Lifestyles After 50 Hillsborough December 2014 edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

www.lifestylesafter50.com • Tampa Bay • FREE

Lo IN o si k de Gi

Fo rO ur Te ch

ve aw ay !

Vol. 25 • December 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Dreaming of a White Christmas • Do It Yourself Relaxation • Tech Savvy Seniors

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Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding Dear Readers,

Community choirs and other music groups are busy putting on public ave you ever gone holiday concerts or touring assisted from house to living facilities and veterans hospitals house singing carols? this time of year. If you’re one of these I remember doing that kind folks, thanks for spreading joy once or twice with my and carrying on the wassail tradition. Girl Scout troop or a Tracie Schmidt, If you long for those caroling days, Editor few of the neighborhood they might need an extra voice! kids when I was little. I Staying Connected wasn’t much of a singer, but the joy it Wassail aside; these days technology brought to others made me forget about can help us stay connected during the how nervous and out of tune I was. holidays if meeting in person is diffiNowadays if you attempt it, you’ll cult. If you end up with a gadget under most likely get a strange look or two. the tree from a well-meaning child or It seems to be one of those traditions grandchild, or you haven’t had much that is quickly fading with the times. experience with computers, video chats Go back a few centuries or so, or social media and you’d like to know however, and you’d get a pint of ale more about them, you’ll find some tips and some figgy pudding for your to help you get started inside this issue. trouble. Not a bad tradeoff for a I wanted to share with you one of our slightly off-key yet heartfelt tune. office traditions—so far, it’s our best Though the practice may seem archaic electronic answer to a traditional carol. to a generation that can just call a Grab a webcam or some headshots friend, mail a greeting card or shoot and visit jibjab.com/holidays. Follow somebody a text—caroling or wassailthe steps and let the laughter ensue! If ing were important ways of connecting you want to see our holiday greeting with one another in a time when faceto you, click the Facebook icon on to-face contact was the main method of our website: lifestylesafter50.com communication. It wasn’t always easy, Also, for those whose hearts have but it was meaningful. In the middle always harbored the question: “What ages, the tradition bridged social the heck IS figgy pudding?” Here’s a classes. Peasants were invited into the recipe for the traditional version. homes of their lords for food, drink and It appears to be a predecessor to the fellowship in exchange for their blessmuch-dreaded but oft-gifted fruitcake. ing and goodwill in the form of a song. Bake at your own risk!

“Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too; And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year!”

Caroling caught on as a way to meet others one may not have taken the time to get to know before; to give to those in need or just spread a little holiday cheer.

Happy Holidays,

Editor’s Note: Next month’s issue is all about senior entrepreneurs. Did you start your own business later in life? We’d love to hear your story! Email editor@lifestylesafter50.com. Attn: Senior Business

Hillsborough Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc

warning: Traditional Figgy Pudding 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large egg yolks 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons rum extract (or flavored extract of your choice) 2 apples, peeled, cored & finely chopped 2 lb dried figs, ground or finely chopped Grated peel of 1 lemon and 1 orange 1 cup chopped nuts 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 1/2 cups dried bread crumbs 2 tsp baking powder 3 large egg whites, stiffly beaten 1 strip of bacon, finely crushed (optional: New England variant) 1 tsp of warm sauce, for drizzling Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 325 °F. Generously grease an oven-proof 2-quart bowl or mold; set aside. 2. Cream together butter and shortening. 3. Gradually add sugar, egg yolks, milk, extract, apple, figs, lemon & orange peel. 4. Add next 6 ingredients, mixing well. Fold stiffly beaten egg whites into mixture. 5. Pour into prepared bowl or mold and place into large shallow pan, then place on middle rack in oven. 6. Fill the shallow pan half-full with boiling water and slowly steam pudding in oven at 325 °F for 4 hours, replacing water as needed.

President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Tracie Schmidt editor@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Emeritus Janice Doyle Ofﬁce Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com

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FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved. Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 3

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

uesdays Dance for Your Health. Learn social ballroom and Latin dances. Singles/couples welcome. $10 (includes two classes). 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Brandon Rec. Center. 813-340-9433.

ednesdays Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation. Free. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Memorial Hospital of Tampa, Jewish Tower Activity Center, Please RSVP to 813-342-1313.

hrough 23. Victorian Christmas Stroll. Each of the 14 exhibit rooms will dazzle you with a 19th century Victorian holiday. Visit the Museum store or enjoy cider on the veranda. $9 – $15. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa. 813-258-7302.

hrough 30 Wild Wonderland. See a million lights, animated displays and traditional holiday treats. Included with paid admission. 6:30 – 10 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa. 813-935-8552.

hrough Jan. 4 Phantom of the Opera. Tickets: $25 – $128.50. Carol Morsani Hall, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

hrough Jan. 11 “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” New exhibition featuring classic Peanuts comic strips, seasonal novelties, Santa letter writing station and family activities. Admission: seniors/$10.95. Tampa Bay History Center. 813-228-0097.

“Winter Wonderland Carols” by Carrollwood Cultural Center Community Chorus. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. $10 – $16. 21: “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” bring grandkids to a classic fairy tale with a holiday musical twist. $7. 2 p.m. Carollwood Cultural Center, Tampa. 813-269-1310.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs their rock opera “The Christmas Attic.” 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Amalie Arena, Channelside, downtown Tampa. $32.75 – $71.75. 813-301-2500.

Game Day: Learn or relearn great board games with friends at this workshop. 3 to 5 p.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Library, Tampa. 813-273-3652.

Harbour Island Art Walk. Take a stroll with art vendors, crafts, entertainment and music. Pets welcome. Free. 12 – 5 p.m. Harbour Island on the Waterfront, Tampa. 813-451-7936.

St. Joseph’s John Knox Grief Support Group meets on the third Tues. of each month. No admission charge. 2 – 3 p.m. St. Joseph’s John Knox Tampa Bay. 813-632-2396.

Crazy Crafting Crew. New and experienced crafters share knowledge, patterns and tips and create garments for charity or gifts. 1 to 3 p.m., North Tampa Library. 813-273-3652.

Christmas Dance at the Plant City Social Dance Club. $5 / $7. 8 – 11 p.m. Stardust Dance Center, Plant City. 863-409-7714.

Experience a 19th century Florida Christmas at Cracker County, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. Pioneer holiday crafts, treats and living history. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adm.: $6/ seniors; $6 parking. 813-627-4225.

through 28 Howard G Buffett Exhibition. Follow the 40 year, $3 billion dollar project to help nearly a billion individuals who lack basic food security. Free. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa. 813-221-2222.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise. Open bar, gourmet food stations, DJ, party favors, midnight champagne toast and fireworks. $129.95 pp. 10 p.m. Yacht StarShip, Channelside, Tampa. 813-223-7999.

Holiday Social and Grand Opening Gym Party. Enjoy a full holiday dinner followed by dancing and socializing. $22. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Northdale Owls, 15550 Spring Pine Dr., Tampa. 813-963-3539.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection .com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. December 10 for January event.)

Tech Boulevard. Open lab, ongoing training in computer basics, internet, Microsoft Office, eBooks and eReaders and more. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Upper Tampa Bay Library. Call 813-273-3652 for more info.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 4

Tips For a Festive “After Fifty” Holiday little bit—then move on and satisfy your appetite with good conversation,” she says.

