APRIL 2011 VOL. 31 • NO. 4
Making the Most of New Technology By Matthew Wiseman, Editor Senior Voice America Technology changes like the weather. But at least with weather, there’s no such thing as a new kind of storm. In the world of technology, a new kind of storm rolls in almost every month. In this issue of Senior Voice America, we take a quick look at some mature new technologies, particularly ones that are portable. Before we go too far into hardware — be sure to visit our new Senior Voice America website, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com and tune in to our new radio show, which airs Thursdays at 11 a.m. on 1250 WHNZ. On the website, this article contains links to most of the products we discuss. Between the newspaper, the website and the radio show, we’ll help keep you up to date on the latest tech for savvy seniors. STREAMING CONTENT Streaming content is digital cable on steroids. You pick what you want to enjoy, when you want to enjoy it. If you have one of the newer smart phones like Apple’s iPhone or a Droid, you can listen to Senior Voice America with the “I Heart Radio” application. It’s free and the sound quality is better than what you will get from a traditional AM radio. You can also get the show as a podcast and listen to it whenever you like. Another free and popular service for music lovers is Pandora. Pandora is the culmination of the “Music Genome Project” in which thousands of volunteers helped pick songs on esthetic criteria, creating playlists like a radio DJ, based on beat and theme. Pandora is fully automated, but based on your choice of song or artist. You create, say, a Mozart channel and you’ll get the best Mozart performances streamed to your device in an order that listeners
find entertaining. In the world of video, the two most popular streaming providers are Netflix and Hulu. Netflix offers both DVD and Blu-ray disks by mail and tens of thousands of streaming movies over the internet. Netflix subscriptions start at $8 a month, and you may find you don’t need cable or satelite for anything other than local programming. Netflix will run on your computer, portable devices and many new “Smart TVs” and Blu-ray players. There’s even a few stand-alone devices like the Roku Player that brings Netflix and more to your “dumb” old TV. While Blu-ray Disks are a step up from traditional DVDs, streaming video is already high-definition in most cases. Hulu is owned by the major TV networks and it’s where you will find the current episodes of most TV shows. Hulu content has short commercials. You’ll get a commercial about every 20 minutes, but it’s free. HuluPlus is a subscription-based version that has all the episodes of shows, not just the three or four most recent. There’s also classic movies. NETBOOKS These small laptops took the world by storm. They offer most of the features of a full-size laptop in a tiny package with excellent battery life. Some offer solid-state hard drives, which means there are zero moving parts. Netbooks will stream media and will work as a primary computer for many users. Some feature built-in video cameras for video conferencing. It’s really is easy with a service like Skype to have a free video conference with someone who’s on the other side of the world. With Skype and a couple of netbooks, you can read a bedtime story to your grandchild even if he or she is
Please See TECH, Page 18.
Apple changed the game with its revolutionary iPad (Top). New wireless printers from HP and rugged desktop computers from PC makers Dell, Apple and HP can give you years of great service. Meanwhile, companies like Netflix and Hulu offer unlimited streaming entertainment; and netbook computers and mobile devices let you take everything with you. It’s a whole new world.
Senior Voice America… in print, on the web and on the air. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ on Thursdays, 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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SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA SURVEY
This Should Sound Like You: Reader Survey Results THE SENIOR VOICE OF FLORIDA • EST. 1980 Senior Publishing and Meetings, 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/Art Director: Matthew Wiseman editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com Circulation Manager: Sharon Altman sharon@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES • (813) 949-0006 Todd Goldman todd@seniorvoiceamerica.com Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Rick Detres rick@seniorvoiceamerica.com Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com Join our sales team. For information about opportunities throughout Florida and North America, email todd@seniorvoiceamerica.com.
CONTRIBUTOR Judith Sabghir Gannon Would you like to write for Senior Voice America? Please email editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com
PRODUCTION AND PRE-PRESS Potato Communications, Inc. matt@hotpotato.us 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.
Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Timm Harmon Associate Publisher It has been a while since we conducted a Reader Survey, and we’re glad we did. Thanks to all of you who went online or mailed in your answers… you kept our accounting staff busy calculating the results. Here is a synopsis of the loyal Senior Voice America readers: Most of you, 76 percent, call Florida your home; and although you do love to travel, you don’t miss a single issue. In fact, more than 84 percent of you travel each year for pleasure and half of our wanderlust readers travel two to four times a year. About 63 percent of us travel to see kinfolk. As a group we seem to like the same things. The top five requests for articles we should include in order were: • Travel, • Entertainment, • Local Happenings, • Food, and • Medical information. But the numbers were very close for the next four, too. You also wanted to read: • Restaurant Reviews, • Medicare Issues, • Legal and Financial Issues. And come election time… • Information on candidates important to seniors. The very good news to us was that nearly three quarters of you want to listen to the Senior Voice
America Radio show. For those of you who haven’t tuned in yet, join us Thursdays at 11 a.m. on 1250 AM WHNZ to hear what everyone’s talking about. You’ll hear important information from people like the State of Florida Department of Financial Services, Department of Veterans Affairs and many other organizations dedicated to seniors. There are interviews dealing with exercise and fitness and how it can vastly improve your life, and so much more. While only 29 percent have given up our cars, almost 80 percent say give us coupons because we use them regularly for dining out, hair salons or getting our nails done. The fact is that the list of things we will use coupons for is very long. It is clear that seniors know how to stretch our dollars and we are loyal to businesses that offer coupons. But don’t think that just because we like coupons we’re not doing okay. While some of our responses were from readers that haven’t retired yet, of the retirees who responded, 81 percent feel they are at or better than they thought they would be when they retired. More than 50 percent of our responses came from people who feel they are doing better than they expected. So to sum it up… Senior Voice America readers have worked hard and are enjoying retirement in Florida but still love to travel.
You stretch your dollars using coupons and are very interested in positions politicians take when it comes to issues affecting seniors. You want to listen to a radio show that addresses those issues as well. Seeing the family is important and you’re grateful you have the ability to do so. All of us at Senior Voice America wish to thank you for participating in this survey. We will continue to reach out to you for your valuable input. Expect to see more of the articles you asked for and we’ll go into a more direct conversation with you on our radio show each week. Going forward, we want to hear from you even more. Have great photos from an event? Send them in with a brief description. Know a story about a hero right in our back yard? Tell us about it for a possible place in “Seniors Around the Bay.” Remember to get them to us by the 15th of the month please. Send them to: Senior Voice America Senior Contributions PO Box 270 Lutz, FL 33548 editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com Congratulations to our winners in the February Reader Survey Ticket Give Away: Richard B. of Tampa; Judy S. of St. Petersburg; Mr. Curtis H. of Valrico; and SBH of Sun City Center.
America Loses a Reluctant ‘Hero’ America lost her last surviving son of the “War to End All Wars” Feb. 27. Cpl. Frank Buckles, who was 110, was a veteran of World War I and served as a civilian in World War II. He survived capture by the Japanese and was held for three years during his service. Cpl. Buckles lied about his age to enlist in the U.S. Army at 16. The Missouri farm boy wanted to do his part in what the president called “the war to end all wars.” Unfortunately, that label from Woodrow Wilson was premature. So was that conflict’s original title — the Great War. Mr. Buckles took his celebrity status with modest grace, consistently correcting those who called him a “hero” for serving as an ambulance driver on the Western front. He summed up his motivation for signing up with the Army: “If your country needs you, you should be right there, that is the way I felt when I was young, and that’s the way I feel today.” World War II was tougher on Mr. Buckles than World War I. He was a civilian working on a steamship that docked in Manila when the Japanese invaded in late 1941. As their captive, he suffered cruel
mistreatment for more than three years, nearly starving to death before liberation came. Yet he lived on — and on and on. A few years back, he revealed the secret of his remarkable longevity: “When you think you’re dying, don’t.” And when you think of Cpl. Buckles, think, too, of all the other Americans who have been “right there” for us since the war that did not end all wars. Cpl. Frank Buckles was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, within sight of his commanding general. The world has two remaining World War I veterans. Both served England. Both born in 1901. Claude Stanley Choules is the last living combat veteran. He lives in Australia today. Florence Beatrice Green was a mess officer in the Royal Air Force. She lives near London.
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SENIORS AROUND THE BAY Active Senior Living In the Heart of Downtown St. Petersburg
Claudine Leger, community relations director for Sun City Senior Living, presents Dolores Berens, president of Samaritans Alzheimer’s Auxiliary in Sun City Center, with a check for $1,295 for funds raised at the “Inside My Being” Alzheimer’s benefit hosted by Sun City Senior Living, an assisted living and memory care community in Sun City Center. The organization also presented and additional $204 in cash donations. For more information on Sun City Senior Living, visit www.pacificasuncity.com or call (813) 938-2246. For more information about Samaritans Alzheimer’s Auxiliary, contact Dolores Berens at (813) 634-9283.
LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND
Several adult, large or medium mixed-breed dogs and a few adult small mixed-breed dogs are available for a $45 adoption donation at Napier’s Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary. All dogs are spayed/neutered, have shots, microchips for ID and come with 30-days of free pet health insurance for unforseen illnesses. Visit www.NapierFamilyFarm.com for a listing of dogs with photos including the following: • Cliff — A five-year-old white with black spots Dalmatian/Mastiff mix; • Petey — a two-year-old brindle and white Terrier mix; • Bernard — A six-year-old red Lab/Chow mix; • Hazel — A three-year-old yellow Lab/Staffordshire mix; • Chase — a six-year-old yellow Lab/Belgian Shepherd mix; • Cairo — a seven-year-old white and black Rat Terrier; • Cedric — a six-year-old white with black spots/patches Dalmation/
Pointer mix, housetrained, big couch potato; and • Blue Eyes — A four-year-old black and tan Australian Shepherd/ Husky mix. Napier’s Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary, Inc., is a not-for-profit 501(3) no-kill Florida corporation that provides loving adoptive homes or permanent homes to needy animals. Visit www.NapierFamilyFarm.com or call (941) 750-8185. Located in East Bradenton. On hundred percent of donations go to caring for the animals and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Cash donations or WalMart and Tractor Supply gift cards may be mailed to: Horse & Animal Sanctuary, 20010 East SR 64; Bradenton, FL 34212, credit card donations may be made on the link on the website or cash donations may be made at any Bank of America in care of the Horse & Animal Sanctuary fundraiser account.
