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SINCE 1980 — VolUME 31 • NUMBER 11
On Nov. 11, We Honor the Veterans Who Have Served Our Nation By Matt Wiseman, Editor Senior Voice America The number 11 is significant in this moment. On Nov. 11, 2011 (11/11/11), we honor the Veterans who have served our nation. The Global War on Terror is the 11th time we have sent our best and brightest men and women to defend liberty. In ‘11, we lost the last verified American Veteran of World War I. Cpl. Frank Buckles, who lived 11 decades, served as a soldier in the Great War and endured life as a civilian POW in the Philippines during World War II. The tradition of 11/11 began as a celebration of the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany. The cessation of hostilities began in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For decades between the World Wars, 11/11 was known variously as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. Inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields, men and women wore poppies to honor the sacrifice of those who died and to acknowledge their commitment to fight when called.
In the United States, after World War I, the Civil War era Decoration Day gradually became a day to honor all Veterans who died in service. Finally, in 1968, Memorial Day became the holiday we observe today. Veterans Day took its own path. Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Ala., is credited with organizing the first modern 11/11 parade to honor America’s Veterans in 1947. Since then, at least one day each Fall has been dedicated to Veterans.” “Anybody who gives up their time and the possibility of their life for the service of their country, is just amazing,” says Maj. Allan Holmes, a St. Petersburg resident and Vietnam Veteran who served in the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division. “Today there is no more draft, and these people are doing this voluntarily. It’s just amazing.” Maj. Holmes volunteered for the Army in 1967. He says that as the son of a Utah Beach veteran, there was no question that he and his four brothers would join the Army. After Basic Training, he went to medical training and was sent to Korea. His brother was on ac-
Please See VETERANS, Page 4.
HealtH aleRt
Five Easy Ways to Combat Cold and Flu Season The chillier days bring more than cool air, colorful foliage and long sleeves. They also mark the beginning of cold and flu season. The common cold leads to 75 million to 100 million physician visits annually, reports The American Journal of Medicine. Five to 20 percent of Americans are infected with the flu virus each year, and about 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more disconcerting: more than 3,000 Americans die from flu-related causes each year. It’s important to make sure a cold or the flu doesn’t inhibit day-to-day activities by using good hygiene habits “Maintaining your health and the health of your family can be difficult when we find ourselves in crowded office buildings or schools each day,” says Dr. Allison Aiello, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and member of the Tork Green Hygiene Council. “However, by implementing simple hygiene practices, one can reduce the risk of catching a cold or the flu during this season.”
To help stay healthy during cold and flu season, Aiello of offers five steps: 1) Wash your hands — The CDC says keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Be sure to wash your hands after sneezing, coughing and using the restroom. Washing hands after arriving to work, school and home also helps prevent the spread of germs to colleagues, friends and loved ones. Remember, proper handwashing should take as long as 20 seconds and include warm water and soap. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel or lotion is a great way to prevent sickness when soap and water aren’t readily available. 2) Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize — The common cold and the flu can be spread by hands. This means that you can transfer these illnesses not only to others, but to surfaces as well. People touch 300 different surfaces every 30 minutes. Some viruses and bacteria can live up to eight hours or longer ©bigstockphoto.com
Senior Voice America… in print, on the web and on the air. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ every Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to noon. Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle. Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.
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NOVEMber 2011
NOVEMber 2011
Senior Voice America
Health Roundup
Raise Your Hand to Stop Diabetes
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and management. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States; while an additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is an epidemic. In fact, recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes. This November, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging people to take action and raise their hand to participate in the Association’s Stop Diabetes movement. One person raising her hand is Sara Dorris. Her daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nearly two years ago. Shortly after her daughter’s diagnosis, Dorris learned about the Association’s Camp Rainbow in Pinehurst, Texas. Diabetes Camp, a weeklong camp where children can meet and learn from other kids and adult counselors with diabetes, was a ray of sunshine for the Dorris family during a dark time. ©bigstockphoto.com
“Diabetes Camp is one of the many ways we can raise our hands to Stop Diabetes. It’s important this November to create awareness by joining together to end this devastating disease,” says Dorris. Raise your hand to Stop Diabetes and take the pledge during American Diabetes Month at facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation. Find out other ways you can get involved during the month by: • Visiting stopdiabetes. com • Calling (800) DIABETES • Texting JOIN to 69866 (standard message and data rates apply) • Following the American Diabetes Association on Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) to receive updates all month long. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the U.S. could exceed $218 billion.
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VETERANS, Continued from Page 1.
THE SENIOR VOICE OF FLORIDA • EST. 1980 Senior Voice America, Inc. PO Box 270 • Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: (813) 949-0006 • Fax: (813) 433-5181 www.seniorvoiceamerica.com Staff Publisher: Evan Gold evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com Associate Publisher: Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com Broadcast Producer: Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Editor: Matthew Wiseman editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Ed Luiso ed@seniorvoiceamerica.com Circulation Manager: Sharon Altman sharon@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES • (813) 949-0006 Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com
tive duty in Vietnam, and he says at the time there was a rule where only one son from a family could serve in theater; but when his brother’s tour was complete, he went to Vietnam where he served as a medic from 1971 to 1972. After the war, Maj. Holmes continued to serve, going to Officers Candidate School. After becoming an officer, he served in Germany and completed a 21year military career in 1988. Today, Maj. Holmes says he is privileged to be a member of the honor guard with American Legion Post 125 in St. Petersburg. “I go to funerals and get to thank the families for their loved ones’ service,” he says. “People really need to stop and think about the families of service members and veterans, about the sacrifices they make.” Veterans Day as we observe it today began as a holiday in 1954 when President Eisenhower signed a bill formally changing the holiday from Armistice Day.
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Senior VoiCe iS a Proud MeMber of Better Living for Seniors The Guardian Association of Pinellas County The Florida Assisted Living Association Senior Voice America is published monthly and is distributed free of charge, courtesy of its advertisers. Distribution area includes Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Articles and advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.
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American Legion Members Bob Stanley and Carl Mitchell with daughter Irene, wife of POW Frank Mancenilli. Irene accepts a POW/MIA bracelet inscribed with her husband’s name. From 1968 to 1978, Veterans Day was observed in October. However, Americans clearly wished to honor the significance of 11/11, and the date was moved back. It’s the only modern holiday that’s celebrated on the same day each year like Christmas and Independence Day. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America’s war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds “Taps.” The balance of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” by numerous Veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. In 1921, an American soldier — his name “known
Joseph Ambrose, then an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War. Source: Wiki Commons but to God” — was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C. The burial site of this unknown World War I soldier in Arlington National Cemetery symbolized dignity and reverence for America’s Veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an “unknown soldier” of the Great War was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I. Although five American wars took place before there were formal holidays, it’s traditional to also honor these Veterans, too. Local groups will decorate graves of Veterans from the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican America War, The United States Civil War and the Spanish American War. Veterans from skirmishes and minor conflicts — like the Barbary Coast or the modern invasions of Panama and Grenada — are also honored. Here is a brief summary of the modern wars and some facts and figures on the men and women who have served.
World War I — 1917-1918 Known as The Great War or the War to End All Wars, World War I saw more than 4.7 million service members worldwide. There were 53,402 battle deaths and an additional 63,114 deaths in service. There were 204,002 non-mortal woundings. Florence Green (110) of the United Kingdom is the only verified living Veteran. Andrew Rasch (110) of Phoenix claims to have lied about his age to join the Navy at 16. His claim cannot be formally verified by the government.
World War II — 1941-1945 Dec. 7, 2011, will mark the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which sparked the United States’ entry in World War II. World War II saw more than 16.1 million service members worldwide
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— the largest war by far. There were 291,557 battle deaths and an additional 113,842 deaths in service. There were 670,846 non-mortal woundings. About 2 million Veterans are alive today.
Korean War — 1950-1953 Known as the Forgotten War, The Korean War is technically still being fought. Hostilities ended by armistice in November 1954, but U.S., NATO and North Korean troops still patrol on the demilitarized zone. More than 5.7 million service members were deployed during the Korean War. There were 33,739 battle deaths and 20,507 deaths in service. There were 103,284 non-mortal woundings. More than 2.5 million Veterans are alive today.
Vietnam War — 1964-1975 Vietnam was the largest military engagement since World War II. More than 8.7 million service members were deployed worldwide. There were 47,434 battle deaths and 42,786 deaths in serser vice. There were 153,303 non-mortal woundings. More than 7.5 million VetVet erans are alive today.
Persian Gulf War — 1990-1991 Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990. The United States led a coalition of forces to drive Iraq out of Kuwait. The air attack began on Jan. 17, 1991, and a ground assault followed on Feb. 23. A hundred hours later, Iraq’s rere treat was complete; however it contincontin ued missile attacks and troops worked to mitigate damage from fires set by Iraq’s retreating army. More than 2.3 million men and women served worldwide. There were 148 battle deaths and 1,800 deaths in service. There were 467 non-mortal woundings. More than 2.2 million VetVet erans are alive today.
Post 125 Commander John Sloat greeting Irene Mancenilli an extraordinarily high percentage of active service members. A lot of this shift in numbers is a credit to the life-saving techniques and commitment of our wounded Veterans’ brothers and sisters, but as a nation we owe a tremendous debt to these heroes who answered the call. Please join Senior Voice America this Nov. 11 and honor all the men and woman who serve yesterday and today in all our armed forces. We salute you.
Global War on Terror The Global War on Terror includes ongoing operations in Iraq, AfghaniAfghani stan and other locations around the globe. Complete data on troops curcur rently serving are not available; howhow ever, as of Oct. 17, there were 4,945 battle deaths, 1,322 deaths in service and 46,747 non-mortal woundings. The last number represents
Please See VETERANS ORGAN ORGANiiZAT iZATi ZATiONS, iONS, Page 25.
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HealtH Roundup
Foot Care an Important Factor in Healthy Aging Forget aging gracefully. For today’s Baby Boomers, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and active as they age. While growing older causes some unavoidable body changes, more Boomers are focusing on healthy lifestyles that can help them prevent problems associated with aging — like mobility issues related to the feet and legs. Impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people, according to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. “Foot problems are a health concern that can lead to further complications like knee, hip and lower-back pain, all of which undermine mobility,” says Michael King, DPM, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “The human foot has been called the mirror of health. Systemic problems often related to age, such as diabetes, arthritis and circulatory disease often can first be detected in the feet.” Fortunately, boomers can do a lot to maintain and even improve their foot health. APMA offers this advice to keep your feet pain free:
Keep Walking Walking offers many benefits for both physical and mental health. If your feet hurt, however, you may find yourself less willing to get in the daily walking that’s good for your overall well-being. To keep your walking regimen comfortable be sure to: • Choose a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials like leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be firm and the shoe heel should have less cushioning in order to position the foot’s heel closer to the ground for stability. The front of the shoe should offer adequate support but also be flexible. For a list of footwear that have been awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, visit www.apma.org/seal. • Shoe shop in the late afternoon, since feet swell throughout the day and have both feet professionally fitted. Wear the type of socks you intend to wear while walking and be sure the shoe fits snugly, but not tightly, over the sock. Your toes should have plenty of room to move around.
Deal with Diabetes Diabetes symptoms often appear in the feet first and the extremities can be hit hard by this chronic disease. In fact, diabetes complications lead to more than 65,000 lower limb amputations each year. Including a
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podiatrist in your diabetes care can reduce the risk of amputation up to 85 percent. Learn to recognize warning signs that often appear in the feet, including changes in skin color, swelling, numbness, pain, open sores that heal slowly, ingrown or fungal toenails, bleeding corns and calluses and dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heels. If you have diabetes, inspect your feet daily for cuts, bruises, sores or changes to the toenails. Wear thick, soft socks without seams that could rub or cause blisters. Always have new shoes properly fitted and never go barefoot, not even in your own home.
Manage Arthritis Arthritis can affect the structure and function of your feet. Common symptoms in the feet include joint swelling, joint pain or tenderness, redness or heat in joints, limited movement, early morning stiffness and skin changes, including rashes and growths. Podiatrists are often the first to diagnose a patient’s arthritis. Treatment can take many forms, including physical therapy, exercise and medication. Receiving regular check-ups are vital to successfully managing the condition.
General Foot Health In addition to shoes that fit properly, it’s important to choose socks, pantyhose or stockings that also fit well and are free of seams. If you have corns or calluses, never cut them with a razor, pocket knife or other sharp instrument. If corns or calluses are present, consult a podiatrist and only use over-the-counter foot products if he or she advises it. Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap that contains moisturizers, or use a separate moisturizer after your bath. Trim or file toenails straight across and inspect your feet every day. If you notice redness, swelling, cracks in the skin or sores, see your podiatrist. Taking care of your feet can make aging a little easier and healthier. To find a podiatrist near you, visit AP APMA’s website at www.APMA.org or www.todayspodiatrist.com.
