans don’t seem to mind though. When Ms. Jance retired Officer Beaumont in a 1999 book, for example, readers protested so hard the retirement was short-lived.

—“The (Really) Long Goodbye,” The Wall Street Journal, July 2011 More Male Boomers Try Cosmetic Surgery He knew she was kidding, sort of, but when his fiancée said she didn’t want any wedding photos taken because of what she called his “saggy chin,” 59-year-old David Culpepper decided it was time for some plastic surgery.

He was among the growing number of boomers who signed on for surgery. Last year, a total of 1.1 million men underwent a cosmetic procedure, a substantial 2 percent rise over the previous year. Face-lifts were up 14 percent, and a face-lift, as well as a chin implant, was what David Culpepper opted for. The wedding and the wedding portraits went off without a hitch. —“Gym, Check. Diet, Check. Face, Lift,”The Wall Street Journal, May 2011.

(From the MetLife Mature Market Institute)

Wanna Hear from Your Grandkids? Text Them!

“Picking up the phone and having a conversation is like Kryptonite. They t’s quick. It’s easy. don’t want to touch it.”

They answer,” said How do the kids think?

Ralph Johnson, talking Today’s kids think texting about using text messagis practical. They’d say, es to stay in touch with “Hey, Nana, this is the way his 14-year-old grandI like to talk.” No, it’s not daughter and 11-year-old like being on the phone, but it creates grandson. Ruth and Nathan’s famthe option of learning to text and ily spent the past year in a village in saying, “Wow my grandchild texted Honduras and texting is one way they me on his way home from school.” kept in touch with their grandparents.

Olanoff (who texts his own grandTV star Doris Roberts once said mother and then receives a phone call that if she called her grandson and back from her) looks at it this way: left a message, she never heard back “Communication is at the core. They from him. But if she sent him a text want to communicate. We’re seeing message, she got an instant answer. a renaissance of communication and That’s very typical, according to the tool being used is texting.” “textpert” Drew Olanoff, marketHe likens texting to a game. It’s ing manager for textPlus. quick. You don’t have to stop and Texting is both a noun and a verb, pick up the phone. “You text ‘Hi.’ which means you both have it and They text ‘hi’ back to you.” do it. And if you’re a grandparent Olanoff notes that a text conversaand wonder what’s happening to tion is always ‘green,’ meaning it’s this younger generation, you might ongoing. “I never say goodbye in just want to spend time with your texting,” he says. It’s always there, grandchild learning to text. an open line of communication Think about it. Even if Susie has her and you can jump right in.” hands all over her fancy phone, it’s Kids like the lack of formaltoo embarrassing in today’s world ity, too. “Do you want to go to to use the phone to call Grandpa. the movies tonight?” doesn’t have You can, however, focus on the fact to be introduced by “Hi, how are that Susie has a communication tool you? Are you busy?” It’s not really and know that she’d love to text something we’ve ever seen before. you. Olanoff asks, “Does it feel any Although Olanoff is excited about less awesome if your grandchild those 10 billion messages sent, he says ‘I love you’ in text?”

In May, textPlus (a free and unlimited realizes that everybody “loves to texting app) crossed the 10 billion mes- get a phone call, hear the voice.”

But there is a place if you want to sages-sent mark. When that company communicate with your grandchild surveyed a segment of its users, they that you won’t mind if it’s a text found that 81 percent of respondents’ message. “Texting is hot now and kids grandparents are indeed “mobile” are reaching out with it,” he says. (i.e., they own a cell phone). They He urges grandparents to understand further found that among users ages that it’s communication, just in a differ13 – 17, 24 percent prefer to text with ent way: Focus on the interaction and their grandparents and 40 percent of grandchildren would like to use text to communication rather than the delivery communicate with their grandparents. system, and you’ll stay connected.

And besides, 54 percent of What’s going on here? According respondents in that survey consider to Olanoff, kids are texting each grandparents who text to be cool. other and they want to text everyone.

BY EVELYN MACKEY

“I

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 13

Does Sex Help or Hurt the Heart As We Age? I

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 14

s sex a form of exercise that can keep us healthy or a threat to those with heart disease? The June issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch reviews research on the connection between sex and health.

According to one study, sex doesn’t count as heart-protective exercise.

This research monitored middle-aged male and female volunteers while they walked on a treadmill in the lab and during private sexual activity at home. The two are not equal—the treadmill proved more strenuous.

During sex, the men raised their heart rates only 72 percent as high as they did on the treadmill. Sex was even less strenuous for women in terms of heart rate, blood pressure and perceived exertion. All in all, average sexual activity ranks as mild to moderate in terms of exercise intensity.

But if sex can’t protect the heart, can it hurt it? Careful studies show

that fewer than one of every 100 heart attacks is related to sexual activity, and for fatal arrhythmias the rate is just one in 200. So for a healthy 50-year-old man, the risk of having a heart attack in any given hour is about one in a million; sex doubles the risk, but it’s still just two in a million. For men with heart disease, the risk is 10 times higher, but even for them, the chance of suffering a heart attack during sex is just 20 in a million, which are pretty safe odds.

The best way to stay healthy and protect cardiovascular health is to avoid tobacco, exercise regularly, eat a good diet, stay lean and limit alcohol. Do not initiate sexual activity if you are not feeling well, and anyone experiencing possible cardiac symptoms during sex should interrupt the sexual activity at once.

With these simple guidelines and precautions, sex is safe for the heart.

Live Free from Leg and Foot Pain D

o you suffer from foot and leg pain, cramping, arthritis or poor circulation? A new device called the Medimassager can help. This versatile and easy-to-use massager rests at your feet and can be adjusted to massage aching soles, heels, ankles, calves and legs. You can also prop it behind your back for a soothing back massage. An additional hand-held massage device can be used to focus on problem tension areas like the neck, shoulder, lower back and wrists.

“As a physical therapist with over thirty years of treating patients, I am a great advocate of both of the Medimassager units and have no hesitation in recommending them to my patients,” says Carl Marino, PT. “Because of the high quality smoothness of their massaging and variable speeds, they are appropriate for many people to use when units of lesser quality would be too rough or irritating, rather than relaxing.”

These FDAapproved medical devices have been used to provide pain relief from arthritis, flat feet and bone spurs, relieve restless leg syndrome, aid in the prevention of leg cramps, assist diabetes and neuropathy and promote blood flow to the feet and calves. 20 minutes of use can provide the benefits of a 4-mile brisk walk.