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SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
NEUROPATHY &
OTHER FOOT PROBLEMS? YES, YOU CAN FEEL GREAT ABOUT YOUR FEET AGAIN! WE HAVE YOUR TREATMENT PLAN DR. BONNIE SANCHEZ
NEW
EXPANDED HOURS FOR 2011
DIABETIC FOOTCARE & SHOES UGLY/PAINFUL TOENAILS PLANTAR FASCITIS Medicare, United, Cigna, Citrus and TENDON STRAIN Other Insurances HAMMERTOES NEUROPATHY Call to see the Doctor HEEL SPURS (727) 824-5100 or BUNIONS (813) 645-1993 ORTHOTICS Why suffer any longer? Come see us, your gentle touch Doctor of Podiatry. ADD FLAVOR AND NUTRITION TO TRADITIONAL DISHES For many of us, sweet potatoes have been a staple side dish at family gatherings for years. What many people may not realize is those same attributes make sweet potatoes a refreshing addition to many traditional dishes. Have you ever thought of adding sweet potatoes to your ham casserole, cornbread or even a staple such as chili? You may have noticed that many forms of ethnic cooking, such as Thai and Indian food, use sweet potatoes liberally in curry and other traditional dishes, but the truth is sweet potatoes fit right in with many recipes in standard American cuisine. Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars — they’re something good that’s good for you. They may be the most nutritious vegetable available. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber than a bowl of oatmeal and they are packed with vitamins A and C. Additionally, they contain such key nutrients and almost as much potassium as a banana. If you’re looking for some recipes to get you started, the United States Sweet Potato Council offers all kinds of different takes on cooking sweet potatoes at www.sweetpotatousa.org.
APRIL 2011
HEALTH ROUNDUP
Take the ‘Master Antioxidant’ Every Morning Brewing a pot of coffee and checking the day’s headlines are standards of many morning routines. Now, a wealth of clinical research confirms that adding a simple step to your regimen can benefit every cell in your body to support healthy aging, immune health and much-needed detoxification. By simply increasing your intake of a powerful nutrient called glutathione, you stand to improve your overall health. Glutathione may not sound as familiar as vitamin C or beta-carotene, but its powerful ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals has earned it the title of “master antioxidant.” That’s thanks in part to glutathione’s unique ability to recycle and replenish other key antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. “More than 80,000 published studies show that glutathione plays a critical role in supporting healthy aging, detoxification and overall good health,” says Hyla Cass, M.D., a leading alternative medicine practitioner and author of Eight Weeks to Vibrant Health. “Over time, cell damage is inevitable, so glutathione-rich supplements and foods such as asparagus, avocados and walnuts are vital for anyone wanting to counteract this deterioration.” In addition to its powerful antiaging protection, glutathione has
been shown to fortify the immune system by supporting white blood cell function. Its ability to bind to and help remove everyday toxins — such as metals in fish or pesticides on fruit and vegetables — is especially important to the liver, the most important detoxifying organ in the body’s system. Dr. Cass notes that although glutathione is found throughout the body, it has to be constantly replenished. Several factors can reduce or deplete naturally occurring levels, leaving the body vulnerable to stress. They include: • Time of day: Studies have shown glutathione levels are especially low in the morning. Starting your day off with an asparagus omelet, avocado on toast, a handful of walnuts or a concentrated supplement allows the body to combat oxidative stress from square one. • Age: Glutathione deficiencies are common among nearly every age group. However, research shows that natural glutathione in all cells begins to decrease after age 45, a stage that often marks the onset of serious health issues. • Health issues: Given glutathione’s presence in every cell, it’s understandable that prolonged oxidative stress opens doors to a long list of health problems. Several neurodegenerative diseases as well as cardiovascular disease and
diabetes are linked to oxidative damage. • Nutrition: The U.S. diet is infamous for the popularity of highly processed and preservative-laden foods that fail to provide sufficient levels of antioxidants. • Lifestyle: It’s no surprise that smoking, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight and even intense exercise can negatively impact overall health. Their compromising effect on glutathione levels is no exception. • Medications: Acetaminophen, one of the most common pain relievers available, has been shown to deplete glutathione levels. Some prescription medications also exhibit this effect. As we age and are likely to take more medications, glutathione supplementation can become even more important. “In addition to a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, I recommend high-quality supplements to my patients, given that glutathione levels are lowest early in the morning,” notes Dr. Cass. “Taking a capsule is a guaranteed way to meet your nutritional antioxidant needs, maintain optimal health and help slow the aging process.” For more information on glutathione and how it can improve your health, visit www.morningantioxidant.com.
Is Your Health Passing The Test? Chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, health screening tests are an easy way to detect these conditions early, so you can prevent symptoms from worsening. And, if you’re diagnosed with a condition, regular testing can help determine how well you’re managing the disease. Knowing your healthy range is key. Strive for these numbers: • For total cholesterol, the CDC identifies healthy levels as below 200 mg/dL. When levels reach 240 mg/dL or higher, you become at high risk for heart disease. • For blood pressure, look for anything less than 120 over less than 80 mmHg, says the CDC. Levels above that indicate prehypertension, which can lead to chronic high blood pressure. Blood glucose levels also should be checked if you are determined to be at risk for diabetes. Risk factors for diabetes include: • Age 45 or older • Overweight • Family history of the disease • High blood pressure • Abnormal cholesterol readings
“Both high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” says CVS Pharmacist Susan Gordon. “For people who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, consistent blood glucose monitoring is critical to keeping diabetes in control and preventing further complications.” According to the American Diabetes Association, the basic goal for people with diabetes is a reading between 70 and 130 on an empty stomach, and less than 180 two hours after the start of a meal. If your blood sugar is too high for too long, you could be at risk for long-term complications. Fortunately, at-home testing kits make it easier for people to know their healthy ranges, and some products are covered by insurance if you have to manage a chronic condition like diabetes. “There are dozens of brands and styles to choose from when it comes to at-home testing kits,” adds Gordon. “Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine the one that’s best for you. If you have trouble reading small numbers, for example, you’ll need a meter with a large display. Your pharmacist also can identify ways to save on testing products, such as by using generic test strips.” More information on diabetes testing can be found at www.cvs.com/diabetes.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
HEALTH ROUNDUP
Are You Seeing Clearly?
Updegraff Vision welcomes Dr. Heeral Shah For more than a decade, Dr. Steve Updegraff has been helping Tampa Bay residents see more clearly by removing their cataracts or inserting high-tech lens implants. This summer, he will be expanding the eye care services offered at Updegraff Vision by welcoming a new doctor into the practice. “Dr. Heeral Shah is an exceptional ophthalmologist who has specialized training in medical disorders of the retina,” says Dr. Updegraff. “I’m extremely pleased that she is joining our practice so that we can better serve our patients. The recent advancements and cures in the field of medical retina continue to grow, and we wanted an expert ‘in house’ to help our patients.” Dr. Shah will focus on caring for patients with retinal diseases, including macular degeneration and a variety of diabetic diseases of the retina. Macular degeneration is one of the primary causes of vision loss in older adults, and Dr. Shah has performed extensive research on it. Macular degeneration occurs when the central area of the retina, begins to deteriorate. Degeneration of the macula impairs the central vision needed for recognizing faces or activities such as reading and driving. There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry (non-neovascular). Wet macular degeneration is much more severe and can be managed with laser treatments. On the other hand, “dry macular degener-
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ation is very common, but it’s not diagnosed as much,” says Dr. Shah. Because it is less severe than the wet type, patients with dry macular degeneration often don’t see a doctor about it. However, she cautions, “there’s always a chance that it can become the wet kind, so it’s very important that you at least see someone to be diagnosed.” “I’ve studied macular degeneration and genetics,” she says “looking at who gets the wet, more severe, type and why.” Dr. Shah is currently involved in a project creating technology that would allow doctors to quantify macular degeneration. If successful, this would make it possible to track the progression of the dry, less severe, type. Dr. Shah will care for patients with both types of macular degeneration. The wet type can be managed with laser treatments and other therapies, all of which she will offer. Dr. Shah also recommends that patients diagnosed with dry macular degeneration come in for an exam at least once a year, to ensure it is not progressing into the wet type. Dr. Shah is excited to be coming to Tampa Bay. “It was a really easy decision to come to Updegraff Vision,” she says. “At the end of the day here, patient health is the bottom line, not money. That’s very important to me.” Dr. Shah will be available for appointments beginning July 1. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with her, please call Updegraff Vision at (727) 872-2015.
Declining vision and cataracts are a natural part of aging. But why let that stop you from enjoying life to the fullest, the way you used to? For cataract surgery with high-tech lens implants, the choice is clear. Dr. Steve Updegraff is a world leader in refractive surgery, and he will customize your procedure to fit your eyes and your lifestyle – giving you your best vision. See the Best.™ See Dr. Steve Updegraff.
Call today to schedule your free consultation.
Steve Updegraff, M.D., FACS Medical Director, Updegraff Vision
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HEALTH ROUNDUP
Skin Cancer Rates Skyrocket in Medicare Population
We Love Our Seniors! You built this country. You fought our wars. You served us! Dr. Forman is happy to serve you! YES, we are accepting new Medicare patients. We also accept Wellcare, Freedom, AARP, Secure Horizons and more! No referral needed in Florida.
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By Seth B. Forman, MD More than 3.5 million skin cancers will be diagnosed on 2011. Skin cancers account for more cancer diagnoses than breast lung, colon and prostate cancer combined. The sunshine state is home to skin cancer and most skin cancers will be diagnosed in people 65 and older. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma are the most common skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least aggressive skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinomas classically appear in routinely sun exposed parts of the body including the face, arms, legs ears and scalp. These cancers usually develop slowly and insidiously. Basal Cell Carcinomas are usually not deadly, but they can result in great deformity. These are especially deforming if a large or infiltrative basal cell carcinoma grows on the nose, ear, eyelid or lip. Basal cell carcinomas can appear in a variety of manners. The classic Basal Cell Carcinoma is a pearly/white bump. Other varieties can appear as depressions with a palpable border, irregular red patches or scabs that do not heal. These lesions should be evaluated by a Board Certified Dermatologist. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a more aggressive, deforming and potentially deadly skin cancer. These skin cancers also occur in the regions of the body that has more sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinomas can appear quickly, may be symptomatic (tender, painful, itchy) and these can metastasize and, potentially, result in death.
