NOVEMBER 2014
Y PP IVING A H SG K AN H T
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SINCE 1980 — VolUME 34 • NUMBER 11
Blessings By Carolyn Shockey
will your doctor be a robot?
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SPECIAL PULL OUT SECTION
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We’ve all heard that “people enter our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.” Or, “it matters not the time they spend with you, but how they impacted your life.” “Some people come to your life as blessings; others come as lessons.” And, last but not least, “some bring happiness by coming and some by going.” Interestingly, looking back, we have had profound experiences and friendships with people, yet as time went on, they gradually disappeared from the scene for one reason or another. This may have been in the form of a physical, emotional or financial blessing that came just at the right time. We could say that, in a lot of these instances, there were “angels” that appeared just as we needed them, and as their purpose was completed and our lives changed, we each moved on in different directions. As the need arose, that special someone miraculously came to help us carry the load until we could do for ourselves again. Then there are those people who entered our comfort zones to teach us lessons, and, boy, have there been a lot of them for me! I’ve learned lessons in patience, tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, learning to stand up for who I am and spiritual growth, to name a few, and all from different “teachers.” Some were appreciated, See BLESSINGS, Page 31
Your Financial Protection When a Spouse Is Terminally Ill The financial protection of the spouse is often overlooked, and the consequences of inaction are often unanticipated, when a married individual receives a diagnosis of terminal illness. This is more than understandable. There are so many things for the well spouse to worry about at such a time. We have heard of an instance in which the terminally ill wife of a loving husband secretly altered her will to benefit a son then serving time in prison, to the eventual cost of her husband (and the other children). The case was litigated after her death, and the principal beneficiaries were the two sides’ lawyers, who charged their clients handsome fees. Also, it is not unusual for a terminally ill person to make financially imprudent demands of the well spouse. We know of an instance in which the well spouse, succumbing to the incessant demands of a sick wife who had no special expertise in financial matters, agreed to retitle all joint assets in her sole name. She died, leaving everything to her own children—his stepchildren. As a result, he became nearly destitute and was left homeless. He was deprived of most of the benefit of his own lifetime earnings, because it had gone into the family home and other assets that
By Joyce Holly
BIG GIVING FOR SMALL NON-PROFITS
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See TERMINAL, Page 31
Senior Voice America…in print, on the web and on the air with Health, Wealth & Wisdom. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Monday thru Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. as Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle. ime T w e N ot! Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source Sl for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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Health Roundup
Share Your Health History
Family reunions are a great opportunity to reconnect and turn relationships into strong, eternal ties. This year, try starting a new tradition — share your health history with your family. Passing down family health history can be as important as sharing that heirloom recipe your great grandmother shared with your grandmother. Many health conditions run in the family, so knowing the health history can help you or your loved ones take the right steps to stay well and get tested if you or they are at risk. Sharing a health history means having a conversation about your health conditions or those experienced by another family member. These conversations can transform a simple update about a loved one’s well being into a piece of prevention.
Why is sharing a health history important? Though marked with stories and laughter, family reunions are also a perfect time to talk about important matters that affect the health of your family members. As the number of those with common ailments such as obesity, heart disease and cancer continues to rise, other major conditions should not be overlooked, especially kidney disease. According to the U.S. Renal Data System, nearly one in six African American adults, nearly 6.2 million people, have signs of kidney disease.
There are usually no symptoms for early kidney disease, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” The two primary causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) is encouraging relatives at family reunions to talk about the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. The Program’s Family Reunion Health Guide can help you plan large group or one-on-one conversations about kidney disease. You do not need to be a healthcare professional or expert to start these important conversations — the guide has everything you need. To download or order a free copy, visit nkdep.nih.gov/get-involved/talk-w ith-family. shtml?ref=MAT.
©getty images
Start a New Tradition at Your Family Reunion
2. Acknowledge that it is not always easy to face personal health problems. Try to be supportive and listen to others’ concerns. 3. Include personal stories in your health discussion. Try sharing your story on how you manage diabetes or high blood pressure to help put them at ease. 4. Offer to go with family members to their Five tips for starting the conversation health care providers and encourage them Talking about health history at family re- to bring information about kidney disease, unions can be challenging. Having a strategy for diabetes and high blood pressure to difficult conversations can help guide the discus- appointments. sion and make it a meaningful and productive ex- 5. Follow up with family members in ways perience. Here are some tips for getting a that work for them. Some relatives may one-on-one conversation started at your next fami- prefer a phone call to an email or text ly reunion: message. 1. Ask permission to have the conversation, Make the kidney connection with a loved one and try to choose a convenient time and and start a new, healthy tradition at your next fam comfortable environment. Look for a quiet, ily reunion. For more information, visit https:// private place that is free from distractions. www.facebook.com/MaketheKidneyConnection.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
Have You Reviewed Your Medicare Policies?
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This is, by far, one of the most important times of the year for seniors. That’s right it is Open Enrollment for Medicare. Many seniors choose to continue with the exact same plans they had the previous year. Whether it was a MediGap plan or Advantage Plan it doesn’t really matter, they should continue on like nothing has changed. Unfortunately some things inevitable change when it comes to insurance. First and foremost costs change. Then doctors come and go from plans and finally coverage changes for anything from providers to co-pays to prescriptions. And then of course there are changes to your own health and needs. Any one of these are reason enough to review your plan and check if another plan would serve you better. However, more often than not, a few of these reasons may actually apply to you. But whom do you turn to? An insurance agent is always a great place to start. But if you see one, you should see another. And while certain insurance companies offer free standing stores for you to visit and many do a great job, they are only going to show you there plan. While these plans may be right for you, you should be checking a few others as well. An unbiased organization you can turn to is Florida Shine at www.floridashine.org. They will review ALL your options while reviewing your healthcare needs and then help you choose the appropriate plan for you. So while it may be time consuming and painful to go through your options it is far less costly than choosing the wrong plan for you and having to pay the price over the next 12 months.
Senior Voice America, Inc. P.O. BOX 1379 Lutz, FL 33548-1379 Phone (813) 444-1011 • Fax (813) 422-7966 www.seniorvoiceamerica.com Staff Publisher: Evan Gold evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com Associate Publisher: Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com Managing Editor/Broadcast Producer: Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Editor: Lauren Potts lauren@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Lourdes M. Sáenz lourdes@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES • (813) 444-1011
Evan Gold
Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com
FROM THE EDITOR
Join our sales team. For information about opportunities throughout Florida and North America, email timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com.
Contributors Abne M. Eisenberg • Jon Lynn • Joyce Holly Carolyn Shockey • Nick Thomas Evelyn Levin • James Forstall Mary Novak-Beatty • Ruth Fanovich Mary Gynn • Jean Mlincek Ro Martinez • Carol Roberts • Gretchen Barry Lourdes M. Sáenz • Julie Heidelberg Would you like to write for Senior Voice America? Please email editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com.
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, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Articles and advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
An Afternoon in Eden
I stepped outside to find the sky stretching at its seams, full of thunderclouds and nascent rain. Even the grass beneath my wellies shivered in the whipping wind. But this was not an hour for the indoors, for a cozy fire and cup of tea. I was searching for shelter of a different sort. Away back on the edge of the cemetery that adjoins our property, a yew tree wraps its arms around neighboring laurels and tumbledown graves. As the wind kicked up and the first rain began to fall, I laid my hands against its massive trunk and slipped inside. I thought first about the years. About the centuries creaking in and about and around this tree, the millennia of dreamers and adventurers that had come before me. Yew trees hollow out over years like these, their trunks succumbing to rot and time while their branches reach ever farther. Some say the yew grew first in the Garden of Eden. Perhaps it was the Tree of Life itself, death and choice in a single seed. Some say it marked the terror and inscrutable uncertainty of passing from this world, long before Christ brought forth an answer. On down the years of human history the yew took on significance, and, for Christians, became a powerful symbol of resurrection. It is green in every season, and its scarlet berries can end life even as the tree regenerates after every attempt to subdue it. You can prune a yew for lifetimes and never tame it. There in the heart of this ancient tree, as the storm began in earnest, I sat spellbound by the wonder of my being here at all--here inside a yew that has stood watch over the Greatham village church for more than a thousand years. By the fact that I could sit in a cradle of safety, carved out over centuries, while death and life raged simultaneously all around me. I don’t know which stories are true about yew trees. I only know that there is a shelter somehow within and outside of time and that He has a name. There is impossible hope, hope that drives a fierce determination to withstand, to struggle, to grow. And somehow we see it when we see this tree. “Time past and time future allow but a little consciousness. To be conscious is not to be in time. But only in time can the moment in the arbor where the rain beat be remembered...Only through time time is conquered.” —T.S. Eliot
Lauren Potts
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
Health Roundup
Will Your Next Doctor Be a Robot?
By Professor Abné M. Eisenberg In some hospitals, midget robots roam the halls, making a doctor’s rounds, while the human doctor sits at his office desk 10 miles away. The robot, armed with a camera, allows the physician to remotely see his patient’s skin tone, pupil size, X-rays and which medication the patient was given or should be given. A nurse, standing by, hooks the robot up to a stethoscope, enabling the doctor to listen to the patient’s heart. These robo-doctor assistants allow physicians to be in more than one place at a time and, by so doing, simultaneously attend to the needs of several patients. This robotic feature has been called ”telemedicine on wheels.” Older doctors remain skeptical of using robotic surrogates for patient care. While these doctors admit that robots can provide invaluable technological support, the robots cannot replace the touch of a human hand, display kindness, trust, tenderness or compassion. Robotic surgery has entered the operating room. Although it is in an early stage of development, surgeons consider the technology promising. Several thousand hospitals are currently using a surgical robot named “da Vinci. ” It has been used to perform more than 200,000 hysterectomies and prostatec-
tomies. Unfortunately, because the robots cost about $1.8 million, many hospitals cannot afford to purchase them. While modern robots can imitate the movements and actions of humans, the next challenge robotic engineers face will be to invest them with artificial intelligence. By the year 2020 A.D., the curriculum in medical schools will probably include courses that deal with the robotic practice of medicine. Graduates will consider it routine to have robot assistants. Medicine has moved closer to becoming a science, rather than an art. Instead of adopting a blend of the two approaches to healing, physicians are being forced to acquaint themselves with a wide variety of gadgets designed to diagnose and treat their patients. For the past two centuries, the medical profession has moved away from being an art and toward becoming a science. The healthcare it delivers today is based upon the notion that the human body is a machine and, as such, should be repaired and treated like one. Because today’s physicians are being over-trained in science and less in how to humanistically relate to their patients, the title of this article, “Will your next doctor be a robot?” may well be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
future planning
Aging in Place Most people prefer to stay in their homes or apartments for as long as possible. The best way to make this a reality is to plan ahead of time to make the amenities in your home as safe and accessible as possible.
Home Modifications Living at home longer may mean renovating a home to make it more accessible. This can include such things as installing ramps to bypass stairs, building a bedroom on the main floor, placing grab bars in the shower, changing the height of kitchen countertops or making a bathroom safer and more accessible. The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications is a good resource for those looking to make such modifications. Go to the center’s website at www.homemods.org, and click on the link to the “Safety Checklist and Assessment Instrument.”
Getting Help Keeping a house running smoothly requires a lot of hard work. If you are no longer able to keep up with the demands, you may need to hire someone to do laundry, buy groceries, run errands, clean the house or perform any necessary repairs. There are a number of services that can be brought in to assist you. You can hire someone, such as a personal care aide or home health aide, to help you out a few hours a day or around the clock.
Transportation Declining health often causes a decline in independence and mobility. Many seniors lose the ability to drive or simply feel uncomfortable behind the wheel at night. Investigate transportation options in your area so you can maintain an active social life, get medical care and shop for necessities. Finding new ways to get around, even after you are no longer driving, may allow you to stay engaged and active.
