Lifestyles After 50 • Southwest • May 2012 by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 2

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We’ve Changed Our Name to Lifestyles After 50! destination ideas. Looking for entertainment? Check our calendar each month. Looking for a good book? Watch for new book columns. And if you wonder how to turn on “that darn computer” or text the grandkids or manage a Facebook account or how to use an iPhone, you’re in the company of many other readers. We will offer content that is clear, current and practical to help you navigate the waters of today’s technological world. We’ll be here to help you shape your days so you can live them to your greatest potential, whether in issues of health or exercise or creating tasty dishes in the kitchen. Thinking about volunteering more? We’ll tell you about where and how other people are giving back to their communities. Looking for options in housing? Wow! There are many and we’ll show you around. Our advertisers will find that our new Lifestyles After 50 will maximize the value of their advertising dollars through the introduction of our proprietary, web-based, lead generation products found nowhere else. One thing you can count on not changing is the friendly, professional staff that you have come to know and count on over these many years; a staff that is optimistic about the future and dedicated to promoting

Dear Readers,

ee those streamers on the cover? No, it’s not New Year’s Eve. Rather, it’s a celebration of Janice Doyle, publishing the first Editor copy of the new Lifestyles After 50 magazine. The magazine you’ve known as Senior Connection / Mature Lifestyles is making changes to better serve YOU, our readers. The change of name is all a part of our continuing effort to deliver the most up-to-date informational, educational and entertaining news items and stories. Since there isn’t just one way to live life after the age of 50, we’re adjusting and adapting to help you find ways to take advantage of the many options available to you and to enrich your lives. Our west central Florida location offers an infinite variety of options in lifestyles: start a business of your own, go back to school, develop cultural and recreational talents and so much more. We are deeply committed to offering you new and fresh ideas for living the lifestyle you choose to the fullest. What you’ll find in Lifestyles After 50 will be suggestions for ways to cut to the chase and drop right into the next chapter of your life. Want to travel? We offer diverse

growth and diversity, both for the community and the individual reader. As Editor, my search for content will include finding ways you can enhance your life, whether you have just turned 50 and have that new AARP card in your wallet or whether you’ve just turned 90 and are in training for the Senior Games. And if you’re somewhere in between, I’ll be cheering you on no matter what lifestyle you’ve chosen. Kathy Beck is Publisher and Director of the many expos and events we sponsor. Watch for the next Senior Fun Fest or Senior Friendly Extravaganza in your area to find the very latest in products, services and information for your lifestyle. You’ll enjoy the entertainment, giveaways, prizes and fun at all of the events. Drop me an email (janice@ lifestylesafter50.com). Give me your feedback and ideas on what new items you would like to see. Let me know how we can enhance your Lifestyles After 50 And I’m so glad you’re joining us for the journey forward.

Bon Voyage,

City: Phone:

Street Address: State:

Zip: Email:

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 4

Age:

General Manager Dave Tarantul dave@lifestylesafter50.com

Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Janice Doyle janice@lifestylesafter50.com Ofﬁce Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com

Administrative Assistant Nancy Spencer nancy@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution (941) 375-6260

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Lee/Collier and Charlotte Nancy Kuehne: (239) 822-6150 Sarasota/Manatee Julie Simzak: (941) 685-1676

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Win!

Name:

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I Love My Lifestyle After 50!

Tell us what you love about your lifestyle after 50 in 20 words or less. We will select our favorite writeup as the winner on May 25. The winner will receive a three-night summertime getaway at Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee. The winning writeup will also be published in the June edition of Lifestyles After 50. Good luck!

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Edition

A summertime getaway package to Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee. Includes a three-night stay for up to four people (one room), daily breakfast and resort fees and daily parking for one vehicle. Reservations must be made and used between May 31 and Aug. 30, 2012. Good luck!

Mail To: Attn./Lifestyles After 50 Contest News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

(941) 375-6260 • (877) 535-3749 Fax: (941) 375-8178 www.lifestylesafter50ﬂ.com Our other editions:

Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Hillsborough Edition: Hillsborough County Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040

(813) 653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50ﬂ.com

FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the June 2012 issue is May 15, 2012. 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 M AY 2 0 1 2

ridays Laughter Yoga, Lynn Hall Park, Ft. Myers Beach. 8 a.m. Simple exercises and laughter. Bring a beach towel. Parking is $2/hour. For details, see laughteryoga.org or call (239) 229-7356.

aturdays Pine Needle Weaving Workshop at Charlotte County Historical Center. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Cost: class is $15; supplies are $10. Details at (941) 629-7278.

hrough 13 Legally Blonde the Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. Call (239) 278-4422 for tickets and information.

16, 22, 30 Informational meetings about options at Shell Point Retirement Community. 10 a.m. In the Commons at The Woodlands neighborhood. Tours. Free. Reservations required at (239) 466-1131.

Celebrate Mothers Tea for moms, grandmas, children of all ages. 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Motivational speaker, lunch, specialty teas. $18/person. Lake Kennedy Center, Cape Coral. Information at (239) 574-0575.

Mets vs. Marlins Baseball Trip. Air conditioned baseball in Miami’s Marlins Park. Tickets $64/ game ticket, round trip transportation, snacks and refreshments during the trip plus all tolls and parking fees. 9 a.m. departure from Tony Rotino Senior Center, Cape Coral. Return 7 p.m. Reservations at (239) 574-0807 or email thart@capecoral.net.

Mother’s Day Seminole Gulf Railway Train family dinner special. Noon ($40/adults) or Murder Mystery Dinner ride at 5:30 p.m. (all tickets $66). Call (239) 275-8487 for information and tickets.

Mangrove Gathering Eco Café, information session and social gathering for people interested in environmental happenings. Coffee furnished, you

bring your mug. Eco Living Center, Rutenberg Park. Call John Kiseda at (239) 432-2163 for information.

– 20 Half Century Softball Tournament at Lee County Sports Complex, Cape Coral. Games all day. Call Ludie at (239) 533-7407 for information.

Blues Brothers Soul Band tribute, outside stage at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center during the Music Walk. 7 – 11 p.m. Free (donations appreciated). Call (239) 333-1933 or visit sbdac.com.

Take the grandkids to “Dance Music Through the Centuries” by Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at Alliance for the Arts. For more information, call the Symphony Office at (239) 418-0996.

Sons of Norway, Gulf Coast Vikings of Estero meeting at Breckenridge Golf & Tennis Clubhouse, 20091 Wimbledon Ct, Estero. $5. All Scandinavians welcome. Bring a pot luck dish to share. BYOB. 5 p.m. Gate info: Maxine at (239) 405-4026.

Kayak Alligator Creek in Punta Gorda with GAEA Guides. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Charlotte Harbor Estuary area. Florida Master Naturalist guide. $50 per person/all equipment included. Reservations at (239) 694-5513.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; please fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. May 10 for June event.)

Join the Golf Club

The Shell Point Golf Club offers special summer membership rates to golfers interested in joining the golf club from May 15 through Oct 15. The cost of this membership is only $150, and interested golfers should call (239) 433-9790 to sign up.

