Mature Lifestyles Feb. 2011 Southwest by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Online Dating VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2

SOUTHWEST

FEBRUARY 2011

Jeannie Robertson

Keeps You Laughing

• Matters of the Heart • Are You a Cougar? • Super Spices for Your Health • Early Onset Alzheimer’s

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 2

Old Bridge Village—The Best Of Fort Myers O

ld Bridge Village is a residentowned, gated, 55+ manufactured home community. In Old Bridge Village, the homeowner has the opportunity to own the real property rights to their home site or lease the home site from the Co-op. The community is quietly secluded on the Caloosahatchee River and the Inter Coastal waterway, allowing access to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of Florida. The community has canal-front and river-view homes that have their own docks. For homes not located on canals there is an 81-slip marina and an easy access boat ramp. Although secluded and quiet, the community has a bank, super market and shopping center located within a two-minute ride by car, golf cart or bicycle. Just minutes away are several shopping centers. Nearby Route 75 gives the community easy and quick access to all major cities in Florida, and Old Bridge Village is only 30 minutes away from RSW International Airport.

Just a short distance away are three hospitals, along with many medical and dental offices and specialized health care facilities. A new V.A. facility is being constructed only ten minutes away. You enter the community through the 24-hour manned gate, and arrive at the astro-turf putting green and the state-of-the-art fitness center. Nearby is the recreational center with ping-pong and pool tables, two heated pools, hot tub and an upgraded clubhouse with a beautiful view of the marina and the river. We are minutes from Lee County Civic Center and Downtown Fort Myers with its many theatres, cultural events, dinner shows and festivals. There are many dining establishments within a short drive—more than enough food choices to please anyone’s taste

buds. If you would like to venture to a beach, we are within an hour’s drive to 17 public access beaches in the area. You must visit our community to see the lifestyle we enjoy in the Old Bridge Village. You can set your own pace each day and participate in as many activities as you like. We have a very active Yacht Club which has 137 events planned for 2011. There is kayaking, shuffleboard, bocce, horseshoes, golf leagues, water aerobics, two tennis courts and two very active and competitive softball teams (cheerleaders too!) For those who are seeking indoor activities there is world-class entertainment scheduled each year, dances, happy hours, community dinners, fish frys, pancake breakfasts—yes, even quilting and

computing classes. There are indoor games and activities as well: dominoes, bingo, two Wii bowling leagues, line dancing, bridge, poker, euchre, cribbage, pinochle, our crafts and our coffee each Saturday and informal coffee each Tuesday—even movie nights. Your home choices in our community are as varied as our activities. You can own or lease the lot your home is on. There are empty lots in Old Bridge Village; allow us to help you and design a custom home for you. Sound like a fantastic place to live? You bet it is. Come pay us a visit and see for yourself. Old Bridge is a community of caring friends—an extended family, if you will. The greater Fort Myers area has so much to offer: the beaches on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, boats to Key West, spring training baseball, hockey, offshore boat racing, theater, golf, many parks and wilderness tours. To learn more, call (239) 543-3005.

A 55 and Over Resident Owned Adult Community on the Caloosahatchee River in North Ft. Myers, Florida

800-676-3005 • 239-543-3005

50 AVAILABLE LOTS FOR NEW HOMES! • Lease or purchase your waterfront or interior lot. • 24 hr. Manned Gated Entry • Two Pools and Spa • Social Activities for All • Marina with Boat Launch and Slips.

Directions:

I-75, Exit 143 (Bayshore Road). West 4 miles to New Post Road. Turn left and follow to security gate. Driving East on Bayshore, we’re 2 miles East of Business 41.

Pet Section Available Old Bridge Village Co-op, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Corporation

14533 Paul Revere Loop, North Fort Myers, FL 33917 • website: www.oldbridgevillage.net • Hours: M – F 9 – 4, Sat. 10 – 3 and Sun. by appt. Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 3

When We Speak (Via Computer) Does Anybody Listen? BY JANICE DOYLE

Dear Readers,

ere’s my mantra for computer use: “Don’t ever tell me to JUST do anything Janice Doyle, on the computer.” Editor You may show me, guide me, teach me, enlighten me, prepare me, drill me and communicate well to me. I will, however, not JUST do anything on the computer. It will take me a while to absorb what I’m taught, and I will have to practice it over and over until an “aha” moment. Then it will be mine, and I will love it! It’s really a puzzle, this keeping up with technology. Publisher of this magazine Kathy Beck and I are “women of a certain age”—I’m in my late 60s (very late 60s!) and she’s more than a decade younger. We were talking one day about how much social media presence we need to have since we are, after all, in the print media and senior events business. After some discussion, Kathy said, “When is it going to slow down so we can catch up?” Her comment showed where she and I are now—we’re staggering to understand even the basics of social media! By definition, social media means the use of Internet-based technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue. (Translation: We put something on the Internet and you interact with us via your computer.) Or something like that.

In reality we know technological development is not slowing down soon. The last few years I was a middle school teacher, I struggled to learn computer use through workshops and a young co-teacher’s help. At that time I also worked nights and weekends following a dream to become a writer by working as writer and proofreader for Kathy. I went with her from page layouts on old-fashioned cut-and-paste “boards” to doing the whole job on computers. So, in many ways we learned together. Translation: We both had to have someone around who could JUST do this or that on computer. I remember one night more than 10 years ago when the only person who really knew how to—just!—put the stories and ads in the computer templates left for the day about the time I came to the office (after teaching all day) to help. Two hours later, our husbands—also computer neophytes—arrived bringing take-out suppers. All of us together had the computer capability of one computersavvy five-year-old child today. (Please note that I did not say the five-year-old was smarter than we were, just computer-savvy. There’s a big difference. Five year olds are NOT smarter than you are just because they can maneuver a computer keyboard—and don’t you forget that.) Anyway, at one point, I “minimized” the story we needed to finish the month’s layout without knowing what I had done. Today that sounds so foolish.

Have fun with us on Facebook. It’s easy! Visit www.facebook.com, sign up and type “Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles” in the search bar to bring up our community page. There, you’ll find the latest news and fun events near you, get your “Smile For The Day,” see fun pictures and videos and share comments with us! Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 4

But that night in the office, the four of us tried to figure out where in the world that story had gone—one minute it was on the screen and the next minute it was gone. Many minutes passed as we tried to “find the silly thing,” one of us after the other sitting before the screen pushing keys. I no longer remember the solution, but I remember the frustration. Like all business owners today, and whether she likes it or not, Kathy feels she has to build a “platform” for her products. Your independent mechanic faces the same dilemma. We now print over 200,000 publications a month for five distribution areas from Ocala down to Naples. Kathy also organizes and oversees a Senior Fun Fest every month at locations throughout west central Florida. Thousands of seniors flock to these for a day of entertainment, health screenings, vendor exhibits and just plain fun. That’s the business Kathy is in, and she’s good at it. It’s the platform of the social media part that is puzzling. In the last few months, we’ve added a Facebook presence; we Twitter; some of the staff are LinkedIn. Do we need a blog? An internet forum? Podcasts? Do you use an RSS Feed? Does it matter to the business? We ask. Do you check us out on Facebook? Do you see our Tweets? Do you read any online blogs? Would you read a blog from us? Would you be a guest blogger? Any comments: janice@srmagazine. com (subject line: editorial) Meanwhile, enjoy the magazine this month—after all, that’s one of the two things we do best! And, c’mon everybody. Let’s all do the Twist!

Bookworms Winner:

The winner of the DVD “War Dogs of the Pacific” was Tony Ferrara of Lehigh Acres. Congratulations!

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

Publisher, President: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties – Southwest Edition Associate Publisher: Dave Kelly: (239) 823-3542 Sales Associate: Beth Howe: (239) 265-2141 Sarasota/Manatee Edition Dave Tarantul Advertising Information: (941) 375-6260 Lake/Marion & Sumter 1-888-670-0040 Distribution 1-888-670-0040

Corporate Advertising Ofﬁce: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.srmagazine.com Send press releases to janice@srmagazine.com

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher of

Hillsborough Pinellas/Pasco County: Counties: Hillsborough Edition Suncoast Edition

888-670-0040

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

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

hrough 12 Inherit the Wind by Charlotte Players. Cultural Center. $15 adults. 18 to 19 performances in renovated court room of the Taylor Street Courthouse, Punta Gorda,. $25. Tickets at box office or (941) 625-4175, ext. 220. Online at Charlotteplayers.org. hrough 12 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Schoolhouse Theater, Sanibel Island. $30 tickets. Call (239) 472-6862.

hrough 13 Charlotte County Fair. Admission $7. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte. For more info, call (941) 629-4252.

hrough 26 Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, called “part Hitchcock thriller and part Monty Python that is filled with nonstop laughs” at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 Bay St., Fort Myers. Call (239) 332-4488.

“Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing” at The First Presbyterian Church, Second and Lee St., Ft. Myers. Performances: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Free admission; bring non-perishable food donation for The Soup Kitchen. For information, call (239) 3342261 or visit fpcfortmyers.org.

– 12 The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy stage production at Cypress Lake Center for the Arts, 6740 Panther Lane, Ft. Myers. Admission: $5. Call (239) 481-3592 for details.

Senior Idol contest at Lake Kennedy Center, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. $15 admission. Please call (239) 574-0575 for more information.

Burroughs Home Historical Tour, 2505 First St., Ft. Myers. 11 a.m. to noon. More information online at burroughs home.com or (239) 337-0706.

Sunset/Bird Rookery Kayak Tour on the Caloosahatchee River with GAEA Guides. 4 – 7 p.m. Includes all equipment and a Florida Master Naturalist will be your guide. $40/person. Reservations a must. Please call (239) 694-5513. Dallas Brass concert at Shell Point Village. Classical, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood, and patriotic. 7:30 p.m. Information at (239) 454-2147 or go to shellpoint.org/villagechurch/ events.htm.

– 19 5 by Design – “Stay Tuned,” Southwest Florida Symphony’s Pops Concert salute to TV variety shows of the 50s and 60s. Arts & Culture, 8099 College Pkwy., Ft. Myers. Call (239) 418-1500.

– 20 Crafts on the River Edison Festival event at Centennial Park. For details, please call (239) 334-2999.

–26 “Birds of a Feather” Quilt Festival at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Silent auction, exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, appraisal available. $7. For tickets and information, contact patkb1@gmail.com or visit peaceriverquilters.org.

Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park Environmental Center, Cape Coral. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. craft corner, butterfly house, live animals, silent auction, speakers, guided walks, bus tours to nearby owl nests, exhibitors. For more information, call (239) 980-2593. Send Around Town news to Mature Lifestyles Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. February 10 for March event.)