These often appear as red patches with scabs. There is also a variety that appears suddenly as an ulcer or crater on a sun exposed area. These Squamous Cell Carcinomas are deforming, but these cancers can also metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) and cause death. These must be treated swiftly and these patients need routine follow-up. Malignant Melanoma is the most dangerous and deadly skin cancer. It most often appears in sun exposed areas, but also may appear in other areas. These are most often dark black or brown moles, but can also appear as depigmented or “skin colored.” These cancers must diagnosed quickly and accurately. Treatment must be complete surgical excision and may require a multidisciplinary approach including oncologists and other specialists. Dr. Forman’s Tips for a Possible Skin Cancer: • Non-Healing mole or scab • Spontaneous bleeding from skin • Painful or tender moles or skin lesions • Rapid Change in Size • Rapid Change in Color If you suspect a skin cancer, it is imperative that you only trust your skin with a Board Certified Dermatologist. A Board Certified Dermatologist is a physician specifically trained in diseases of the skin, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Seth B. Forman, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Diplomate of the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He has published multiple articles and textbook chapters on skin cancer.
Protect Your Pets from Lyme Disease We all learn to tolerate bites from mosquitoes and other pesky insects, but there’s one pest that both people and pets need to really watch out for: Lyme disease-carrying ticks. While humans who have been bitten by ticks can look for the tell-tale sign of a bull’s-eye-shaped rash, there’s no such convenient warning for dogs. Dog owners should look for signs like lameness, swollen joints, fever, lethargy or decreased appetite. In rare cases, advanced Lyme disease can lead to kidney disease or failure. If your dog exhibits the symptoms, it’s important to get him to a veterinar-
ian quickly. Sites like MyPetED.com (http://www.mypeted.com) can help you find a veterinarian near you, as well as provide you with credible pet health information and a secure place to store all of your pet’s health records. Here are some other preventive measures: • Avoid areas where ticks live, such as grassy, wooded or sandy areas • Thoroughly inspect your dog after each walk or romp through the woods. • Consider using a vaccine or a topical preventative. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about whether this is the right choice for your dog.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
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SENIOR TO SENIOR WOMAN SEEKING MAN S W F 5’ 4”, 131, ISO LTR with S M 5’ 10 to 6’ 3”. Fit who likes baseball, music, dancing, cuddling, fun and much more. Also SOH. (727) 581-2991, Largo. J F NS ND 68, Healthy unencumbered homeowner ISO NS, healthy man 63-75. Email bobkle@ juno.com. Pinellas Park. S W F 5’ 5”, 130 lbs., ISO S M 55-70. I like baseball, dancing, walks, dining out and at home. Romance and LTR. (727) 581-2991, Largo. Cinderella ISO Prince Charming. Attractive blonde with blue eyes. 5’ 5” SD NS wants S W M 70ish. Likes to dance, travel, dining out for LTR. Who found my glass slipper? (727) 3992486, Seminole. Attractive Latin lady NS ND 5’, 156 lbs, I’m honest, fun-loving. Seeng a simlar NS ND man. Possible romance and marriageFinancially secure. (813) 775-5533, Tampa. Petite lovely lady 5’ 1”, ISO D W M 55-65 with SOH who loves to communicate. Loves to travel. Loves to dance. For fun and possible LTR. (727) 474-5040, Clearwater. I want to fall in love one more time. Age does not matter. Disability does not matter. (727) 545-4190, St. Petersburg. Lovely Petitie Lady 5’ 1”, ISO D W M NS SOH 55-65 for companionship, fun, travel, possible LTR. (727) 474-5040, Clearwater. MAN SEEKING WOMAN Irish/American Gentleman WD 70s, 5’9”, 175 lbs., blonde with blue eyes, excellent health ISO lady 60-80 for companionship, romance, etc. (727) 943-2767, Tarpon Springs. Love to cuddle? S W M NS SD SOH 55, 5’10”, Former radio DJ who is athletic, has green eyes, trim beard/mustache. ISO SWF who is intelligent, honest, romantic and down to earth for a LTR. (727) 492-8164, St. Petersburg. Tall, Slim, Healthy and Active D W M ISO honest, sincere and attractive lady. Age and nationality unimportant. (727) 522-6012, St. Petersburg. M D W C NS SOH 71, ISO female that likes lipstick, painted nails, nylons, music, billiards, diet, exercise and bicycling. Air Force veteran, 220 lbs. Humorist. (727) 441-2903, Clearwater. One Woman Man W S M NS ND 67, 6’1”, 185 lbs., likes boxing, billiards, baseball ISO American-Oriental lady under 55 years old. Good looks and figure. NS. (727) 796-8756, Safety Harbor. S W M 64 and in super condition, physically, financially and spiritually. ISO a spiritual appropriate looking female who enjoys all aspects of life. (727) 865-2460, Tierra Verde. W WD S C M NS I am handsome and fit. I like tennis and church. ISO fit Christian who likes music and dancing. (727) 519-5597, Largo. Retired former Californian S W M NS D SOH 71, 5’9” , ISO a female partner who is fun loving, enjoys travel, movies, the beach, walks and is interested in a LTR. Snowbirds welcome. (727) 479-4421, Clearwater.
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
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Name: Address: City:
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Phone:
I am looking for a Latin Lady. Heightweight proportioned and in your 60s. As a Latina I know you are romantic, that’s what I like about you. So give me a call. (727) 938-4900, Tarpon Springs. M W WD 78, 6’1”, 200 lb. , ISO fun loving lady 60+ for LT. Must be height and weight proportionate. Let’s start slow and see what develops. (727) 871-1931, Largo. S W C M Seeks S W C F for real love. Must be a Christian and know the lord, and be marriage minded. Call after 6 p.m. (727) 386-5865, Largo. S B M 60, 5’ 11”, ISO small-framed female 6065 for walks, good conversation, a fishing buddy. Write to Rocketman, PO Box 1137; Clearwater, FL 33757. S W M SD 65, 5’ 10”, 155 lbs., Smoker, likes beach, malls, dancing. ISO S W F under 60. Tall, slim, dominate that know how to make a guy appreciate her. (727) 331-0700. I’m 64, in super condition. Physically, financially and spiritually fit. ISO a spiritual appropriate looking female who enjoys all aspects of life. (727) 865-2460, Tierra Verde.
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S W M NS D 71, 5’ 9”, SOH. Retired, former Califonian ISO a female partner. Fun loving who enjoys travel, movies, beach walks for LTR. Snowbirds welcome. (727) 479-4421, Clearwater. M W WD 78, 6’ 1”, 200 lbs., ISO fun-loving lady 60+ for LTR. Must be height and weight proportioned. Let’s start slow and see what develops. (727) 871-1931, Largo. FRIEND TO FRIEND I wanna dance! S B F 57, Moving to south Hillsborough soon. Would like a NS gentleman dance partner to attend festivals, concerts, other social/cultural events. Dutch treat. Straight/Gay/ race not important. P.O. Box 82547; Atlanta, GA 30354. S W M 59, 160 lbs., ISO M/F under 65 for friendship. P.O. Box 10181; St. Petersburg, FL 33733. (727) 524-3137. Born again 57-year Christian F To share 1 bedroom furnished with female Christian only. 45 or older. Must be responsible. (727) 723-7917, Countryside. Sincere, straight S W F 59. I enjoy theme parks, travel, dancing, etc. ISO girlfriend to chum around with or a kind, good man. (727) 734-2891, Dunedin. S W M 5’ 10”, 178 lbs, ISO male friend for good time and more I am 63 with lots of love to give. (727) 498-6995, St. Petersburg.
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.
PAGE 8
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
APRIL 2011
LIVING
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Casual cookouts can turn dangerous — and sometimes deadly. “Every year, we see dozens of fire-related claims reported throughout the year because of simple carelessness,” says Mike Convery, vice president and chief claims officer at MetLife Auto & Home. “Keeping safety basics top-of-mind can help prevent losses from occurring and help you avoid needless hassle and property damage — and in some situations, injury to you or your loved ones.” Follow these easy pointers to make grilling safer: • Keep barbecue grills on a level surface away from the house, garage and, most importantly, children and pets. • For gas grills, always store gas cylinders outside and away from your house, and be sure the valves are turned off when not in use. Check the tubes regularly for cracking, brittleness, and leaks in the connections. To determine if there is a leak, simply pour soapy water over the
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line with the gas valve turned open. If gas is escaping, bubbles will appear. Should you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don’t use the grill until the leak is repaired. • Your grill generates high temperatures, so keep it covered whenever possible. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from the grill, and move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and grease. Use a can to catch excess grease. • Make certain your grill is kept at least 2 to 3 feet away from wood or vinyl siding. Placing the grill too close to your home, especially one with vinyl siding, can result in melting or burning, or even a fire. • For charcoal grills, use only starter fluids designed for your grill and never use gasoline. Limit the amount of fluid used. If the fire is too low, use dry kindling and add more charcoal, if necessary. • When using bamboo or wood skewers, soak them in cool
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water prior to use so they won’t ignite on the grill. • Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and never leave a grill unattended once it has been lit. If an extinguisher isn’t available, consider keeping a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby. • Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to soak your coals before disposing of them by wrapping them in heavy-duty aluminum foil and putting them in a non-combustible container away from the house. For a comprehensive look at fire safety protection, MetLife Auto & Home offers a free brochure on “Fire Safety,” featuring useful information about fire-related subjects, including how to plan an escape route, seasonal safety tips and safety information related to heating your home. The brochures are available free by calling (800) 608-0190.
