Lifestyles After 50 Southwest December 2014 edition

www.lifestylesafter50.com • Southwest • FREE

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Vol. 25 • December 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Dreaming of a White Christmas • Do It Yourself Relaxation • Tech Savvy Seniors

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 2

Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding Dear Readers,

Community choirs and other music groups are busy putting on public ave you ever gone holiday concerts or touring assisted from house to living facilities and veterans hospitals house singing carols? this time of year. If you’re one of these I remember doing that kind folks, thanks for spreading joy once or twice with my and carrying on the wassail tradition.

Girl Scout troop or a Tracie Schmidt, If you long for those caroling days, Editor few of the neighborhood they might need an extra voice! kids when I was little. I Staying Connected wasn’t much of a singer, but the joy it Wassail aside; these days technology brought to others made me forget about can help us stay connected during the how nervous and out of tune I was. holidays if meeting in person is diffiNowadays if you attempt it, you’ll cult. If you end up with a gadget under most likely get a strange look or two. the tree from a well-meaning child or It seems to be one of those traditions grandchild, or you haven’t had much that is quickly fading with the times. experience with computers, video chats Go back a few centuries or so, or social media and you’d like to know however, and you’d get a pint of ale more about them, you’ll find some tips and some figgy pudding for your to help you get started inside this issue. trouble. Not a bad tradeoff for a I wanted to share with you one of our slightly off-key yet heartfelt tune. office traditions—so far, it’s our best Though the practice may seem archaic electronic answer to a traditional carol. to a generation that can just call a Grab a webcam or some headshots friend, mail a greeting card or shoot and visit jibjab.com/holidays. Follow somebody a text—caroling or wassailthe steps and let the laughter ensue! If ing were important ways of connecting you want to see our holiday greeting with one another in a time when faceto you, click the Facebook icon on to-face contact was the main method of our website: lifestylesafter50.com communication. It wasn’t always easy, Also, for those whose hearts have but it was meaningful. In the middle always harbored the question: “What ages, the tradition bridged social the heck IS figgy pudding?” Here’s a classes. Peasants were invited into the recipe for the traditional version. homes of their lords for food, drink and It appears to be a predecessor to the fellowship in exchange for their blessmuch-dreaded but oft-gifted fruitcake. ing and goodwill in the form of a song.

Bake at your own risk!

H

“Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too; And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year!”

Caroling caught on as a way to meet others one may not have taken the time to get to know before; to give to those in need or just spread a little holiday cheer.

Happy Holidays,

Editor’s Note: Next month’s issue is all about senior entrepreneurs. Did you start your own business later in life? We’d love to hear your story!

Email editor@lifestylesafter50.com.

Attn: Senior Business

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc

warning: Traditional Figgy Pudding 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large egg yolks 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons rum extract (or flavored extract of your choice) 2 apples, peeled, cored & finely chopped 2 lb dried figs, ground or finely chopped Grated peel of 1 lemon and 1 orange 1 cup chopped nuts 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 1/2 cups dried bread crumbs 2 tsp baking powder 3 large egg whites, stiffly beaten 1 strip of bacon, finely crushed (optional: New England variant) 1 tsp of warm sauce, for drizzling Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 325 °F. Generously grease an oven-proof 2-quart bowl or mold; set aside.

2. Cream together butter and shortening.

3. Gradually add sugar, egg yolks, milk, extract, apple, figs, lemon & orange peel.

4. Add next 6 ingredients, mixing well.

Fold stiffly beaten egg whites into mixture.

5. Pour into prepared bowl or mold and place into large shallow pan, then place on middle rack in oven.

6. Fill the shallow pan half-full with boiling water and slowly steam pudding in oven at 325 °F for 4 hours, replacing water as needed.

President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Schmidt editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com

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FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 3

Symphonic Chorale Makes a Joyful Noise this Holiday Season

BY TOM CHANG

T

here’s nothing like being on stage with an orchestra in front of an audience, and Lowell Reed wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s just an amazing experience,” Reed said. “Everything’s really loud.

The music just surrounds you. There’s no experience quite like that. That’s the main attraction, to be honest.”

Reed, vice president and member support, is part of Fort Myers-based Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida. He’s been involved with music for over 40 years since high school.

“I’m going into my fourth year with the Chorale,” he said. “I sing second bass. I sing D; sometimes E.” The group was part of the Southwest Florida Symphony before splintering four years ago, but the chorale still collaborates with the Symphony on occasion, according to Fran Thomas, a vice president who runs marketing and development for the chorale.

“We perform four or five times a year,” Thomas said. “We usually selfproduce, too: one in the fall and one in

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 4

the spring. We generally perform with the Symphony once or twice a year.”

Thomas estimates 55 active participants in the group.

“Our age range is across the board with the group,” she said. “Last year we had done something we had not done before where we had some singers who were paid. Up until then, we were all strictly volunteers.”

The participants are an eclectic mix.

“Some of them are college age,” she said. “Some are interns who are majoring in music. Others are adults who have music degrees. We’re sort of a mixture of ages now.”

Auditions are held from late August through early September, but currently the group is in need of more male singers.

“We’re still beating the bushes for male singers, so we’re continuing

to audition through the fall,” she said. Rehearsals are weekly.

“We always start a rehearsal with a warm-up,” Boyle said. “The director does some exercises where he makes sure everybody’s singing the right way. When you do that, there’s not really a strain on your voice.”

The Chorale has a couple of concerts in the works.

“Our theme for the holiday concert is ‘Christmas in Paradise,’” Thomas said. “That’s the Southwest Florida Symphony’s concert and we’re sort of the guest stars for that.”

Another is their spring classic during the first weekend in March called “Chorale Joy.” “We’re still tinkering with it so we may include a reception with that,” she said. “One of those performances will be at the Lamb of God Church in Estero, which is where we rehearse. The other will be at the Covenant Presbyterian Church on McGregor Blvd. (in Fort Myers).”

For more information, visit their website at www.symphonicchorale.org or call 239-560-5695.

Around Town W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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hrough 27 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” $20/ $60. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – Show: 7:30 p.m. Fort Myers. Tickets/info at 239-278-4422. uesdays Dancing with Erich.

Enjoy the wonderful talents of Erich Fallish and great music, dancing and friends. $5 and BYOB. 7 – 10 p.m. Lake Kennedy Center, Cape Coral. 239-574-0575.

– 19 Art of the Samurai at Rotary Park, Cape Coral.. Learn and practice the art of Japanese sword fencing for a full-body workout. Mondays, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. $48/$72. 239-549-4606.

Beginning Computer Skills Part 1.

Learn a variety of topics including using a mouse, establishing an email account and using library online resources. 2 to 3 p.m. at North Fort Myers Library. Space is limited; RSVP to 239-533-4320.

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Christmas Carol Sing. The community gets together to sing holiday favorites. 90-min. concerts at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, downtown Fort Myers. Admission: two cans of non-perishable food for The Soup Kitchen, or whatever you can give.

239-334-2261 or fpcfortmyers.org.

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Lifestyles to a Better Brain: Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn how lifestyle factors can either increase or decrease the risk of getting dementia and what tools to use to fuel the brain. Free. 2 – 3 p.m. North Fort Myers Library. 239-533-4320.

12

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts presents “The Nutcracker.” $8 – $28. 7 p.m.

Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, Ft. Myers. 239-481-4849.

12

Christmas Gala. Enjoy a Christmas concert, dinner and silent auction. $20. 6 p.m.

Grace Community Center, North Fort Myers. 239-772-5862.

13

Cape Bike Night. Motorcycle enthusiasts can get together and listen to live bands, eat food and just have fun. Free. 5 – 10 p.m.

Downtown Cape Coral. 239-573-3125.

Markets on Main. An antique/ collectable market with handmade goods, jewelry, clothing, candles, plants and more. Free. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Downtown Fort Myers. 855-732-3836.

Lee County Band Christmas Concert. Hear the Community Band awaken the joy and magic of the Christmas seasont. Free. 3 p.m. Cape Coral High School. 239-995-2097.

Manatee Kayak Tour on wild creeks and rivers with GAEA Guides. Fort Myers. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get up close with these gentle giants. $55/person includes all equipment and a Fla. Master Naturalist guide.

Reservations required: 239 694-5513.

– 21 “Christmas Spectacular.”

Holiday songs, pop music and more. $19/$17. 8 p.m. with Sat. and Sun. matinee at 3 p.m. Cultural Park Theatre, Cape Coral. 239-772-5862.

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– 28 “The Santa Land Diaries.”

For mature elves only. Crumpet the Elf is back for a sixth smash season of yuletide mischief. $25. 8 p.m. with Sat./ Sun. matinee at 2 p.m. The Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers. 239-332-4488.

19

“Joyful Noise: A Holiday Concert.” Enjoy the sounds of the season with music provided by two piano artists. Free. 7 p.m. The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175.

21

“Hansel & Gretel: A Family Musical Show.” This special family holiday show is performed in English with colorful sets and costumes. $13.36 /$31.50. 4 – 5:30 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers. 239-939-2787.

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Holiday Songs Remembered and Forgotten. Join local musicians and educators for a celebration of holiday music. Free admission.

10 – 11 a.m. East County Regional Library, Lehigh Acres. 239-533-4200.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection .com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

December 10 for January event.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 5 R

Why We’re Still Dreaming Of a White Christmas

BY VICTOR PARACHIN

White Christmas Turns 60

The World’s Most Popular Song

W

hat do Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Beach Boys and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have in common?

The answer: they have all sung and recorded the song White Christmas.

White Christmas is, in fact, the world’s most popular Christmas song, having sold more than 125,000,000 copies. It has been recorded in Dutch, Yiddish, Japanese and even Swahili. White Christmas’ status as the biggest selling single has been challenged only once. Interestingly, the challenge came not from the Beatles, Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra, but

by Elton John’s Candle In The Wind tribute to Princess Diana in 1997.

White Christmas was written by Irving Berlin. It is a fascinating footnote in American cultural history that a Jewish songwriter wrote a universal best selling song about a day celebrating the birth of Christianity’s founder. Another unusual aspect about this song is the fact that Irving Berlin did not like the Christmas holiday. That time of year brought back memories of the tragic death of his infant son, Irving Berlin Jr., in December 1928.