Don’t Blow a Bundle.

“W

hile these can be our best years ever, the holiday season can stress even the most laidback of baby boomers,” says Jo-Anne Lema, Founder of AfterFiftyLiving.com. Embrace these tips and turn that stress into celebration!

“Spruce” Applies to More than the Tree. “Feel tired, worn

out—maybe even ‘old?’ ‘Tis the season to do more than decorate that spruce tree sitting in the center of the room. You’re the center of your life, so spruce up! Guy or gal, go out and get a great cut, maybe even a color. Visit a department store’s cosmetics section and get a make-over (and some lessons) and splurge on a couple of cosmetics that may brighten your appearance. Treat yourself to a new outfit. Then, when you get home, go take a brisk walk for a half hour. This’ll get your blood flowing adding natural color to those cheeks. Smile—you and your tree are both sparkling,” she says.

Moderation—Your New “Best Friend.” Baby boomers want to do

more than just survive the holidays—they want to thrive and relish the memories! Yet, according to a 2004 study published in Circulation, there are more heart attack deaths on Dec. 25 than any other day; the second highest day is Dec. 26; and the third highest is Jan 1. So all that “thriving and relishing” isn’t going to happen if you’re hospital bound with a heart attack or are spending your hours sleeping off a hangover. “That canape and spiked eggnog may be calling to you, but you are the master. Sure, have a bit—a

Boomers may be tempted to spoil friends and family members—like those adorable grandkids. So establish a holiday spending budget. Estimate what you might spend on all gifts, travel, entertainment and personal items. Then do a reality-check. Can you really afford spending all that money? No? Then ruthlessly cross off items that aren’t absolute “must do’s” and stick to the list that remains. “Remember, your presence is the best present of all. Bankruptcy court is no place to spend your New Year,” she says.

Censor Your Tongue. “Look,

there’s a lot of stress over the holidays. Boomers can be thrown into situations with relatives we can barely tolerate, a boss who’s a belligerent bully, and friends of friends who may be anything but. So, if you don’t want to start (or

encourage) World War III in the midst of the mistletoe, avoid talking about politics, religion, money and your personal problems. If someone starts down that path, bite your tongue, excuse yourself and walk away. Yup, you can do that. It’s okay, really!” she says.

The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others as You’d Have Them Do Unto You. “If boomers really want to

have a festive, merry, after-fifty holiday, then start by burying the hatchets in your relationships. If ever there were a season to practice tolerance and forgiveness, this is it. This is the big chance to make amends. Do it! And if you’re one of the fortunate few with no hatchets in your life, the Golden Rule still applies. Mind your manners. Engage people in conversations about their lives, their success and their joys! Hug a kid. Pet a dog. Donate to a favorite charity. Volunteer in some way to help those less fortunate than you,” she says. And have a very, merry holiday season, filled with good health, friendships and love! (From Newswire and AfterFiftyLiving.com)

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Why We’re Still Dreaming Of a White Christmas BY VICTOR PARACHIN

White Christmas Turns 60

The World’s Most Popular Song

hat do Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Beach Boys and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have in common? The answer: they have all sung and recorded the song White Christmas. White Christmas is, in fact, the world’s most popular Christmas song, having sold more than 125,000,000 copies. It has been recorded in Dutch, Yiddish, Japanese and even Swahili. White Christmas’ status as the biggest selling single has been challenged only once. Interestingly, the challenge came not from the Beatles, Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra, but by Elton John’s Candle In The Wind tribute to Princess Diana in 1997. White Christmas was written by Irving Berlin. It is a fascinating footnote in American cultural history that a Jewish songwriter wrote a universal best selling song about a day celebrating the birth of Christianity’s founder. Another unusual aspect about this song is the fact that Irving Berlin did not like the Christmas holiday. That time of year brought back memories of the tragic death of his infant son, Irving Berlin Jr., in December 1928. Berlin’s inspiration may have come from a lonely and nostalgic northeastern transplant caught in Los Angeles during the holiday season. There, the palm trees and summer-like temperatures in December made him yearn for his more familiar winter cold weather and snow. Berlin’s song originally began with this introductory verse:

Songwriter Irving Berlin Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 6

“The sun is shining, The grass is green, The orange and palm trees sway. There’s never been such a day In Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the twenty-fourth, And I’m longing to be up north…” And then follows the line known and sung around the planet every December: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…”

Berlin’s labors over this song took place throughout the night one January in 1940. More than a year later, in April 1941, Berlin and film director Mark Sandrich were working on a new movie, Holiday Inn, when Berlin realized it would be the perfect forum for his Christmas song. Holiday Inn opened in New York on August 4, 1942. It featured Bing Crosby as a singer and Fred Astaire as a dancer. While Berlin was ecstatic and enthusiastic, the reviewers barely noticed or mentioned the production. Before long, however, the song White Christmas was becoming a hit. The movie won an Oscar for Best Song in 1943 and was also nominated for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Original Story. Even Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic who originally had reservations that the song would further secularize Christmas, was amazed at the public response. Because the country was in the darkest days of World War II, many welcomed this sentimental reminder of home. As a result, White Christmas became the song of the decade and Crosby’s recording of it sold over 30 million records.

As a member of the USO’s traveling ensemble, Bing Crosby was asked by troops serving in World War II to sing White Christmas, no matter what time of year it was. Once while entertaining a troop unit in France, Crosby was approached by a war-hardened sergeant who asked: “Are you going to sing White Christmas?” When Crosby answered yes, the sergeant said: “Well, in that case, I guess I’ll duck out.” Crosby replied: “But I think you’ll like the other numbers. Why not stick around?” To which the sergeant explained: “I like the song all right but I’ll listen from behind the portable kitchen. It’s not good for the men’s morale to see their sergeant crying.” Since writing White Christmas, more than 150 different performers who run the entire musical gamut have recorded this piece. Crosby’s version alone was listed as the all-time top single by Guinness Book of World Records. White Christmas ushered in a golden era of other popular and secular American Christmas songs such as I’ll Be Home For Christmas; Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer; Silver Bells; Blue Christmas and many others. According to the American Society of Composers and Publishers, White Christmas remains the number one performed secular holiday song and is the most recorded one with over 500 versions in “scores of languages.” It is still recorded by new artists and continues to captivate new fans all around the world.

In 1954, another movie was developed to further promote the song. The musical comedy was called White Christmas. The plot: ex-army friends (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) get together to put on a show to save their general’s resort hotel in Vermont. Supporting cast included Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this classic film in 2014, Paramount has just released Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Diamond Anniversary Edition. The BluRay includes extras like classic Christmas television show appearances by Crosby and Kaye, a virtual duet between Crosby and Michael Bublé and a Christmas CD with eight never-before-released tracks. It is around $20 on amazon.com.

Some fun facts about the film:

• The movie was 1954’s largest earner by a wide margin, bringing in $12 million. It premiered at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City. • The Vermont inn is the remodeled Connecticut inn set from the movie Holiday Inn (1942).

• The original concept was to reunite Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby following their success in Holiday Inn. Astaire refused, as he had “retired” at the time, so the part was reworked for Donald O’Connor. When O’Connor pulled out due to illness, the part was reworked for Danny Kaye. • Danny Kaye often caused retakes when his comedic antics induced impromptu fits of laughter on set.