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239-332-1050 TDD 1-800-955-8771 Florida Relay. Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 5

Meet Frankie Avalon and Other Greats on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise

fter the extraordinary success of the first two Malt Shop Memories Cruises, the next annual cruise will expand to a sevenday trip with more ports of call and additional performances by an incredible array of stars from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Departing on Oct. 27 (through Nov. 3) from Fort Lauderdale, the cruise will set sail on Holland America’s luxurious M.S. Eurodam for Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas and the private island of Half Moon Cay. As a full ship charter, the Eurodam will be transformed into a floating ‘50s and ‘60s entertainment complex, treating passengers to concerts and special events such as sock hops, hula hoop contests, prom night, beach parties, and, of course, interaction with their favorite singers and much more.

Inspired by Time Life’s popular Malt Shop Memories CD series, the voyage will be highlighted by performances by some of the biggest artists of the era, including Dion, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love, The Original Drifters, The Duprees, Sonny Turner (former lead singer of the Platters), Carl Gardner’s Coasters, Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Chiffons, The Tymes, The Marvelettes, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, John Kuse and the Excellents, The Dedications, The Encounters, The Acchords, Gino Monopoli/Dwight Icenhower and, returning as the cruise host, the wildly popular oldies DJ Jerry “The Geator with the Heater” Blavat. “You’ll see some of the best entertainment from that wonderful era,” says Bobby Rydell. “Mix and mingle with all of us and bring back those great memories while making fabulous new ones.”

In addition to the incredible line-up of concerts, The Malt Shop Memories cruise will offer non-stop events, parties and ‘50s and ‘60s-themed activities throughout the ship and the entire length of the cruise. Grab your blanket for the beach party, kick off your shoes for the sock hop, dress in your finest for Prom Night and get ready to meet the performers in person during specially designed meet and greets. In celebration of the memory of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise will host the richest Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in the World. The event will feature some of the most well-known and talented tribute artists in the world competing for a cash prize of $5,000. Notes the Executive Producer of Time Life’s Malt Shop Memories CD collection, Alan Rubens, “They say you can’t live in the past—but it sure is fun visiting for a few days!” “Our staff had so much fun on the 2011 Malt Shop Memories

Cruise!” offers Michael Lazaroff of Entertainment Cruise Productions. “It was a joy meeting the guests, engaging the artists and bringing Malt Shop Memories to life. By moving the cruise to 7 days and to Holland America, the cruise now becomes a ‘home game’ for us and we promise that it will run like clockwork and the upgrades in rooms, service, food and amenities will only add to the fantastic musical experience.” The Malt Shop Memories Cruise was developed in association with Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC. Tickets for the cruise are available now. Visit MaltShopCruise. com or call (877) 700-6258 (MALT). Cabin prices start at $1550 per person including all meals, entertainment and onboard activities. The Time Life Malt Shop Memories CD collection, featuring a 10-CD box set, a 4-CD set and a holiday disc, has sold nearly 4 million CDs and remains one of Time Life’s most popular sellers.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 7

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the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the ask your children or grandchildren for help. trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging Until now the very people who could benefit most from and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. E-mail, and the Internet are the Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we I just wanted to tell firstSTREET that ones that have had the hardest time I am having a great time on my accessing it. Now, thanks to the have great news for you. There is finally a computer WOW Computer. I am learning that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s something new everyday. I am 79 WOW Computer, countless older the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you years old and cannot believe that I Americans are discovering the in mind. am typing and sending e-mails to wonderful world of the Internet This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and all my friends now. My daughter every day. Isn’t it time you took literally puts the world at your fingertips. From and granddaughter are so excited part? Call now, and a patient, the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how now that I have a computer. They knowledgeable product expert will different the WOW Computer is. The components use computers on their jobs tell you how you can try it in your are all connected; all you do is plug it into an everyday, but they cannot believe home for 30 days. If you are not outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. what you can do on this computer. totally satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a refund of the Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new It is wonderful... Thanks. – Johnnie E., Ellijay, Ga product purchase price. Call today. touch screen system, without the cluttered look of

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Diane Keaton Reflects on Her Career and Life

BY EVELYN MACKEY

conic actress Diane Keaton is still blazing her own way. At 67 she’s the still-never-married mother of two adopted children, ages 17 and 12. She has 50 movies and TV shows under her belt. In the ‘70s, she started a fashion trend for unisex clothes. Indeed, Keaton can dress “like a bag lady, among a host of women in spectacular dresses, and look individual rather than ridiculous,” according to one writer. Keaton is best known for playing eccentric, free-spirited characters who speak in rushed, awkward sentences and who laugh easily at life’s circumstances. It is those sentences and circumstances that make her endearing and charming to fans of all ages.

She and Woody Allen made a total of eight movies together.

This month marks the release of her autobiography titled Then Again, in which she reﬂects on the girl she was and the actress she became. As her mother was suffering with Alzheimer’s and having watched her father die of a brain tumor, Keaton took her mother’s 85 journals and began mixing her mother’s life story gently with her own life and feelings. One of the biggest revelations in Then Again is Keaton’s struggle with bulimia. “With bulimia, I never expected sympathy or for people to understand,” she said in an interview with AARP. “What I cared about was the secret I kept. It felt like a burden. I never told my mother. It’s amazing how the dark secrets inside us don’t matter much to the outside world.”

Her track to stardom Her breakout role was on Broadway in the ‘60s in Hair. As understudy to the lead, she gained attention by not removing any of her clothing. In 1971, Keaton won a part in The Godfather, holding her own opposite legends like Al Pacino and Marlon Brando. Two years later she reprised her role in The Godfather: Part II, and in 1990, she ﬁnished the trilogy in Godfather III. Keaton had a long relationship with Woody Allen and rose to fame in part through a series of his hit comedies. She would later say of that time: “When I ﬁrst got to know

Her salary for making The Godfather in 1972 was $35,000. In 1990, her salary for making The Godfather, Part III was $1,500,000.

Woody and I was going out with him, What next? I noticed that people never wanted In an exclusive interview with AARP to hear anything that I had to say the Magazine, Keaton revealed how at all. They just wanted to be in the she feels about reaching age 67. She shadow of his light and I remember said, “Let me tell you the best part really having a hard time with that.” about getting older. The best part is But it was Woody Allen whose that I’m still here and, because the 1977’s Annie Hall brought about her end is in sight, I treasure it all more. first and only Oscar for Best Actress. That’s why I don’t worry about crying After Woody, she was in a scene anymore. Now soon paired with Warren it comes easily. I know Beatty. He cast Diane in the emotion’s all there. his sweeping historical You have to live life that epic Reds (1981), though way, you know? Take the two broke up risks. Do things you shortly following the can’t imagine. ’Cause release of the film. hey, why not, right?” Her comedy hits Would she have plastic included co-starring with surgery? She told the Steve Martin in Father interviewer: “I haven’t of the Bride in 1991 had it, but never say Diane Keaton wins an and Father of the Bride, Oscar for Best Actress never. Because when you Part II in 1995 and with do, you are definitely goGoldie Hawn in The First Wives Club. ing to go there. . . I’ve done all kinds Capitalizing on senior audiences to of things I said I wouldn’t do and, understand later-life love, Keaton of course, now I’m glad. Thrilled.” co-starred with Jack Nicholson in And what does her future hold? What 2003’s Something’s Gotta Give, which would she like to find as an actor? “A grossed $125 million in North Ameri- really out-there role where I let it all ca. Roger Ebert wrote that “Nicholson hang out. Get totally enraged. Go to an and Keaton bring so much experience, extreme. I have not really had that opknowledge and humor to their charportunity, and I hope it will happen.” acters that the film works in ways the You can view AARP the screenplay might not have even hoped Magazine’s entire article at for.” The following year, Keaton www.aarp.org/entertainment/ received her fourth Academy Award movies-for-grownups/info-03-2012/ nomination for her role in the film. age-defying-diane-keaton.html.