The quiet, powerful variable speed motor is perfect for home or office environments, and the devices come with a limited lifetime warranty.

“Don’t take your foot or muscle pain lightly! Many of my patients started out with pains that developed into chronic conditions that could have been at least partly prevented if they would have reduced the muscle spasms early on with units like the Medimassagers,” says Marino.

Order your Medimassager today by calling (813) 597-5729 or by visiting medimassager.com.

“You Have Feet In Your Shoes”—Except When It’s Too Painful You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

D

—Dr. Seuss

r. Seuss might have been right, but if the feet in those shoes hurt, you might decide not to go in any direction but the recliner!

Kendrick Whitney, a professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics who specializes in shoe function and design, took a look at some popular shoe types. Here’s what he found:

relatively unstable bottom. The next generation of shoes came with fitness claims—the idea being that since the calves and thighs had to work harder to maintain balance in these shoes, they could help tone problem areas.

The American Council of Exercise has found that the shoes “provide minimal exercise benefit and realistically, they’re not going to give the wearer the higher bottom or tighter legs they’re hoping for unless they plan to do a lot more walking—several miles per day,” says Whitney.

Roll-up flats and flip flops For women who’ve ever suffered the pain of standing for hours in heels, several companies are now marketing flats that are cheap and can roll up and store discreetly in a handbag. And the old standby, flip-flops, can be purchased

Toning shoes The toning sneakers (with the rocker bottoms) were introduced to mimic a more natural way of walking that would help improve posture and balance. The first such shoes had a

Check Us Out Online!

Senior Connection is now on

However, the shoes do have several benefits: Wearers tend to be more motivated to exercise, they can help improve back pain by improving posture and they can help reduce stress to the heels, forefoot, knees and hip joints. They can also help with muscular function. He adds that it’s important to consider the shoe’s weight; heavier shoes can act similarly to ankle weights.

The key with toning shoes is to ease into them and, ideally, to have a podiatrist or orthopedist examine the legs and feet to make sure they’re good candidates for these types of shoes.

for relatively little money at many stores. Whitney calls these EFCs—excuses for foot coverings.

“It’s like wearing slippers outside,” he said. “They provide poor stability, no support and you can actually do more damage by changing directly from heels into these types of shoes.”

To prevent injury, he recommends doing calf stretches and foot circles “with the same regularity that you brush your teeth.”

For flip flops, he says there are several on the market that provide excellent support. “They have padding in the forefoot and arches to even out pressure distribution, and the heel cup is lower to the ground.”

As with most things, a good quality shoe will cost a little more.

Whitney says not to be swayed by cheaper imitations.

“You get what you pay for,” he said. “And a well-made shoe is an excellent investment that can last you for several years.”

Barrington Terrace Sept. Events

and The Look and Feel of a Country Inn

“Follow” us or “Friend” us to keep up with Mature Lifestyles news, the latest information and fun events in your area. Get your “Smile for the Day!” or share your comments with us!

Find our Facebook page at www.facebook.com under “Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles.”

Or visit us on Twitter at www. twitter.com/MaturLifestyles (without the “e”).

C S S

heck out this calendar of events at Barrington Terrace Assisted Living & Memory Care Community:

eptember 12 – CarePartner Support Group Night, 5:30 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m.

eptember 22 – 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.

Here’s what residents say they like best about Barrington Terrace….

“We love the socialization, the food is great, we all feel like family, there is so much to do, we have a lot of fun, everyone is so friendly and caring. The staff is great. They’re always there for you and you don’t have to wait!

We love the carefree living and the people! No cleaning or cooking to worry about. It is a very friendly community.

We enjoy keeping busy with all the activities and the companionship of others. We both lost our spouses and living here at Barrington Terrace, we don’t feel alone.”

“We love the carefree living and the people! No “We love the socialization, the food is great, we cleaning or cooking to worry about. It is a very all feel like family, there is so much to do, we friendly community. We enjoy keeping busy with have a lot of fun, everyone is so friendly and all the activities and the companionship of others. caring. The staff is great. They’re always there We both lost our spouses and living here at for you and you don’t have to wait!”

Barrington Terrace, we don’t feel alone.”

Barrington Terrace Assisted Living Residence

Call: 727-588-0020

333 16th Ave. SE, Largo FL 33771 • www.bt-largo.com Assisted Living License #7933

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 15

Are You One of the 50 Million Americans with Tinnitus?

I f you have ever experienced a ringing, buzzing or even roaring in your ears, even when there is nothing around you actually creating that noise, then you know what it’s like to have tinnitus. For an estimated 50 million people, tinnitus doesn’t permanently go away. It can be so annoying that it can lead to fatigue, stress, sleep problems, concentration troubles, anxiety and depression. The good news is that new options exist for tinnitus management including a breakthrough sound therapy tool.

You may be surprised by what can causes tinnitus. A common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sounds, which can damage the sensory cells of the inner ear. Tinnitus has also been associated with ear infections, aging, excessive ear wax, high blood pressure and even sensory nerve disorders. Activities that may cause tinnitus include smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine and taking excessive amounts of aspirin or antibiotics.

What to do if you think you have tinnitus? Start by being evaluated by a hearing healthcare professional.

Some hearing healthcare professionals have general experience with tinnitus while others are specifically trained in managing tinnitus. He or she can help you determine the best options for managing the condition.

If there are no specific medical issues involved, there are still several steps you can take to help reduce the severity of your tinnitus or help you cope better with the noise.

Tinnitus management • Hearing aids. In as many as 90 percent of cases, someone experiencing tinnitus also has a hearing loss.

The use of a hearing aid to amplify sounds can help to make the ringing or buzzing less distracting.

• ZEN. The real breakthrough today comes from advanced hearing instruments that make use of fractal

tinnitus or make the symptoms less bothersome: • Avoid likely irritants such as loud noises or nicotine that may worsen your tinnitus.

• Manage stress, perhaps through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise.

technology and offer a harmonic sound program called ZEN. This type of program generates soothing sounds and chimes that show great promise as a sound therapy tool to relax patients and distract their attention from their tinnitus.

• Noise suppression. Electronic devices with pillow speakers that produce “white noise” may help you to sleep better at night.

