Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast Edition, May 2024

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Happy Mother’s Day

May is a beautiful month in Florida – the weather is fine, the leaves are green, and the beach beckons.

In May, there are also lots of fun celebrations, including “May the Fourth Be With You” (on May 4, for those who are interested in the Star Wars movies); Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexican heritage and culture; mothers and grandmothers

everywhere on Mother’s Day (May 12); and the official start of barbecue and picnic season on Memorial Day (May 26).

One fun way to celebrate this gorgeous time of year is to make yourself a Gratitude Jar. Sit down with 31 small pieces of paper (one for each day in May) and write yourself little inspirational messages or gratitudes. For example, you might write: “I am grateful for my brilliant granddaughters, April, May and June.” Or “Thank you for my fragrant flower garden overlooking the park,” or “I am so happy to be married to my wonderful spouse for 47 years.” Fold up each little paper and put it in the jar. Each day, pull out a message and be inspired!

May is also the month to allow yourself to be honored and cared for, so you might also share the delicious recipes this month – Mediterranean Chopped Salad and Catfish and Spinach Bake – perfect for a picnic by the sea.

Enjoy your spring!

Until next time,

Lifestyles After 50

Volume 35, Issue 5

Published by Connected Community Media Group Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com

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Michele Baker

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6 Tips to the Trip of a Lifetime: Disneyland Paris

For grandparents, a trip to Disneyland Paris with the grandchildren can be a magical, memory-filled adventure. As the site proudly boasts, it is the happiest place on Earth! With iconic rides, beloved characters, spectacular shows, and family-friendly hotels, a visit there allows grandparents to bond with the young ones and experience plenty of fun together.

A little advance planning helps make such a special trip easy and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Here are six tips to help you enjoy the trip.

PLAN AHEAD

Ensure the visit goes smoothly: book rooms at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels. They offer great proximity to the parks and extras like early park access for hotel guests. There are also budget options! The new Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel looks particularly exciting for young superhero fans! Review height restrictions to see if little ones meet ride requirements. Make restaurant reservations to take the hassle out of mealtimes and download the app to check wait times and show schedules with ease.

PACK SMART

TAKE BREAKS

The parks cover huge areas with endless entertainment options. Trying to do it all gets tiring, especially for little ones. Schedule ample breaks to recharge at hotels, restaurants or designated relaxation areas. Stake out a bench and enjoy a snack while people watching, or let kids burn off energy at play areas. Returning to the parks after rest makes the next few hours of fun feel fresh again.

USE DISNEY FASTPASS

The key is layers. Mornings and evenings in Paris can be chilly even in summer, so bring a light jacket or hoodie. Backpacks carry snacks, water, medication, small toys, and spare clothes through the parks with ease. Charging packs keep phones and cameras powered up. And don’t forget autograph books, Disney gear, and comfy, supportive shoes!

CREATE SPECIAL MOMENTS

Part of the magic of Disney parks lies in unique experiences that become treasured memories. Book character dining with their beloved Disney friends or reserve the unforgettable Sequoia Lodge Golden Forest Club. Let the grandkids pick fun Disney gifts in boutiques, hunt for hidden Mickeys around the parks, and strike silly poses with statues and scenery. Capture plenty of priceless smiling shots together.

Use Disney’s FASTPASS service to avoid long lines and minimize wait times for popular attractions, as demand is high for top rides! Check for FASTPASS kiosks near ride entrances.

STAY UNTIL CLOSING

With younger grandchildren, the lure of late nights probably fades earlier, but older kids will get a thrill from staying until the spectacular closing show, Disney Illuminations. The dazzling nightly extravaganza lights up the sky in celebration of Disney movies through an emotional mix of fireworks, stirring music, lights, lasers, and water effects. Ride lines also tend to be shorter in the last couple of hours as many guests leave.

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Q. Is cigarette smoke the only cause of lung cancer?

No. Radon and asbestos are causes, too. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Asbestos has been used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters.

But cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Before cigarette smoking became popular in the early part of the 20th century, doctors rarely saw patients with lung cancer. Nearly 90% of people with lung cancer develop it because they smoked cigarettes.