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admitted to your home by skylights can help reduce the need to power artificial light sources. Plus, the natural chimney effect of venting skylights is a great way to passively vent moisture, fumes and potentially harmful volatile organic compounds. In spring and fall, when it’s too warm for comfort, but not hot enough to justify turning on the air conditioning, venting skylights can let in cool breezes and lower cooling costs. And they can close automatically in case of rain. You can learn more about No Leak Skylights and their energy-efficient benefits at www.veluxusa.com.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
PAGE 9
SPECIAL REPORT: VEIN HEALTH FOR SENIORS
Cosmetic Issues Just the Tip of the Iceberg When It Comes to Vein Health Spider veins and leg pain can be a signal of a much deeper problem with the valves that help regulate blood movement from the legs to the heart. Screening for clots and treating painful, ulcerated or unsightly veins can help save your life. By Matthew Wiseman, Editor Senior Voice America It begins late in the afternoon. A feeling in your legs. They are tired and heavy, and you just want to get off your feet. After a day of working or chasing after the grandkids, you may feel a little pain and swelling. Your legs feel better in the morning; but after standing for a while, you feel the swelling begin. Over the years you’ve noticed a spider vein develop or even a varicose vein. Your mom had them. Your grandpa did, too. It’s just part of getting old. The good news is there’s help and hope for tired, heavy legs. Over the last 10 years, doctors have made amazing breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating the conditions that cause not only tired and achy legs, but also the cosmetic and skin conditions caused by problem veins. In this special section of Senior Voice America, we look at these conditions and how to treat them. We also talk with four Tampa Bay Area doctors about what causes these conditions and what you should expect after treatment. Venous Insufficiency Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body. Veins carry blood from the body to the heart. In the legs, the network of veins work close to the skin (superficial) or as part of the deep vein system. As we age, the bloodflow through our veins gets impaired. Veins have valves that keep blood moving toward the heart; however with age, veins becomes restricted and the valves begin to fail. This breakdown causes spider veins or varicose veins to develop, and it’s also what causes pain and swelling in the deep vein system. “When the valves fail, pressure builds and veins dilate and become varicose” says Dr. Dan Mountcastle of Mountcastle Vein Centers. Dr. Mountcastle says that when this happens to veins deep inside the legs, patients feel that their legs are tired, achy and heavy. “When this happens near the surface, we see the condition people identify as varicose veins,” he says. In addition to swelling, pain, spider veins and varicose veins, additional symptoms include: skin discoloration, skin ulcers, cramping, leg weakness
and blue feet. Dr. Mountcastle says that the increased pressure inside the veins causes blood to leak into the skin, discoloring it in a process very similar to getting a tattoo. He says sometimes the discoloration will be permanent. Venous Insufficiency affects both men and women. Woman seek treatment more frequently. Symptoms in women are more pronounced, because hormones released during pregnancy speed up the restriction and valve failure. However, anyone can have a genetic predisposition for venous insufficiency. People who stand in one place for work also tend to have more issues.
Doctors use ultrasound as a painless, non-invasive, highly accurate way to check the health of your veins.
Tip of the Iceberg Vein conditions are often early warnings for larger health issues down the road. Getting your leg pain and swelling diagnosed will reveal other potential conditions that can be monitored over time, improving your overall health and mobility. The biggest concern when it comes to venus insufficiency in the legs is the presence of a clot known as a DVT, short for Deep Vein Thrombosis. A DVT not only holds back blood that’s trying to reach your heart, but sometimes a DVT breaks loose and finds its way to the heart or the lungs, where it can cause damage or death within hours. Part of the diagnostic procedure for venus insufficiency involves ultrasound scans that reveal clots and vein function. In most cases, the clots can be treated with medication and monitored with ultrasound until they dissolve. This is why all the doctors we spoke to recommend seeing a doctor if you have spider veins, varicose veins or you experience tired, achy or restless legs. These conditions come with pooling blood, and that leads to clots. A simple and painless ultrasound just might save your life. Treatable, Not Reversible Once you being to develop symptoms of venus insufficiency, they will not go away, which is why is so important to get an ultrasound and really see what’s going on inside. “The symptoms usually get worse,” says Dr. George Kamajian of Indian Shores Walk-In Clinic & Med Spa. “Once the veins start collapsing and
Please See VEINS, Page 10.
While the cosmetic results shown here (before and after) are quite dramatic, treatment also relieves pain, swelling and restlessness.
A condition called “Blue Feet.”
The common Spider Vein.
TAMPA BAY’S VEIN EXPERTS Dr. Edward G. Izzo, Jr. Dr. Mark J. Alkire Advanced Vein & Vascular Solutions (813) 258-4533 Hillsborough (727) 871-8346 Pinellas www.izzoalkire.com Offices in Downtown Tampa, Town & Country, Largo and Sun City Center Dr. Dan Mountcastle Mountcastle Vein Centers 727-865-6941 Pinellas (813) 634-1333 Hillsborough www.mountcastleveincenters.com
Dr. George Kamajian Indian Shores Walk-In Clinic & Med Spa (727) 517-1500 www.walkinclinicandmedspa.com Dr. Kamajian does not accept traditional insurance, but prices are kept extremely low. His method for health care funding has drawn praise from congress and the governor. Dr. Gary Dworkin Vein Specialists of Tampa (813) 374-9002 www.tampaveinspecialists.com Bi-Lingual (Spanish) Office in South Tampa
PAGE 10
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
VEINS, From Page 9.
Do you have swollen legs? Water pills didn't work? We can help — Call us.
the valves stop working, the symptoms of varicose veins are progressive.” Dr. Kamajian says that ongoing monitoring and treatment is the only way to ensure patients who develop symptoms don’t have appearance or discomfort issues. And while three of the four doctors we spoke to said Medicare and private insurance cover the cost of treatment, Dr. Kamajian does not accept any form of insurance. His practice is unique, in that he negotiates low rates, making expenses as low as possible. Former Gov. Charlie Crist and Rep C.W. Bill Young have both commended Dr. Kamajian for his unique health care funding model. Medical More Than Cosmetic
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Even though treating spider veins and varicose veins will likely improve the appearance of your legs, doctors are actually treating the venous insufficiency, which is a medical condition and an early warning for other conditions that benefit from regular monitoring. Most of the treatments we discuss are covered by Medicare or private insurance. Beautiful legs is a free bonus. The important thing is to get checked by a vein specialist. You can talk to your family doctor first; but in most cases, the support staff working with one of our vein specialists will be able to confirm if your treatment is covered. Since treatment relieves pain and discomfort, it improves your overall health, and it uncovers what could be more serious conditions, both Medicare and private insurance cover the cost as they would with any other medically necessary treatment. Don’t Ignore the Warnings All our vein experts agree that you should not ignore varicose veins or tired, achy or restless legs. While there’s little risk to ignoring a spider vein, with varicose veins, it’s a different story. “If you develops varicose vein that begins to hurt you or you develop a small clot or you see changes in the skin like increasing pigmentation, brown flakiness of the skin, the skin becoming shiny or thin...” says Dr. Gary Dworkin or Vein Specialists of Tampa, “These are all warning signs that might have significant venus disease.” Dr. Dworkin, who is President of the Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, says that with today’s treatments and painless diagnosis, there’s no reason to put off talking with a doctor. He says the problem will not go away on its own. It will only get worse.
APRIL 2011 Diagnosis After going over your medical history and examining your legs and feet, the doctor will have you work with an ultrasound technician. Even though spider veins and varicose veins are visible. Diagnosing the cause and planning treatment requires an ultrasound. “Once a bad varicose vein is removed it’s gone,” says Dr. Edward G. Izzo, Jr., of Advanced Vein and Vascular Solutions. “However, you could develop new varicosities if the underlying leak is not addressed. That’s why we do a non-invasive ultrasound as a road map to look at the vein, the flow of the vein, the size, whether it’s leaking.” Dr. Izzo says the ultrasound lets a trained doctor see into the future and attempt to minimize problem veins before they begin to affect a patient. A ultrasound also serves as a baseline to monitor insufficiency over time, he says. Further, the ultrasound will show potential DVTs and give the doctor a clear view of the deep vein system. Treatment There are four principle treatments for spider veins and varicose veins: 1) Surface Treatments, which include everything from clinically tested creams to folk remedies. When it comes to surface treatments, be sure your doctor has approved the product. Many folk remedies are useless, and only a trained vein specialist can diagnose serious conditions. 2) Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy — After a map of the varicose veins is created using ultrasound, these veins are injected while real-time monitoring of the injections is undertaken also using ultrasound. The sclerosant can be observed entering the vein, and further injections performed so that all the abnormal veins are treated. Followup ultrasound scans are used to confirm closure of the treated veins, and any residual varicose veins can be identified and treated. 3) Ambulatory Microphlebectomy — A method of removing varicose veins on the surface of the legs. It is done in the office under local anesthesia. This procedure involves making tiny punctures on the skin through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required. The patient is able to walk following the procedure and return to normal activity in 24 hours. 4) Radio Frequency or Laser Ablation — a minimally invasive treatment that uses radio frequency or laser energy to cauterize and close abnormally enlarged veins in the legs. Radio Frequency and laser treatments are the newest treatments and generally produce the best outcomes.
Please See VEINS, Page 12.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
PAGE 11
Put your tired, Painful legs into our skilled hands. Our free consultation will be your first step to pain-free legs. The signs of varicose veins aren’t always obvious. Even if you don’t see veins on the surface of your legs, there’s a good chance your discomfort is a symptom of vein disease. Half of all men and women over 50 are affected by a vein problem. And without intervention, the problem will only get worse. Fortunately, the solution is a simple one.
Here’s all that’s standing between you and healthier, younger looking legs:
Any of these symptoms can signal dangerous, hidden varicose veins. Schedule a FREE consultation to see if our painless procedures can help.
Varicose Vein Valves
£ £ £ £ £
Painful, aching legs Tired legs Leg cramps Swollen ankles Skin discoloration Restless legs Itching, burning skin
There are many different treatments for vein disease, but not all are equal. Some are obsolete, painful and dangerous. Ours are modern, painless and safe.
Before
methods detect valve problems frequently missed by less wellequipped clinics.
After
Before and after photos show dramatic results from advanced vein procedures.
down, you have had inadequate testing. This is a gravity issue, after all! Our more advanced Healthy valve prevents reverse blood flow
£
A simple procedure will change your life.
All veins have valves. Healthy valves keep blood flowing only upward and support the weight of the column of blood. When Normal One-Way Vein Valves
{
£
Vein testing is easy and painless and takes place right in our office. At your exam appointment, our doctor will explain the ultrasound results and discuss treatment options with you. At Mountcastle Vein Centers, we offer four simple, advanced 20-minute procedures performed in our private, small clinic atmosphere. All four are
painless, effective, minimally invasive and non-surgical. You can expect to return to normal activity the same day.
The sooner you call, the sooner you’ll find relief. Don’t let leg discomfort keep you from enjoying life. In most cases, our procedures are considered medically necessary and are covered by health insurance and Medicare. This is a progressive disease. So call today for your free consultation. Learn how to stop and reverse the deterioration of your legs. Sun City Center 4040 Upper Creek Dr., Ste. 105, FL 33573 (next to South Bay Hospital) St. Petersburg (at Isla del Sol) Largo (next to Largo Medical Center) Palm Harbor (at The Fountains, Alderman & US19)
Call 813-634-1333 727-865-6941 www.mountcastleveincenters.com
Reverse blood flow due to damaged valve
these valves are broken, blood pools below. This congestion and increased pressure result in discomfort and cause fluid to build up and leak from the deeper capillaries. The result – gradual and continuous deterioration of your legs over the years. Both visible and hidden varicose veins are dangerous – they increase your risk of blood clots. Most varicose veins are hidden. Tired, painful legs are a symptom that something is wrong.
