50+ Lifestyles, December 2018 Long Island edition

December 2018 Long Island Edition • Vol. 43 #12

50plusNY.com

WIN Tickets See page 6

Kooky Holiday Traditions Holiday Gift Guide Pages 16-17

(Such as Dessert on the Ceiling, and more!)

By Randal C. Hill

M

ore than 160 countries around the world celebrate Christmas.

Overseas and elsewhere, some holiday traditions may seem wonderfully weird—and maybe even a bit bizarre. For some chuckles, let’s check out the yearly happenings in: SLOVAKIA: During Christmas Eve dinner, the oldest male resident tosses a spoonful of loksa pudding (a mixture of sweetened poppy seeds, bread and water) onto the ceiling—the more that sticks, the better his crops or business will do during the next year.

GUATEMALA: Each neighborhood sweeps dirt into one large pile, then plants an effigy of the Devil on top before setting it on fire.

(Continued on page 23)

Entertainment What’s Trending in Travel 2019 Tech for Your Parents PAGE 9

PAGE 13

MAKE BATHING SAFE AND EASY AGAIN!

PAGE 26

NEVER STEP OVER THAT

DANGEROUS

TUB AGAIN!

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. The most common place falls in the home occur is in the bathroom. - Report by the National Counsel For Aging

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December 2018 Long Island Edition • Vol. 43 #12

50plusNY.com

WIN Tickets See page 6

Kooky Holiday Traditions Holiday Gift Guide Pages 16-17

(Such as Dessert on the Ceiling, and more!)

By Randal C. Hill

M

ore than 160 countries around the world celebrate Christmas.

Overseas and elsewhere, some holiday traditions may seem wonderfully weird—and maybe even a bit bizarre. For some chuckles, let’s check out the yearly happenings in: SLOVAKIA: During Christmas Eve dinner, the oldest male resident tosses a spoonful of loksa pudding (a mixture of sweetened poppy seeds, bread and water) onto the ceiling—the more that sticks, the better his crops or business will do during the next year.

GUATEMALA: Each neighborhood sweeps dirt into one large pile, then plants an effigy of the Devil on top before setting it on fire.

(Continued on page 23)

Entertainment What’s Trending in Travel 2019 Tech for Your Parents PAGE 9

PAGE 13

MAKE BATHING SAFE AND EASY AGAIN!

PAGE 26

NEVER STEP OVER THAT

DANGEROUS

TUB AGAIN!

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. The most common place falls in the home occur is in the bathroom. - Report by the National Counsel For Aging

Call NOW! 631-923-6502 Mention This Ad To Receive a $200.00 Special Winter Savings Discount

See our ad on page 11 for pictures and additional information

Calendar HOLIDAY SEASON

HAPPENINGS DECEMBER 2

★ Port Washington Christmas Tree Lighting. Blumenfield Park; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ★ Sayville Hanukkah Menorah Lighting.

Sayville Chamber House; dusk. ★ Cutchogue Tree of Lights Celebration.

Main Road, 2;30 to 4 p.m.

DECEMBER 5

★ Holiday Tree Lighting; Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ★ Chai Center Menorah Lighting, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy.,Dix Hills; 5:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 7

★ Planting field Tree of Lights & Santa Visit. 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay; 6 to 8 p.m. ★ Moriches Tree lighting Ceremony.

Center Sq. Shopping Center; 7 p.m. ★ Orient Beach State Park, Orient. 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 8

★ Holiday Parade & Bonfire, Main Street, Riverhead; 3 to 10 p.m.

Through January 1 Promenade of Trees. Stony Brook Village Center; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 60 decorated trees. Vote for the best. Info at 631-751-2244.

December 1 Ride the Reindeer. New Life Church, 1 to 5 p.m. Ride the Mechanical Reindeer and win!

Photos with Santa and much more. Drop Site for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. Bring an unwrapped toy! Info: 516-694-3883. Free.

December 2 Mega Family Chanukah Bash. Nassau Coliseum. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20, $30, or $40.

For more info : www.Megachanukah.com

December 6 Healing Songs of Hope Concert. English and Spanish music. St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, 88 2nd Ave. Brentwood; 7 p.m.

December 8 Free Christmas Concert. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow. 7 to 8 p.m. Info: 516-483-3649.

December 8 'Tis the Season 2018. Long Island Maritime Museum, West Sayville; 4 to 8 p.m. Info: 631HISTORY. Holiday entertainment for all ages!

December 8 Winter Concert. Huntington High School, Huntington; 8 p.m. Tickets $20 at: huntingtonchoralsociety.org/performances/tickets/.

December 9 & 16 Silver Chords Chorus to Perform Free Concerts. Two free concerts to be held in Bellport on Sunday, Dec. 9, Mary Immaculate Church and in Smithtown on Sunday, Dec. 16, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Concerts start

December 15 Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. Brookville, 2 p.m. Info: 516-299-3100. Cost: $48 - $78. The Eglevsky Ballet will perform The Nutcracker.

December 16 South Shore Brass Concert. At the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Smithtow; 3 p.m.

Wonderful music and sing along. Handicapped accessible. Ample parking.

Admission: Free will donation. Info: 631-265-4520 or www.stthomasofcanterb u r y. n e t / a n n o u n c e ments.html.

DecEvents (Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)

at 2 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30.) Handicapped accessible; admission is free.

December 9 Bay Shore's Light the Night 2018. Throughout Bay Shore-Brightwaters; 5 p.m. Info: 631-6657003.

December 10 Messiah Sing-In. Experience the joy of choral singing. John’s Church on the lake in Cold Spring Harbor; singing begins at 8pm, scores will be provided. Suggested donation: $10.

December 28 St. Aidan Spirituality for Singles Annual Christmas Dance. At Msgr. Kirwin Hall, Williston Park. $35 includes a buffet, beverage, coffee, dessert, DJ, and of course dancing. Info: call Ray Kubeskie at 516-561-6994. 50+

Legal Breakfast Seminar Wed. December 12, 2018 - 9:30 a.m.

FREE BREAKFAST SEMINAR with David R. Okrent, Esq., CPA Estate Planning: How Changes in Estate Tax Laws May Impact You. Lake Grove Diner.

Reservations Required: 631.427.4600.

December 15 A Merry, Very Victorian Christmas. Old Westbury Gardens. Info: 516-829-8374; 7 to 10 p.m.

An evening of fun and discovery through storytelling, songs, and demonstrations $15/$12 member, $10 child (ages 7–17)/$8 member child Ages 6 and under are free.

Advance tickets required.

50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 3

••• Special Heath Message On Curing Obesity •••

H

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

as sustained weight loss eluded you? Have you wondered if bariatric surgery can help you achieve the results you desire? Then now is the time to call Long Island Laparoscopic DoctorsSM, Long Island premier surgical and non surgical weight loss practice.

Drs. Hesham Atwa, Jon Leung and Charles Thompson III will provide you information you need to decide whether you are ready to take this life-changing step. They can help you determine which weight loss surgery procedure is best for you. We offer a no- obligation insurance check to see if you qualify.