The good news is that smoking is not as popular as it used to be. In 1965, about 42% of all adults smoked. By 2021, only 11.5% of adults aged 18 years or older smoked cigarettes. Also, there has been a sharp drop in lung cancer deaths among men, mainly because fewer men are smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. It occurs most often between the ages of 55 and 65.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough that worsens, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to check with a doctor immediately. If tests show that you have cancer, you should make treatment decisions as soon as possible. Studies show that early treatment leads to better outcomes.

The standard treatments for lung cancer are surgery to remove a tumor, chemotherapy with anti-cancer drugs, radiation to kill cancer cells, and photodynamic therapy, a newer technique that uses a laser with a chemical to kill cancer cells.

There are two major types of lung cancer: non-

small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways, and each is treated differently.

Non-small cell lung cancer is more common, and there are several treatments including surgery. Cryosurgery, a treatment that freezes and destroys cancer tissue, may be used to control symptoms in the later stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors may also use radiation therapy and chemotherapy to slow the progress of the disease and to manage symptoms.

Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body. In many cases, cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body when the disease is diagnosed. To reach cancer cells throughout the body, doctors almost always use chemotherapy. Other tools include radiation therapy aimed at the tumors. Surgery may also help a small number of patients with small cell lung cancer.

Some patients with small cell lung cancer have radiation therapy to the brain even though no cancer is found there. This treatment is given to prevent tumors from forming in the brain. Targeted drug therapy blocks abnormalities in cancer cells and can kill these cells.

Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer. Your body’s immune system may not attack the cancer because the cancer cells produce proteins that help them hide from the immune system cells. Immunotherapy works by interfering with that process.

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Are you an aspiring writer, poet or artist? Or maybe you want to try your hand at any of the above? We want to share your passion for the arts!

For submissions:

Send your short story or poem (150 words or less) or a photo of your artwork to Michele.Baker@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www. facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Please include which Florida city you currently live in and your name. All creative pieces must be submitted before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published based on what space is available.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Outdoors with a Picnic

May is the ideal time of year to enjoy the great outdoors on the Suncoast. With temperatures in the 80s, we get to enjoy more daylight hours as we approach spring.

And sunsets seem to be more vibrant and beautiful here in winter. What a perfect time it is to enjoy a Mother’s Day picnic with your one-and-only mother!

By Patricia Horwell

Before you head out, you might want to stock your picnic basket with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. Then add some fruit — berries or slices of melon. If your picnic is to take place at lunchtime or dinner, add a few sandwiches or wraps from your favorite gourmet deli. A bottle of your favorite wine or bubbly (sparkling lemonade works, too) adds a touch of sophistication, and chocolate, particularly decadent dark chocolate truffles, always works for dessert.

To get comfy, bring along a soft blanket and a few throw pillows. Add a few battery-operated candles or fairy lights if you will be picnicking past sunset. Handwritten notes, poems, or cards made by the children or grandchildren will make your picnic extra special.

We certainly have no lack of outdoor spots for your Mother’s Day picnic:

• Siesta Key Beach has stunning sunset views, coupled with the softest pure white sand you’ll ever dig your toes into.

• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, downtown on Sarasota

Bay, offers lush gardens for a touch of natural beauty.

• The north end of Longboat Key at Broadway Beach boasts gorgeous sunsets and picturesque beach grasses should you desire a photo op.

• You’ll find beautiful, wide-open vistas at Bean Point at the tip of Anna Maria Island.

• And for a riverside al fresco experience in a historical setting, try Phillipi Estate Park.

• Or pack a breakfast basket and head to Celery Fields where you’ll have the opportunity to see all manner of visiting birds.

• Finally, head out east to Rothenbach Park where there are plenty of tranquil spaces to experience beautiful scenery.

Whatever way you decide to picnic, style it your way and Happy Mother’s Day!