Berlin’s inspiration may have come from a lonely and nostalgic northeastern transplant caught in Los Angeles during the holiday season. There, the palm trees and summer-like temperatures in December made him yearn for his more familiar winter cold weather and snow. Berlin’s song originally began with this introductory verse:

Songwriter Irving Berlin Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 6

“The sun is shining, The grass is green, The orange and palm trees sway.

There’s never been such a day In Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the twenty-fourth, And I’m longing to be up north…”

And then follows the line known and sung around the planet every December: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…”

Berlin’s labors over this song took place throughout the night one January in 1940. More than a year later, in April 1941, Berlin and film director Mark Sandrich were working on a new movie, Holiday Inn, when Berlin realized it would be the perfect forum for his Christmas song.

Holiday Inn opened in New York on August 4, 1942. It featured Bing Crosby as a singer and Fred Astaire as a dancer.

While Berlin was ecstatic and enthusiastic, the reviewers barely noticed or mentioned the production. Before long, however, the song White Christmas was becoming a hit. The movie won an Oscar for Best Song in 1943 and was also nominated for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Original Story.

Even Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic who originally had reservations that the song would further secularize Christmas, was amazed at the public response.

Because the country was in the darkest days of World War II, many welcomed this sentimental reminder of home. As a result, White Christmas became the song of the decade and Crosby’s recording of it sold over 30 million records.

As a member of the USO’s traveling ensemble, Bing Crosby was asked by troops serving in World War II to sing White Christmas, no matter what time of year it was. Once while entertaining a troop unit in France, Crosby was approached by a war-hardened sergeant who asked: “Are you going to sing White Christmas?” When Crosby answered yes, the sergeant said: “Well, in that case, I guess I’ll duck out.” Crosby replied: “But I think you’ll like the other numbers. Why not stick around?” To which the sergeant explained: “I like the song all right but I’ll listen from behind the portable kitchen.

It’s not good for the men’s morale to see their sergeant crying.”

Since writing White Christmas, more than 150 different performers who run the entire musical gamut have recorded this piece. Crosby’s version alone was listed as the all-time top single

by Guinness Book of World Records.

White Christmas ushered in a golden era of other popular and secular American Christmas songs such as I’ll Be Home For Christmas; Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer; Silver Bells; Blue Christmas and many others. According to the American Society of Composers and Publishers, White Christmas remains the number one performed secular holiday song and is the most recorded one with over 500 versions in “scores of languages.” It is still recorded by new artists and continues to captivate new fans all around the world.

In 1954, another movie was developed to further promote the song. The musical comedy was called White Christmas.

The plot: ex-army friends (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) get together to put on a show to save their general’s resort hotel in Vermont. Supporting cast included Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this classic film in 2014, Paramount has just released Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Diamond Anniversary Edition. The BluRay includes extras like classic Christmas television show appearances by Crosby and Kaye, a virtual duet between Crosby and Michael Bublé and a Christmas CD with eight never-before-released tracks. It is around $20 on amazon.com.

Some fun facts about the film:

• The movie was 1954’s largest earner by a wide margin, bringing in $12 million. It premiered at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

• The Vermont inn is the remodeled Connecticut inn set from the movie Holiday Inn (1942).

• The original concept was to reunite Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby following their success in Holiday Inn. Astaire refused, as he had “retired” at the time, so the part was reworked for Donald O’Connor.

When O’Connor pulled out due to illness, the part was reworked for Danny Kaye.

• Danny Kaye often caused retakes when his comedic antics induced impromptu fits of laughter on set.

• The “Sisters” comedy act that Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye perform was not originally in the script. They were clowning around on the set and the director thought it was so funny that it was written in.

• Sisters Betty and Judy are played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.

Clooney was a talented singer but was (even by her own admission) not very gifted in the dance department. Former Rockette Vera-Ellen was a skilled dancer (with famous legs!) but couldn’t sing.

So Clooney sang both parts for “Sisters,” while Trudy Stevens sang the rest. VeraEllen’s own voice is heard singing only in the “arrival in Pine Tree” scene at the railroad station where the quartet reprises the opening lines of “Snow.” In Clooney’s own words: “They could dub Vera’s voice, but they couldn’t dub my dancing.”

(Facts from IMDB.com and other internet sources.)

Veterans Corner

For Honor’s Sake: Wreaths Blanket Military Cemeteries in December

BY JANICE DOYLE

T

en thousand people will visit Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on December 13 to help place nearly 10,000 wreaths on the headstones of military veterans. Participants in the Wreaths Across America event will include individuals and groups of all ages.

About 2,000 motorcyclists are expected to escort trucks carrying the wreaths to the cemetery. The greenery wreaths will have been trucked from Maine and stored in Lakeland and Brooksville awaiting delivery and gravesite placement.

the community to come together to support families of veterans, some of whom gave their all for our country.”

WAA “serves to remind us that the freedoms we enjoy in this country have come at a price,” says Ronalee S. Klase, organizer of the event at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

What began in 1992 with a truck load of wreaths from Maine for graves in Arlington National Cemetery has become a national event. Wreaths are being delivered to over 800 sites in all 50 states and several foreign countries this year.

Unfortunately, it is too late to sponsor a wreath for this year, but you can participate in ceremonies this month or visit the cemeteries until early January to see the wreaths and honor the dead. (And put sponsorship on your fall calendar for next year.)

“Wreaths Across For more info: America (WAA) is Bushnell cemetery, a way for people I-75, exit 309. Into show their formation at www. patriotism and to wreathsacrossamericahonor the veterans bushnell.com. Follow who have given on Facebook. On up much to serve Dec. 13, arrive early, their country,” bring your own chair. says Randy Wreath laying 10 a.m.; Lewer, volunteer Visitors place wreaths at ceremony 11 a.m. coordinator of the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Bushnell event.

Sarasota cemetery, At the newer Sarasota National CemI-75, exit 205. Information at www. etery, organizers hope to lay wreaths waasarasota.com. Follow on Facebook. on all 8,000 gravesites, according to Dec 13 wreath laying at 9:30 am Candy Selby, WAA coordinator from and the ceremony at 11:30 am.

Sarasota Military Academy. “Our Bay Pines cemetery: Wreaths laid school gets very involved and we get early on Dec. 13. Ceremony at 11 a.m. the word out in any way we can to get Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/ sponsors for the remembrance wreaths. BayPines for more.

Our cadets will be a part of the cerOther sites for ceremonies and emony and our Pipe Band will play.” wreath-laying: Collier County Freedom As individuals and groups from the Memorial, Naples; Fort Myers Memocommunity lay wreaths together, they rial Gardens, Fort Myers; Highland will be fulfilling one of the missions Memorial Park, Ocala; Lemon of WAA, which is to teach the younger generations to remember fallen soldiers Bay Cemetery, Englewood; Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg; Veterans and learn the meaning of why men Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa. and women fight for our country.

John Rosentrater, Director of For national level information Sarasota National Cemetery, says, or to find other cemeteries, go to “This is a tremendous opportunity for www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 7

15

Do-It-Yourself Relaxation:

Ways to De-Stress

W

ith the added pressure of shopping, travel and family gatherings, stress and the holidays often go hand in hand. But if stress is left unmanaged, it can do much more than dampen your spirits. Accumulated stress can lead to physical and psychological illnesses including depression, overeating, sleeplessness and irritability. While it is impossible to avoid stress completely, it is possible to manage it. Here are a few easy do-it-yourself treatments for instant stress relief:

your immediate surroundings.

Escaping technology can be a very relaxing experience.

Health

5. Laugh. Going to a comedy show or watching a funny movie will help manage your stress. One study showed lower levels of the salivary endocrinological stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) in those who watched a humorous movie. Along with less stress, these subjects also reported a feeling of being uplifted and fulfilled.

1. Breathe. By taking deep, slow

breaths, your blood pressure and heart rate slow down, counteracting the effects of stress. Focusing on deep breathing allows you to relax and clear your mind, and it is often used in meditation.

Practicing deep breathing has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

2. Work out or go for a walk.

This allows your body and mind to focus on something healthy. While physical activity distracts you from the cause of your stress, it also increases endorphins and decreases your levels of cortisol. Endorphins are natural “feel good” hormones that are released when you exercise.

3. Turn your phone off. Your smartphone allows you to access the rest of the world. By turning off your phone, you shut out external stress and allow yourself to focus on you and

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 8

4. Listen to music. Music can

influence certain moods or thoughts. A study has shown that patients in post surgery who listened to music had lower stress levels than those who did not.

Another study shows that people from different cultural backgrounds prefer different types of music for pain and stress relief. Experiment to find the type of music that is most soothing for you.

6. Enjoy a hot bath. A nice

soak can help relieve muscle tension, lessen pain, promote blood circulation and calm the nervous system. Infuse water with soothing minerals and other products such as scented salts or oils for the added benefit of aromatherapy.

7. Aromatherapy. Certain

plant oils, such as lavender, have been found to relieve nervous tension or anxiety. Familiar scents may also bring back memories or thoughts associated with the smell.

Aromatherapy is often used with massages, meditations and hot baths.

8. Get a massage. In one study

in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, massage helped lessen stress and pain in patients with chronic pain.

Another study in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing suggested that 15 minute massages helped reduce psychological stress. Massage lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases serotonin and dopamine.

9. Avoid caffeine. Try to avoid

coffee, energy drinks and other heavily caffeinated beverages. Caffeine increases catecholamines and cortisol —both stress hormones—while also increasing dopamine for a quick “feel good” response that will wear off quickly and make you feel low.

Drink green tea instead. Green tea lowers your blood pressure and is full of beneficial antioxidants.

Yoga is an excellent weight and stress management exercise that helps your balance and flexibility and strengthens your core.

13. Write down your thoughts.

Keeping a journal or diary allows you to express yourself, organize your thoughts and reflect on your choices. Your journal is also a place for you to let emotions out that you wouldn’t express otherwise.