And if surgical weight loss isn’t the best solution for you we specialize in non-surgical medical weight loss programs such as the Obalon and Orbera Gastric Balloon, prescription assisted weight loss and nutritional programs. We even have a program that combines all three for faster, greater, more satisfying weight loss!

At LILD, we have Improve Your Health, Lose the Extra established one of the safest and most comWeight, Look & Feel Better In 2019! prehensive surgical weight loss programs your procedure by our team of docin New York. Our emphasis has been on tors and nutritionists. Schedule a offering treatments that are safe, virtuconsult today or register for our ally pain free and scarless. Our patients next in person seminar offered experience a fast recovery and many are twice a month locally or back to work in days. visit our webImagine being able to eat smaller site to learn portions and not feel hunger. all about us Image the “fire” that drives you to and what we do. See patient eat and snack your way through the day successes just like you. put out!

For further info call 631-228Imagine losing your excess weight 8277, visit us on the web at without heavy www.journeytothenewyou.com exercise. or download our free mobile app Imagine freeing yourself from by searching major app stores for many of the obesity related health conBaritastic and enter code 0696333 ditions like Type 2 diabetes, Acid Reflux, Sleep Apnea and high blood pressure virtually overnight!

Our program is comprehensive and you will receive support before and after

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4 50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

TECH TALK

Internet Not Working? Here's How to Troubleshoot

Q

: What steps should I take to troubleshoot when my internet isn’t working before calling my Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

W

e’ve all been there. At the most inopportune time when you need your internet to be working, it’s either completely off or it’s cutting in and out.

Internet access is another utility almost as important as electricity. If you’re without it, you’re disconnected from the outside world. As more ISPs are offering products to piggyback on your internet access, these outages are causing more of a disconnect for their customers. There are a few simple steps you can perform at home that may help bring your service back up without having to call your ISP. The first step is to look at your modem/router.

If this device is not lit up, that can definitely indicate a problem on your end. Power cycling it by unplugging its power and then plugging it back in after 30 seconds. Service interruptions are commonly caused by work being performed in the area, and a simple power cycle of your modem can restore the service. The modem would eventually perform a reset after a certain

amount of time, but manually power cycling the modem speeds up the process.

If you find that your modem is lit up, everything looks like normal and a power cycle does not fix the issue, then you may have a problem somewhere else on your system. If you only have a computer that’s using your internet service, then you may have an issue with the com is to reboot it.

If, after rebooting, you still have no internet access, the next thing to check is whether you have connectivity to your modem. Your computer may be connected via wired connection or a wireless connection. If via a wire you can always trace from the modem back to your computer to ensure both ends of the cable are

with Mark Rinaudo

plugged in. Sometimes hardware can lock up and simply unplugging the cable and plugging it back in can reset the hardware. Most modems have a set of status lights on the front that give a good indication of whether your service is up, or if it’s experiencing an issue. If power cycling does not change the status lights on your modem, then it’s most likely an issue on your service provider’s end. All service providers have a way for their customers to check if any outages are occurring on their network by visiting their website. This however does you no good when your Internet is down. However, if you have a smartphone with a data plan, you can simply turn off your wifi connection on your phone and then you’ll be able to use your carrier’s data network to visit your service provider’s website to see if they are indeed having trouble.

With a little troubleshooting it’s quite possible that you can restore your internet service on your own when you need it the most.

Mark Rinaudo has worked in IT in Shreveport for more than 20 years. He is the owner and operator of Preferred Data Solutions. E-mail mark@preferreddatasolutions.com to submit a question for this column. 50+

50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 5

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NOW ONLY $9.95 Name: Address: Email:

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SafeBath LI Walk-in Showers, Grab Bars & Bath Chairs The Gateway Performing Arts Center Bristol Financial Services LI Laparoscopic Doctors Bariatric Surgeons Suffolk Transportation White Oaks Nursing Home EDP Dental Plan Vision World Theatre Three - A Christmas Carol NYCB Theatre at Westbury Signalert Asset Management LLC Long Island Family & Elder Care Prime Time Travel Motor Coach Tours Salisbury Estates Condominiums Last Hope Animal Rescue Copper Zap Cold Cure Finkelstein & Feil Financial Services Lawyers PLLC Catholic Cemeteries MyNotifi Fall Protection Schoenbart Low Vision Care Flushing House Retirement Community Saddle Rock Upscale Apartment Living Affordable Cremation Services Agewell Medicare Advantage & RX Plans StairGlide Lifts & Ramps Pinewood Estates Retirement Community Law Office of David R Okrent Schoenbart Vision Care TLC Companions Home Health Care Services

1, 23 2 3 4 5 5 7 8 9 9 12 13 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 22 24 25 26 27 27 Back Cover

WIN TICKETS! SHOW TICKET GIVEAWAY Win two tickets to the NYCB Theatre at Westbury.

Send your name and address to: Publisher, 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11931 or e-mail: frank@50plusny.com.

Winners will be chosen at random. Please, only one entry per person.

Gajtana Simonovski of Forest Hills and Kathleen Witt of Mineola on winning tickets to see Andy Cooney’s Christmas Celebration at Carnegie Hall.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tim Edwards ext. 111 VICE PRESIDENT SALES & PRODUCTION Marie S. Trotta ext. 113 EDITOR Gary P. Joyce ext. 250 DIRECTOR OF SALES Bruce Safran ext. 108 ART DIRECTOR Gregory A Jones ext. 232 EDITORIAL OFFICE: 146 South Country Road, Suite 4 Bellport, NY 11713 Tel (631) 286-0058 · Fax (631) 286-6866 Advertising Rate Card By Request COPY DEADLINE 15th of previous month ©50+ Lifestyles™

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LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 11

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Email us your Name, City, Zip Code and Email address and we will sign you up for a free monthly email subscription to: Subscriptions@50plusNY.com

ALL MEDIA PACKAGES INCLUDE: • 100% Color • Larger Ad Sizes • Free Advertorials • eFlip Book Inclusion • Social Media Exposure Outstanding L.I. & NY Metro Area 5 Borough Coverage 100,000+ Readership Available At: Stop & Shop • King Kullen • Best Market • Hospitals • Restaurants Health Facilities • Libraries • 55+ Complexes • Senior Centers • High Traffic Locations

For Advertising Information contact Bruce Safran 516-356-7159 • Bruce@50plusny.com

6 50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Frank C. Trotta ext. 100

CONGRATULATIONS!

MARKET DIRECTLY TO LONG ISLAND & NEW YORK’S 5 BOROUGH’S BABY BOOMERS AND OLDER ADULTS AND WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW!

Packages Starting at $50.00/ MONTH!

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LifeStyles Puzzle Solution from page 11

Are You Avoiding The Dentist For Fear Of The Cost?

I

f you don’t have dental coverage or feel insurance is too restrictive and costly there is another option: the EDP Dental plan. Fortunately, there is an alternative to traditional dental insurance in the growing numbers of available dental plans that offer many advantages in convenience, savings, & procedures from top notch dentists. It is a great individual option and the industry is booming. Dentists and dental plan providers cooperate to make affordable dental care available to you and for more than 15 years EDP has helped thousands of Long Islanders get the dental care they need at an affordable price.