Autistic Performer’s Dream Heads Off-Broadway

When Joel Ehrenpreis first encouraged his son Scott to share his experience living with mental illness and autism spectrum disorder, he never dreamed that the idea would turn into the next Off-Broadway sensation. From the time he was young, Joel realized there was something different about his son. He and his wife Rosalyn watched as Scott struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression, before finally receiving a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder well into his twenties. The one respite from these challenges for Scott was the stage where, if just for a little while, he could shed his diagnosis and step into a realm of self-empowerment and discovery.

Throughout Scott’s time earning his degree in Performance from Ohio University and working with local theatre companies, Joel encouraged him to share his story: not only entertain others, but to educate, inspire, and reduce stigmas about these conditions. In 2022, Scott was ready. Joel enlisted the help of Playwright and Director Jason Cannon, a former ten-year Associate Artist for Florida Studio Theatre, who, together with Scott, crafted “Clowns Like Me,” a one-man show told in Scott’s own words. Combining humor, gut-punching truth, and heartbreaking realities all wrapped within a message of hope, Clowns Like Me plays in May 2024 at Sarasota’s Cook Theatre.

Not only does the play resonate with audiences, but guided talkback sessions following each performance illustrate how deeply Scott’s message had been heard, and the essential need for a continued conversation about topics of mental health and autism spectrum disorders.

“Clowns Like Me” returned to the Cook Theatre for a limited engagement in August 2023, where it came to the attention of Broadway Tony-award winning producer Jonathan Demar. Now, with Joel’s perseverance, passion, and continued fundraising, “Clowns Like Me” will run on Off-Broadway for eight weeks this summer at the prestigious DR2 Theatre in the heart of Union Square.

The Off-Broadway production is not only a dream come true for Scott, but for Joel as well. “The Off-Broadway production will pave the way for bringing this message to audiences who need it most,” says Joel. “It is my hope that this success will lead to many more opportunities for touring the show and sharing Scott’s essential message for those living with mental illness: ‘you are not alone’.”

Sarasota audiences can attend a sneak peek performance of the New York version of “Clowns Like Me” at the Cook Theatre on May 23-26. Tickets are $30. For tickets and information: www.ClownsLikeMe.com

Do you think you’ve got the cutest pet? Show him or her off in the next issue of Lifestyles! We’re looking for the best dressed, most festive OR JUST THE CUTEST companions that our audience has to offer.

For submissions:

Send us a little bit about your pet along with the best photo in their cuteness portfolio and the city you live in to Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Cutest Pet” in the subject line, or through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50.

Submissions must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held for a potential feature in a future publication. Include your name and current Florida city. Submissions are published based on what space is available.

Selby Botanical Garden Outing Is Perfect for Mother’s Day

By Kathy Megyeri

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, ferns, gesneriads, and tropical air plants.

On 15 acres overlooking scenic Sarasota Bay, this Smithsonian affiliate is wowing visitors with its recent refurbishment completed in time to celebrate its 50th year. Benefactor Marie Selby, a passionate gardener left her home and its acreage “for the enjoyment of the public” along with a $2 million endowment.

The banyan grove she helped plant almost a century ago is certainly one of the centerpieces. There are also stunning walkways through a glades garden, a desert oasis, a mangrove cluster, a lily pond, koi pond, a plant research center, an herbarium with its preserved collection of 125,000 dried and pressed plant specimens, a “spirit” laboratory where 35,000 specimens are preserved in fluid, and one of the finest botanical libraries in the world.

A new onsite restaurant, the Green Orchid, runs entirely off solar energy that powers the electric kitchen. Produce is grown on its rooftop garden by EcoVets, a not-forprofit serving military veterans. The 50,000 sq. ft. solar arrangement is the first net-positive energy botanical garden in the world and with its hurricane resilient buildings and its storm water management system, the complex is a stateof-the art facility. The welcome center and orchid lined gift shop highlight the area’s regional history and Florida’s native flora; free parking adds to a lovely Mother’s Day outing.

On the horizon for the museum and gardens are a 25,000 square foot greenhouse, learning pavilion, sea wall refurbishment, and renovation of the Payne Mansion that serves as an indoor exhibition space. Since Selby Gardens acquired the nearby historic Spanish Point Campus in Osprey, this flower lovers’ paradise has made Sarasota a destination site for naturalists the world over. Selby.org.