1995: Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the “100 Sexiest Stars in Film History” (#46).

2006: Her performance as Annie Hall in Annie Hall is ranked #60 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time.

Next up, she stars in Darling Companion.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 9

Not? InsuranceWindows Discounts 8: ForReady Matureor Drivers Mr. Modem &

By “status bar,” I’m assuming that you mean the Taskbar—the large bar that appears across the bottom of the screen. If so, that is designed to expand TXT and .PDF files are supported by Richard Sherman or contract, which can come in handy. I by all eReaders, are basic imTakeasYour Class Online! have a very large monitor, for example, That type of warning is not age files such as .GIF and .JPG. Beyond so I keep my Taskbar about three times Now that Windows 8 has • formats, Study at your leisure, 24emanating hours a from day,Gmail, 7 days buta week. these fundamental supported the normal size so I can see a multitude been released, have you tried rather materials from your browser. Gmail formats vary depending on the eReader. • Simply read the course online and then answer few quiz of openaprograms andquestions. windows. it? If so, what do you think? itself has no strong feelings about As far as the typical battery, displaying • There is no need to attend boring classes or listen to long lectures. To adjust the size of the Taskbar. First, what you view. It will be happy pages of a book in an eReader uses Windows 8 has not been right-click it and make sure it shows that • After completion, of we willyou issue tocourse display anything click.a state-certiﬁed certiﬁcate for you to very little power. The most power is released commercially yet, it is Unlocked. Then place your cursor your company receive You didn’t mentionto what versionyour discount for a three year period. used when turning turn pages.into Battery life insurance is though the Consumer Preview Edition on the top horizontal edge of the Taskbar of Internet Explorer you’re using, normally listed as 7,000 to 8,000 page made its debut on February 29. As a until it (your cursor, not the Taskbar) soDriver try this—and if the wording isn’tInternet! turns, which would constitute several card-carrying geek with chronically Take Your Mature Course On The turns into a double-headed arrow. While precise for your version, it should be weeks of heavy reading, or about 36 nerdy tendencies, I have been using it pressing the left mouse button, slowly close enough that youand can locate theyears of age or older, you are minutes if you’reIfEvelyn Wood.a Florida Driver’s since that time. Windows 8 introduces you have License are 55 drag the bar down toward the bottom appropriate Goaccident to Tools > prevention course that will allow Regarding any harm one’s eyesight, many new features and constitutes nowtoeligible to complete motorsettings: vehicle of the screen and it will “collapse” Internet Options > Security > Secuaccording to my ophthalmologist, Dr. a significant change from Windows incrementally, in steps or tiers, to the you to receive a mandatory onbutton. your In insurance rate for three years. rity tab >reduction Custom Level the Jerry “Squinty” Anderson, absolutely 7. I have a few concerns, though size you want it to be. When you’re Miscellaneous section, change Display not. In fact, compared to a computer overall I like it. My complete review done, right-click and lock the Taskbar so Mixed Content to Enable, then save screen, there is less eyestrain with an can be read at http://bit.ly/yl3RBx. it won’t move or change in the future. and exit. That should take care of it. eBook reader because it will generally I am thinking about buying a have a higher resolution and refresh rate, For answers to your questions The status bar on my screen is Kindle or Kindle Fire reader, in Florida Department of Highway Safety in the absence of screen flicker. resulting by e-mail, or to subscribe to Mr. about an inch and a quarter part because I would like to read your Approved Course I receive the following security Modem’s award-winning weekly wide, and I do not know how to eBooks, & butMotor I have aVehicle few questions newsletter, visit www.MrModem.com. make it smaller. Can you help? warning when I open my Gmail: first: What formats are supported by eReaders? What is the typical battery life of an eReader? Does using an eReader hurt one’s eyesight? Thanks, Mr. M.

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Stay Connected! A F T E R 50

M Places to Go M Things to Do M Contests M Great Local Stories M Great Events Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles

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Go to: www.seniorconnectionfl.com Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 10

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 12

Communal Living Attracting More 60-Something Women

BY GINNY GRIMSLEY

ome say the ‘60s hippies are going back to the commune. Others call the growing number of female baby boomers rooming together “The Golden Girls phenomenon.” Author Martha Nelson, who at 65 is on the leading edge of a tsunami of retiring boomers, says it’s really all about choosing the company of friends. “As a group, we’ve been empowered more than past generations of women,” says Nelson, whose debut novel, Black Chokeberry (BlackChokeberryTheBook. com), is the story of three disparate older women who unexpectedly end up sharing a home. “We’re more worldly, stronger, financially savvy and healthier than our ancestors—through no fault of their own—and we know what we want.”

Increasingly, what they want is to actively age with the camaraderie, laughter, understanding and support of other women who share their ideas of healthy lifestyles, good food from their own gardens, green living and myriad activities on a moment’s notice. In 2010, 480,000 baby boom women lived with a least one unrelated female, according to an AARP analysis. The growing number of U.S. HomeShare programs, which help connect people interested in sharing a house, say their numbers have been steadily rising since the economy belly-flopped. Nelson notes that there are several reasons why women more than men

are gravitating to communal living as an alternative lifestyle. “Women typically live longer than men, and men are more likely to remarry quickly after a divorce or the death of a spouse,” she says. “And fundamentally I think it’s as much about the special bonds women share. We form these wonderful, supportive, ‘tell the truth’ friendships, which survive the demands of husbands, children and careers. Whether living alone or with a spouse or partner, women cling to their friendships. When a woman considers living alone as she ages, it’s a natural progression to seek the company of her best friends.” That’s what happened to Nelson, a former journalist and educator, whose long marriage ended in divorce when she was in her 50s. In regaining her balance as a single woman, she sought time alone to heal, then turned to her trusted friends as she stepped back into life. Her happiest moments came from long conversations over coffee, laughter over meals

and movies and, occasionally, indulgent tears she felt safe to shed. The movement for cohousing—where residents have private living spaces but share common areas and tasks such as cooking—started in Denmark and is catching on in the United States. Practical considerations of creating close living communities include health and safety, care in times of an accident or medical emergency, and saving money, Nelson says. But boomers are renowned for demanding more than creature comforts from life, she adds. “We want to be happy; we’re healthy, active and we want to enjoy ourselves as we age. We want to travel, go to a movie with a neighbor or housemate, cook a meal, share a garden, and feel that we are contributing to our communities. “What started with Rosie the Riveter has brought us to this,” says Nelson who is happily married again, but fascinated by the new movement of cohousing.