Write down your negative emotions so you can move on to positive ones.

14. Try a craft. Finding a hobby and keeping your hands busy can distract your mind from stress and let you express yourself in an artistic way.

Studies have shown that participating in a craft enhances relaxation, especially for children and seniors. It is used quite often as a therapeutic healing method.

15. Stress relief with a pet.

10. Get proper sleep. After restful, Studies have shown that pet high-quality sleep or an undisturbed nap, one’s cortisol levels will decrease.

11. Use guided visualizations.

This technique of picturing a soothing environment or positive scenario can be used to help one relax, control stress and achieve certain goals.

12. Try meditation or yoga.

Meditation has been used for thousands of years as a way to focus thoughts or get in touch with one’s spiritual side. This inexpensive technique can release stress and help clear your mind. Pairing it with breathing exercises can further lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

therapy helps reduce anxiety and stress for many people. Having an animal around not only distracts one from worries, it also lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels.

Stress may be a necessary survival mechanism, but if left unmanaged, it can build up and cause psychological and physical harm. Because stress affects everyone differently, one treatment may be more effective for you than another. Explore and combine these relaxation techniques for a stress-free holiday season.

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Treating Common Knee Injuries s the largest joint in the body, the knee is prone to injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, or AAOS, knee problems lead to more visits to orthopedic surgeons than any other problems. Two common knee injuries are ACL and meniscal tears, and they can affect people of any age.

sports, when players twist the knee.

Older people may also suffer from degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage weakens and becomes thinner with age. Patients with meniscal tears may feel a “pop” but otherwise not notice any immediate effects; however, after a few days, the knee becomes stiff, swollen and painful, and loses full range of motion.

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of four major ligaments in the knee, connecting the top of the lower leg, or tibia, to the bottom of the thigh bone, or femur. ACL tears are often caused by a rapid change of direction or a hard landing after a jump, and are common sports injuries in tennis, soccer, basketball and skiing. About 200,000 people each year suffer ACL injuries, and about half of those require ACL reconstructive surgery, according to the AAOS. Patients with ACL injuries often experience a large amount of swelling, a loss of full range of motion, discomfort while walking and pain or tenderness around the knee.

To repair a torn ACL, an orthopedic surgeon will use a tendon graft to replace the damaged ligament. The graft can come from the patient’s body by using tendon tissue from elsewhere in the patient’s leg or donor tissue. The repair can be done using minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. The AAOS reports that surgical reconstruction is a successful, long-term treatment 82 to 95 percent of the time. Patients who undergo ACL repair will need physical therapy to regain full strength and range of motion following surgery.

Meniscal tears are another common knee injury. The meniscus are pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. Sudden meniscal tears are often the result of

If left untreated, the torn piece of meniscus may find its way into the joint, which can cause the knee to slip or lock, causing further injury.

Depending on the severity and location of the tear, surgery may not be required to fix the torn meniscus, but patients who suspect they may have torn their meniscus should have their knee evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon will either remove the damaged meniscal tissue in a meniscectomy, or will repair the damaged meniscus by stitching the torn pieces. After the surgery, patients can expect to keep their knee in a cast or brace and use crutches for about one month, followed by physical therapy to restore full range of motion to the knee. A meniscus repair requires approximately three months of recovery time, while a meniscectomy usually heals within a month.

With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center (AORC) is devoted to providing the highest level of quality care and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves. AORC specializes in total joint replacement, fracture care, sports medicine, hand surgery, neurology, podiatry and general orthopedics. For more info, call 239-936-6778 or visit www.bone-fix.com.

BY DR. JOHN C. KAGAN, M.D.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 11

Holiday Gift Guide

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ind the perfect gift for the senior in your life. Here are a few ideas:

Pedego Bike This electric bike comes in a variety of styles, colors and miles per charge.

Pedal it like a regular bike or twist the throttle and ride! $2,095 and up at pedegoelectricbikes.com T-fal OptiGrill This indoor grill fits on your countertop and features a cooking sensor that adapts to the thickness of your food. Just place the food on the grill and select your doneness preference—from rare to well-done—for six different programs including burgers, poultry, sandwiches, sausage, red meat and fish. Angled plates allow fat to drip into a dishwasher-safe drip tray. $179.99 at BedBathandBeyond.com Klogs Shoes for men and women that offer fashion, function and comfort.

Maxum Polyurethane outsoles and Ultron Lite Polyurethane insoles provide instant comfort and eliminate a “break-in” period. Klogs also provide exceptional shock absorption and energy return for protection of the feet, legs and back during long hours of standing or walking. Avg. price: $45 and up. wowkomfort.com Cool Jams These pajamas and nightgowns are made from cottony lightweight fabrics that pull moisture away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it rapidly evaporates, providing relief for night sweats or hot flashes associated Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 12 R

with menopause. Cool-jams also has a collection of cooling bed sheets and pillowcases. $19 and up. cool-jams.com

Flip a Grip This easy-grip handle can be installed in your doorway or other areas of the home where mobility assistance is needed, but there is not enough space for a large grab bar. It folds out of the way when not needed and glows in the dark for night visibility. Starting at $39.99. flipagrip.com Sashi Socks These jazzy looking socks are breathable and cozy.

Slip resistant grippers on the bottom add stability and traction. Available in regular and splittoe. Starts at $15/pair. sashionline.com Lively With this stylish and easy-to-use waterproof safety watch, 24/7 emergency response is just a single button push away. The watch also offers medication reminders, daily activity sharing, family messaging and a step counter. Monthly/annual subscriptions start at $27.95/mo. mylively.com The Tower No more bending down to power your devices and power your appliances.

The Tower features four standard power outlets and two USB charging ports, allowing for the powering of up to six devices simultaneously. It also includes a holder for both phones and tablets, a cord management feature and surge protection. $99. theartofpower.com

Staying Connected: Seniors and Technology

BY ELLE LAYNE

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etired life can take you far from loved ones, whether you travel, live away from family and friends or can’t quite get the schedules to sync.

But staying in touch becomes more important as you age. A study of seniors age 75 or older, called the Kungsholmen Project, found that participants who were active physically, mentally and socially were most likely to live past age 90, and lived an average of 5.4 years longer than their inactive peers.

These days, technology can help us stay connected to each other during the holidays. So if you find a tablet, smartphone or computer under the tree this year, it may be the perfect opportunity to learn how to make the most of new technology, if you don’t already.

Adults and technology Older adults have been catching up to younger generations pretty fast when it comes to mastering new gadgets—especially tech-savvy boomers. In April 2012, the Pew Research Center found that more than half of adults age 65 or older were internet users. Today, 59% of seniors report they go online. 27% of seniors own a tablet, an e-book reader, or both, while 18% own a smartphone.

What about social networking? 27% of older adults use sites such as Facebook and, according to the study, those seniors are more likely to regularly socialize with friends, whether online, in person or over the telephone, than those who don’t.

Studies have shown that using technology has three main benefits: 1. Staying Connected: While technology is no substitute for human contact, email, online games, social media sites like Twitter and Facebook and video chat services like Skype can help us say in touch with absent loved ones or find new friends, increasing much needed social reserves. If you’re homebound, keeping up with technology can help you stay up to date with current events.

Find out what your kids are into; connect with younger generations or meet others who share the same interests.

2. Staying Sharp: Technology users not only gain the benefit of brain-boosting games and the wealth of information on the internet, but they also build and reinforce neural connections by learning how to use new devices or programs.

You can build your own website or start an online business—learning and

using technology can open up new avenues of personal growth and creative expression, and help stave off the cognitive decline that comes with aging.

3. Staying Healthy: Devices are getting smarter and more personalized.

Apps can track everything from your sleep pattern and heart rate to your daily calorie intake and medication schedule.

Smart watches can tell you how far you’ve jogged and help you keep track of fitness goals. Video game systems like the Wii can provide engaging ways to exercise. Utilizing technology can help you stay proactive about your personal health as well as provide helpful information to doctors or caregivers.

Because technology has become so integrated into our daily lives, we tend to assume that using it is easy and intuitive for everyone.

However, that isn’t always the case—especially for some boomers and seniors—and it may mean lost opportunities to connect with others.

The Pew Research study found a sharp drop-off in technology use in adults 75 and older. Why such a gap between that group and their younger counterparts? In many cases it comes down to physical limitations that affect vision, hearing, cognition or manual dexterity; limited finances or learning options; concerns about privacy or reservations about their ability to learn how to use new technology.

But as devices become more affordable, customizable and more seniorfriendly in design, and new low-cost learning resources become available, the landscape is starting to change.

“I just think the internet has really changed the way that we communicate.

In the past, senior citizens lived with their kids and grandkids in the same house, then they lived in the same town, now we have families who are living across the world from each other. The rest of us adapted by staying in touch through technology, but they’ve kind of been left behind and left out of that,” said Macaulee and Kascha’s older sister, Saffron Cassaday, in an interview with NBC. One of the seniors who participated in the program, Shirley, shared her view of the experience. “It’s opened up a whole new world for me. I like to go on YouTube and listen to all the wonderful singers. And if I don’t understand a CyberSeniors word, I can find it most times on the One program trying to bridge the gap internet. Also, I have Skype. I can see my and make technology more accessible to older generations is CyberSeniors. It grandchildren and they can see me. I do was started back in 2009 by two teenage encourage any seniors to ‘get with it!’” sisters—Macaulee (16) and Kascha Cas- Take a class Programs like the one started by saday (18)—as part of a school project.

CyberSeniors have been popping up at After introducing their grandparents to community centers, retirement centers, email, internet browsing and Skype to make communicating easier, they realized colleges and libraries all over the counthat other seniors might also benefit from try. For little to no cost, adults can take learning new programs. So they gathered classes that range from “How To Use a Mouse” and “Smartphone Basics” to together a team of like-minded, techfluent students and began visiting a local “Creating and Sharing a Digital Photo Album” and “Advanced Excel.” retirement home twice a week to teach If you prefer the company of a tome to interested seniors how to use the internet. a classroom, the “For Dummies” series carries guidebooks like “Facebook and Twitter For Seniors For Dummies”; “iPad for the Older and Wiser”; and other related subjects on amazon.com.