Don’t take your ultra-sound while lying down. We test your vein valves while you are standing. If you have ever had an ultrasound of vein valves performed while you were lying
Daniel J. Mountcastle, MD (Ohio State University)
Naushin Jobe, MD
Jack Lipps, MD
(Chicago Medical School) (University of Louisville)
Kim Truett, BS, Vascular Technology (Oregon Institute of Technology)
©2010 Mountcastle Vein Centers SCO fullpg 4C M4.indd 1
11/1/10 9:41 AM
PAGE 12
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
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APRIL 2011
HEALTH ROUNDUP
Doable, Sustainable Advice for Health When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, start by looking for trusted resources that can help you focus on changing habits and developing a healthier, yet still enjoyable, lifestyle. And learn the truth behind some common obstacles to sustained weight loss. Members of the Mayo Clinic staff, authors of The Mayo Clinic Diet, offer some advice for improving your healthy lifestyle: • You may have heard of fad diets — that have you counting carbohydrates, bulking up on pure protein or eating bushels of grapefruit. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. Reduce extra calories from food and beverages, and increase calories burned through physical activity. • A sustainable weight loss plan includes — food from all the major food groups, feature foods you can easily find at the grocery store, fit your lifestyle and budget, include proper amounts of nutrients and calories and encourage regular physical activity. The Mayo Clinic Diet starts off with a two-week focus on breaking unhealthy habits and adding healthy habits. • Being active is an essential part of a weight-loss plan — Cleaning the house, making the bed, shopping, mowing the lawn and gardening are all forms of physical activity. Exercise is a structured and repetitive form of physical activity that you do on a regular basis. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity or exercise most days of the week. • Learn to make healthy food
choices you can live with — The Mayo Clinic Diet relies on the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid, which guides you toward a general direction of smart eating. The base of the pyramid focuses on generous amounts of healthy foods that contain fewer calories in a large volume of food, like fruits and vegetables. As you progress toward the peak of the pyramid, you eat lesser portions of categories like whole grains, lean protein, dairy, healthy fats and even sweets. • Manage stress — While stress is a normal reaction to life’s demands, the nonstop stress of modern life can be harmful to your health. Relaxation techniques such as meditating, visualization, exercise, hypnosis, massage and listening to music can all help manage stress. • To help keep yourself on track with your healthy lifestyle — be sure to set goals. Make exercise fun by choosing sports and activities you enjoy. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Seek support from friends and family, and reward yourself for meeting goals. • Every weight loss plan faces challenges — Learn what yours are and how you can cope with them. The Mayo Clinic Diet provides an action guide that lists a number of challenges and recommends ways to cope with them. You’ll find more information on living a healthier lifestyle in 2011 at www.MayoClinic.com.
VEINS, From Page 10.
medication and further observation by ultrasound. The only other side effect might be some skin irritation like with a sun burn, but today’s treatments really offer fast recovery. Patients are advised to stay out of the sun. The skin will begin to look normal and healthy over the coming days. If there was discoloration and damage prior to the treatment, that discoloration may remain, but the tissue will heal. Vein health is a very important part of modern medicine. Veins are involved in not only the conditions discussed here, but also your cardiovascular (heart and lung) health and also your risk of stroke among others. Painful, swollen, restless legs, and spider veins and varicose veins are all symptoms of an underlying, irreversible breakdown that can get quite serious if left untreated. Monitoring your vein health can be as simple as going to the dentist. Ignore a problem and what would have been a simple treatment now becomes complex.
Expectations Some patients who have developed skin ulcers or ignored skin discoloration may need to address skin issues before undergoing laser treatment. Getting evaluated early for leg pain, restlessness and swelling is very important in helping prevent ulcers and permanent skin damage. If you have no ulcers or other skin issues, treatment itself happens in the doctors office. Local anesthesia is sometimes used to minimize discomfort at the treatment site. Risks “The risk is low, which is why we’re able to do it in the office,” says Dr. Izzo. “The main risk is a blood clot in the deep system. For that reason, we use the ultrasound after the treatment to make sure we see and treat anything that develops.” Dr. Izzo says only about one patient in a 1,000 will develop a clot that requires treatment, and that is done with
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
PAGE 13
DOLLARS AND SENSE
Tips To Save When Planning Meals Ah, family dinner time. A meal lovingly prepared and family members gathered around the dining table sharing stories from their day. While a special meal is a time-honored tradition, the planning, time and the cost involved may leave some without an appetite. Many shoppers are on the hunt for affordable and simpler shopping routines. Regardless of whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just day-today meals throughout the year, it’s easier and more cost effective if you go into grocery shopping prepared. Consider these tips from national grocery retailer Save-A-Lot before your next shopping trip: • Plan for several meals rather than just one — Many grocery shoppers make the mistake of only planning for a big special meal when they can cut time and cost by planning for several. Decide ahead of time how your family might want to use leftover meat or veggies from the meal, and buy extra ingredients to extend your meal into the following week. For example, be sure to stock up on bread, mayonnaise, mustard and lettuce in advance if you plan to cook a turkey or ham for a Sunday dinner. • Create a weekly meal planner — This is a good idea year round, especially when your schedule gets more hectic. Think about what you and your family members typically consume each day. If there is a particular food item or meal idea that your whole family enjoys, make sure to stock up when it is on sale. Ask each family member to pick a meal for dinner. • Visit grocery store websites for tools and deals — Grocery retailers frequently offer tips and tools for meal planning, as well as exclusive online bargains. Check to see if your store is offering discounts in exchange for signing up for their shopping clubs year round. For example, Save-A-Lot offers a $5 coupon for signing up for its Smart Shopper Club.
• Take advantage of store brands — Many grocery stores offer their own private brands of foods and everyday items, and frequently these items are of equivalent quality as more expensive national brand names. By using store brands, you can save a little money on your grocery bill and splurge on something special, such as a celebratory dessert. Store brands are great for helping to keep your weekly grocery costs down. • Keep track of ingredients to replenish — You’ve got everything laid out to make chocolate chip cookies, but you forgot to buy the baking soda — nothing is more frustrating than having to make a return trip to a store. Keep track of ingredients you frequently use in your cooking. Then, as soon as you use up an item, immediately add it to your ongoing grocery list. By the end of the week, not only will your shopping list be complete, but you won’t be stuck in the store trying to remember what is or is not in your cupboard. You also won’t be tempted to buy something you don’t need. What’s more, be sure to use measuring utensils so you don’t use more ingredients than necessary — which can be costly to your family’s waistline and budget. • Eliminate shopping hassles — Grocery shopping can be a timeconsuming hassle, especially for busy, on-the-go families. Some retailers offer discounted, everyday prices that can help eliminate the need to map out complicated storeto-store routes, or navigate through a maze of aisles to find the best deals. Save-A-Lot’s stores not only deliver savings of up to 40 percent, compared with conventional grocery stores, but also feature, small, efficient formats designed for a quick and convenient shopping experience. With these few simple tips, you’ll not only save money at the grocery store, but you’ll have more time to enjoy cooking and celebrating with those you love.
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PAGE 14
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
APRIL 2011
SENIOR HAPPENINGS 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) 3639245. APRIL 9 Microchip Clinic Humane Society of Pinellas
THROUGH APRIL 17 Bay Area Renaissance Festival MOSI Say huzzah to the wizards, warriors and commoners who populate this replica of a 16th-Century village with entertainment on multiple stages, street theater, live armored contact jousting, human chess matches, art, craft and other vendors, fire-eaters and more. The Museum of Science and Industry is located near USF at 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit www.bayarearenaissancefest.com or call (813) 987-6000. THROUGH MAY 1 DinoQuest: Jurassic Journey Lowry Park Zoo A special exhibit of life-like and lifesize dinosaurs. The outdoor display features towering dinosaurs that move, blink and roar. Additional daytime attraction fee: $4 (during zoo hours). After hours Dino Nites: $9.95. Ages 2 and younger free. Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 West Sligh Ave., Tampa. For more information, visit www.lowryparkzoo.com or call (813) 935-8552. APRIL 8-10 Tampa Bay Blues Fest Vinoy Park • Downtown St. Petersburg Tampa Bay Blues Festival has established itself as one of the world’s preeminent blues concerts, having presented more than 250 of the world’s greatest live blues musical performers. This year’s lineup includes: Michael Burks, Janiva Magness, Rod Piazza, The Robert Cray Band, The Lee Boys, Curtis Salgado, Tommy Castro, James Hunter, Jonny Lang, Eric Lindell, Jon Cleary, Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas and Tab Benoit. For information, call (727) 502-5000 or visit www.tampabaybluesfest.com. APRIL 8 Senior Excursions St Pete Beach to Hard Rock Casino Visit the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Casino. $10 for St. Pete Beach resident or $12.50 for non-residents.
A microchip is permanent identification that is your pet’s best chance for finding his way home if he becomes lost. Only $15 covers your pet’s microchip, implant and registration. Don’t forget to bring proof of current rabies vaccine and license for dogs and cats over three months of age. No appointment is necessary. Humane Society of Pinellas is located at 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater. For more information, visit www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org or call (727) 797-7722. APRIL 9 Closeup Magic Competition Largo Cultural Center Experience close-up magic tableside in a cabaret setting. Snacks and beverages can be purchased during the show. Guests vote to determine the winner. $22 advance, $27 day of show. For more information, visit www. largoarts.com or call (727) 587-6751. APRIL 10 Bark at the Ball Park Bright House Field Bring your dog to watch the Clearwater Threshers to take on the Dunedin Blue Jays. Be sure to come early enough to visit with our vendors, socialize with other animal lovers and get your pet signed up for the Pet Contest. Bright House Field will have its usual amenities available: Frenchy’s Tiki Bar and Home Run Concessions. The end of the game offers you a chance of a lifetime as you are invited to Run The Bases with your dog. Tickets start at $5 for humans and $5 for dogs. Bright House Field is located at 601 North Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. Noon. For more information, call (727) 467-4457. APRIL 10 Jazz with Jim Carrollwood Cultural Center Enjoy a relaxing evening with Jim Burge and The Jazz Directions. $8 members/$12 non-members. Carrollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. For more information, visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org or call (813) 269-1310.