Barrington Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care

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2 39 /3 3 4- 250 0 DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD: “The lifestyle at Barrington Terrace is great...mom is busier than we are some days!” ~ Family Member

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 5

Girl Scouts and Emergency Medicine Created a Full Life for This Woman Elizabeth Dole presented her with the very prestigious t’s been a wild Clara Barton Award ride and I’ve loved for her work in EMS every minute of it,” says with the Buffalo (NY) Daralene Jones of Ft. Chapter of Red Cross. Myers, who received her Girl Scouting has 65-year pin honoring her also been a lifetime participation in Girl Scouts. calling for Daralene Her affiliation with the Jones. She followed Girl Scouts started very her girls through their young. She says, “My Scout years and, in evleader was very interested Girl Scout alumna ery city as the family in First Aid, and working Daralene Jones. moved with her huswith her built a love in me for both Scouting and emergency care.” band’s job, Jones would get involved with the Red Cross and the Girl Scouts. Both interests have lasted a lifetime. In Scouting as in EMS work, Jones was She would later be on the first one to help pave the way for girls and volunteer ambulance crew in their women to have equal opportunities. Connecticut town and in the 80s she Jones says, “I’ve watched Girl Scouts became the first female fire fighter in change and they have the finest minds 38 companies in western New York. in the country doing the programming. Of all the awards she’s won, Jones It has changed so that girls discover was probably most honored when

BY EVELYN MACKEY

“I

something, connect with it and then take action, and the leaders put the resources at the girls’ fingertips so they can follow through. All of the Girl Scout programs are based on developing leadership. We help, encourage and mentor, but we let them develop it. “The Gold Award in Girl Scouts is equivalent to the Eagle Award in Boy Scouts,” she says. “But Girl Scouts have to do more things to earn a Gold award than boys do to earn Eagle. Girl Scouts are not allowed to just commandeer a group of workers; the girls have to get financing themselves as well as do the planning, and then a Girl Scout has to do the actual work herself.” Living in Ft. Myers for eight years brought a new interest for Jones. She began researching and writing the history of what is now the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, finding and interviewing several women in the area with 80 or more years of Girl Scouting.

“In Naples, I found a woman who had gone to the 1933 World’s Fair with her Scout troop on a school bus from Ft. Myers. They got a tent from Ringling Bros. and every night they stopped and camped. One father found a way to put a pan on the manifold and they’d wrap meat and potatoes, and their food would cook as they drove.” Two Girl Scout projects offered in the area that Jones finds interesting are the Ringling Brothers Circus Camps and the Sanibel Shelling Project, which is now offered at the national level for girls in ninth grade and up. And don’t be surprised if you see Girl Scouts on a Sanibel beach and Daralene Jones is right there with them. She’ll be loving it! To contact Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, in Sarasota, call (941) 921-5358 and in Ft. Myers, call (239) 561-1800.

Senior Friends Living a healthier lifestyle is easier when you have the support of like-minded people. At H2U, that’s exactly what you’ll find – active, engaged members who never take good health for granted. Join H2U today, and you become part of this special group that enjoys:

Join the club!

Timely health and wellness information

An extensive health library

Print and online newsletters

Discounts from national and local sources

Quarterly magazine delivered to your home Interactive health tools

Invitations to hospital-sponsored activities An extensive calendar of events and activities to keep you active Special member rates for our indoor pool and rehab/fitness center

Membership has privileges... For more information, please call

941-625-3164

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 6

3280 Tamiami Trail, suite 493 • Port Charlotte, FL 33952 www.FawcettHospital.com • www.H2U.com

Is Online Dating For You? W

ondering about online dating sites? Here are some factors to consider: The good side: • There are lots of choices of singles. • It’s relatively inexpensive. • It’s fun to read what people say on their profiles. • The process makes it easy to connect with people and get to know each other slowly.

But, remember these points always: • People and pictures can lie. Use a current photo. There are nice ways to ask someone you meet online if theirs is a current photo; if it’s not, ask them to post a current photo. • Do some research on how to write a profile so you don’t tell too much or too little.

• Know your expectations by doing some self-study. You don’t look or act 38 any more, and neither will the people you meet. Give people some slack as you get to know them. • Determine your “deal breakers” or the things you simply cannot move forward with. This may be excessive weight, being dishonest, braggadocio personality, financial status, etc. • Take your time! You really are not going to be better off by rushing into telling your entire life story in one e-mail.

• As much as you may want someone to call you, be sure you follow all the safety rules before giving out your number. People have lied before and they will lie again.

Community Lecture Series

ednesday Morning Live! Free Lecture Series at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers.

9 16

Untangling Red Tape, (Health Insurance).

Finding Your Family Roots, (Genealogy).

Christian Spirituality: The Cultural/Economic Context.

arch 2 Keyboard Conversations—Mozart: Sheer Genius; 9 Chopin: Romancing the Piano; 16 Sinatra: The Man and His Music. Coffee and snacks at 9:30 a.m. Lectures at 10 a.m. For more info, call (239) 334-8937.

The Cultural Center of Charlotte County Turns 50!

he Cultural Center of Charlotte County celebrated their 50th anniversary wth the Golden Bandstand event last month. The Golden Hippo brought the crow back in time to the early 1960s, when the Cultural Center was born and called “Port Charlotte University.” Dancers enjoyed soda shop fare from Jimmie’s Grill and had a blast

at the Twist competition. People donated whatever they could toward the event as a fund raiser for the Cultural Center. A silent auction was also held. It was a great way to celebrate the Cultural Center’s 50 years in Charlotte County. For more information, please call (941) 6254175, ext. 224 or visit their website online at www.theculturalcenter.com.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 7

The Best of Charlotte County

February 2011

T 9 13 16 21 23

hrough 13 Inherit The Wind. Evening and matinee shows; $15. Dinner Theater – Branson to Vegas. 5:10 p.m.

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.

– 14 Comedy duo Katie Brooks and Harley Worthit. Senior Palooza Health Fair.

Swingin’ on Mondays. Big band, 7 p.m. $9. Super Bingo Extravaganza.

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

Senior Centers and Resources

and14 Sweetheart Express – Dinner train, strolling violinist. $75. Seminole Gulf Railway. Details: (239) 275-8487.

FEATURED EVENTS

• 4th Annual Mid Winter Collector Car Show and Open House. Presented by the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, S.W. Florida Region. Antique cars from 1910 to 1987, live music, office tours, food and beverages available. Free admission and parking to the public. Sun Newspaper Offices, 23170 Harborview Rd., Port Charlotte on Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For info, call Don/Lee Royston: (941) 575-0202.

• Charlotte County “Fit for Life” 2011 Senior Games, March 4 – 20. Register by February 18. For more information, please call (941) 627-1074.

• Senior Fun Fest! April 12, 2011 at the Charlotte Cultural Center. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, free bingo games, free health screenings. Over 60 exhibitors, free coffee and snacks, prizes, giveaways and more! Call (239) 265-2141 for details.

Variety and Dance Music by Reconnections Band, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call (941) 575-3007 for details.

Valentine’s Day Dance, 7:30 – 10 p.m. Fred Astaire Dance Studio., (239) 939-1517. Golden Prom Valentine’s Dance at Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Music by The Greg Miller Band. (941) 625-4175.

Join Us For Our March 2011 Edition!

Celebrate New Beginnings!

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JULY 2008 VOLUME 19,

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Charlotte County!

SOUTHWEST

ga Pilates, Yo ba? or Zumised a day “I never exerc Pila tes, Yoga and had no in my life e to start.” idea wher or Zumba?

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Worden Farm’s Greenmarket, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Center Court. Fresh produce, culinary demos and live music. (941) 637-4874.

• Senior Friendship Centers: (941) 255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org. • Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida: 1-866-413-5337 or aaaswfl.org. • O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): (941) 235-4500 or ocean-fl.org. • Charlotte County Council On Aging: (941) 627-2177 or charlottecoa.org.

Country Line Dance Lessons, $3/person, 7 – 9 p.m., Center Court. (941) 575-8188. Swing/Big Band Music featuring The Top Hats, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Fun Events Near Charlotte County – 26 Kiss Me Kate. Cultural Park Theater. Times and tickets: (239) 772-5862.

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

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Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 8

BUYING

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• Clocks • Music Boxes • Anything Old or Unusual

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Sterling Flatware, Tea Sets, Bronzes, Silver & Gold Boxes, Enameled Objects, Dolls, Mechanical Toys, Military Items Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 9

The King of “The Twist” Still Makes a Good Excuse for a Party

BY JANICE DOYLE

Come on, everybody. Let’s twist!

“W

hether you’re young or old, no one escapes Chubby Checker on the dance floor,” Chubby Checker himself told me. “Ever since that night on American Bandstand, people have been dancing apart to the beat,” doing the dance Checker describes as being “like putting out a cigarette with both feet.” “That night” was over 50 years ago and now you’re invited to hear Chubby Checker at the Florida Strawberry Festival. You can even jump up and do the “Twist” again if you want to. The ever-cheerful Checker (real name Ernest Evans) celebrated the 50th anniversary of his appearance on the Dick Clark Bandstand with the song and dance “The Twist” in June 2010. It was also a huge event in music history—“The Twist” was the only artist and song of the Sixties to go #1 twice. Dick Clark said the three most important events in music history were Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Chubby Checker. And, at 69, Chubby Checker is still twisting his way across the country doing 50 shows a year. His name and the song were given to him, he said. But cheerfulness and hard work came naturally to the kid who was transplanted from the fields in South Carolina to Philadelphia at age 8. “When I got here (Philadelphia) I didn’t believe what I was seeing,” he said. “Gangs and cussing and drinking. So I took refuge on Fourth Street with the Jewish people in the garment district where I worked. They looked after me and liked me.”

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 10

Then, when he was 13, he went to Ninth Street. “I became Italian. They liked me because I was always happy and singing and worked hard.” It was here that “everything was given to me,” he said. While working for Henry Colt in a poultry market, he was called Chubby. Colt told a songwriter friend who worked for Dick Clark of American Bandstand, about him.

before the camera where he sang the song and—well, he Twisted. He was doing a dance he thought accompanied his song, and it required no partner. Gasping parents across America noted very little except the hip movement. Aghast at what they were seeing, there was little they could do as the teen dancing climate changed for good, and the song shot to Number One with Clark’s promotion.