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Mediterranean Chopped Salad

There’s no time like the spring to work more fresh vegetables into your diet. This Mediterraneaninspired veggie salad is a great place to start.

Mom will love this salad as part of a Mother’s Day picnic lunch in the park. If desired, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp, crab cakes or steak.

Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers, diced

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced

• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved)

• ½ medium red onion, finely diced

• 7 oz. artichoke hearts, chopped

• ½ cup kalamata olives

Method:

• ½ teaspoon each of oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 cup feta crumbles

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Once well combined, refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the better it gets! Add salt to taste just before serving.

Take charge of your health

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Armchair Adventures: Safari: Lions, Leopards and Elephants, Oh My!

By Evelyn B, Kelly, PhD

Many people are fascinated by safaris, Prince William and Kate Middleton being among them. However, their interest in the environment differs from legendary hunters like Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway, who were interested in big game for trophies. Hemingway, an adventurer at heart, helped popularize the idea of a “safari.”

Various national parks in Africa offer safaris, including the Serengeti National Park, the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania. We are in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

One key to a successful safari is seeing various wildlife in their natural habitats.

The ultimate goal is to spot and observe the “Big Five” animals in the wild: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffaloes. These animals are the most popular among hunters. Luckily, we spotted all five!

a watering hole. Photography is also important for a successful safari, as it allows for capturing incredible wildlife shots. During this safari, we spotted animals interacting with each other. Zebras and wildebeest hang out together; giraffes spread their front legs

to drink from a pond alongside hippos and their babies. We have a shot of a lion enjoying its prey after a successful kill.

We climbed into the jeep; the natural beauty of the landscape was striking. The savannah’s vast expanses of golden grasslands, scattered clusters of trees such as the acacia and baobab, and the play of light and shadows against the horizon made the trip come alive. Our guide talked about the behavior of different animals, such as a herd of elephants or a placid Cape buffalo at

To plan a successful safari, research the best options available, as it will be a significant investment of time and money. Look up “Best Safaris” in a search engine to find suggestions and request brochures from different providers. You can also speak to your travel agent about your options.

Retirees Want to Return to Work – But Should They?

By Michael Berkhahn, CFP®

For millions of baby boomers, the retirement plans they carefully crafted over decades were severely shaken due to the pandemic. For a variety of reasons, many pre-retirees found themselves exiting the workforce earlier than anticipated. Fast forward to 2024, and the economic landscape post-pandemic is still full of challenges, including the highest inflation rates since the 1970s. This new environment has left a significant number of early retirees grappling with the harsh reality of financial strain, prompting many to “un-retire.”

A recent study conducted by T. Rowe Price reported that 55% of retirees who are working or seeking employment are doing so out of financial necessity, while another 49% say work provides them a sense of meaning and fulfillment. While it can be enjoyable to earn a paycheck and be surrounded by a social network, it is crucial to weigh the implications of existing retirement benefits before making this decision.

SOCIAL SECURITY

For those drawing Social Security benefits before reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA), exceeding annual earnings limits can result in reductions to your benefits. In 2024, earning over $22,320 incurs a $1 reduction in benefits for every $2 earned above this threshold.

HEALTHCARE

thresholds that cause extra premium hikes as a household earns more income, compounding the financial burden.

RMDS

Decisions about whether or not to draw from a retirement account shift when you reenter the workforce. Required Minimum Distribution (RMDs) are mandatory for retirees aged 73 and over – unless you are still contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. While you’re exempt from withdrawing RMDs from an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you are still required to take RMDs from your previous retirement accounts that you are no longer contributing to. Failure to comply with RMD requirements incurs a steep 50% tax penalty on the mandated distribution amount, underscoring the importance of navigating retirement account requirements effectively.

The decision to re-enter the workforce after retirement demands careful consideration of various factors. Consult with a financial professional to get a complete understanding of all financial impacts, and navigate the path of un-retiring with informed clarity and confidence.