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Health Roundup
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Predicting Your Risk for the Leading Cause of Blindness
Your DNA Holds the Secret to the Threat of Macular Degeneration Age-related Macular Degeneration is abnormal aging of the eyes. If left untreated, this eye disease can destroy sharp, central vision and progress into significant vision loss. With little to no symptoms, macular degeneration is robbing seniors of an active lifestyle they deserve. If you are over 55, taking preventative measures to predict your risk for AMD is the key to prevent blindness. You are at a higher risk of developing AMD if you have a parent or a sibling who has this eye disease. About 75 to 80 percent of all AMD has been traced to genes inherited from family members. Until recently, there was no opportunity to determine who may carry these genes or be at risk. To help tri-county residents in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties find out if they are at risk for AMD, Tampa Bay’s leading diabetic and senior care center, Healthy Vision Institute, has teamed up with ArcticDx, Inc., a world renowned molecular diagnostic company, to exclusively provide the first DNA test to determine inherited risk for AMD. “It’s revolutionary to be able to let my patients know that they are at risk for macular degeneration. From that point forward, we can watch for signs, educate patients about the symptoms of the disease and develop an individualized treatment regimen,” explains HVI founder and medical director, Dr. James P. Powers, a vitreoretinal surgeon and board certified ophthalmologist. Selected by ArcticDx for his specialized skill and experience with AMD patients, Dr. Powers has invested in providing the most technologically advanced solutions for predicting, diagnosing and treating AMD. HVI’s 1-2-3 Save Your Sight Treatment Plan includes the new macular degeneration DNA test to predict your
risk, guaranteed to be covered by insurance for qualified patients. In addition, the plan includes high definition, multi-modality eye imaging with HRA Spectralis technology to detect asymptomatic early stages of wet AMD. HVI has success stabilizing further progression and an astonishing 4050 percent success rate improving vision by three lines or more on the eye chart. Look for HVI’s upcoming treatment for macular degeneration (EYLEA™) by Bayer and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. With more than 100,000 patient visits, HVI is leading the way in the Tampa Bay area to predict, detect and prevent blindness. With office locations in New Port Richey, Dunedin and St. Petersburg, HVI services patients with AMD, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases including vein occlusions, macula holes/puckers, retinal tears and detachments. HVI also offers the services of a board certified optometrist and a highly-skilled staff of optical technicians to assist with all eye care needs. In addition to helping seniors and diabetics preserve their vision for many years to come, HVI has 15 supplementary services and benefits to save you money, reduce your stress and shorten your appointment wait time, including reserved scheduling for all AMD patients. Call Healthy Vision Institute at (727) 738-5900 for an appointment. Reserve your seat for an upcoming educational Lunch & Learn seminar offering the new DNA test and complimentary eye screening. To learn more visit www. HealthyVision.org.
It happens to the best of us… as we approach middle age, we start reaching for our “cheaters.” For some of us it seems to occur literally overnight. One day you can see just fine, the next you seem to need a magnifier to read the menu at your favorite restaurant. The good news is that most of us probably won’t have to deal with any problems more serious than just finding corrective lenses to help us. Have you been told by your doctor that you are developing cataracts? You
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CANCER ANSWERS
intrabeaM®: a new Weapon in the War on breast Cancer In the war against breast cancer, Moffitt doctors can now add a new weapon to their arsenal: the INTRABEAM® System, an intraoperative radiation treatment designed to replace as many as six-and-a-half weeks of routine radiation therapy with a single 20- to 30-minute targeted radiation treatment. This revolutionary system, which delivers targeted, intraoperative radiation therapy (called IORT) directly to the tumor site after lumpectomy, was shown to be as effective as traditional radiation for certain women with early breast cancer. Moffitt is participating in a collaborative trial to find whether delivering IORT in patients with low-risk, early-stage breast cancer is equivalent in local recurrence rate to a six-week course of whole breast radiotherapy. For patients who are candidates for accelerated partial breast radiation, the INTRABEAM IORT offers several key advantages, according to Moffitt’s Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology, Eleanor Harris, M.D. When radiation is delivered externally, patients may experience skin irritation at the site. But since the INTRABEAM delivers the radiation not through the skin but directly to the tissue at risk from inside the lumpectomy cavity immediately after surgery, irritation is limited. This technique also enables the surgeon and radiation oncologist to target the affected area more precisely, said Dr. Harris. “We can directly visualize that all the tissue is touching the applicator, and then we verify that with an ultrasound.” In most cases, Intraoperative radiation eliminates the need for patients to undergo repeated radiation treatments. “Every other form of radiation for breast cancer is fractionated, meaning it takes several doses at minimum and, in some cases, several weeks of doses,” said Dr. Harris. But with the INTRABEAM, “when patients wake up from the surgery, they have completed both their surgery and their radiation in one setting. They don’t have to have multiple visits for treatment.” Despite its advantages, the INTRABEAM isn’t an option in every case of breast cancer, says Dr. Harris. Patients first have to fit the criteria for a lumpectomy and accelerated partial breast radiation, which eliminates women who are premenopausal, on chemotherapy, have more than one cancer in the breast, a specific type of cancer or a cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. “It is very important that patients understand that this technology is only for selected women — they have to have an early favorable cancer that is amenable to breast-conserving surgery and additional criteria that they have to meet,” stressed Dr. Harris. Regardless which treatment therapy is taken when treating breast cancer, Dr. Harris emphasizes that a multidisciplinary team approach is essential. “There are all sorts of complex issues about the best way to perform the surgery and the radiation, the timing of everything, when to give chemotherapy versus radiation… it’s in the patient’s best interest to meet all those team members early in the process so all those decisions can be made and to ensure a coordinated plan of care.”
Q&A’s about INTRABEAM • How does it work? The radiation oncologist places the INTRABEAM applicator tip within the area of the breast where the tumor was located. The INTRABEAM delivers a high dose (20 Gy) of radiation for 20 to 30 minutes. Once completed, it’s removed and the surgeon closes the incision. • What are the benefits? Patients do not experience skin irritation since the radiation takes place inside the tumor cavity, which also limits exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. By administering the treatment during surgery, doctors can more precisely direct the radiation to the tumor bed. • What type of cancer can the INTRABEAM Radiotherapy system treat? Currently, the INTRABEAM is used primarily in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.
To find out if you or someone you know is a candidate for INTRABEAM® single-dose treatments, please contact Moffitt Cancer Center toll-free at (888) MOFFITT.
NoVEMBER 2011
HealtH Roundup
Expert Health Tips for Dog Lovers ©bigstockphoto.com
How Americans view the family pet has evolved over the years. Today, people are not content to merely be pet owners; instead they consider themselves to be “pet parents.” The joy and unconditional love that pets bring have catapulted them into the realm of true family member and people are willwill ing to do whatever it takes to provide their pets with the best. A recent survey commiscommis sioned by Milo’s Kitchen homestyle dog treats, revealed that a whopping 81 percent of Americans consider their dogs to be equal members of the family and 77 percent talk to their pups as if they are a human family member. It is clear that the role of dog parent is constantly shifting, with each generation allowing dogs to play a larger and more prominent role in family life. Wendy Diamond, a wellknown pet expert and animal rescue advocate, agrees. Here she provides some insider tips about how to give the best-quality care to canine family members: • Plant with care — Great weather calls us outdoors to plant landscaping. The yard or patio is also where pet parents spend a lot of time with their pup enjoying nice weather. When planting, it is important to take care to avoid plants that are toxic for dogs. Common plants that are poisonous if ingested by a dog include the following: a variety of lilies, aloe, buckwheat, daffodil, dahlia, hydrangea and some ferns. Also, avoid using cocoa mulch because the cacao bean shells contain theobromine, which is very dangerous if consumed by dogs and other pets. • Clean green — Pet parents love their pets, but it’s likely that most fourlegged friends don’t have a place setting at the dinner table. Because dogs spend a lot of time on the floor both eating and relaxing, it’s beneficial to take precautions by using nontoxic cleaners. The green cleaning movement is growing and it’s probable that pet parents can find many great options at local retail stores. Looking at the labels is key; many will note if they are nontoxic for pets. Another option is homemade cleaners from common household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, salt and lemon juice. • “Treat” them well — There are so many treat options for dogs, it’s
easy for pet parents to get confused about what is both healthy and tasty. One of the easiest ways to recrec ognize a higher quality treat is to simply look at its appearance. Look for treats that look wholesome, with no artificial colors, flavors or fillers. Find treats that look like they are made with the same quality and care as we would choose for our own meals, like Milo’s Kitchen home-style dog treats that are 100 percent real jerky, sausage slices and meatballs. Pups deserve treats that live up to the high standards families set for their own well-being. • Bond through exercise — Just like people need exercise, both for their physical and mental health, so do dogs. This could be a great excuse for dog parents and dogs to spend time exercising together. Walking and running with pups has always been popular, but the latest dog exercise trend is to spend time at specialized dog parks, which are available in many communities. Here, leash laws are relaxed and dogs can enjoy some time simply being themselves. This might even spark pet parent friendships and encourage other dog lovers to start meeting for regular doggy play dates. • Don’t fear the vet — Regular vet visits are important for maintaining good pet health, but too often these are dreaded by both dogs and their pet parents. Annual visits to the veterinarian provide necessary insight into pets’ health and development. Regular veterinary visits also give parents the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert feedback. From advice on vitamins and medicine, to age-related physical and behavioral concerns, a vet is there to help pet parents make solid choices when it comes to their pets’ well-being. Plus regular visits can help ensure dogs live long lives as active members of the family. When dog parents love their dog like family, it is imperative to provide only the best care. These expert tips will help Fido to live a long, healthy life.
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ARound THE HOME
How to Create Your Perfect Shower From an invigorating spray that kick-starts the morning to an enveloping waterfall that washes away a long day, today’s showers offer luxurious experiences to meet every desire. With a little planning and the right products, you can create a personal oasis. Even small choices, like showerheads and accessories, can instantly upgrade any bathroom. “Showerheads have become increasingly sophisticated,” says Rob Larson, director of business development for Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, fixtures and bath furniture. “Whether it’s water conservation, functionality or a spa-like experience that is your priority, you can easily customize the experience by mixing and matching different accessories and sprays.”
“Slide bar shower systems are a versatile option for any homeowner because the spray direction is so easy to manipulate,” Larson said. “You not only have the ability to pair a wide variety of handheld showerheads with them, but they also cater to diverse heights and accommodate physical limitations. Often paired with a wall- or ceiling-mounted showerhead, handheld showers are particularly useful when washing your hair, rinsing off legs, bathing children or even cleaning the shower.” Slide bars come in a variety of styles, finishes and sizes to accommodate every shower enclosure. Danze, for instance, offers 24- and 30-inch systems with multi-function showerheads to ensure the perfect custom combination.
A Green Stream
The H2Oasis
For homeowners looking to conserve water, new showerhead technology is offering a variety of efficient water flows without sacrificing performance. Creating a luxurious spray no longer translates into wasted water. “We’ve worked tirelessly to design showerheads that push water out with greater force, maximizing water flow regardless of water pressure,” Larson says. “It’s now possible to save water and energy without sacrificing your shower experience, but you do need to do your homework. Not all efficient showerheads have the technology needed to deliver on performance.” Larson recommends pressure-equalizing showerheads and novel spray patterns, each of which can provide optimal performance at flow rates up to 40 percent lower than the 2.5 gallon-per-minute federal mandate.
More Flexible Flow When functionality is top of mind, handheld showerheads with slide bar mounting systems on the wall offer a great solution as they cater to a variety of needs.
If you’re hoping to create a spa-like experience, today’s custom shower systems often combine wall-mounted body sprays, handheld sprayers and high-performance shower©bigstockphoto.com heads to transform the shower into a relaxing getaway. “For those days when you want to escape and truly wash it all away, custom systems are the ideal shower solution,” Larson said. “Adjustable, wall-mounted body sprays added to a shower allow you to direct the water flow in your preferred position to complement the other elements of your shower.” Many custom systems offer a variety of styles and finishes that also coordinate with bathroom faucets and accessories to create a cohesive decor. The sleek, sculptural Sirius Collection from Danze, for instance, includes a shower system, faucets and accessories like towel bars and shelves to carry your unique style beyond the shower walls. For more information on the variety of new shower systems, accessories and technology, visit danze.com.