Accomplishments:

N N

Dick Clark’s wife asked Ernest his name, and Ernest gave her his nickname, Chubby. And she replied, “Oh, you mean like ‘checker?’”— making a joke on the fact that he was doing Fats Domino impressions. Dominoes, checkers, get it? And so he became Chubby Checker. And when Clark needed someone to sing “The Twist” one night, Checker spent 35 minutes practicing and went

For a few years, other songs promoted the dance, like The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout,” and Sam Cooke’s “Twistin’ the Night Away.” But it is Chubby Checker who has kept performing, traveling by bus to crowds who remember dancing “back in the day.” Checker said he has been able to stay on the circuit through diligence to his lifestyle. In his late 20s he used to watch John Wayne, Harry Bellafonte,

Alan Ladd and others and say to himself “‘those guys are all in good shape and they are 55 and 60, and when I get to that age I want to look like that.’” He started by just watching what he ate and exercising. He laughed and said, “And it came out the way I planned it.” Like most people at 69, he has some thoughts about life’s lessons. “Life is not all that it’s made up to be,” he said. “We have cars and lots of ‘stuff’ but the body is still living in the dark ages because your body doesn’t advance like all the other ‘stuff.’ Can’t put anything in there that doesn’t belong there and that’s all I know. You just can’t.” We’re not all that we think we are either, he believes. “And when you look in the mirror, the enemy is right there looking back at you. You have to behave. There’s a voice saying ‘We’ll worry about it when we get there.’ And you have to tell yourself, ‘No, you can’t do that. Take care of it now.’” He said, “The truth of it is, that spirit that lives inside is God. If you keep looking toward the Light, the darkness won’t come in. If you try to do right, it’s not a straight and narrow path, it’s a tightrope. You have to stay balanced. The minute you get proud and full of yourself you’re on the way to destruction.” He’s waiting, he said, “for the pages to turn so I can see what the next page looks like. And when I come down to Florida we’re gonna turn it on. It’s gonna be the best part of the day!” His shows are lighthearted, nostalgic, fun, full of an early-rock beat and lots of gyrating onstage with the one, the only, Chubby Checker. So, come on, everybody. Let’s twist! See Chubby Checker in person Tues., Mar. 8 at 3:30 p.m. at the Strawberry Festival, Plant City.

Charlotte Players Celebrates 50 Years

harlotte Players is celebrating their 50th Anniversary of live theater in 2011. The not-for-profit 501(C)3 organization presents a variety of productions from gripping dramas and quirky comedies to heartwarming musicals. In addition to their “Main Stage” shows, the Community Theater Company has “Kids Onstage”— programming for students aged eight to eighteen. Three summer workshops are offered to students in addition to a full scale musical each fall. Players-to-Go is a talented group of actors who entertain for local churches, service organizations, and other non-profit organizations for fundraisers, luncheons and banquets. Charlotte Players had its first organizational meeting on October 16, 1961 at North Port Charlotte Community Center. The group was formed under the direction of Mrs. Dorothy Robbins who was an instructor at the Port Charlotte U. She was a teacher of dramatics and public speaking. The idea of the group was to maintain and promote the interest of would-be actors and actresses in the area. The first production was “Now

Is the Time.” The show opened at the Charlotte Lanes Bowling Auditorium and had a cast of five women and two men. The tickets sold for a mere 50 cent donation. The production was a huge success and the newly formed group sold out two performances. Much has changed in 50 years. In late January, the Charlotte Players opened the Langdon Playhouse. The black box theater is located in the Charlotte Players Community Theater Center, on Market Circle in the Murdock area. The intimate little theater was named after long-time Charlotte Players’ benefactor and Board member Helen Langdon. Smaller stage shows and music cabarets will be presented in the Langdon Playhouse. Charlotte Players still perform all of their “Main Stage” productions at the Cultural Center Theater. It takes hundreds of volunteers to build sets, make costumes, find props and market the shows. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Community Theater Company is asked to visit charlotte players.org or call (941) 255-1022.

Rise Above The Turmoil Teaming Up with the Home-Based Business and Wellness Industries

he prospect of retirement—whether you’re already retired or looking at it a few years down the road—may be a gloomy one. And it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of seemingly bleak prospects. So what’s the answer? One option is to do nothing, wait for the storm to pass and be one of the masses suffering in the economic turmoil. Or, you can buck the trend and actually create a new revenue stream to help you thrive in a down economy. In fact, the very same ambition, skill set and motivational strengths that lead to a successful career and a sound foundation for retirement can become the springboard to new opportunity. A home-based network marketing business is a perfect way to generate new income with little risk while

working only as many hours as you want. Network marketing is a proven systematic approach to building residual income in any sort of economic environment. In fact, history shows that network marketing is one of the few industries that have regularly enjoyed growth and prosperity in times of economic turmoil. Moreover, approximately 25 percent of the network marketing industry is comprised of baby boomer-aged individuals like yourself. In addition, the wellness industry is another giant in the making. In fact, trends indicate that the wellness industry will continue its breathtaking expansion and reach the $1 trillion mark within the next few years. For more information, please call (941) 391-0150 or visit www.kickthedailygrind.com.

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For more information call: 941-391-0150 or www.kickthedailygrind.com Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 11

The Harlem Globetrotters Are Even Better Than You Remember!

f you enjoyed Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon in the ‘70s, you are going to absolutely love today’s Harlem Globetrotters. Hot on the heels of the most successful year in franchise history, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 85th consecutive season when their dazzling “4 Times the Fun” Tour stops in Fort Myers at Germain Arena on March 6 at 2 p.m. They will introduce their new 4-point shot and showcase the wholesome family entertainment that has provided lifetime memories for generations of fans. Throughout the 2011 North American tour, every Globetrotters game will now feature two designated 4-point shooting spots on each side of

midcourt, each located 35 feet from the basket (the spots are 12 feet beyond the NBA’s official 3-point line). “I only wish they had this shot when I was playing,” said Globetrotter legend Curly Neal, one of only five Globetrotters in history to have his jersey number retired. “I could have lit up that scoreboard all night long.” “Our 85th season promises to be a landmark year, with never-beforeseen innovations in the game,” says Michael Kenney, the Globetrotters’ senior VP. “You’ll want to get your tickets now to witness firsthand what we have in store for our wonderful fans around the world.” Tickets are affordably priced and now available at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, the Germain Arena box office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

The Animal Welfare League 2nd Annual Golden Memories

oin the Animal Welfare League for a night of music to benefit the homeless animals of Charlotte County. Join them for a walk down memory lane with Wilson Williams and His Platters; The Contours with Joe Billingslea; Scherrie Payne and Linda Laurence, formerly of The Supremes; and local band Timeless.

The benefit will be held at The Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, March 11, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Admission: VIP – $100 with Pre-Party at 5:30 p.m. Premium – $50. General – $35. For more info, contact the Animal Welfare League at (941) 625-6720 or visit www.awlshelter.org.

Volunteer Opportunity

lorida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 12

investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification is provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting those who often have no one else to advocate for them, are encouraged to call toll-free (888) 8310404 or visit the program’s website at ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Darwin and Dinosaurs at the Southwest Florida Museum of History H is epic five-year Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle in 1831 was the spark for Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking theories and one of the many facets of the Museum’s newest traveling exhibit, “Darwin & Dinosaurs,” at the Southwest Florida Museum of History, now through May 14. Museum guests will have the opportunity to learn about the man, his worldwide voyage and his quest for answers that eventually lead to his theories on natural selection, adaptation and evolution. Through displays, models, his beloved journals and notebooks, the world of Darwin comes to life complemented by an audio tour and comprehensive educational guide, with a commemorative program booklet also available. The recent celebrations of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication, “On the Origin of Species,” was the catalyst for curator Embedded Exhibitions to access one of the world’s

finest, historically important private Charles Darwin collections held by Angus Carroll. Adding Triebold Paleontology’s fine specimens to this collection has produced an inspiring and educational exhibition that will take visitors back to the time of the H.M.S. Beagle and on that epic journey with Charles Darwin. “From a few Darwin books, this exhibit evolved,” recalls Carroll. Carroll is not only a collector, but also a writer who produced the 28-page program, “Evolution of an Idea,” which will be available for sale at the Museum. “Museum guests will discover that Charles Darwin was many things: a philosopher, a thinker, a naturalist and an observer whose unrelenting curiosity forced him not just to record what he saw, but to question it,” said Matt Johnson, Museum Director. “His ground-breaking theories on

natural selection, evolution and adaptation revolutionized the way we view our world and origins.” The Darwin & Dinosaurs exhibit brings together the story of Dinosaurs —which began as a quest by naturalists and geologists to understand the age of the Earth—with Darwin’s voyage aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, further illustrating the scientific process of questioning, observing and dissecting scientific data and collecting and cataloguing specimens as well as collaborating on ideas to develop theories for testing.

The exhibit leads visitors through Darwin’s life and the development of his theory, from before his early years to his epic voyage on the Beagle, through to the publication of “Origin of Species” and beyond. Nearly 200 items comprise this exhibit whose highlights include some extraordinary items: a first edition of “On the Origin of Species,” London, 1859; a model of H.M.S. Beagle; a group of letters by Darwin and his inner circle; three major casts of some of the earliest dinosaur fossil discoveries; and a newly unveiled painting of H.M.S. Beagle off Cape Horn, by artist David Jean. An exclusive multi-media presentation on the “Ascent of Man” will also be offered by Prof. Kerr on Weds., April 20 at 6 p.m., to complement the exhibition. The Museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11.50 for seniors (65+). For more info, call (239) 321-7430 or visit www.swflmuseumofhistory.com.

Don’t Let a Male Performance Issue Prevent You From Enjoying a Full and Satisfying Sex Life BY CHIP ALDRIDGE Men’s Health Consultant

team of local physicians is part of a new medical clinic that opened recently in Ft. Myers, specializing in only one unique, niche area – men’s sexual performance. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation have long been a problem for millions of men nationwide. In spite of recent medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, many men either are not helped by these medications or cannot take them due to medical conditions and adverse side effects. The U.S. Male Clinic employs several local physicians, including Dr. Argyle. “We successfully help almost every patient we see here,” according to Allen Thomas, Clinic Director, “and we’ve treated men from as young as twenty-one to as old as ninety-seven. Men with diabetes, heart conditions, bypass surgery, high blood pressure,

prostate problems and surgery—you name it and we’ve treated them. Regardless of age or medical condition, our results everyday are amazing.” All medications are FDA approved and no surgery is involved. “Our doctors can adjust the dosage for a man’s performance to 45-minutes, an hour, 90-minutes or longer,” according to Allen, “and we offer a simple guarantee: ‘If you don’t respond to our medication on the first visit, it’s free.’” With that guarantee, local patients have nothing to lose. Patients are assured of utmost privacy and professionalism with private waiting rooms and an all-male staff. Further information is available by calling (239) 693-5200. U.S. Male Clinic, 12650 World Plaza Lane Bldg. 72, Ste. 2, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Visit their website: www.TheUSMaleClinic.com.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 13

There’s no place like home

Compassionate Care When it is Needed Most BY KALI LYNCH

Home is where you’re happiest, and we can help you thrive there. Lee Memorial Health System’s Home Health Services offers programs for older adults who may need a little care to stay home. Telemonitoring is designed for daily at-home monitoring of people at risk of hospital readmission. The device measures heart rate, blood pressure, weight and other vital signs, which allows the physician to adjust treatments and medications while you remain comfortably at home. CHOICES is a private geriatric care management program that brings all the necessary resources together for people

who live alone and need a little extra attention. It helps ensure that proper care and assistance is provided so you live as independently as possible, as long as possible. Another valuable tool to help you stay safe at home is Lifeline Medical Alert Service. With just the push of a button, Lifeline gets you help quickly. Lifeline also helps you remember to take medications and follow your doctor’s orders.