Additional lifestyle changes that may help you to either avoid

• Limit your alcohol intake which can increase blood flow, especially in the inner ear area, and contribute to tinnitus symptoms.

• Use hearing protection.

• Manage your cardiovascular health with regular exercise and good nutrition.

Learning as much as you can about tinnitus and ways to alleviate symptoms can help you cope.

The Zen program is only available inside hearing aids such as the Mind440 Passion 440. For more information, visit Widex.com..

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 16

For a limited time only, Protect America is giving qualified customers a medical alert pendant when they order a home security system. In addition, Protect America will include a $200 VISA gift card upon account activation.

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*Standard monitoring agreement required with approved credit. To be eligible for $200 Visa Gift Card, customer must call 1-877-467-4573 and order either the Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Cellular Takeover package. Customer must install and activate security system within 7 days of receiving it in order to receive $200 Visa Gift Card. Please allow 6-8 weeks after home security activation date to receive gift card. Not available to existing Protect America customers. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Protect America, Inc., 3800 Quick Hill Rd. Building 1-100 Austin, TX 78728. Licenses: AL: 11-027; AR: E 2001-0538; AZ: ROC114856 (L-67), ROC114855 (C-12); CA: ACO 4115; DE: 06-204; FL: EG-0000192; GA: LVA205875; IA: AC-0081; IL: 127-001092; LA: F492; MD: 107-670; MI: 8714 Huckleberry Lane, Lansing MI. 48917. Lic #3601202409; MS: 15005347; NC: 635-CSA; NJ: Burglar alarm and fire alarm bus. Lic. #34BF00023700; NM: 60519; OK: 739; PA: PA023169; SC: BAC 5432, FAC 3104; TN: 00000265; TX: B16272, ACR-1204; UT: 345548-6501; VA: 11-3129; WA: PROTEAI962LD; WV: WV032962.

Veterans Corner

You’ve asked for better hearing at an affordable price.

“We’re Listening, Florida.”

Membership Has Its (Veterans) Benefits

M

embership in the U.S. Armed Services has its benefits. Even if you served as a young man, you can be a member with benefits in your senior years.

There are 23 million American Veterans in the U.S. today. Eight million of them receive VA benefits, yet many veterans never apply for the benefits they have both earned and deserve.

Some don’t know they are eligible.

Others fear the daunting process of applying and qualifying for the benefits.

Some of the benefits available include the following: Prescription Drugs: All drugs are free with an $8 co-pay, depending on income, often eliminating the need for a Part D coverage plan.

Veterans receiving pensions are fully exempt from co-pays for VA health services, including prescriptions.

Nursing Home Care: The VA contracts with over 2,500 privately owned and operated nursing homes complementing the 132 they own themselves. Congress has ordered the VA to find a place for all veterans with a 70 percent or higher disability rating. Lower-rating veterans are also eligible but will be placed on a waiting list in areas where beds are scarce.

In-Home Care: Veterans who need in-home care and meet the income means test can receive limited home-making services and assistance and basic home health needs, to be provided by service companies contracted by the VA. Single veterans with income above $29,402 (and $32,285 for married) might have to pay a co-pay of $15 for a provided medical services visit.

Respite Care can also be provided to allow a family caregiver some time off, with co-pays from $0 to $90 per day, depending on income qualification.

Health Care Benefits: The VA provides extensive health care, including

surgery and in-patient care at its 1,400 clinics, hospitals and care centers. Except in the case of service-connected disabilities, eligibility is based on an income-qualifying test. Single veterans cannot have income exceeding $32,342 ($38,812 for married), but adjustments are allowed for residing in higher-cost parts of the U.S., using a Geographic Means Test from HUD. Disability Compensation: Formerly, VA disability comp. examiners were encouraged to reject all but the most obvious and extreme cases involving specifically service-connected disabilities. In a new view, a servicerelated disability does not have to be an injury received in combat. Injuries that occurred or were aggravated while serving in uniform are worthy of consideration. Since disability comp. payments are unrelated to current income, they are available to a surviving spouse at a reduced level, based on the degree of disability.

Disability degree can range from 10 percent to 100 percent as determined by a VA doctor and subject to appeal.

VA Guaranteed Mortgages: If you’re an older veteran wanting to buy a senior-housing complex unit, eligibility determination is very gracious. SSI and food stamps are not counted as income, homes and cars are not counted as assets and household savings and investments up to $80,000 are allowed and still allow pension and health care benefit.

Because the VA’s goal is to keep people in their own homes and out of institutions, there is no “look-back” period for giving assets to relatives.

To learn more, take your DD214 or Certificate of Service to your local Veterans Service Centers.

Service Centers: Amy Leask, Office Specialist, 2189 Cleveland St., #201, Clearwater, Ph: (727) 464-8460; 501 1st Avenue N. #517, St. Petersburg, Phone: (727) 582-7828.

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 17

The Healthy Geezer

PROSPECT TOWERS of Clearwater, Inc.

Q

Intersection of Chestnut St. and S. Myrtle Ave.

727-447-5701 Efficiency $422 - $496 One Bedroom $539 - $634

Utilities included in the rent.

Cable is an additional $18/mo.

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

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

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

Non-Profit housing for the elderly.

• Close to beaches • Grocery store within walking distance • On the busline • Close to medical facilities Visit: http://prospect.presidioproperty.com • 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.

Medicare Answers D ear Marci, How does Medicaid work with Medicare to cover my health care costs?—William

Dear William, all states offer a variety of Medicaid programs, and several can help people with Medicare.

If you qualify for a Medicaid program, Medicaid can help pay for costs and services that Medicare does not cover.

For services that both Medicare and Medicaid can cover (such as doctor visits, hospital care, home care and skilled nursing facility care), Medicare will pay first and Medicaid will pay second—costs such as Medicare coinsurances and copayments.

If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you should be able to go to any doctor or provider who takes Medicare, Medicaid or who is in your Medicare private health plan’s network without having to pay the Medicare coinsurances or deductibles. You may still have to pay the Medicaid copayment for the service, depending on the rules in your state.

Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers, : Do men get osteoporosis? and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Quit.

A: Yes, men do get osteoporosis, Regular consumption of 2 to 3 but women are at greater risk. ounces a day of alcohol may be Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a damaging to the skeleton. Heavy disease characterized by low bone drinkers are more prone to bone mass and structural deterioration of loss and fractures, because of poor bone tissue. This condition creates nutrition and increased risk of fallan increased risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a major public health ing. Quit or, at least, cut down.