APRIL 12 Gulfport Clothing Swap Beach Blvd at 30th Ave South Bring in up to 5 garments to exchange for free with other swap participants or purchase vouchers for $3 each to select clothing. Extra clothing donations encouraged. All proceeds and remaining clothing benefit CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse). For more information, call (727) 3664086. APRIL 15 Grand Central Trolley Hop Dowtnown St. Petersburg Enjoy the sights and tastes of the Grand Central Business District, Downtown St. Petersburg, West of the Trop. Hop aboard the Central Ave. Shuttle every third Friday for an evening of fun, food and free trolley rides! Purchase your passport ($7 for one or 2/$10), and take advantage of food and drink specials from participating merchants. Keep your passport for discounts in the District until the next Trolley Hop. For information, visit www.grandcentraldistrict.org or call (727) 3287086. APRIL 15 Grapefruit Legacy Festival Near John Wilson Park The first grapefruit ever cultivated in Florida was in Safety Harbor in the 1840s by Odet Philippe, whose plantation is now the site of Philippe Park. To commemorate the grapefruit’s history, the City of Safety Harbor and the Safety Harbor Chamber present the first annual Legacy Fest. The City’s 3rd Friday celebration, featuring live music, food and shopping, is a lead-in to Saturday’s events. John Wilson Park is located at 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityofsafetyharbor.com or call (727) 7262890. APRIL 16 Gulfport Art-Walk Gulfport Waterfront District Fabulous Artisans, Crafters, Antiques Dealers and live music. Gulfport Waterfront District is located at 5500 Shore Blvd South, Gulfport. 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.mygulfport.us or call (727) 3225217. APRIL 16 Fresh Flavors Demonstration Fresh Market Learn in step-by-step demonstration by local chef how to prepare a flavorful meal in minutes. Susan Norton makes Mediterranean Meatballs with Nicoise style Tuna salad and grape lime
cooler at this month’s demonstration. Fresh Market is located at 25961 US 19, Clearwater. For more information, call (813) 964-8001. APRIL 16 Family Fun Fest Clearwater Waterfront Hosted by the Island Estates Civic Association, this carnival for pets and people of all ages features doggie demonstrations and an Easter Bonnet Pet Parade, doggie kissing booth, free homemade doggie treats, pet photographers and artists and a dog rescue clinic with adoptable pets. Pet owners can listen to live music and check out the beer social, free wine tasting and food vendors. Children’s activities include a jump house, dunk tank, mini touch-atruck and police K-9 demonstrations. Maximum leash length for dogs attending is 6 feet (no retractables) and owners must clean up after their pets. On the waterfront lot next to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage. For more information, call (727) 517-5446. APRIL 16-17 Mainsail Arts Festival Vinoy Park The waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg provides a picturesque setting for the Annual Mainsail Arts festival. As a leading cultural event on St. Petersburg’s outdoor calendar, over 100,000 visitors from near and far come to enjoy and purchase quality art and listen to top name entertainment. This two-day event combines visual and performing arts along with opportunities for children to actively engage in art activities. There is a delicious assortment of culinary arts and as well as Mainsail souvenirs. There is no cost to the public to view the show. Vinoy Park is located at 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.mainsailartsfestival. org. APRIL 17 Strings in the Spring Carrollwood Cultural Center In this second of two Strings in the Spring concerts, pianist Franz Mantini will be joined by Guest Artist violiist Che-Yen Chen. Carrollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. $20 for members / $25 for non-members / $20 for seniors (65+). For more information, visit www.carrollwoodcenter. org/upcoming-events.html or call (813) 269-1310.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
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SENIOR HAPPENINGS APRIL 19
MAY 3
SUNDAYS
THURSDAYS
Hometown Reunion for Ohio and West Virginia Freedom Square Lake Seminole Square
Florida Screenwriters and Actors Connection Clearwater East Library
Music Fest by the Bay The Pier, St. Petersburg
Aspiring Writers Workshop Largo Community Center
Every Sunday The Pier hosts a new musical act for your listening pleasure at the Waterside Courtyard. Featuring local bands and musicians from a four county area with Top 40, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Jazz and other types of music. The Pier is located at 800 Second Ave. NE. For information, visit www. stpetepier.com or call (727) 821-6443.
Do you dream of writing the next great American novel? Maybe you aspire to be a reporter or perhaps you want to leave a legacy for you kids? Maybe you just want a new hobby, well this workshop is for you. Exciting hands on instruction and innovative teaching material to jump start your imagination and help you reach your dreams. $10 residents / $12.50 nonresidents / $15.50 w/o recreation card. Largo Community Center is located at 65 Fourth St. NW, Largo. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter.com or call (727) 518-3131.
Whether you are an established resident or have recently moved to the Tampa Bay area, chances are you still have a soft spot in your heart for your old neighborhood. And this year, Lake Seminole Square and Freedom Square are making it easier to reconnect with people from your neck of the woods. Enjoy an afternoon of appetizers, cocktails and entertainment as you get caught up on the old times back home. Freedom Square is located at 7800 Liberty Lane, Seminole; (727) 3980244. Lake Seminole Square is located at 8333 Seminole Blvd.; (727) 3923932. APRIL 22 Senior Excursions St Pete Beach to Ybor City Seniors visit Ybor City in Tampa. $10 for St. Pete Beach resident or $12.50 for non-residents. 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) 3639245. APRIL 24 Sunrise Service The Pier Come celebrate Easter and watch the Sun come up over Tampa Bay. Donations benefit Resurrection House. The Pier is located at 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.stpetepier.com or call (727) 821-6443. APRIL 30 Art Arbor Walter Fuller Park Celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day at this annual city festival now in its 25th year. Environmental and horticultural exhibits, vendors (with every kind of plant imaginable), Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show, a grow and share program, a diagnostic clinic (bring soil and water samples), a recycling rally, free mulch, plant auction, more than 2,000 trees for sale for $3, free Butterfly plants (500 each day), tool sharpening booth, entertainment, children’s programs and a food court! Walter Fuller Park is located at 7891 26th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.stpete.org/ parks/greenthumb.asp or call (727) 893-7335.
Members have their screenplays read aloud at this interactive meeting. Learn the latest format and improve plot and dialogue by readings and critiques. Anyone with an interest in acting is also invited to attend. Meets the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month. For details, Email bharrington2@tampabay.rr.com. Clearwater East Library is located at 2251 Drew St. For more information, call (727) 572-6345. MAY 3 Dinner Dance Italian American Club The Italian American Club of Greater Clearwater hosts a pasta dinner and dance. $8 members; $10 nonmembers. For information, call (727) 7918698. Italian American Club of Greater Clearwater is located at 200 S McMullen-Booth Road. MAY 7 A Night in the Islands Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks A night under the stars, on the historic sponge docks features live Greek music, Greek dancing and instructions, free lessons in tavli (Greek backgammon), dining and more. Prior to the main event, there will be live Greek music between 4 and 6 p.m. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is located at Dodecanese Boulevard between Hope and Athens Streets, Tarpon Springs. For more information, visit www.spongedocks.net. MAY 7-8 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, Largo. For more information, visit www.lcrailroad.com or call (727) 587-6775. ONGOING AARP Driver Safety Largo Community Center Class is a two-day study, four hours each day. To register and for dates call Sally Meadows at (727) 518-3131. Many insurance companies give discounts to seniors who have taken this course. $12 for members/$14 for non-members payable to AARP. Largo Community Center is located at 65 Fourth St. NW, Largo.
MONDAYS Food Addiction Meetings Hope Lutheran Church • Noon Hope Lutheran Church is located at 1801 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www. foodaddictsanonymous.org or call (727) 526-7460. MONDAYS Walking Club Coffee Pot Park • 5 p.m. Ongoing walking club, led by Dr. Karen Reese. Will start out slowly and build from there. Coffee Pot Park is located at 3001 First St. N., St. Petersburg. For information, call (727) 821-7400. 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 65 Fourth St. NW, Largo. 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter.com or call (727) 518-3131. TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS Tai Chi Hale Senior Activity Center Learn at a relaxed pace. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $4. Hale Senior Activity Center is located at 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. For more information, visit bit.ly/93Z80n or call (727) 298-3299. TUESDAYS Recovery International Abraham Low Self-help System A weekly support group for people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and symptoms caused by fear and anger, meets at 1 p.m. Lakeview Community Church, 475 East Lake Road N.;Tarpon Springs. For information, call Phyllis at (727) 942-4095.
THURSDAYS Walking Cane Self Defense Largo Community Center Learn effective and powerful selfdefense techniques using the simple walking cane. Largo Community Center is located at 65 Fourth St. NW, Largo. 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.largocommunitycenter.com or call (727) 5183131. FRIDAYS Free Accupuncture Clinic Sunshine Senior Center Patrons of the Sunshine Senior Center are invited to visit a free community-format mini-acupuncture clinic on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine has been practiced in the U.S. for at least 150 years. Acupuncture medicine is being used by senior Americans each year. Sunshine Senior Center is located at 330 Fifth Street North, St. Petersburg. For information, visit bit.ly/9pxsCe or call (727) 893-7101. FRIDAYS Friday Night Movies Pioneer Park Series of films presented by the City of Dunedin’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Redevelopment Agency. Pioneer Park is located at Main Street and Douglas Ave, Dunedin. For more information, visit www.dunedin gov.com or call (727) 812-4530. FRIDAYS Square Dancing Largo Community Center An evening of square dancing to area favorite caller Allen Snell. $5. Largo Community Center is located at 65 Fourth St. NW, Largo. For more information, visit www.largocommuni tycenter.com or call (727) 518-3131.
EMAIL YOUR SENIOR HAPPENINGS TO HAPPENINGS@SENIORVOICEAMERICA.COM. THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS THE 15TH.
PAGE 16
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
APRIL 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
Join the official Seniors Fan Club of the Tampa Bay Rays for only Season Ticket Holder Price $15 (excludes ticket vouchers)
$25!