The financial impact of “unretiring” also extends to healthcare costs, particularly Medicare premiums. Higher-income earners may face increased premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), with MAGI thresholds of $103,000 for single filers and $206,000 for joint filers in 2024. There are additional income

Michael Berkhahn, CFP®, is Vice President of Graham Capital Wealth Management, an independent Registered Investment Advisor that specializes in providing investment management strategies for high net-worth families, foundations and pension plans. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Berkhahn is part of an elite group of advisors who have completed the necessary training and requirements to hold the CFP® designation and is a fiduciary committed to complying with its continuing education and ethics standards.

ANNOUNCING THE 2024/2025 SEASON

Choose matinee packages in classical Masterworks, crowdpleasing Pops and Morning series.

Subscribe now for the best seats at the best price at Florida’s premier orchestra, at home in Tampa Bay.

KLINE TOURS

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI-$50 FREE SLOT PLAY-$32 FOOD VOUCHERS

4 days/3 nights Monday-Thursday September 23-26. $399.00 per person (double occupancy),) includes 3 nights at IP Resort Casino Spa in Biloxi, $50 Slot Play ($25 from IP Casino, $25 from Beau Rivage) $32 in food vouchers ), Departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton area and St. Petersburg-Largo area.

HARRAH’S CASINO

Sunday, August 11: Bus trip to the new Harrah’s Casino in Pompano Beach: $79 per person, $15 Bonus with departures from the St. Petersburg-Largo area and Sarasota-Bradenton area.Over 1200 Slot machines, 40 Live Poker Tables, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, World Series of Poker of Poker Room, Simulcasting, and gaming Terrace. Join us for a day of fun at Harrah’s in Pompano Beach.

NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE TOUR

Monday-Friday, September 30-October4 $1649 per person (double occupancy), roundtrip air, 4 nights lodging in Tilton, NH, 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners including a Lobster Bake with entertainment, one boxed lunch Ride on the Cog Railroad to the Summit of Mt Washington and back Cruise on the MS Mt Washington from Weirs to Wolfeboro, Visit to Kennebunkport, Stonewall Kitchen and Nubble Lighthouse, Wine Tasting at Seven Birches Winery.

BRANSON SHOW TOUR

5 days/4nights Sunday, October 13- Thursday, October 17 $1879 per person (double occupancy, Round trip air to St. Louis, motorcoach from St. Louis to Branson, four nights lodging at Hotel Grand Victorian in Branson, nine meals, seven shows including Yakov Smirnoff. Neil Diamond Tribute, Clay Cooper, Pierce Arrow presents Decades, The Haygoods, Six, Showboat Branson Belle, Dogwood Canyon, Branson Craft Mall, and Local Branson guide.

NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

Sunday-Wednesday December 15-18 $2019 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, four shows including a Christmas Dinner show in the ballroom at Gaylord Opryland (Entertainer TBD) Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice.

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Chelsea Gallo, conductor

Michael Francis, Music Director

BOOK REVIEW

by Kathy A. Megyeri

“Unbecoming a Lady, the Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America,” by Therese Oneill

Don’t let the title of this new, entertaining and fascinating book with historical illustrations fool you. It’s the perfect gift to celebrate both May 7 (National Teachers’ Day) and May 12 (Mothers’ Day). During the early 19th and 20th centuries when these women lived, they were called “sluts, shrews [and] scolds” or just plan “sinful.” They refused to fit the mold and conform to society’s standards; instead, they blazed their own paths.

New York Times bestselling author Therese Oneill has done her homework. After writing “Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners” and then “The Ungovernable: The Victorian Parents’ Guide to Raising Flawless Children,” she turned her attention to profiling 18 formidable women. One such is Hetty Green – the “Witch of Wall Street” – who lived so frugally and invested everything in stocks that she became a billionaire at a time when women needed their husbands’ permission to open a savings account.

only psychologist to have her face on a stamp, she designed women’s work shoes, and promoted hiring middle-aged women as consultants for Macy’s.

Lithuanian immigrant Lena Himmelstein patented the first commercial maternity dress, founded the store Lane Bryant that catered to plus-size women, and in 1916, founded the first multifloor luxury department store in New York City.