For more information about Home Health Services, please call 239-418-2900.

www.LeeMemorial.org/HomeHealth Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 14

any people have heard of hospice—medical and emotional care for the terminally ill—but many have not heard of palliative care. Focused on pain and symptom management, communication and psychological support, the palliative care team consists of physicians, nurses and social workers committed to caring for patients after diagnosis of serious, chronic or terminal disease. To ensure that those patients have the best quality of life and are as comfortable as possible, Lee Memorial Health System created the Q-Life program—the ‘Q’ stands for quality. Under the guidance of medical director Andrew Esch, M.D., and director Karen Washburn, MSW, ACSW, the Q-Life team works with patients at stages ranging from diagnosis to treatment and, ultimately, death. Based in all four of Lee Memorial Health System’s acute-care hospitals, the Q-Life team ensures patients receive all information necessary to make decisions about treatment and communicate clear goals of care and advanced directives. Rather than focusing just on the disease, the Q-Life

Women’s Meeting

he AAUW (American Association of University Women) will meet Feb. 19 at 11:30 a.m. for luncheon and speaker Dr. Nance Schleider on “A Look at Dermatology for the Modern Woman.” Admission is $18 and the meeting is open to the public at Royal Palm Yacht Club, West First Street, Fort Myers. For reservations, please call (239) 437-4570.

team focuses on the desires of the patients so the time they have left— whether hours, days, weeks, months or years—is spent the way they want. “We understand that most patients do not want to go through unnecessary tests or treatment, do not want to be left to die in a hospital bed and do not want to die alone,” Dr. Esch explains. “We listen and provide the opportunity to live out the rest of their life as they want—which is most often at home with their family.” Through coordination of care, the Q-Life team guides patients and alleviates fears. By listening to the needs and desires of the patient, the Q-Life team provides the compassionate care that is the hallmark of Lee Memorial Health System. For more information, call (239) 343-9532.

Correction: New Address

he address for Visually Impaired Persons of Charlotte County listed in last month’s story: “Vision Loss: You Have to Find Someone to Help Cope With It,” was incorrect. Their new address is: Visually Impaired Persons of Charlotte County 3459 Depew Avenue, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 (941) 625-8501

An Interview with Barry Petersen

Part 1

n a career spanning more than three decades with CBS News, Barry Petersen has reported on everything from wars to Paris fashions and from the return of American jazz to Shanghai, China. His stories have been datelined from virtually every continent. He has interviewed Hollywood stars including Jimmy Stewart, Bill Cosby, Pierce Brosnan and Sir Anthony Hopkins, as well as the leaders of the Bosnian war who were later tried as war criminals. He has been honored numerous times for his writing and reporting, and shared both an Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia University Award and a George Foster Peabody Award as part of CBS Radio’s coverage of the democracy uprising at Tiananmen Square. Recently he wrote a thoroughly compelling book, “Jan’s Story,” about his life as a family caregiver for his wife, Jan, who was also a CBS news professional, after her diagnosis with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiver.com Editor-in-Chief Gary Barg sat down with Barry for an open and frank discussion about life as a family caregiver. Gary Barg: The thing about Alzheimer’s that is so insidious is your loved one is still there, but they are not there. It is the true long goodbye and denial is so easy to do. Could you talk a little bit about how you walked through that process?

Barry Petersen: The worst part was realizing afterward what I had done;

and not realizing at the time how people were reaching out to help me see it, but I could not. I guess I am not unusual in that sense. How could it be Jan? She is young. She is really vibrant. She is great. There is no way she deserves to get this disease. It cannot be happening. I think that drove a lot of my decisions, some of them good, some of them bad; but it is a huge part of this denial and this disease feeds it, just feeds it.

“She added something that haunts me to this day. If I go down, if the caregiver goes down, who takes care of the person that you love who has the disease? Her point was very blunt. You take care of yourself or no one takes care of Jan.” Gary Barg: You mentioned our Reverse Gift List concept in the book, which is asking someone not only to come to dinner, but bring dinner, do things, give me gifts. As a caregiver, I need to manage this and I need you to work for me. How did you get that kind of help from your friends and family members?

Barry Petersen: Caregivers are people who are incredibly focused on what they are doing in a solitary, lonesome way. Every day, their world shrinks a little more because the person dealing with Alzheimer’s needs more attention, needs more care. Life responsibilities keep shifting over to the caregiver side—writing the checks, getting the groceries, picking up the kids, whatever you want to call it. They increasingly fall on the caregiver at a time when the caregiver is increasingly in demand because the disease is taking more and more of the person away. I think people who are caregiving in the situation lose themselves. So if you call them up and say, “Can I help,” their answer is going to be, “No, I am fine. I am doing great.” Do not call them up and say, “What can I do?” Call them up and say, “I am bringing dinner on Thursday night; go to a movie,” or “I am coming over on Tuesday afternoon to take care of the person. Go shopping, go have a cup of tea, just get away.” I think it does two things: it obviously helps break the process with the person who is giving care; but the other thing is that it allows the caregiver to step away and realize how he or she is doing.

Gary Barg: I was just wondering, during this process, who was there looking out for Barry?

Barry Petersen: Nobody. I was not just in denial, I was delusional. When I saw the statistics, when I realized that caregivers tend to die before the person with Alzheimer’s, I said to myself, that makes perfect sense—an 87-year-old woman taking care of her 90-year-old husband, the physical demands, the hours—but that is not me. That is not early onset. It really took our live-in caregiver sitting me down and saying to me,” You are going down.” This is a woman who is a retired nurse, who is taking my blood pressure, who is monitoring how Jan is doing, who could really see it. I had to accept what she said because she added something that haunts me to this day. If I go down, if the caregiver goes down, who takes care of the person that you love who has the disease? Her point was very blunt. You take care of yourself or no one takes care of Jan. As she said, Jan will always have people looking after her, but the caregiver does not have that. I think in point of fact, caregivers deny getting help sometimes. Let me go to something else you said which I think relates to this, and that is you use the word guilt. I think in my case, and I do not know how shared this is, there is a lot of guilt that you are not the one with the disease. Watch for Part 2 next month.

Marci’s Medicare Answers D

ear Marci, I want to quit smoking. Can I get help through Medicare? —Carl Dear Carl, Yes you can. Medicare covers counseling to help you quit smoking. As of August 25, 2010, Medicare covers smoking cessation for all people with Medicare, regardless of whether or not they have a disease or condition caused by smoking. Medicare will cover two counseling

attempts at quitting smoking per year. Each attempt includes four sessions. Medicare will cover a total of eight sessions every 12 months. Medicare will pay 80 percent of the approved amount for smoking cessation efforts after the deductible is met. In hospital outpatient departments, you will pay a copay that is no larger than the Part D deductible. If you are in a Medicare private health plan, contact your plan to see what rules and costs apply.

Starting January 1, 2011, if you have Original Medicare, and if you have not been diagnosed with an illness that is caused or complicated by smoking, you will pay no coinsurance or deductible for smoking cessation counseling. If you have a smoking-related illness, however, you will still need to pay the Medicare coinsurance or copay and deductible. Prescription drugs for smoking cessation are covered under the Medicare

prescription drug benefit (Part D). You can receive counseling at the doctor’s office (including physicians, psychologists, and clinical social workers), clinic or outpatient department of a hospital. Counseling must be done by a doctor or an approved Medicare provider. Note that Medicare will not pay for hypnosis sessions to help you quit smoking. —Marci Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 15

Aspirin and Heart Health—Sorting It Out O ver the past 100 years, we have relied on aspirin to control fevers, headaches, arthritis and pain. Now many people are using it to prevent heart attacks, thanks in part to two large, Harvard-based clinical trials. But like every drug, aspirin can cause health problems as well as solve them. It can upset the stomach and cause bleeding in the stomach or brain. That makes deciding whether to take aspirin to prevent a heart attack something each man should do in consultation with his doctor.

How does aspirin protect the heart? The short answer is that aspirin prevents heart attacks by stopping blood platelets from sticking together and forming artery-blocking clots. Is there any way to protect my stomach from bleeding? Yes. Low doses of aspirin appear to

pose less risk for stomach bleeding than higher doses, so stick to 81 milligrams a day. It is even more important to avoid other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, if you are also taking aspirin. Medications such as the acid-suppressing proton-pump inhibitors can prevent aspirin-induced stomach bleeding. I am a healthy man; should I take aspirin to reduce my risk for heart attack? This is the toughest question of all. It’s a matter of balancing aspirin’s potential benefits against its risks. For men between the ages of 45 and 79, the respected U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends taking daily low-dose aspirin when the benefit (protection against heart attacks) outweighs the risks (bleeding).

WARTIME VETERANS As a wartime veteran or surviving spouse, you are entitled to certain earned VA benefits to pay towards assisted living, home health care and nursing home care.

Aid & Attendance Benefits As stated on NBC Nightly news this little known benefit is a godsend to countless individuals

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Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 16

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Veterans Corner

Fellow GIs – 64 Years and Five Miles Apart BY BILL STOKES

ho’d-a-thunk it? What are the odds? Many veterans of all services and several wars reconnect after time, and this reunion took 64 years. It’s the story of my relocation to Lady Lake (in Lake County) in 2003 while Paul and Joyce Boulay moved to The Villages nearby in 2008. Massachusetts native Paul Boulay and myself, an original upstate New Yorker, first met in 1946 at Maryland’s Aberdeen Proving Ground. There we mastered basic soldiering skills, the firing of state-of-the art weapons and close-order drilling in preparation to serve as replacements in Japan. During inspections, we faced each other eye-to-eye across tarpaper barracks. Later we arrived at Yokohama, Japan’s replacement depot (“Repple Depot”) after 18 rocking days at sea aboard a military transport, and were assigned to Sasebo, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. Two-story wooden barracks formerly housed Japanese naval personnel and lacked the creature comforts expected in a permanent billet. We had to wait on receiving wall lockers, so we lived out of our foot lockers. Finally, beds with springs and mattresses replaced cots. Boulay drew the unit’s major assignment: “Continuous training on the use, maintenance and operation of one of four antitank guns assigned to the unit, exploring outlying caves possibly to find any enemy soldiers who had not gotten the word of surrender, and all the while being instilled with the fact that we were helping rebuild the country,” Boulay recalled. I observed anti-tank training from the unit’s supply room window. I lucked out because I was the only recruit who could type, so I did all the ordering, corresponding and inventory management. The supply sergeant and I were the same age, and he was one homesick Tennessee boy, eager to go home and see his son born while he was in Japan.