All Rays fans 55 and older can join the Golden Rays and receive:
• Official Golden Rays T-Shirt • Official Golden Rays Tote Bag • Golden Rays Membership Card • Coupons for merchandise and concession items • Invitations to exclusive Golden Rays events • Special offer for discounted tickets for select Rays home games • Get 2 ticket vouchers to use for your choice of the games listed: One ticket for voucher #1
One ticket for voucher #2
April 21 vs. CWS
May 3 vs. TOR
June 27 vs. CIN
August 9 vs. KC
August 22 vs. DET
August 24 vs. DET
Let the Journey Begin... MASTERWORKS
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3
Lilya Zilberstein performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with its luscious melodies and thundering chords. The program includes the melancholic beauty of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7 and his melodyrich tone poem En Saga. Stefan Sanderling conducts.
Apr 15 - 17
Sponsored by:
Dr. Robert Wharton
MASTERWORKS
Bruckner’s Romantic Symphony
The evening opens with John Adams’ Doctor Atomic Symphony with its pervasive sense of fear about the atomic bomb, followed by Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, “Romantic,” with its glittering melodies and symphonic exultations. Stefan Sanderling conducts.
May 13 - 15 RAYMOND JAMES POPS
Totally Awesome 80s
From the decade that brought us MTV, big hair, and Michael Jackson’s sequin glove, it’s a salute to some of the best-loved pop and rock artists of the 1980s with music by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper and more. Sarah Hicks conducts.
May 20 - 22
Sarah Hicks, guest conductor
Sponsored by:
For more information call: 1-800-662-7286 Or visit: www.FloridaOrchestra.org WE PLAY THE BAY! TAMPA, ST. PETERSBURG & CLEARWATER. TFO-Senior Voice-Apr.indd 1
3/7/2011 10:52:30 AM
A scene from the third act on the set of Absent Alumni.
Senior group “Trods the Boards” in Age Customized Productions
By Jeanne Crenshaw Although reaching retirement age might put the brakes on your ambition to scale the Matterhorn or climb Mount Everest, there are still a great many latent ambitions that can be achieved. One such ambition lurked in our Northern Michigan golf community of Michaywé, where a small core of individuals yearned for a turn on the stage. Three years and three productions later, we are looking forward to our fourth. The thespian seed was planted at a dinner party, when eight close friends began telling each other stories about our various roles in college and high school productions and the excitement and camaraderie we felt as we prepared. That led to further discussion of the talents we felt certain our community possessed and the feasibility of putting on our own play. It was agreed that we would need our own vehicle, since royalties and the youthful cast members in a standard offering would be prohibitive. When one of the attendees speculated she might be able to write an appropriate play, we were hooked. Thus began a project that has brought enjoyment and productivity to a great many seniors, who have found themselves acting, making sets, working lights and performing many theater based activities they had felt were pleasures of the past. In writing the play, several conditions had to be kept in mind. First, the cast had to be adults between the ages of 55 and 80+, because this is who we are. Next, the sets had to be simple enough to suit our improvised, 14 x 20 foot stage. Finally, complicated scene changes would be impractical, since the work would be done, not by muscular young jocks, but by retirees. The first play was completed during
the winter of 2008. After it had been critiqued by several discerning readers, we took the idea to our Association General Manager. It was agreed that we would present a dinner theater, on two consecutive week nights. We put up signs announcing a mid August audition and crossed our fingers. The signs generated considerable interest and speculative conversation. One particularly encouraging remark was made by an avid golfer, who surprised her friends by announcing she was definitely going to try out. A retired teacher, she stated, “Anyone who can teach can certainly act!” That led to the opinions that nurses, business managers and, yes, former stay at home moms could also act. Let’s face it; we are all actors at times. Our first production, “The Absent Alumni,” involved the disappearance of a classmate, revealed during the planning of a high school reunion. At the end of the first act, his body was found; the second act culminated in the arrest of a fellow alumni and the final act was his trial. That worked out very well, because chairs and tables could be reconfigured to suggest a banquet hall, a coffee shop and, finally, a court room. The only additional furniture was the judge’s bench, which was built by one of our retirees, a skilled carpenter. We sold out both nights in eight days; since our seating capacity was barely 100 people, many others began clamoring for an additional performance. Our reply was, “Maybe next year.” We learned several important lessons our first run: for one thing, a play involving one permanent set would better suit our senior stage hands. For another, spreading the lines more equitably, so that no one cast member had an inordinate amount to memorize,
Please See BOARDS, Page 19.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
PAGE 17
ENTERTAINMENT SECRETS OF A SOCCER MOM
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
Venue Actor Studio Through April 17
Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center April 30 to May 8
Though all three moms would seem to be living the good life, not everything is right in suburbia. It’s not that Allison is sick — at least not physically. “I just have to get away,” she tells her friend. It turns out that a random construction worker’s comment (“What’dya need?”) has started Allison to asking herself exactly this question and now she realizes the time has come to change her life. 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. LOVE, SEX AND THE IRS Carrollwood Players Through April 9 The Carrollwood Players present this wild farce about two roommates who file their taxes as a married couple to save money. Through April 9. Carrollwood Players is located at 4333-5 Gunn Highway, Tampa. For more information, visit www.carrollwoodplayers.com or call (813) 2654000. JERSEY BOYS David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Through April 17 The story dramatizes the forming, rise and eventual break-up of the original four members of The Four Seasons. Each member has a different perspective on the band and their contribution to it. 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. A LESSON BEFORE DYING David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts April 7-24 A captivating drama of hope. Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ award-winning 1992 book, this play is an elegant but harsh illumination of the search for grace and dignity before an innocent black man is put to death for a crime he did not commit. A wrenching drama that engrosses and enrages, it shows how courageous one man can be in the face of prejudice and recapture his humanity. 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.
A farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts’ victims); and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (a character based on real-life gangland surgeon Joseph Moran) to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff (a self-referential joke, as the part was originally played by Karloff). Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center is located at 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. For more information, visit www.tarponarts.org or call (727) 9425605. NO, NO, NANETTE Francis Wilson Playhouse Through April 10 No, No, Nanette is a musical comedy with lyrics by Irving Caesar and Otto Harbach, music by Vincent Youmans and a book by Otto Harbach and Frank Mandel, based on Mandel’s 1919 Broadway play My Lady Friends. The farcical story involves three couples who all find themselves together at a cottage in Atlantic City in the midst of a blackmail scheme, focusing on a young, funloving Manhattan heiress, who naughtily runs off for a weekend, leaving her unhappy fiancé. Francis Wilson Playhouse is located at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. For more information, visit franciswilsonplayhouse.org or call (727) 446-1360. MISS JULIE freeFall Theatre Extended through April 10 August Strindberg’s masterful dissection of class and gender politics remains startlingly resonant despite the fact that it was first performed over a century ago. While the topsy-turvy of the midsummer festival rages outside, Miss Julie, the daughter of a powerful landed gentleman, seduces one of her serving men, Jean, right under the nose of his fiancée, Christine. As the alcohol fuelled evening stretches into morning, the tug of war reaches its
breaking point, as each uses every weapon available to try to gain the upper hand in one of the most intriguing relationships ever written for the stage. freeFall Theatre is located at 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.freefalltheatre.com or call (727) 498-5205. LAS MENINAS FSU Center for Performing Arts Cook Theatre Through May 15 A story of an unlikely friendship and an even unlikelier romance, unfolds in the royal court of 17th century France. Queen Marie-Therese longs for the love and attention of her husband, King Louis XIV, but when she receives a mysterious gift — an African man named Nabo — her entire world changes. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and internationally renowned writer Lynn Nottage. FSU Center for Performing Arts Cook Theatre is located at 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit www.banyantheatercompany.com or call (941) 552-1032. TWELFTH NIGHT Ruth Eckerd Hall April 28 to May 15 Shipwrecks, pirates, intrigue, disguise, love, duels and madness! No wonder Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. The Eckerd Theater Company presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (or What You Will) — their largest production to date with a cast of nearly 25 plus crew. Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. For more information, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com or call (727) 791-7400. SHOUT! Manatee Players Through April 10 Shout! is the mod musical magazine that brings back the beautiful birds and smashing sounds that made England swing in the 60s. From cover-tocover Shout! travels in time from 1960 to 1970 chronicling the dawning liberation of women. Just as Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Cilla Black and Lulu were independent women with major careers, English and American women were redefining themselves in the face of changing attitudes about gender. Manatee Players is located at 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. For more information, visit www.manateeplayers. com or call (941) 748-5875. SPAMALOT Mahaffey Theater April 19 Winner of the 2005 Tony award for best musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous musical comedy
lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monthy Python and the Holy Grail Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his knights of the round table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot! Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.mahaffeytheater.com or call (727) 892-5798. RENT American Stage April 13 to May 8 Based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera, La bohéme. Rent is the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side “Alphabet City,” under the shadow of HIV/ AIDS. American Stage is located at 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. Rent Demens Landing Park, located on the corner of First Ave. S and Bayshore Boulevard SE in downtown St. Petersburg. The box office is located at 163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.americanstage.org or call (727) 823-7529. RUN FOR YOUR WIFE Francis Wilson Playhouse April 2-3, April 8-10 The story of London cab driver John Smith, with two wives, two lives and a very precise schedule for juggling them both. With one wife at home in Streatham and another at home in Wimbledon and with occupants of the flat upstairs at the latter location. Trouble brews when Smith is mugged and ends up in hospital, where both of his addresses surface, causing both the Streatham and Wimbledon police to investigate. Having upset his schedule, Smith becomes hopelessly entangled in his attempts with his lazy layabout neighbour upstairs in Wimbledon, to explain himself to his wives and two suspicious police officers. Francis Wilson Playhouse is located at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. For more information, visit franciswilsonplayhouse.org or call (727) 446-1360. CLOSEUP MAGIC COMPETITION Largo Cultural Center April 9 Experience close-up magic tableside in a cabaret setting. Snacks and beverages can be purchased during the show. Guests vote to determin the winner. $22 advance, $27 day of show. For more information visit www. largoarts.com or call (727) 587-6751.
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SEEING GREEN THROUGH NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS Now that spring is here, many homeowners are thinking about remodeling projects that will improve the home this season and year-round. Whether you’re planning a few do-it-yourself improvements or a major renovation, it’s important to think “green.” One way to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home while saving on energy is by installing highly energy-efficient windows. Energy efficient windows with high insulating values, such as R-5, can result in significant savings on energy needed to heat and cool a home. Up until now, such windows have been cost prohibitive to most consumers. But thanks to programs like the Department of Energy’s High Performance Windows Volume Program, homeowners can now purchase energy efficient R-5 windows at a more affordable price. So, what exactly does R-5 mean and why is it beneficial? An “R” value of a window means greater resistance to weather. Most ENERGY STAR windows have an R-value of 3, but increasing the R-value from 3 to 5 reduces average heat loss by more than 30 percent, according to the DOE. For more detailed information, visit websites such as http://www.plygemwindows.com/R5 and http://www.windowsvolumepurchase.org/ which help consumers better understand the benefits of R-5 windows.