Mothers Day Dictionary of Meanings If Today Was Your Last Day…

n honor of all the years our readers spent as mothers and grandmothers, we give you a new, revised dictionary of terms:

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.

Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.

Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right. Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word. Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.

Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.

Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.

Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises. Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

Share with anyone who has been a mother! They’ll understand it all.

f today was your last day, would you die with no regrets? The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying began as a blog post, quickly garnering thousands of views and shares and becoming one of the most popular blog posts of 2012. With three million followers, Bronnie Ware collected years of insight into a new bestselling book that focuses on how we, the living, can make the most out of our lives right now. After switching from a career in finance to palliative care, Bronnie realized that almost every person she cared for shared at least one of five common regrets:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d been brave enough to express my feelings. 4. I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish I’d let myself be happier. These sound like simple wishes, but as she traveled through her clients’ despair, Bronnie was able to engage with the retroactive intentions of the departing to improve her own life, removing layers of personal doubt and sadness in order to live more freely and consciously choose happiness. Squaring off with death is a universal reality that touches us all. The book’s insights urge readers to live actively in the here and now. So, if today was your last day, would you be dying with any regrets? “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” by Bronnie Ware. Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 13

Veterans Corner

Honor Guards Represent Military Well At a recent Senior Fun Fest, Honor Guard from American Legion Chapter 14, St. Petersburg, folded an antique 48-star American flag. It was presented to the oldest veteran present, 97-year-old Alexander E. Forbes, Army Air Corps (below). He piloted C-47s, mostly paratroop carriers in the European theater of war.

BY RALPH MCCLURG

onor Guard units from numerous veterans groups across the country perform military funeral honors for fallen comrades. However, the groups provide “the colors” for many other ceremonial events. Veterans who join a group such as an American Legion all agree that providing funeral honors is an honor.” Mourners at these funerals often assume the military coordinates the ceremony, but in reality, the military is only required to send two active duty personnel to fold and present the flag. Other than that, the family or funeral home will request the presence of the Honor Guard. Joan Arcand was a Navy nurse during the Korean War. Today she serves as chaplain of Suncoast Chapter of the Korean War Veterans, Chapter 14, Pinellas Park. “We provide military funerals,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what war they served in, we will accept an assignment wherever a veteran has a service.” Her group is one of several in the area that provide this important service for veterans. “It’s a final thank you for their service. All veterans have stories to tell.” The honor guards represent those stories to the families. Chapter 14 has a dozen or more men Arcand can call upon to help her. “Providing Honor Guard service is something we’ve taken on as what

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 14

we want to do in our retirement. We don’t usually know the men we do funerals for personally, but we do know them in another way because we all served overseas, or in battle.” Arcand said she has prayers for various religious denominations which have been sanctioned for use. Three riflemen and someone to play Taps are with her as well. “I do a eulogy,” said Arcand, “and give a synopsis of their military life. Ministers who come take care of the vet’s soul; I take care of their military service. When I close, then we play Taps.” Arcand considers it “an honor to be serving people and doing this. I seldom have a difficult time getting people to serve with me at a funeral.” Besides participating in funerals, Chapter 14 also participates in other occasions when the “colors” require official presentation at ceremonies.

Playing Around at Shell Point W

hen it comes to retirement living in Southwest Florida, senior adults often find themselves with time to explore new opportunities for hobbies and recreation that they were not able to enjoy while working fulltime and raising their families. Such is the case for those living at Shell Point RetireErna Hennick ment Community. According to Mary Franklin, resort services manager for Shell Point, there are more than 50 activities to choose from every day, and many of the new activities that are introduced every year are actually started by new residents.

Model Yacht Racing Such was the case with Shell Point’s Model Yacht Club, which was started in 2008 by Charlie Picek, an avid model sailboat builder. In the beginning, Charlie and another Shell Point resident, Wes Allison, collaborated on the organization of the group and each time the group gets together for a race, a crowd of spectators gathers to cheer on their favorite sailors. The group is always accepting new sailors. Charlie added with a smile, “We are just a club for fun. We only have a few simple rules, and we don’t do too much ramming.”

Bocce Ball Meet Erna Hennick, a 94-year old bocce enthusiast and leader of the Shell Point Bocce Group. “When you were a baby, the first thing you learned to do was roll a ball. Anyone can do it,” said Erna. “It’s simple and it’s fun!” Bocce has become such a popular sport that Shell Point now offers indoor and outdoor bocce games to accommodate the number of residents participating.

to make beautiful pottery. June remarks that, “It took only one look at Shell Point’s Pottery Studio, and we signed up right away!” The studio is well-equipped with two kilns, three potters’ wheels, a slab roller, spray booth, and all the hand tools imaginable. In fact, June’s pottery goblets are even utilized during each service at her church, Iona-Hope Episcopal Church in Fort Myers.

Train Room Getting Crafty Boys also have Shell Point makes their toys here with sure that residents the Shell Point Train who have hobbies Room, led by resident or passions are able Phil Steen who is to continue to fulfill in his late eighties. those by helping to The Gulfcoast Model organize various clubs Railroad is a 40 x and groups. Take 40 platform in the the Activity Tunnel, shape of the state where residents can of Florida, with all access a pottery the major landmarks studio, fully equipped noted, based in the woodshop, train 1950s. The entire train room, art studio, display is handmade computer labs, stained by resident volunteers. glass studio, dark Phil has enjoyed room and more. June Lockhart working with this June Lockhart is a group for many years, resident in her nineties and spends a lot of time making sure who has taken full advantage of these that all the trains are running on track. opportunities by teaching others how

Tennis is Served Jack Dryer loves to be active in the game of tennis! When he and his wife moved to Shell Point in 2000, not only did he continue to play his favorite sport of tennis, he took on the role of tennis coordinator and helped the resident group to grow each year. “I was looking Jack Dryer for an activity that would keep me active and in shape during retirement!” said Dryer.

Drama Queen Resident Ruth Deuber is the volunteer director behind SPOT (Shell Point’s Own Theater), which offers theatrical performances in a dramatic reading format. The group meets twice a month with other residents who love theater and enjoy the drama of reading plays with one another. The group has grown quite a bit and for several years, and Ruth handles the organizational legwork needed to continue the reading sessions while also directing live performances for audiences of 500 to 800 people once or twice a year. “Being a part of SPOT just brings joy and so much fun,” said Ruth. “You really become a family, and it’s especially rewarding when our audience laughs.”

Celebrate Older Americans Month

ay is Older Americans Month. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month this year is Never Too Old to Play! With baby-boomers reaching retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage

of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups. Lifelong participation in social, creative and physical activities has proven many health benefits as we age. Older Americans also strengthen our communities

by encouraging others to stay active. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals and life choices. We Salute our Older Americans this month and every month. Thanks for setting a great example for all of us.