People may not know they have threat for 44 million Americans; about osteoporosis until their bones become 68 percent of them are women. One so weak that a bump or fall causes a out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteopo- hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse. See your doctor for a check-up. rosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Following a comprehensive medical Our bodies remove old bone and assessment, your doctor may recomreplace it with new bone. During our growth stage, new bone is added faster mend that you have your bone mass than old bone is removed. We hit peak measured. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to deterbone mass around age 30. After that age, we lose more bone than we form. mine your bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your Who is at risk of getting osteoporosis? risk for fractures and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The The chances are greater if you are a most widely recognized bone mineral woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because density test is called a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA test. of changes from menopause. Small, A comprehensive osteoporosis thin-boned women are at greater risk. treatment program includes a focus Caucasian and Asian women are on proper nutrition, exercise and at highest risk. Age is a major risk safety issues to prevent falls that may factor because bones become thinner result in fractures. In addition, your and weaker as you age. Heredity physician may prescribe a medication can also increase fracture risk. to slow or stop bone loss, increase Low calcium intake appears to be bone density and reduce fracture risk. associated with bone loss. Good If you would like to read more sources of calcium include low-fat columns, you can order a copy dairy products, dark-green leafy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” vegetables, almonds and foods at www.healthygeezer.com. fortified with calcium, such as orange juice. Some people may need to take a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound and for people in general during the winter.

Depending on your situation, you may need to take vitamin D supplements.

Bone responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weightbearing exercise is the best for your bones. Get off the sofa.

BY FRED CICETTI

Affordable Senior Living 801 Chestnut Street Clearwater, FL 33756

Medicaid can cover much more long-term care than Medicare does. Medicare requirements for coverage of longterm care services, such as home care and skilled nursing facility services, are generally stricter than Medicaid’s, and the coverage itself is much more limited.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare, not Medicaid, will cover your drug costs. Having Medicaid will automatically qualify you for Extra Help, the federal program that helps with the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

—Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights. org). To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org.

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 18

Joy? In the Shadow of Dementia?

A

fter witnessing her father’s decline and struggle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, Susan Garbett became passionate about understanding this disease and the devastating toll it has on caregivers and families.

This passion led her to become a volunteer support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and to write Susie and Me Days: Joy in the Shadow of Dementia.

Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form, is an illness that is ravaging the senior population and places an enormous burden on our present and future generations. Neurologist, Richard Mayeux, M.D. of New York’s Columbia University, best summed up what our country is facing when he said,

“We have a tsunami coming at us, and we’re sitting in a rowboat.” It’s a subject that most people don’t want to face or talk about, especially babyboomers. But it’s real, it’s “now,” and by 2050 it is predicted that 13.5 million Americans will have the disease.

Susie and Me Days describes the unexpected gifts caregivers can receive if they have the capacity to let go of negative thinking about what once was, or what could have been, in order to embrace what is happening right now “in the moment.” By entering their world, caregivers have the opportunity to create gratifying experiences for and with their loved ones.

Susie and Me Days is a candid, intimate, insightful account that brings to life the relationship between a father and daughter as they journey through the murky haze of dementia. To learn more, visit susieandmedays.com.

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.

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 • September 2011 • page 19

MLF u TOWERS

Are you 62 years old or mobility impaired on a limited income?

Check the quality at...MLF Towers Rent based on income • Fully equipped 1BR apt.

• Carpeted & spacious • Library & community room.

• Wellness center w/doctor & nurse • Weekly bus to shopping • Optional noon meal service 7 days/wk.

• Free basic cable • Water, sewer, & trash service provided • Individual climate control • Active resident council • Reserved Parking Other features offered at Minimal fee: • Tray service • Guest dining • Laundry room • Housekeeping

Call (727) 823-1575 • 1-800-955-8771

FLA Relay Service For a tour of our modern community.

540 Second Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Word Search Sept. 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?

Gift Card Savvy

BY ANDREA WOROCH

W

$

$$

s D AR dollar T C GIF y-five

t ith the doors closed en Tw at Borders, consumers would do well to look at gift cards lying around the house.

Here’s what you can do if you hear that a store is financially unstable.

G oi ng f Ou t o ss e Busi n ! !

S a le

1. Move fast. Store liquidations usually begin rapidly so it’s often best to use up gift cards online, rather than wait until you have time to visit a retail store.

2. Research the bankruptcy status.

Borders was refused bankruptcy, meaning they had no choice but to liquidate. Other retailers, however, filed for bankruptcy and turned things around. Sometimes a company that’s filed for Chapter 11 is allowed by the bankruptcy court to honor its gift cards.

3. Consider the company’s stability.

Research their financial stability via such sites as BBB.com and Forbes Risk List. (Stores considered at-risk by

Forbes presently include Rite Aid and Zales.) Also, ScripSmart.com regularly updates its list of “Gift Cards to Avoid.”

4. Use it or sell it. If you’ve received a gift card for a merchant you wouldn’t frequent, you can exchange gift cards for cash on such sites as GiftCardGranny.com and receive up to 95 percent of the card’s value in cash.

5. Use a credit card. If you’re concerned about a retailer’s financial stability but still want to buy a gift card, do so using a credit instead of a debit card. You can then ask the card issuer to withhold payment until you’re sure of the merchant’s status.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

Word Search Answers From

August 2011

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

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on September 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 Sept. 21, 2011.)

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 20

Walter Roberts and Mary Bishop are last month’s winners! Congratulations!

&

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

Protect Yourself from Financial Predators

BY YVONNE CURLEY

W

ith finances as they are today, it’s easy to get led astray. Don’t let it happen to you or someone you know. Seniors lost nearly $3 billion last year to financial predators, according to the August Money magazine.

One out of every five older Americans has been sold an inappropriate investment, paid excessive fees for a financial product or service or been a victim of fraud.

Understand how you can get hooked by a predator.

Finance Here are the “pitches” to avoid: 1. “Let me buy you lunch.” Here’s the truth: 57 percent of sales materials from those free lunch seminars include misleading or unwarranted claims. Look for vague generalities and pressure tactics. You might hear part of the story but not the whole story about a product. Take someone along—another pair of ears is as valuable here as at a doctor’s appointment.