In 1920, Lillian Gilbreth was the first female engineering professor. She held 23 honorary academic degrees, was the

Aimee Semple McPherson founded the FourSquare sect of Pentecostalism (the first mega church), was a world-famous evangelist and established the first woman-owned Christian radio station in the 1920’s. She was then the most famous woman in America and our nation’s first real celebrity.

And there’s more: Carrie Nation, who started women's shelters; Dr. Mary Edward Walker, the only woman ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (and who insisted on wearing pants in public); Elizabeth Packard, who fought for the rights of those declared insane; union organizer Mary “Mother” Jones; journalist Ida B. Wells, who fought racism; and Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President, who did so 50 years before women could even vote.

If this collection about fellow sisters you never knew or have forgotten doesn’t make you proud of all your fair sex has accomplished, then, as the author states, “There’s much to be learned from those who were so unbecoming as women that they forever changed what women can become.”

Last Month’s Answers

SUDOKU

SUDOKU

SUDOKU

Sudoku

September Word Search

APRIL W ord Sea rch

WORD SEARCH

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

Last Month’s Winner is Carol Sands, Port Charlotte Congr atuL ations ! Good Luck! Good Luck!

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.

Win Great Prizes!

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.

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?

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?

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits1through9inanyorder. 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.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.

Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.

New winner selected each month

APRIL

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 the 20th will win.

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

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

WIN GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku mu ST b E RE c EI v E d by T h E 20T h of T h E mo NT h.

Send your answers along with your name, address, email and telephone number to: LIFESTYLES AFTER 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th of the month will win. WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Puzzles must be received by the 20th of the month)

TriviaPalooza!

: Play each month to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! Deadline for entries: September 25th Mary Tursellino, Port Charlotte was last months winner! Last month’s answer: NORAD, Col. Harry Shoup. The more you play the better chance you have to win! Go to LifestylesAfter50.com

observANce?

ANsWer:

Nichole Veesaert, Apollo Beach

Josephine Jimenez, N. Ft. Myers

Jeanne Valois, Sarasota

Heart Healthy Catfish and Spinach Bake

This recipe is perfect for Mother’s Day Brunch. You can substitute any other firm, white fish – such as tilapia or cod – or even chicken, if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed

• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

• 1 lb. fish filets

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Squeeze thawed spinach to remove most of the liquid. Spread in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Arrange fish filets over spinach. Sprinkle with seasoning blend. Top fish with salsa.

• 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning blend

• 1 jar salsa (mild or medium)

5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes more or until fish flakes easily.

6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Optional: A splash of lemon juice or lemon pepper will brighten the flavors.

Oven Roasted Onions

This might be the most delicious use of onions we’ve seen in a long time! Customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and cheese for a decadent Mother’s Day side.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium onions (yellow, white, or Vidalia)

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 stick of unsalted butter

• Salt & pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

• Optional: 4-6 Tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

• Optional: 6 oz. goat cheese, divided into 12 half-ounce pieces

2. Peel off the skin and slice each onion in half crosswise so you have two equal halves. If needed, cut a small slice off the ends so the onion halves will rest flat.

3. Grease standard (cupcake-size) muffin tins generously with olive oil. Place an onion half in each tin, cut side up.

4. Drizzle each onion with a bit more oil, sprinkle with salt, and top with a pat of butter.

5. Bake for 40 minutes, basting with onion juices after 25 minutes.

6. You can stop here and enjoy the onions, OR…

7. Top each with pepper, herbs and cheese, then return to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve hot.

Optional: drizzle with honey, add bacon bits with the cheese, or add any other herbs you like. Dill, basil, and rosemary are great options!

Seniors getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

5625 – NEED LOVING 5609? Contact me, Marvin. NEED A COMPANION 5607? Contact me. Riverview, Fl

4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.

5624 – SOUTHERN SENIOR searching for my soulmate. Please be M, W, NS, ND, NDrg. Average height & weight, but especially will communicate, be caring, honest, fair. Likes church, dancing.

5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.