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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teaching for health series
PROJECT SUGAR:
Important Adherence to Diabetes Self-Management Diabetes is largely a selfmanaged disease, and diabetics should be included in the decision-making process. Educating diabetics about their options and the pros and cons associated with their individual treatment plans needs their involvement. Including the family in the education process, having an advocate go with them to physician’s appointments and understanding how their diabetes can be controlled are equally important. The day-to-day experience of diabetes (especially Type 2 diabetes) provides little in the way of natural feedback to guide self-management and keeping patients “on track.” There are a variety of recommended behaviors that constitute self-management and many components that are critical for good diabetes control. Self-management includes the monitoring the diabetic does at home: regularly checking and recording blood glucose (sugar) levels, taking and understanding their medications, correctly injecting and understanding insulin and other injectable drugs, checking and recording their own blood pressure, the importance of understanding their (lipid) cholesterol and triglyceride numbers, gradually losing weight, reading labels and, daily, counting carbohydrates, proteins and fats, being concerned with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (too high and too low blood sugar) and understanding the importance of blood pressure control to protect their kidneys. Patient education is important because adherence to their treatment regimen is the most effective prevention of diabetes complications. Keeping blood pressure numbers, lipid levels and glucose levels under control and recommending appropriate lifestyle changes are extremely important for diabetics to understand and self-manage these numbers, behaviors and levels at home. According to Dr. Christian W. Mende, clinical professor of medicine at the University of California: “Diabetics taking hypertensive medications should be encouraged to take blood pressure readings at
By Mary Gynn
home. Reasonably priced blood pressure monitors for home use are available. Diabetes educators can instruct patients on how to take readings, which should be taken at least once or twice a week, standing and sitting, on left and right arms and recorded. The readings should be used along with office-based blood pressure readings to determine and to alter a drug regimen.” Social support is needed to attain better health and a longer quality of life. Diabetics typically need to mobilize their social resources in a way that assists and supports them in their tasks of daily management, such as having available cost-controlled blood sugar monitors and test strips, understanding insurance coverage, snacks, getting information by asking questions from appropriate health professionals, understanding what insulin is and pancreas involvement, etc. It’s a common misconception that diabetics must be 100 percent responsible for their diabetics management on a 24/7 basis. Diabetics can and should find a Diabetes Educator and Diabetes Support Groups for their ongoing education, concerns, questions to ask physicians, meal planning, exchange of ideas and information with other diabetics and their support. They should invite family members and the “cook of the house” to the support groups, so they, too, get educated. Taking a medication is only part of the total plan for successful blood sugar control. Recently, there has been a growing movement toward patient-centered care. This is particularly relevant for diabetics who have multiple chronic conditions, and ongoing communication and coordination are so important. Diabetics cannot ignore the challenge of control-
ling their diabetes and improving their adherence to diabetes self-management. Mary Gynn, R.N., is a Diabetes Educator, member of the AADE, American Association of Diabetes Educators and FNA (Florida Nurses Association), as well as a Patient Advocate and Community and Senior Health Educator. She can be reached at mmgynn@aol.com or (847) 533-1197.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
Permission By Nurse Ruth, RN, LHRM
Recently, I was asked to visit a family that was in need of solutions for inhome care. As an advocate for clients and families, I was immediately concerned when I saw the woman who opened the door. Standing before me was a frail woman in nonstop tears. Even as we talked, the tears continued to stream down her face. Depressed, exhausted and hopeless... or so she thought. I entered the home initially thinking she was the person I had been asked to help. It wasn’t until I was able to comfort her and get her to sit down and tell me what was wrong that I realized this was the caregiver, not the client. Unfortunately, at times, family members become more of a concern to me than the clients themselves. I realized after my examination of the patient that he needed to be sent to the hospital, where he could receive appropriate care—care his wife was no longer capable of giving him. Then, I had an epiphany as to why their doctor asked that I go to this family’s home. I was there to give the wife permission to say out loud, “I can no longer care for my husband.” She needed to know it was okay. Sometimes we need that outside person to help us make the difficult decision whether to try to keep our loved ones at home or place them in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. In this case, it was definitely in the best in-
terests of the patient (and wife) to receive skilled care. It was also a dignity issue for the husband. In trying to care for her husband and feeling guilty because she couldn’t cope, it had become a neglectful situation. We need to understand it is okay to say, “I just can’t do this anymore; I’m tired and need help.” Sometimes people feel resentful toward the situation and don’t admit it. In healthcare, we understand how difficult mentally and physically it is to care for a chronically ill person. You cannot do it alone; give yourself permission to say or yell “help!” Don’t hide or you may find yourself becoming the patient! Remember, take care of yourself first or you will not be any good to anyone else. If you have a concern, viewpoint or comment with regard to this article, Let’s Talk! Provided by Ruth Fanovich, RN, LHRM, Owner, Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. and RMF Care Management, Inc. www.CarePlacementHH.com.
CANCER ANSWERS MOFFITT.org | www.facebook.com/MoffittCancerCenter | twitter.com/MoffittNews | youtube.com/user/MoffittNews
current or Former Smoker? CT Lung Screening Could Save Your Life Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and about 85 percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking. In the United States, an estimated 224,210 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, and an estimated 159,260 people will die of the disease the same year. Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. Among men and women in the U.S., lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer, accounting for more deaths than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. What about in Florida? “Each year in Florida, more than 17,000 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer are diagnosed, and there are over 12,000 lung and bronchus cancer-related deaths,” notes Scott J. Antonia, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Moffitt Cancer Center’s Thoracic Oncology Department. “Given the large number of poor outcomes, early screening and detection can have great impact on patient survival. Statewide screening could reduce mortality by 20 percent.” The risk of lung cancer increases with age. Researchers have shown that annual screening with low-dose CT scan helps detect lung cancer earlier – when a chance of cure is higher. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force approved guidelines recommending lowdose CT scans annually for older smokers. “Now we have a screening test that can save lives,” says Dr. Antonia. “At Moffitt, our comprehensive lung screening program evaluates each CT screening and develops a personalized treatment plan as needed.” The Lung Cancer Alliance designates Moffitt as a Screening Center of Excellence. Moffitt’s multidisciplinary lung cancer expert panel – which includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists and nurses – lends its expertise to evaluate each screening. Moffitt is one of 33 study sites in the U.S. that participated in a study of more than 50,000 people in the National Lung Screening Trial. The study task force
Types Of Lung Cancer
Happy Thanksgiving from
Senior Voice America,
From Our Family to Yours!
There are two main types of lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is more aggressive. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body early in the disease. Strongly tied to cigarette use, small-cell lung cancer is rarely detected in nonsmokers. Non-small-cell lung cancer grows more slowly and is a more common form of lung cancer, responsible for almost 85 percent of all lung cancers.
The right lung has three sections, called lobes, while the left lung has two lobes. The lungs are complex organs that supply oxygen to the body and remove wastes.
found that low-dose CT scans more accurately identify early stage cancer than other screening tests. Many lung cancer deaths can be prevented by screening those individuals who are at high risk. This means that most insurance plans will begin to look at reimbursement for the cost of lung cancer screening. The task force encourages those with questions about the test to make an appointment with a health professional to discuss the pros and cons. To be eligible for a lung CT scan at Moffitt, you must meet the following criteria: • You are between the ages of 55 and 80. • You are a current or former smoker w ith a 30-pack year smoking histo- r y (equivalent to: one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years or three packs a day for 10 years. • You are a former smoker who has quit within the last 15 years. Patients who do not meet the criteria can still schedule a screening. Patients must provide a physician’s prescription or schedule a consultation with one of our Moffitt Pulmonologists to discuss their individual case.
Does Lung Cancer Have Symptoms? Lung cancer begins quietly, and in the early stages a person usually will not have symptoms or warning signs. As the disease worsens, symptoms may include: • A cough that won’t go away • Chest pain, especially during deep breaths • Wheezing or shortness of breath • Coughing up bloody phlegm • Fatigue
To find out if you are eligible for lung CT screening or for questions, call 1-888-MOFFITT or visit MOFFITT.org/LungCancerScreening.
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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in the community
12th Annual Holiday
a l a G
Be a part of this magnificent event. The 12th Annual Holiday Gala, sponsored
by the Abilities Guild will take place on Sunday, December 14 at the Belleair Country Club. Starting at 6:30 p.m., you will enjoy a wonderful evening including cocktails, silent and live auctions. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., followed by live music entertainment and dancing. This event benefits Abilities Inc, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit founded in 1983 to raise, invest and distribute funds for the benefit of Abilities, Inc. of Florida.(DBA ServiceSource Florida Regional Office.) Tickets are $100 per person. Please RSVP. For more information, please contact Deb Jordan at (770) 329—8318 (cell) or (727) 559-2786. The Bellair Country Club is located at 1 Country Club Ln, Belleair, FL 33756.
holiday cooking
Have Your Way With Your Turkey By June Hurley Young I”ve always wanted to write how to produce a stupendous meal and outfox Martha Stewart. So start at the top and make it for the all American Thanksgiving. Do your shopping and when they say, “:Paper or Plastic?” say “PAPER.” Never forget-THE BEST WAY TO COOK A TURKEY, IS IN A PLAIN PAPER BAG. The bird is all thawed and ready for the big event. Wash it out, pat it dry and rub the insides with salt. Make it easy on yourself. Use Stove Top, add a teaspoon. of sage, chopped onion, nuts and stuff the bird. Put a piece of onion and apple in the top, Place it in a large pan or pyrex dish breast down. (It keeps the white meat juicier.) Slip it in to a paper bag, One going south and the second going north. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake it 20 minutes a pound. When you take it out it will be golden brown and falling off the bones like it has been roasted in parchment. Dip out the stuffing, make the gravy and the bird stays hot until you’re ready to serve it if you cover it with a paper bag.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
Health Roundup
Green Shakes By Lourdes M. Sáenz, Creative Director
Most of us try to keep healthy and do our best to maintain a functional level of energy and general well being by including at least some of the suggested rituals of exercise and diet. This is not usually easy, and we tend to bend the rules in favor of sitting on the couch to watch a good movie and snack on potato chips or a nice bowl of our favorite ice cream, so we need to find a way to balance our faulty behavior to avoid future and sure health problems. Our bodies are aging, but sometimes what we think are natural age-related problems, such as lack of energy and vibrancy, are all related to toxins that we are accumulating and may result in illness and unnecessary trips to the doctor. Look out for some of the warning symptoms of being weighted down by toxins: • Consistent fatigue: Try to get your eight hours of sleep, but if you are still feeling like your body is not ready to work properly, and you are dragging without the normal energy levels, do not turn to caffeine for an answer. This is a sign that you are overloaded in toxins and your body is working overtime to eliminate them.