And if you already have a computer and your own internet access but aren’t sure where to start, sites like SeniorNet (seniornet.org) Skillful Senior AARP TEK workshop (skillfulsenior.com), GCF LearnFree (gcflearnfree.org) and BBC WebWise (bbc.co.uk/webwise) It wasn’t long before the residents offer everything from introductory were on Facebook, playing online information to advanced tutorials on games and using email. They even organized a contest to create a YouTube everything tech-related. Most of it is free, though a few of the services may video and see who could get the most views. If you’re interested in what they require a subscription or class fee.

AARP has developed its own site as came up with, you can find it here: well: AARP TEK (aarp.org/home-family youtube.com/user/CyberSeniors. /personal-technology/tek/) to introduce “The seniors get excited because seniors to technology. They also host they’re learning something new. It’s local workshops and have developed weird, we’ve been using the internet a tablet device called the RealPad, since we were little kids—it’s almost designed with the tech-shy in mind. second nature to us. We have to teach When it comes to technology, there’s someone who’s never seen or used a mouse before. It’s kind of hard,” the two no better time than now to learn. Get connected! It could change your world. sisters commented about the program.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 13

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 14

Blood Pressure Breakthrough W hat if there were safer, more effective ways to treat high blood pressure? New research by scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) and the Ottawa Heart Institute has uncovered that the brain uses an unusual steroid to control blood pressure.

For decades, researchers have known that the brain controls how peripheral arteries constrict and relax by sending electrical impulses through the sympathetic nervous system. When arteries constrict, blood pressure goes up.

This system is essential for daily life, but is often chronically overactive in patients with high blood pressure and heart failure. In fact, many drugs that help with hypertension and heart failure work by decreasing activity in the sympathetic nervous system.

However, these drugs often have serious side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness and erectile dysfunction.

“These drawbacks have led to the search for novel ways to inhibit the sympathetic nervous system while causing fewer problems for hypertension and heart failure patients,” says

Dr. Frans Leenen, director of hypertension at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and a principal author of the study.

Working with an animal model of hypertension, Dr. Hamlyn and Dr. Mordecai Blaustein, professor of physiology and medicine at the UM SOM, and their research partner, Dr. Leenen, found a new link between the brain and increased blood pressure, namely, a little-known steroid called ouabain (pronounced WAH-bane). Ouabain was discovered in human blood more than 20 years ago. They recently found that ouabain makes arteries more sensitive to sympathetic stimulation, and as a result the enhanced artery constriction promotes chronic hypertension.

This could mean that medications that block ouabain’s effects might improve the lives of people with hypertension and heart failure without the debilitating side effects of current medications.

“It opens a new and exciting way for us to work on innovative treatment approaches that could one day help patients,” says Dr. Hamlyn.

(From Newswire and University of Maryland Medical Center)

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Medication Safety Tips For Cold and Flu Season

D

uring cold and flu season, misuse of OTC medicine can be common because people may be treating multiple symptoms—especially people taking medicines for chronic pain. Every year, more than 126,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths in the U.S. are due to overdose or overuse of acetaminophen and NSAIDs, which are present in many prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.

Acetaminophen, an active ingredient in brands such as Tylenol® and NyQuil®, is safe when taken as recommended, but can lead to liver damage if taken in excess. NSAIDs—a class of painrelieving drugs that include brands such as Advil®, Motrin® and aspirin—can

cause stomach damage when overused.

It is important that you read medicine labels and only take one product at a time that contains the same active ingredient, even if it is for different ailments. For example, if you take Tylenol® for a headache and at the same time take Theraflu® for a cold, you are actually doubling up on acetaminophen, which can be harmful.

Do not drink alcohol when taking medicines, unless your doctor says it is okay. Some medicines may magnify the alcohol’s effect or make you sick when mixed with alcohol.

Be careful when mixing medicines.

Make sure your health care provider or pharmacist knows and approves of all the medicines you take (including OTC medication and herbal remedies).

Certain drugs may interact with one another, making you sick or making the medicines less effective.

Gut Check: Know Your Medicine, a campaign from the American Gastroenterological Association, educates consumers about medication safety. Learn more: GutCheckFacts.org. (NAPSI)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 15

Medicare Answers D

ear Marci, I have Original Medicare. What requirements do I have to meet in order for Medicare to cover home health care?—Rachel Dear Rachel, Medicare will pay for home health care if you meet all of the following requirements: 1. You must be homebound. Medicare considers you to be homebound if you need the help of another person or special equipment to leave your home or your doctor believes that leaving your home would be harmful to your health. In addition, it must be difficult for you to leave your home.

2. You must need skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis or skilled therapy services. This means that you must need care as a little as once every 60 days to as much as once a day for three weeks. Note that skilled care is care that can only be safely administered by a licensed nurse or therapist.

Also note that you will not qualify for Medicare coverage of home health care if you only need occupational therapy.

3. You must have a face-to-face visit with a health care professional within 90 days of starting to receive home health care or 30 days after you have started to receive care. Your doctor must sign a home health certification verifying that you have had this visit and that you qualify for home care because you are homebound and need skilled care.

4. You must receive certified care from a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA).

Keep in mind that your doctor will need to approve your plan of care every 60 days. As long as you continue to meet Medicare coverage rules, Medicare should continue to cover your home health care. If you have Original Medicare, the traditional Medicare program administered directly through the federal government, and you have questions about Medicare coverage of home health care, you can contact 800-MEDICARE or go online and visit www.medicare.gov. —Marci

Find The Intraocular Lens Implant That’s Right For You

BY JONATHAN M. FRANTZ, MD, FACS

I

ntraocular Lens Implants (IOLs) are the artificial lenses that replace the eye’s natural lens removed during cataract surgery. Dr. Jonathan Frantz, one of our country’s TOP 5 Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgeons, will help you select an implant that fits your specific lifestyle, whether you’re having Laser Cataract Surgery or traditional surgery.

Your lens options:

1. Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery, with: a. A ReSTOR or Crystalens IOL and Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) to greatly decrease your dependence on glasses;

b. A Monofocal Toric IOL to treat the cataract and correct your corneal astigmatism at the same time. c. A Standard Monofocal Lens with LRI to correct a lower amount of astigmatism during your cataract surgery.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 16

2. Traditional Cataract Surgery with Standard Monofocal Lens: you may have both eyes corrected for distance and wear reading glasses; both eyes corrected for near and wear glasses for distance; or monovision where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near.

To make an appointment for a cataract evaluation, visit www.bettervision.net or call the Fort Myers office of Frantz EyeCare at 239-418-0999.

Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is named in The Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists. He and his team of doctors at Frantz EyeCare offer a broad spectrum of patient-focused comprehensive care from eye exams and eyewear to bladeless laser cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases, bladeless LASIK laser vision correction, and eyelid surgery with office locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres, and Naples.

Relationship Reality Check: 10 Questions that Can Transform Your Love Life

BY DR. JACQUELINE DEL ROSARIO

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elationships often collapse because couples are not prepared to withstand the inevitable conflicts or even the humdrum and monotonous plateau period that’s nearly certain to present as the years go by. When couples do not understand these are anticipated and natural events in the course of a relationship, they may start looking for the exit door thinking that they have made a grievous mistake.

But many people don’t realize the extent that their relational health and happiness is under their control, aided by one’s ability to self-assess and foster quality communication with their partner. These ten self-assessment questions can help both partners reach their “happily ever after”: 1. Am I putting my best face forward? People dress up in their best clothes and put on makeup for the outside world. Do you put forth the same effort to impress and excite your mate?

2. Am I still growing? You must come to a relationship willing to continuously improve who you are so that your relationship can continue to

evolve. Continue to date and experience new things as a couple.

aside and experience your current partner on their own merits and actions.

3. Am I continuing to invest the time and effort to maintain a strong foundation? Are you keeping passion alive in the bedroom, or are you relegated to business as usual? Break the routine here and watch the magic ensue.

8. Do I stop, look and listen? Take the time to listen to and validate your mate. Keep the channels of communication open—chatter about the day’s events, current events, family matters and similar, and pay attention to their concerns. It bonds the heart and abates the feeling of growing apart.

4. What are the anchors in my relationship? Why are you together in the first place? Identifying and nurturing similar values, goals and expectancies in your relationship are fundamental and will help you endure the tough times.

5. How can I help improve our communication style? It is essential to learn how each party in the partnership prefers to communicate and make an effort to deliver and receive messages from your mate according to their personal style, which may differ from yours. And, during an argument, always fight fair and with respect—no name calling, no degrading one another.

6. What unmet expectations do we each have that need to be addressed?

Unmet expectations are often not shared and, instead, they can fester and result

in resentment and bitterness. It’s unfair of you to feel that your partner “should know” or be able to decipher passive aggressive cues that something is wrong.

Be honest with what you need from your partner for a real chance that those needs will be met, or even exceeded.

7. What emotional triggers might be adversely affecting my current relationship? Past traumas can hinder the way we respond to or perceive present issues. Were you lied to or cheated on in the past? It doesn’t mean you cannot trust your current mate. Put old baggage

9. Do I allow outside interference?

Your partner may be angry to find out that others are involved in your private life. Instead, go directly to your partner to resolve relationship problems.

However, if things are seemingly out of both of your control, seek professional assistance from marriage counselors.

10. Do I have a maintenance plan?

Are you still doing what you did to get your mate? Take the time to assess your virtues and ask your mate to cite favorite qualities about you. Then, make a concerted effort to foster these qualities to ensure interest remains.

Jacqueline Del Rosario is an author, speaker and certified marital counselor. www.DrJacquie.com.

Why Trust Planning Makes Sense For Small Estates O ne common estate-planning misnomer is that trusts are only appropriate for those who have millions of dollars.

Here are three reasons why trust planning may be even more crucial for a small estate.

discussed above, small estates may need to liquidate assets quickly in order to create cash flow and this can become difficult where a probate process has been required and the parties are all awaiting a court order in order to sell or liquidate assets.

Steven J. Gibbs, Esq.