Did you know that Age-related Macular Degeneration has overcome diabetes as the No. 1 cause of blindness in adults over 55 years of age? AMD is an age-related disease of the eye that progressively destroys sharp, central vision. The key to prevent blindness from this disease is to stop progression in its early stages before any vision loss occurs. How do we know if we are at risk and who do we trust to find the answers and get the latest treatments? To help tri-county residents in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties find out if they are at risk for AMD, Tampa Bay’s leading diabetic and senior care center, Healthy Vision Institute, has teamed up with ArcticDx, Inc. , a world renowned molecular diagnostic company, to exclusively provide the first DNA test to determine inherited risk for AMD. Between 75 and 85 percent of all AMD has been traced to genes inherited from family members. Until recently, there was no opportunity to determine who may
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NOVEMber 2011
ARound THE HOME
Summer is Over: Time for Your Fall AC Tune-up The first “air conditioner,” designed and built in Buffalo, began working on July 17, 1902. Using knowledge of the heating of objects with steam and reversing the process, engineers learned they could control both the temperature and humidity of the air in a closed space. And since the 1950, air conditioning has been a daily part of most people’s lives during the warm months. Proper maintenance of your air conditioning system can give equipment longer life and reduce electric bills. Air-O-Force 1, servicing the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years, offers an array of HVAC services both residential and commercial to Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. They are further expanding their range of service areas every day to accommodate their customer demand for HVAC needs. They believe that no job is too big or too small. If you often do without maintenance on your heating and air conditioning unit, it could be because you assume that there is nothing wrong with it. If the system is heating and cooling the home, how can there be a problem? Just because heating and cooling is taking place, though, doesn’t mean that the system is operating at maximum efficiency. It could be running inefficiently ©bigstockphoto.com and costing you a lot more in electricity or gas than it needs to. A simple inspection and “tune up” could change all that and might help to prevent a catastrophic failure in the future, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run. In addition to costing you a lot of money if it fails, a heating and air conditioning unit that’s not properly maintained can
be dangerous. If you have a gas heating and air conditioning system rather than an electric one, a leak could cause an explosion or other problem that could be fatal. Electric heating and air conditioning systems can develop a short circuit that could cause a fire. People have also been seriously injured or killed because their heating or cooling system failed during a very hot or very cold time of year and they were not able to handle the extreme temperature. Maintaining your heating and air conditioning system is important and should be taken seriously by all homeowners. Along with preventative Maintenance, Duct cleaning is also an essential part of maintaining your indoor air quality. Ducts can become separated, letting cold air out into your attic rather than into your house. This can lead to costly utility bills. Also with the high humidity of Florida’s climate, moisture collecting in, on and around your duct system can create the conditions perfect for mildew and even mold to grow. A simple duct inspection can set your mind at ease, knowing that you are not breathing in contaminations as well as keeping your loved ones safe. Air-OForce1 prides themselves on fast, reliable and efficient workmanship. They work with many different distributors who have a variety of products to offer. Their website (www.airoforce1.com) offers you the ability to take a look at their company and what they have to offer our customers. For prompt, dependable service call the professionals at Air-O-Force1 at (813) 972-9449 and let them provide you with a qualified service and maintenance program that will fit all your air-conditioning/heating needs.
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ARound THE HOME
Cleaning Challenges: Minimizing the Mess It can be a challenge to keep the house clean, especially for busy families. When the kids are home from school, it means more dirt, mud and sand get tracked in, whether it’s from sports practice or backyard fun. Pets add to the mess, too. In fact, a recent study conducted by the NPD Group revealed more than half of pet owners (51 percent) reported that managing and cleaning up pet hair is their No. 1 cleaning chore. Pierra Jolly, founder and editor of JollyMom.com, a website devoted to her daily trials and tribulations of raising a three year old and Labrador retriever in Atlanta, can relate. “Certain times of the year I typically double my cleaning efforts, making sure that everything is under control just in case we are babysitting, dog sitting or hosting an unexpected cookout or sleepover,” says Jolly. “Unless I stick to my established cleaning schedule, I fall behind.” Keep your sanity with these Jolly Mom tips for minimizing messes. • Clean One Room a Day to Keeps Messes Away — Develop a cleaning schedule where each day is devoted to one room in your home
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(for example, kitchen on Tuesday, bedrooms on Wednesday). Save the rooms that are considered high-traffic areas for later in the week in case of unexpected company. • Avoid Pet Hair Emergencies — The guests are about to arrive and suddenly you realize that your pet has picked an in-opportune time to hop on the couch. Tidy up with the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel
Pet. Made with pet lovers in mind, it comes with an Air-Powered Pet Hair Hand Tool. Rubber blades collect hair and powerful suction carries it away. A rinsable filter and high-quality HEPA filter helps absorb odors from your furry friends, all for less than $100. Additionally, consider grooming more frequently to help control shedding. • Start at the Top — When you
are cleaning a room, start at the ceiling with the corners and light fixtures and work your way to the floor. Finish by vacuuming to pick up all the dust and dirt from your efforts. • Leave the mess outside — Make sure the dirt from the outdoors stays where it came from. Avoid tracking in grass, mud and sand by establishing a mud room, a place for the kids to store toys, shoes, towels and sports equipment. • Let the Air In — After giving the carpets a deep cleaning, open the windows. Fresh air will speed up the process of drying carpets, allowing your family to enjoy the cleaned rooms without spoiling the hard work. Plus, instead of investing in an expensive carpet cleaning service, try the Hoover MaxExtract77. Not only does it work wonders on dirty carpets, it pulls up a lot of dirty water so your floors dry fast and you’ll be back to living on those deep-cleaned floors quickly. For more information, cleaning tips and discounts on Hoover products, visit: www.Hoover.com.
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Memory Care: A Question of Timing
When is the “Right” time to move your loved one to Assisted Living? By Christine G. Varner, Executive Director, The Villas of Belleair I defeat my purpose before I write this article. I cannot tell you when will be the perfect time to make the decision to move your loved one into a memory care facility. The reality is there is no right or wrong time. We are too unique as individuals to make blanket judgments. We are all just so different. That being said, I can say to you that you mustn’t wait too long. We may think that we are doing a wonderful service to the individual with this progressively debilitating disease by keeping them home, by keeping them out of the “nursing home,” by trying to assert that all will be okay. In fact, this is “normal” thinking. The problem is that our loved one is no longer “normal.” I recall my dad, who had Alzheimer’s disease, or trying to do all of the things that he thought he should do. Going to the doctor… he said, “I’m fine!” Seeing his family… he said, “Oh, my ‘rememberer’ is just broke”… Seeing his friends and golf buddies… he said, “I’ve got that ‘CRS’ (can’t remember sh*t!).
He tried so hard to be “normal.” And he was miserable. His golf buddies deserted him when he couldn’t remember his score or lost his ball. His friends visited less often. He got headaches when we took him out to breakfast. He got secretive and reclusive. Eventually, his only companion was his family. As his disease became more apparent, he became a prisoner in his own home. To keep him safe, we put special handles on the doors, we placed door locks up high where he didn’t see them, we put alarms on exits, we hid the “sharps” in the kitchen. We did this all in the name of being able to keep him home in his comfort zone. Really, we were making ourselves comfortable. Like a smack in the forehead, we realized we were expecting too much of him. We expected him to participate in our charade. We caused him stress and failure and loss of dignity. I know that we waited too long. Part of how I know this is that once we got him “placed,” it was amazing to see how his stress was reduced, relieved. He was with “his people.” Does this sound harsh? Does this say bad things about how, as a family, we behaved? Resoundingly, I say no! Taking away
a person’s right to live as freely and independently as possible is something of which my family just lost sight. At my assisted living community, it is common for me to meet with people who everyday are struggling with the fact that their loved one is showing signs of increasing “forgetfulness.” I know how this feels. And like them, I wanted to wait it out to see if it will get better, perhaps easier. I, as they, had lost sight. It doesn’t get easier. Intuitively, they know that they cannot keep up the charade. They come to inquire about our community. They come to tour our lovely villas. They come to ask questions… and speak of their guilt and loss and sadness. They need help to make a decision — a very hard decision. And so, I tell them what I tell you here. I tell them of my own experience. I tell them to make the “transition” sooner rather than later. I remind them that it’s not about them. It must be about their loved one. It must be about stopping the embarrassment and stress. If we try to put ourselves in our loved one’s shoes, we see that we would really prefer to be able to just be us. We would prefer not
to have to play at “normal” everyday. We would prefer not to have to pretend that we are fine. We would prefer not to be asked questions that we can’t answer. We would prefer not to get a headache whenever we’re asked to perform in a normal way. So, when is the right time to move your loved one to memory care assisted living? I guess the simplest guideline is if you are thinking about it… it is time. Put your loved one’s interests first. Fight back the guilt. Don’t wait until a change in environment will be profoundly confusing. Adjust to the new “normal” allowing your loved one to be as independent as possible for as long as possible, living with dignity in a milieu that supports successes and minimizes deficits. Yes… do your homework to find the right place. Yes… check out the credentials and the reports and the training and the staffing and the availability of nurses and the status of advanced licenses. And, yes, make the hard decision — the one that keeps your loved one first and your guilt and denial last.
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The Grief Journey By Carole McLeod Certified Bereavement Facilitator When someone you love has died, you begin your grief journey. This process is painful, disturbing and sometime confusing. Because it is painful, you must heal from this grief wound. In order to heal you need to become an active participant in your healing process (your grief journey). Understanding your grief — how and why you are feeling the way you do — can encourage you through this journey of grief. First of all, grief is a process, not an event. It is not a disease that you can cure quickly. To move through your grief journey you must understand two words: grief and mourning. Grief is the inside thoughts and feelings that we experience when someone dies. Mourning is the outside expression of your grief. Traveling on your grief journey you will experience hills, valleys and road blocks. These obstacles are known as shock and numbness, disbelief, searching, yearning, guilt, anger, depression and finally reconciliation. Reconciliation means that eventually you will learn how to live without the physical being of your loved one, treasuring the love and memories that you have with them. It is important to give yourself permission to embrace your grief by being good to yourself in all ways emotionally, spiritually and physically. Here are some care tips to help you mourn: • Cry — this allows you the healing effect of tears. They are nature’s way of releasing the tension that comes with sadness. You will feel better and you will have started your healing process. • Talking — talk about your loved one. Tell your story, express your feelings. A support person can be of value you when you are mourning. Try to choose someone who is a good listener, one who is not judgmental. Avoid persons who are critical. Remember It’s your grief, own it. You have the right to express it the way you want.
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• Remembering — memories are the lasting part of a relationship with the person who has died. They may be happy or sad, but don’t be afraid to experience them. Hold them in your heart they will never leave you. • Journaling — release your emotions on paper. Keep a journal of what is going on inside you. Go back in a few months and compare it with how you feel at this time. This is a good way to see how far you have traveled in your grief journey. It is also a good mourning exercise by releasing your thoughts and feelings on paper. Sometimes people who are mourning find journaling the easiest way to express their emotions. • Join a support group — it is always helpful to share with others who are going through the same process even though each person’s grief journey is unique to them. A support group will also give you opportunities to learn new ways of approaching problems and help you regain not only self confidence but build trust in your fellow human beings. • Seek out resources — books,
videos, tapes, magazine article and other mourning materials will aid you with your grief work. You may want to see a professional counselor to discuss special problems or seek advice. • Take care of the physical you — grief affects us not only emotionally but physically. Now is the time to take care of you by exercising. Eat a nutritional diet, consider vitamins, maintain fluid intake — 5 to 6 glasses of water a day —avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. Do something nice for yourself — massage, long hot baths, buy a gift for you. The holidays are coming and Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a big road block on the path of our grief journeys. Our culture tells us to be joyful, merry and lively filled with joy for everyone. On the other hand our grief is painful, difficult and sad — a lonely journey that can slow down our grief process. Holiday traditions are made from past celebrations continuing with these traditions can increase more yearning for your loved and more tears. When it’s time to celebrate, it becomes more of a dread. What actually is happening is a renewed sense of personal grief — even
the memories of the past holidays can be too painful to think about. The following are some care tips for getting through the holiday season: • Be patient, realistic and honest with yourself — Decide what you are capable of doing leave out the words “ought and should.” • Communicate to other family or friends — inform them of what you would like to do and what you feel like doing. At the same time be aware of their needs, it can become a delicate balance to do what is best for you and everyone else. • Allow tears to come — talk about your loved one, use their name, attempt to remember past holiday celebrations, encourage others family members to do the same. Yes, the tears will come but they are healing tears. • Don’t be afraid to change traditional routines for this year — Try whatever pops into your head… no decorations, a small tree… whatever is easiest for you. Keep in mind you can always change it back to the way it was later, nothing is written in concrete. • Honor the memory of your loved one by including them in the celebrations — decorate the grave or niche with wreath, flower arrangement, etc. Consider donating an item or money in their name. Let the past holiday memories of your loved one be the gift of this season. Remember these are just suggested guidelines to help you cope. Everyone is unique and what works for some will not work for others. Keep repeating “I will do what is easier and best for me.” And remember to “to mourn well so that you live well and love well as you move into your new life” — Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Grief Matters is a grief service to help you cope with your grief journey. You may contact me at carole@ goodgrief-mourning.com.