• Stubborn weight gain: This is a battle for many and a losing one for most, but if you are trying it all, healthy diet and sensible exercise, and you are still putting on the pounds, you could be looking at a hormonal problem. Strangely enough, our natural hormone function can be greatly affected by the toxins in our foods and personal care products. You need a complete detox of your diet and personal care routine to give your body a fighting chance. • Bad breath and constipation: Usually, both of these problems are related to our digestive system, and if we are full of toxins that our body is not able to process and eliminate, then we are faced with an array of bothersome symptoms that can include upset stomach, headaches and more. A diet that includes lots of processed foods with additives and preservatives is usually to blame. • Muscle aches and pains: If you can’t tie these to your workout yesterday, it could be that the toxins in your life are working away at your muscles and joints. This is more likely if you experience muscle aches on a regular basis. • Skin reactions: Any excessive symptoms of rashes and unexplained skin problems are usually related to allergies or are a reaction
of our bodies to eliminate excess toxins. If you have checked off one or more of these symptoms, it is time for cleansing and detox routines that will make you feel better. Here are some natural remedy solutions for high toxin levels:
First thing, and the easiest of all, is to make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins. Exercise 30 minutes a day to help with circulation and the moving of toxins within your body. Here are some healthy and effective natural combinations of green shakes, due to the high levels of chlorophyll, that are very effective in liver cleansing, general de-toxing and even fat burning, which can help reduce weight: Continues on next page
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
Green Recipe No. 1 - Blend a medium Nopal (also known as the prickly pear cactus), a slice of pineapple, one stalk of celery, the juice of two grapefruits and a tablespoon of honey. The Nopal is a great source of nutrients and fiber, and it also holds the ability to detoxify, is a natural diuretic and accelerates your metabolism, helping in weight reduction.
Green Recipe No. 2 - Blend the juice of one lemon, half a cup of chopped parsley, one
stalk of celery, five spinach leaves, a small piece of ginger, half a cucumber and one apple (seeded but with peel). This mixture is ideal for burning calories and fat in our body. It is important to drink it in the morning, so that the effects are working within your system throughout the day. This recipe is rich in Vitamin C, B6, fiber, folic acid, Omega 3 and antioxidants. It is also a great way to detox as you lose unwanted fat.
Green Recipe No. 3 - Blend one kiwi, five spinach leaves, three lettuce leaves and a tablespoon of honey. This mixture is recommended first thing in the morning, at least three times a week, to help eliminate toxins. It acts as a natural diuretic, and it is rich in chlorophyll, Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is a great aid for the digestive system and reduces stress.
Green Recipe No. 4 Liver detox - This blend is an ideal way to clean and detox your liver, an organ that is in charge of processing and metabolizing everything we intake on a daily basis. A clean liver is needed to be able to lose weight effectively. The ingredients are, a half cup of almond milk, two celery stalks, one cucumber, about three or four lettuce leafs, same amount of cabbage, a small bunch of washed parsley and one whole lemon, peeled and seeded. Start by processing in a blender the whole lemon, then add the milk, lettuce and cabbage leaves, then the parsley and once the mixture is completely blended, add the celery and cucumber. You may sweeten a bit with any sugar substitute. It is important to keep in mind that any drastic or prolonged health change needs to be discussed with your doctor. Another important tip is to rotate the type of green shake by using a variety of green leaves for best results and to avoid any allergic reactions. These recipes that are so rich and full of good properties should be an aid and compliment to a balanced way of life, keeping in mind that, due to some purgative effects, they should not be prolonged indefinitely. What you will notice is that, with all the new intake levels of vitamins and minerals, there will be improvements, not only on your insides, but you will enjoy better energy, healthier hair, skin and nails, and will be generally more vibrant and radiant. So let’s gather our “greens” and say cheers to our cleaner, toxin-free and re-energized selves.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
TINSEL TOWN
James Drury’s Next-Generation “Virginian” While today’s television landscape is littered with so-called reality programming, Westerns dominated the airways in the 1960s. One of the most popular was “The Virginian,” which ran for nine seasons on NBC from 1962-1971 and starred James Drury as the unnamed, mystery foreman of the Shiloh Ranch, set in Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Drury celebrated his 80th birthday in April and, far from retiring, continues to travel the country greeting fans at Western festivals (see www.thevirginian.net). He is also resurrecting his tough-but-honorable cowboy character in a new show for kids that combines live-action and animation. “It’s called ‘Billy and the Bandit,’ aimed at 8-10-year-olds, but adults can enjoy it, too,” Drury said. “Billy is the greatgreat-grandson of ‘The Virginian’ and confined to a wheelchair. He is told tales of the old West by his grandfather, played by me, and fantasizes about western adventures as he falls asleep. All kinds of stories come out of that.” With the pilot script now completed and cast and crew filming, Drury reunites in the new series with his old “Virginian” co-stars, Roberta Shore and Gary Clarke. “It’s an exciting project. We’re looking forwarded to telling some great stories for families every week,” Drury said. Currently broadcast on cable’s INSP TV, Drury isn’t surprised that “The Virginian” has remained popular with audiences for more than 50 years. “It was the first 90-minute Western on TV, and that gave our writers an opportunity to explore detailed stories,” Drury said. “It was like doing a movie every Top: James Drury as “The Virginian”; week. We also had a wonderful See DRURY on Page 26 Above: Drury in a recent photo.
By Nick Thomas
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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around the home
Home Improvement Tips to Make the Most of Small Spaces No matter where you live, you want to make the most of your available living and storage space. This is especially true for residents in urban areas, who typically have smaller living spaces. And urban living is on the rise. As of 2010, more than half of all people lived in an urban area, and by 2030 it is anticipated that six out of every 10 people will be living in a city, according to the World Health Organization. But less space doesn’t mean that you have to go without, experts said. “A few simple adjustments can help you maintain your comfort in a small home,” said Robin Wilson, celebrity interior designer with expertise in creating healthy spaces. There are plenty of ways to “open up” your living spaces to create more room.
can clear valuable floor space in your foyer.
The Kitchen The kitchen is often the heart of the home, particularly if you like entertaining or love to cook. Unfortunately, kitchens can get overcrowded quickly by excessive gadgetry. “If counter space is at a premium, consider highly functional appliances that have multiple uses,” Wilson said. For example, the Panasonic Genius NN-SD681S microwave is equipped with inverter technology, which gives this kitchen essential the ability to function like an oven and ensures every dish is cooked evenly throughout. Though it is compact in size, it still maintains a spacious interior and comes with an optional trim kit that easily converts this microwave to a built-in, freeing up counter space while giving a stylish accent to cabinetry. More information can be found at www.Panasonic.com.
The Bathroom
The Living Room Choose furniture for a small living room that is appropriate for the space. For example, avoid sofas with skirts, and select couches that are raised off the floor to create a more open look. A large, strategically placed mirror can also help create the illusion that your living room is actually much larger than it is. The same goes for lack of clutter. Be sure to keep a small space organized with a daily onceover.
Storage Living simply can go a long way toward making your home feel larger. Every season, go through your closet, and toss aside items that are worn out, no longer fit or are out of style. Use creative storage solutions to make more space. For example, an ottoman that doubles as a trunk is a great place to store old photos and keepsakes. A bike rack that mounts to the wall
Give the illusion of space by decorating with pale or pastel colors on the walls and floor. Avoid using bolder colors, except on towels and ornamental pieces.
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Throughout the Home Ensure that you have lighting at floor, table and eye level to help limit shadows. Another trick is to use a tall lamp to draw eyes upward and add height to the room. A small home is no excuse for feeling cramped. With a few interior design strategies in place, you can make even the smallest space feel larger in size.
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*Costs of trip including airfare and expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 after the buyer closes on a Minto home. Buyers must go to contract on a Minto home within 90 days of Stay & Play visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. © Minto Communities, LLC 2014. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Sun City Center, and the Sun City Center logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC1519880 11/2014
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
around the home
Ten Home Decor Trends for Your Rental appearance, giving it that pop you’ve been looking for. This year, it’s all about purple— Radiant Orchid, which is the Pantone color of the year, to be exact. • Organize: The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to organization. Storage bins and labels in the pantry keep snacks, condiments and other food items separate and easily accessible. A command center at the front of your home Do-It-Yourself: Do-it-yourself projects save should include a place to keep keys, mail, sun money and allow you to incorporate personality glasses and the other things you need most. into your decor. For example, distressing old • Bring the Outside in: Plants add gorgeous depth headboards, hutches, benches and other wood and texture to a home. Incorporate different furniture can enrich a room’s appeal. shapes, sizes and colors for visual appeal. Go Vertical: Nothing perks up a room like a fresh • Classic and Contemporary: If you lean toward a more contemporary style, include vintage pieces coat of paint. If your rental property prohibits for an ultra-updated appearance. These painting, use temporary techniques to create a elements create contrast for a unique look—plus, gorgeous visual landscape, such as your own artwork. you can find a lot of classic pieces for great prices Fall in Love with Floral: Make your apartment at thrift stores. pop with floral patterns. If that’s overwhelming, • Luxurious Lighting: Sometimes rentals can be keep it subtle with an accent pillow in the den or less-than-luminous. Add temporary decorative bedroom. light fixtures so you aren’t left in the dark. Mix It Up with Metals: Metallic shades are not • Play with Textures: Don’t buy all your just for appliance finishes. A great alternative to furnishings from the same place. Instead, mix color, they can be used as accents, picture and match different textures and styles to create frames, vases or pillows—essentially anything to an intriguing atmosphere, rather than the cold, which you’re inspired to give a unique look. uniformed feel of a furniture store. Brighten Up: If your space is looking dull, brighten it up with a splash of color. Whether it’s For additional decorating tips, visit the Idea Galthe smallest objects or an entire wall, color lery at Homes.com. If you have your own decor ideas, accents can drastically change a room’s use #HomeMoments to share them on Twitter.
Just because you’re a renter doesn’t mean you need to settle for bland, boring décor. You can make more of your space in an inexpensive yet trendy way. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. Here are 10 top home decor trends that online real estate experts Homes.com and ForRent.com uncovered after surveying more than 140 home design experts across the country on the year’s biggest home trends.
• • • • •
There’s no place like home, so take it from the pros—it’s worth the effort to make your rental property a great space.
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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A partnership of TM
November 13, 2014 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Armed Forces Museum • 2050 34th Way North • Largo, FL 33771
His Goal: To Preserve and Educate
Local history buff transforms personal military collection into a community treasure By Julie Heidelberg
I
t’s funny how, for some people, a single moment in time sets the path for the rest of their life. Back in 1955, John J. Piazza, Sr. accepted a gift from his girlfriend’s father – a relic from a WWI mortar kit. Over the years, leading into the present day, that single point in time has made a huge difference in John’s life. John finished his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and USMCR in 1960. He went on to work in hospital administration, then, in 1965, he began a new venture involving an assisted living facility in western New York. Over several decades, he grew the assisted living company from 8 beds to 4,000 beds, and during that time he also started a home health care business that became a major provider in the state of Florida. At one point, John’s parent organization, the John J. Piazza, Adult Care Group, employed over 3,000 employees. So where does the gift from his youth come in? Well, John had a hobby as well as a booming business and he traveled to auctions around the country, slowly building an impressive collection of military memorabilia, vehicles, armored tanks and even aircraft. John enjoyed sharing his unique finds with others, so he started organizing free military shows at his assisted living facilities on patriotic holidays
such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veteran’s Day. As it turns out, the shows served as a highly effective marketing tool for his two companies, since the target audience for the shows mirrored the target audience for aging services. Sr. In 2007, John sold both parent companies, thus affording him the extra time to further pursue his passion for military collecting.