1. Small estates do not have the luxury to pay seasoned experts to resolve issues with the estate. Often times, small estates can become every bit as complicated as large estates.

For example, issues with numerous beneficiaries can arise or creditors can come out of the woodwork. The problem is that small estates often do not have the budget for this work and the proceeds to beneficiaries can be become very minimal or even extinguished by legal fees and court costs.

2. Probate requires a lot of time and this burden can be more traumatic for small estates. To add to the reasons

3. It can be more difficult to obtain help with smaller estates. Simply put, lawyers and accountants swoon to scoop up the larger estates for the simple reason that they are a big payday. On the other hand, smaller estates may be shunned as unattractive and families can face frustration in finding competent counsel and tax advice in settling these estates. For this reasons, family members seeking to resolve small estates often need to advance fees out of pockets to procure the professional assistance that is needed.

So the “take away” is to be intentional in your estate planning even if you think your estate is small.

I hope this is helpful...

—Steven J. Gibbs, Esq.

8695 College Parkway, Suite #2012 Fort Myers, FL 33919 www.YourCircleofTrust.com Phone: 239-415-7495 E-mail: admin@gibbslawFl.com Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 17

Enjoy a Simple, Old Fashioned Colonial Williamsburg Visit

BY JANICE DOYLE

I

f simpler times and homespun goodness appeal to you, it’s time to plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. With over a million visitors a year—many of them school groups—the entire month of December is a good time for a surprisingly uncrowded visit.

Located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg is the nation’s largest living history museum, made up of 500 restored and reconstructed historic buildings spread across 301 acres of land and staffed with 3,500 archeologists, researchers, historians and historical interpreters.

It provides a snapshot of lives in the time leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Brown Bess muskets and set off a historic cannon.

It’s followed by the community tree lighting.

What to expect A man makes shoes in the cobbler shop and talks about Thomas Jefferson’s writings. The girl working in the ladies wear shop explains how the dress she is making is put together to allow for size changes. A dissident speaks his mind after a boring sermon at Bruton Parish Church.

Travel There are tree-lined streets, authentically built homes, trade shops, dining taverns and exhibition buildings.

Find stages where storytellers, musicians and craftsman entertain.

Oh, and clear the way for the Fifes and Drums parade. The group is a 98-person troupe of period-dressed, music-making 10- to 18-year-olds, ongoing for over 50 years. They perform year round.

No month is so special for a visit as December when the schedule is full of holiday teas and wassail parties, musical evenings, caroling, classic toy train and doll house exhibits.

With more than 120 recitals and concerts on tap during the Candlelight Concert series, from 18th-century-style organ recitals to performances by choral groups from all over the country, you’re bound to find something to fit your taste.

You’ll be sitting where famous patriots such as George Washington and Patrick Henry once sat.

And if you’re there for Christmas Eve, at 5 p.m., there’s the special firing of the Christmas Guns, when re-enactors fire rounds from 18th-century

It may be difficult to comprehend their very proper English, but that’s the authenticity and attention to detail that makes Williamsburg such a special experience. Ask a modern question and you’ll find that the cobbler “hasn’t heard of shoe laces” or whatever. (But Bruton Parish Church in reality has over 2,000 members and five Sunday services.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 18

Williamsburg-style decorations Workers deck the halls and walls, the tables and trinkets within Williamsburg’s strict guidelines for authenticity to the times. No electric lights but rather 1,200 flickering candles glow in buildings where carolers sing wrapped in woolen cloaks and mufflers.

I took one of the many guided tours to look specifically at the outdoor decorations, referred to in decorating circles now as “Colonial Williamsburg door decorations.”

Our guide had lived in one of the houses in Colonial Williamsburg for ten years and commented personally on the annual job each resident has of creating house decorations within the strict guidelines. Everything used must be natural and obtainable during the colonial period, such as magnolia leaves, oranges, pomegranates, pinecones, holly, etc. Workshops are available for visitors.

Dining Candlelit dinners in one of the four Historic Dining Taverns take you back to the foods of the colonists.

Expect such dishes as duck, ham, Welsh rarebit, Brunswick stew, peanut soup and game pie. And remember to come hungry. There’s no such thing as a light meal, but it’s worth it.

It is interesting to note that state-of-the-art food service makes these meals possible from gigantic underground restaurant kitchens.

Unbeknownst to most visitors as they stroll the grounds are the dozens of workers scurrying about in these facilities under their feet.

Where to stay Colonial Williamsburg has five hotels: The Williamsburg Lodge, the Williamsburg Inn (where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and other world leaders have stayed), the Colonial Houses (28 guest houses in the Historic Area), the Williamsburg Woodlands and the Governor’s Inn. Thousands of motel rooms are convenient in the area as well.

Plan your visit or learn more at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.

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M

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• Carry information about, or even a photo of, your luggage. It is more easily tracked if lost.

• Bring a copy of your passport to carry on your person while on tours or shore excursions. This should be kept separate from the original.

• Never pack house keys, car keys, medications, travel documents, passports, computers or cell phones in your checked bag.

• Always leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information behind with friends or relatives.

• Ask about free Wi-Fi at the hotel where you are staying. Often times it is complimentary.

• Before you leave home, check with your cell phone provider about adding an international calling plan for the length of time you will be gone. You will need to know all the countries you are visiting in order to set up this enhanced service.

• Arrive at least one day before your cruise or tour starts to allow yourself a day for travel snafus such as airline or weather delays or public transportation strikes.

baggage requirements, and there is not one standard. It is best to check with your travel consultant or airline website for the most up to date information.

If you are flying on a combination of airlines, always follow the most restrictive baggage requirements to avoid additional charges. When purchasing luggage, consider a color other than black or red, which is the new black.

Be sure to know in advance the laundry and dry cleaning facilities at your destination. Cruise ships often have self serve laundries which cut down on the amount of clothes you need to take. I dress in one basic color and use colorful accent scarves and jewelry to vary the look. If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pollinate your luggage so that each of you have some clothes in the event one suitcase gets lost.

At the Airport – TSA Pre ✔

Coming to Southwest International Airport soon. This TSA program allows select frequent flyers who are flying on participating airlines to receive expedited screening benefits such as leaving on shoes and belts and leaving laptops in carryon luggage.

Global Entry

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk passengers. Participants enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.

There is an application process and fee for both of these programs.

Luggage and Packing

Carryon luggage cannot exceed a total dimension of 45 inches in most cases, which is the total of length plus width plus height. In addition, you may bring one personal item onboard such as a purse, briefcase, laptop, camera case, diaper bag, or portable electronic device.

Airlines frequently change checked

Currency Exchange

We are very fortunate in Naples to have a foreign currency exchange at the Coastland Center Mall. The exchange rates are much better than those at airports and exchange bureaus overseas.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 19

Florida Travel: Winter Festival Day Trips S

tart a new holiday tradition with family and friends at these festivals:

“ICE” at Gaylord Palms, Orlando

Gaylord Palms’ ICE and SNOW Stroll through a wintery wonderland of ice sculptures or go snow tubing.

Family activities and more. Tickets: $15 to $44. Through Jan. 4 at Gaylord Palms Resort, 1-407-586-0000 Holidays At Disney Join Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from 7 p.m. until midnight on select nights in the Magic Kingdom for treats, parades, fireworks and family fun.

Or see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at dusk at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

On select nights, Epcot will also host is annual Candlelight Processional—a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Tickets/info: disneyworld.disney.go.com The Polar Express Experience and Holidays at SeaWorld Jump aboard The Polar Express Experience for a journey to the North Pole and get up close and personal with arctic

wildlife. Through Dec. 31, SeaWorld, Orlando. Tickets $65 and up. One kid free per paid adult. seaworldparks.com Holidays at Busch Gardens Celebrate the spirit of the season with Christmas Town through Dec. 31. Tickets: $95 and up. seaworldparks.com Macy’s Holiday Parade and Grinchmas Enjoy the Macy’s parade daily; the “Grinchmas” live stage show; the all-new Holiday Village and concerts

by Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios in Orlando through Jan. 4. $96 and up. universalorlando.com/holidays

A five stAr Assisted living community

Guess who just got a nurse, a chef and a chauffeur!

Care comes with just the right amount of comfort at Springwood Court, where we have an abundance of ways to make life more enjoyable – from help with daily activities to incredible meals and attentive personal service. Here, assisted living is not just a program, it is a philosophy. Residents enjoy private, apartment-style living – with the personalized care and attention they need to thrive.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 20

Bok Tower Gardens Enjoy festive events at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales through Jan. 4, including the 20th Anniversary Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, special carillon concerts, winter garden tours, workshops and more. Lake Wales. Tickets start at $12. boktowergardens.org

Winterville Enjoy Christmas characters, hot cider and cookies, caroling, gifts, crafts and a gingerbread house competition. 12 to 9:30 p.m., Dec. 6 and 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa.

Tickets/info: wintervillefestival.com Snowfest St. Petersburg’s North Straub Park transforms into an oasis of powdery snow with a toboggan slide, a climbing wall, “ice” skating, reindeer races and family activities. Kids can also see Santa in a parade and up close. Dec. 6. stpeteparksrec.org/snowfest.html Tavares Christmas Celebration Dec. 6, 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Wooten Park, Tavares. See Santa arrive by seaplane

with fireworks display. Kids activities, entertainment, food vendors, parade on Main Street at 5 p.m. Free. tavares.org

Holidays at Fishermen’s Village

Annual lighted boat parade Dec. 15 at dusk. Free admission/parking. Also enjoy a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Live music, dancing, family fun.

Punta Gorda. fishville.com Lights In Bloom Sip on hot chocolate and munch on tasty treats while strolling through a million botanically-themed holiday lights. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 19 – 23; 26 – 29 at Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota. selby.org Light It Up Clearwater Beach Enjoy free fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve at Clearwater Beach. lightitupclearwater.com Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve Party from 1 to 3 p.m. with live music and treats. New Year’s celebration starts at 7 p.m. and culminates with the ball drop and fireworks from the pier. Free. Fort Myers Beach, 1031 Estero Blvd. fortmyers-sanibel.com

Word Search December

Word Search

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

Answers From November

Gino Pulido is last month’s winner!