• The “Sisters” comedy act that Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye perform was not originally in the script. They were clowning around on the set and the director thought it was so funny that it was written in.

• Sisters Betty and Judy are played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Clooney was a talented singer but was (even by her own admission) not very gifted in the dance department. Former Rockette Vera-Ellen was a skilled dancer (with famous legs!) but couldn’t sing. So Clooney sang both parts for “Sisters,” while Trudy Stevens sang the rest. VeraEllen’s own voice is heard singing only in the “arrival in Pine Tree” scene at the railroad station where the quartet reprises the opening lines of “Snow.” In Clooney’s own words: “They could dub Vera’s voice, but they couldn’t dub my dancing.” (Facts from IMDB.com and other internet sources.)

Fruit Party Pleasers Make Holiday Entertaining Easy F

or many hosts and hostesses, planning a holiday gathering involves many details and careful planning of everything from the tablecloths to the dessert plates. Free yourself from this stress, and focus your attention on creating a holiday menu that includes plenty of tasty bites, sweet eats and flavorful drinks. Focus on the food and watch all the details fall into place, making your festive celebration the most memorable event of the year.

Brie with Chilean Grape Salsa and Tortillas Servings: 4

1 1/2 cups quartered fresh Chilean red seedless grapes 1 small mild red chile pepper (jalapeno), chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon honey Pomegranate seeds (optional) 4 ounces wedge Brie cheese 6 (6-inch) flour tortillas Preheat oven to 350∞F.

Apple Pie in a Glass

Servings: 2 12 ounces fresh apple cider 2 cinnamon sticks 2 thin slices fresh ginger root Freshly grated nutmeg 2 teaspoons firmly packed light brown sugar 3 ounces dry sherry 2 ounces apple brandy Put cider, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and brown sugar in small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a simmer, then Combine quartered grapes, chile pepper, lime juice, honey reduce heat to low and and pomegranate seeds (if using). Stir well. Keep chilled. cook for 5 minutes. Upon standing, salsa generates delicious grape “juice.” Remove from heat Cut tortillas into triangles. Place on baking sheet and and divide between bake for 8 – 10 minutes, until brown and crispy. Bake two Irish coffee Brie until soft and melted about 5 – 8 minutes. glasses or mugs. Transfer cinnamon stick to each. Top Serve grape salsa from bowl or spoon it over top each with half the sherry and brandy. Serve hot. of warm Brie. For more recipes, visit www.usapple.org. (Family Features) For more recipes, visit www.fruitsfromchile.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 7

19th

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Fun Fest • BACKWoods WALK

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Fill out walk registration form in Lifestyles After 50 publication. For more info go to www.lifestylesafter50.com

January 15, 2015 8:30 am – 2 pm

Meet at 8 am in front of MOSI for walk.

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For information call: 813-653-1988 or toll free 1-888-670-0040 Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 8 R

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale Hillsborough County - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market.The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most

homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-665-3797 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 9

Staying Connected: Seniors and Technology BY ELLE LAYNE

etired life can take you far from loved ones, whether you travel, live away from family and friends or can’t quite get the schedules to sync. But staying in touch becomes more important as you age. A study of seniors age 75 or older, called the Kungsholmen Project, found that participants who were active physically, mentally and socially were most likely to live past age 90, and lived an average of 5.4 years longer than their inactive peers. These days, technology can help us stay connected to each other during the holidays. So if you find a tablet, smartphone or computer under the tree this year, it may be the perfect opportunity to learn how to make the most of new technology, if you don’t already.

Adults and technology Older adults have been catching up to younger generations pretty fast when it comes to mastering new gadgets—especially tech-savvy boomers. In April 2012, the Pew Research Center found that more than half of adults age 65 or older were internet users. Today, 59% of seniors report they go online. 27% of seniors own a tablet, an e-book reader, or both, while 18% own a smartphone. What about social networking? 27% of older adults use sites such as Facebook and, according to the study, those seniors are more likely to regularly socialize with friends, whether online, in person or over the telephone, than those who don’t. Studies have shown that using technology has three main benefits: 1. Staying Connected: While technology is no substitute for human contact, email, online games, social media sites like Twitter and Facebook and video chat services like Skype can help us say in touch with absent loved ones or find new friends, increasing much needed social reserves. If you’re homebound, keeping up with technology can help you stay up to date with current events. Find out what your kids are into; connect with younger generations or meet others who share the same interests. 2. Staying Sharp: Technology users not only gain the benefit of brain-boosting games and the wealth of information on the internet, but they also build and reinforce neural connections by learning how to use new devices or programs. You can build your own website or start an online business—learning and

using technology can open up new avenues of personal growth and creative expression, and help stave off the cognitive decline that comes with aging. 3. Staying Healthy: Devices are getting smarter and more personalized. Apps can track everything from your sleep pattern and heart rate to your daily calorie intake and medication schedule. Smart watches can tell you how far you’ve jogged and help you keep track of fitness goals. Video game systems like the Wii can provide engaging ways to exercise. Utilizing technology can help you stay proactive about your personal health as well as provide helpful information to doctors or caregivers. Because technology has become so integrated into our daily lives, we tend to assume that using it is easy and intuitive for everyone. However, that isn’t always the case—especially for some boomers and seniors—and it may mean lost opportunities to connect with others. The Pew Research study found a sharp drop-off in technology use in adults 75 and older. Why such a gap between that group and their younger counterparts? In many cases it comes down to physical limitations that affect vision, hearing, cognition or manual dexterity; limited finances or learning options; concerns about privacy or reservations about their ability to learn how to use new technology. But as devices become more affordable, customizable and more seniorfriendly in design, and new low-cost learning resources become available, the landscape is starting to change.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 10

“I just think the internet has really changed the way that we communicate. In the past, senior citizens lived with their kids and grandkids in the same house, then they lived in the same town, now we have families who are living across the world from each other. The rest of us adapted by staying in touch through technology, but they’ve kind of been left behind and left out of that,” said Macaulee and Kascha’s older sister, Saffron Cassaday, in an interview with NBC. One of the seniors who participated in the program, Shirley, shared her view of the experience. “It’s opened up a whole new world for me. I like to go on YouTube and listen to all the wonderful singers. And if I don’t understand a CyberSeniors word, I can find it most times on the One program trying to bridge the gap internet. Also, I have Skype. I can see my and make technology more accessible to older generations is CyberSeniors. It grandchildren and they can see me. I do was started back in 2009 by two teenage encourage any seniors to ‘get with it!’” sisters—Macaulee (16) and Kascha Cas- Take a class Programs like the one started by saday (18)—as part of a school project. CyberSeniors have been popping up at After introducing their grandparents to community centers, retirement centers, email, internet browsing and Skype to make communicating easier, they realized colleges and libraries all over the counthat other seniors might also benefit from try. For little to no cost, adults can take learning new programs. So they gathered classes that range from “How To Use a Mouse” and “Smartphone Basics” to together a team of like-minded, techfluent students and began visiting a local “Creating and Sharing a Digital Photo Album” and “Advanced Excel.” retirement home twice a week to teach If you prefer the company of a tome to interested seniors how to use the internet. a classroom, the “For Dummies” series carries guidebooks like “Facebook and Twitter For Seniors For Dummies”; “iPad for the Older and Wiser”; and other related subjects on amazon.com. And if you already have a computer and your own internet access but aren’t sure where to start, sites like SeniorNet (seniornet.org) Skillful Senior AARP TEK workshop (skillfulsenior.com), GCF LearnFree (gcflearnfree.org) and BBC WebWise (bbc.co.uk/webwise) It wasn’t long before the residents offer everything from introductory were on Facebook, playing online information to advanced tutorials on games and using email. They even organized a contest to create a YouTube everything tech-related. Most of it is free, though a few of the services may video and see who could get the most views. If you’re interested in what they require a subscription or class fee. AARP has developed its own site as came up with, you can find it here: well: AARP TEK (aarp.org/home-family youtube.com/user/CyberSeniors. /personal-technology/tek/) to introduce “The seniors get excited because seniors to technology. They also host they’re learning something new. It’s local workshops and have developed weird, we’ve been using the internet a tablet device called the RealPad, since we were little kids—it’s almost designed with the tech-shy in mind. second nature to us. We have to teach When it comes to technology, there’s someone who’s never seen or used a mouse before. It’s kind of hard,” the two no better time than now to learn. Get connected! It could change your world. sisters commented about the program.