When our tours were completed, I returned to Rochester, NY and Boulay enlisted in the inactive reserve. Bad decision. “Just three months before that tour was up, I was reactivated for the Korean War,” he said, “and ended up in Trieste, Italy.” However, his weapons familiarity stood him in good stead, and he became the unit’s Armorer, maintaining all small arms assigned to its personnel.

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Bill Stokes, left, and Paul Boulay enjoy a cartoon album Stokes created while they served in the Army of Occupation in Japan, 1946 – 1948.

Upon discharge, Boulay became a union carpenter using the GI Bill, working for 15 or 20 employers as opportunities arose throughout the Northeast: he married and raised a family. I attended Syracuse University, also under the GI Bill, and then entered radio, then television, and also married and raised a family. I’m currently a freelance journalist. We met again after 64 years when Boulay answered an invitation to attend a local mini-reunion of 24th Infantry Division area veterans who meet quarterly in Leesburg for luncheons and reminiscing. “Paul was so pleased to reconnect with an old friend,” his wife, Joyce, said. Joyce encouraged him to call and meet with me, and we talked for two hours over lunch. When people see our caps with the Tarro Leaf insignia, they immediately think “Korea.” Paul says, “There aren’t many men around from WWII, but you never know when you may meet another one.”

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Understanding Treatment Options For Joint Pain

ecause joint pain is different for everybody, so are the treatment options. Before moving forward with joint replacement surgery, you and your orthopaedic surgeon should discuss your pain, overall health and ability to function. Your orthopaedic surgeon will review your medical history, perform a thorough evaluation and conduct necessary tests such as X-rays or scans. “Early diagnosis of joint pain is important and delaying treatment may only increase pain and reduce quality of life,” says John C. Kagan, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon in Fort Myers and Cape Coral for more than 30 years. “I take the approach of listening to my patients, performing a complete evaluation and sharing my recommendations. I consult with my patient, and together we decide the best course of treatment for joint pain.” In general, medications such as analgesics, narcotics and steroid injections may be the first course of treatment, depending on your condition. In addition, water therapy, exercise and physical therapy may be recommended. When non-surgical options fail to relieve pain and symptoms, surgery may be recommended. More than 260,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year to help relieve pain and restore mobility. In 2006, more than 780,000 total joint replacement procedures were performed by orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2006 National Hospital Discharge Survey.) The most frequent reason for performing a total joint replacement is to relieve the pain and disability caused by severe arthritis. “Patients with severe osteoarthritis often try medications for pain relief, as well as physical therapy or alternative treatment,” says Kagan. “When non-surgical treatments fail, joint

replacement can provide relief from pain and the chance to return to active living. New minimally invasive options have improved length of hospital stay and recovery times significantly—a huge benefit for patients.” Most total joint replacements involve hip and knee joints; however, total joint replacement also can be performed on joints in the ankle, shoulder, fingers and elbow. Individuals with a total joint replacement still can lead active lifestyles. Exercise not only is important in the recovery process, but also in the years following the surgery. A proper exercise program can help restore mobility and strength in the joint. • Avoid activities that place repeated stress on the replacement such as running, jogging or skiing. • Engage in activities that do not place excessive stress on the replacement like swimming, bicycling, golf and doubles tennis. • Seek medical advice before beginning any physical activity because some restrictions may be recommended. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. John C. Kagan is offering free seminars to provide information and answer questions about advances in joint replacement—including minimally invasive options for hip and knee replacement, custom knee replacement and arthroscopic surgery. Seminars are planned for Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gulf Coast Medical Center, 13681 Doctors Way in Fort Myers and March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center, 3210 Cleveland Ave., Suite 100, Fort Myers. For reservations, call 239-936-6778 ext. 2227. To register online and for more information, visit www. kaganortho.com. Space is limited.

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Matters of the Heart: Helping a Family Member with Heart Disease

hen someone we love is hurting, it’s only natural to want to help them in every way possible. If a family member is dealing with a cardiac disease, our ability to help can be hindered by a number of factors. But with a little effort, we can overcome these challenges and provide the right kind of support.

Health “When doctors send our patients home, we often assume that everything we say and suggest and prescribe is going to be followed up on,” admits Dr. Cam Patterson, chief of cardiology at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. “But there are all kinds of ways an excellent clinical plan can be derailed.” To keep that from happening, Patterson suggests that family members do the following:

1. Understand the illness. The most common obstacle is not having enough information on the condition. Start by consulting with the cardiologist about your role in rehabilitation and recovery. It’s also a good idea to gauge how you’re your loved one understands the condition.

2. Manage medications and follow-up appointments. With new routines and medications, patients can get frustrated. This is where family members can be a huge help. Make sure you understand the purpose, dosage and side-effects of each medication, and that you are aware of all appointments for doctor visits and cardiac rehab sessions. 3. Participate in lifestyle changes. Most cardiac patients have to make significant changes in exercise and diet. Success rates skyrocket when a family member or friend participates. For instance, the American Heart Association

help them get on with their lives. Reintroduce your parent or spouse to what they do on a day to day basis, like going back to church or working on a hobby—the things that make life fulfilling.

reports that people are 76 percent more likely to stay on their walking program if someone else is counting on them. 4. Watch for emotional responses. It’s not uncommon for cardiac patients to become depressed or go into denial. If your loved one becomes angry or withdrawn, or if you notice other major changes in his or her personality, talk about it together. 5. Get active. Activity levels will be limited for most patients, but it’s important for family members to

And there’s something you can do for yourself, too. Since heart disease has a genetic component, it’s important for children and siblings to know their heart health status by making an appointment with a physician. For spouses, it’s important to make sure you have your own support system—family, friends, clergy, support groups, etc.—to help you manage the emotions you may encounter in caring for a loved one. You can’t help if you’re not healthy yourself! “It’s important to realize that your family is going to have to make adjustments because of this severe illness, but you can’t let it get in the way of being a family,” Patterson says. (Newswise)

Discover Restored Vision with Cataract Surgery

cataract removal technique. This is an outpatient procedure using eye drop anesthesia to make the oday’s technology makes operation virtually painless. A cataract removal easier focusing intraocular lens (IOL) and safer than ever. Because replaces the cloudy natural lens the risk for cataracts and other that is removed. Our patients eye diseases increases as you have the choice of a monofocal get older, starting at age 65 lens to correct nearsightedness you should see your eye doctor or farsightedness; a Toric IOL every year to rule out any other condition that may be causing Jonathan Franz, M.D. for correcting astigmatism; or a CustomLens implant that blurred vision or eye problems. offers the possibility of seeing well at all Surgery is the only way a cataract can distances, without glasses or contacts. be removed. There are no medications, eye drops, dietary supplements, exercises Medicare and most private insurances cover cataract surgery. However, if you or optical devices that have been shown choose a CustomLens, you are responto prevent or cure cataracts. Protection sible for the additional charge for the from excessive sunlight may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts. premium lens and associated services.

BY JONATHAN M. FRANTZ, M.D., FACS Frantz Cataract Center at Florida Eye Health

Cataract surgery should be considered when cataracts interfere with your lifestyle or ability to perform daily tasks. A cataract causing visual symptoms will not improve without treatment. We use the no-injection, no-patch Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 20

Jonathan M. Frantz, M.D, FACS, is medical director of Florida Eye Health and one of Southwest Florida’s leading cataract and LASIK surgeons. He has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres and Naples. To reach Florida Eye Health, call the main office at (239) 418-0999 or visit www.bettervision.net.

dvances like artery-opening angioplasty, which restores healthy blood flow to oxygen-starved heart muscle without opening the chest, splitting apart the breastbone, and stopping the heart, are true marvels of modern medicine. The problem with marvels is that we come to expect too much from them. That has happened with angioplasty, reports the December 2010 Harvard Heart Letter. This procedure uses a small wire tipped with a balloon to enlarge a narrowed artery. Although many people think of angioplasty as a cure for cholesterol-clogged arteries, it really isn’t. It can ease angina, the chest pain brought on by physical activity or stress, but it doesn’t fix the real source of the problem—the artery-clogging process known as atherosclerosis.

A new study of men and women planning to undergo elective angioplasty showed that 60 percent didn’t really need the procedure and would have been better off with intensive medical and lifestyle therapy, Angioplasty does not halt the spread of atherosclerosis or prevent the damage it causes. As a result, it doesn’t reduce the chances of having a future heart attack or improve survival. Many people don’t know this, and doctors don’t always take the time to drive home this point. That means angioplasty can create a false sense of security that you have taken care of the problem, when in reality atherosclerosis continues to corrode arteries in your heart and elsewhere. A new study of men and women planning to undergo elective angioplasty showed that 60

percent didn’t really need the procedure and would have been better off with intensive medical and lifestyle therapy, while a whopping 88 percent said they believed that the procedure would help protect them from having a heart attack down the road. If you are having a heart attack or episode of unstable angina (chest pain at rest)—both of which are caused by a completely blocked artery— angioplasty is a terrific treatment. It removes the obstruction, allowing blood to once again reach all parts of the heart. Timely angioplasty can limit damage to the heart and can prevent a heart attack from turning into a deadly cardiac arrest. During a heart attack, the huge benefit of angioplasty outweighs the risks. That isn’t necessarily the case when angioplasty is performed to open a narrowed but functioning artery. Although most people sail through angioplasty without a problem, about five in every 100 people who undergo the procedure have a complication. These range from prolonged bleeding to kidney damage, an abnormal heart rhythm, or heart attack or stroke. If you are having a heart attack, angioplasty is a marvelous procedure. But if you are having angina now and then, or have a narrowed coronary artery that isn’t causing you any trouble at all, angioplasty adds little or nothing to intensive medical therapy and lifestyle changes. (From Harvard Heart Letter)

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raditional Long-Term Care products have been around for 20 years, but they have evolved and are now more flexible than ever. But in addition to the traditional products, there are other products in the Market Place that accomplish the same goal—future asset protection—in a unique way. Because people are different, so too are their needs and interests. Sometimes people approach their future asset protection differently as well. Rather than committing to a monthly or annual premium for Long-Term Care insurance without knowing how much you will eventually pay into the policy before you access benefits by going on claim, it is possible to make a lump sum payment and purchase a paid-up policy. Same goal, accomplished a different way. And oftentimes when I am contacted to explain the “ins and outs” of LongTerm Care insurance, people ask, “But what if I am not in the percentage of those people who will eventually go on claim, and I don’t use my policy?” My answer is always the same: Consider yourself blessed. There are lots of types of insurance that protect but do not benefit you unless you go on claim. That’s traditional. The lump sum payment type plans have many very attractive features. One of them is a death benefit. That means that when you die, if you haven’t used up your Long-Term Care benefits, a sum, larger than the deposit you made, goes to your beneficiary income tax free.