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NOVEMber 2011
Join Senior Voice America on a Caribbean Cruise Now with a New Lower Price!
By Timm Harmon Associate Publisher Senior Voice America has recieved lower pricing for our cruise. Come sail with Senior Voice America Jan. 29, 2012, for a seven-night cruise aboard Holland America’s newest ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam. Join Senior Voice America on our special inaugural cruise that has so much in store for you — and experience Holland America’s exceptional service along with the following: • Roundtrip luxury coach from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties to and from Fort Lauderdale • A private Senior Voice America Welcome Cocktail Party with radio host Evan Gold — you won’t want to miss meeting Evan • An Exclusive Private Tour in Honduras • Your choice of two Exclusive Private Tours on Holland America’s Private Island, Half Moon Cay • An Exclusive Private Cooking Demonstration in the Culinary Arts Center, with free samples. • As a trip down memory lane, you can dance away an evening at the Senior Voice America Senior Prom • Special speakers Exclusively for Senior Voice America’s guests • Exclusive fitness and educational classes designed specifically for Senior Voice America guests • Plus, you will be traveling with other seniors from Tampa Bay and across the country • And many other surprises… This is a trip you won’t want to miss. Traveling aboard Holland America you’ll experience the difference in mid-
size cruising. A feeling of spaciousness and elegance characterizes your experience aboard. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed as an honored friend would be in a fine home. This type of personalized service is a result of the size of Holland America’s ships. We chose Holland America because they have consistently been among the highest-rated cruise lines by Condé Nast, Travel and Leisure and for 17 consecutive years have received the Best Overall Cruise Value from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society. Holland America’s mission is simple… “Through excellence we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.” We’ll spend a day at a private beach at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Cruise our way to George Town, Grand Cayman; then on to Roatan (Mahogany Bay), Honduras. From there, we continue to Costa Maya, Mexico, before returning to Fort Lauderdale. We’ll enjoy great times, build great friendships and have everlasting memories! Senior Voice America has chosen Judi Gordan with CruiseOne as our official travel agent. Partnering with Judi at CruiseOne, Senior Voice America guests will receive world-class treatment. Judi has committed to being with Senior Voice America on board the Nieuw Amsterdam to assist with guest questions, provide guidance, and ensure you experience a great time and have everlasting memories while traveling onboard Holland America with Senior Voice America. Contact Judi at CruiseOne today, (727) 397-1900, to reserve your stateroom. Space is limited so call today.
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Senior Happenings Clearwater Garden Club is located at 405 Seminole St., Clearwater. 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.clearwatergardenclub. org or call (727) 443-7032. Nov. 5
A Night in the Islands Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Nov. 5
Guided Hike Brooker Creek Preserve Get up close to the environment in this guided nature hike. See how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Wear close-toed shoes, bring water and a hat. Best for ages 6 and up. Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org or call (727) 453-6800. Nov. 5
Vegetable Gardening Heritage Village This class will include planting and growing tips and information on treating and preventing garden pests. Advance registration is required. Cost is $5 per person or $8 for two people in a family. Heritage Village is located at 11909 125th St N, Largo. 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage or call (727) 582-2123. Nov. 5
Dunedin Garden Club Dunedin Public Library The Dunedin Garden Club meets the first Saturday of every month September through May and has been in existence since 1929. Its goal is to provide garden related information to home gardeners and maintain community projects like the Dunedin Library’s butterfly garden. Dunedin Public Library is located at 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 1 p.m. For more information, call (727) 736-4395. Nov. 5
Expert Gardening Advice Clearwater Garden Club Build your gardens using native plants and Florida-friendly ornamentals. Bring your design ideas and issues. Experienced gardeners from area garden clubs, with the help of Pinellas County Extension Service Master Gardeners Program, are on sight to offer suggestions and solutions. Continental breakfast served. Learning materials included. Free to garden club members. Others may donate $10.
Dinner, Dancing and Live Entertainment at the Sponge Docks Dine under the stars and enjoy some of the finest Greek food outside of Athens. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is located at Dodecanese Boulevard between Hope and Athens Streets, Tarpon Springs. 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.spongedocks. net/night-in-the-islands.htm or call (727) 942-5605. Nov. 5
St. Pete International Folk Fair Vinoy Park At the 37th Annual Folk Fair, ethnic villages will capture the flavor of each country. Costumed villagers demonstrate time-honored craftsmanship and prepare ethnic food specialties for visitors. Eat your way around the world as you move from village to village sampling a variety of homemade ethnic dishes. Folk dancing and music will be performed throughout the day. Vinoy Park is located at 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www. spiffs.org/ffinfo.html or call (727) 552-1896. Nov. 5
Sarasota Blues Fest Ed Smith Stadium
streets and more. Get a peek at eight restored bungalows and a Designer Showcase Home. Tickets available in advance at Craftsman House Gallery, 2955 Central Ave. Day of tickets can be purchased at the park. Benefits neighborhood restoration. Historic Kenwood is located at 300 29th St. N, St. Petersburg. 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.historickenwood.org or call (727) 321-1884. Nov. 5-6
Miniature Train Rides Largo Central Park Kids of all ages can ride the miniature trains of Largo Central Railroad. Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive. For more information, visit www.lcrailroad.com or call (727) 587-6775. Nov. 5-6
Airfest 2011 MacDill Air Force Base MacDill Air Force Base opens its gates to the public for two days of highflying fun. Watch fly-bys of all types of aircraft and a performance by the USAF Thunderbirds You can get up close and even tour some aircraft as well. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. MacDill Air Force Base is located at 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, Tampa. For more information, visit www.macdill-airfest.com or call (813) 828-SHOW. Nov. 5-6
Ruskin Seafood Festival E.G. Simmons Park
Join the thousands that gather across from Ed Smith Stadium Complex for the largest music event in Sarasota History. This affordable day of entertainment that features music legends, up and comers, food, crafts and fun. Ed Smith Stadium is located at 2700 12th St., Sarasota. For more information, visit www.sarasotabluesfest.com/2011/ or call (941) 954-4101.
Feast on savory seafood fare, sway to the rhythm of live island music and dive into the action of activities featuring boats, arts and crafts, educational displays, commercial exhibits, plus tons of interactive kids entertainment. E.G. Simmons Park is located at 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin. For more information, visit www.ruskinseafoodfestival.com.
Nov. 5
Nov. 9
Art Arbor Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Holiday Plants Belleair Garden Club
Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Park’s autumn family festival with arts and crafts vendors, food court, “green living” talks, wildlife presentations, guided tours of the park and children’s activities. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.stpete.org/boyd/ or call (727) 893-7326.
Meeting for general gardening tips and holiday plants. Belleair Garden Club is located at 903 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair. 9:30 a.m. For more information, call (727) 586-4021.
Nov. 5
Bungalowfest Historic Kenwood The Kenwood area of St. Petersburg presents the annual Bungalowfest walking tour of area homes, brick
Nov. 10
Culinary Herbs Palm Harbor Library Find out which herbs are best-suited for hot Florida weather, how to grow them and use them to add fresh flavor to your favorite dishes. Best for adults. Palm Harbor Library is located at 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.pce-lawnandgarden. eventbrite.com or call (727) 582-2100.
Nov. 11-13
Ribfest Vinoy Park This fun filled three-day charity fundraiser features the best barbeque ribbers in the world, national touring bands playing classic and southern rock and country hits. Vinoy Park is located at 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.ribfest.org. Nov. 11-13
Tampa Bay Home Show Tropicana Field The Home Show at Tropicana Field will feature hundreds of area home specialists — all in one location. Everything from furniture to decorating ideas to landscaping to remodeling to interior design and the list goes on. See the latest in kitchen design and the hottest fashions in window coverings and flooring. Don’t miss this grand opportunity to meet with the area’s top home improvement experts. They’re ready to meet you with great demonstrations, giveaways, tips and so much more. Whether you’re looking for new home ideas or just looking for a few creative ideas to dress up your current residence… the Home Show is the place to be. Tropicana Field is located at 1 Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.tampabayhomeshows.com or call (727) 893-8523. Nov. 12
Stone Crab and Seafood Festival Largo Festival Site More than 30 vendors line the street dishing out a variety of seafood dishes including stone crab claws, stone crab tacos, grouper, mahi mahi, scallops, seafood salads and dips. Other activities include street performers, live music and an arts and crafts show. Largo Festival Site is located at Clearwater Largo Road S and First Avenue SW, Largo. 6 p.m. For more information, call (727) 5176821. Nov. 12
Step Out: Walk to End Diabetes University of South Florida Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is a great opportunity for the Tampa Bay community to come together with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to put a stop to a disease that has taken too much from too many. University of South Florida is located at 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit www.diabetes.org or call (813) 974-9057. Nov. 12
Birdwatching Walk Brooker Creek Preserve Walk three miles of boardwalks and
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Senior Happenings sand trails to observe migratory and resident songbirds, raptors and other creatures and plants. Binoculars and field guides recommended. Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org or call (727) 781-0745.
nar. The regular meeting will cover the 2012 Calendar of events and a member “Show and Tell” coordinated by Phyllis Miller. Faith Lutheran Church is located at 5443 Sunset Road in New Port Richey. For additional information, please visit www.wpcgs. webs.com.
Nov. 12
Nov. 17-20
Craft Beer Fest Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Sanding Ovations Sand Sculpting Competition Bilmar Beach Resort
Bobby Tess sets the mood with Dixieland Jazz music for this year’s event featuring tastings of more than 100 home brews, European beers and American craft beers. Includes a Cajun beer. This annual celebration of beer was named one of the top 10 fall beer festivals nationwide by Road Trips for Beer. Cajun Cafe on the Bayou is located at 8101 Park Blvd. N, Pinellas Park. 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.cajuncafeonthebayou.com or call (727) 546-6732. Nov. 13
Sunday Matinee Music Program Largo Community Center Each show in the series features a delicious meal, live entertainment and dancing. All shows begin with dinner at 3:30 p.m. and entertainment at 4 p.m. Dancing immediately follows the entertainment. Cash bar is available. This portion is a Country Jamboree featuring Clear Water Bluegrass Revue. Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Road, Largo. 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter.com or call (727) 518-3131. Nov. 15
Florida Herb Society Clearwater Garden Club Herbal Wreath Making Workshop… Hands on workshop with Yetta and Linda. We will be making herbal wreathes for the FHS to sell at the Holiday Bazaar. Each member will get to take home one wreath. Clearwater Garden Club is located at 405 Seminole St., Clearwater. 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.floridaherbsociety.org or call (727) 365-8574. Nov. 16
Genealogy Society Faith Lutheran Church What role does DNA play in Genealogy? Steve Coe will hold a mini-seminar at Faith Lutheran Church from Noon till 1:30 p.m. Cost is $5 for members and $7 non-members. Reservations are requested. Please call Steve at (727) 943-9901. West Pasco County Genealogical Society regular monthly meeting will be held at 2 p.m. following the mini-semi-
Now in its third year, Sanding Ovations is Treasure Island’s Annual Master Cup Professional Sand Sculpting Competition and Music Festival. A four-day competition of 10 sand sculpting masters from throughout North America and Europe, who create astonishing works of art using nothing but sand, water and lots of imagination. Bilmar Beach Resort is located at 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. For more information, visit www.mytreasureisland.org/sandingovations2011.htm or call (727) 547-4575, Ext. 237. Nov. 19-20
Craft Festival Downtown Dunedin Along Dunedin’s Main Street, you will meet some of the country’s finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in the U.S.A. Botanical hotplates, ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and an expansive Green Market. For more information, visit www.artfestival.com or call (561) 746-6615. Nov. 21
Dunedin Wines the Blues Downtown Dunedin This signature event for Dunedin is an upscale event combining top notch blues music from all over the country with wine from all over the world. You can taste wine from more than two dozen vineyards spanning many varietals. Music is performed on the main stage at Pioneer Park starting at 5 p.m. and running continuously until 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.delightfuldunedin.com or call (727) 647-8181. Dec. 2
First Friday Music Series Dowtown St. Petersburg There’s plenty of great food and fine dining in the area so come out and hang out with this diverse crowd. Enjoy the free live music in a unique, convenient and safe environment. What are you waiting for? Get downtown and Get down with the fun! Join the festivities between Second and Third streets
on Central Avenue. For more information visit www.firstfridaystpete.com. Dec. 3-4
Miniature Train Rides Largo Central Park Kids of all ages can ride the miniature trains of Largo Central Railroad. Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive. For more information, visit www.lcrailroad.com or call (727) 587-6775. Dec. 3
Create a Tabletop Tree Sunken Gardens Don’t have space for a big tree? Linda Worle shows how to make a holiday tabletop tree of succulent plants. Reservations required. Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 11:30 a.m. For more information, call (727) 551-3102. Mondays and Fridays
Duplicate Bridge St. Pete Beach Community Center $1 per person. St. Pete Beach Community Center is located at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. For more information, visit www.spbrec.com or call (727) 363-9245. Mondays and Fridays
Tai Chi and Qi Gong Largo Community Center Learn this ancient relaxing form of exercise taught by Bob Ailes. This is a low impact exercise based Chinese Tai Chi (Yang style) principles. You’ll learn short forms, Nu Moom, Sh Kyu, QI Gong Healing/Anti-Aging. Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Road, Largo. 10: 30 a.m. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter.com or call (727) 518-3131. Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Forever Fit Largo Community Center A less intensive 45-minute workout for men and women that is safe and effective for those who want to be active and fit. Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Road, Largo. 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter. com or call (727) 518-3131. Tuesdays
Tai Chi Class Hale Senior Activity Center Mind strength and body strength combined equal Tai Chi. The discipline utilizes slow and graceful movements centering on mind and body control and is taught by an instructor from the
Taoist Tai Chi Society. Hale Senior Activity Center is located at 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/93Z80n or call (727) 298-3299. Tuesdays
Breakfast Bunch Hale Senior Activity Center Mease Manor Retirement Community invites all area seniors to gather with friends at this weekly breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit, coffee and juice. Hale Senior Activity Center is located at 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/93Z80n or call (727) 298-3299. Thursdays
Chair Yoga Hale Senior Activity Center Seniors can us this series of low impact, gentle chair movements to maintain strength, have more flexibility and increase range of motion. Hale Senior Activity Center is located at 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. For more information, visit bit.ly/93Z80n or call (727) 812-4531. Thursdays
Ageless Grace Exercise Senior Citizens Services of Clearwater Ageless Grace is a fitness and wellness program created by Denise Medved. The program consists of 21 simple exercise Tools designed for all ages and abilities. These exercises, based on everyday movements that are natural and organic, focus on the healthy longevity of the body and mind. The 21 Tools have creative, imaginative names, so they are easy to remember. They are simple to do at home. The movements are designed to be performed seated in a chair, yet they can be done on a bed, standing near or behind a chair, down on the floor, or standing. Almost anyone can do them, regardless of most physical conditions. Senior Citizens Services of Clearwater is located at 1204 Rogers St., Clearwater. 9 a.m. For more information, visit agelessgrace.com or call (727) 442-8104. Fridays
Planetarium Shows St. Petersburg College Families with children ages 5 and older are invited to the “star theater” that can accurately simulate the night sky at any time or location on Earth. Weather permitting, the rooftop observatory will be open after the shows for
Please See HAPPENINGS, Page 26.