Veterans Corner

For Honor’s Sake: Wreaths Blanket Military Cemeteries in December BY JANICE DOYLE

en thousand people will visit Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on December 13 to help place nearly 10,000 wreaths on the headstones of military veterans. Participants in the Wreaths Across America event will include individuals and groups of all ages. About 2,000 motorcyclists are expected to escort trucks carrying the wreaths to the cemetery. The greenery wreaths will have been trucked from Maine and stored in Lakeland and Brooksville awaiting delivery and gravesite placement.

the community to come together to support families of veterans, some of whom gave their all for our country.” WAA “serves to remind us that the freedoms we enjoy in this country have come at a price,” says Ronalee S. Klase, organizer of the event at Bay Pines National Cemetery. What began in 1992 with a truck load of wreaths from Maine for graves in Arlington National Cemetery has become a national event. Wreaths are being delivered to over 800 sites in all 50 states and several foreign countries this year. Unfortunately, it is too late to sponsor a wreath for this year, but you can participate in ceremonies this month or visit the cemeteries until early January to see the wreaths and honor the dead. (And put sponsorship on your fall calendar for next year.)

“Wreaths Across For more info: America (WAA) is Bushnell cemetery, a way for people I-75, exit 309. Into show their formation at www. patriotism and to wreathsacrossamericahonor the veterans bushnell.com. Follow who have given on Facebook. On up much to serve Dec. 13, arrive early, their country,” bring your own chair. says Randy Wreath laying 10 a.m.; Lewer, volunteer Visitors place wreaths at ceremony 11 a.m. coordinator of the Sarasota National Cemetery. Bushnell event. Sarasota cemetery, At the newer Sarasota National CemI-75, exit 205. Information at www. etery, organizers hope to lay wreaths waasarasota.com. Follow on Facebook. on all 8,000 gravesites, according to Dec 13 wreath laying at 9:30 am Candy Selby, WAA coordinator from and the ceremony at 11:30 am. Sarasota Military Academy. “Our Bay Pines cemetery: Wreaths laid school gets very involved and we get early on Dec. 13. Ceremony at 11 a.m. the word out in any way we can to get Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/ sponsors for the remembrance wreaths. BayPines for more. Our cadets will be a part of the cerOther sites for ceremonies and emony and our Pipe Band will play.” wreath-laying: Collier County Freedom As individuals and groups from the Memorial, Naples; Fort Myers Memocommunity lay wreaths together, they rial Gardens, Fort Myers; Highland will be fulfilling one of the missions Memorial Park, Ocala; Lemon of WAA, which is to teach the younger generations to remember fallen soldiers Bay Cemetery, Englewood; Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg; Veterans and learn the meaning of why men Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa. and women fight for our country. John Rosentrater, Director of For national level information Sarasota National Cemetery, says, or to find other cemeteries, go to “This is a tremendous opportunity for www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 11

For Health and Fun: Game On! BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

Saveyour your energy Save energy and focus on the and focus things on thein life. important

important things in life. Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how When participate in our free Home Energy Audit, to save onyou energy costs. one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify where in youour canfree saveHome valuable energy.Audit, When you areas participate Energy

one You’ll of ouralso energy analysts will visit your home and learn about our other energy-saving programs identify areas where you can save valuable including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more.energy.

Visit tampaelectric.com/save schedule your free You’ll also learn about our othertoenergy-saving programs Home Energy Audit today or call 813-275-3909. including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more. Stop at our table on January 23 at the Florida State

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Stop at 23 15 at the Florida State and at our ourtable tableononJanuary January at the Museum Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 8:30 3 p.m. Bring and this Science Center (MOSI) from a.m. to 2this p.m.adBring receive free energy-saving kit, madekit, available through ad and a receive a free energy-saving made available Tampa Electric’s Energy Education Outreach program. through Tampa Electric’s Energy Education Outreach program.

s a child of the ‘80s, I can’t help but remember the thrill of playing an Atari for the first time on Christmas morning. In all honesty, it was probably more of a gift for my gadgetenthusiast dad than us kids. But we all watched in fascination as 8-bit projectiles bounced chaotically across the screen and the TV beeped and blipped. We played Pong for hours. Those of us who never really outgrew games know that they can be much more than just a momentary diversion. It’s a chance to make memories, friends (or bitter enemies!); a way to improve thinking, memory, vision and motor skills; and a vehicle for reintroducing an oft-neglected element into our lives: fun. For those who think it’s child’s play, gaming may be worth another look. Game Therapy Scientists have been slowly introducing gaming into treatments for everything from chronic pain or stroke to memory loss and depression, and they’ve seen some encouraging results. New Zealand resarchers developed a fantasy game called SPARX that prompts teenagers with depression to battle monsters that represent negative thoughts. Out of 168 kids, 44 percent completely recovered from their depression and two-thirds showed at least a 30 percent reduction in symptoms. “Personal Zen,” an app game designed by Tracy Dennis, a psychology professor at the University of New York, helps users manage anxiety when played regularly and can provide a moment of calm in a stressful situation. A 2009 study by the University of Rochester found that playing action

Get Your Game On The benefits of video games, computer games and apps abound, so don’t be afraid to indulge your inner child and put a few games on your list this year. If you’re feeling nostalgic, (and like FREE stuff), try these sources: The Internet Archive: This online digital public library just added 900 free arcade games to its collection, along with its already extensive collection of free music, movies and books. Pac Man? Galaga? Yes please! Just visit archive.org/details/internetarcade to play them right in your internet browser. Yahoo Games: Find other browser-based games of all varieties here, including puzzle, card and board games. Visit games.yahoo.com and search “free.” The App Store: If you have a tablet or a smartphone and an internet connection, you have access to a bunch of free app games. Just open your app store, search for “free” and try ‘em out.

This Month At Carrollwood Cultural Center

Carrollwood Cultural Center Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most books will be priced for $1. Proceeds will benefit tuition assistance at the Center. Admission is free.