Whether your kids need braces, you need a root canal, or if you just need your regularly scheduled checkup and cleaning, a family dental plan will save you money every time you go to the dentist. Typically, members will find their bills reduced by half and in some cases even more. At EDP Dental it is not uncommon for members to report an average savings for a family of four in excess of $1500 a year or MORE! With some of Long Island’s best dental care providers in their network, EDP members are saving up to 60% off the cost of their dental care every day! The dentists that accept EDP are the same providers that take the big insurance company plans.

However with EDP they can work directly with the patient for the best possible treatment at a reasonable cost. Best of all the discounts are applied to the patient right at the time of service, what’s easier than that?

For only $99 a year you can have peace of mind that you have the best dental savings plan available when you need it and when you don’t. EDP will keep you smiling with our cost savings program that puts you in control of your dental care and money back in your pocket!

Many people wonder how discount dental plans work. How can they be so cheap but still offer such significant savings? Almost everyone understands how traditional dental insurance works. But, this is not dental insurance. This is how we explain it at EDP Dental: Gain Access to In-Network Dentists - Save on every visit with a dentist in our plan’s nationwide network. Dentists within our provider network have agreed to provide the same quality care for the discounted rates listed in the fee schedules. Discounts are exclusively accessible to discount dental plan members.

Save Money with Fixed Prices - No matter what your dentist would

normally charge for a procedure, with a discount plan, you pay the dollar amount listed in the fee schedule.

Everyone Wins! - Dentists get more patients and keep their dental practice running and agree to the reduced fee schedule in return.With EDP, dental coverage also includes specialists, such as, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and prosthodontists. These visits are charged at a 25-percent reduction of participating specialist’s regular fees. Our user friendly website www.edpdental.com has been designed to help you locate a dentist, compare pricing and easily enroll online If you have questions and would like to speak with one of our customer care representatives you can reach us at 1.800.929. 7881.

1/30/19.

50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 7

VeteransNews

✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭

Home to be Awarded to Veteran A home was purchased using proceeds from the Fairway Foundation’s Purple Heart campaign in Brookhaven, for the Veterans Home Giveaway project. The Fairway Foundation volunteers, sponsors and local Veterans invite the Long Island community to assist in identifying a veteran to be awarded the home located in Mastic, NY. The Fairway Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization, launched the Purple Heart campaign to help increase awareness of the obstacles our veterans face when returning to civilian life, and to raise funds to assist veterans in need on Long Island. With over 100,000 veterans, Long Island has the highest population of veterans in New York State.

The Foundation raised enough funds locally to purchase the three-bedroom ranch style home currently under renovations.

All Veteran candidates must have ties to Long Island, served post 9/11/01, received an honorable discharge and have been awarded a Purple Heart Medal. The nominee must also earn less than the Long Island median income and have the capability to afford the property taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep of the home. Applications are still being accepted. The home will be awarded to the Veteran not with the greatest injury but the greatest need so long as the Veteran meets the criteria. A panel of veterans from several veteran organizations including the VFW, American Legion will make the final decision.

Visit The Fairway Foundation Facebook page or VeteransHomeGiveaway.org to view photos and video clips. E-mail FairwayFounda-

8 50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

tionNY@gmail.com or call 631-881-5110 to learn more about how to apply for the home giveaway. Together we can all make a difference in the life of a veteran.

LI Vet to Receive the Lt. Colonel Joseph J. Fenty Jr. Art Scholarship The Art League of Long Island is pleased to announce John Melillo of Eastport was the winner of the Lt. Colonel Joseph J. Fenty, Jr., Art Scholarship for Veterans. The scholarship, funded by the law firm Salenger, Sack, Kimmel, and Bavaro LLP of Woodbury, offers veterans a semester of art instruction at the Art League of Long Island. Melillo will participate in seven weekly sessions of art instruction in Howard Rose’s Painting Seascapes and Coastal Landscapes class running through December 19, 2018.

John Melillo is a disabled rated Vietnam Veteran. Six months after earning his B.S. degree at Cornell University in 1969, John was called to service in the Army. He was stationed in Long Binh, where he was assigned to a Combat Military Police Unit as a front line commander of 26 MPs. Upon returning home to the U.S., John’s entrepreneurial spirit found him starting companies in the fields of Entertainment, Oil & Gas, Clothing, Real Estate, Marketing/Printing, and Technology, some of which are still in business today.

As supporters of the men and women serving in the armed forces, Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro partners were touched by Art League of Long Island Executive Director - and Gold Star Mom - Charlee Miller’s loving remembrance of her son Joe Fenty. As an Airborne Ranger and Commander of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Lt. Colonel Fenty was a brother and mentor to the soldiers he commanded.

On May 5, 2006, he and nine soldiers were killed while serving in the Kunar province in Afghanistan when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed during combat operations. The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. Learn more at www.artleagueli.org. 50+

Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti Returns to NYCB Theatre at Westbury

L

ong Island’s own Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti returns to the NYCB Theatre at Westbury for his 2nd Annual Christmas show on Saturday, December 21. The Bethpage native rose to fame in 2016 when he became a finalist in the 11th season of NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent.” His rendition of Frank Sinatra’s hit “My Way” not only received a standing ovation, but got the coveted “Golden Buzzer” from judge Heidi Klum.

Valentinetti is an Italian-American crooner known for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. From a young age, Sal was influenced by his grandmother, Tina Valentinetti, to love the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

You can see Sal live this Christmas season! Tickets are available at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury Box Office or you can purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com. 50+

Age of Elegance 2018 Marleen Schuss

Joan Allen

National Senior America Pageant

T

he 2018 National Senior America Pageant was held the week of October 15, 2018, in Atlantic City. And what an exciting Pageant Week is was! From the moment of arrival, each contestant was presented with schedules of activities and events. Sunday, a Welcoming Meet-and-Greet Dinner; Monday, Rehearsal Day; and so on.

On Tuesday morning, all thoroughly enjoyed the Queen’s Welcoming Breakfast and, in the afternoon, the excitement of the First Preliminary rounded out the day. Tuesday evening, all enjoyed a wonderful showcase where Cameo members show off their varied talents.

Wednesday evening was alive with a formal Dinner Dance and live music after the afternoon's event — the Second Preliminary. The Finals were on Thursday when the top 10 reprised their acts. Quite a hefty schedule to say the least!

Thirty-nine amazing ladies shined brightly getting ready to compete for the title of Ms. Senior America 2018. Having already won the crown from their own state, they proudly exhibited their talent, philosophy of life and inner beauty to five prestigious judges. Finally, it narrowed down to the sought-after spot--the top 10 competitors.

We held our breath until we heard our very own New York Queen, Maureen Griffin-Damone’s name called as one of the Top 10.