Email your Senior Happenings to happenings@seniorvoiceamerica.com. The deadline for the next issue is the 15th.
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Senior Voice America
NOVEMber 2011
Entertainment Noises Off
An Ideal Husband
Francis Wilson Playhouse Through Nov. 6
American Stage Nov. 19 to Dec. 24
This raucous comedy details the trials and tribulations of a group of comedic actors both on stage and off. The laughs never stop as the valiant cast and crew struggle to present the hapless comedy, “Nothing On.” Francis Wilson Playhouse is located at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. For more information, visit franciswilsonplayhouse.org or call (727) 446-1360. You Have the Right to Remain Dead
Carrollwood Players Through Nov. 5 In this audience participation comedy, narrator, Harnell Chesterton, takes us to visit a small community theater group staging a play set in the Deep South. Who is killed and who is the killer? Did a member of the cast do it — or did someone in the audience? Just wait until local police sleuth, Officer Bainbridge, begins his investigation at a production of the audience participation comedy/murder mystery. Carrollwood Players is located at 4333-5 Gunn Highway, Tampa. For more information, visit www.carrollwoodplayers.org or call (813) 265-4000. Quills
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Through Nov. 6 Doctor Royer-Collard, head of Charenton Asylum, is visited by Renee Pelagie, wife of the asylum’s most notorious inmate, the Marquis de Sade. Furious that her husband’s sadomasochistic pornography has tarnished her reputation, she offers the doctor any amount of money, if only her husband can be kept from writing. After confiscating the Marquis’ quills and paper, the Abbe de Coulmier is surprised to find lascivious new stories circulating in public. Despite a series of grisly events, the Marquis continues to pen his stories, even reaching out from the grave. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. Proof
University of South Florida Nov. 10-20 This Pulitzer Prize-winning play depicts uncertainty in genius and truth as a woman claims she wrote an extraordinary mathematical proof found with her late father’s belongings. University of South Florida is located at 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit theatreanddance.arts.usf.edu.
“Scandals used to lend charm to a man — now they crush him.” In Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, fate catches up to Sir Robert Chiltern when a mysterious woman produces a letter revealing a past misdeed. Suddenly, a choice must be made between public scandal and private shame. Insider trading, government scandal, morality in politics… whoever thought a 120-year-old comedy could feel so new? American Stage is located at 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www. americanstage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 18 World famous and celebrated Chinese acrobat, gold medalist, co-creator and executive producer of Jungua, Yan Yan Zhao, proudly presents a new and exhilarating show, Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon. This show brings incredible talent to the stage to tell a powerful dramatic tale fused with Shaolin warrior skills, unique acrobatic acts and amazing circus talent. Intricate weapons exhibitions and edge-ofyour-seat action are enhanced by brilliant backdrops, vibrant costumes and dramatic original music. The special lighting, illusions and choreography create a perfect balance of delight, wonder and excitement that will captivate and dazzle audiences. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. DeckChairs
Venue Actor Studio Nov. 4-13 While relaxing in the deck chairs on a seaside promenade, a combination of joyous moments, spicy secrets and family turmoil are revealed. Venue Actor Studio is located at 9125 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. For more information, visit www.venueactorstudio.org or call (727) 822-6194. Chicago
Stage West Community Playhouse Nov. 10-20 In roaring ‘20s Chicago, chorus girl Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband to take the rap until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream” — fame, fortune
and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score including “All That Jazz” that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. Stage West Community Playhouse is located at 8390 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill. For more information, visit www.stagewest. net or call (352) 683-5113. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
Mahaffey Theater Nov. 11-13 Hailed by The Washington Post as having “talent that’s off the scale,” Stefan Jackiw performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with its glorious blend of beauty, elegance and bravura… in stark contrast to Prokofiev’s elegy to the losses of war in his Symphony No. 6. Also Nov. 11 in Tampa and Nov. 13 in Clearwater. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or call (813) 2297827. Reunion: A Musical Fable
Rollins Theater Through Nov. 12 Reunion is a musical fable that sends Alice and Helen and Richard and Bobby and Joanie and Jessica and Jim to their high school reunion, where they are reacquainted with old fads, old feuds, old friends and old flames. Rollins Theater is located at 970 Cherry Hills Drive, Sun City Center. For more information, call (813) 642-0606. Florida Orchestra Pops: Cirque De La Symphonie
Mahaffey Theater Nov. 5 Experience a breathtaking variety of seemingly impossible acts by accomplished veterans of Cirque du Soleil and other renowned cirque troupes… aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers and strongmen… all with The Florida Orchestra performing high-energy symphonic favorites. Also Nov. 4 in Tampa and Nov. 6 in Clearwater. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or call (813) 2297827. Jerry’s Girls
Manatee Players Through Nov. 19 Jerry’s Girls is a celebratory twohour musical entertainment of glamour, optimism, love, melody and women. More than most songwriters, Jerry Herman has put the ‘larger-thanlife’ women of his shows center stage. There’s Dolly Gallagher Levi of Hello Dolly!, Auntie Mame Dennis of Mame, Countess Aurelia of Dear World, Mabel Normand of Mack and Mabel and female impersonator ZaZa of La Cage
Aux Folles. So it is fitting that in Jerry’s Girls there are women center stage once again. Jerry’s Girls affectionately celebrates Jerry’s special gift for writing songs that capture the true spirit of the American musical theatre. Manatee Players is located at 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. For more information, visit www.manateeplayers.com or call (941) 748-5875. Man of La Mancha
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center Nov. 11-20 The Broadway musical Man of La Mancha begins with the imprisonment of novelist Miguel de Cervantes during the Spanish Inquisition. Thrown into a dark prison to await trial, Cervantes entertains the prisoners with his story of Don Quixote of La Mancha, self-proclaimed champion of the oppressed and righter of wrongs. Cervantes begins to spin his tale, telling how Don Quixote left behind his family and his sanity and sets out along a great highway to glory. To win over his love, Dulcinea, he describes his quest as “The Impossible Dream,” an inspirational standard in which Quixote contemplates his dedication to virtue, honesty and bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity. Tarpon Springs Cultural Center is located at 101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. For more information, visit www.tarponarts.org or call (727) 942-5605. Meet Me In St. Louis
Show Palace Dinner Theatre Through Nov. 19 Meet Me in St. Louis is a rare treasure in the musical theatre and is based on the heartwarming MGM movie starring Judy Garland. Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair and see how their love and respect for each other is tempered with the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a special family. Imagine yourself standing with the family as the lights from the World’s Fair fill the stage; you’ve never seen such a spectacular panorama in your life. Show Palace Dinner Theatre is located at 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. For more information, visit www.showpalace.net or call (727) 863-7949. My Fair Lady
Asolo Reperatory Theatre Nov. 15 through Dec. 23 It’s the musical by which all others are measured and with good reason— this Lerner and Loewe classic features some of the most unforgettable songs and characters in musical theatre history. When linguistics professor Henry Higgins wagers that he can turn Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a proper lady, they undergo a transformation neither of them could have an-
NOVEMber 2011
Senior Voice America
Page 19
Entertainment ticipated. Experience this glorious musical in an innovative and fresh production. Asolo Reperatory Theatre is located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit asolo.org or call (800) 3618388.
philosophical inquiry, this story set in 19th-Century Russia centers around a lecherous father and his three sons. Asolo Reperatory Theatre is located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit asolo.org or call (800) 361-8388.
Mister Roberts
freeFall Theatre Through Nov. 13
Largo Cultural Center Nov. 4-13 Eight O’Clock Theatre presents this 1948 Tony Award-winning play from the World War II era. Mister Roberts shows a side of war that is often forgotten, the boredom of the men assigned to less glamorous work. Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. For more information, visit www.largoarts.com or call (727) 587-6751. Our Town
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 12-18 Patel Conservatory Youth Theater presents Our Town… Thornton Wilder’s preeminent example of American playwriting is just as relevant today as it was on winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1938. Famous for its stirring story, archetypal characters, sparse staging and miming, this extraordinary work gets directly at the heart of what makes us human: the eternal search for love, purpose and fulfillment. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. Peter Pan
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 8-13 Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of Peter Pan, coming to Tampa Nov. 8-13. Discover the magic all over again of this two-time Emmy award winning and two-time Tony award nominated production. Peter Pan is filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The legend you thought you know, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. The Brothers Karamazov
Asolo Reperatory Theatre Through Nov. 20 In his novel of the same name, Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky passionately explores issues of faith, betrayal, free will, greed and redemption. Part murder-mystery and part
The Comedy of Errors
Two sets of twins, both separated at birth (and each set sharing not only the same face, but the same name) find themselves in the city of Ephesus on the same day. As each twin is repeatedly mistaken for the other, the plot thickens and the hilarity deepens until all is unwound and the brothers are reunited. Shakespeare’s first comedy remains one of his funniest and most universally appealing. freeFall Theatre is located at 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.freefalltheatre.com or call (727) 498-5205. The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 19 Experience and celebrate Miles Davis’ music in a new live setting. An immersive musical and historical production, The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959 recaptures the period, sound, historical and cultural context of this critical period of American history via the lens of jazz music through its most iconic innovator, Miles Davis. The show includes live music performed in the manner it was first presented, with era photos and film clips brought together by a beat poet-style narrator. More than a concert, this show leaves the audience feeling what it was like living in this important period in America, understanding some of the forces that shaped it, the milieu Miles music was created in. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 17 Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! is NPR’s weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what’s real news and what’s made up. Experience it live as the show records a future broadcast. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827.