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 15

The Healthy Geezer

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just threw my watch in the “Ten-ten AM, trash. I got it as a gift a while Thursday, back—and it was something April 26th, else. It had four different 2012” digital displays, about a dozen buttons, was waterproof to about a thousand feet, and I think it could even tell me the weather. I’ll never know, though, because, like I said, it’s in the trash. Turns out it couldn’t do the one thing I want a watch to do … tell me the correct time. It always ran a little slow, which was bad enough, but there were so many displays and they were so small that I couldn’t easy-to-understand voice. So whether tell the time even if it was accurate. you’re driving to an appointment or When I tried to reset it, I pushed the dining in a candlelit restaurant … you wrong button and set it on military time, are sure to know the exact time. Press and I couldn’t figure out how to switch it the button again and it will even tell you back. That was the last straw. Now, I’ve the day and date if you want. There’s got a great watch. It’s super-accurate, even an automatic hourly chime. easy-to-read, and it will even tell … yes tell … me the time. Best of all, I’ll never Try it for yourself… it’s risk-free. have to set it! This is the watch I’ve The US Atomic Clock cost billions to been waiting for. build and maintain, but you can have the next best thing for less than one Whether you travel or not… this watch is hundred dollars. Thanks to a special a necessity. This Talking Atomic Watch arrangement with the manufacturer, from firstSTREET maintains its we can offer you this watch at a phenomenal accuracy because it is special price with our exclusive designed to receive a signal from home trial. If you are not completely the US Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, amazed by the accuracy and quality Colorado. This clock is the standard of this product, simply return it within for time measurement worldwide… it 90 days for a “No Questions Asked” can go 20 million years without gaining refund of the product purchase price. or losing a second! It never needs to Call now. be set, because it automatically adjusts itself for daylight savings time and leap years.

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doctor before you take any vitamin and mineral pills, especially if you take prescription medicines, have any health problems or are elderly. Taking too much of a vitamin or mineral can cause problems with some medical tests or interfere with drugs you’re taking. Vitamins and minerals are “micronutrients” your body needs in small but steady amounts. Your body can’t make most micronutrients, so you must get them elsewhere. Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by your body. Unlike fatsoluble vitamins, they don’t have to be absorbed using bile acids (fluids used to digest fats). Your body doesn’t store large amounts of water-soluble vitamins. The water-soluble vitamins you don’t need are removed by your kidneys and come out in your urine Your body has to use bile acids to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Once these vitamins are absorbed, your body stores them in body fat. When you need them, your body takes them out of storage to be used. Here are some water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C, biotin and the seven B vitamins—thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), pantothenic acid (B-5), pyridoxine (B-6), folic acid (B-9) and cobalamin (B-12). Here are some fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E or K. Minerals come from the earth or from water. Plants and animals absorb them to get nutrients. The “major minerals” are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur and chloride. They are considered major minerals because adults need them in large amounts. The “trace minerals” are chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. Your body needs them in smaller amounts.

It would be hard to “overdose” on vitamins or minerals that you get from the foods you eat. But if you take supplements, you can easily take too much. This is even more of a risk if you take fat-soluble vitamins. Whole foods are your best sources of vitamins and minerals. They offer three main benefits over supplements; 1. They contain a variety of the micronutrients your body needs. An orange, for example, provides vitamin C but also beta carotene, calcium and other nutrients. A vitamin C supplement lacks these other micronutrients. 2. They provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and can help prevent certain diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Adequate fiber intake can also help prevent constipation. 3. They contain other substances such as antioxidants which slow down the natural process that leads to cell and tissue damage. If you depend on supplements rather than eating a variety of whole foods, you miss the potential benefits of these substances. For some people, including those on restrictive diets, multivitamin-mineral supplements can provide vitamins and minerals that their diets often don’t. Older people and pregnant women have altered nutrient needs and may also benefit from a supplement. If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How To Be A Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2012 by Fred Cicetti.

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239-368-8277 Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 17

The Long Term Care Crisis in America BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist

Planning for Long-Term Care is so important. Learn all you can about something that can jeopardize the financial future of your entire family.

Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 18 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist. She brokers with many fine insurance companies and can find the right company to suit your needs.

For a FREE packet of information call today...

Safety Improves the Bathroom

t is a fact of life that as we age safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when considering a bathroom remodel. Statistically, more accidents occur in the bathroom than in any other place in the home. So by planning your bathroom space properly you can reduce the chance of slips or falls and create an area that is easy to use for people of all abilities. Most homes in America have bathtubs that are not accessible. This presents a very big safety issue for people who wish to age in place. For a standard tub, there are several things you can do to make it safer for an elderly person. Installing grab bars, shower seats and applying an anti-slip coating to the tub floor are three reasonably priced options. It’s still difficult to maneuver around the tub sides. A best-practice idea is to install a bathtub which offers a safer way to enter the tub. There are also a wide

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 18

variety of walk-in tubs on the market that can replace your existing tub.

Adjustable Shower Heads An adjustable shower head (which moves to suit the height and position most comfortable for a user) is a great way to add accessibility to a bathroom. Combining it with a hand-held shower head creates an even more functional experience. Using these two in conjunction with a shower seat will make it much easier to bathe while providing an increased level of safety.

he baby boomer generation: 77,000,000 people are living even longer than their parents. Families live further apart than before due to job constraints and the housing markets. Preparing to keep our older generation safe is more important than ever. The latest published out of pocket costs for Long-Term Care for 2010-2011 have been released: • Skilled Nursing Facility Care: $83,585 annually • Assisted living Facility Care: $39,516 annually • Alzheimer’s/Memory Care Units: $85,045 annually • Home Health Care: $43,065+ annually The current economic troubles could not have come as a worse time for seniors. Many individuals who chose the “self-funding” approach to LongTerm Care future needs now realize that it is ﬁnancially challenging. With a depressed real estate market and historically low CD and money market rates, the ability to self-insure has come under extreme pressure. If parents are in relatively good health, the time to consider LongTerm Care insurance is NOW. If it is unaffordable for your parents, family members are realizing that the premiums are far more affordable than the actual costs. Many families have come to me to work out an arrangement where the premiums are split between the children. This is a very doable solution.

There are many ways to accomplish this. There are plans that refund all premiums back to the beneficiaries if a person dies without using the LTC plan. There are shared plans—one policy to be shared by two people which helps with affordability. There are even plans for people who still own life insurance, who can “exchange” it for Long-Term Care benefits. The creative plans now available help to rectify the situation for those who failed to plan. And for the children, the baby boomers themselves, the time to create your own planning strategies is here. You will pay your premiums longer, however, your premiums, compared to those you might pay for parents, are drastically less. Begin the process while you are healthy to take advantage of the best possible rates. Planning ahead is smart and necessary to secure a happy, relaxed retirement. Shift the risk away from you and onto the insurance company. It makes good sense. For a free consultation about the various ways to accomplish this financial protection, please send me an email, visit my website, or pick up the phone and call me. Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, has been a LongTerm Care Insurance Specialist for over 18 years, brokers with only the finest insurance companies in the industry and is contracted with EVERY company offering a product. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and Past President of the local chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters. She is a member of the Bonita and the Estero Chambers, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Estero. She can be reached at (239) 274-6678 or at her website: longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

Volunteer Opportunity F

lorida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’

concerns. Special training and certification is provided. All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents—who often have no one else to advocate for them—are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Senior Volunteers Recognized