Another interesting feature is that your money can be returned to you anytime should you choose to cancel the policy. No questions asked and no complicated forms to complete. These policies operate the same as traditional LTC in that they offer home health care, assisted living and nursing home benefits. They pay a daily benefit as usual for these services, and can have inflation protection or not, as your choice. One of the main reasons this configuration is more popular is that your children will receive a larger sum than the original deposit as a death benefit if you never used the policy. But remember, it is still necessary to qualify for the policy. There are very similar health parameters used to determine eligibility as with other forms of LTC insurance. This article is meant to educate you a bit about the concept. As always, I offer a complimentary consultation to help you to decide if this is right for you. Our meeting is at your convenience and can be in your home. To be educated is freeing, and it benefits you and your family. Questions? Please contact me. Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior healthcare market for over 20 years. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist for more than 17 years. She is the Past President of Health Underwriters, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero, Member of the Bonita and Estero Chambers of Commerce, and a graduate of Toastmaster’s International. She represents all of the finest insurance companies in the industry. Can be reached at (239) 274-6678 in Estero, or at her website: www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

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New Books to Enjoy

“Pursuing Happiness... One More Time” witty novel about life and love in an adult community. It chronicles the lives of four women “of a certain age,” as they pursue their own particular visions of happiness. Marion’s husband leaves her with little money, but she knows she doesn’t want anyone telling her what to do. Jessie works because... well, she needs the money to have a comfortable life. She’d like to get rid of her current boyfriend but doesn’t know if there’s another one out there. Bridget, overweight and many times divorced, wishes for other things. Phyllis always has a plan and if one doesn’t work, she’ll try another. This fun book by Mary Lou Peters Schram doesn’t guarantee a fulfillment of all the women’s dreams, but it’s a fun read.

“Clutter Clearing Choices” Get motivated season by season to let author Barbara Tako help you make Clutter Clearing Choices in her witty book that is filled with advice on how to get organized. The author gives common sense advice to help take control of your life—knowing that a cluttered person is rarely as productive as an organized one. It seems we can all relate to how clutter seems to develop a life of its own and Tako offers readers motivating ways to “take their life back” and pick which mode of de-cluttering works best for them. Not nearly so organized in her earlier years, Tako now credits her “so clean you could eat off the floor” mother-inlaw with her metamorphosis. Witnessing time and time again the boundless energy this amazing woman always had for family and friends was an inspiration for Tako to get organized

in order to have time left over for what she really wanted to do. Clutter Clearing Choices is a humorous, authentic, entertaining and informative book on clutter clearing, home organizing and simple living. “The Roadmap to 100, The Breakthrough Science of Living a Long and Healthy Life” This book by Walter M. Bortz II, M.D. and Randall Stickrod makes the case that aging does not have to be synonymous with illness and poor quality of life. The right lifestyle choices allow anyone, they claim, to take control of their own health as they age and live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. According to Dr. Bortz (who ran the Boston Marathon last year at age 80), aging cannot be viewed as a disease that is curable by a never-ending stream of medication. The Roadmap to 100 shows how physical fitness, social engagement, proper nutrition and an active sex life can add years and quality to anyone’s life. “The Safe Food Handbook: How to Make Smart Choices About Risky Food” If you’re concerned about the quality of the food you eat, read The Safe Food Handbook, How to Make Smart Choices About Risky Food. It gives a balanced and comprehensive look at which food risks we should worry about, which old precautions are now outdated and how consumers can proactively protect themselves. Through this book, readers learn guidelines for food groups to help avoid bacteria and other microorganisms as well as learning to evaluate potential concerns of things like hormones, additives, chemicals, toxins, irradiation and more.

Subject: Grandkids

s the late Art Linkletter said, “Kids say the darnedest things.” Here are some cute stories about kids and what they said. “My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, ‘Did you start at 1?’”

“The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.” The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. “Don’t you know what pregnant means?” she asked. “Sure,” said the young boy confidently. “It means carrying a child.”

“I didn’t know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, ‘Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these, yourself!’” Children’s Logic: “Give me a sentence about a public servant,” said a teacher. The small boy wrote: Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 23

Are You A Cougar?

come. Some of my friends say they are up for this challenge, but most of us have raised enough children and husbands to satisfy that need. BY ANN G. THOMAS Observe carefully. If you say, “Please be sure and put the toilet seat down so ave you heard about the new dat- I don’t fall in some night and break my ing trend? Younger men and older hip.” Observe to see if A) he listens women are hooking up. The women and B) he remembers. A clear pattern are called “Cougars.” As someone who seldom develops before a month. is Unmistakably Older and therefore If you see that he has flunked, you potentially a candidate for one of are right in the middle of the “If these younger men, I decided the topic I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a merited some thought. If the opporthousand times” syndrome, which tunity presents itself, I don’t want to we all recognize as mothering. stammer around, unsure of what to say. Then the question is: “How do To begin with, it’s important to you feel about a broken hip?” understand the young man’s motivaIt’s also important to discover tion. Some are probably looking for if he likes to cook. Some women a mother. If so, one needs to take are delighted to find a new partner seriously whether teaching another who is kitchen adverse or even male how to pick up dirty socks, put incompetent, because they now the toilet seat down when finished and have someone to cook for. I, on the wipe their feet before coming inside other hand, believe that the good is really worth whatever benefits may Lord assigns to every woman at birth

a maximum number of dinners to prepare for others, and I reached my quota several years ago. A hungry, helpless person sitting nightly at my kitchen table would not only starve, but also definitely get on my nerves. Whose friends will the two of you hang out with? If yours, there is the definite advantage that many of your cohorts will become inhibited and stop talking about their colons and gall bladders. That alone may make everything worthwhile. On the other hand, interesting as his friends may be, there is the difference in energy level that comes with age. The initial flush of a new relationship allows one to experience an amazing surge of energy, but trust me, it doesn’t last. When that surge has passed, realize compromise here is difficult. Clearly it would be embarrassing to show up in pajamas and cold cream. In-laws are also a factor to consider. Things can get sticky when your new

partner is younger than your youngest child, and your new mother-in-law doesn’t yet need to color her hair. Those extended-family get-togethers may begin to take on the characteristics of an evening from Comedy Central. On the other hand, there is the issue of sex. A new, younger partner is often very sexy, and given the fact that males peak earlier than females, that can be a real recommendation. This whole idea of the older woman and the younger man is a relatively new phenomenon in our society, although we’ve always seen the reverse where older men seek out younger women. That’s not called being a cougar, however. My friend Gladys, whose husband Ted divorced her for his young secretary, told me the term that’s used to describe this behavior in men is “Old Fool.” Ann Thomas can be contacted through her website: dr-annthomas.com.

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DJM Renovations Inc. also provided walk-in safety tubs with hydrotherapy for arthritis, back problems, lupus, muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia and aches and pains. “We also provide wheelchair accessible showers, so you can roll into them and out with ease. Our customers are always surprised and pleased to learn how affordable our prices are and how much we save DJM Renovations Inc. Will them compared to other companies. We are proud to be of service to our seniors across the state keeping them safe in their homes,” he said. Not Be Undersold!

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Taming Troublesome Taskbars is the size you want, right-click the taskbar and select “Lock the taskbar” to prevent any future unruliness.

BY RICHARD SHERMAN Several months ago, the taskbar at the bottom of my screen became wider. Nothing I do seems to be able to make it return to the narrow size it was in the past. Can you help, Mr. M? The taskbar is designed to be expandable, so what you’re seeing is easily adjusted. Start by right-clicking the taskbar to make sure “Lock the taskbar” is not checked. Next, place your cursor on the upper horizontal edge of the taskbar. When it is precisely on that edge, it will change into a double-headed arrow. Don’t be frightened. At that point, hold down your left mouse button and slowly drag the edge down towards the bottom of your screen, incrementally narrowing the Taskbar in the process. When it

How do I activate the Print Screen (PrtScrn) key when I want to print what appears on screen? The Print Screen key is always functional, so there really is nothing to activate. Contrary to what its name suggests, it does not literally print the screen when pressed. The Print Screen key saves a snapshot image of what appears on your screen to the Windows Clipboard. That process is invisible and occurs behind the scenes, so it appears as if nothing happens when you actually press the key. To print the captured image, go to your destination location (such as a word processing document or e-mail composition screen), rightclick and select Paste. Whatever was captured to the Clipboard will pop onto the page. Once it appears, you can then print normally.

I have an Excel spreadsheet with column headings. I need a way to scroll down the rows, but still see the column headings. How can I do this?

Highlight the row directly below your column headings by clicking the number of the row. For example, if the headings are located in Row 1, click Row 2. Then click Window > Freeze Panes. Once frozen, the column headings will remain visible as you scroll through the rest of your spreadsheet. You can reverse or undo this action by clicking Window > Unfreeze Panes. I have a printer that’s not working properly and I need to know how to remove it so I can reinstall it using its installation disk. The printer isn’t listed on the Add/Remove uninstall list. A printer is hardware, as opposed to software, so it won’t typically appear in the Add/ Remove Programs list, so that part is normal. (Insert “Whew!” here.)

Before you do anything, check your printer manufacturer’s website to determine if there are any new drivers available. If so, download them. You’ll find instructions on the website, if needed. A driver is a small program that provides instructions to a device such as a printer, disk drive, keyboard, mouse, etc. Updating its driver can often resolve a printer problem. To remove a printer, go to Control Panel > Printers (or Printers and Faxes). Right-click the printer that you want to remove, then click Delete. If you can’t delete the printer using the above method for any reason, rightclick the printer icon again, click Run as Administrator, then click Delete. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your Windows password, if you have one, provide confirmation, or press Enter. For answers to your questions by e-mail, or to subscribe to Mr. Modem’s award-winning weekly newsletter, visit www.MrModem.com.

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 25

Family-Friendly Branson: Still the Same and Yet Brand New for 2011

BY JANICE DOYLE

eet your family, go by yourself, join a group tour, stop a few days on your way to someplace else—whatever you do, and no matter how many times you’ve gone, make plans to visit Branson. Every spring, Branson reopens its theaters and all new shows take the stage. The “unexpected” side of Branson is active. Four companies now offer ziplines over the Ozark canopy of trees. You can parasail (the oldest person taken up so far was 95), ride a jet ski, put the grandkids in a “ballknocker” or rent canoes, kayaks and speedboats. Or you can stick with the familiar golf, shopping and ﬁshing.

Travel Today, close to seven million annual visitors can ﬁnd anything from Country to Rock n’ Roll, Magic and Comedy to Musical Theatre, Gospel, small intimate shows and major worldclass productions gracing one of the more than 40+ stages in Branson. On any day from March through December, you can choose from 70 or more shows or attractions. Now, that’s entertainment!