5613 – NEW TO THE AREA. Fun female, petite, S, C, 70’s, NS, FF, enjoy Happy Hours, short trips, dancing, theatre. Looking for companion, Send letter with phone # and photo.

5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5607 – SEXY SIX FOOT TWO EYES OF BLUE. 200 pound athletic boy who looks a lot younger than 62 wants a fun, youthful companion to explore the world with. Come with me! PG, PC, NFM, NP.

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5609 – LOOKING FOR A FEMALE COMPANION in the Tampa Bay area. I am 86 YY, WM, WW, C, NS, 5’9”, 165 lbs., SOH. Excellent health, very active. Southern country gentleman. This is my first experience with this. Homeowner with pool, semi-retired, own truck dealership. Send your number. Let’s talk. Marvin

5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!

seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.

5620 – ELDERLY, AFFLUENT, nice looking professional WWM seeking 40-50 trim SWF. Enjoys theater, travel, dinner with wine + conversation in condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Send photo(s) + resume.

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

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 # 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: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS:

5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.

5619 – INDIAN SINGLE ISLAND

WOMAN seeking single W, M, Asian or Hispanic. ND, NS, Long partner 60 plus. Tall & fit. Tampa only. No FB or email. Phone only. Please serious partner.

5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.

5617 – SWF LOOKING FOR COMPANIONSHIP. I’m 70, 5’3”, 120 lbs, brown/auburn hair, blue eyes. Retired paralegal. Enjoy dancing, karaoke, restaurants, cooking, beach, flea markets, theatre and traveling.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5621 – CWF, 80 yrs, NS, SD, HWP, R, P, FF, TLC. Loves theater, dancing, swimming, walks, especially ocean walks, people, my toy poodle, and teaching Tai Chi. Looking forward to spending time with you. N Ft Myers.

5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

5623 – CHICAGO ARTIST RELOCATED to find soulmate. Spontaneity, substance, special, sentiment’s, spacious, scenery, spirituality, spectacular, sunsets. Please contact me.

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.

5608 – TENNESSEE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN. Venice. Accomplished, 73, W, D, R, P, NS, NDrg, SD, HWP, well dressed, spoken, C, gospel, 70’s, music dancer. ISO active lifestyle, mature passionate F, desiring princess treatment. Send a letter and photo. Guaranteed return response. No disappointments.

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

5622 – HI – A VERY MATURE W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA. Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.

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, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon 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.

5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

5612 – YOU + ME = TOGETHER. SWM, SD, NS, SOH, ND, 5’6”, 180 lbs. CONDO – New carpeting + king bedroom. Likes happy hour, restaurants, the Elks, TV, movies, shopping, kissing, holding hands. ISO SWF or Asian. Fun. SOH, easy going, smiles, enjoys life. Pinellas Park. Please be local.

5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thinning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. Retired Leo. ISO WHF, widow preferred, attractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, intimacy yes, no baggage, drama.

5614 – FIRST AD – RETIRED, SECURE. SWM, spry, easy going, NS, ND, No pets. Seeking small to medium loving, romantic female companion to share my home, RENT FREE. Quiet, peaceful area. Please send phone, photo, description.

5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.

5615 – MAN LOOKING for man. Single, widower in Ft. Myers. Age 70’s with open mind. Write to me and say with senior’s lifestyles ad.

5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.

5616 – LOOKING – LOOKING – LOOKING. ISO SWF or Asian, SOH, NS, ND, SD, fun and easy going, 55-75yy, 4’10”-5’3”, plump ok, for SWM, 70’s, 180lb, NS, ND, SD, SOH, condo w/ new carpeting & king bedroom. Likes most everything including spending money on you. St. Petersburg – Tyrone Mall area. Please be local or willing to relocate.

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

(First 4 Words)

Seniors Getting Together

(No Charge)

Email: 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.

Social Security Q&A

Information from Social Security Administration

Q: I received a letter from Social Security that they paid me more than they should have. What should I do now? (X. Miranda, Miramar)

Answer: If you got a letter in the mail that says you received more money than you should have, please pay us back within 30 days.