“A Night At The Popera.” 4 p.m. The trio Klassika will present an evening of vocal harmony with wellknown Christmas/holiday songs such as “Silent Night” and more. $15 – $21.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 12

games like first-person shooters, (think “Call of Duty”) exercises gamers’ eyes, improves reaction time and increases their contrast sensitivity—making activities like driving at night easier. A 2013 University of Iowa study of 681 adults over 50 showed that playing brain-teasing games two hours a week can slow mental decline. And in a survey of 19 seniors age 74 to 93, Florida State University found that when subjects regularly play Wii games that rely on physical movement, 30 percent reported increased ability to balance and 37 percent reported increased flexibility. They also enjoyed extra social interaction with their peers.

Open House and Class Preview. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Attendees who

Art Makers & Cocktail Shakers. 6:30 p.m. Students will learn basic painting techniques in a classroom setting following the step-by-step direction of an art instructor. Cocktails for purchase. Admission: $38 – $42 includes materials and one beverage. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa. 813-269-1310.

December Events at Firehouse Cultural Center Daytime Matinees On Dec. 18 at 2 p.m., see short film The Harlot (2014) A black and white silent film with a dramatic spin on the story of Romeo and Juliet. Also playing is Poster Boys or: The Art of Mobile Recording (2013), a story about two musicians who fund their band on the road by selling posters.

Figure Drawing Group Every other Thurs., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Open to all (18 and up). $10 per session. Bring your own materials.

Family Concert at the Firehouse On Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m., chorus groups from schools in the South Shore area will perform. Enjoy carols, candy canes and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Free.

Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave. NE, Ruskin. 813-645-7651.

Holiday Parades

7525 N. Boulevard, Tampa, upriver to Sulphur Springs Park. Assembles at 5:30 p.m.; starts at 6. Price: free.

Santa Fest & Rough Riders’ Holiday Parade. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa. Crafts, entertainment, family fun, photos with Santa. Free admission. Best viewing along Madison Street. 813-274-8750.

Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade. The Tampa Sailing Squadron hosts this colorful parade at 6:30 p.m. with party, chili tasting and awards ceremony following at the clubhouse. Free admission. Call ahead if you plan to enter a boat. 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd., Ruskin. 813-841-7227.

Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade. The Friends of the River hold this annual parade with decorated kayaks, canoes and traditional craft. Departs from Lowry Park boat ramp,

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Medication Safety Tips For Cold and Flu Season

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uring cold and flu season, misuse of OTC medicine can be common because people may be treating multiple symptoms—especially people taking medicines for chronic pain. Every year, more than 126,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths in the U.S. are due to overdose or overuse of acetaminophen and NSAIDs, which are present in many prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen, an active ingredient in brands such as Tylenol® and NyQuil®, is safe when taken as recommended, but can lead to liver damage if taken in excess. NSAIDs—a class of painrelieving drugs that include brands such as Advil®, Motrin® and aspirin—can

cause stomach damage when overused. It is important that you read medicine labels and only take one product at a time that contains the same active ingredient, even if it is for different ailments. For example, if you take Tylenol® for a headache and at the same time take Theraflu® for a cold, you are actually doubling up on acetaminophen, which can be harmful. Do not drink alcohol when taking medicines, unless your doctor says it is okay. Some medicines may magnify the alcohol’s effect or make you sick when mixed with alcohol. Be careful when mixing medicines. Make sure your health care provider or pharmacist knows and approves of all the medicines you take (including OTC medication and herbal remedies). Certain drugs may interact with one another, making you sick or making the medicines less effective. Gut Check: Know Your Medicine, a campaign from the American Gastroenterological Association, educates consumers about medication safety. Learn more: GutCheckFacts.org. (NAPSI)

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Get Your Life Back with Stem Cell Therapy BY DAVID EBNER Staff Writer

hen you struggle to breathe it is impossible to live a normal life. Everyday activities become impossible feats when you suffer from lung disease. Jean H., a 71-yearold Houston, Texas native, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For Jean, every day was a battle to breathe. COPD is characterized by an inflammation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Most people suffering from COPD have trouble walking even short distances and are susceptible to lung infections. Jean can’t help but think about how her disease put her life on hold, “I got to where I couldn’t do little things like take a bath as often as I wanted to.” She researched options online and eventually sought stem cell treatment at the Lung Institute in Tampa, Fla., which has helped hundreds of people with lung disease. The Lung Institute is led by Dr. Burton Feinerman, who has been

developing stem cell therapy protocols for decades, and considered an expert in the field of regenerative medicine. Jean received autologous stem cell therapy, meaning her stem cells were extracted from her own body and then reintroduced back into her system. Because the stem cells are her own, there is no risk of rejection and the outpatient, minimally invasive procedure is considered safe.

“...after that couple of days I’m really good…before I can get home I am another person. I can help even carry the luggage...” Jean felt the effects of her treatment quickly, “after that couple of days I’m really good…before I can get home I am another person. I can help even carry the luggage.” She added that after treatment she “can do just about everything I need to do…I can keep my house clean…which is a big issue with me. I can get out in the yard and do a little bit of gardening.”

Give The Greatest Gift This Holiday Season

More and more people are choosing to purchase their funeral arrangements and cemetery property in advance of need. By doing so, they are providing a true gift of love to their surviving family members. Pre-arranging in advance protects the entire family from uncertainty and the stress of making these decisions when a death occurs. Although your need may be years, even decades, in the future, planning now will allow you to make your own choices while keeping cost as low as possible by purchasing at today’s prices. Call today to schedule a no-obligation pre-planning consultation with a pre-planning Advisor who will walk you through all your options concerning your final arrangements. Hillsboro Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home 2323 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 813-689-8121 • www.hillsboromemorial.com Stowers Funeral Home 401 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 813-689-1211 • www.stowersfh.com

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 16

Stem cells migrate to sites of tissue injury within the body and facilitate tissue repair.

When Jean was asked what she would say to someone thinking about treatment at the Lung Institute, she said, “I would recommend them to anybody. The doctor is great and the staff is good. It’s just wonderful here.”

If you or someone you love is suffering from the life-altering symptoms of lung disease, stem cell therapy could help. For more information about the Lung Institute and to view Jean’s testimonial video, visit LungInstitute.com/Jean or call 855-313-1150.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 17

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Blood Pressure Breakthrough W hat if there were safer, more effective ways to treat high blood pressure? New research by scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) and the Ottawa Heart Institute has uncovered that the brain uses an unusual steroid to control blood pressure. For decades, researchers have known that the brain controls how peripheral arteries constrict and relax by sending electrical impulses through the sympathetic nervous system. When arteries constrict, blood pressure goes up. This system is essential for daily life, but is often chronically overactive in patients with high blood pressure and heart failure. In fact, many drugs that help with hypertension and heart failure work by decreasing activity in the sympathetic nervous system. However, these drugs often have serious side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness and erectile dysfunction. “These drawbacks have led to the search for novel ways to inhibit the sympathetic nervous system while causing fewer problems for hypertension and heart failure patients,” says

Dr. Frans Leenen, director of hypertension at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and a principal author of the study. Working with an animal model of hypertension, Dr. Hamlyn and Dr. Mordecai Blaustein, professor of physiology and medicine at the UM SOM, and their research partner, Dr. Leenen, found a new link between the brain and increased blood pressure, namely, a little-known steroid called ouabain (pronounced WAH-bane). Ouabain was discovered in human blood more than 20 years ago. They recently found that ouabain makes arteries more sensitive to sympathetic stimulation, and as a result the enhanced artery constriction promotes chronic hypertension. This could mean that medications that block ouabain’s effects might improve the lives of people with hypertension and heart failure without the debilitating side effects of current medications. “It opens a new and exciting way for us to work on innovative treatment approaches that could one day help patients,” says Dr. Hamlyn. (From Newswire and University of Maryland Medical Center)