2. “I can ease your mind.” Fear increases our tendency to look for simple suggestions and makes it difficult to think critically. Listen for questions that are too personal about what you fear most. Put your number on the Do Not Call list (888-382-1222), throw away junk mailings and practice saying this phrase: “No, I’m not interested.”

3. “I’ll be your Best Friend.”

Deceptive agents may try to become a buddy or helper to help themselves to your money information. Friendship can blur the sales relationship.

4. “I can get you 8 percent on your money.” The numbers vary, but the deceptive pitch will offer high returns that are “safeguarded.” This

Yes! You can move into Grand Villa Senior Living from your current assisted living community without interrupting your Veteran, Diversion, or Private Pay Benefits.

typically means a complicated, risky investment which carries hidden costs and which ties up the principal for a long time. Ask specific questions and take the plan to a trusted individual for clarification.

5. “Act now, call today.” Beware of those who create a false sense of urgency, trumpeting limited-time offers. This is a common tactic. Taking out a reverse mortgage, for example, is too involved a decision to be made in a rush—ask several non-sales people about it before you sign papers.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services works to help safeguard seniors and all consumers from being victims. Their Division of Consumer Services Helpline is the place to call.

Here’s a true story of a victimized senior: A Hillsborough County senior called the Division of Consumer Services Helpline after discovering that he had been misled about the product he purchased. The consumer answered an advertisement offering a one year Certificate of Deposit at 6.5 percent. He gave the agent a total of $175,000 with the understanding that it would be placed into the CD. The consumer later discovered that the funds had actually been placed into a ten-year annuity.

One of the DFS Insurance Specialists contacted the company on behalf of the consumer and was able to obtain a full refund of the consumer’s initial deposit plus interest. This consumer had a successful resolution.

Financial Helpline Making contact: Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Help Line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

A trained consumer specialist with the Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force will help you. The website is www.my floridacfo.com/ica/senioralerts.asp.

Call 727-493-2723 to learn how!

Largo’s #1 Assisted Living Community!

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Health and Heart Fair

P

asco County 25th Annual Fall Health and Heart Health Fair will be held Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Center Court in Gulfview SquareMall, U.S. Hwy 19 North, Port Richey.

The event is free to the public.

Look for healthcare and wellness exhibits, information from healthcare professionals, dental exhibits and information, medicare insurance information, vascular screenings, spinal adjustments, supplemental nutrient information and lots of giveaways.

For more info, call (727) 825-0018.

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Presents the: http://www.seniorconnectionfl.com website • Local and World News • Great Stories & Information

• All Your Favorite Events

• Travel, Finance, Health & More!

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 21

DMe In eal

Hot News on Roulette Voodoo

BY MARK PILARSKI

D

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.

939 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Palm View Building September 22, 2011 10:00AM – 12:00PM Please RSVP to (727) 785-0973 or (727) 781-8201

ear Mark: I enjoyed your response to a question on roulette wheel bias. I was wondering if an experienced roulette dealer could make the ball land where he or she pleases? —Josh G.

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727-327-9222 5521 Central Avenue • St. Petersburg, FL 33710 www.bevshawlaw.com Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 22

What you’re asking, Josh, is whether a dealer can deliberately target and pocket a particular number when the wheel is spinning east, the ball west, with frets impeding a descending bouncing ball as it finds its way to a particular pocket. Notta chance.

I just think there are too many physical variables for a dealer to control so as to land the ball at will.

There is such a thing as sectorshooting, Josh, where maybe the one in a thousand dealers can possibly put it in sections of a wheel, or the keenest of all roulette players thinks he or she comes across that “biased wheel”— incessantly watching the dealer and ball speed, thinking they can clock the wheel—but I also lack conviction on either of those skills.

The casino needs to offer you a round-and-round she goes, where she drops nobody knows random spin, because as long as the results are random, the casino will make its ca-ching. Random games mean big built-in profits for the operators. In the case of roulette, 5.26 percent.

When you take the randomness out, you increase the operators’ risk and decrease its reward. So, every

casino has its own set of guidelines for its dealers to follow, as well as a few procedures I’m sure of that keep the wheel speed within a certain range. The last thing the casino wants is rogue dealers who at least think they can hit a number at will.

Back in the day, I was trained to either speed up or slow down both the wheel and ball delivery before each spin to avoid any kind of hanky panky, and though I spent countless hours on a dead game trying to pocket a particular number, the wheel going one way, the ball the other, with frets impelling that dippy bounce, I found it damn near impossible to forecast where the ball was going to land.

Dear Mark: Is card counting illegal?

I’ve heard it is, and heard it isn’t. Confused minds want to know. —Dale C. Technically in most gaming jurisdictions it’s not illegal, but casino personnel can and will back you off the game if they suspect that you are counting cards. Counting cards may give you that one-percent-plus advantage, but expect a pit boss to come and pleasantly say, “Hey Dale, we appreciate your patronage but we’re going to ask you to stop playing blackjack here. Feel free to play any of the other table games we offer.”

Not all casinos bar counters. Atlantic City, by law, cannot run you off a blackjack game. Yes, Dale, it’s legal to use your gray matter, but what they will do to combat your use of your medulla oblongata is counter your counting with tougher blackjack rules, multi-deck games and limited deck penetration to keep the skilled counter at bay.

Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “People who thought it was evil are playing slot machines and lightning does not strike them.” —Bill Thompson, Professor of Public Administration at the University of Nevada on the increasing number of Las Vegas gamblers.

Help! My Son Moved Back Home

I

n the book, How to Raise Adult Children, Gail Parent and Susan Ende, M.F.T. tackle all sorts of issues that affect every family with adult children. Here’s one letter and answer:

Dear Gail and Susan, My son Eric was living with us for a little while after college. He finally got a good job and moved into his own apartment. That was two and a half years ago. He just lost that job and has moved back in with us. He’s depressed. How can I help him? —Robin

Retirement Living Dear Super Mom? If you, Robin, can get Eric out of his depression, someone should hand you a psychology degree immediately. He needs therapy. But until you get him to a doctor’s office, what you can do is help him get his work situation under

control. I know he knows what to do, but . . . remind him gently.

It means sending out resumes, networking at LinkedIn and going on Yahoo Jobs and other job search websites. Remind him it’s not a one-time thing.

It has to be done every day. At least he’ll be pro-active and not feel that he can’t do anything about his situation.