TECHNOLOGY, From Page 1. someplace else. Skype is free. Netbooks may not be large enough for some big-handed men, and you’re not going to use them for video editing, but they are great for just about anything else. They are also cheap. You can get one for a few hundred dollars. Apple’s Airbook starts at $999 and offers the full features of a laptop in the small footprint of a netbook. For $999 you can also get a very nicely equipped laptop, so trying several devices and asking lots of questions before you buy is a great strategy. Be sure to ask about a retailer’s return policy and keep all your packaging till you’re sure you have the device you want. IPAD AND IPAD2 Apple changed the world last year when it introduced the iPad, a portable device that offers nearly all the functionality of a netbook in a smaller, lighter package. The iPad does not have a traditional keyboard or a mouse. It’s a touchscreen. A virtual keyboard pops up on demand and you can also use a wireless keyboard with it. The iPad is perfect for consuming media, which is to say reading, listening and watching. When it comes to authoring anything more than email and Facebook entries, you’ll want to have a full-size laptop or desktop device. The new iPad 2, which was realeased
a few weeks ago features two cameras (front and back), which makes video conferencing easier than ever. The iPad is also an e-reader, running book applications like Kindle and Nook. It’s also a gaming platform. With the right cable, you can hook your iPad to a TV and watch streaming content on the big screen. KINDLE Kindle is actually two things: It’s a device and it’s software. The software will run just about anywhere, giving you access to tens of thousands of books that run between free and $10 to $12 for most new titles. The Kindle device costs about $140. It does not have anywhere near the features of a smart phone or an iPad, but it does work by the pool, and when you are wearing sunglasses. Too much ambient light makes iPad and smartphones too hard to read in some cases. Kindle will also last up to a month on a single charge. It’s probably the lightest and easiest device for reading and it’s offered at a great price. It offers some games and news. The Kindle software has a feature called “Whispersync,” which keeps your place and notes on one book on all your registered devices. Some voracious readers have more than one Kindle or a Kindle and an iPad or smartphone. Whispersync keeps them all up to date.
HP PRINTERS HP hit a homerun with its newest line of printers. You can find them through Amazon, at Sam’s Club, Walmart and Target. The printers start at about $75 for simple printing, and they go up to the feature-rich printer, scanner, fax version for about $150. The ink is reasonably priced and you can order it online. In fact the printer can order it for you when properly configured. The printer works with any wireless network; and perhaps best of all, it’s the first printer that works with smartphones and iPads. You can also print by sending an email or right over the internet. If you have paper in your life, this is a wonderful device to have. DESKTOP COMPUTERS Finally, we get to the good old-fashioned desktop PC. Unless you edit video or process a lot of photos, you may find you no longer need a desktop PC. Laptops, netbooks and iPads may handle your needs. A well-built PC can last several years if you buy one with plenty of power and memory and keep it clean. I have desktop Macintosh computers around that are more than nine years old. I’ve had to replace hard drives or DVD drives from time to time; and I’m at the limit of system upgrades Apple will support — but the point is if you’re going to buy a new PC, buy a good one and expect to
get several years of service from it. One advantage desktops have over laptops is you can install multiple hard drives. The drives can be configured to mirror each other, so if one fails, the backup is built in. Laptops get beat up, dropped, spilled on and left in hot cars. You may only get two or three years of life out of them if you’re lucky. Desktops today from companies like Apple, Dell and HP are very well made. Start by shopping online to find a set of specifications that will meet your needs. Talk to a couple of knowledgeable sales reps, then make your choice. Since Apple is both hardware and software, you’re choice will be more about screen size (in the case of the iMac) and speed. Video and Photos are the big things that bogs down computers. Read up on the test for these items when you are making your choice. Dell, HP and others will most likely run Windows or some flavor of Linux. Linux is a little closer to Apple’s Unixbased operating system, but it’s also an open system, which means you may need to be comfortable installing and updating your own system on a regular basis. Both Apple and Windows have updates built in, so they are a little simpler for the average user. Both Apple and Windows allow you to give control of your computer over to a technician in a remote location for repair.
APRIL 2011
SENIOR VOICE AMERICA
BOARDS, From Page 16. would be beneficial. Because of the demand for more following our first play, a second one was written over the winter months. “The Early Birds” centered around a rich industrialist who had become estranged from his siblings As he has no other heirs, he arranges for them all to come to his estate for a “get acquainted” visit. It was decided we would offer a third evening if the first two sold out rapidly This was, indeed, the case; a third night was added, which also was completely sold out about ten days before the play opened. It was greeted with much enthusiasm, prompting yet a third show. Last year, “Just Plumb Perplexing,” about a plumber who must seek a new career and decides to become a song writer, allowed us to inject a little music into the plot. Again, the audience seemed to love it and us. The fourth play, about a retired couple who win the Michigan lottery, is completed and presently being critiqued. We have reserved three nights at the club house. In preparing these shows, we have learned that virtually everyone we approached was willing to help, without reservation. We borrowed flats — 4 x 8 panels to create the setting — from a local dramatic group, a local merchant delivered and picked up furniture in return for his store’s name on the program, a member of a rock band who
works in our pro shop lent us a spotlight. It takes a little courage to go out and approach people, but the rewards are great. Besides getting what we needed, it broadened the base of people who felt they had a stake in our play. The key to sold out houses, of course, is to have as many people involved as possible. Each of our casts number at least 16 people, going as high as 23 in our first production; back stage help, tickets and publicity raise the number to about 50 participants. There is nothing unique about the population of our community. We have a cross section of virtually all occupations and economic levels. What we share, however, is a desire to put on the best play we can develop, have six weeks of great fun rehearsing and, perhaps, prove to ourselves that it’s not too late to ham it up. — Oh, yes and then there’s the cast party! If our experience leaves you considering taking on a similar project as your own, be assured that your audience will not come to jeer — they will come to cheer the efforts of their friends and neighbors and delight in seeing people they know in different roles. For further information involving production schedules and obtaining the senior-tailored scripts, you may contact Jeanne Crenshaw, jeanne43@hotmail.com or write to her at Senior Voice America ATTN: Jeanne, PO Box 270, Lutz FL 33559-0271.
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ACCOMMODATIONS Couple with health care background looking to share our home with senior. $600/Mo. Meals, Transportation, care extra. Clearwater. (727) 608-6021 (219) 805-7761 RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING REFERRALS
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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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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.
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JUDI’S GEMS By Judith Sabghir Gannon For me, April is a momentous month because my father will be celebrating his 90th birthday. It is unbelievable to me that he continues to lead a very active life with my stepmom. To be honest, my father still looks much younger than his actual age and has the energy of a much younger person. Since I am a grown woman who simply adores her dad, my friends have often called me a daddy’s girl. Sometimes I feel sorry for him because he has had to endure my growing up years. Trust me; I made plenty of mistakes. Some of my earliest memories are those which relate to my religious upbringing. Every Friday my mother would prepare a traditional Sabbath meal. When it was time to usher in the Sabbath, she would light the candles and chant the special blessing for candle lighting. Then, my father would chant the prayer for the wine and recite the blessing over the bread known as challah. Whenever I light my own Sabbath candles, these memories are so vivid. Another memory is that of sitting next to my dad in synagogue. I recall leaning on his shoulder and playing with the fringes of his prayer shawl. If he stood up during services, I would dutifully do the same. My parents sacrificed to send my siblings and me to a private Jewish academy. We were students for nine years and received an excellent Jewish education as well as an outstanding secular one. For half
the day, we studied Jewish history, laws and customs, the tenets of Judaism and Hebrew language. The second half of the day was devoted to secular subjects, my least favorite being math. I did love our music classes, glee club and any dramatic activities. Unfortunately, math did me in on more than one occasion. For my dad to help me in math, he required an iron constitution. Although he studied with me, he did not do my homework. I clearly recollect my dad slapping himself on the forehead saying “oy vay,” a common Jewish expression for “Oh my goodness!” With the patience of Job, he tutored me. When my first marriage didn’t work out, he and my mom worried, but they were always there for support. Then, when my daughter and I moved into their home, my parents were extremely supportive and helpful. Sometimes my dad would let me sleep in, just so he and my daughter could spend some time together. When I would wake up, I would find both of them sitting on the recliner in the family room, watching cartoons. My father taught me many life lessons. He impressed upon me not to believe in the “what if’s.” Worrying in advance only saps our energy and we can only live one day at a time. Most definitely my father has had his share of heartache. Doesn’t everyone? He has never felt sorry for himself and continues to be optimistic. Thank G-d he has been blessed with good health and a wonderful wife. On this occasion of my dad’s 90th, my family and other family members will celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover with him and my stepmom. His birthday actually falls on Passover eve, so our holiday
APRIL 2011 meal together, the seder, will be extra special. We also plan to attend synagogue the next morning to listen to my dad chant a portion from the book of Prophets. Congregants look forward to my dad’s participation in services and they have heard him chant many, many times. He happens to have a female fan club who sing his praises. They miss Aaron when he’s not there. My mom, stepmom, and dad’s legacy is embodied in their 18 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, some of whom live overseas. This year several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren have traveled to see my father and his wife Ferol. I have enjoyed hearing about their visits. I have two wishes on this grand occasion. May my dad and stepmom continue to be blessed with good health and may the lessons all of my parents taught me be the lessons I embrace. Dad, may you live at least “Until 120.” Love, your daughter. Judith Sabghir Gannon is a freelance writer who resides in Wesley Chapel. She spent many years teaching adults and children in the public and private sector. For the past 20 years, she has devoted herself to improving the quality of life for senior adults. Jewish liturgical singing and leading prayer services is her passion. Customized to Suit Any Occasion
Judi’s Perfect Perfect Party Party Poems Poems Judi’s Anniversary v New Baby Birthday v Promotion Confirmation v Retirement Graduation v Wedding Judith A. Gannon Proprietor 813-368-2677 v JudiGannon@aol.com v v v v
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