SVP of Lee County is joining the nationwide celebration of the 3rd Annual Senior Corps Week: “Making a Difference for Generations,” May 11 – 17, spotlighting the extraordinary work done by Senior Corps members in communities across Florida. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is a national program locally sponsored by Senior Friendship Centers and supported by the United Way of Lee County. “Communities across America are seeing the benefits from the talent and skill older Americans offer through volunteering,” said Robert Velasco II, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “During Senior Corps Week we celebrate the powerful impact of the more than 450,000 Senior Corps volunteers who are helping to solve problems ranging from poverty and illiteracy to helping seniors continue to live independently.” “Along with delivering enormous social and economic benefit to communities nationwide, volunteer service also allows older Americans to remain active and healthy, an outcome that is critical as our nation strives to lower health care costs in times of budget constraints,” said Dr. Tan. “More than two decades of research establishes a strong relationship between volunteering and health, and we are seeing that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of

depression and disease later in life than those who do not volunteer.” Senior Corps works through existing organizations and helps them reach more people and better achieve their mission. For more than four decades, the three Senior Corps programs— RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions—have engaged age 55-plus volunteers in service to meet critical needs. Last year, over 337,000 Senior Corps volunteers provided 96.2 million hours of service estimated to be worth more than $2 billion. In 2011, 1,000 Senior Corps members in RSVP of Lee County performed 173,514 hours of service estimated to be worth $3,706,259. The volunteers served in over 30 agencies such as food banks, soup kitchens, disaster and emergency services, elementary schools, senior service agencies, environmental agencies and more. We would like to thank all those 55plus volunteers who are giving their time and talents to make Lee County a better place for all. We would be remiss if we did not take this time to express how valuable your service is to all the citizens of Lee County. For more information on Senior Corps and its programs please visit www.seniorcorps.gov. If you would like to be a part of the RSVP of Lee County, please call 275-1881 ext. 203. Submitted by Margaret Baugher, Director, RSVP of Lee County.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 19

May 2012

5 17

Cinco De Mayo Dinner Theater. Dinner: 5:30 p.m., show: 7 p.m. $25.

Day trip to see “Under The Streetlamp” at Barbara B. Mann Theater. $82. (941) 625-4175 ext. 204.

21 24

CC Big Band USO: London. 7 p.m. $9.

Come by for lunch and get a ticket to watch a movie on the big screen! Movie info: (941) 625-4175 ext. 261. All events at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Tickets, times and info: (941) 625-4175.

The Best of Charlotte County

Mother’s Day Dinner. Seatings at noon and 2 p.m. Adults $13.95, children 10 and under $9.95. Prime rib, baked ham, roasted turkey, fixins, desserts. Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. (941) 625-4175.

FEATURED EVENTS • Country Fest, May 6. Featured performer: Craig Morgan. Come for arts and crafts, merchandise, BBQ, burgers, corn on the cob, ice cream, lemonade and beer. Kids’ activities. Bring blanket and lawn chair. Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. Details: (941) 206-1188 • Emancipation Day Celebration, May 19. Noon to 3 p.m. at Blanchard House Museum, 406 Martin Luther King Blvd., Punta Gorda. The program will include re-enactments of slave narratives, and everyone is invited to tour the museum. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and take a trip back to the early 1900s. Refreshments will be served. Free to the public. (941) 575-7518

Memorial Day Ceremony. Music at 11 a.m., Ceremony at noon. Fishermen’s Village Center Court, followed by a reception in Military Museum. Details: (941) 575-9002.

• Hibiscus Festival May 19 and 20. Saturday night: Music Fest. Both days: hibiscus flower and tropical plant vendors, live entertainment, food and refreshments. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda. (941) 639-0760

Country Line Dance Lessons, 7 – 9 p.m., Center Court, $3/person.

Senior Centers and Resources • Senior Friendship Centers: (941) 255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org. • Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida: (239) 652-6901 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.

Fremont John performs live on center stage, 5 – 9 p.m.

Join Us For Our June 2012 Edition!

• 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.

The Doo Wop Crew performs live music from 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

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

Charlotte County!

May Fun Events In 28 Charlotte County

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Lifestyles After 50 Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 20

Charlotte Senior Fun Fest Had “A Little Bit of Everything”

ast month we celebrated our 17th annual Senior Fun Fest at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. The event was packed with senior friendly exhibitors, fun stuff and entertainment. Over 2,300 people attended throughout the day and enjoyed bingo, dancing, tasty muffins from Perkins and samples of the new nutritional drink from Boost. There was also important information on health, local services, finance and lifestyles. Says Kathy Beck, event promoter,” We try to balance a little bit of everything into this event so everyone finds something of interest to them.”

Word Search

The highlight of the day was Fritzy the One Man Circus, who towered over a lobby full of people on his especially high unicycle! AAA and their Traffic Safety Foundation provided an area inside for education on Safe Driving throughout the day. Of course, the Veteran Motor Car Club of America’s SW Florida chapter did a great job displaying their cars and sharing their owners’ personal stories. Thanks to everyone for making the event another success! Go online to learn more about our events at www.seniorconnectionfl.com.

Word Search May 2012

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

April 2012

Juliette Izso is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on May 21 will win. MYSTERY PRIZE!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

(Puzzles must be received by May 21, 2012.)

Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 21

The Hudson River Valley: “A Rich and Pleasant Land” BY JANICE DOYLE

The Vanderbilt Mansion, Hyde Park

ore than 400 years ago, Henry Hudson said of the Hudson River Valley, “Nowhere have I ever beheld such a rich and pleasant land.” That remains a fitting description and tribute today. Remember Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman? How about Rip Van Winkle? These three Hudson River Valley literary characters were from the first literature defined as American. In fact, the first purely American art style began here as well—the Hudson River school of art.

Travel History is at every turn along the Hudson River, and the area has remained vital with a major presence by a variety of research/development, high tech and manufacturing ﬁrms. Just 90 minutes from New York City, Dutchess County, with Poughkeepsie at its center, my husband and I settled in for a few days to explore. Seven ‘don’t miss’ things to experience in Dutchess County:

Springwood, FDR’s family home

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt homes and presidential library in Hyde Park: The family home (Springwood), Eleanor’s cottage (Val-Kil) and the FDR Presidential Library make history come alive through excellent displays and stories by the docents. There are impressive Depression and WWII exhibits. My three favorite parts of the FDR complex included sections about FDR’s privileged childhood, his battles with the crippling effects of polio and the section telling the story of Eleanor Roosevelt as “ﬁrst lady of the world” following WWII. Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 22

The Vanderbilt mansion: Next door to the FDR complex, you see “how the other half lived.” Tour the mansion, hear the stories, see the Roman statues and the rose garden; then ﬁnd a place to sit and enjoy the view over the Hudson River to feel the elegance of a bygone era. Vassar College campus—You can get your exercise with a walk around campus to enjoy the trees and architecture; then tour the free world class Francis Loebman Art Gallery, one of the best small galleries in America. Vassar’s original 1861 charter included having an art museum, so the collection begins with early American works and continues with impressive additions from around the world. This is a good place to see paintings by Hudson River school painters such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. Also take advantage of the college’s Powerhouse Theater for top-notch stage works. Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park

Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park with a breathtaking hilltop view of the Hudson River. The grounds are beautiful; student-led tours take you past windows to watch classes in action as students of all ages master baking and blending. Dining here is very popular. Reservations are recommended at the restaurants, including Caterina de Medici, American Bounty and Escofﬁer. The Hudson River school of art was a mid-19th century art movement embodied by a group of landscape painters. Its earliest landscapes depicted the Hudson River, the Catskill and the Adirondack Mountains using light in new ways. The movement ﬂourished for 40 years, until the mid-1870s. Many of the artists’ homes and studios are open to visitors. The Walkway Over the Hudson is an old wooden railroad bridge across the Hudson rebuilt into a popular walkway. Spectacular views 212 feet above the Hudson await walkers, bikers, skateboarders and joggers from 7 a.m. until sunset, with

The Walkway over the Hudson

informational / historical signs along the way. (The bridge is higher above the water than ordinary because the original bridge had to accommodate the tall masts of sailing vessels.) Sprout Creek Farm is a community of people, plants and animals. Like hundreds of school children every year, we admired the chickens and goats as well as watching cheesemaking and gardening in action. Be sure to buy some of their cheese and produce for a tasty snack. Pick up a local paper and ﬁnd seasonal festivals, fairs and special events. We were in the area over July 4 weekend last year and joined thousands at the county fairgrounds for an outdoor concert and ﬁreworks. And just take time to stop in the area’s small towns and villages—places like Millbrook. Spend some time. Shop the shops. Read some history. Have lunch. Attend church. Enjoy! If you go: We stayed at the centrally located Courtyard Marriott on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie. The nearest large airport is Albany.

Fun Tips for Solo Travelers S

olo travel can be frightening at any age. Here are their tips for having fun while traveling solo:

1. Be Spontaneous One of the best parts about traveling solo is that you get to set the pace, pick the locations and decide how long to spend doing something. So, seize the day and take advantage of the freedom you have as a solo traveler to make it a trip worth remembering. 2. Who Said Safety is Only in Numbers? The number one thing solo travelers worry about before embarking on their trip is safety. Be aware of the risks of your travel destinations beforehand so you know what to expect. If you ever feel like you are in a precarious situation try to get out of it by saying you are meeting up with someone at another location. 3. Join a Group Tour Making your own itinerary every day can get tiring, so why not take a day off

and join a group tour to regain some mental traveling energy. Tours allow you to avoid the sometimes complicated public transit and get a chance to really sit back and enjoy the sites. 4. Be Street Smart Looking like a solo tourist can leave a red target on your back, so take the necessary precautions to blend in and look like you know what you’re doing. Look at your map only in a private area where you feel safe. Be aware of your belongings. Wipe the clueless look off of your face when you have no idea where you are and play it cool until you get your bearings.

5. Practice Your Photography Skills Not only does taking photos give you a visual memoir of your adventures, but taking someone’s picture is a great conversation starter. You’ll find that in some countries people will flock to the camera spotlight and even ask for you to take their photo. Taking photos is also a great way to ease some initial awkwardness you might feel when roaming the streets alone. Tips furnished by Tours4Fun.

Lee County Turning 125

onor Lee County’s 125th anniversary at the Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral during the month of May. They will host exhibits and a schedule of daily presentations from 2 to 3 p.m. They include:

10 Sustainable Floridians. 15 Florida Reptiles.

20, 21 Volunteering with LCPR. 22 Bed Bugs. 24 Nature as Your Neighbor

(3 – 4 p.m.)

27, 28, 29 Six-Mile Cypress Slough.

Sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Extension Service. Info at (239) 533-4700.

Oh, The Places I’ve Been! I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there.

Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! I have not yet been in Continent. It’s apparently an age thing. An Internet forward.

Humor I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 23

Seniors Getting Together Is Online Dating For You? 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!

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WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida. 4127 WIDOW, 69, SLIM, ATTRACTIVE, financially secure, non smoker. Many diversified interests, enjoys dining, dancing, travel, seeking companionship. Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, Ft. Myers, Sarasota.

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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 24

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 selfstudy. 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.

Pick the Right Running Shoes H aving the proper footwear is important to protect feet and prevent injuries for runners and walkers, according to Kate Schimka, DPM, at Loyola University Health System. Shop later in the day. Feet swell throughout the day, so they are larger in the evening. Bring or wear your old gym shoes. The sales associate will look for excessive wear in different areas of the shoe. Wear on the inside of the shoe indicates overpronation or a flat foot. Excessive wear on the outside of the shoe indicates underpronation. Uniform wear across the sole of the shoe reflects normal wear. Don’t forget your inserts. If you own orthotics, bring them with you to test in the shoes. Make sure both feet are measured. One foot may be larger than the other, so purchase your shoes according to the larger size.

Wear the socks you plan to use while running. Avoid 100 percent cotton socks. Opt for those with wicking capabilities that remove moisture from the feet. Don’t get caught up in the appearance of the shoe. Avoid buying a pair based solely on the brand or style. Check the fit. The most important step to finding the right shoe is to check the toe box for adequate room. Your thumbnail should fit between the end of the big toe and the tip of the shoe. The shoe also should fit snugly across the widest part of the foot, and the heel should not slide around as you walk. Take a test drive. Run or jog in the shoes on a treadmill or on a running path in the store to make sure they fit comfortably. (Newswise)

Last Month’s Answers

Last Month’s Winner Is George Sullivan Congratulations!

Enter to Win!

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

5 6 8 9 Myron L. 7Guisewite

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills. The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on May 21 will win. Good luck! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583 Mystery WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Prize! (Sudoku must be received by May 21, 2012.)

Last Month’s Answers

45 47

Last Month’s 34 Answers

23 25

Congratulations !!! 18

May Sudoku

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on May 19 will receive $20 cash! Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name Address City

Age

Phone

E-mail

State Zip

Martha Francis is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

April Sudoku

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

Win Great Prizes! New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Letter Carrier Food Drive

he 20th Letter Carrier Food Drive is the nation’s largest one-day food drive. With the food insecure population growing everywhere, the Saturday, May 12, food drive is extremely important. Citizens can participate by leaving nonperishable food by their mailboxes prior to their regular letter carrier’s delivery

that day for proper distribution to agencies. All food collected will be distributed to the food bank’s participating agencies at no charge. Monetary donations are also accepted. Additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact (239) 334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org. Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 25

Dick Clark Remembered

ick Clark, the ever-youthful television host who, more than any other personality, brought rock ‘n roll into the life and times of American culture has died. He was 82. His American Bandstand went from a local Philadelphia show to a national phenomenon by being very simple. He once said, “I played records, the kids danced and America watched.” The show was on ABC’s daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987.