We get depressed when our kids get depressed. Try to smile for his sake. Also, remind him that he’s not alone and that this is a difficult time to find work and others are in the exact same situation he is. —Gail (who told her sons if they ever need to, they can move back in with her).

Sometimes a safety net becomes a trap. Moving in with parents can

sometimes make the problem for our child worse. Eric not only lost his job but he also lost his apartment, his independence, his adult identity. No wonder he’s depressed.

He thought he was launched and now he’s right back where he started—at home with Mom and Dad. Moving in with parents should not be the only option if a kid gets in trouble.

It’s often not the best option.

But here Eric is home and depressed.

I agree with Gail, that he should be looking for a job, every day in any way he can. However—and here’s where parents have to take charge— Eric should not be allowed to give up his life and become a catered-to, dependent invalid who can do nothing but look for a job.

There should be conditions for his room and board. For instance, he could be in charge of all the grocery shopping, the gardening, taking younger kids to school, all of which gets him into the world with people and making an adult contribution.

The more his parents treat him like an invalid, the more helpless and depressed he will become.

I strongly recommend that parents and child have a plan for losing a job that does not require that the kid move back home. How about three months expenses in savings, unemployment insurance, moving in with roommates and getting a temporary job to make ends meet? Life brings challenges we have to cope with.

Going back to Mom and Dad should not be a child’s only coping tool.

Certainly, if Eric is too depressed to do any of the above, he should be seen by a doctor for medication and therapy. —Susan

What If I Don’t Make a Will?

N

o matter the size of your estate, it is important to make a will.

A will allows you control over how your assets are allocated after your death.

If you do not make a will, your intentions may not be honored.

Without a will, state law will dictate how your assets are divided.

State laws in the U.S. usually distribute assets to your natural or adopted relatives, leaving nothing to charities or friends. If you have no relatives, the estate goes to the state. Though some property can be passed through joint ownership, it is still important to establish a will.

How Close Do You Hold a Smart Phone?

S

mart phone users reading text messages and internet pages hold their devices at a closer distance than they would for printed text—which may have important implications for prescribing vision correction, reports a study in the July issue of Optometry and Vision Science.

The study indicates that optometrists should pay attention to the “working distance” at which patients hold their smart phones and perform appropriate testing at those distances.

Especially for older patients, changes in lens design may be needed to meet the visual demands of smart phones and other new technology.

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 23

Roanoke—“It’s a Blue Ridge Day! Day!” Attention Readers: The second part of our Northern Ireland story will be featured in our upcoming October editions. —Kathy Beck, Publisher.

Boston Red Sox affiliate and the beautiful stadium is simply a great place for an evening of fun.

Eat Well When in Roanoke, eat like a Southern native—that means as directly from farm to table as possible. Visit the downtown Roanoke City Market for food, shops and restaurants too.

The Local Roots restaurant features changing seasonal menus. Beverages tend to go native as well, coming from “small batch, family-owned, rare, and unique purveyors.”

For quality steak dinner, nothing beats NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s 347 Grill in the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel—delicious filet mignon and the best cheesecake in town.

BY JANICE DOYLE

“I

t’s a Blue Ridge Day.” That means the temperature’s perfect, the sky’s blue and all’s right with the world.

It must mean I’m in Roanoke, Virginia, right there on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What’s the buzz about Roanoke?

In the Spotlight You! Let your family know they can see you on their computers when you’re in front of the web cam located at The Roanoke Star and Overlook on Mill Mountain. You’ll go there for a bird’s eye view of the city and then you’ll call them to say you’re waving at them. The Star was built in 1949 to encourage Christmas shopping and just stayed on to become a theme for “Roanoke, the Star City.”

While you’re on Mill Mountain, visit the gardens, the Discovery Center and the little zoo.

Travel Hot Ticket!

Take me out to the Salem Red Sox Class A Minor League professional baseball team. It’s a

Top: Overlook on Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star. Above: The Taubman Museum of Art

The Local Gem! I found several gems in Roanoke, but none more visually stunning and values-impressive than the Taubman Museum of Art. It’s a downtown architectural wonder which is “an abstract sculpture of the Blue Ridge.”

Outside design elements relate to the surrounding mountains and inside design elements reflect the rivers of the area in the rounded walls and meandering overhead designs.

This gem of a museum has nine galleries and impressive works throughout. It’s free from 5 to 9 on Friday nights. However, regular

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 24

Link the photographer used lights and cameras and trains as he documented the last days of the steam locomotive —pictures that we recognize from ads and commercials of a bygone era.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

senior admission is just $6—one more reason it’s impressive.

In the Bag Among the city’s unique shops is chocolatepaper, featuring all things chocolate.

If you’re a treasure hunter, visit Black Dog Salvage for 40,000 square feet of architectural treasures (old church windows, etc.), antique designs like mantels and wrought iron works, furniture and much more.

All Aboard Roanoke was a railroad hub for decades and today it holds the best railroad collection in the U.S. The Hit the Trail, Jack town’s sidewalks become Pick a trail, any trail. a Rail Walk leading via In Roanoke, you’re just signage through history and The Crooked Road Virginia Heritage minutes from the famous into the Virginia Museum Appalachian Trail. If hiking Music Trail of Transportation. Located isn’t your thing, drive the in the historic Norfolk & Crooked Road Virginia Heritage Western Railway Freight Station, Music Trail. It will lead you by way there are 50 pieces of rolling metal of numerous studios, galleries and and a huge collection that includes shops to the Blue Ridge Institute and automotive (a 1913 Detroit Electric Museum of Ferrum College. Check car), aviation, transit and more. the trails out when they all lead to the Nearby, the old Roanoke Hotel Folklife Festival at Ferrum College exudes the rich heritage of a grand the fourth Saturday of October. hotel built to house the guests who enjoyed new and luxurious transporta- The Sweet Spot The area’s best-kept secret is Hometion of the 1800s. You can relax in stead Creamery, an old fashioned the lobby while looking at the hotel’s family-owned dairy and produce history in photos, stay in one of the hot spot. Treat yourself to yummy 300+ guest rooms or enjoy a fabulous sandwiches, soups and ice cream made meal right in downtown Roanoke. right next door. Table for Two… or A movie across the street at the more. Information at visitroanoke.com.

Winston Link Museum tells how

Parkway or Skyline Drive?