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Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

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December 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.

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 19 will win. Good luck!

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

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 21 R

Tips For a Festive “After Fifty” Holiday little bit—then move on and satisfy your appetite with good conversation,” she says.

Don’t Blow a Bundle.

“W

hile these can be our best years ever, the holiday season can stress even the most laidback of baby boomers,” says Jo-Anne Lema, Founder of AfterFiftyLiving.com. Embrace these tips and turn that stress into celebration!

“Spruce” Applies to More than the Tree. “Feel tired, worn

out—maybe even ‘old?’ ‘Tis the season to do more than decorate that spruce tree sitting in the center of the room. You’re the center of your life, so spruce up! Guy or gal, go out and get a great cut, maybe even a color. Visit a department store’s cosmetics section and get a make-over (and some lessons) and splurge on a couple of cosmetics that may brighten your appearance.

Treat yourself to a new outfit. Then, when you get home, go take a brisk walk for a half hour. This’ll get your blood flowing adding natural color to those cheeks. Smile—you and your tree are both sparkling,” she says.

Moderation—Your New “Best Friend.” Baby boomers want to do

more than just survive the holidays—they want to thrive and relish the memories!

Yet, according to a 2004 study published in Circulation, there are more heart attack deaths on Dec. 25 than any other day; the second highest day is Dec. 26; and the third highest is Jan 1. So all that “thriving and relishing” isn’t going to happen if you’re hospital bound with a heart attack or are spending your hours sleeping off a hangover. “That canape and spiked eggnog may be calling to you, but you are the master. Sure, have a bit—a

Boomers may be tempted to spoil friends and family members—like those adorable grandkids. So establish a holiday spending budget. Estimate what you might spend on all gifts, travel, entertainment and personal items. Then do a reality-check. Can you really afford spending all that money?

No? Then ruthlessly cross off items that aren’t absolute “must do’s” and stick to the list that remains. “Remember, your presence is the best present of all. Bankruptcy court is no place to spend your New Year,” she says.

Censor Your Tongue. “Look,

there’s a lot of stress over the holidays.

Boomers can be thrown into situations with relatives we can barely tolerate, a boss who’s a belligerent bully, and friends of friends who may be anything but. So, if you don’t want to start (or

encourage) World War III in the midst of the mistletoe, avoid talking about politics, religion, money and your personal problems. If someone starts down that path, bite your tongue, excuse yourself and walk away. Yup, you can do that. It’s okay, really!” she says.

The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others as You’d Have Them Do Unto You. “If boomers really want to

have a festive, merry, after-fifty holiday, then start by burying the hatchets in your relationships. If ever there were a season to practice tolerance and forgiveness, this is it. This is the big chance to make amends. Do it! And if you’re one of the fortunate few with no hatchets in your life, the Golden Rule still applies. Mind your manners. Engage people in conversations about their lives, their success and their joys! Hug a kid. Pet a dog. Donate to a favorite charity. Volunteer in some way to help those less fortunate than you,” she says.

And have a very, merry holiday season, filled with good health, friendships and love! (From Newswire and AfterFiftyLiving.com)

Local Athletes Honored At Senior Games

BY NICK GANDY, Florida Sports Foundation

T

he 2014 Florida International Senior Games & State Championships take place this month, and the Florida Sports Foundation congratulates its 2013 Games Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The recipients of the 2013 Jimmy Carnes Florida Senior Games Athlete of the Year Awards are both present on the field of play and off. Tom Bliss, a swimmer from Merritt Island, makes himself known by winning medals and setting records in the pool and represents Masters Swimming on a state and national level. Meanwhile, Nina Hammer, a horseshoe pitcher from Bonita Springs, wins medals and volunteers her time to the Local and State Games.

Bliss was a six-time 2013 Gold Medal Winner in the 200 Freestyle, 50, 100 and 200 Backstroke, 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley events. He holds 11 current Florida Senior Games records in the 50 – 54 and 55 – 59 age groups.

He has competed numerous times in the National Senior Games and brought home medals. He received the U.S. Masters Swimming Dorothy Donnelly Service Award in 2008 and has served as Chairman of the Florida Local Masters Swim Committee since 2001. On the national level he has attended the USMS convention four times and served on the Coaches and Safety Education Committees.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 22

Hammer won a Horseshoes gold medal in the 55 – 59 age group at the 2013 Games, but it is her overall dedication to the Senior Games in Lee County that earned her nomination and subsequent award.

She and her and husband, Fred, volunteered at the Games from 2006 – 10 and again in 2013.

She has assisted with stuffing goodie bags as well as volunteered at Swimming, Horseshoes, Tennis and Pickleball.

Hammer is a supporter and advocate for the Senior Games locally in Lee County.

She and Fred have appeared numerous times in newspaper and television features for volunteering.

Bliss and Hammer join an elite group of 36 previous Athlete of the Year Award winners, dating back to 1994, and will receive their awards during the nine days of the 2014 Florida International Senior Games & State Championships in Lee County, December 6 – 14.

Athlete of the Year candidates are submitted by the Florida International Senior Games & State Championships Sport Directors and Florida Sports Foundation Staff. The Athletes of the Year are selected not only for their performance during competition but for how they represent their sport and the Florida Senior Games.

Come to the Games While registration is closed for competetors, spectators are welcome to attend for free and cheer on their favorite athletes. Contests include archery, bowling, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, track and field, racing, cycling, swimming, golf, table tennis, billiards and many more events at different venues around Lee County from Dec. 6 – 14. For a complete list of times and locations, visit flasports.com and click on the “Senior Games” tab.

Winning athletes will go on to compete at the 2015 National Senior Games, to be held July 2 – 16, 2015 in Bloomington/Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

Good luck, athletes!

9 12 14 18 19

Vocal Vixens Dinner Show, 5:30 p.m. $27.

Doo Wop Christmas with “The Reflections.” 7 p.m. $18.

The Best of Charlotte County December 2014

Bion Cantorum: “Beautiful Sounds of Christmas.” 3 p.m. $15.

Happy Travelers Day Trip: Naples Christmas Trolley Light Tour. $79.

“Joyful Noise: A Holiday Concert.” with mezzo-soprano Amanda Segur. 7 p.m. $17.

25

Christmas Dinner 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $19; $9/kids under 10.

Hearty holiday buffet.

All events at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Tickets, times and info: 941-625-4175.

6 11 20

Burnt Store Choir and Hand Bells. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Center Court.

Peace River Baptist Church Christmas Cantata. 7 p.m., Center Ct. Tuba Christmas!

Enjoy the songs of the season performed by more than a dozen tuba players. 5:30 p.m.

FEATURED EVENTS • Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony, Dec. 7. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Annual remembrance and salute to the men and women of Pearl Harbor. Followed by a reception at the Military Heritage Museum. Starts at Center Court, Fishermen’s Village. For more information, call Hank Mastowski,. 941-764-8286

Fun Holiday Walk/Runs

7

Running of the Elves Mural Run. Starts on the great lawn behind Fourpoits by Sheraton Punta Gorda, 10:30 a.m. Visit all the murals of Punta Gorda, walking or running.

Water provided. Prizes for wildest holiday attire. $25 entry. 941-639-3720.

17

Ugly Christmas Sweater Luminary Walk/Run to Fishermens Village. Come dressed in your ugliest sweater or come as a Grinch! Prizes awarded. Take a Christmas trolley ride back afterwards. Registration is free, 5:30 p.m. at The Foot Landing, Punta Gorda. 941-347-7751.

• Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Dec. 14. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy the parade of large and small vessels on Charlotte Harbor, decked out for the holidays. Great viewing on the west side of Fishermen’s Village. 941-639-8721 • New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, Dec. 31. 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Live music, fun photos, restaurant specials, airbrush body art, Luis the Balloon Man, Too Tall Torrie Stiltwalker, Hair Dazzle by Brian and Lori, Tarot Readings by Pamela and Face Painting by Metamasque. Watch the magical “dolphin drop” at midnight! Fishermen’s Village. 941-639-8721

Helping Hands • R.S.V.P. (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program): 941-613-2299.

• Meals on Wheels/Friendship Cafe Dining Sites: 941-255-0723.

• Elder Helpline of Southwest Florida: 1-800-398-4233.

Senior Centers and Resources • Senior Friendship Centers: 941-255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org.

• Senior Choices of Southwest Florida: 1-866-413-5337 or www.aaaswfl.org.

• O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): 941-235-4500 or ocean-fl.org.

21

Dance to the classics of The Doo Wop Crew as well as traditional holiday favorites! 1 - 4 p.m., Center Court

23

Holiday Jazzercise.Work off some holiday calories to upbeat variety music and Christmas classics! 6 to 7 p.m.

Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call 941-639-8721 for details.

Join Us For Our

Jan. 2014 Edition:

Senior Entrepreneurs

Charlotte County!

Advertise your event or service on this page!

Call for Special Rates and Marketing Packages for the Best of Charlotte County!

888-670-0040

Lifestyles After 50 Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 23

sz

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for information please return completed form to:

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P Joseph Howley— Congratulations! P Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 24

G

iven their shrinking availability, it’s almost impossible to purchase a non-smartphone these days. Finding the right one, however, can be overwhelming to a newcomer. Aging adults, especially, are likely to ask a family member for help. To make the decision easier, here are five things to consider when helping an older relative upgrade to a smartphone.

1. The Size and Shape of the Phone: Is it comfortable for the user to hold?

Head to the store together to test different models. Try out accessories as well—a protective, no-slip case or lanyard will prevent damage to the phone.

2. Initial Costs and Monthly Budget: Determine how much can be spent on the phone and what an appropriate monthly bill might look like. Then research different carriers—some might offer a free smartphone with a new contract. You can also try adding a user to an existing family plan. Some carriers offer plans designed for seniors.

INSURANCE: o Medicare o Health o Long-term care o Auto o Home o Life

OTHER:

5 Things To Consider When Purchasing a Smartphone for Aging Adults 3. Ease of Personalization: Users have a better experience if it’s easy to customize what’s most important to them: adjusting font sizes, brightness and volume, changing ringtones, checking email and organizing apps, for example.