Clark produced Our publication family and ultimately influencing integration. many game shows American Bandstand was a platform remembered Dick Clark: and was known for all artists like myself. Also special Senior events entertainer Ken for the year-end to me is the fact he was from PennsylBrady, of the original Casinos countdown from vania, like myself. He will be missed.” group, singer of “Then You Can Times Square. For a Tell Me Goodbye”: “He was Vicki Willis of Tampa was a teenager time in the 1980s, the the icon of music for everyone. in the ‘60s and says, “Every Saturday talk and game show Everyone who was anyone was I would hurry to finish my chores icon had shows on on his show. He was kind and and run to my girlfriend’s house to Ken Brady all three networks. gentle. There is no way anyone watch American Bandstand. It was As an iconic leader will ever come close to him. I always fun to see the newest styles in integration issues, he give black watched him every day. I watched and dances.” artists their due by playing original the dancers do ‘the Stroll’ for R&B recordings instead of cover From local singer James the first time on his show.” versions by white performers. Marvel: It was 1969 and I Clark endeared himself to fans across was with the band Mercy. Richie Merritt, formerly the country in 2004 Dick Clark had me on the with the Marcels and when he continued phone as his audience on a regular entertainer at performing even after American Bandstand was our events, said, “I am he suffered a stroke rating our song ‘Love so sorry to hear of Dick that affected his abilCan Make You Happy.’ Clark’s passing. He was James Marvel ity to speak and walk. Dick Clark said, ‘the an American Institution. with the band Yes, “the world’s Dick was there before “Mercy,” late ‘60s kids love your song!’ The oldest teenager” rest was history. Mercy there was a Motown. has died. He will went on to make the Top 10, second He was a visionary and a major Ritchie Merritt be missed. only to The Beatles’ ‘Get Back.’” force in changing pop culture

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Pirates of Antibiotic Overuse: the Caribbean Risks Outweigh Benefits T D

Cruise ships operate in international BY MARK PILARSKI he overuse of antibiotics waters and are not bound by stateside is “slowly killing us,” said regulations, and as for getting hold ear Mark: I am going on a Shane Ellison, author of Overof the ICCL at sea, good luck to ya. cruise and was wondering, the-Counter Natural Cures. As for a gaming dispute, if you feel should I expect the same payoffs on “My daughter was three years you have an issue that cannot be slots that I receive here in Biloxi? old when she had her first resolved by the casino manager, climb Also, how are casinos regulated emergency room visit. Suffering the ladder and bring it to the attention on a cruise ship, and what if a disfrom high fever and chest pain, of the hotel manager. That’s pretty pute was to happen? —Emile D. every muscle in her fragile body much it. The only gaming control tensed for air. Her lungs were agent you’ll find on a cruise ship is When sailing the high seas, Emile, being attacked by pneumonia. topside, basking in the glow of the Cayour floating hotel casino offers the Ellison said prescription antibiotics The antibiotic penicillin saved ribbean sunshine on a deck chair, Moonly game in town. Competition should not be used for: her life,” said Ellison, who is jito in hand, on vacation just like you. is what raises slot payoffs, but on known as “The People’s Chemist.” • Ear infection aboard cruise ships Gambling open water, cruise ships have none, “Today, antibiotics are a luxury is something just a captive audience whose only • Strep throat that knowledgeable that previous generations didn’t Deal Me In readers should avoid. escape is jumping over the rail. • Flu have. But antibiotic overuse Besides, Emile, cruise ships is slowly killing us. Igniting • Bee Stings offer plenty of other diversionmassive amounts of side effects, ary activities besides yanking • Common cold they’re also training bacteria handles on penny slots. • Urinary tract infection how to evade our most potent Bon voyage and happy buffeting! medicines,” said Ellison. • Preventive medicine during He notes that if current use of Dear Someone told or after birthMark: in hospital antibiotics continues, antibiotic me you could tease both sides the safest resistance will soon yield all current Ellisonofsaid the four sameofsporting event. antibiotics are: medications useless according to Is that true? —Johnny R. the World Health Organization 1. Penicillin A teaser is a bet on two or more (WHO). And that means we have teams where the bettor can add no more defenses against biological 2. Amoxicillin or subtract points (typically 3. Cephalexin nasties—our longevity would go They also know their patronage: you seven) from the spread in return for back to the Stone Age, where every 4. Erythromycin reduced odds. Like a parlay bet, all are one-timers, on vacation, with disinfection was life threatening. posable income burning a hole in your results must win for you to be paid. Antibiotic medications should nevfurther increase the safety profile of not widely offered, pocket. The casino within doesn’t give To Although er be used as a first line of defense medications, consume purified what you are asking aboutwith is called one iota about repeat business becausethese against common illness, according water, milk thistle and probiotics, an “In and Out Teaser,” where which you’re probably never coming back. to the author. We need to start rely- helpyou rebuild the ‘good’ bacteria inthe your pick both the favorite and So, what can a one-time player ing on our own immune system— gutunderdog that is destroyed by antibiotics. And of the same game. expect in terms of paybacks from innate and adaptive immunity. never consume alcohol while taking meds. Using last Thanksgiving Day’s game these luxury liners? Take out a dictionof Detroit versus Green Bay as an ary and look up words like horrific, horrendous, horrid, hideous or hellish. example, the current line while writing this is GB -6. An In and Out Teaser Possibly, a slightly higher payback would have you teasing both Detroit would be pistol dueling Captain and Green Bay and getting an addiBlackbeard and claiming his treasure. tional 7 points to increase your odds of Yo ho ho, and a pirate’s life for you. winning, giving you DET +13 and GB As for regulation and oversight, +1. As long as the spread covers both Emile, there is an organization wagers, your two-team bet is a winner. called the International Council Update: Final GB 27 -- DET 15, of Cruise Lines (ICCL) that offers which would have given you a some regulatory controls, but it’s win on an In and Out Teaser. nowhere near the same level as the Gambling Wisdom of the Week: control agencies in Nevada, Atlantic “Everything in life is luck.” City, Detroit, Biloxi or any other —Donald Trump. (SENIOR WIRE) major U.S. land-based casino market.

Elder Helpline 1-800-963-5337 www.agingflorida.com

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

ast month, our astute Declarer remembered that his opponent had opened the bidding, sensibly deduced that said opponent must have the missing high cards, and then played the hand accordingly. This week’s deal is a bit more difficult, as Declarer must be alert to something which did not happen!

Happy

May 23

Stuff That Doesn’t Happen

N-S stumble into 4♠ after a Stayman auction and West leads the ♣J. It looks like a simple enough hand, and so it is. Declarer loses two trumps and must avoid also losing two Heart tricks. How would you play the hand? You win the first trick with the ♣K and lead the ♠Q. East wins that, then cashes his second high Spade, and exits a Spade. You can cash some minor suit winners if you like but you already have all the information that you need to make the contract a virtual certainty. What was it which “did not happen”? That’s right, East did not open the bidding! He has already shown up with the ♠AK … and West’s lead of the ♣J denied the Queen. That gives East 9 HCP, so surely he cannot also hold the ♥K, that would be 12 HCP, and enough to open. So, you cash the ♥A and lead low towards the board. West is an expert and nonchalantly plays low, perhaps while stifling a yawn. But you are having none of that malarkey! You confidently call for the Queen and it’s 10 tricks for the good guys! Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl. org/D9Clubsmap.htm. Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club:stpetebridge.org.

Grandmothers Are Interesting!

grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. “We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods.” The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, “I sure wish I’d gotten to know you sooner!” Lifestyles After 50 • May 2012 • page 27

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