A Museum is Born In 1996, John founded The Armed Forces History Museum as a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit Charitable Foundation dedicated to preserving military history and educating current and future gen-
erations about the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our freedom. Between 1996 and 2006, the museum and its dedicated staff operated a large mobile unit housing 16 displays. With the ever growing amount of memorabilia, vehicles and specialized military pieces, its non-salaried Board of Directors determined that the development of a permanent site would be beneficial to the general public and enable the museum to fulfill its mission objectives. In 2008, the museum held its grand opening in its current home, which consists of a 35,000 sq. ft. building, plus a 15,000 sq. ft. outdoor display area. The Armed Forces History Museum is located at 2050 34th Way North, Largo, Florida 33771, is one of the largest, non-government funded museums in the State of Florida. “When we did the traveling show, we could really only display about one-tenth of the collection,” John explained. “It took about a year to construct the museum displays, and we wanted to show and explain each piece effectively,” he said. According to John, the museum now houses approximately 100,000 different artifacts and memorabilia from past and current U.S. military conflicts. “Visitors have an incredible reaction when they visit the museum,” he said. “You really do not have a vision of what it could be like until you get here.” The Armed Forces History museum is laid out in creative dioramas to display collections from
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ED R S O BY N O S P PA R T
IN 22
6
5 7
8 4
1 2
3 21
20
LOCATION of Exhibitors
9
10
SPONSORS
Tampa Tribune
1
Armed Forces History Museum
22
American Home Care Services
21
CarePlus
20
First Financial Security
8
Grand Villa Assisted Living
5
Mountcastle Vein Centers
4
11
19 18
12 17 16 15
EXHIBITORS A & B Insurance 12 Estates at Carpenters 10 Florida Shine 17 Humana 7 Lifeback 11 National Cremation Society 3
Premier Vein 6 13 Prospect Towers 19 Veterans Funeral Care 18 Walgreens 9 14 WellMed 16
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
ica’s military. The duffle bags offer fifth through twelfth grade students hands on experience with authentic artifacts. As an example, in the World War I duffle bag, an Army Ammo Belt has been included along with accoutrements such as a signal flag and a Brodie helmet. Additional items – such as photographs of family members, letters, and unit photographs – may also be included to further illustrate the life of the soldier. The schools can keep the duffle bags for up to two weeks.
major conflicts “in action.” Themed areas include the following: Salute to Services Firearms & Ordnance/ Mines and Grenades WWI Trench WWII Pearl Harbor WWII Marines South Pacific WWII US Navy WWII D-Day Landing Utah Beach WWII French Village St. Mere Eglise Church WWII German Outpost/ Farmhouse WWII Battle of the Bulge Korea USMC Inchon Landing Mash Field Hospital Korea Frozen Chosin Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Trail Vietnam Firebase Unique Artillery & Vehicles Cold War Saddam Hussein’s Uniform Rotating Exhibit Community Case Rosie’s Bar WWII Headquarters Visitors typically spend two hours or more in the museum, depending on their varied levels of previous knowledge and interest in learning more. With the assortment of firearms, weapons and uniforms spanning the decades – including the only known uniform of Saddam Hussein in the U.S. – museum visitors will find relics that span time, nations and conflicts. When asked about his favorite pieces, John admits he is particularly partial to armored vehicles, probably due to his own military service in an armored unit. Of all the items owned by the museum, only a fraction have been donated, and well over 95 percent of the items were purchased or secured by John. His collection of jeeps, tanks and aircraft include a 1943, fully restored, World War II M8 Greyhound tank, a M21 MASH ambulance from the Korean War, and an experimental M151A2 jeep, developed by AM General during the Vietnam War, which never went into production. This vehicle is the only one in existence. The museum also has a full-size MIG 21 jet fighter plane and engine on display in front of the museum. While it’s impressive enough just to see these pieces of national history, as visitors take in the details and scope of these military vehicles they will be even more impressed to know that everything in the museum runs and is maintained at least monthly by an in-house mechanic. The museum even offers rides to the public in the M8 Greyhound armored vehicle. While he gets very enthused talking about the museum’s treasures, John is also particularly proud of the museum’s role in the community. “The greatest mission and accomplishment of the museum is educating our citizens, especially our younger generations, about
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Doing Our Part
the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom,” he said. In addition to a very robust web site that provides countless details on U.S. military history, the Armed Forces History Museum brings history to life for over 5,000 Pinellas County School District students each year. The museum continually seeks funding from corporate donors and other grant sources in order to provide free field trips to students. Out in the Field Working in conjunction with the Pinellas County Social Studies Department, the museum hosts free school field trips that come with a complete, fully-approved teacher curriculum kit to help prepare both teachers and students for their visit to the museum. While at the museum, students participate in a multi-media educational experience, including descriptive displays, photographs, videos and lifelike dioramas. The ready-made curriculum includes - but is not limited to – history, geography, art, reading and mathematics. Authentic military artifacts cover military conflicts from WWI through the current conflicts in the Middle East. All field trips include transportation to the museum, a guided tour, lunch and an interactive program, all at no cost to the students. Tours are suitable for all ages and take approximately one hour.
Back in the Classroom In conjunction with the field trip program, the Director of Social Studies and the museum work together on a program called the “Duffle Bag Program.” This program is used as a supplement to the classroom when studying World War I, World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. The duffle bags were developed as part of the museum’s mission to educate students, in addition to commemorating, acknowledging and affirming the role played by veterans in Amer-
In summary, there’s not much more John J. Piazza, Sr. could be doing to fulfill his personal mission of sharing and preserving our military history. In fact, in light of his community spirit, maybe it’s time we all pitched in to help him share the national pride, the educational opportunities for all ages, and the treasures his has found with others. You can support The Armed Forces History Museum in several ways by becoming involved as follows: Visit – Come see the museum. Bring out of town visitors who have not seen the unique parts of the community. Invest in a membership for you and your family. Donate – There are many uses for cash donations. You can make an annual gift, a planned gift or invest in honoring a Veteran or active military personnel with an engraved brick. This permanent remembrance is placed in the Armed Forces History Museum’s Memorial Walk & Garden and will become a lasting tribute to your special hero. Sponsor – Individuals and organizations may sponsor museum events, displays, or elements of the educational programs. Operation Education – Underwrite a field trip for underprivileged students in Title I schools. The museum is proud to be able to offer complimentary field trips, bus transportation and a healthy lunch thanks to donations from individuals and corporations. Volunteer – The entire Armed Forces History Museum has only 12 paid staff members, and John himself does not collect a paycheck. There are dedicated volunteers working in nearly all aspects of museum operations to ensure a quality experience for each visitor who enters. These dedicated individuals welcome additional help from new volunteers and can attest to their own enjoyment and fulfillment gained by giving their time to the museum. For more information about the Armed Forces History Museum, you visit their web site at armedforcesmuseum.com, or call (727) 539-8371, ext. 106. You can also come by in person during regular museum hours (See operating schedule on back page).
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November 13, 2014 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Armed Forces Museum • 2050 34th Way North • Largo, FL 33771 The Armed Forces History Museum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit IRS approved charitable organization dedicated to preserving history and providing education to the public of the many sacrifices made to protect our freedom. The museum is committed, through its collections and outreach, to being a vital partner in the cultural life of the Tampa Bay and Central Florida communities and strives to achieve this goal through the highest professional standards in keeping with military tradition.
LOCATION The museum is located at 2050 34th Way North, Largo, FL. 34th Way North on the north side of SR 688/ Ulmerton Road between Belcher Road and Starkey Road.
DIRECTIONS (From Interstate I-275 Southbound) Take exit #31 (SR 688/Ulmerton Road). Drive west on SR 688 for 6.6 miles, passing Belcher Road. Turn right on 34th Way North. Citgo gas station will be at the corner of 34th Way North and Ulmerton Road (approximately ¼ mile west of Belcher Road intersection). Follow this street to the cul de sac. The entrance to The Armed Forces Military Museum will be at the end of the street. (From Interstate I-275 Northbound) Travel north on I-275, merge onto FL-686W, exit #30 toward Largo/Clearwater. Follow 686 north to the merge ramp to SR 688 West (Ulmerton Road). Travel west for approximately 5 miles and turn right on 34th Way North. Citgo gas station will be at the corner of 34th Way North and Ulmerton Road (approximately ¼ mile west of Belcher Road intersection). Follow this street to the cul de sac. The entrance to The Armed Forces Military Museum will be at the end of the street.
When planning your visit to the museum, we recommend you allow a minimum of two hours for your visit in order to fully take in the museum’s extensive displays. Please note that while the museum is open until 4 PM, entrance to view the museum is recommended only until 3 PM, as all visitors are required to exit the museum at time of closing. Parking at the museum is always free. Note: The museum is handicap accessible and has free on-site parking. Ample restrooms and seating are available throughout the museum.
Active & Retired Military w/Military ID – FREE (Active-White CAC; Retired-DDForm2RET, Blue Color OR Reserve Retired-DDForm2RES, Red Color) Veterans w/VA ID Card – $14.95 (Discount!!!) AAA Rate – $15.25 (Discount!!!) Purchase Admission Tickets or Memberships On-Line
Museum Hours
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Tues.-Sat.: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Sun.: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. NOTE: Museum Store hours are the same as the museum. Paid admission to the museum is not necessary to visit the museum store.
Admission Rates & discounts
Adults – $17.95 Seniors (65+) - $14.95 (Discount!!!) Children (4-12) – $12.95 (Discount!!!) Children 3 and under - FREE
Special rates are available for organized groups of 10 or more. Call Kindra at 727.539.8371 ext. 107 for more information.
Guided Tours - A Wonderful History Experience! Guided tours are available upon request. Contact Kindra at 727-539-8371 ext. 107 or by email at ksteadham@armedforcesmuseum.com to schedule your tour. Tours are suitable for all ages and take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Our large parking lot can accommodate tour buses.
NOVEMBER 2014
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Senior Happenings area’s top home improvement experts, along with more than 500 exhibits with everything related to Florida homes, home improvement, home entertainment and landscaping. Live entertainment, seminars, demonstrations, giveaways and do-it-yourself ideas from experts. From 10:00 a.m. Free. Tropicana Field is located at 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL. For more information (727) 893-8523. When Pigs Fly South
Florida Air Museum at SUN ‘n FUN November 7 & 8
For 27 years, this has been one of the biggest, tastiest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Bay area. Bring your biggest appetite to this fund raising feast, only at the Zoo. For one ticket price, guests can go on a sampling safari of the Bay area’s best restaurants, enjoy open bars, browse the “Art Safari” art auction, and dance to live music on multiple stages. The Rhino Club includes early entry and exclusive use of the beautiful Safari Lodge and outdoor plaza. The Zoo will close at 2:00 p.m. for set up of Zoofari, which takes place rain or shine. Animals are not on exhibit during the event. 7:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. Ticlets Oct. 4 – Nov. 6, $75 each, day of event, $90 each, must be purchased at the gate. Group rates available. Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 935-8552 or www.lowryparkzoo.com.