Holiday Revue
Carrollwood Cultural Center Nov. 26 to Dec. 17 Celebrate the season with a revue of holiday songs, made fresh by some new arrangements and tied together with original stories of celebration, love and the occasional family disaster. No matter what holiday you celebrate, it will be the happiest, most musical Christmahannukwanzasolstice ever. Carrollwood Players is located at 4333-5 Gunn Highway, Tampa. For more information, visit www.carrollwoodplayers.org or call (813) 265-4000. A Thousand Cranes
Ruth Eckerd Hall Dec. 3-10 This is the true story of Sadako Sasaki, just 2 years old when an atom bomb exploded over Hiroshima and 12 when she was afflicted with radiation sickness. Legend claims a person who folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish. Sadako began folding cranes, wishing to be well, wishing an atom bomb would never be dropped again. Before her death, she folded 644 cranes. Her friends and classmates folded 356 more to make a thousand. Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. For more information, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com or call (727) 791-7400. Miracle on 34th Street
St. Petersburg City Theatre Dec. 2-18 The holiday show that will make you believe… a magical event for the whole family. St. Petersburg City Theatre is located at 4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.splt.org or call (727) 866-1973. Search for Signs of Intelligent Life
Gorilla Theatre Dec. 2-18 Jonelle Meyer is chameleon-like in this sidesplitting yet dramatic tour de force. Gorilla Theatre is located at 4419 N Hubert Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit www. gorillatheatre.com or call (813) 879-2914. The Blue Room
Stageworks Theatre Dec. 2-18 A contemporary riff on the oncebanned La Ronde!, An exploration of lust, class and the power of sex. A sensation in London and New York, this scandalous play is full of erotic energy as one actor and one actress play all 10 partners in a continuous daisy chain of sexual liaisons. Funny. Razor sharp. Stageworks Theatre is located at 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. For more information, visit
stageworkstheatre.org or call (813) 251-8984. White Christmas
Manatee Players Dec. 2-23 Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-anddance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love a Piano, How Deep is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Manatee Players is located at 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. For more information, visit www. manateeplayers.com or call (941) 748-5875. Annie
Francis Wilson Playhouse Dec. 1-18 1933 and the depths of the Depression. Annie (11 years old) is living in the Municipal Orphanage on New York’s Lower East Side. Miss Hannigan is the principal in charge of the orphanage and needs no lessons on being compared to the wicked witch of the West. Annie decides to escape and try and find her parents. Naturally, this proves unsuccessful. However, Grace Farrell, secretary to the millionaire Oliver Warbucks is searching for an orphan that she might invite back to the Warbucks’ household to celebrate Christmas. Francis Wilson Playhouse is located at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. For more information, visit franciswilsonplayhouse.org or call (727) 446-1360. The SantaLand Diaries
New American Theater Dec. 8-18 Based on the outlandish and true, chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s SantaLand display, this hilarious cult classic features comic encounters during the height of the holiday crunch. NPR humorist and best-selling author of When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. Recommended for mature audiences. New American Theater is located at 183 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.newamericantheater.org or call (813) 784-0536.
P gE 20 PA
SENiOr VOicE AMEricA
NOVEMbEr 2011
Senior goUrmet
Turn your house into the Finest steakhouse
Here are some of Palmer’s top tips for a sweet tailgate: • Grab a spot early — Leave ample time to secure a spot on the tailgating grounds and arrive no later than 90 minutes before kick-off. The closer you are to game time, the more likely you will be caught in game day traffic, which will impact tailgating plans. • Have the right equipment — Just as players need proper pads and helmets on the field, tailgaters need proper cooking equipment. Portable grills, coolers, aluminum grilling utensils and storage for leftovers are a must
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With football season in full swing, fans across the country are arriving early to show their team spirit bebefore kick-off. In fact, TailgatTailgat ing.com reports that 46 percent of fans will tailgate at least six times this year. Football analyst Jesse PalmPalm er is serving up his best tips for a sucsuc cessful tailgate, including sweetening the pre-game ritual with S’mores — The Official Dessert of Tailgating. “We all know that tailgating is synonymous with football, but not everyone knows that having the right dessert can make or break your tailgate,” said Palmer, current ESPN College GameDay analyst. “S’mores can be easily made on the grill, making it the perfect game day treat.”
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Football Analyst Jesse Palmer Offers Sweet Tailgating Tips
for tailgate season. Make sure to use separate coolers for food and beverages to avoid any confusion. • Don’t forget the dessert — A great meal with friends and family ends with dessert and tailgating is no exception. S’mores are easy to make by using the “build it, wrap it, grill it” preparation method. Simply build S’mores using Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars, Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Honey Maid Graham Crackers, wrap in aluminum foil and grill them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side over a medium hot grill. • Bring the entertainment — Fans often tailgate for several hours on game day, so make sure there are plenty of activities for the group. Popular games such as corn-hole (bean bag toss), washers and ladder toss are perfect for tailgating festivities and be sure to have a radio or MP3 player on hand to get everyone excited for kick-off! For more tips and S’mores recipes for tailgating season, visit www.smoressmiles.com.
With autumn upon us, appetites will soon be craving those big, hearty flavors that warm the soul. Imagine a fireside table topped with a succulent steak and a robust red wine. Think you need to make a reservation at the swankiest steakhouse in town? Think again. With a little effort, it’s easy to recreate a savory steakhouse experience at home. A number of cattle ranchers are selling premium cuts of meat directly to consumers. Of course, sourcing the meat is only half the battle; the other half is selecting a wine that can hold its own up against a rich, flavorful meal. For the perfect pairing, look to the American West. “The success of a steak dinner starts with the cut and quality of the beef, but ultimately rests with the preparation,” says Kristin Thornton of The Double R Ranch Co. “We take great pains to hand select and age our cuts of beef, so we also provide our customers with detailed cooking instructions to ensure a great dining experience.” While there are many ways to prepare a steak, Thornton suggests using The Double R Ranch’s “steakhouse style” for a mouthwatering result. An ideal method for thicker cuts, the steakhouse style involves a quick sear in a cast iron skillet to trap the juices, followed by an oven finish to achieve the desired doneness. Not only does this method give home cooks the perfect steak, but it provides some additional time and space to finish up any side dishes. The steakhouse method also provides ample time to open a bottle of red wine and let it breathe and Thornton thinks you can’t go wrong with a big red from California. “Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural complement to a decadent ribeye or tenderloin,” says Michael Martini, Master winemaker at the longstanding Louis M. Martini Winery in California’s Napa Valley. “Its full body stands up to the richness of the cut and the simplicity of a quality steak provides a remark remarkable canvas for illustrating the wine’s complexities.” California Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively easy to find in stores and many wineries also ship direct to consumers. “The steakhouse experience doesn’t need to have a luxury price tag,” notes Martini, “and just the right Cabernet Sauvignon can cost less than $20 per bottle.” The Louis M. Martini 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon retails for around $18 and blends fruit from several prestigious vineyards. The result is a well-balanced, multilayered wine with aromas and tastes of red cherry, black cherry, blackberry and fresh sage. An underlying Dry Creek dustiness and subtle herbal notes are complemented by additional layers of chocolate and vanilla, which make for a decidedly complex and food-friendly wine. It can also be used as a terrific sauce for your steak. Here’s how: Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce 1 cup Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste In a medium sized bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, wine, salt and pepper and pour into a saucepot. On the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens. Serve on the side as a dipping sauce. With the main attractions selected, it’s time to prepare some simple sides like baked potatoes and steamed veggies to accompany the meal. Then, break out the fine linens and china, light the fire or a few candles and your steakhouse transformation is complete.
NOVEMber 2011
Senior Voice America
HOLIDAYS
Thanksgiving History Thanksgiving is closely related to harvest festivals that had long been a traditional holiday in much of Europe. The first time one of these festivals was celebrated in North American was by the Frobisher Expedition in 1578. Another event claiming to be the first Thanksgiving occurred on Dec. 4, 1619, when 38 colonists from Berkeley Parish in England disembarked in Virginia and gave thanks to God. Most people recognize the first Thanksgiving as taking place in December 1621, when the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate the bountiful harvest they reaped following their first winter in North America. The Pilgrims did not hold Thanksgiving again until 1623, when it followed a drought, prayers for rain and a subsequent rain shower. Irregular Thanksgivings continued after favorable events and days of fasting after unfavorable ones. Gradually an annual Thanksgiving after the harvest developed in the mid-1600s. This did not occur on any set day or necessarily on the same day in different colonies. ©bigstockphoto.com Some, including historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., point out that the first time colonists from Europe gave thanks in what would become the United States was on Dec. 4, 1619, in Berkeley, Virginia. That was when the 38 members of The Berkeley Company landed there after a three-month voyage on the Margaret. Having been recruited from Gloucestershire to establish a colony in the New World, the men were under orders to give thanks when they arrived, so the first thing they did was to kneel down and do so.
Don’t Stress over Holiday Meals, Plan Ahead Stress is really about the unknown, do I have enough of…? Will I get this done in time? Intelligent advance planning, will help to take a lot of stress out of holiday meals. Here is a list of tips to help plan your holiday meals. 1) Have a buffet-style meal — Prepare and cook a few different buffet type foods a day or two before, then put it all on a table and hand everyone paper plates and plastic utensils. Add a tablecloth and some decorations to keep it festive. 2) Ask Family Members to bring their favorite dish — Many hands make light work. Ask each family member to bring something; and depending on the amount of guests you have, much of your work will be done for you. Don’t be shy, most people don’t mind helping out, they just have no idea what to do. 3) Plan Ahead — No matter what type of meal you choose to have, planning well ahead of time, can make all the difference. There are lots of parts of your meal, that can be prepped a week or more ahead of time and placed in the freezer — pies, rolls and cookies can all be pre-made and frozen. A lot of items can be made the day before. All of this will minimize your work on the big day. 4) Get yourself a small folder — like the ones that students do their reports in. Put your meal planning sheets and notes in
the notebook with all the recipes you plan to use. There is nothing worse than getting to the holiday and not being able to find the recipe for Grandma’s special stuffing. If you plan your meal and collect your recipe, a few weeks ahead of time, then you will be well organized and much less likely to stress. 5) Shop Ahead — If you get your meal plan and your recipes collected
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ahead of time, then you will be able to shop the sales, save yourself money and avoid the crowds. It’s a winning proposition. 6) Prep the day before — Even if you have to cook some items on the day the meal is served, you can save yourself time by prepping the day before. Items such as onions, mushrooms, celery, olives, and sweet potatoes… get them all cut up and place them in sealed containers in the fridge and they will be all ready for the next day. 7) Keep it Simple — Everybody loves a good meal, but don’t plan more than you can honestly do. Nobody wants a stressed out hostess, that never shows her face out of the kitchen all day long on a holiday. So when planning your menu, keep it realistic. Balance things that can be made ahead of time, with things you will make on the day of the feast. 8) Don’t be afraid to ask for help — if you need help, ask. Nobody expects you to be superwoman; and your whole future is not resting on this meal — or whether you can do it all yourself. Be realistic. Most people do not mind lending a helping hand. In fact, a lot of people love the socialization that happens when cooking with another person. Most of all, enjoy yourself. Holidays with family don’t last forever and should be cherished, not stressed over.
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Health Roundup Five Easy ways, Continued from Page 1.
Senior Voice America… in print, on the web and on the air. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ every Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to noon. Publisher Evan Gold brings you information to live an active mature lifestyle. Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source for seniors,
www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.
on items like doorknobs, phones and tables. You can prevent the spread and impact of germs by wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant wipe each day. 3) Get vaccinated — Flu outbreaks can happen as early as October or as late as May. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as early as September or as soon as the most updated vaccine becomes available. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for an adult to develop antibodies against the flu which will support you through the flu season. 4) Cover your mouth — Cold and flu germs can spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing is a necessary deterrent against the spread of germs. While most people believe coughing or sneezing into a hand is sanitary, few realize that germs are spread quickly this way. Instead cough or sneeze into one arm, firmly pressing
your nose or mouth against your sleeve to stop germs from escaping. 5) Stay home — Recent reports state nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold and 75 million work days are ©bigstockphoto.com expected to be missed during flu season. When you are sick, take a sick day and allow your child to stay home if he or she is not feeling well. After a person is infected with the flu, symptoms usually appear within two to four days and are considered contagious for an additional three or more days after symptoms appear. Anyone in close proximity to a cold or flu infection may become infected because these infections can also be spread directly by aerosols. Staying home when sick will not only help avoid spreading illness to others, but allow time for you or your child to recuperate and recover. For more information on the importance of hygiene and hygiene tips from Allison Aiello and the Tork Green Hygiene Council, visit www.torkgreenhygienecouncil.com.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help with a Loved-One During the Holidays Being a regular caregiver is a tough responsibility and the holidays can be a particularly stressful time if you are trying to organize family festivities while looking after a loved-one. For others who may not be daily caregivers, you may have a relative coming to stay whose health is in decline and who needs special attention. If this is a situation you are unfamiliar with, it can be overwhelming. Caregivers often find the holidays are more exhausting than enjoyable and this can be very detrimental to their health, especially in the winter months. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to get the support you need, whenever you need it. When you start to feel overwhelmed, reach out to a professional agency such as Home Health Works, who provide home health care professionals to give you some help, whether for just a couple of hours or for several days. “Taking care of a loved one means giving them the best care possible, which is a huge responsibility” says Sue Minkoff, R.N., Founder of Home Health Works. “At certain times such
as the holidays, the family member providing the care can find themselves performing an impossible juggling act. Asking for help, in the form of an extra pair of hands shouldn’t lead to feelings of guilt and it can make all the difference in the world.” Caregivers very often neglect their own needs because they are so focused on providing loving, hands-on care, but quality of life is paramount for you and your loved one. Being really honest with yourself is important as you evaluate whether you need additional help or not. Asking for extra help shouldn’t lead to feelings of guilt and also doesn’t mean you have to give up your role as caregiver. Agencies like Home Health Works provide staff who will work with you as a team and can be used regularly or temporarily to provide companionship and practical help. Home Health Works provides home health care professionals up to 24 hours a day in any home or facility within Pasco or Pinellas counties. They can be contacted at (727) 4425612.