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Relationship Reality Check: 10 Questions that Can Transform Your Love Life BY DR. JACQUELINE DEL ROSARIO

elationships often collapse because couples are not prepared to withstand the inevitable conflicts or even the humdrum and monotonous plateau period that’s nearly certain to present as the years go by. When couples do not understand these are anticipated and natural events in the course of a relationship, they may start looking for the exit door thinking that they have made a grievous mistake. But many people don’t realize the extent that their relational health and happiness is under their control, aided by one’s ability to self-assess and foster quality communication with their partner. These ten self-assessment questions can help both partners reach their “happily ever after”: 1. Am I putting my best face forward? People dress up in their best clothes and put on makeup for the outside world. Do you put forth the same effort to impress and excite your mate? 2. Am I still growing? You must come to a relationship willing to continuously improve who you are so that your relationship can continue to

evolve. Continue to date and experience new things as a couple.

aside and experience your current partner on their own merits and actions.

3. Am I continuing to invest the time and effort to maintain a strong foundation? Are you keeping passion alive in the bedroom, or are you relegated to business as usual? Break the routine here and watch the magic ensue.

8. Do I stop, look and listen? Take the time to listen to and validate your mate. Keep the channels of communication open—chatter about the day’s events, current events, family matters and similar, and pay attention to their concerns. It bonds the heart and abates the feeling of growing apart.

4. What are the anchors in my relationship? Why are you together in the first place? Identifying and nurturing similar values, goals and expectancies in your relationship are fundamental and will help you endure the tough times.

5. How can I help improve our communication style? It is essential to learn how each party in the partnership prefers to communicate and make an effort to deliver and receive messages from your mate according to their personal style, which may differ from yours. And, during an argument, always fight fair and with respect—no name calling, no degrading one another. 6. What unmet expectations do we each have that need to be addressed? Unmet expectations are often not shared and, instead, they can fester and result

in resentment and bitterness. It’s unfair of you to feel that your partner “should know” or be able to decipher passive aggressive cues that something is wrong. Be honest with what you need from your partner for a real chance that those needs will be met, or even exceeded. 7. What emotional triggers might be adversely affecting my current relationship? Past traumas can hinder the way we respond to or perceive present issues. Were you lied to or cheated on in the past? It doesn’t mean you cannot trust your current mate. Put old baggage

9. Do I allow outside interference? Your partner may be angry to find out that others are involved in your private life. Instead, go directly to your partner to resolve relationship problems. However, if things are seemingly out of both of your control, seek professional assistance from marriage counselors. 10. Do I have a maintenance plan? Are you still doing what you did to get your mate? Take the time to assess your virtues and ask your mate to cite favorite qualities about you. Then, make a concerted effort to foster these qualities to ensure interest remains. Jacqueline Del Rosario is an author, speaker and certified marital counselor. www.DrJacquie.com.

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Do-It-Yourself Relaxation:

Ways to De-Stress

ith the added pressure of shopping, travel and family gatherings, stress and the holidays often go hand in hand. But if stress is left unmanaged, it can do much more than dampen your spirits. Accumulated stress can lead to physical and psychological illnesses including depression, overeating, sleeplessness and irritability. While it is impossible to avoid stress completely, it is possible to manage it. Here are a few easy do-it-yourself treatments for instant stress relief:

your immediate surroundings. Escaping technology can be a very relaxing experience.

Health

5. Laugh. Going to a comedy show or watching a funny movie will help manage your stress. One study showed lower levels of the salivary endocrinological stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) in those who watched a humorous movie. Along with less stress, these subjects also reported a feeling of being uplifted and fulfilled.

1. Breathe. By taking deep, slow

breaths, your blood pressure and heart rate slow down, counteracting the effects of stress. Focusing on deep breathing allows you to relax and clear your mind, and it is often used in meditation. Practicing deep breathing has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

2. Work out or go for a walk.

This allows your body and mind to focus on something healthy. While physical activity distracts you from the cause of your stress, it also increases endorphins and decreases your levels of cortisol. Endorphins are natural “feel good” hormones that are released when you exercise.

3. Turn your phone off. Your smartphone allows you to access the rest of the world. By turning off your phone, you shut out external stress and allow yourself to focus on you and

4. Listen to music. Music can

influence certain moods or thoughts. A study has shown that patients in post surgery who listened to music had lower stress levels than those who did not. Another study shows that people from different cultural backgrounds prefer different types of music for pain and stress relief. Experiment to find the type of music that is most soothing for you.

6. Enjoy a hot bath. A nice

soak can help relieve muscle tension, lessen pain, promote blood circulation and calm the nervous system. Infuse water with soothing minerals and other products such as scented salts or oils for the added benefit of aromatherapy.

7. Aromatherapy. Certain

plant oils, such as lavender, have been found to relieve nervous tension or anxiety. Familiar scents may also bring back memories or thoughts associated with the smell. Aromatherapy is often used with massages, meditations and hot baths.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 20

8. Get a massage. In one study

in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, massage helped lessen stress and pain in patients with chronic pain. Another study in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing suggested that 15 minute massages helped reduce psychological stress. Massage lowers the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases serotonin and dopamine.

9. Avoid caffeine. Try to avoid

coffee, energy drinks and other heavily caffeinated beverages. Caffeine increases catecholamines and cortisol —both stress hormones—while also increasing dopamine for a quick “feel good” response that will wear off quickly and make you feel low. Drink green tea instead. Green tea lowers your blood pressure and is full of beneficial antioxidants.

Yoga is an excellent weight and stress management exercise that helps your balance and flexibility and strengthens your core.

13. Write down your thoughts.

Keeping a journal or diary allows you to express yourself, organize your thoughts and reflect on your choices. Your journal is also a place for you to let emotions out that you wouldn’t express otherwise. Write down your negative emotions so you can move on to positive ones.

14. Try a craft. Finding a hobby and keeping your hands busy can distract your mind from stress and let you express yourself in an artistic way. Studies have shown that participating in a craft enhances relaxation, especially for children and seniors. It is used quite often as a therapeutic healing method.

15. Stress relief with a pet. 10. Get proper sleep. After restful, Studies have shown that pet high-quality sleep or an undisturbed nap, one’s cortisol levels will decrease.

11. Use guided visualizations.

This technique of picturing a soothing environment or positive scenario can be used to help one relax, control stress and achieve certain goals.

12. Try meditation or yoga.

Meditation has been used for thousands of years as a way to focus thoughts or get in touch with one’s spiritual side. This inexpensive technique can release stress and help clear your mind. Pairing it with breathing exercises can further lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

therapy helps reduce anxiety and stress for many people. Having an animal around not only distracts one from worries, it also lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels.

Stress may be a necessary survival mechanism, but if left unmanaged, it can build up and cause psychological and physical harm. Because stress affects everyone differently, one treatment may be more effective for you than another. Explore and combine these relaxation techniques for a stress-free holiday season. Tips from LabDoor.com, a health and supplement resource.