When Pigs Fly South is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned barbecue event. Come experience great food, great music, cars, motorcycles, children’s activities, and fun for whole family. A charity event where you can experience Light the Night world-class competitive BBQ and other foods, beverages Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg (beer & wine included) available for purchase. Camping Senior Expo November 6 available. Fly-in with your plane or drive in if your are local. Water Works Park in Tampa Lake Wales Free. The FL Air Museum is located at 4175 Medulla Rd., LakeNovember 21 November 8 Light The Night Walk Let’s Walk To The End Of Cancer land, FL. For more information go to www.sun-n-fun.org The 2nd Annual Senior Expo for Polk County is right Light The Night Walk is a fundraising campaign of The Leu- or call (863) 644-2431. around the corner! We invite you to take part. The goal for kemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to honor blood cancer the Senior Expo is to provide education, advocacy and colSouth Shore Music Festival & Chili Cook-Off survivors, as well as those lost to the diseases, and shine a laboration to several thousand active seniors from around light on the importance of finding cures and providing acInternational Independent Showman’s Club Polk County, including free education seminars and workcess to treatments for blood cancer patients. Registration shops, information on retirement living, medical options etc. November 8 5:00 p.m. Walks start at 7:10 p.m. Free for all survivors and Created by a few local business owners who wanted to Over 75 exhibitors. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a min. of $100 in fund raising. The event will take place at 451 Eagle Ridge Dr., Lake give back to their community, SSMF showcases musical talFor more information www.lightthenight.org. ent while helping local causes through “Concerts for a Wales, FL. For more information (863) 307-2039 or BruceCause”. A portion of all net proceeds go to disabled/wounded Schilling42@yahoo.com. Riverhawk Music Festival veterans/organization & Honor Flight. First ever South Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run Sertoma Youth Ranch Shore Mega Corn hole tournament, with over $1500 GUARLake Mirror Complex, Lakeland ANTEED in cash/prizes. Award winning chili-off contesNovember 6 - 9 November 8 The four-day music festival features more than 25 nation- tants competing for prize money. Jason Michael Carroll & ally touring bands playing on four stages, including Steel- Gwen Sebastian other artist performing Soul Circus CowInnerAct Alliance is proud to present the 2014 Red Ribdrivers, the Black Lillies, Driftwood, Sunset Bridge and boys, Makenize Raye, Zebron & James. There is a $5.00 plus bon Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run, the largest youth-orimany more. Other activities include arts and crafts, hay a canned food charge for a chili bowl at the gate. (cans donat- ented running event in Polk County. This year’s event is at rides, pinatas, parades, ping-pong ball races, face painting, ed to Feeding America Tampa Bay). All active/retired mili- The Lake Mirror Complex in downtown Lakeland and will dancing, kids’ programs and music workshops. Bring lawn tary get in free. Gates open at noon. include Half Marathon, a 5K, and a Kids Fun Run. RegistraInternational Indep. Showman’s Club is located at 6915 tion is free for K-5th Grade students, and participating prechairs. No coolers. Camping available. Price: Tickets range Riverview Dr., Riverview, FL. For more information www. registered students receive a FREE Run Shirt! Trophies & from $36-$118. Prizes will be awarded, including the two schools with the Sertoma Youth Ranch is located at 85 Myers Road, southshoremusicfestival.com. greatest percentage of participation! From 7:00 a.m. to Brooksville, FL. For more information (863) 984-8445. Tampa Pig Jig Noon. PLANT CITY SOCIAL DANCE CLUB Curtis Hixon Park Lake Mirror is located at 121 South Lake Ave., Lakeland, FL. For more information (8630 802-0777 or www.redribNovember 8 Stardust Dance Center The Tampa Pig Jig is an annual fundraiser featuring live bonhalf.com. November 7, 14, 21 and 28 music, great food, a BBQ competition, drinks and games. Come dance every Friday from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Repticon (doors open at 7:00 p.m.) Members and Associate Members: The event benefits the NephCure Kidney International, the Florida State Fairgrounds $5 pp. Non-Members: $7 pp. Plant City Social Dance Club only non-profit organization committed to supporting reNovember 8 & 9 welcomes; singles, couples and visitor groups of 5 people or search, improving treatment and finding a cure for the debilRepticon offers the opportunity to learn more about difmore, for a donation of $5 pp, for birthdays, anniversaries itating kidney disease, FSGS (Focal Segmental and/or other social events, etc. Please contact ahead (no Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome. Proceeds ferent verities of reptiles and exotic animals. Shop from a voice mail), with your group name or identification, for au- benefit NephCure. From 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. General ad- large mix of local and regional breeders and vendors. View mission $10; VIP admission $100. different breeds of reptiles, amphibians, other exotic anithorization and registration. Smoking outdoors only The Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., mals, supplies and merchandise. Prices are unbeatable and The Stardust Ctr. is located at 1405 S. Collins St., Plant Tampa, FL. For more information www.tampapigjig.com. the health of the animals unmatched! Presentations coverCity, FL. For more information (863) 409-7714. ing a broad range of exotic animal topics, often includes Veterans Day Celebration and Parade guest interaction with the animals. Ticket Prices: $10.00, Friday Night Dances Lakeland $5.00 (Ages 5-12), Free (Four and Under) or $15 for both Saturday & Sunday when paying on Saturday. VIP tickets Town Apartments Condo Complex November 8 The Polk County Veterans Council will host the annual can only be purchased on line are and are an excellent value. November 7, 14, 21 and 28 Veterans Day Celebration and Parade through Lakeland A VIP ticket provides an opportunity to attend our VIP hour Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a pleasant eve- ending at Munn Park. Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Park on Saturday only from (9:00 am – 10:00 am) and a gift bag ning every Friday, at, , from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $5, ice starts at 10:00 a.m. with the Parade step off at 11:00 a.m. from Zoo-Med. Hours: Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (VIP and cups provided. BYOB and snacks. Large wooden dance Please join us at this memorial event honoring our Nation’s 9:00 a.m.) / Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m floor, 50/50 drawing and Spot Dance prize. Singles and cou- Greatest Heroes. The FL State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 US Hwy. ples welcome. For more information (863) 834-6000 or www.polkvet- 301 N., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 621-7821 or The Town Apartment Condo Complex is located at 1900 eranscouncil.com. www.repticon.com. 61 Ave. N., St. Pete, FL. For questions, call (727) 522-8329. Sarasota Medieval Fair Cartoon Convention Fundraiser for Tampa Bay’s Pets Sarasota County Fairgrounds
8-Count Studios in the Rialto Theater November 7
Frankie’s Friends’ annual Unleashed for Hope fundraiser to benefit area pets will feature Lisa DeBartolo as honorary chairperson of the 1950s’ Havana-themed soiree. Proceeds will benefit area needy pets. From 6:30 p.m. Dress in vintage Cuban fashion to add to the atmosphere. Live Latin music by Orquestra Infinidad of Miami. $100 per person includes open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert catered by several Tampa Bay-area restaurants. Auctions and raffles. For more information, www.frankiesfriends.com or call Corina Wian at (813) 549-6978. Tampa Bay Home Show
Tropicana Field November 7 - 9
The largest home show in Florida’s west coast brings the
Tampa Convention Center November 8 & 9
The Tampa Bay Comic Con will host this new spin-off event which spotlights American animation and live-action children’s programming, and includes panels, Q & A sessions and workshops. The creators and their works from studios such as Nickelodeon, Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. and more will be featured as well as voice actors, animators from various animated features and cast members from live-action children’s programming. From 10:00 a.m. Price: $20 single-day admission, $30 weekend pass; Free children under 12. The Tampa Convention Center is located at 333 S Franklin St., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 274-8511. Zoofari
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo November 8
November 8 - 23 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Step through the gates for a medieval experience with King Otto at his annual festival including the Washing Well Wenches, full contact jousting, a human combat chess tournament and performances by Cast in Bronze, the Criac Show, Cu Dubh and the Wheel of Death. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (rain or shine.) Price: $16.95, $14.95 students/seniors, $8.95 ages 5-12, four and younger free. The Sarasota County Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. For more information (888) 303-3247 or www.sarasotamedievalfair.com. Veterans Day Military Appreciation
Lowry Park Zoo November 11
In honor of Veterans Day, military personnel (active-duty, retirees and veterans) receive free Zoo admission for the
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Happenings day. The military member will need to show a Department of Defense photo ID at the Zoo’s ticket windows. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minors. 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Ribfest
Vinoy Park November 14 & 15
This rockfest by the bay will feature headliners Chris Daughtry for Friday and Lynrd Skynrd on Saturday, along with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and “Survivorman Live” with Discovery Channel star Les Stroud. Sunday is once again country day with up- and- coming singer, Thomas Rhett on the main stage. And, of course you will enjoy delicious ribs and carnival cuisine. Family fun zone. From 11:00 a.m. Price: $16-$22. Vinoy Park is located at 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL. For more information (727) 528-3828. Farm City Day
Pinellas County’s Heritage Village November 15
This is the kickoff event for Farm City Week, celebrated nationally each year during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Created to educate citizens about agriculture and to enhance links between rural and urban dwellers. Hands-on activities will include making butter and ice cream at the “dairy barn,” milking goats, petting chickens and bunnies and exploring agriculturally-themed arts and crafts. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free. Heritage Village is located at 11909 125th St. N., Largo, FL. For more information (727) 582-2123. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage. Tampa Bay Heart Walk
Raymond James Stadium November 15
The American Heart Association invites you to join this fund raising event to support the fight against heart disease and stroke. There will be one and three - mile walk routes, free Subway sandwiches, a festival area, and a program. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. Funds raised go to community programs and advocacy projects to increase the research, prevention and awareness of cardiovascular diseases. Begins at 8:00 a.m. Admission: Free Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL. For more information (727)5638127 or www.tampabayheartwalk.kintera.org. India Festival
Florida State Fairgrounds November 15
This growing event fills the fairgrounds with thousands Rebecca Torres at rebecca.torres@stjude.org. AL Lopez to watch the increasingly competitive Bollywood/fusion Park is located at 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL. dance competition and more than 150 booths. In addition to Insane Inflatable 5K ethnic folk dancing competitions, there will be Indian food items, fashion show and cultural items on display. From Florida State Fairgrounds 11:00 a.m. Price: $9; $5 ages 3-10, 2 and younger free. November 22 The FL State Fairgrounds is located at 4802 U.S. 301 N., The Insane Inflatable 5K is coming to your neck of the Tampa, FL. For more information (863) 287-7970. woods! Get ready to experience the most fun, wild and insane obstacle run in the world. Get “pumped up” for a course filled Quilts and Tea Festival with the worlds largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles Davenport, FL ever produced. Here’s your chance to be a kid at heart, but inNovember 14 & 15 sane by choice! 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Admission: $49 - $75. The FL State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 US Hwy. A festival of quilts, tea, antique vehicles, bed turning, quilting bee displays, vendors, demonstrations and food. 301 N., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 621-7821 or The city and Davenport Historical Society have sponsored w w w . i n s a n e i n f l a t a b l e 5 k . c o m / c e n t r a l Quilts & Tea since 2001 and are now introducing, The Vin- florida/?trackback=tsmclip. tage Marketplace. Indoor and outdoor event that draws quilSeaboard Seafood Festival ters, tea lovers and antiquers from around the Eastern Seaboard. Admission donation: $5.00, Guild Members: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park $3.00, Students 13 – 18: $2.00, Kids 12 and under: Free November 22 & 23 Festival takes place at 1 South Allapaha Ave., DavenEnjoy the annual outdoor waterside event full of the flavor port, FL. For more information (863)258-7800 or www. or local seafood Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday quiltsandtea.com. Noon - 4:00 p.m. Celebrity judges & people’s choice award for seafood from the best local restaurants. Live entertainment, Paths of Our Ancestors football game viewing, cash bars, cigars and games. Arts, Faith Lutheran Church craft and gift vendors for holiday shopping. Admission is $10 November 19 per person, per day with reserved seat and table options. Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., TamWest Pasco County Genealogical Society, you will learn the various routes your ancestors may have used to immi- pa, FL . For more information (813) 251-0500 or www.seagrate into this country. Debbe Hagner will also talk on deci- boardseafoodfestival.com. phering and finding ships passenger manifests. Noon - 1:30 Holiday Lights in the Gardens p.m. Cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Reservations are requested. Florida Botanical Gardens - Largo The Faith Lutheran Church is located at 5443 Sunset Rd., November 28 - December 31 New Port Richey, FL. For additional information www. The Gardens are magically transformed into a star-studwpcgs.com or (727) 271-0770 . ded venue of over 750,000 twinkly LED lights from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. A tradition for visitors from both near and far as Public Ice Skating they are wowed by colorful lasers, animated figures and enThe Lakeland Center tertainers at this festive celebration of the holiday season. A November 21 - 30 donation of $4 is requested for visitors 13 and over. 12 and Public Ice Skating RETURNS to Lakeland! $10 Adults under are free. Parking at either 12520 Ulmerton Rd. or $9 Children(12 & under) $8 with your own skates. Groups 12211 Walsingham Rd. For more information, call (727) 582-2147 or visit www. of 10 or more save $1 per ticket! Special packages for Birthflbg.org. day and Corporate parties are available! For more information (863)834-8137 or www.thelakelandcenter.com. St. Jude Give thanks. Walk - Tampa
Al Lopez Park November 22
St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. Tampa to be held on November 22, 2014 at Al Lopez Park. Registration is free and fundraising is encouraged! 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. To register and find more information on this national walk, please visit http://givethankswalk.org or reach out to
Email Your
Senior Happenings to: Lourdes@Seniorvoiceamerica.com The Deadline for the December Issue is November 15th
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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government
Governor Scott: Motor Vehicle Fee Reduction Effective Next Week The following is excerpted directly from an Aug. 27, 2014 press release by the Governor’s Press Office.