Make sure the interface is user-friendly.

4. Long-Term Reliability/Continuity: Smartphones are expensive, so consider purchasing insurance that covers screen cracks, damage and loss. Try out and select an operating system (iPhone or Android, for example) that you are comfortable with. Make the choice carefully: it’s easier to stick with the same operating system for future upgrades.

5. Security and Privacy: Smart security measures can ensure identity protection and privacy. Virtually all smartphones require a password to unlock, and some phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6) include a fingerprint scanner for extra protection!

The decision to switch to a smartphone is an exciting one, though it can feel a little intimidating. For more helpful information, visit www.iTOK.net.

Four Estate Planning Mistakes by Snowbirds

E

state planning is not just for the “wealthy.” Everyone must address end-of-life issues—so an appropriate “estate plan” is always needed. However, experience reveals four mistakes that commonly plague snowbird estate plans brought to Florida.

Invalid Powers Of Attorney A Power of Attorney, or “POA,” is an essential part of an estate plan whereby a person authorizes another person (the “Attorney-in-Fact”) to handle financial matters (such as paying bills) if incapacity occurs.

Surprisingly, one’s spouse or child does not automatically have authority to handle the finances upon incapacity.

Therefore, if a POA is not in place, the spouse or another relative may be forced to commence an incompetency proceeding to acquire court guardianship. So having a POA is indispensable.

Importantly, northern state POAs often are invalid in Florida due to our stricter requirements. For example, a POA must be executed by two witnesses and a notary, and certain powers granted to the Attorney-in-Fact must be initialed. Also, the POA must contain the incapacity statement in Florida statute 709.2104.

In short, many snowbirds unknowingly hold POAs that cannot be used in Florida.

Accidental Gift Of The Home To The Children Florida is protective of the home.

Unbeknownst to most, Florida law provides that the only valid bequest of a married person’s home is outright to the spouse (not in trust)—the “Daniel Boone” rule in my legal parlance. If a Will or Trust violates the Daniel Boone rule, then by law the spouse and children automatically become co-owners of the home.

Case in point: After a successful career in law enforcement in Mayberry, North Carolina, Sheriff Andrew Taylor retired to Naples and married his second wife, Helen. Sheriff Taylor then died and his Will left his home to his son, Opie. However, this bequest violated the Daniel Boone rule, and thus Helen and Opie became co-owners of the home.

Fortunately, with proper advance planning, this co-owner situation can be avoided.

Northern State Taxes Florida imposes no income or death tax.

However, a snowbird must be a Florida tax resident to reap these benefits.

Not surprisingly, northern states are not quick to agree that every snowbird is a Florida tax resident—and under many states’ laws spending at least six months and a day annually in Florida is not necessarily sufficient to guarantee Florida tax residency. And if the northern state denies Florida tax residency status, then it can tax the person’s entire income and estate (retroactively with penalties and interest).

Moreover, due to budget challenges, many northern states are expanding the scope of their tax residency net and are increasingly auditing snowbirds who claim Florida tax residency.

For the seasonal resident, the prudent decision is to retain a qualified CPA or attorney to help secure Florida tax residency.

“Northern states are not quick to agree that every snowbird is a Florida tax resident—and under many states’ laws, spending at least six months and a day annually in Florida is not necessarily sufficient to guarantee Florida tax residency.”

Void Executor Appointments An Executor is the individual designated in a Will to legally manage the estate. Under Florida law the Executor must either be a Florida resident or a close relative.

Consequently, a friend or advisor in another state cannot be the Executor.

Also, a convicted felon (even a spouse or child) cannot be the Executor.

In short, a Will provision which designates of an out-of-state friend or felon as the Executor is invalid.

Robert H. Eardley is a Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estates attorney, holds his J.D. degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. Mr. Eardley is in private practice in Naples and can be reached at 239-591-6776 or www.swflorida-law.com.

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PRACTICE CONCENTRATING IN: • Wills and Revocable Trusts • Probate Administration • Estate Tax Planning • Elder Law • Prenuptial Agreements • Florida Tax Residency Planning • Powers of Attorney/Living Wills Robert H. Eardley, Esq., LL.M. Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates Attorney Master of Laws Degree in Estate Planning

1415 PANThER LANE, SuITE 221 NAPLES, FL 34109 (239) 591-6776 WWW.SWFLORIDA-LAW.COM The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 25

Tech Talk: Sparkup Magical Reader Giveaway!

W

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier.

This month, we’re featuring a giveaway for the Sparkup Magical Book Reader. The Reader enables grandparents to create personalized audio recordings of any illustrated children’s book, so that their grandchildren can listen, read along and feel connected even when apart. The Reader can store up to 50 books at a time.

Designed for children ages three through eight, the Reader attaches to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page via its built-in camera. Afterwards, anytime the device is re-attached to that book, the camera recognizes its images and plays the appropriate recording for each page. Available on amazon.com or sparkupreader.com for $59.99.

Child Advocate Volunteer Orientations Announced!

Wednesday, December 10th @ Noon - 1 pm

Who speaks up for abused, abandoned and neglected children living in our area? Guardian ad Litem volunteers, supported by staff, advocate for our most vulnerable children in court, the child welfare system and the community. If you are a Florida resident, at least 21 years old, with 8-10 hours monthly to volunteer, you’re invited! The exact duties and time required will be discussed and all of your questions answered on Wednesday, December 10th @ Noon - 1 pm at the Guardian ad Litem Office - 2075 West First Street, Suite 300, Fort Myers. To make an online inquiry, please visit www.VoicesForKids.org. For more information and to reserve your orientation spot, please contact Suzanne Flinn at 239-357-9889 or suzanne.flinn@gal.fl.gov.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 26

We are offering the product FREE to one lucky winner in this month’s giveaway!

Just email editor@ lifestylesafter50.com or snail mail us at:

Attn: Sparkup Reader News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Send us your name, address and phone number by Dec 19. The drawing will be held on Dec. 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the January issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

Congratulations!

To last month’s winner: Doreen Alfano of Thonotosassa, FL Who won a MedCenter System!

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Join The Hunger Task Force Team and Feed Seniors In Need

S

ign up online now and plan to be part of the Senior Hunger Task Force Team for the Feed Families Hunger Walk Jan. 17 at Miromar Outlet Mall, 10801 Corkscrew Road, in Estero. Your support will help provide monthly food bags for seniors in need through The Friendship Centers.

You can register for the walk as part of the Senior Hunger Task Force Team (a $50 pledge) or as

an individual walker. You can also register to donate in the name of the team, even if you can’t walk.

The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Same day registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Anyone can join the fight against hunger! To donate or register in advance, visit harrychapinfb.dojiggy.com. For more info, contact Margaret Baugher, RSVP Director, at 239-275-1881 or email mbaugher@friendshipcenters.org.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 27

Holiday Humor

Three Stages here are three stages of man: He believes in Santa Claus; he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.

T

Denominations A woman goes to the post office and asks for 50 Hanukkah stamps.

“What denomination?” asks the clerk.

The woman says, “Six Orthodox, 12 Conservative, and 32 Reform.”

Santa Knows As we were putting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, I accidentally dropped one. “No problem,” I said, picking it up and dusting it off before placing it back on the plate.

“You can’t do that,” argued my four-year-old.

“Don’t worry. Santa will never know.”

He shot me a look. “So he knows if I’ve been bad or good, but he doesn’t know the cookie fell on the floor?”

The Shopping Criminal It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner, “What are you charged with?”

“Doing my Christmas shopping

early,” replied the defendant.

“That’s no offense,” said the judge. “How early were you doing this shopping?”

“Before the store opened.”

t seems like everything’s going digital these days, but we wanted to share with you a quick laugh and a story about a man with a creative approach to social media: Borrow a paper?

I was visiting my daughter last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper.

“This is the 21st century,” she said.

“We don’t waste money on newspapers.

Here… use my iPad.” I can tell you this; that freaking fly never knew what hit him.

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

Resolutions A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

Letter To Santa Dear Santa: This year, I’m requesting a fat bank account and a small body.

P.S. Please don’t mix them up, like you did last year!

Puns and More Q: What motorcycle does Santa ride?

A: A Holly Davidson.

Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?

A: Fleece Navidad!

Q: What nationality is Santa Claus?

A: North Polish.

Q: If Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus had a child, what would he be called?

A: A subordinate claus.

Why We Still Need Newspapers

I

BRIDGE BITES

Going back to print People can love technology but still appreciate the tradition of printed material.

To reach out to his tech-shy grandmother, a man in the UK developed Familygram, a service that allows users to submit stories and photos online and have a personal newspaper created and mailed to loved ones. It can be used monthly, or for special occasions, to commit the highlights of your life to paper for your family, friends and future generations to enjoy. To learn more, visit familigram.com.

A

s can be seen, 6♣ (played from the North side) is down one in a hurry after East’s opening Spade lead. So South sensibly bid 6NT to “right-side” the contract, putting West on lead and protecting the ♠K. Against 6NT, West leads the ♥J. Can you make 12 tricks?

Declarer can count only 11 top tricks and can be sure (from the bidding) that the ♦K and ♠A are both with West.

Does that mean that 6NT is destined to fail? Actually, no, because Declarer can organize an end-play. Declarer wins the

Right-Siding The Contract

opening Heart lead, cashes the other Heart winners and rattles off 7 Clubs.

West’s last three cards will presumably be ♠A and ♦K5, and Declarer will come down to ♠K and ♦AQ. Now, West is thrown in with a Spade and must lead a Diamond, giving Declarer her 12th trick. That pretty ending is known as a Strip Squeeze.

Post Script: West might have thwarted the squeeze by coming down to ♠AQ and ♦K, but an astute Declarer will suspect that West has the ♠Q for his opening bid and will play to drop the ♦K instead of trying the Spade throw-in. A more thoughtful West will bare the ♦K early in his discards, and will also pitch away the ♠Q and ♠J, coming down to the fiendishly devious ♠A6 and ♦K! Nobody would fault Declarer for now assuming that West started life with 5=3=5=0 distribution, and for misguessing the end-game as a result. Wicked defense, Mr West!