Ditch any negative thoughts about our country. Branson is all about God, family and patriotism. You might even find yourself feeling all sentimental about being able to laugh at the jokes, sing along with the music and wipe away a tear or two when they honor veterans and bring out the flag. Hear new musical groups: Beyond the Bald Knobbers, you’ll find the show SIX. It’s six brothers creating harmony using just their voices. Another show, The Duttons, features one family and an amazing array of instruments. Unexpected too, are The Haygoods—seven brothers and a sister—and the Twelve Irish Tenors. Todd Oliver and his amazing talking dogs now have their own show. Find unexpected relaxation in Dogwood Canyon, often called “the best part of my trip to Branson” by visitors. Take a wagon tour of the beautiful 2,200-acre preserve in the heart of the Ozarks, or you can hike, bike, fly fish or ride horseback. Swap typical buffet food for unexpectedly fine dining. The Devil’s Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge combines rustic elegance with sumptuous meals. The new Hilton in the downtown Branson Landing area features the Level 2 Steakhouse offering sophisticated, big city atmosphere and outstanding food with impeccable service.

Take in the stunning attractions. Visitors to Branson should see the outdoor drama Shepherd of the Hills to understand the history of the area. Beyond that, Noah’s Ark, The Titanic, Legend of Kung Fu, Branson Auto Museum, Branson Mill and the Hollywood Wax Museum make Branson a destination to enjoy. Plan a day for Silver Dollar City where you can enjoy the old-time crafts and any young people with you will love the wild rides. Notice all the trees, cross a swinging bridge, sit in a one-room schoolhouse, sing hymns in a log church and enjoy more shows. Make the day complete by taking a culinary class where you might learn to make their favorite succotash. There’s a steam train, a basket weaver and lots of whittlin’ and ﬁddlin’. The park opens March 17 for the 2011 season. Appreciate the long-time favorites like the Showboat Branson Belle, which combines great food with a live show worthy of Broadway. Getting around Branson is getting easier. A new Branson airport opened with service by Air Tran and other small carriers, and new color-coded alternate highways around the city make trafﬁc more manageable. Branson is America’s best.

Fish the Trout Capital of the United States N

BY DAVID LALMOND

ear Branson, Missouri lies a trout angler’s delight! Lake Taneycomo has been designated the official Trout Capital of the U.S. because of its abundant rainbow and brown trout, with a record 28 pounder having been taken from this lake. Annually, more than 600,000 hatchery-sized trout (see photo) are released in this 45 – 50 degree water. Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 26

Designated areas are set for fly fishing, artificial lures only, catch and release and Trophy Fishing. Each area has unique regulations. Beginning anglers as well as professionals find fun fishing from boats, wading or from shore. I recommend taking a guided fishing trip to learn the tackle, techniques and locations to make the fishing fun. I fished with veteran licensed guide Bill Babler, who works from Lilley’s

Landing in Branson. He says, “Successful fishing here depends not on one thing but lots of little details, techniques and knowledge.” Whether you fish independently or with a guide, take time to visit this angler’s paradise in the Ozarks. Additional info on requirements, rules, maps and fishing reports may be found on ozarkanglers. com or whiteriveroutfitters.com.

Photo above and below, courtesy David Lalmond.

Cool Ideas and Helpful Tips

No More Mosquitoes lace a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can’t see easily.

Money Saver Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Summer in the Berkshires? How refreshing.

Reopening envelopes If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Welcome to Jiminy Peak, the 4-season resort in the Northern Berkshires of Massachusetts. Each summer, we host lots of people who are looking for a great New England summer vacation. We offer short or long-term lodging – including 2-4 bedroom condos. The Berkshires is home to world class arts & culture, history, outdoor adventures and more. It’s more than a breath of fresh air. It’s a whole summer of it.

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For Mature Drivers

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JP040 MatureLifestyle_qtrSQ.indd 1

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Take Your Mature Driver Course On The Internet! If you have a Florida Driver’s License and are 55 years of age or older, you are now eligible to complete motor vehicle accident prevention course that will allow you to receive a mandatory reduction on your insurance rate for three years.

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Approved Course

To Register go to:

www.seniordriverclass.com

or call 1-800-771-2255

Punta Gorda’s Premier Shopping Destination

Shopping • Restaurants • Day Spa • Villa Vacation Rentals • Fishing Charters • Harbor Cruises Boat & Kayak Rentals • Military Heritage Museum • Live Entertainment • Special Events & More!

Visit our website at: www.srmagazine.com HEALTH • FINANCE TRAVEL • EVENTS CALL 1-888-670-0040 for more information

Waterfront Mall, Resort & Marina

800.639.0020 • 941.639.8721 • fishville.com

Punta Gorda, Just 3 miles west of I-75. Exit 164 on Marion Ave. Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 27

“Super-Spiced” Cities May Mean Good Health

here you live often shapes how you eat. So, plenty of local flavor shines through in the “Super-Spiced” cities:

• Philadelphia embraces its Italian heritage. And, since some research has linked garlic to heart health, it’s not surprising to find it’s a favorite in the City of Brotherly Love. In fact, Philly consumes more than 176,000 pounds of garlic powder a year—nearly the weight of 126 “Rocky” statues.

Recipe • Coastal South Carolina is home to Low Country cooking. Charleston consumes almost 9,000 pounds of oregano each year, nearly 90 times the weight of the famous albino alligator in the South Carolina Aquarium. Of all the herbs, oregano has one of the highest antioxidant levels—making it a true “Super Spice.”

• Los Angeles consumes more than 208,000 pounds of cinnamon. That’s the equivalent to 41 “Jaws” sharks found in the Hollywood classic. This sweet spice has been linked to controlling blood sugar levels. Take a bite out of that!

• San Antonio loves its TexMex, eating more than 98,000 pounds of cumin a year—more than any other city in the nation. That’s enough to put 1.5 pounds in every seat of the Alamodome. Did you know just a halfteaspoon of ground cumin has antioxidant levels comparable to one cup of spinach? Here’s a Low Country recipe which calls for both oregano and garlic to try out on your next pot luck group or family dinner. Go ahead—spice it up in Ft. Myers and Tampa!

Gullah Rice (Low Country Recipe) Ingredients 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 3 red chili peppers 4 cloves garlic 1 cup diced onion 1 cup red and yellow bell peppers 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives 1 14.5 ounce can stewed tomatoes 1 cup summer sausage 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp 4 cups cooked rice salt and pepper to taste

often. Add herbs and tomatoes. Cook 3 minutes; add sausage until warmed through. Next, add shrimp and cook until tender and whitepink, approximately 3 minutes.

Directions In a large skillet, infuse the oil with the chili peppers (cut them in half and cook, turning often, until oil reaches a sizzle).

Add the cooked rice; fold in. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.

Remove peppers and brown garlic in the oil; add onion and bell peppers. Cook 5 min., stirring

Country Line Dance Lessons, $3/person, 7 – 9 p.m., Center Court. Call (941) 575-8188.

Swing/Big Band Music featuring The Top Hats, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Makes 14 – 16 servings. (From BASKETLADY6)

February Events

Worden Farm’s Greenmarket, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Center Court. Fresh produce, culinary demos, live music. (941) 637-4874.

Variety and Dance Music by Reconnections Band, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Please call (941) 575-3007 for more information.

Charlotte Area Activities

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 28

The Charlotte Chorale presents their “Feel the Spirit” concert. 7:30 p.m. at Center for Performing Arts, Punta Gorda. The first half will be dedicated to Black History and music and the second half will be made up of patriotic songs. The Chorale will be accompanied

by Angela Navarro and the Charlotte High School Band. Tickets and info: (941) 204-0033. Wine and Jazz Festival, Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. 2 – 6:30 p.m. Regular tickets: $70 up. For details, please call (941) 639-3720 or visit puntagorda-chamber.com.

The Tall Lady Who Keeps You Laughing at Yourself

something funny that happened today.” Children get an awareness of funny things and learn eep ‘em laughing” that it’s all right to laugh. If is her mantra we have a sense of humor, as a speaker, and she she says, “The grandchildoesn’t disappoint. dren want to be with us. If When she was 12 years you’re always in the stern old and already 6’2” grandparent role they don’t tall, Jeanne Robertson’s want to be with you.” parents helped her use She’s grandmother to two a sense of humor to her boys, ages 11 and 16, and advantage if people spoke she’s helping them see the of her height, and now she humor in everyday life. At a travels the country helping university basketball game people look at their lives Comedienne recently, the lady singing the with humor. A real sense of Jeanne Robertson. national anthem was “off” in humor, according to Jeanne, means being able to accept things you pitch the whole song. The boys “cut their eyes at me and I cut my eyes at can’t change and laugh at yourself. them. Their shoulders started shaking Now 67, many of the 1963 Miss and so did mine. I like that rather than North Carolina’s stories are about being the grandmother who would say aging, and it works just fine because ‘Now, don’t laugh. That’s not funny.’” she always pokes fun at herself first. But she made sure the boys knew she She told this story: “We had two Miss wouldn’t use the incident in a speech North Carolinas one year recently. because it would hurt the singer. At the end of the year neither was Computers are a way to keep in allowed to crown the next year’s touch with your grandchildren, sure. queen. The pageant director called But Jeanne says, “Mostly I just call and asked me to do it, and I said, them and say ‘tell me something ‘At my age?’ Then I laughed and funny. I’m on the road and I need said the new one would be the first a laugh.’ I’m still making that queen to get slapped in the face by connection.” arm flab as the crown was placed.” She said she and her husband They were serious about wanting (“Left Brain,” age 73) are “hurting her, however, and she reminded in places, and we try our best to them that she’d already told several make sure we accept what we can’t stories about the year’s difficulties. change and find the humor about The director said, “Yes, I know, but it. I’m living what I’m telling!” we know you wouldn’t hurt us.” Her advice for seniors is to “have a And that’s the thing. Her humor nevhumor buddy, somebody that asks you er hurts anyone, and there are never what’s funny. If you’re going to lunch four-letter words or off-color jokes. and know you have to tell something After a lifetime of professional funny, it keeps you looking for it.” speaking and numerous state and The place to look for humor is March national honors, she remains one 1 at 2 p.m. in Branscomb Memorial of the country’s most popular, Auditorium in Lakeland when Jeanne in-demand humorists. Robertson will be in “Double Funny “One of my philosophies,” she said, w/Carl Hurley.” Call 1-800-955-4746 “is that you can develop and learn for $33 tickets. Group rates available. to have a sense of humor just like Jeanne has six humor DVDs, is you can learn to put the fork on the heard daily on Sirius/XM Radio’s left when you’re setting a table.” Family Comedy Channels and has She encourages grandparents to many YouTube clips to enjoy. say to their grandchildren: “Tell me

Get your advance tickets today! www.flstrawberryfestival.com MAR. 3 - MAR. 13, 2011 - PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

BY JANICE DOYLE

“K

THE JUDDS

(The Last Encore)