Lower fees will save taxpayers millions Today, Governor Rick Scott highlighted that the reductions in Florida’s motor vehicle registration fees are set to take effect on September 1. Floridians will save approximately $17 to $25 when renewing their registrations, depending on the size of vehicle. The fee reductions were proposed by Governor Scott earlier this year as part of the It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget, and were approved by the Florida Legislature during the 2014 legislative session. While the reductions will save Floridians millions of dollars each year, it will not affect the level of service provided by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Governor Scott said, “This year, we set out to cut many taxes and fees on Florida families, and starting next week we are rolling back many of the 2009 tax increases on annual motor vehicle registrations. This fee cut will result in an annual savings of about $25 per typical motor vehicle. Families deserve to keep more of their hard earned money, and we will now be able to save Floridians $400 million, because it’s their money!” “The reduction in vehicle registration fees will benefit both individuals, as well as the Florida business community,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “There are more than 14 million registered vehicles here in Florida that are covered by these fee reductions and that is a lot of savings for the people of Florida.” The following are examples of the savings on vehicle registration fees as a result of the reductions: Type of Vehicle Reduction Motorcycles $17.05 Autos/Trucks under 2,500 lbs $18.55 Autos/Trucks between 2,500-3,500 lbs $21.55 Autos/Truck more than 3,500 lbs $25.05 The reductions will apply to vehicle registrations renewed on or after September 1, 2014. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to asafer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV or find us on Facebook.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
finances
A New Kind of Marketplace By June Hurley Young The name of the game for seniors is “downsizing.” Costume jewelry, antiques, paintings and furniture can find a market when you join a barter company. Locally, there are many of these organizations. To name two, there are Tampa Trade Brokers and Orange Bee Monetary System. I’m an author and publisher of Florida books. I like to write, but I don’t like to convince a publisher that my book is good, so I publish my books myself. This means that, over the years, the six books that I’ve written are piled up in cartons all over my house and garage. I’ve invested my own money, but I have no way of marketing them. I joined this special monetary system. I received 1000 credits for the one carton of books I wrote about the Vinoy Hotel. What a joy it has been. In exchange, I’ve enjoyed $300 worth of gourmet food at a local restaurant, all my windows were washed, my car was washed, waxed and detailed, and my air-conditioning was repaired. In this atmosphere of economic downturn, this trading money was an oasis in the desert. Now, I’ve added $12,300 to my account for cartons of my books and $15,000 by selling my RV. The OBM system is administered by founder Buddy Hooper locally, from his Clearwater office, which can be reached at (888) 295-3969. Chris Mink, assisted by Kathy Hemann, monitors Tampa Trade Brokers, which can be reached at (813) 502-8534. Both advertise on the Internet and include a directory of what’s available for barter, with travel, entertainment or objects listed from A-Z.
fun
Whatever It Takes A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,”I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; 45 years of misery is enough. “Pop, what are you talking about?” the son screams. We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” the father says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her.” Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “Like heck they’re getting divorced,” she shouts, “I’ll take care of this.” She calls Phoenix immediately and screams at her father, “You are NOT getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. “Okay,” he says, “they’re coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way.”
NOVEMBER 2014
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finances
Big Giving for Small Nonprofits:
How to Leave Your Legacy with Impact By Gretchen Barry While no one likes reminders
of their mortality, there are some decisions that you can make today that will leave a lasting good long after your time on Earth. One of the most important steps you can take now is to choose a smaller, communitybased organization to whom to gift a portion of your remaining assets.
Stories of Giving Recently, I was reading the print edition of my small town’s newspaper, and on the front page, I came across a story about a “modest” gentleman who passed away recently and bequeathed nearly $250,000 to a small music program in the mountains near my home. It was a lovely gesture, since this organization does not typically receive these types of legacy gifts. This gentleman, though an avid attendee of the music program’s concerts, hadn’t donated money to this organization in years. As a result, this gift came as a complete, yet thrilling, surprise to the program—and that’s precisely what makes it so great. Another of my favorite stories of giving is that of Oseola McCarty, the laundress, who left $150,000, her entire life savings, to the University of Southern Mississippi. Given her modest earnings and the fact that McCarty quit school in the sixth grade, nobody on the planet, except maybe her banker, knew she had that kind of cash to leave behind.
Small Charities. Big Impact.
and multiple expenses. But imagine what $100,000 could do for a school in your community or your local food bank.
Understanding The Smaller Organizations As marketing director for a tech company focused on the nonprofit sector, I feel fortunate that I have access to hundreds of small community-based nonprofits and the people who manage them. Every day I get to see firsthand how these organizations are changing lives. I love my work because my company is part of the sphere of good happening in communities around the country. But what I also see is how these organizations struggle each day to support their missions. And when the vast majority of their time is spent fundraising rather than delivering their services, something needs to change. That’s where leaving a personal legacy can have a tremendous impact.
How To Give Big To Small Organizations: Your Legacy Field Guide
1. If you don’t already have a list of organizations in mind, do a little research. Ask friends, family members or coworkers for their favorite charities. Check your local paper and your city’s website, or even contact local law enforcement and social service agencies. 2. Next, look for organizations with operating budgets less than $1 million. These are the hy- per-focused missions that can benefit the most from your gift. 3. Identify the causes on your list that are impor- tant to you. This should be the easy part. Is it animal welfare, education, homelessness, health care, the environment or something else? The options are endless. 4. Narrow your list by determining what you believe will benefit your community the most. It doesn’t necessarily mean that their work only
serves your community, but it does mean that the community as a whole benefits from its work or its presence. 5. Add the organization to your will or trust. Make sure to include any special instructions directing how the funds are to be used. Note: I caution against a request that prohibits the funds from being used for administrative purposes. It’s the administrative functions that make the mission happen, and those types of requests hamstring too many organizations. Wouldn’t it be cool if someone directed an organization to use part of their bequest to fund an annual thank-you party for staff and volunteers, or to focus the funds on technology or building upgrades for the organization?
Just like Oseola McCarty, you have the power to support whatever mission is important to you. Consider directing a portion of your estate to a struggling mission and, ultimately, to those who benefit from that mission. You can still provide for your family and larger organizations with your legacy funds; just consider including at least one community-based mission. Leaving a legacy that helps others long after we are gone can change the lives of those in need.
According to Giving USA, The Annual Report on Philanthropy, adjusted for inflation, total charitable giving rose 3.0 percent during 2012. That’s great news! But I have always been intrigued by where people choose to leave their legacies. It is one of the last things we do, and it can be one of the most impactful final acts for family Gretchen Barry is director of marketing and commuor a favorite charity. These kinds of stories make me nications for NonProfitEasy, a technology company chalthink—although my husband and I are far from wealthy, lenging the status quo for the greater good. She can be we are financially comfortable, and it is likely that we reached at gretchen.barry@nonprofiteasy.com. will have assets with which to leave our legacy. But when it comes to where we leave our legacy, my husband and I are bucking the trend: We have made a conscious decision to focus our legacy away from larger, more popular charitable organizations. I know they do great work, but there are thousands of smaller organizations who are doing good in the world but struggling to keep the From medical experts to timely financial information; Relevant news for seniors lights on. and mature adults; a healthy perspective on life & intelligent discussion and Smaller organizations deserve just as much attention news from around the Bay Area as the larger nonprofits, but Tune in as Evan and Deb bring you experts that will enhance your unlike these large entities that have the budgets to run naeveryday life and bring a smile to your face. tional fundraising drives, smaller charities struggle with resource constraints. It ime New Tot! is personally reassuring to Sl consider that these smaller organizations will benefit more deeply from what my husband and I leave behind. We want to hear your Voice…Call-ins welcome! Our somewhat modest gift can make a huge impact on their mission. Consider this: Deb and Evan $100,000 won’t go very far in a big organization with hundreds of staff across the globe
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
technology
Tips for Taking Better Photos From selfies to portraits of lunch, more people these days are taking photographs in more places. But there’s a big difference between great photos and throwaways—and a big difference between great photographers and anybody with a smartphone. But don’t despair. “Anyone can learn to take better photos,” said Lucas Gilman, a professional adventure photographer whose work for such magazines as National Geographic and Sports Illustrated has taken him all over the globe. Gilman offered photographers of all levels tips for producing more compelling photography: Don’t Wait Shoot images in the moment. Never put anything off until tomorrow. The weather could change or the leaves on the trees could blow. Anything that can happen, will. Think Narrow When photographing a scene that mixes bright and dark, the camera will lose much of the detail, and you’ll end up with overexposed white and underexposed black. Instead, look for mid-tones with little difference between the brightest highlights and darkest shadow. Flowers and trees, for example, are often best photographed on overcast, drizzly days. Golden Hour “My favorite time to shoot is right after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky. It makes for more interesting and dra-
matic lighting,” Gilman said. “Shoot around these hours, and you’ll be amazed at the great images you make.” Working the Subject Once you’ve found your spot and the light is right: shoot, shoot, shoot. Take different shots from different angles and unusual viewpoints. “Don’t be afraid to take 10 shots and edit out nine later,” Gilman said. “SanDisk Compact Flash and SD cards are super affordable these days.” More information can be found at www.sandisk.com. Shooting Landscapes Something dynamic in the foreground adds depth and scale. Look for a high vantage point, such as a balcony or rooftop. Study the light, especially when shooting from high angles. Shadows can be your best friend, and make for very interesting photos. Protect “Photography is about making a fleeting moment permanent, whether it’s a kayaker hurtling over a waterfall or the look on your daughter’s face when she opens that gift she’s been hoping for all year,” Gilman said. “These events can’t be recreated. Reliable photo storage is critical for protecting your work.” A reliable external hard drive data back-up system allows you to seamlessly transfer and store all your digital content with one system. For example, the Evolution Series with Thunderbolt from GTechnology lets you capture, transfer, edit and distribute media files, all within a single storage system. Whether you’re traveling or at home editing your photos, a high-performance external hard drive can make working with your photos easier. More information can be found at www.g-technology.com You can simplify the task with Time Machine backup, which works with Mac computers to automatically back up files. For more photography tips and talk, follow Gilman at www. Twitter.com/lucasgilman Don’t settle for fuzzy, uninteresting images. By paying attention to light and being persistent, you can take a better photo. Just be sure to protect and store your work!
NOVEMBER 2014
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scam alerts Attorney General Pam Bondi Warns Consumers of Utility Bill Scams TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi advises Floridians to be wary of utility bill scams. In recent utility scams, someone calls and claims to be a representative of a utility company and tells the customer that their utility bill is overdue, and payment must be received or services will be shut off immediately. Scammers use devices that alter the caller ID to look like a utility customer service number. Payments are requested in uncommon ways, such as wiring the money, prepaid cards or gift cards. The latest targets of this scam include restaurants and other businesses that can’t afford to have their utility services abruptly shut off; however, individual consumers are just as likely to be targeted.