G

ood question—are you on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive? The answer is that the Skyline Drive is the 105-mile-long roadway through Shenandoah National Park, a traditional national park. There are six entry points and an entrance fee to visit Shenandoah NP.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, also a unit of the National Park System, is a landscaped corridor with a few areas of large acreage, designed as a recreational motor road connecting Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.

So, one is a drive through a traditional park and one is a roadway only.

Head for the Keys

school students). Look for local artistic and culinary specialties, plus family-friendly activities at Hawks Cay Marina.

Try your hand—er, your mouth—in the conch blowing contests and feast on offerings by vendors like t’s a great time conch fritters, to head for the conch salad, Florida Keys. brats, hot dogs Through Oct. 31, and hamburgers.

Hawks Cay Resort $5 per person hosts a Heroes Weldaily with onsite come promotion parking. Visit every weekend recHawks Cay Resort KeysConchtober ognizing America’s salutes our heroes. fest.com. military, fire rescue, police and mediLodging special: Hawks Cay, 61 cal personnel. The event will include Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key. live music and tribute ceremonies.

Room rates to Conchtoberfest attendCelebrate the lowly conch at Conchtoberfest, Sept. 29 through Oct. ees start at $140 per night, which includes admission for two to the event.

2 to benefit Take Stock in Children Call 1-888-313-5749 for reservations. (a scholarship program for local high

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Last Month’s Answers

August Sudoku June Lewis is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Sept. 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 Sept. 21 will win.

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Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 25

The world’s simplest cell phone experience.

y ice b Pr ced du 48 Re $

o t N trac n Co

It doesn’t play music, take pictures, or surf the Internet. with rates as low as $3.75 per week!

minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign– so I’m not locked in for years at a time or subject to termination fees. The U.S.–based customer service is second to none, and the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the country.

For people like me, who want a cell phone that’s easy to use. Over the years, cell phones have become smaller and smaller with so many complicated features. They are harder to program and harder to use. But the Jitterbug cell phone has simplified everything, so it’s not only easy to use, it’s easy to try. No crowded malls, no waiting in line, no confusing sales people, or complicated plans. Affordable and convenient cell phone service is only a toll-free phone call away.

Monthly Minutes Monthly Rate Operator Assistance 911 Access Long Distance Calls Voice Dial Nationwide Coverage Friendly Return Policy1

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easily in my pocket, and flips open to reach from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simply push “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reduces background noise, making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know the phone is ready to use.

Affordable plans that I can understand – and no contract to sign! Unlike other cell phones, Jitterbug has plans that make sense. Why should I pay for minutes I’m never going to use? And if I do talk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no

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Why wait, the Jitterbug comes ready to use right out of the box. If you aren’t as happy with it as I am, you can return it for a refund of the purchase price. Call now, the Jitterbug product experts are ready to answer your questions.

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes.

Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage.

If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2011 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2011 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 26

Krispy Kreme With Minimum Guilt Here’s a doughnut decoder: Original and Sugar Doughnut – 200 calories, 12g fat.

Cake Doughnut – 210 to 290 calories, 16g fat.

Iced (but not filled) Doughnut – 240 to 280 calories, 14g fat.

Filled Doughnut – 290 to 350 calories, 20g fat.

Join the official Seniors Fan Club of the Tampa Bay Rays for only Season Ticket Holder Price $15

• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt • Golden Rays Membership Card • Coupons for merchandise and concession items • Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events

• Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games

Sp*$ecial 5995 SUPER TUNE-UP CHECKLIST:

81

FREE*

With installation of Premium A/C & Heating System ) 81 47 3 -C -52 5 6 OLD AIR (2

4 3-C 52 OLD AIR (265-

SECOND DISCOUNT OR MILITARY DISCOUNT

7

81 3

FREE*

) 247 -COLD AIR (265-5

AIR

We Service All Brands!

www.easyac.net Fuel surcharge applies to Free Service Call. * W.A.C. Some restrictions apply BONDED & INSURED LIC.# CAC058774

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47 )

SECOND OPINION 13 -C OLD

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• Check Refrigerant Pressures Adding Up To 2 Lbs. At No Additional Charge (EPA Requires Refrigerant Leaks Must Be Repaired Prior To Recharging Or Adding Refrigerant) • Surface-Clean Indoor Coil In Place If Possible (If Impacted - Quote Separately) • Check Drain Pan Safety Switch • Check Drain Pan & Clean Drain Line (If Plugged - Quote Separately) • Check Thermostat & System Operation • Check Compressor Amp Draw GET ALL THIS • Check Outdoor Fan Motor Amp Draw FOR ONLY • Check Indoor Fan Motor Amp Draw • Inspect Ductwork For Contamination • Oil Outdoor / Indoor Fan Motor FIRST TUNE-UP ONLY • Check Blower Wheel • Inspect Safety Controls

For More Information Visit

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• Official Golden Rays Tote Bag

From the book “Eat This, Not That!”

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

So, what’s left to enjoy? Well, pick up a serving of Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes and enjoy 210 calories, 10g fat and 17g sugars.

Then eat nothing but veggies the rest of the day!

47 )

ow can you enjoy a stop at a Krispy Kreme and not break the calorie bank? You almost can’t, but you can make some choices. Here’s a hint: Cinnamon’s your answer. Not one of Krispy Kreme’s cinnamonflavored creations has more than 290 calories. Example: The Cinnamon Apple Filled has 290 calories (14 sugars) and the Glazed Cinnamon Doughnut has 210 calories (12 sugars).

To go with that, enjoy a 20 oz. Orange You Glad Chiller (300 calories) instead of the Lotta Latte Chiller at 1,050 calories (and 97g sugars).

Avoid the Apple Fritter like the plague. It weighs about the same as the Cinnamon Apple but is frosted to be called the “worst item on the menu” because of the high saturated fat content.

47 )

H

AIR (

- 52 2 65

813-COLD AIR 265-3247

Pinellas/Pasco

727-447-6933 Polk

863-686-8528 Manatee

941-365-5862 Sun City/ Apollo Beach/ Ruskin

813-635-0440

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 27

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 (reardrive), beaches, sm Dogs! NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5’5”, HWP, Pretty w/blonde hair.

Let’s dance—make Bucket list! Florida.

4034 SEEKING SINCERE NONSMOKER Looking for man in late 50s, early 60s to get together, caring, faithful, enjoys walks, dining out.