BOBBY VINTON KENNY ROGERS

LADY ANTEBELLUM Artists Appearing on the Wish Farms Soundstage: Thu. Mar. 3 Thu. Mar. 3 Thu. Mar. 3 Fri. Mar. 4 Fri. Mar. 4 Sat. Mar. 5 Sat. Mar. 5 Sat. Mar. 5 Sun. Mar. 6 Sun. Mar. 6 Mon. Mar. 7 Mon. Mar. 7 Tues. Mar. 8 Tues. Mar. 8 Wed. Mar. 9 Wed. Mar. 9 Thu. Mar. 10 Thu. Mar. 10 Thu. Mar. 10 Fri. Mar. 11 Fri. Mar. 11 Sat. Mar. 12 Sat. Mar. 12 Sun. Mar. 13 Sun. Mar. 13

10:30 am 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 1:00 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 10:30 am 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm 3:30 pm 7:30 pm

Jimmy Sturr & Orchestra Bobby Vinton Kenny Rogers John Conlee .38 Special

JOHN CONLEE

GAITHER VOCAL BAND

CHARLEY PRIDE

CLINT BLACK

FREE $10 & $15 $15 & $20 $10 & $15 $20 & $25

Suite Caroline Jeremy Camp Gaither Vocal Band Trace Adkins The Judds (The Last Encore)

FREE $20 & $25 $20 & $25

Charley Pride Clint Black

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Chubby Checker Chris Young

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Tanya Tucker Rick Springfield

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

$25 & $30 $45

The Guy Lombardo Band FREE George Jones $15 & $20 The Doobie Brothers $25 & $30 Ray Price Josh Thompson / Justin Moore

$15 & $20

Allstar Weekend & Jennette McCurdy Billy Ray Cyrus

$10 & $15 $20 & $25

Easton Corbin Lady Antebellum

$15 & $20 $45

CHUBBY CHECKER TANYA TUCKER

RICK SPRINGFIELD GEORGE JONES

$10 & $15

RAY PRICE

Concert dates and times are subject to change

Free Grandstand seating, 3:30 & 7:30 pm are on a first come, first seated basis. Order: www.flstrawberryfestival.com or 813-754-1996

BILLY RAY CYRUS

SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAYS

Red Hat Society Day

Tues, Mar, 8th $2 Off Gate Admission

FREE CONCERTS Thurs, Mar 3th Jimmy Sturr Orchestra Thurs, Mar 10th Guy Lombardo Band Concerts 10:30am

Cool Whip • Stingray Chevrolet • TECO • Premium Leisure • Southern Ford Dealers • CF Industries Patterson Companies • Mahaffey Tent Rentals • Verizon Wireless • Candyland Warehouse

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 29

Seniors Getting Together Attention sgTers!

Screen respondents carefully. Always meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and your personal safety are worth the wait!

Women seeking men 1038 seeking ChRisTiAn genTLemAn Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy & exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Fort Myers.

3954 desiRing A ReLATionship with a Christian/Messianic Jewish Carpenter. 50 – 60 yo,+. Enjoys nature, pets and quiet times. I’m petite, with long hair and SOH and I live a healthy lifestyle. I also enjoy carpentry and would love to start a garden in the spring and with your help I know it will be a success. Hillsborough. 3974 seeking mALe pARTneR foR bALLRoom dAnCing In good physical condition. Love Fox Trot, Waltz, Latin. Attractive, mature red-head. HWP, 110 lbs., 5 ft. 4.

men seeking Women 3953 seeking sLim RomAnTiC femALe for LTR or cohabitation with retired SWM, 5’7”. I50 lbs. Non smoker, easy going, new home, new life. Send photo, description with letter. All answered – Gulf Coast, Venice 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):

3971 seeking spiRiTUAL WomAn Retired, 63 years young. 5’7”, 125 lbs., trim and fit, excellent health. Enjoy music, sports, walks, quiet time. Ft. Myers.

To Respond To An Ad

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

meeT oTheR senioRs over 2,000 seniors have met through seniors getting Together. send in your ad today!

To pLACe An Ad

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

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

Last Month’s Answers

January Sudoku

Ilah McClintic is our winner for last month’s Sudoku. Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Feb. Sudoku

City (No Charge):

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

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

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

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

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

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 30

Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by FEb. 21, 2011

New No-Cost Health and Wellness Center Opens

ast month, Presbyterian Homes was happy to announce the grand opening of their new no-cost Health and Wellness Center. This is a center for education, light exercise, memory building activities, physician appointments, mental health therapy, blood pressure, social services and much more. There will be no out of pocket charge for any services received in the center. Presbyterian homes designed the space to be a neighborhood resource center for residents so they can easily access important health services. This site was a collaborative effort of numerous senior health organizations in Lee County. “The grand opening went great,” said Sarah Brown Spinski, Resident Service Coordinator. “We had

residents and medical professionals tour the site to discuss the programs and events to come. We believe it is going to be an asset to resident who have limited mobility and limited funds.” Presbyterian Homes in Lehigh Acres is a large 488 unit, low/restricted income community that is predominately 62 and plus. Their mission is to provide quality, affordable senior rental communities with care and support. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to expressing compassion and concern to older adults by providing them an atmosphere to enjoy affordable independent living. To learn more, call (239) 369-1414 or visit their website at www.phhf.com.

Word Search

WE OFFER AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS FOR RENT

If you are at least 62 years old and ready to kick back and enjoy an affordable apartment home,

Give Us A Call! Visit our website: wwwPHHF.com

Come Visit Us at

Immediate occupancy available! Move-in specials! Great location! Income limits apply.

Presbyterian Home Community 1301 Woodward Ct., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

EQUAL HOUSING

(239) 369-1414

800-955-8771 (TTY)

OPPORTUNITY

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

Answers From

January 2011

Cindy Sharik is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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

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

Mystery Win! Win! Win! Mystery Senior ConneCtion or Prize! Prize! MAtUre LiFeStYLeS GreAt PriZeS! 1602 S. PArSonS AVe. SeFFner, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Feb. 21, 2011.)

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 31

Presents the 16th Annual...

FREE

1000’s in Prize Giveaways

Hey Seniors!

Join Us For the Best Event of the Year!

Wed. April. 12, 2010 • 10am to 3pm

Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron Street• Port Charlotte, FL 33952 Denise Looney “The D.J. with a Twist”

LIVE Entertainment! FREE Health Screenings! Exhibitors! Free BINGO Games! For Prizes! Antique Car Show presented by Veteran Motor Car Club of America, SWF Chapter

Fritzy The One Man Circus

Free Coffee

EDUCATION • INFORMATION • ENTERTAINMENT For More Information Call: 239-823-3542 or 239-265-2141 Toll Free: 1-888-670-0040 • For Directions: 941-625-4175 Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 32

Finding Friendship through Meals on Wheels

BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ Director of Community Engagement and Nutrition Services

ost people are familiar with the term “Meals on Wheels,” or MOW. Visions of volunteers delivering containers packed with “home cooking” often come to mind. But there is a very unique sub-program within the Meals on Wheels family, an Older Adult focused program. Senior Friendship Centers offers this “aging specific”-designed meals option to our local seniors who may be experiencing food insecurity. Since seniors do have unique diets, food safety concerns and enhanced physical or cognitive limitations at times, it makes sense to have a speciallydesigned Meals on Wheels program for this distinctive population. Any person who is age 60+ and is experiencing difficulty accessing food (shopping, walking around the store), affording food or preparing food (bearing their weight at the stove, reading instructions, etc.) can request to be screened for our Friendship MOW program. Our food is prepared at a local USDA inspected kitchen, meets all the enhanced food safety guidelines for serving frail adults (enhanced temperature control and cooking guidelines) and meets 1/3

of the Recommended Daily Intake for a senior. This means the food is always prepared, transported, protected and designed just for a seniors’ unique dietary needs and restrictions (like lower sodium).

Naples Cyclery 813 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Naples, FL 34108

239-566-0600

Engel’s Bicycles Int’l 27310 Old 41 Road Bonita Springs, FL 34135

239-498-9913

Fort Myers Schwinn Cyclery 3630 Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-939-2899

Acme Bicycle Shop 615 Cross St. #1116 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 • Unisex step-through design engineered in Germany • Cross bar is only six inches from the ground, so you can easily step-through the bicycle • Upright seating position for less back pain & clear view of the road • Relaxed arm position for more control

The second component to a good MOW program is having that “human touch” from the person delivering the meal. Our staff visits with our MOW clients, checks on their physical well being and acts as a “set of eyes” to make sure all seems to be going smooth in their lives. Having that “human touch” is often priceless to an isolated or frail senior. If you or a senior you know could benefit from the Friendship MOW private pay program ($5.50 a meal), call us for more information at (239) 275-1881. If you would like to see if you qualify for the program at no cost to you, call the Elder Helpline at 1-866-413-5337 for a screening.

March In The Park

he Garden Club of Cape Coral is preparing for their annual fundraiser “March in the Park,” a plant and garden art sale scheduled for March 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaycee park in Cape Coral. “March in the Park” will feature over 40 vendors, including the garden club, selling a variety of plants, shrubs and trees. Thoughout the event

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

there will be informative speakers. The Garden Club is now selling raffle tickets to be drawn during “March in the Park.” There will be music, food from Gramps Italian Kitchen, kettle corn and ice cream. Admission and parking are free. Come join the garden club in the park. Call (239) 540-7988 or e-mail marchinthepark@yahoo.com.

941-639-3029

www.acmebicycleshop.com EA Bicycles 15630 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908

239-415-6600

For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 • www.biria.com

The Boomer’s Lament: Or Am I Now They? Speak up when we complain about how hard it is for Mom to hear; after years at the disco, no sound is too clear. Slow down when we jog by, complaining about the man with the cane, ‘cause I think I just got a charley horse or at least a small sprain. When I talk with Mom’s doc about her memory disorder, next time I must remember to bring a tape recorder. It’s fun to watch Dad try to run a microwave; if I knew how to use my cell phone camera, that’s a picture I would save. Those who are old and those who are grey, I’m glad that at least I’m nothing like they… Think about the words above when those who frustrate you are also those that you love, For it may soon be your own kids, as quick as you please, begging and pleading: “Mom, where did you hide the keys?”

Mature Lifestyles • February 2011 • page 33

Dining Room

Last Month’s Answers

Enter This Month’s Winner Is to Win! Pete Strvrus Congratulations!

Care, comfort and assurance from a committed and compassionate staff are simply a part of our culture. Our rehabilitative and therapeutic departments will assist you in improving your quality Studio Apartment of life. At Springwood Court, you’re never alone. Our most important commitment is the one you’ll feel when you first walk through our door. Some of the many amenities we offer are: • Restaurant-style dining with menu options • Weekly housekeeping • Social, recreational, spiritual and educational activities • Trained staff available 24-hours a day Dining Room • Service plan meetings with resident and family • Two-week respite stays available • Medication assistance and more! That special warmth and comfort is what you can expect and what you’ll receive. For more information, please call: 12780 Kenwood Lane • Ft. Myers, FL 33907