Benefits are overpaid when we can’t accurately calculate your benefit amount because our information is wrong or incomplete. It can happen if you don’t share updates with us about what’s changed in your life, like your ability to work, living situation, marital status, or income.

Social Security will wait at least 30 days (plus 5 mail days) from the date of the overpayment notice before we start collection of the overpayment. If you submit a request for waiver or reconsideration before 30 days has passed, we will not begin collection of the overpayment until a decision is made on your request.

If you’d like to request to repay us in smaller monthly payments, please fill out the Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate (Form SSA-634) and fax or mail the form to your local Social Security office.

If you can’t afford to pay us back, and if you feel the error wasn’t your fault or is unfair for some other reason, ask us to waive repayment.

If you don’t agree that you’ve been overpaid, or you believe the overpayment amount is incorrect, you can request a reconsideration. We call this an appeal.

Question: I would like to have my benefits deposited to the Direct Express debit card. How can I do that? (A. Polo, Delray Beach)

Answer: The Direct Express® card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits and you don’t need a bank account.

With the Direct Express® card program, your federal benefit payment direct deposits into your card account. Your monthly benefits will be available on your payment day—on time, every time. You can use the card to make purchases, pay bills or get cash at thousands of locations.

It’s quick and easy to sign up for the card. Call the toll-free Direct Express® hotline at 1-800-333-1795.

AROUND TOWN

MAY 2-3: FREE CONCERT @ SUNSET BEACH

Sunset Beach, 1800 Gulf Rd., Tarpon Springs

MAY 3: INDIGO GIRLS

Ruth Echerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MAY 4: DAVID SPADE

Ruth Echerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MAY 4: 23RD SUNCOAST HOSPICE BEACH STROLL

Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill, 10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater

MAY 5: FLORIDA ORCHESTRA – DISCO FEVER

Ruth Echerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MAY 5: MOTHER’S DAY FESTIVAL

29 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater

MAY 10: ST. PETE TACOS & TEQUILA

Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

MAY 10: MAY DAZE MUSIC FEST

Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg

MAY 11: GREGGIE AND THE JETS – ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE

Pinellas Park Performing Arts, 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park

MAY 11: SALSA DE MAYO

The District, 612 Cleveland St., Clearwater

MAY 12: SWEENEY TODD

Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo

MAY 18: ST. PETE GALA

The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg

MAY 18: MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEA

Ulmer Park, 301 W. Bay Dr., Largo

MAY 19: FLORIDA ORCHESTRA – EDGAR’S ENIGMA VARIATIONS

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

MAY 23: THE SAVANTS OF SOUL

The Florida Social, 687 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg

MAY 23: BOURBON ON MAIN

Bourbon on Main, 6307 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

MAY 24: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Dented Keg, 5500 Main St., New Port Richey

MAY 25: MEMORIAL DAY SUMMER BASH

Revival Church, 4826 Bartelt Rd., Holiday

The Power of Vitamin D: Embracing the Outdoors for Health and Wellness

Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is a vital nutrient needed to maintain healthy and strong bones. Everyone needs it, but according to the National Institutes of Health, adults ages 71 and older have a greater need for it.

It’s called the sunshine vitamin because our bodies can’t produce it without the help of the outdoors and sunlight.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bone. Having sufficient levels of vitamin D is essential for protecting against osteoporosis, a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and mass decrease. When this occurs, it can increase the risk of fractures and broken bones.

In addition to creating healthy bones and preventing dangerous falls, vitamin D provides:

Better Immune Function—Vitamin D is critical in promoting immune response. It helps your immune system fight off harmful bacteria and viruses and prevent infection, such as with the flu.

Supports Oral Health—Vitamin D is crucial to oral health because it helps the body absorb calcium. It keeps teeth and jawbones healthy and strong, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Aids In Weight Management—Research has shown that vitamin D regulates appetite and body weight. Getting enough vitamin D keeps hormone levels in check, including the hormone leptin, which is responsible for inhibiting hunger.

From stronger bones to improved immune function, this essential nutrient can make a difference in your life. Contact a VIPcare provider today to learn more about vitamin D and discover how to optimize your intake for Better Health.

Call 727-761-6867 to schedule your appointment.