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org /D9Clubsmap.htm. Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club: stpetebridge.org.

Lighted Boat Parades Seniors Break Records at 5K N

6

Fort Myers Beach Lighted Boat Parade. At 6:10 p.m., the parade starts and proceeds beneath the high bridge and through the canals of Siesta Bay. More info at FMBBoatParade.com.

15

Fishermen’s Village Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Vessels are decorated in grand holiday style and parade along Charlotte Harbor for public viewing. Begins at dusk and lasts approximately one hour. Free admission;

free parking. Info at fishville.com or email events@fishville.com.

20

Holiday Boat-A-Long. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral. Food, Christmas music, visits with Santa, 7 p.m. fireworks and lighted boat parade. Info: 239-573-3123.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 28

early 200 runners and walkers participated in the Fourth Annual Path to Wellness 5K Run/Walk on Nov. 8, raising $14,000 to help residents with mental health and substance use disorders in Southwest Florida.

Seniors ages 55 and older shattered records in five age groups on the 3.1-mile course at Florida SouthWestern State College.

For complete race results, visit 3dracinginc.com. Go runners!

(L) In the 70 and older category, Tony Capaiuolo, 70, of Fort Myers finished in 25 minutes, 41 seconds; and (R) Virginia Schafer, 75, of Fort Myers had a time of 52 minutes, 53 seconds.

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4119 – SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.

4383 ATTRACTIVE, WF, 5’1”, 117 LBS. blond, looks good, well dressed, smart, ISO attractive, athletic, healthy, P, NS, SD who is sincere, smart, likes animals, SOH, loves music, dancing, or will learn. HWP, 68 – 78 and financially secure and fun.

4408 KIND LADY, told I am attractive and fun. Enjoy togetherness and various activities. Petite, green eyes. Call if you like. If not, smile. Life treats you better.

4427 EXPERIENCED MALE DANCE PARTNER WANTED for social ballroom dancing and lessons together. No fat or overweight men. 60’s. No beginners.

Serious inquiries only. Must be 5’9’’ or taller. NS. I am a 67YY, W, F, 5’3”.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4340 APPRECIATE, F, FREE, SELF, conscious, bliss, being, non state, NS. WM 65, youthful, 6” 165 lbs., long brown hair,

short beard. Organic gardener, canoeist, bicyclist, movies, art, music, yoga, swim, friend, partner, abide synchronicity.

4382 MAN SEEKING WOMAN I’m 66 yrs. old – looking for LTR. R, I, like to dance and sing, sports, open-minded, love and romance possible. ISO lady 5’ to 5’5”, tall, slender, fun-loving, CF. Please write. Ft. Myers.

4420 WWM SEEKING COMPANION. Please write and send photo. 5’10”, 160 lbs., fit, youthful, 62, retired. Like music, dancing, dining out, movies, cooking occasionally, nature walks, garden, tennis, golf. Naples area.

4421 ATTRACTIVE, IN SHAPE, 57YO, athletic build, good values, good listener, financially secure, conscientious and considerate. I enjoy travel, adventure, sports, movies, music and fun. ISO lady with similar interests.

4428 MAN, 70, D, NS, SD, likes movies, music, books, animals, plants, going out for a drink and a bite, takes Bible classes and a Spanish class. ISO woman, 55-73, NS, NDrg, SD, for FF, who likes to sit at the bar and have conversation over a drink, affection – kissing, touching, hugging, and has nice legs. Port Charlotte 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: City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583

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 below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Commonly Used Abbreviations:

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 P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

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.

remember our heroes Take A Holiday Cruise

Tpearl

harbor

hrough 31 Take a Christmas Light Canal Cruise with King Fisher Fleet. Tour residential canals to view lights, displays and decorations, and view lighted boats of all shapes and sizes. One-hour cruises depart nightly at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. $16/ adults, $8/kids. Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda. Reserve at 941-639-0969.

dec. 7 2014

24

City (No Charge):

Phone:

4429 MAN SEEKING WOMAN I am an 80 year, young looking man (that’s what everyone tells me), looking for LTR, NS, SD, Wh. Widower, C, SOH, HWP, TLC. In excellent health. Punta Gorda/Fort Myers area.

Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise. Where is Santa on his

last day before flying out? We found him on a deserted island by Sanibel!

Bring the family and cruise out among the dolphins to sightsee and then visit with Santa on Picnic Island, where he’ll be waiting with gifts for all the kids. Photos of your little ones on Santa’s lap will be provided for free.

The cruise departs at 10 a.m. from 14341 Port Comfort Rd. Fort Myers, and returns at 11:30 a.m. $35/passenger. For more info, call 239-472-8443.

remember our heroes

pearl harbor

From

dec. 7

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 29

Create Your Own Snow Globe 1. Look for a 7- or 8-inch globe terrarium that includes a rubber base and plastic stand at floral shops or online. Alternatively, you can use a glass jar with a lid: a pickle jar or large mason jar is a good candidate.

W

hy buy a snow globe when you can create one that is meaningful to you instead? Capture a scene or memory in a fun and easy way; build one as a family holiday activity; or create a personalized gift with these do-it-yourself snow globe tips. Here’s what you’ll need:

Globe with rubber base and plastic stand (or a jar with a lid) Sandpaper Epoxy Ceramic or plastic ornaments Distilled water Liquid glycerin Glitter

2. Use epoxy to attach ceramic or plastic ornaments and figurines to the rubber base, which also serves as the lid. Non-metal figurines and landscape pieces from model train sets work well.

If you’re using a standard jar, make sure to sand the inside of the lid with a piece of sandpaper until it is rough— this will give the epoxy more purchase and keep your figurines from floating away. Let the epoxy dry completely.

3. Fill the globe or jar with distilled water to just below the opening; add about 1 tablespoon of liquid glycerin (found in drug stores) to thicken the water.

4. Sprinkle with glitter.

5. Working over a sink, slowly invert the decorated portion of the rubber base into the water; stretch the seal of the rubber base over the lip of the globe. Then attach the plastic stand.

If you’re using a standard jar, invert the decorated lid over the jar opening, lower it in gently and screw it on tightly.

6. Turn your homemade snow globe upright and enjoy the show!

Stand the snow globe in a silver wine bottle coaster for extra glitz.

Winter Art Classes

T

he 2014-15 Education Season at the Alliance for the Arts is off and running and there are new classes beginning every week! Adult classes include: Life Drawing, Marbling Art to Wear, Introduction to Fused Glass, Classical Painting, Christmas Palm Art, Shoe Painting, Viking Knit Jewelry, Beginning Knitting, Watercolors that Glow, Travel Journaling, Oriental Watercolor, Frame Loom Weaving and many more.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 30

Join the growing community of artists, instructors, students and patrons by taking a class at the Alliance, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Consider an Alliance membership to receive 20 percent off all classes as well as other benefits including exhibition opportunities and gift shop and ticket discounts. For more info, or to register for a class online, visit ArtInLee.org, call 239-939-2787 or contact education@artinlee.org.

How I Pack My Family with Me

When I Travel

BY AKAISHA KADERLI

W

hen I began traveling the world 24 years ago, none of my family or friends understood why I chose this vagabond lifestyle.

Other than my father, who wished he could have gone with me, most everyone else wanted a stay-in-one-place manner of living that focused on barbeques, Super Bowl parties, pets and gardens.

I, on the other hand, wanted to visit exotic cultures, dream down dusty trails and witness firsthand the wild variety that is humanity round the world.

Initially on my journeys, especially since we began them long before internet, Skype or Magic Jack, there was this seeming disconnect.

I was “long distance” and everyone else was together “back home.”

Kaderli: “This shawl is a favored gift!”

Retirement Living Real Time Communication

These days, things are different.

Billy and I normally travel a year between our visits to the States to see our loved ones. That’s a long time and lots of celebrations between seeing our family and friends face to face. To bridge that distance in time, I call their homes several times a month using Skype and video.

In this way, no one forgets what I look like, including my grandniece and nephew.

I watch as the decorations in their homes change, their gardens grow—and I’m there singing “Happy Birthday” or shouting Merry Christmas or Happy Anniversary as the pages on my calendar turn over.

there could relate to the perspective I had been nurturing for decades in my world travels. The U.S. is a developed nation so there were no donkeys in the streets, no indigenous walking the neighborhoods with their hair wrapped in hand-woven textiles selling their wares. And there were no food carts where I could purchase fresh fruit or grilled shrimp on a whim.

So I gathered about 300 photos of my wanderings, put them on a chip and purchased digital photo frames to display them. My family was amazed—or maybe speechless is a better word.

Not everyone enjoys writing letters, emails or sending postcards.

However, every person I know likes to receive them. Since I am a writer—and always have been since I was a grade school child wishing I could find a pen pal—I have taken this responsibility on. And, it is one of the ways I keep in touch. Any chance I get, I write an email and tell a story about my life, and of course, I ask about theirs. Or I send a postcard giving a full-and-in-color snapshot of where I have been.

“Our trusty packs were a Christmas Present.”

Digital Diary

When I visited the States a couple of years ago, I realized that no one

Not Everyone Writes

Gifts

Since I carry everything with me when I travel, in the old days, my family was initially stumped as to what to give me for gifts. Before I carry anything around the world with me, I must consider it in terms of value versus its weight and the room it takes.

Today, digital downloads for music or

reading material delight me because I can carry them online instead of packing the heavy book or CD plus case in my rucksack.

I have also been gifted great walking shoes, washable and lightweight clothing, scarves, a beach wrap, earrings, socks and even nail polish. When I dress myself in the mornings I have all these reminders of the love we share and I take them with me into my lifestyle of skipping from one country to the next.

While nothing replaces being there in person for each occasion, I am psychologically built to enjoy my life of movement.

My friends and family are constructed for a lifestyle that I would find constricting. So by wearing and using these gifts, I am able to carry my loved ones with me everywhere.

After all, there is no distance in the heart.

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are retirement experts and authors of “The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible.”

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 31

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