Consumers can protect themselves from utility scams by following these tips: • Never provide personal informa- tion over the phone or through email. • If contacted by a suspicious person claiming to be the customer’s utility company, the customer should contact his or her utility company, notify them of the recent communications and check the billing status of their current account. • Report any suspicious activity to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Fraud Hotline by calling 1-866- 966-7226 or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
Imposter Scams Target the Latino Community In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Pinellas County Consumer Protection is partnering with the Federal Trade Commission to bring awareness about scams targeting the Latino community. Imposters are targeting Spanishspeaking communities using fraudulent claims to obtain their money. Using common scam techniques, the caller may pretend to be a government official stating that the target owes money. Another common scam has the caller claiming the target has won a large cash prize or lottery, but must first send money for taxes or other fees to claim the prize. Scammers have even made threats of arrest or lawsuits if the victims do not pay a supposed debt. For payment, you may be asked to give your bank or credit card number, wire money or even purchase a prepaid debit card. No matter what form of payment, the scam is the same – to steal money.
Those believing that they may have been the victim of a scam should call Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200, or by visiting www.pinellascounty.org/consumer. Pinellas County Consumer Protection is distributing Spanish language publications on how to avoid such scams. Those interested in obtaining a copy of the publication should also contact Consumer Protection. Connect with Pinellas County government services and programs with LiveChat, on www.pinellascounty.org or www.pinellascounty.org/mobile, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mary Burrell Pinellas County Communications Phone (727) 453-3065 mburrell@pinellascounty.org
FLIPPING MONEY SCAMS Are you desperate for cash? If so, you may be easy prey for this get rich quick scheme. Flipping money scams are showing up on social media sites. If you receive a message on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any other social site including emails from people who promise to flip your money from hundreds to thousands – don’t take the bait. They claim they can flip your $100 into $1000 or $500 into $5000 and so on. The victim usually receives the following directions: 1)Purchase a Vanilla Reload or Green Dot MoneyPak card. 2) Load the card withthe ($100, $300, $500, etc. – your choice.) 3) Send them the card information including the PIN or code on the back of the card. You will be promised that once you complete your part, your card balance will increase and your cash will be available to you in just a few short min-
utes or hours. Sadly, victims find they have nothing but a zero balance on their account. As soon as the victim provides the PIN or code; their cash is transferred by money gram to the crooks personal account which is often untraceable. Once the funds are stolen, the scammer blocks the victim from contacting them. The National Consumer League (NCL) offers the following tips: Before contacting the potential scammer, do a web search for their username or phone number to search for warnings about that person. If asked to give out your MoneyPak or Vanilla control number or PIN, do not respond. Instead, contact law enforcement. Claims to turn small amounts of upfront money into a large amount in minutes is a scam. Don’t be a victim. Contact law enforcement and file a complaint with NCL at www.fraud.org.
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Tampa’s Authentic Italian Restaurant since 1984
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
From DRURY Page 12 cast of continuing characters, and with the great writing, the finest actors in Hollywood wanted guest starring roles – George C. Scott, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Robert Redford come to mind. Every day I’d go off to the set excited about the wonderful actors I’d be working with.” But starring in a weekly 90-minute series was demanding. “Some days we would be filming parts of five different episodes, so it required a lot of mental concentration,” Drury said. “I had a strong work ethic, so didn’t mind. I did the show for nine years, but would have been delighted to continue for another 10!” With his rugged good looks and wrangling experience, Drury was a natural TV cowboy. “I’ve been riding horses since I was in diapers!” Drury said. “My grandfather put me on his Belgian plow horse when I was just a toddler. The animal was so broad, my legs stuck straight out on both sides like I was doing the splits. It’s one of my earliest memories.” Born in New York City, Drury spent time growing up on his parents’ Oregon ranch and developed an interest in acting after performing in a Christmas play as a child. He later returned to New York for stage work before moving to Hollywood. Along with wife Carl Ann, Drury has lived in Houston for 35 years, and, offscreen. has competed in cutting horse competitions, polo and dressage. DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS “Texas has been good to me,” Drury said. “I’ve worked with many great horse trainers here and up through Oklahoma. I love it all – the dust, the sweat, the sun- Top: Recent photo of Drury. Above: Drury poses while filmshine and the smell of the horses.” Two Locations - Apollo Beach and Sun City Center As he did in “The Virginian,” Drury plans to bring ing “The Virginian.” Viagra 100mg $4 & up (per pill) his love of the old West to ‘Billy and the Bandit’ and is Cialis 20mg $4.50 & up (per pill) confident audiences will embrace the show. Cymbalta 30mg #100 $146 “There are so many cable channels now looking for new content,” Drury said. Celebrex 200mg #100 $160 “Westerns were morality plays where good always triumphed over evil, and people reSpiriva 18mg #90 $163 spond to that. Our show retains those values of the Old West. Parents and grandparents can watch it with the kids, and that’s a valuable family experience these days.” Meds Delivered Directly to Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University in Montgomery, Ala., and has written Your Mailbox For a free quote call us at 813-413-7912 features, columns and interviews for more than 450 magazines and newspapers.
Canadian Meds South
NOVEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
OPINION
Where is the Equality? I don’t understand. More and more often, I confront people who regard the ability to do something with one’s hands as superior to that which is achieved by brainpower. Regretfully, I use the word superior, when I want to say, different but equal, and yet I cannot, in the face of what I see as wrong-headedness on the part of so many people. Fortunately, this belief is not held across the board by the entire world, but, unfortunately, depending on the surrounding community, beliefs may vary. For instance, in the academic community, there is no such thing as too much education or overdevelopment of the brain. In fact, the greater the number of degrees, the greater the respect for the individual, and this before inclusion of books authored or papers written or speeches given, etc. In further fact, skills other than those acquired by the various degrees are often prevalent in these same people. Forgive my seeming repetition, but these same people are most frequently the ones who respect the skills and abilities of people who are competent in any way. But, to return to my confusion regarding the varying abilities of different people, I must reiterate that I don’t understand. Is someone who has driven a truck across the country all of his or her life more accomplished than someone who has studied for many years and learned how to construct the truck that will be used to cross the country? Is the doer more important than the planner? Do we have to feel someone’s muscle to respect their strength, and do we have to see a brain scan to respect what a person is capable of creating? I live in a senior complex, and I wonder, as a part of those who are growing older disgracefully, what are the acceptable terms of what is considered important and worthy of respect. A poem is only words on a page, but a wreath can have flowers and ribbons and seem to have taken hours to assemble. Is it not possible that the poet who created the poem also spent hours assembling the words from which that poem is created? Do we have to touch and actually feel a creation in order for it to be validated? Can we only respect that which we fully comprehend and which we might possibly regard as something we could possibly accomplish? In other words, if I don’t play golf, what meaning can the skills of the
By Evelyn Levin
Senior Voice America can be found at over 1,000 Bay Area locations. HILLSBORO, PINELLAS & PASCO COUNTIES
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man who is considered the greatest golfer in the world have to me? So, I respectfully ask, where is the equality? If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is value in the brain of just one singular creature? No, we all have the ability to see, to appreciate, to respect. Please, let us see in each human being the special qualities that have been given to all. Let us open our minds and see and see and see. Can you see?
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
Entertainment The Addams Family: A New Musical
Into the Woods
English Beat
James Taylor
The Players Theatre November 1 - 15
Freefall Theatre November 6 - 9
Ruth Eckerd Hall November 9
(Formerly Tampa Bay Times Forum)
The area premiere of a family classic! This macabre cartoon family has been loved and imitated for generations. The Addams Family features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a man her parents have never met. Gomez and Morticia’s “normal” lives change on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 - $30.
The Tony Award-winning reimagining of Grimms Fairy Tales explores what happens when wishes come true when A baker and his wife set out to get the child they’ve always dreamed of, but their hopes collide with those of other fairy tale denizens who have gone into the woods seeking their hearts’ desires. 8:00 p.m. Price: $36-$48, $21 previews. Freefall Theatre is located at 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. For more information (727) 498-5205.
Metropolitan Opera Encore in HD: Carmen
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Led by founding member Dave Wakeling this will be the band’s first concert at the Capitol Theatre. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, The English Beat inspired the reggae, soul, pop and punk sounds in that heady time. The band has timeless hits that include Hand’s Off She’s Mine, I Confess, Mirror in the Bathroom and Save It For Later. The English Beat became an overnight sensation and created an infectious dance rhythm that made them one of the most popular and influential bands of the British Two Tone Ska movement. Tickets are $35 & $25. Performance is at the Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St, Downtown Clearwater.
Park Place Stadium 16 November 5 The MET series encore features Bizet’s Carmen.Richard Eyre’s mesmerizing production of Bizet’s steamy melodrama returns with mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili singing her signature role of the ill-fated gypsy temptress. Also being shown at Hyde Park Cinebistro in Tampa and Citrus Stadium 20 in Tampa. 6:30 p.m. Price: $25, $23 seniors, $19 child (tickets vary by theater). Park Place Stadium 16 is located at 7200 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park, FL. For more information (727) 525-7777. Sarasota Opera: Pagliacci
Sarasota Opera House November 5, 11, 13, 15 The Sarasota Orchestra joins the opera to present the story of Canio the Clown, who must carry on with his show after discovering his wife’s infidelity. Presented in Italian with English supertitles. 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 15 1:30 p.m. Price: $19-$125. The Sarasota Opera House is located at61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL. For more information (941) 366-8450. Harland Williams
Tampa Improv November 6 - 9 It’s easy to see why this versatile performer is quite literally a Hollywood chameleon. Who can forget his memorable role as the pee-drinking cop in Dumb & Dumber? The loveable horse killing stoner, Kenny, in Half Baked. The hitchhiking serial killer in There’s Something About Mary. The silent motorcycle stud, Slater, in Superstar... and more...Williams is also seen regularly on Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno & Late Night with Conan O’Brien. He has done solo StandUp Specials for HBO, Comedy Central, CTV & CBC. A live comedy CD and an upcoming DVD comedy special are just two of his latest projects. All Shows are 21 & up to enter, except Friday night at 10:30 which is 18 & up. Tickets $20 $22. For times www.improvtampa.com.
Capitol Theatre November 7
The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee will embark on a series of intimate, acoustic performances this fall, which includes a stop at the historic theater with special guest, Tift Merritt. 7:30 p.m. Price: $52.75-$72.75. The Capitol Theatre is located at 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL. For more information (727) 791-7400. TFO: The Ben Folds Experience
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts November 7
The multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter joins the orchestra for a high energy performance of piano concerto and orchestral arrangements. Jacomo Bairos conducts. 8:00 p.m. Price: $35-$95. Emerging Playwrights Festival
American Stage Theatre November 7 - 9 Join American Stage for the Emerging Playwrights Festival, a weekend filled with exciting new works by emerging playwright, Bob Clyman; St. Petersburg native, Gabe Neustadt; and short plays by some of the Tampa Bay area’s most talented, young playwrights. Each public reading will be followed by a talk-back between the audience and playwright. In addition, the weekend will feature a Playwright Panel Discussion and The Art and Craft of Playwriting Workshop led by Bob Clyman and Festival Co-Director, Bill Leavengood. Play readings: $10, playwright panel discussion: FREE to the public, festival pass: $50. Ain’t Retirement Grand
Jimmy Ferraro’s Studio Theatre November 7 - 16 (on Fri., Sat., & Sun.)
The upbeat musical features more than 20 songs about early bird specials, driving, wills, doctors, pets, exercise and more. 7:30 p.m. Price: $25. Jimmy Ferraro’s Studio is located at 5732 Main St., New Port Richey, FL. For more information (727 409-0293.