Maureen wowed the audience with her origi- Maureen Griffin-Damone nal song, “Thank God, I’m a Biker Girl.” Maureen holds her title of Ms. New York Senior America 2018 until the 2019 Pageant which will be presented on July 14, 2019.

Ms. Senior America 2018 Is Gayle Novak from Colorado.

Once again, our very own Dance troupe, The Seasoned Steppers and wonderfully talented choreographer, Marianne Stahl, lit up the stage with their amazing tap routines. They have appeared in countless Senior

Visit the ALL-NEW 50plusNY.com

• Events • Articles • Video • Polls

The Seasoned Steppers

America Pageants throughout the years. We thank them for their support and dedication to New York Senior America.

The Senior America family departed for their home states on Friday morning. Many hugs, happy goodbyes and another group of new friends have found each other. A new beginning is on the horizon and the beat goes on!!

New York Senior America is on the way to the 2019 Pageant.

We already have candidates eager to become part of this vibrant organization. The pageant experience gives contestants a new-found purpose, offers a sisterhood of friends, and meaningful volunteer opportunities. it is designed to highlight, and celebrate, the talent, vitality, wisdom, and accomplishments of women over 60 — the Age of Elegance. If you are interested in becoming a contestant in the July 14, 2019, Pageant fill out the coupon below or get in touch with Marleen Schuss, State Administrator@marleenschuss@aol.com or 516-761-7503. 50+ Until next time,

Joan and Marleen COUPON

Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2019 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant.

Name Address Telephone E-mail Address

Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 318 East Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 More info, Phone: 516-678-3242 • 516-761-7503 ongratulations to our Hidin’ Harry winners from the November issue. The winners are Nancy Kuhle of Montauk and Loretta Selletti of Valley Stream. Both will be receiving a pair of Theatre Three tickets in the mail.

So … Find Hidin’ Harry somewhere in the pages of 50+ LifeStyles and send us your answer — including your name and address — by post to Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 … or by e-mail to: editor@50plusny.com.

C

ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, PER MONTH, PLEASE!

CROSSWORDS

Gift Certificates from the

Gateway Theatre 631.286.1133 thegateway.org

Question of the Month

W

e’ve all a story about how Medicare/Medicaid doesn’t work sometimes. Whether it’s psoriasis shampoo that cost $250 for an eight-ounce bottle (and you haven’t met your deductible), to the “I couldn’t get an appointment until …” tale.

Tell us — in 50-75 words — your Medicare/Medicaid story. By a random selection, we’ll hopefully ease the pain (a bit!) by presenting one of you with a pair of theater tickets.

Send your stories to Editor, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11731 or e-mail editro@50plusny.com.

Across 1 A crustacean 5 A river in northern Spain 8 Cougar synonym 12 A sound in Florida 13 Often for rent (abbr.)

14 It’s on you 15 Colorado tribe 16 Belonging to the Cornish hero 18 A rock from above 20 Once it’s caught, you do this 21 Not that 23 Part of a western wind 24 Belongin to the Alamo 28 Russian royal 31 Miners deal with this 32 The Moor in Italian Down 1 A pal while baiting?

2 Not learning but saying 3 Aid, usually feloniously 4 Attack from all sides 5 Guys from New England?

6 A girl, month and percentage (abbr.)

7 Recipe word 8 Moonshine is usually this 9 Alaskan city whose name isn’t 10 Won an Oscar for Pasteur portrayal 11 Professional group (abbr.)

17 One of seven 19 Kent State is here 22 A knot attaching hook to leader 24 May is her month 25 Wrath

(Solution on page 6) 34 Baby goat 35 Sew 37 Scale cars for kids 39 It’s a madcap party 41 114 divided by 2 for Ceasar 42 Try it first before gluing 45 In high opinion 49 Campbell sang about this job 51 Sexual crime 52 American governing body for this winter sport 53 A wing of a building 54 Employs 55 Run into someone 56 Negative vote 57 Spots 26 It can be long or short.

27 Messy 29 It’s in a diver’s tank 30 Usually rural routes (abbr.)

33 He provides a lift 36 Beat 38 Lime, orange, etc.

40 South American tree sloths 42 Island off the North Fork 43 Awake 44 They work for the IRS 46 A life of ….

47 Olympic weapon 48 Military food hall 50 Similar to

50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 11

(Solution on page 6)

How Good is Your Travel Insurance?

W

ith an increase in older Americans traveling internationally, the US State Department has launched a new campaign to encourage seniors to consider travel insurance in the event of any medical emergencies abroad.

Understanding Coverage Travelers unclear on whether they have coverage should contact their health insurance company on whether emergency medical coverage will extend outside the US. Depending on your specific plan and area of travel, medical coverage can vary widely.

Policyholders may discover they have either "in-network" coverage, limited coverage, or no coverage at all. Travelers should also be aware of the following: Deductibles: the amount a patient must pay for covered services before insurance kicks in ; Co-insurance: the amount a patient is responsible for a covered health care service;

Co-payments: a set amount owed for a covered health care service.

A Word About Medicare Original Medicare does not cover emergency medical care for travelers outside the US. There are supplemental plans such as Medicare Advantage and Medigap that can provide limited additional coverage, for more details visit Medicare.gov.

Emergency Medical Evacuations According to the US State Department, very few domestic health insurance companies will pay for a medical evacuation back to the United States, which can easily cost up to $100,000, or even more, depending on the condition and location of the patient.

Travel Insurance Options Travelers should know about any limitations

12 50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

of domestic health insurance policies while out of the country. In most cases, there are gaps in coverage. Some gaps are significant. Travel insurance is recommended because it can act as supplemental or primary coverage.

Most travel insurance providers offer one or two different types of insurance plans that provide emergency medical coverage outside the US: Comprehensive travel insurance offers the most protection for travelers. It provides a variety of benefits including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical coverage, 24/7 emergency assistance, and baggage protection.

Travel medical insurance provides emergency medical coverage, 24/7 emergency assistance, and emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Both comprehensive and travel medical insurance plans are a valued supplement while traveling overseas, offsetting possible coverage gaps evident in some domestic health plans. 50+

Best Winter Holiday Destinations

A

head of a winter season with above-normal temperatures and more rain than snow, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its 2018’s Best Winter Holiday Destinations report as well as accompanying videos to supplement its money-saving selection of the Best Travel Credit Cards. Focusing on cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty, WalletHub compared nearly 70 of the largest US metro areas grouped by warm and cold weather. Each destination was analyzed based on 36 key metrics, primarily the expense and hassle of traveling to each location but also on other indicators, such as weather forecasts, safety and variety of activities. Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the report’s most interesting findings:

Best U.S. Cold Destinations for Winter Travel

Best U.S. Warm Destinations forWinter Travel

1. Chicago, IL 2. Washington, DC 3. Atlanta, GA 4. Cincinnati, OH 5. New York, NY 6. Boston, MA 7. Portland, OR 8. Denver, CO 9. Philadelphia, PA 10. Pittsburgh, PA

1. Las Vegas, NV 2. Orlando, FL 3. Los Angeles, CA 4. San Diego, CA 5. Dallas, TX 6. Austin, TX 7. Houston, TX 8. San Francisco, CA 9. Tampa, FL 10. San Antonio, TX

Safety Tips Snowbirds Should Know While Traveling Personal safety experts share tips that can help protect travelers while heading to warmer destinations

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n the next few months thousands will head to warm locations for a few months to escape the winter weather at their homes. It’s important for snowbirds to be aware of their surroundings while traveling to and from their destination, especially if they are taking a road trip because they will be driving through various cities and there is always the risk of a car issue that can leave them stranded in an unfamiliar city. To help snowbirds stay safe while traveling, Krav Maga Worldwide (www.kravmaga.com), the industry leader in self-defense and fitness, has put together a list of personal safety tips to keep in mind.