How To Create Your Own Snow Globe W

hy buy a snow globe when you can create one that is meaningful to you instead? Capture a scene or memory in a fun and easy way; build one as a family holiday activity; or create a personalized gift with these do-it-yourself snow globe tips. Here’s what you’ll need:

G lobe with rubber base and plastic stand (or a jar with a lid) Sandpaper Epoxy Ceramic or plastic ornaments Distilled water Liquid glycerin Glitter

1. Look for a 7- or 8-inch globe terrarium that includes a rubber base and plastic stand at floral shops or online. Alternatively, you can use a glass jar with a lid: a pickle jar or large mason jar is a good candidate. 2. Use epoxy to attach ceramic or plastic ornaments and figurines to the rubber base, which also serves as the lid. Non-metal figurines and landscape pieces from model train sets work well.

If you’re using a standard jar, make sure to sand the inside of the lid with a piece of sandpaper until it is rough— this will give the epoxy more purchase and keep your figurines from floating away. Let the epoxy dry completely. 3. Fill the globe or jar with distilled water to just below the opening; add about 1 tablespoon of liquid glycerin (found in drug stores) to thicken the water.

4. Sprinkle with glitter. 5. Working over a sink, slowly invert the decorated portion of the rubber base into the water; stretch the seal of the rubber base over the lip of the globe. Then attach the plastic stand. If you’re using a standard jar, invert the decorated lid over the jar opening, lower it in gently and screw it on tightly. 6. Turn your homemade snow globe upright and enjoy the show! Stand the snow globe in a silver wine bottle coaster for extra glitz. Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 21

Enjoy a Simple, Old Fashioned Colonial Williamsburg Visit BY JANICE DOYLE

f simpler times and homespun goodness appeal to you, it’s time to plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. With over a million visitors a year—many of them school groups—the entire month of December is a good time for a surprisingly uncrowded visit. Located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg is the nation’s largest living history museum, made up of 500 restored and reconstructed historic buildings spread across 301 acres of land and staffed with 3,500 archeologists, researchers, historians and historical interpreters. It provides a snapshot of lives in the time leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Brown Bess muskets and set off a historic cannon. It’s followed by the community tree lighting.

What to expect A man makes shoes in the cobbler shop and talks about Thomas Jefferson’s writings. The girl working in the ladies wear shop explains how the dress she is making is put together to allow for size changes. A dissident speaks his mind after a boring sermon at Bruton Parish Church.

Travel There are tree-lined streets, authentically built homes, trade shops, dining taverns and exhibition buildings. Find stages where storytellers, musicians and craftsman entertain. Oh, and clear the way for the Fifes and Drums parade. The group is a 98-person troupe of period-dressed, music-making 10- to 18-year-olds, ongoing for over 50 years. They perform year round. No month is so special for a visit as December when the schedule is full of holiday teas and wassail parties, musical evenings, caroling, classic toy train and doll house exhibits. With more than 120 recitals and concerts on tap during the Candlelight Concert series, from 18th-century-style organ recitals to performances by choral groups from all over the country, you’re bound to find something to fit your taste. You’ll be sitting where famous patriots such as George Washington and Patrick Henry once sat. And if you’re there for Christmas Eve, at 5 p.m., there’s the special firing of the Christmas Guns, when re-enactors fire rounds from 18th-century

It may be difficult to comprehend their very proper English, but that’s the authenticity and attention to detail that makes Williamsburg such a special experience. Ask a modern question and you’ll find that the cobbler “hasn’t heard of shoe laces” or whatever. (But Bruton Parish Church in reality has over 2,000 members and five Sunday services.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 22

Williamsburg-style decorations Workers deck the halls and walls, the tables and trinkets within Williamsburg’s strict guidelines for authenticity to the times. No electric lights but rather 1,200 flickering candles glow in buildings where carolers sing wrapped in woolen cloaks and mufflers. I took one of the many guided tours to look specifically at the outdoor decorations, referred to in decorating circles now as “Colonial Williamsburg door decorations.” Our guide had lived in one of the houses in Colonial Williamsburg for ten years and commented personally on the annual job each resident has of creating house decorations within the strict guidelines. Everything used must be natural and obtainable during the colonial period, such as magnolia leaves, oranges, pomegranates, pinecones, holly, etc. Workshops are available for visitors.

Dining Candlelit dinners in one of the four Historic Dining Taverns take you back to the foods of the colonists. Expect such dishes as duck, ham, Welsh rarebit, Brunswick stew, peanut soup and game pie. And remember to come hungry. There’s no such thing as a light meal, but it’s worth it. It is interesting to note that state-of-the-art food service makes these meals possible from gigantic underground restaurant kitchens. Unbeknownst to most visitors as they stroll the grounds are the dozens of workers scurrying about in these facilities under their feet.

Where to stay Colonial Williamsburg has five hotels: The Williamsburg Lodge, the Williamsburg Inn (where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and other world leaders have stayed), the Colonial Houses (28 guest houses in the Historic Area), the Williamsburg Woodlands and the Governor’s Inn. Thousands of motel rooms are convenient in the area as well. Plan your visit or learn more at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.

Holiday Gift Guide

ind the perfect gift for the senior in your life. Here are a few ideas:

Pedego Bike This electric bike comes in a variety of styles, colors and miles per charge. Pedal it like a regular bike or twist the throttle and ride! $2,095 and up at pedegoelectricbikes.com T-fal OptiGrill This indoor grill fits on your countertop and features a cooking sensor that adapts to the thickness of your food. Just place the food on the grill and select your doneness preference—from rare to well-done—for six different programs including burgers, poultry, sandwiches, sausage, red meat and fish. Angled plates allow fat to drip into a dishwasher-safe drip tray. $179.99 at BedBathandBeyond.com Klogs Shoes for men and women that offer fashion, function and comfort. Maxum Polyurethane outsoles and Ultron Lite Polyurethane insoles provide instant comfort and eliminate a “break-in” period. Klogs also provide exceptional shock absorption and energy return for protection of the feet, legs and back during long hours of standing or walking. Avg. price: $45 and up. wowkomfort.com Cool Jams These pajamas and nightgowns are made from cottony lightweight fabrics that pull moisture away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it rapidly evaporates, providing relief for night sweats or hot flashes associated

with menopause. Cool-jams also has a collection of cooling bed sheets and pillowcases. $19 and up. cool-jams.com

Flip a Grip This easy-grip handle can be installed in your doorway or other areas of the home where mobility assistance is needed, but there is not enough space for a large grab bar. It folds out of the way when not needed and glows in the dark for night visibility. Starting at $39.99. flipagrip.com Sashi Socks These jazzy looking socks are breathable and cozy. Slip resistant grippers on the bottom add stability and traction. Available in regular and splittoe. Starts at $15/pair. sashionline.com Lively With this stylish and easy-to-use waterproof safety watch, 24/7 emergency response is just a single button push away. The watch also offers medication reminders, daily activity sharing, family messaging and a step counter. Monthly/annual subscriptions start at $27.95/mo. mylively.com The Tower No more bending down to power your devices and power your appliances. The Tower features four standard power outlets and two USB charging ports, allowing for the powering of up to six devices simultaneously. It also includes a holder for both phones and tablets, a cord management feature and surge protection. $99. theartofpower.com Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 23