Phillip Phillips
The Mahaffey Theatre November 11
American Idol Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips brings his rugged, rootsy rock ‘n roll sound and hits like the 5x platinum smash hit “Home” and platinum single “Gone, Gone, Gone,” to St. Petersburg for one night only! The tour comes after Phillips’ sophomore album Behind the Light was released to critical acclaim. His new single, “Unpack Your Heart,” is the second track released from the album, following the hit song “Raging Fire.” Saints of Valory, one of the hottest young alt-rock bands out of Austin, will open the concert. Best known for the inspired, anthemic tracks “Providence” and “Neon Eyes,”. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $39.50 - $59.50. Heart
Ruth Eckerd Hall November 11
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Heart, made up of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have shown the world that women can rock. Their band, Heart stormed the charts with hits like Crazy On You, Magic Man, Barracuda and many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs and played the instruments too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the 80s and 90s with huge songs like These Dreams, Alone, What About Love, If Looks Could Kill, Never and a string of other hit songs that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as musicians and singers. Nearly 35 years later after they first hit it big, Heart remains powerhouse classic rockers. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $49.50 - *$150 (*$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase.
Amalie Arena November 14
The five-time Grammy Award winner and his all-star band are hitting the road for a fall U.S. tour, which includes a stop at the Tampa venue. 8:00 p.m. Price: $31.75-$96.25. The Amalie Arena is located at 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 301-2500. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The Lakeland Center November 14
Experience the Magic! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition and this year marks the 30th Anniversary of the group’s annual tour. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller music. Join in the 30th Anniversary celebration of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history! 7:30 p.m. Tickets $37.50 - $65. Celtic Thunder
Ruth Eckerd Hall November 14
The shows 8th US tour kicks off at the Ruth Eckerd Hall, with the introduction of the show’s newest member Emmett O’Hanlon, an Irish American baritone, born and raised in New York to Irish parents. This will be the first ever Symphony Tour for Celtic Thunder, who will depart from their traditional and critically-acclaimed large set productions to perform songs from their 2013 charttopping album Christmas Voices in a dynamic live music experience accentuated by the instrumentals of a full symphony orchestra. Featuring holiday favorites ranging from traditional carols Away in A Manger, and O Holy Night to more contemporary tunes. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $55 - *$150 (*$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, preshow dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. TFO Masterworks: Carmina Burana
The Mahaffey Theatre November 15
The performance starts with Schubert’s dramatic and spirited Rosamunde Overture and then transitions into Debussy’s world of fantastic sounds and swirling vibrant orchestral colors in
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Entertainment Nocturnes. Orff’s Carmina Burana provides an almost pagan musical potion of soaring vocal soloists, frenzied choral passages and pulsating percussive orchestration. Danail Rachev conducts. 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets $15 & $45. Patti LaBelle
The Mahaffey Theatre November 16 Soul diva Patti LaBelle has enjoyed one of the longest-lived careers in contemporary music, notching hits in a variety of sounds ranging from girl group pop to space-age funk to lush ballads. She has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Apollo Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Commonly knows as the “Queen of Rock “n” Soul”, her solo hits include “You Are My Friend,” “If Only You Knew,” “Love Has Finally Come at Last,” “Love, Need and Want You,” “New Attitude,” “Stir It Up,” “On My Own(with Michael McDonald),” “Oh, People,” “Kiss Away The Pain,” “If You Asked Me To,” “Yo Mister,” “Feels Like Another One,” “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is),” “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven),” “The Right Kinda Lover,” “When You Talk About Love” and “New Day. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $59.50 - $99.50. LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR
American Stage Theatre November 19 - December 14 A peek inside the writer’s room with the comedic legends of television’s Golden Era. Directed by David Russell. Get an inside look at the writers room with Mel Brooks, Sid Caesar, Neil Simon, Carl Reiner, Larry Gelbart, and other legends of early TV! Inspired by Neil Simon’s youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, with all the attendant comic drama as the harried writing staff frantically scrambles to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of star madman. Contains adult language. 8:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun. matinee 3:00 p.m. Tickets $29 - $59.
Melissa Etheridge
Ruth Eckerd Hall November 22
Oscar and two-time GRAMMY winner Melissa Etheridge has announced her fall tour in support of her latest studio album, This is M.E. This will be Etheridge’s first concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall since her sold-out date in 2008 and like that performance, tickets for this concert are expected to go quickly. Known for her iconic voice, profound lyrics and riveting stage presence; Melissa will share personal stories about her remarkable journey through life and the inspiration behind some of her most beloved songs. Etheridge loves to tell stories through her music; she included old home movies, career highlights and memorabilia in her video for Take My Number, her first single of This Is M.E. Special guest Alexander Cardinale will open the show. 8:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $49.50 - *$175 (*$175 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, preshow dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) (Each ticket purchased online will receive a digital download of Melissa’s newest album, This is M.E.. Patrons will receive the album at the email address provided when purchasing tickets online.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The Lakeland Center November 23 The Mahaffey Theatre November 28
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2014 holiday season with its newest holiday stage spectacular. A show not to be missed!…it’s a cirque show…Broadway musical…holiday spectacular…and family show all in one. From the creators of the groundbreaking Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is “so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil” according to the New York Daily News and “a delicious
confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.” The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle raves, “even the Grinch would be impressed with this Christmas wonderland.” Lakeland Center 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 - $70. The Mahaffey Theatre 8:00 p.m. Tickets $29.50 - $59.50. Dave Koz and Friends Christmas
Ruth Eckerd Hall November 29
The 2014 Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour features Dave Koz along with three special guests: Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields, plus two artists who are new to the run, GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, known for such Top 10 hits as Sailing, Ride Like the Wind and Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) and Soul Train award-winner and GRAMMY nominee Maysa, who has released 10 solo albums and collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan to Incognito and Angela Bofill. The high-energy holiday show will feature the quartet’s fresh takes on holiday classics as well as other selections that beautifully capture the spirit of the season. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $35 -*$125 (*$125 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. Kenny Rogers Christmas & Hits
The Mahaffey Theatre November 30
A groundbreaking recording artist, distinctive vocalist and consummate entertainer, the legendary music icon is one of the elite few whose voice is instantly recognized the world over. He’ll perform hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” “Through The Years,” “Love Will Turn You Around,” and “Islands In The Stream” plus holiday favorites. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $39 & $69.
VENUE ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION The Players Theatre 838 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 365-2494 www.theplayers.org Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre 4802 N. US Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33610 Telephone: (813) 740-2446. www.midflorida.com/amphitheatre The Historic Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com The Lakeland Center — 701 W. Lime St. Lakeland, FL 33815. Telephone: (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com The Mahaffey Theater — 400 1st. St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Telephone: (727) 892-5798. www.themahaffey.com Ruth Eckerd Hall — 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759. Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com The Straz Center — 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. Telephone: (813) 229-7827. www.strazcenter.org The Tampa Bay Times Forum — 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602. Telephone: (813) 301-6500. www.tampabaytimesforum.com American Stage Theatre 163 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Telephone: (727)823-7529 www.americanstage.org Improv Comedy Theater 1600 E 8th Ave C-112 Tampa, FL 33605 Telephone: (813) 864-4000 www.improvtampa.com
When It Comes to Entertaining Get out from behind your mask and list your Event for Free right here on the SVA ENTERTAINMENT PAGES!
Email your event information no later than the 15th of the month for the following month listings to: entertainment@seniorvoiceamerica.com
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014
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and others more than overstayed their welcome and were hard to endure. Those that continue to hang on, or we can’t readily escape from, might show up as an abusive spouse or parent, or a relative that continues to try to push our buttons. But they teach us how to say no, and we learn to distance from them so that we can live the lives we desire without their interference or chaos. It may be helpful in this case to remember the oyster, that, when irritated by as little as a grain of sand, eventually produces a beautiful pearl. This same principle holds true in human life, as irritants can make us stronger, as we learn to not sweat the small stuff, and improve our coping mechanisms. Sadly, there are some people you encounter who create so much havoc that you are motivated to do whatever it takes to give them a one-way ticket out of your life. The happiest blessings are those people who come and stay for a lifetime...and beyond. Old friends, spouses and soulmates that you can share anything with and not be judged, just loved, and they’ve always got your back through thick and thin. Time spent with them is a rare treasure indeed, as they always leave a gratefulness in our heart for the day our paths crossed. Often the time we spent on the same road was way too short, yet their impact on our lives was, and is, still amazing because of the enhancement they brought and that our memories of them still bring. We can be grateful for all our teachers, irritators and supporters, and try to pay it back by being a blessing for someone else and not the person that they try to run out of town. From BLESSINGS Page 1
From TERMINAL Page 1
had been jointly owned until he capitulated to her demands. The time to begin planning for the potential terminal illness of one spouse is before the diagnosis. Long-married couples should have a joint estate plan in the form of a family revocable living trust. A properly drafted family trust allows for its amendment during the joint lifetime of the spouses, provided both agree to amend. If, prior to diagnosis, the couple has not created such a trust, it should be created as soon as possible upon diagnosis, and all the major assets that both spouses have been relying on for their mutual benefit should be retitled in the name of the trust. This includes homes, real property and land, valuable collections, valuable vehicles and so on. If there is a family business, counsel should be consulted for advice. If the ill spouse cannot or will not cooperate in establishing a joint trust, after a diagnosis of terminal illness is not the best time for contemplating that individual’s creating a separate estate plan (a will or an individual’s trust). A will, in particular, can be problematic. This type of instrument is not final until the testator’s death and can be amended, destroyed or revoked during the testator’s lifetime. Many distraught, terminally ill persons do find ways to mess up an existing well-crafted estate plan, or to create a bad estate plan, by executing or amending a will. In numerous states, a will is legally valid even if it is a holograph, meaning a testamentary declaration signed by the decedent and written entirely in the decedent’s own hand—neither lawyer, witness nor notary is required. In such a state, it is very easy for a panicky, terminally ill person to invalidate an individual estate Don’t miss A Single Issue! Now you can get the Senior plan, thoughtfully prepared in advance, by creating an eve-of-dying holographic will. The effectiveness of such an instrument can be overcome if, at death, the property it devises is Voice America delivered right to your mailbox! It’s just not owned by the testator, but is owned in trust. $15 for a one-year subscription to The Leading News Dying intestate (without a written estate plan), even when the decedent’s property is paper for Active, Mature Adults. limited in value, is almost never a good idea. Intestacy can lead to years of uncertainty, legal challenges and recriminations among survivors. Name: If the ill spouse cannot or will not cooperate in executing a joint trust but has given a Address: power of attorney to the well spouse, the latter can retitle the former’s individual assets as joint assets, thereby creating an informal estate plan by leaving the latter in a position to City: State: Zip: insure his or her sole ownership of the assets at the death of the ill spouse. Joint ownership also insures that the decedent’s share passes outside of probate. This is true as well of Phone: property owned in trust. Otherwise, if the ill spouse cannot or will not cooperate in creating a joint estate plan, Payment: Visa MasterCard Check the well spouse who expects to survive the terminally ill spouse may do well to consider Card Number: petitioning a court for a conservatorship. The court’s granting of a conservatorship is a legal determination that the ill spouse Exp: is incapable. Thus the ill spouse cannot validly create a last-minute, Signature: botched estate plan. Credit Card orders may be faxed to (813) 422-7966 Credit Card orders maybe faxed to (813) 433-5181. or call (813) 444-1011 Joyce Holly is a retired atMail Payment to: Senior Mail Payments To: SeniorVoice VoiceAmerica of Florida torney and the author of “Ten Stupid P.O. Box 1379, Lutz, FL 33548-1379 PO Box 270 • Lutz, FL 33548 Things Aging Americans Do to Mess
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Up Their Lives and Financial Situation.” She is also the author of the novel, “An Inconvenient Old Woman.” Holly’s books are available for purchase on amazon.com.
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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2014