Inform family & friends of travel details. Inform your family and friends of your travel details so someone knows where you are and can call for help if something seems suspicious. Let them know where you will be staying and how they can reach you. If you are driving, make sure

to also inform them of any place you spend the night along your route.

Double-check your travel necessities. Make sure you have passports, boarding pass, IDs and any other travel necessities you may need. It is also important to make sure you have an emergency kit handy if you are driving. Portable phone charger, first aid items, blankets, food, water and flashlight are all good items to have. It also is a good idea to take your car to a mechanic pre-trip.

Always keep one arm and hand free of luggage and other gear. If your arms and hands are tied up with bags you have no means of defending yourself from an attacker. Luggage that can stack together securely and be pulled by one handle is a safer choice than wearing and carrying numerous bags. Follow this rule not only while traveling, but once you get to your destination and are exploring the area. The less items

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you have on you, the better.

Stay Together. Even though it can be frustrating to travel everywhere with someone else, stick to the buddy system. Even for a quick trip to the grocery store have a travel companion come with you. You can never be too cautious, especially in areas you aren’t familiar with.

Park in well-lit areas and only visit populated places. Avoid parking in spots next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. You want to keep your car and yourself as visible as possible and also avoid parking next to tall shrubs or plants that could block views of your vehicle. If you are stopping for gas, a bathroom break, food or just to stretch your legs make sure to only visit populated areas.

If you can, try to schedule your pit stops beforehand so that you know you are in a safe area instead of just having to get to the nearest gas station. - Krav Maga Worldwide 50+

What’s Trending in Travel for 2019?

By Suzanne L. Bancroft

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t’s hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner. It’s a good reminder to look for new inspiring sights and connecting with others in the new year. The travel industry is booming and one sector that has been making great strides is “motorcoach travel”. It’s a great way to travel with ease and comfort. The possibilities are a rainbow of destinations both near and far.

Motorcoach travel is affordable, with wellplanned itineraries that enable easy, safe, and fun travel for all! It’s a perfect way to travel as a solo traveler, couple or group. Vacation packages range from all inclusive one day tours, short-stay tours (usually 1 to 2 nights) and multi-day tours (3+ days) most tours include accommodations, meals, transportation, tour guides, admissions and more!

Consider one of these exciting and inspiring destinations for 2019…

Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual event in Philadelphia with over 250,000 attendees each year! The theme for 2019 is “Flower Power” showcasing more than ten acres of landscapes, garden vignettes and floral displays. Doit-yourself ideas and hands-on experiences offer you inspiration for your home garden! Price $99 per person. Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation & Admission Villa Roma Italian Week is hosting a special Italian week of delicious food and entertainment on April 29-May2, 2019. Relax at this expansive resort or take part in the many activities and games. As part of your stay you will enjoy nightly entertainment, a Caesar’s-style Luncheon Extravaganza with complimentary wine on Tuesday. Includes all daytime activities, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, bocce, shuffleboard and more! Vacation package includes: Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, 3 nights lodging, 8 meals, activities & entertainment. All-inclusive price of $599pp Double Occupancy, $699 Single Rate.

Don’t miss out on the amazing performance of “Shen Yun” at the New Jersey Performing Art Center on May 2, 2019. Experience Shen Yun a group of leading classical Chinese artists that came together in New York to revive the true divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world! Shen Yun will take you on an extraordinary journey to the divine civilization of ancient China. Classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dances, authentic costumes, and breathtaking backdrops will do the storytelling, all accompanied by an enchanting sound that blends the expressiveness of Chinese instruments with the grandeur of a Western orchestra. It’s a stunning experience you won’t find anywhere else. Price $189 per person. Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, premier seats & 3 course Italian dinner Call for more information on more 2019 fascinating tours: Culinary

Institute, QVC Studio Tour, Mt. Airy Casino, 9/11 Museum, Peddler’s Village, Greenwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, Islands of Maine, Montreal & Quebec and much more!

Prime Time Travel has been proudly serving Suffolk & Nassau counties for over 30 years and is a premier motorcoach operator in the Northeast. They offer 4 convenient pickup locations, 2 in Suffolk and 2 in Nassau with easy access off the LIE. Book your tour by Call for phone or online. Prime Time Travel is a FREE also a full service travel agency to hanBrochure dle all your vacation, cruise and land tours at competitive prices – call for a free quote! You can contact Prime Time Travel at (631) 286-7329, by email info@primetimetravel.com or go their website www.primetimetravel.com

631-286-7329

Your New Best Friend is Waiting!

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Visit Our Wantagh Adoption Center 3300 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793

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50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 15

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Fire Department Coffee Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for Dad this year? Look no further, than Fire Department Coffee.

Combining two of his favorite drinks, coffee and spirits, Dad will love sipping on a warm cup from FDC's spirit-infused line. Choose between Bourbon, Rum, Tequila, or Irish-Whiskey infused coffee. A one-pound bag retails for $19.99; www.firedeptcoffee.com.

ANAFI Drone European drone company, ANAFI has come out with a new drone said to be “easy to fly …with something to offer for both the novice and the expert pilot. It comes equipped with a 4K HDR camera, 180-degree tilt gimbal, three-axis image stabilization, it folds up, and has image quality that rivals professional cameras. MSRP is $699.99; www.parrot.com.

Magna Ready Apparel Hey, let’s face it … our thumbs and forefingers just don’t seem to want to cooperate with buttons anymore, right? Presto: MagnaReady has created a line of clothing that uses magnets that will “button” a shirt or “zip” pants on their own. The magnets are hidden inside the

clothing, so it looks stylish and the shirts and pants are machine washable. Cool idea, check ‘em out at www.magnaready.com.

BrainBolt BrainBolt is a blazing, fast light-up memory game! Players follow the lights and see if their memory is up to the BrainBolt challenge.

Perfect for solo play and ready for head-to-head mode with a friend, timed mode, or advanced mode for expert players. Age range: 7-99; MSRP: $21.99; www.educationalinsights.com.

LumiSign Cool idea… battery operated, wireless license plate frame that displays messages! Automatically comes on under braking and stays on for three seconds.

Signs range from seasonal greeting, to branch of service to favorite sports team inserts (around $9.99 each) so you can change things out. Beats putting bumper stickers on your car. MSRP: $39.99 to $59.99; www.olenstechnology.com and Amazon.