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Dollars and sense
Estate Planning? Make the Most of Your Money When it comes to financial planning, making smart investments and planning for the future aren’t your only fiduciary considerations. You also want to be sure you’re getting the most out of the money you spend on the process. Estate planning is an important component of your overall financial plan, regardless of your age, income or size of your estate. If you own property and have heirs, you need to think about estate planning. To do the job well, you’ll need the help of a team of professional accredited estate planners such as a certified public accountant, a lawyer, insurance professionals and financial planners and trust officers. Professional fees can add up if you don’t manage time well, so it’s important to prepare for every meeting with your estate planning team members. National Association of Estate Planners & Councils offers this advice on how to have productive working relationships with your planners: • Before meeting with a professional, gather all your personal and financial information, make lists of your current financial advisers, assets and liabilities, collect financial documents such as retirement plans, life insurance policies, property deeds, partnership and business agreements and your income tax returns for the past two years.
• Write out your own personal goals, concerns and ideas. Identify people whom you would like to have inherit your property when you die and specify what you would like to leave each. Make note of any special needs or situations, such as a dependent child or a spouse whose disability will prevent him or her from working. Identify people you would like to name as guardian for minor children, as well as an executor for your will. • Seek out the right professionals. You’ll find any number of people who profess to be estate planners, but NAEPC designees complete rigorous educational requirements for estate planning and
Where Caregivers Can Turn for Answers to Medicare questions If you’re one of the 66 million Americans who care for an aging, disabled or seriously-ill family member or friend, you’re probably doing everything from running errands, to coordinating doctor appointments, to helping find long-term care. Fortunately, caregivers have resources they can turn to for help and support. And they can find out about them through Ask Medicare, a service developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Ask Medicare offers tips online at www.medicare.gov/caregivers to help caregivers address numerous challenges, including: • Enrolling in Medicare and comparing prescription drug plans. • Coping with chronic illnesses and understanding the ways Medicare can support care and treatment. • Finding the best nursing home or assisted living arrangement. • Managing health care transitions, such as when someone is discharged from the hospital. • Finding local organizations that can provide additional support for caregivers and their loved ones. “Caregivers are part of a nationwide community of people who sacrifice a lot for others,” says Susie Butler, acting deputy director, Partner Re-
lations Group, Office of Public Engagement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “We want caregivers to know they’re not alone.” The Ask Medicare site highlights the challenges caregivers face each day; offers a free quarterly e-newsletter with Medicare program updates and links to state and local organizations that help with meals, transportation and caregiver training. “Ask Medicare is an online one-stop shop where caregivers can get all the support they need,” says Ms. Butler, “It has interactive tools that help caregivers compare doctors, hospitals and nursing homes, find local home health agencies and dialysis facilities and learn which services are covered by Medicare.” Caregivers for older Americans can also link to additional resources through CMS’s sister agency, the Administration on Aging. On the AoA site they’ll find the Eldercare Locator, which can point them to services in their own communities as well as national organizations, such as the American Association of Retired Persons, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Family Caregiver Alliance. Ask Medicare has links to their caregiving resources, too. To find out more about Ask Medicare visit www.medicare.gov/caregivers.
adhere to a strict code of ethics. To find an accredited estate planner, visit the association’s website, www.estateplanninganswers.org. • Bring your notes and all the information you’ve gathered with you to your meeting. Being prepared can save you hours of billable time. Discuss your overall goals and find out how each professional can help you meet them. Ask for a list of the specific documents he or she will prepare for you. • Realize that estate planning is an ongoing process. You should update your estate plan every few years or any time you experience a major life change, such as the birth of a child, marriage, divorce or death of a spouse or parent. • Finally, once you’ve prepared for your loved ones’ financial future, don’t forget to take care of their emotional well-being. Estate plan documents are dry and technical and they won’t communicate your emotions to those you leave behind. Consider writing a letter to your spouse and family expressing your final thoughts and feelings. Keep the letter with key financial paperwork and make sure your loved ones know where to locate these items. To learn more about estate planning, visit the NAEPC Education Foundation’s public awareness website www.EstatePlanningAnswers.org.
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DID YOU KNOW
Daylight Savings Time ends on Nov. 6 Fall Back 1 Hour Set all your clocks back 1 hour. Also this is the time the Fire Department recommends that you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors... on the twice-a-year time change.
Change Those Batteries
NOVEMber 2011
Senior Voice America
Veterans Service Organizations Veterans service organizations are groups of Veterans that come together to promote and support Veterans issues. Many organizations consist of members that share a common experience, such as those that served in the same military unit or period of war. The Military Order of the World Wars 435 North Lee St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-4911 www.militaryorder.net The Retired Enlisted Association 1111 S. Abilene Court Aurora, CO 80012 (800) 338-9337 www.trea.org Congressional Medal of Honor Society 40 Patriots Point Rd Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 884- 8862 www.cmohs.org Disabled American Veterans 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Springs, KY 41076 (859) 441- 7300 www.dav.org Military Officers Association of America 201 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549- 2311 www.moaa.org Polish Legion of American Veterans P.O. Box 42024 Washington, DC 20015 www.plav.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 756-3390 www.vfw.org AMVETS 4647 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, MD 20706-4380 (301) 459-9600 www.amvets.org Blinded Veterans Association 477 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-2694 (202) 371-8880 www.bva.org Army and Navy Union 604 Robbins Ave. Niles, OH 44446 (330) 349-4724 armynavyunion.com Commissioned Officers Association 9330 Corporate Dr., #702 Selma, TX 78154-1257 (210) 653-6161 www.ncoausa.org The American Legion P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 630-1200 www.legion.org Military Order of the Purple Heart 5413-C Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 354-2140 www.purpleheart.org
Korean War Veterans Association 8452 Marys Creek Dr. Benbrook, TX 76116 (817) 244-0706 www.kwva.org
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association P.O. Box 1588 Hemet, CA 92456-1588 (951) 927-8179 www.pearlharborsurvivor.net
American G.I. Forum 2870 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 102 Denver, CO 80211 (303) 458-1700 www.agifusa.org
Fleet Reserve Association 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314-2754 1-800-FRA-1924 www.fra.org
Jewish War Veterans of the USA 1811 R St., NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 265-6280 www.jwv.org
The Marine Corps League 8626 Lee Hwy, Suite 201 Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 207-9588 www.mcleague.org.
American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 East Pioneer Pky, #40 Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979 www.axpow.org
The Military Chaplains Association P.O. Box 7056 Arlington, VA 22207-7056 (703) 533-5890 www.mca-usa.org.
Catholic War Veterans 441 North Lee St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-3622 www.cwv.org
The Paralyzed Veterans of America 801 18th Street NW Washington, DC 20006 (202) 872-1300 www.pva.org.
Vietnam Veterans of America 8605 Cameron Street, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 585-4000 www.vva.org
Legion of Valor of the USA, Inc. 4706 Calle Reina Santa Barbara, CA 93110-2018 (805) 692-2244 www.legionofvalor.com
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HAPPENINGS, from Page 17. kids to check out the stars and planets using their own eyes and telescopes. St. Petersburg College is located at 6605 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. For more information, call (727) 341-4320. Fridays
Friday Night Movies Pioneer Park Movies in the park. Bring your blanket and a cooler. Enjoy a classic film every Friday. Pioneer Park is located at Main Street and Douglas Ave, Dunedin. 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.dunedingov.com or call (727) 812-4530. Fridays and Saturdays
Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 Pier 60 Bring the family to Clearwater’s Pier 60 for a free film screening every Friday and Saturday. Bring a blanket or low sitting chair and watch a movie on the jumbo screen. Popcorn and soft drinks will be available. Weather permitting. Pier 60 is located at 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach. For more information, visit www.sunsetsatpier60.com or call (727) 434-6060.
Saturdays
Hot Yoga Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center Experience muscle tone development, release of toxins and increased weight loss with Highland’s Hot Yoga Class. Performed in a room heated to 85 degrees, participants benefit from increased flexibility as they develop strength, balance and range of motion. Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center is located at 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. For more information, visit www.largo.com/department/division. or call (727) 518-3016. Saturdays
Guided Hike Weedon Island Preserve Hike through coastal mangroves and upland ecosystems. Learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of this area. Bring water and hat. Recommended for ages six and older. Weedon Island Preserve is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit weedonislandpreserve.org or call (727) 453-6500.
NOVEMber 2011
ARound THE HOME
The Dirty Truth About Fleas When fleas are spotted in the home, it’s our pets that take the blame. But did you know that for every flea you see, there could be a much bigger problem hiding in the bedding, carpets, furniture and floorboards of your home? The truth is, flea eggs, maggotlike larvae and pupae represent 95 percent of a flea infestation and they thrive not on your pet, but in the places your pet likes to snuggle — on the couch, under the porch, even in your bed.
A Problem Waiting to Hatch Within as little as eight weeks, just two fleas can produce up to 2,000 eggs. Your pet shakes these tiny white specs off himself and into your home where they quickly develop into maggot-like larvae and spin silken cocoons, becoming pupae. In their pupae stage, fleas can lay dormant for up to a year waiting for the right conditions to hatch into adults. That means, as long as you have eggs, larvae and pupae hiding in your home, you’re always at risk for a sudden, itchy infestation. Consider these uncomfortable facts from SentinelPet.com: • The adult fleas a pet owner sees represent only 5 percent of the flea population. The other 95 percent — eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae — hide in your home. • A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. • Eggs hatch into maggot-like larvae in two to four days. • Larvae are repelled by light and burrow into the fibers, cracks and crevasses of your home. • In their cocoon stage, fleas can lie dormant in your home for up to a year.
Why Infestations Thrive Most flea products only treat adult fleas. The eggs, larvae and pupae are allowed to thrive in your home, hatching into repeated adult infestations. Not only do many products fail to prevent an infestation, they also leave a sticky residue on your pet that can wash away, or rub off onto furniture, carpets and even children. To truly prevent an infestation, you must break the flea life cycle. And that means killing flea eggs and larvae before they become adults.
Break the Cycle The way to prevent a flea infestation is to rid your home of developing flea populations. That means making sure those flea eggs never develop into nasty maggot-like larvae. Many veterinarians prescribe an insect growth regulator to stop flea eggs from hatching. When female fleas feed on your pet’s blood, they’ll pass on potent killing power to their eggs and any existing larvae that feed on excreted blood. Products like Sentinel (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron) Flavor Tabs even combine flea prevention with heartworm and internal parasite protection in one monthly tablet. Before peak flea season hits this fall, talk to your veterinarian about making sure your home isn’t playing host to a vicious flea infestation cycle. To locate a veterinarian or get more information on protecting your pet and family from parasites, visit www. SentinelPet.com. Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurologic and skin side effects may occur.
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SENiOr VOicE AMEricA
Smart Ways to Save #
Who doesn’t like a good bargain? Coupons have long been a savvy bargain hunter’s go-to tool, and today there are more ways than ever to take advantage of the savings they can bring. Ninety-one percent of women use coupons to get a good deal, according to a national poll from SmartMagazine. And they’re gathering coupons from multiple sources: newspapers, email and U.S. mail, online, at stores and from mobile phones. There are plenty of deals to be had; you just have to know a few simple tricks to get them. Here are some tips from the savings mavens at CheapSally.com for getting the biggest bang for your buck with coupons:
Finding Coupons • Save the inserts that come with your local newspaper, especially the Sunday editions. Write the date on them and keep them in an expandable file folder. • Bookmark websites that offer online coupons, such as CheapSally.com. You’ll find printable coupons, ecoupons, promo codes and special deals for brands as well as retail stores. • Keep your eyes open for in-store coupons. You can find them in automatic dispensers along store shelves, on tear pads and even on your store receipt. Some retailers print coupons along with your receipt. They’re called Catalinas and can be used in the store on your next visit.
• Some grocery stores have loyalty programs that give you access to additional coupons, either online or, in a more recent trend, through e-coupons that you can load onto your rewards card. When you swipe the card, the coupons automatically get credited to your total. • Check manufacturer’s websites for coupons. You can also “Like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to get even more savings. Consumer Reports recommends setting up a separate email account for couponing to help minimize spamming.