Relax at home. I’m 5’4”, 118. LTR if compatible. NS, ND. Pasco County.

4037 SLENDER, ATTRACTIVE, FUNLOVING WWF seeks good gentleman friend, 75 plus, for sharing good times.

Enjoy dining, dancing, movies, beaches, travel, flea markets, togetherness, much more. Possible romance. St. Pete.

4043 SEEKING CARING FAITHFUL MAN White male, 60+, who enjoys walking, dancing and music or just togetherness at

home. Romantic NS-NDrg. E. Pasco area. Please send recent photo.

4045 WD, F, NS, ND, C 70s, sharing swims, hikes, arts, theatre, wellness and good times. Palm Harbor, FL.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 3992 SEEKING VERY NATURAL WOMAN I am looking for a woman in her late 50s or early 60s. Going for walks, movies, going out to eat, staying home watching tv. Send phone number. Pasco County.

4039 SEEKING REAL LADY I want a real lady, not a phoney. I love sports, going out, movies, theater, restaurants.

I’m still active in business, love animals. Lets share life together. Brandon.

4041 SERIOUS AD Active, educated gentleman, sterling reputation. No baggage. ISO compatible lady 65, 0+. HWP, SOH for LTR, local events. Ballroom dancer preferred but not essential. Largo area.

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):

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:

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 • September 2011 • page 28

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 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 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.

Trips to Take

Next Honor Flight, Sept. 20 onor Flight for World War II veterans leaves from St. PeteClearwater airport (return same day).

Applications for the free veteran flights and guardian applications at honorflightwcf.org. Guardians donate $400 to cover the cost of the flight, expenses.

For information: Lt. Colonel Dick Koch, USAF (Ret.) at (727) 480-7112.

H

Bok Tower Trip Buy tickets for a Thursday, Nov. 3 day trip to Lake Wales and Bok Tower Sanctuary and lunch at Chalet Suzanne sponsored by the Pass-A-Grille Community Church Women’s Fellowship. $89/person: motorcoach, entrance fees, lunch, dinner, tax, tips. Details: lauriek77@ gmail.com or (217) 412-8136.

Free Wii Bowling!

City (No Charge):

City:

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.

4048 I AM MALE, HINDU, TALL 67 years old, handsome, retired. Seeking a blonde female, spiritual, honest. Age between 49 to 70 years young. LTR.

C

hannel your inner bowler and head to the Community Center at Senior Citizens Services. All of the fun and excitement of a good game without the heavy bowling ball and crashing pins. Virtual bowling might be just what the doctor ordered.

Experience the excitement of the lanes in a senior friendly setting. Open to all levels of players from amateur to pro-

fessional. Discover how it works and how much fun and gentle exercise you have been missing. Safe, fun and free!

Clearwater’s Senior Citizens Services offers Nintendo Wii bowling Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center on 1204 Rogers Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756.

Watch for upcoming Team Competitions! For details, call (727) 442-8104.

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Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Sept. 19 will receive $20 cash!

Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., 1602 S. Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584

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Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 29

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 30

PROTECT YOUR HOME

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Join America’s Diabetic Savings Club MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

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Get great discounts and special offers!

call now

888-295-7138 Painting Workshop

L

earn One-Stroke Folk Art painting at a workshop on Sept. 11.

Jean Rogers will lead the workshop sponsored by the Clearwater branch of PenWomen at the Countryside Public Library, 2741 State Road 580, Clearwater from 2 to 4 p.m.

A donation of $3 covers materials.

For info on this workshop, and to pre-register, call (727) 420-6184.

For details about the PenWomen organization, visit nlapw.org online.

WIRELESS RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS QUICK INSTALLATION PHONE DIAL-UP MOTION DETECTION NO MONTHLY RATE Starting at $99

727-608-6021 219-805-7701

Suncoast Geneology Society Meeting

T

he Suncoast Genealogy Society will meet Saturday, September 24, 2011.From 1 – 1:45 p.m. there will be a “Roots Magic User Group Meeting.” From 2 – 4:30 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, speaker John Mangan’s topic will be “Baseball and Genealogy.” Free and open to the public.

Call Ann James at (727) 791-1983.

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

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

seniorconnectionfl.com

seniors

Navigate With Care Manatees Are There

Boat Safely!

www.savethemanatee.org Photo © David R. Schrichte

ZEPHYRHILLS “A” Team Cycles...........................813-763-3013

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

• Make NO mortgage payments during your lifetime • Eliminate your current mortgage/debt payments • Two ways to pay for long term care insurance without touching a penny of your savings, investments or income • Stay in your home as long as you live/You keep the title to your home •Your heirs Will inherit all remaining equity • The lender Cannot own or take your home as long as you follow program requirements •No income/credit to qualify

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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

Nationwide Equities Reverse Mortgage Experts!

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HECM (REVERSE MORTGAGE) FEDERALLY INSURED LOAN BY FHA & HUD

Visit Our Website At:

Doing Our Part

727-844-5588

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

Simply call our toll free line at 888-669-4383 and ask for your FREE no obligation Brochure & DVD. www.reversemortgagelife.com Nationwide is a Direct Lender-FL License# MLD453 NMLS company ID:1408 Shay Samuch NMLS ID:50808

Senior Connection • September 2011 • page 31

Get Up to 6 Quotes in 10 Minutes Free Auto Insurance Evaluation Switch to AAA from

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QUOTE$

Call or stop by to get your free rate quote now!

Belleair Bluffs • 100 N. Indian Rocks Rd. • (727) 584-7678 Clearwater • 2170 Rainbow Dr. • (727) 448-2600 Palm Harbor • 32050 U.S. Hwy. 19 N. • (727) 789-7850 Port Richey • 10532 Devco Dr. • (727) 868-9523 Seminole • 9200 Seminole Blvd. • (727) 398-3120 St. Pete Downtown • 800 2nd Ave. S. • (727) 826-3600

11-IA-1182a

Trinity • 10700 SR 54, Ste. 102 & 103 • (727) 375-2404 A U TO • H O M E • F L O O D • R V • M OTO R C Y C L E • B O AT • L I F E • H E A LT H *Average annual savings was developed using information provided by new policyholders reporting the dollar differences between prior carriers and AAA Insurance Agency from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010. For qualified drivers only. Rates vary by state and insurance company.