Taco Toaster Who doesn’t love tacos? The Nuni Tortilla Toaster will warm tortillas in just 60 seconds and can warm six at once. What else to say? Well, it MSRPs at under $100 at Sur la Table or NuniToaster.com.

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Gifts From Grandparents Boppy® ComfyFit® Baby Carrier • Simple, supportive structure. Easy to use.

• Intuitive and secure design inspired by yoga apparel.

• Machine washable soft fabric and spandex.

• Lightweight.

Designed with comfort for both parent and baby in mind.

• Available in Black, Heathered Gray and NEW Midnight Blue. MSRP $69.99.

Boppy® Luxe Feeding & Infant Support Pillow • The ultimate updated and luxury gift for mom, the original, award-winning Boppy® Nursing Pillow and Positioner can be used for bottle feeding, propping, tummy time, sitting and breastfeeding!

• Draped in a luxuriously soft minky slipcover that’s easily removable for washing, the delightful applique and paired piping give this ultra plush pillow a fabulous look.

• Pillow and removable slipcover are machine washable. MSRP $50.

Boppy® Newborn Lounger • Newborn pillow with recessed interior provides perfect place for baby to coo and kick in comfort.

• Safe place to set newborn down for hands-free moment.

MSRP $30.00.

Boppy products are available at Boppy.com and in stores nationwide, including Target, Babies “R” Us, buybuyBABY, and Amazon.

Funnel Your Energy Funnel Your Energy was created by a motherdaughter duo who are both triathletes and always on the go. From work to working out and traveling, they needed an easier way to use protein powders conveniently. Thus, Funnel Your Energy was created and is 100% Made in America.

Just funnel, pour and shake!

• Funnel Your Energy is convenient, reusable and compact!

• Eliminates bulky shaker bottles!

• Affordable!

• $6.97 (Pack of 7) Available at funnelyourenergy.com

Flip-It! Bottle Emptying Kit The Flip-It! Bottle Emptying Kit is a revolutionary solution based product that saves people time, money and frustration trying to get every last drop of product out of their bottles. Works with shampoos, conditioners, lotions, liquid car wax, glue, metal polish and many other DIY products.

Flip-It!® Highlights: • Eco-Friendly -- Did you know that you cannot properly recycle bottles with product left inside? Flip-It!® helps the environment by reducing the number of bottles going into landfills and making recycling more efficient.

• Multi-Purpose -- Can be used throughout the entire home and can be put to work by businesses like salons, restaurants, groomers, detailers and more looking to save time and money on the products they use.

• Reusable -- Simply hand wash or top rack dishwasher and use again and again.

• Food Safe -- Flip-It!® is made from food grade materials and is BPA Free.

• Fits Most Standard Bottles -- Each kit comes with four bottle thread adapters that fit the most common sized bottles found around the world, including the ones in your home!

• Easy Transfer -- No funnel required! Simply transfer product between containers using the Flip-it!® without the hassle and mess of a funnel.

“We created Flip-It!® because we believe every ounce counts when you’re trying to save money and live a more conscious lifestyle,” explained Flip-It!® creator Steven Epstein. “We all lead busy lives—who really has time to struggle getting product out of bottles when the solution is here, is cost-effective and so simple. We’re seeing tons of interest around the world and have sold at over $19K per minute on QVC!” MSRP: $10-$20. Flip-It!® an be purchased online at Amazon, Walmart, and at the Container Store.

Gateway TheatreGift Certificates The Perfect Gift! You decide the amount, they decide what to enjoy! Located in picturesque Bellport, NY, the theatre was first opened in 1950. Today the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County strives to enrich a wide range of communities with quality theatrical experiences through diverse arts, kids shows, entertainment and educational programs. Contact the Gateway at 631-286-1133 or visit www.thegateway.org 50+ 50+ LifeStyles December 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com 17

Heating Assistance Available

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emperatures are dropping and many local residents may grow concerned about the ability to afford the high cost of heating their homes. That's why Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station) wants to inform local residents that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging began processing applications for the 2018-2019 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides financial assistance for qualifying households, in mid-November. Nassau County also began processing requests.

“Our most vulnerable neighbors should never have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table,” Legislator Donnelly said. “Luckily, HEAP will again provide much needed assistance to Suffolk County seniors struggling to cover their expenses.”

Depending on the primary heating source, qualifying senior citizen homeowners can receive a basic HEAP benefit of between $350 and $726 for oil, propane, kerosene natural gas or electricity. Renters can receive a benefit of $30 or $35.

Applications were already mailed out to households that received a benefit in last year’s program. Individuals who have not previously received the benefit and wish to submit a new application to the Office for the Aging must meet one of the following conditions: Age 60 or older, or Under 60 and receiving Social Security Disability, or Under 60 and receiving Supplemental Security Income Code A. To request an application, call the Suffolk Office for the Aging HEAP Hotline at 631-853-8326 or the Nassau County Office for the Aging at 516227-7386

Congratulations Long Island Jaguars he Long Island Jaguars win the USA Senior Softball Winter National Championship 60's A A A division. The tournament was held in Ft Myers, Florida November 9-11. The Jaguar team is composed of 16 players from the 60's Senior Softball leagues.

The Jaguars went a perfect 7-0 thru the tournament defeating the Playmakers from Wisconsin 16-8 in the championship game.

It was the Jaguars second Winter National Championship in the past 3 years.The Jaguars now qualify for The 2020 Tournament of Champions in Lakeland Florida next winter. 50+

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Pictured standing from left to right: Jerry Salata, Brian Lyons, Joe Mancini, Jim Goelz, John Farrell, Dave Didio, Jim Kiernan,Charlie Owens, Byron Bodine, Todd O'brien, John Newton, Joel Riech Manager.

Kneeling left to right: Jim O'gara ,Gary Richter, Lenny Glover, Mike Cohen, Jim McDowell, Rick Caravaggio.

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Applicants who do not meet the Office for the Aging guidelines may still qualify based on HEAP Tier Income Guidelines for income and household size. A family’s gross monthly household income must be at or below the poverty standards set by New York State for HEAP. For example, monthly income for a 1-person household cannot exceed $2,391, for a 2person household the limit is $3,127 and for a 3, 4, or 5-person household it cannot exceed $3,863, $4,598, or $5,334 respectively. For more information or other maximum monthly income levels, call the Department of Social Services HEAP Unit at 631-853-8820.

Non-emergency new applications can be obtained and completed in person at the Suffolk County Department of Social Services South West Center, located at 2 South 2nd Street in Deer Park, 631-854-6684/6685. In Nassau County go to the Nassau County Office for the Aging, 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale; 516-227-7386. 50+

Around The Towns...

Send your news items to Frank@50plusny.com 1

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1. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Thomas P. Hand (far right) recently joined with Massapequa Park Mayor Jeff Pravato (far left) and Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy (second from right) to support the Town’s 11th Annual Autism Walk held at John J. Burns Town Park. This walk raised nearly $11,000 to benefit the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities.