Smart Couponing Tips • Scour the newspaper ad circulars for sales. Then match up your coupons to items on sale. • Stacking coupons is a great way to get a real steal. Look for sale items that you need. Then use a manufacturer’s coupon and a store coupon on top of it. If the store doubles the coupon’s value, that’s even more savings. • Use coupons with “buy one, get one free” offers. Using one coupon for each item saves you even more. • If you find good deals on items you’ll really use, then it can pay to stock up. But don’t fall into the trap of buying something just because it’s a bargain. If you won’t use it, you’ll be wasting money you can spend on something you actually need. To get more great tips and savings, visit www.CheapSally. com.
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Senior Voice Recipe Challenge Time to show Tampa Bay that you’re the next Emeril or Rachel Ray. Could there be a Frugal Gourmet inside of you? Are you Tampa Bay’s Julia Childs?
December’s Recipe Challenge is Holiday Treats! It’s that time of year… time for Christmas Cookies… Hanukkah Treats… Eggnog and Fruitcakes… and time for us to all make the best of the best! Think of all the cookie exchange parties you’ve been to. Someone always has a cookie you’ve never seen or tasted before that became a new favorite. And while many folks tease about fruitcakes… with a new Eggnog recipe to drown the taste, who knows this could just be the best Holiday Season ever! So breakout the recipe box or the computer files for your very best Holiday Treat. Maybe a special pudding you serve with the big
October “Chicken” Recipe Challenge Winners Congratulations to this month’s recipe challenge Winners. Thanks to everyone that submitted your great chicken recipes. I’m afraid we didn’t think about how much weight we might gain when we said we’d cook and eat the recipes you submitted. Our two winners are each receiving two vouchers for the Florida Orchestra performance of their choice.
Stephen’s Cheese Chicken (Chicken Stroganoff) A super easy crock pot recipe. Submitted by Stephen Max of Lutz Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 can fat free Cream of Mushroom soup 16oz. fat free Sour Cream 1 envelope dry Onion Soup Mix 1 package egg noodles
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY 11:00 AM to NOON WITH YOUR HOST EVAN GOLD
Directions: Combine all ingredients except noodles in a crock post and cook for 6 hours and serve over noodles. Prepare noodles as directed on package.
©bigstockphoto.com
dinner. Send in your Mothers mouthwatering Loukoumades recipe or your favorite, her special Fruit Blintzes. The point is the Holidays are a time to share! So send in your favorite recipe you know will make the world a better place. Our staff will prepare them in the Senior Voice America kitchen and select the top two and announce the winners in the December issue. Each winner will receive two vouchers for tickets to a Florida Orchestra performance of their choice, and have their recipe published in the December issue in time for others to enjoy for the holiday.
Chicken Piccata Submitted by Lauri Kanarkis of St. Petersburg Ingredients: 1 lb chicken cutlets 1 large egg 1 Tbl. milk 1 ¾ cup bread crumbs ½ stick butter
1 lemon 1 chicken bouillon ¼ tsp salt ¾ cup water Parsley for garnish
Directions: • On cutting board pound each cutlet with a mallet to 1/8- inch thickness. • In a pie tin, beat the egg and the milk with a fork until well blended. • Place bread crumbs on a plate. • Dip Chicken cutlet in egg mixture and then into bread crumbs coating both sides. • Heat 2 Tbl. butter in a skillet over medium heat, cook a couple of breaded cutlets until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining butter and chicken cutlets. Keep cutlets warm. • Reduce heat to low. Squeeze ½ of the lemon juice into drippings in skillet; stir in chicken bouillon, salt and 3/4 cups of water , scraping the pan to loosen brown bits from bottom of the pan. • Return the Chicken cutlets to the pan, then over high heat bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover and simmer mixture for 5 minutes until cutlets are fork tender. • To serve, thinly slice the remaining ½ of the lemon. Arrange the cutlets on a warm platter with lemon slices, and garnish with parsley sprigs.
Send your recipe to: Senior Gourmet, PO Box 270 Lutz, FL 33559 Recipe will not be returned. There will be two monthly Senior Voice Recipe Challenge winners. Winning prizes are subject to change. Senior Voice America, Inc., reserves the right to reprint the recipe without compensation to the individual submitter. Submission of the recipe signifies you are the owner of the recipe and that it is not copyright protected and gives Senior Voice America, Inc., permission to reprint.
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JUDI’S GEMS By JudithSabghir Gannon For those of us who live far away from our adult children, it can be a mixed blessing. For some of us, it’s difficult not seeing them regularly. For others, it might be a good idea. Unfortunately, when we don’t have our grown up children around, we cannot express affection the way we did in the past. I miss the hugs. I do not miss “the issues.” Believe me, everyone has issues — the parents, the kids, the grandparents, even the family pets. My daughter and I live many miles apart. For us, it seems to work. When we are together, it’s a mini vacation from our “other lives.” You know the one — the life where I fret about the carpets that need to be replaced, the furniture that needs to be refinished and the wall decor that needs a facelift. True vacations are freedom from stress and simply a state of mind. Being open-minded is necessary to really enjoy the company of our grown children. When I visit my daughter, I look forward to anything we do — as long as we have some quality time together. For these brief moments, I attempt to emphasize the positive. I enjoy seeing her friends whom surprisingly I actually like. I enjoy the trips to the mall and to assorted restaurants. I especially enjoy my daughter offering to pay for an occasional meal. During one recent trip, my daughter suggested that we could take a real vacation together, perhaps to a venue outside of the United States. These are still uncharted waters, and the prospect is somewhat scary. She even offered to pay my way. I’ll definitely let you know when and if that happens. To be candid, such a trip intrigues me. Would we be able to sleep in after partying all night? Would we bond over “girlie movies” or shop till we
drop? Would I want to hang out with the people she has met? Do I really want to come face to face with our issues — the ones we have swept under the rug for years? What about my embarrassing her in front of other people? I’m usually just being myself when that occurs. The real deal is whether we would survive this mother-daughter chance to bond. We most certainly have distinct similarities and differences. She loves her cell phone; I detest mine and do not want to be connected 24/7. I am always on time; my daughter runs late. Keeping a neat house is my thing, not hers. I am also more organized. Last year I even created a filing system for her mail. That went over like a lead balloon. In the larger picture, these issues don’t matter at all. We are not exact opposites by any means. We enjoy some of the same TV shows, but offhand I can’t name them. Sometimes we laugh at the exact same things. We spend money when we probably shouldn’t. We are both very affectionate individuals. When people see us together, they instinctively know we are mother and daughter. That makes me proud. Over the years, I have learned to choose my words carefully, and I avoid giving opinions whenever I can. Sometimes I slip up and say the wrong thing, by mistake. Since moms and daughters walk a delicate balance, I know that any precious time together is just that — precious. So would I take a vacation with my 34-year-old daughter? Let’s just say that I look forward to that possibility. I could call it a great social experiment. Just wish us luck; we could use it!
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NOVEMbEr 2011
Senior to Senior WOMAN SEEkING MAN
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Please include the following FREE AD of up to 30 words describing me or what I look for in a friend or a date:
Pretty D B F, 50’s and curvy. Looking for S D W M who can be monogamous, sensual, funny, patient and can picture himself loving me. Largo Luvnursing15@gmail.com Slender, attractive, fun loving WD W F seeks gentleman friend for sharing good times. Enjoy dancing, dining, travel, beaches, flea markets and much more. Possible romance. PO Box 7805, St. Pete FL 33734 ISO gent to share fun events, sports, daytrips & dancing. WD, NS, ND, W C petite and fit 70’s (727) 947-2191 S W WD F 72 ISO S W M. Wants friendship. Likes the simple things in life. NS LTR Likes movies, eating out. Tampa (813) 402-2548 Pretty S W F 66 5’6 med build, great SOH, fun to be with. Loves flea mkts, movies, cook cooking etc. Seeking honest, loving man for LTR. Tarpon Springs (727) 937-3451 Tall, attractive, slender, fun loving, blonde, snow bird ISO W D M NS 65-75. Let’s talk and see if we can enjoy the winter together. CLW (513) 205-6314 S W F NS Likes country music, short & long trips, beach, movies, eating out etc.. ISO Good, happy, cheerful man . St Pete call evenings (727) 823-7345 D W F NS SD 60 ISO Loving Lonely Gent. I enjoy traveling, animals, movies. I’m financially secure, like backgammon, chess, bridge & life, how about you. Sun City Center (813) 634-8063
Phone: First & Last Name: City: To the Seeker: Your name will not be published, only your phone number or P.O. Box.A new form must be sent each month for the ad to continue. The publisher reserves the right to edit all material. Senior Voice of Floridamakes no promises and bears no responsibility for results or non-results. Fraudulent or unauthorized entries are a Federal offense. Submissions are accepted on a first-come basis, until page is full. Unused submissions will be carried over to the following month. Coupons must be received by the 10th of the month.
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W WD NS SD F 70 ISO nice guy in Palm Harbor area for LTR. Like swimming, cards, movies, dancing, cooking & travel. Thin, 5’1, Blond, blue eyes. Palm Harbor (727) 772-8394 MAN SEEkING WOMAN
Senior to Senior Abbreviations M: F: S: D: WD: W: B: H: J:
Male Female Single Divorced Widowed White Black Hispanic Jewish
C: ISO: LTR: NS: ND: SD: SOH:
Christian In Search Of Long Term Relationship Non-Smoker Non-Drinker Social Drinker Sense of Humor
Nice looking male 5’6 in shape seeking slim S W F under 70 yrs who likes to travel & have fun. St.Pete (727) 398-3034 W WD S C M NS, 65, 6” 195lbs. I am handsome and fit. I like tennis and church. ISO Christian who likes music and dancing. Largo (727) 519-5597 S W D C M Youthful, slim 5’8, 57 professional, NS , SD ISO friend for good times, age & race not important, weight & height in proportion. CLW (727) 366-6322 WD W M Looking for W 70 W Petite female, honest, loves to travel, sports, music & affectionate. Bradenton (941) 794-6580 S D M Needs a retired slim, attractive, F 60+ for walks, pleasant conversation, movies etc. CLW (727) 462-8171 Successful, slim, fit, S B C M, 64 seeking an intelligent, affectionate, petite-slender, S C F 45-65 for conversation, dating, walking, Christian activities leading to LTR & possible marriage. Tampa (813) 786-8451 S W C M 78 5’6 178lbs desires meeting S W F about 75 or younger. I like beaches, day trips, dancing & playing bluegrass music. Largo (727) 535-8585
I would like to meet a lady in her 60’s and retired who likes movies, yard sales & flea markets. St. Pete (727) 521-1362
S W C M 61 seeks S W C F for real love. Must be a Christian and know the lord and be marriage minded. Call 727-475-9292. Largo Area. Call after 6pm.
70, 5’7” 155lbs WD W C, I smoke. ISO LTR and interest in romance. Be within reasonable age and distance from Holiday. Email web4321@netzero.com or call (727) 271-4996 No Phonies please.
W M 61 ISO 50plus W F uninhibited down to earth, sensual, honest and caring who is look looking for friendship & someone to be there. Call Roger in Pinellas Park at 727-222-8657
I’m looking for you. If you are a triple S women, w/f or Latina 60+, height weight proportioned willing to commit, love and all that is good in life. Call me for details. I’m open 24/7 YES (727) 992-2342
FRIEND TO FRIEND Christian W looking for Christian Man. ND, NS must have car. Largo (727)584-8926
meet that Someone Special Senior to Senior
NOVEMber 2011
Senior Voice America
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Residences
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(800) 600-4364 if you have a service geared to seniors, let them know about it with an ad here! Call today (800) 600-4364 to find out more.
CLASSIFIEDS American Cancer Society~Urgent Need for Volunteers
Cancer patients from your community need your help to get to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is in urgent need of volunteers who are willing to drive cancer patients to and/or from their lifesaving cancer treatments. Schedules are very flexible. If you have a few hours a week and would like to help a cancer patient in your community, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Classified Ads Place your classified ad in the Senior Voice America today. Clean out your garage, sell that car, advertise your services. Ads are priced from $40 for up to 20 words, plus a phone number. Additional words are $5. To place your ad, call (800) 600-4364, Ext. 221, or complete the form below and mail with a check payable to Senior Voice America at PO Box 270; Lutz, FL 33548. You can also email your ad to sharon@ggpubs.com Deadline: 20th of the month for the next monthly issue. Name:
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DID YOU KNOW Diet Soda Makes You Fat?
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Diet soda may not be a good weapon in your battle of the bulge. So says two new studies that indicate diet soda may contribute to larger waistlines and even to diabetes. Two studies presented at a recent conference held by the American Diabetes Association indicate that diet soda may be free of calories but not of consequences. Epidemiologists from the School of Medicine at The University of Texas reported data showing diet soda consumption is associated with increased waist circumference in humans and a second study found aspartame raised blood sugar in diabetes-prone mice.
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Senior Voice America
NOVEMber 2011