2. Congressman Lee Zeldin joined Long Island American Bikers for Awareness Training and Education (ABATE) for their Veterans Appreciation Dinner, during which over $140,000 was awarded to local veterans groups.

Over the last four years, Long Island ABATE has raised over $400,000 for Long Island Veterans.

3. Councilman Kevin LaValle (left) and Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (right) attended the annual Bethel Hobbs Farm Fall Festival in Cen-

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tereach. All proceeds from the festival benefit the farm to help provide fresh wholesome produce to those in need.

4. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore joined other elected officials and community leaders at the Ribbon Cutting event for Paws of War at their newly expanded location in Nesconset. Paws of War is a non-profit organization designed to benefit both veterans and rescue dogs. To learn more about Paws of War or donate to their worthy cause, log on to www.pawsofwar.org or call 631-FOR-PAWS. 5. Councilman Michael Loguercio presented a check for $1100 to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Long Island Chapter Coordinator, Stefanie Taylor. The money was raised by the Town of Brookhaven Division of Women’s Services through the sale of pins and bracelets.50+

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A MyNotifi Memo: Getting Help When You’ve Fallen, and When You Haven’t

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here are many choices for wearable devices seniors can use to summon help, but they’re not all created equal.

Seniors can be reluctant to push the button on medical alert pendants, even when they know they need help, when it means alerting 911–a situation that feels out of their control.

They’re far more likely, however, to use devices that alert family or friends instead.

Ed is a case in point. He isn’t the type of person to ask for help. His wife convinced him to get a MyNotifi fall-detection device, which clips to his belt. He wears it more for her peace of mind than for his own.

It came in handy recently. Ed fell asleep on his recliner one day while using a heating pad on his back. His wife was gone for the afternoon.

When he woke up, the heat was unbearable. He didn’t know it then, but he had second-degree

burns. He couldn’t get out of his chair to reach the phone, but fortunately he was wearing his MyNotifi. He tapped the device and his wife got the alert. She and their daughter took him to ur-

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gent care. Although he learned later that his situation was serious, Ed told us that he wouldn’t have been so quick to ask for help if the call had gone to emergency services rather than to his family.

MyNotifi is an automatic fall detection device. It clips to your waistband, or is worn on your wrist. It connects to a free smartphone app, so it goes wherever you go. When a fall is detected, it automatically notifies a list of selected loved ones. But MyNotifi does more than that. Use MyNotifi to summon help any time, even if you haven’t fallen, by simply tapping it.

There are no monthly fees, no contract, and no call centers.

Get your exclusive and limited time $10 discount today, using code: 50LIFESTYLES10 www.mynotifi.com info@mynotifi.com

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness

New optical technologies such as telescopes and bioptic glasses can help many affected by these health conditions. If you are a senior or know of a senior with declining low vision you should have at least a phone consultation and perhaps an exam by an experienced low vision specialist.

What older Americans need to know about preserving their vision

Improving Senior Vision Is Our Mission!

Dr. Steven Schoenbart, Clinical Director of the Schoenbart Low Vision Center serving patients from Manhattan to Montauk can help. Using special prescription optics and miniature mounted telescopic glasses, he has helped patients improve their ability to read, watch TV and in some cases continue to drive. Dr. Schoenbart would like to do the same for you.

To schedule a FREE low vision phone consultation with Dr. Schoenbart or make an appointment for a low vision exam call 516-219-8690 or visit LowVisionofNY.com

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f you are over the age of 50 and have not had a recent eye exam, schedule an eye appointment. Diabetes is growing at epidemic rates and is now the third leading cause of death in the United States. 1 in 4 seniors have or will develop Type 2 Diabetes after the age of 60. People with diabetes are more likely to develop eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy — vision-threatening damage to the retina of the eye caused by diabetes — is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans!

Senior Eye Exam Keeping an Eye on Visual Health The good news: Diabetic retinopathy often can be prevented with early detection, proper management of your diabetes and routine eye exams performed by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. And for those currently suffering significant

In the late stages of diabeticr etinopathy, you may have blind spots and/or floaters.

visual impairment whether it is from Diabetes, AMD or other eye diseases vision rehabilitation is now the standard of care for patients with low and declining vision.

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Cover Story - Kooky Holiday Traditions ENGLAND: The idea of kissing under the mistletoe began here. Refusing a smooch was said to bring bad luck, and one tradition required that, with each kiss, the participants pluck a berry from the mistletoe bunch.

NEW ZEALAND: Summertime Santa often appears in “jandals” (New Zealand sandals) and an All Blacks (their national rugby team) shirt. Kids leave beer and pineapple chunks for Mr. Claus, and carrots for his reindeer.

VENEZUELA: Caracas streets close to all traffic when Christmas Eve arrives. This is a safety measure as many city dwellers roller-skate— nobody seems to know why—to latenight Mass.

NORWAY: All brooms are hidden in order to keep witches from finding them and riding off into the Christmas Eve night. Men also fire their guns into the evening sky.

JAPAN: Since 1974 the power of persuasive American advertising has established a newer tradition: enjoying a Christmas Day feast at the nearest Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

GREENLAND: Folks relish holiday treats of mattak (whale skin with a strip of blubber inside) and kiviak, the raw flesh of auks (a type of Arctic bird) which have been buried whole in sealskin for seven months until they have reached a certain level of decom-

position. (Seconds, anyone?)

WALES: Some villages in South Wales celebrate Mari Lwyd, a wassailing folk custom in which a local man parades through the streets, his identity hidden under a sackcloth while bearing a horse’s skull on the end of a stick.

GERMANY: Each December 5, German children leave a shoe outside the house. Well-behaved kiddies awake to find the shoe stuffed with sweets.

Those behaving otherwise are likely to find a tree branch instead.

CANADA: There’s an actual postal code used in Canada to send letters to the North Pole: HOHOHO. All the letters received, even those in Braille, are answered by thousands of volunteers who donate their time every year.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Some folks fast on Christmas Eve in the hope that they will visualize a golden pig—a sign of good luck—appearing on a wall before dinner.

SOUTH AFRICA: After residents enjoy a traditional Christmas Day meal, they eagerly tuck into after-dinner treats of plump, fuzzy caterpillars that have been fried in oil.

FINAL THOUGHT: Makes you wonder how some of our own Christmas traditions might seem strange to others, as well? 50+

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What, Me Cook?

By Randal C. Hill

Back in Omaha he presented his idea to the Swanson honchos, glibly explaining, “Look, what if you put frozen turkey in here and cornbread

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n the early 1950s, appliance manufacturers began offering refrigerators with freezers.

Frozen fish, meat and vegetables began appearing in markets at about the same time. Also growing in popularity was the unrelated phenomenon of television. Eventually all three coalesced into a concept that radically altered the eating experience of the traditional American family.

Accounts vary as to the actual development of “TV dinners,” but the most frequently told story involved an oversupply of 260 tons of turkey meat in 1953. Supposedly, an especially warm turkey breeding season had resulted in a warehouse full of surplus meat owned by C. A. Swanson and Sons of Omaha, Nebraska. To keep their product from spoiling, Swanson used refrigerated turkey-stuffed boxcars while the company frantically worked on a plan.

Gerry Thomas, a Swanson sales executive, had flown to Pittsburgh for a sales meeting earlier in 1953. On his flight Pan American Airlines had served their passengers a hot meal of meat, potatoes, vegetables and dessert on an aluminum tray. Thomas experienced a “light bulb” moment and sketched a food-tray design on an envelope.

dressing in there and sweet potatoes in there?

Stick the whole thing in the oven, and in less than half an hour — no fuss, no bother — you’ve got a meal!”

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The idea of cooking food and freezing it for later consumption wasn’t really new. A New York outfit called W. L. Maxson had provided meals consisting of meat, a vegetable and a potato for the navy during World War II. In 1949 brothers Meyer and Albert Bernstein had started a Pittsburgh company called Frozen Dinners, Inc. (They sold their product locally and under the odd brand name of One-Eyed Eskimo.) By the early 1950s, American markets were already offering entrees of frozen steaks and pizzas, and Swanson sold a popular frozen chicken pot pie.

By 1953 televisions could be found in over half of the nation’s homes. Swanson promoted their frozen meals under the brand name TV Dinners, with cartons featuring images of wood television cabinets and various knobs.

When the heated meals proved too hot to balance on one’s lap while watching television, another invention — the folding TV tray — quickly solved the problem.

With more women staying in the postwar workforce, frozen dinners proved to be a godsend to many harried homemakers. But women were often still expected to fix dinner, and some men, resisting change, hated the idea of eating once-frozen food rather than fresh. “Men said they would divorce their wives if they were served our dinners” Thomas once explained. “I got a lot of hate mail. They said we were ruining family life.” 50+

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Stair Lift

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tair lifts are gaining popularity as the population ages. A stairlift may be the right solution for you if you have mobility problems with stairs. Today’s stairlifts, such as those sold by StairGlide of New York, do not require structural changes to the home and do not damage the stairs or change the décor. The stairlifts are designed to be quiet and efficient, with smooth start-and-stop functionality.

They are designed for safety and comforts with features like swivel seats so there is no twisting, safety sensors should there be an obstruction on the stair, and much more. Here are some things to consider in choosing the right stairlift for your home.

Stair style: Stairlifts are available straight, curved and as outdoor stairways for entrances and patio steps.

Safety features: All StairGlide of New York stairlifts include multiple safety features. These include fold-up chair and foot rest for when not in use; safety belts and lockable seats; a remote control feature to allow others to operate it; and your stairlift will continue to function (1.5 to 2.5 hours) even if power goes out!

Support: Pre-purchase and after purchase support from trained factory technicians who can recommend the proper configuration and address any issues that may come up is critical. Stairlifts can be tested at the company’s showroom and a technician can visit your home for consultations.

Stairlifts can be removed and reinstalled should you move, and feature the best warranty available: a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox, lifetime warranty on the rail system, and one year warranty on all other components.

StairGilde of New York is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and led by Tom Knoblauch, President. For questions about sales or service call 631-647-2255 or wwwstairglideny.com.

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6 Senior Living Technology Pieces Your Parents Need for Their Home

By Rachel Cooper

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s our aging population is growing, technology is evolving to make day-to-day life easier for seniors. Here are some innovative products that help families of seniors improve their quality of life.

1. Medical alert systems The most popular technology for seniors is a wearable call button that dispatches emergency help when needed. [See Signalert ad on page 20. — Ed.] Before making a long-term commitment to a specific service, ask if for a free trial period.

2. Wearable health monitors Wearable gadgets such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and specialized sensors are available to measure heart rates, track asthma, monitor blood pressure and so much more.

3. Financial alert technology Technology can be used to set up alerts to protect you from fraud, scams and identity theft. Sign up with your bank to receive automatic alerts for withdrawals from your account. Use apps such as EverSafe to

CLASSIFIED ADS PERSONALS Foodie, 67, lovely trim F in Eastern Suffolk, seeks well-dressed M or F, for either country drives, getaways or “going Dutch” at fine restaurants.

TEXT 631-379-9477.

PROF. SERVICES

CLASSIFIED FORM ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

$60 Businesses • $35 Individuals (Non-business related) 15 words - $1 each additional word All ads must be pre-paid. Rates are per month.

For more information call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 220.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER

CLEAN HOMES BY STACEY Weekly, bi-weekly-monthly, one time only, Reasonable rates. E. Moriches, C. Moriches, Yaphank and Bellport.

631-902-3787.

All classified ads must be submitted by the 15th.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

Word Count:

Payment: $

AVAILABLE AT MOST

❑ Check ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ AE Accout#: Exp. Date: Name on Card: VCode: Section: ❑ Real Estate ❑ For Rent ❑ Wanted ❑ For Sale ❑ Prof. Serv ❑ Other Number of Months you Wish to Run Ad

Mail with check or money order to:

and most Libraries in Nassau/Suffolk.

50+ LifeStyles Attn: Classified Department, Barbara Connolly 146 South Country Road • Bellport, NY 11713 Or, fax with charge card # to (631) 286-6866 Or, E-Mail with charge card # to Barbara@50plusny.com -NO PHONE ORDERS TAKEN-

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monitor financial activity within multiple accounts.

4. Smart home technology Smart home technology, or home automation, provides conveniences such as LED lighting, auto stove shut-off systems, smart thermostats, home security systems, smart outlets, smart smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, and more.

5. Digital Assistants Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home are voice-activated WiFi devices that can be helpful to seniors who are living independently. They can turn on lights or adjust the thermostat, as well as take dictation to help you create reminders.

6. GrandPad This customized tablet is a technology designed specifically for seniors who have little technical expertise. No dialing or typing is required. For more information, visit the Apartment Guide Blog (www.apartmentguide.com/blog/). 50+

Navigating Medicare as you turn 65

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or those turning 65, there are various health care coverage options to explore.

AgeWell New York offers some guidance to help you navigate your enrollment options.

When you are eligible for Medicare, you enroll in Part A & Part B, often referred to as Original Medicare, which cover specific services.

Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility and home health care and hospice services.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital services and durable medical equipment, and other medical services and supplies.

Neither cover everything, so, you may also choose to enroll in Part C, a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides you with all your Part A and Part B benefits, and benefits above and beyond.

Part D covers prescription drugs. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer Part D, or you may need to enroll in a separate Drug Plan.

When choosing health care coverage keep in mind; doctors, hospitals and specialists in the plan network, covered drugs, covered preventive services, supplemental benefits such as vision, or dental, and overall, if the plan is meeting all your health care needs.

October 15 to December 7 is Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) when you will make the decision to remain in your current plan, choose another or return to what is commonly referred to as Original Medicare.

AgeWell New York offers Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans that provides all the coverage of Original Medicare, plus more personalized care with additional benefits and services.

For AgeWell New York’s Medicare Advantage Plans, call 866-586-8044 or agewellnewyork.com.

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