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Florida Travel: Winter Festival Day Trips

tart a new holiday tradition with family and friends at these festivals: Gaylord Palms’ ICE and SNOW Stroll through a wintery wonderland of ice sculptures or go snow tubing. Family activities and more. Tickets: $15 to $44. Through Jan. 4 at Gaylord Palms Resort, 1-407-586-0000

Holidays At Disney Join Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party from 7 p.m. until midnight on select nights in the Magic Kingdom for treats, parades, ﬁreworks and family fun. Or see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at dusk at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On select nights, Epcot will also host is annual Candlelight Processional—a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Tickets/info: disneyworld.disney.go.com The Polar Express Experience and Holidays at SeaWorld Jump aboard The Polar Express Experience for a journey to the North Pole and get up close and personal with arctic wildlife. Through Dec. 31, SeaWorld, Orlando. Tickets $65 and up. One kid free per paid adult. seaworldparks.com Holidays at Busch Gardens Celebrate the spirit of the season with Christmas Town through Dec. 31. Tickets: $95 and up. seaworldparks.com Macy’s Holiday Parade and Grinchmas Enjoy the Macy’s parade daily; the “Grinchmas” live stage show; the all-new Holiday Village and concerts by Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios in Orlando through Jan. 4. $96 and up. universalorlando.com/holidays Bok Tower Gardens Enjoy festive events at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales through Jan. 4, including the 20th Anniversary Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, special carillon concerts, winter garden tours, workshops and more. Lake Wales. Tickets start at $12. boktowergardens.org

“ICE” at Gaylord Palms, Orlando

Winterville Enjoy Christmas characters, hot cider and cookies, caroling, gifts, crafts and a gingerbread house competition. 12 to 9:30 p.m., Dec. 6 and 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. Tickets/info: wintervillefestival.com Snowfest St. Petersburg’s North Straub Park transforms into an oasis of powdery snow with a toboggan slide, a climbing wall, “ice” skating, reindeer races and family activities. Kids can also see Santa in a parade and up close. Dec. 6. stpeteparksrec.org/snowfest.html Tavares Christmas Celebration Dec. 6, 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Wooten Park, Tavares. See Santa arrive by seaplane with ﬁreworks display. Kids activities, entertainment, food vendors, parade on Main Street at 5 p.m. Free. tavares.org

Holidays at Fishermen’s Village

Annual lighted boat parade Dec. 15 at dusk. Free admission/parking. Also enjoy a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Live music, dancing, family fun. Punta Gorda. fishville.com Lights In Bloom Sip on hot chocolate and munch on tasty treats while strolling through a million botanically-themed holiday lights. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 19 – 23; 26 – 29 at Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota. selby.org Light It Up Clearwater Beach Enjoy free fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve at Clearwater Beach. lightitupclearwater.com Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve Party from 1 to 3 p.m. with live music and treats. New Year’s celebration starts at 7 p.m. and culminates with the ball drop and fireworks from the pier. Free. Fort Myers Beach, 1031 Estero Blvd. fortmyers-sanibel.com Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 25

How I Pack My Family with Me

When I Travel

BY AKAISHA KADERLI

hen I began traveling the world 24 years ago, none of my family or friends understood why I chose this vagabond lifestyle. Other than my father, who wished he could have gone with me, most everyone else wanted a stay-in-one-place manner of living that focused on barbeques, Super Bowl parties, pets and gardens. I, on the other hand, wanted to visit exotic cultures, dream down dusty trails and witness firsthand the wild variety that is humanity round the world. Initially on my journeys, especially since we began them long before internet, Skype or Magic Jack, there was this seeming disconnect. I was “long distance” and everyone else was together “back home.”

Kaderli: “This shawl is a favored gift!”

Retirement Living Real Time Communication

These days, things are different. Billy and I normally travel a year between our visits to the States to see our loved ones. That’s a long time and lots of celebrations between seeing our family and friends face to face. To bridge that distance in time, I call their homes several times a month using Skype and video. In this way, no one forgets what I look like, including my grandniece and nephew. I watch as the decorations in their homes change, their gardens grow—and I’m there singing “Happy Birthday” or shouting Merry Christmas or Happy Anniversary as the pages on my calendar turn over.

there could relate to the perspective I had been nurturing for decades in my world travels. The U.S. is a developed nation so there were no donkeys in the streets, no indigenous walking the neighborhoods with their hair wrapped in hand-woven textiles selling their wares. And there were no food carts where I could purchase fresh fruit or grilled shrimp on a whim. So I gathered about 300 photos of my wanderings, put them on a chip and purchased digital photo frames to display them. My family was amazed—or maybe speechless is a better word.

Not everyone enjoys writing letters, emails or sending postcards. However, every person I know likes to receive them. Since I am a writer—and always have been since I was a grade school child wishing I could find a pen pal—I have taken this responsibility on. And, it is one of the ways I keep in touch. Any chance I get, I write an email and tell a story about my life, and of course, I ask about theirs. Or I send a postcard giving a full-and-in-color snapshot of where I have been.

“Our trusty packs were a Christmas Present.”

Digital Diary

When I visited the States a couple of years ago, I realized that no one

Not Everyone Writes

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 26

Gifts

Since I carry everything with me when I travel, in the old days, my family was initially stumped as to what to give me for gifts. Before I carry anything around the world with me, I must consider it in terms of value versus its weight and the room it takes. Today, digital downloads for music or

reading material delight me because I can carry them online instead of packing the heavy book or CD plus case in my rucksack. I have also been gifted great walking shoes, washable and lightweight clothing, scarves, a beach wrap, earrings, socks and even nail polish. When I dress myself in the mornings I have all these reminders of the love we share and I take them with me into my lifestyle of skipping from one country to the next. While nothing replaces being there in person for each occasion, I am psychologically built to enjoy my life of movement. My friends and family are constructed for a lifestyle that I would find constricting. So by wearing and using these gifts, I am able to carry my loved ones with me everywhere. After all, there is no distance in the heart. Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are retirement experts and authors of “The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible.”

Discover Florence, SC

T he Flor ida Orchest r a

Tickets on Sale Now! Coffee Concert Series lorence, South Carolina is the place to stop when driving I-95. But look further—Florence has become a southern belle of a city offering quality hotels, shopping and fine restaurants. Downtown Florence offers a little bit of something for everyone. The newly renovated Hotel Florence, located in the historic district, offers guests a unique boutique experience with an uptown flair. Enjoy a night of delicious cocktails and tapas or a beautiful steak dinner at the hotel’s elegant Victor’s Bistro. After dinner, stroll down the street to the Florence Little theater and FMU Performing Arts Center for some top-notch entertainment.

Not far from the theater, you can discover Dolce Vita Chocolate and Wine Tasting room. Their high-tech dispensers allow guests to try several wines and enjoy delicious desserts. After a restful night, start the morning at the Clay Pot Coffee Shop, a local meeting spot for young and old to catch up with each other. Enjoy homemade breakfast and lunches with local freshfrom-the-farm ingredients. Be sure to get a couple of cookies before you leave. Plan on staying a little longer next time you go through Florence off I-95. See what you can discover. Call the Florence CVB for vacation ideas at 1-800-325-9005 or visitflo.com.

Ruth Eckerd Hall 3-Concert Series Starts in January! LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Wed, Jan 7, 10 am RHAPSODY & ROMANCE Wed, Feb 11, 10 am 2015/2016 SNEAK PEEK Wed, Apr 8, 10 am

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Upc om ing Concert s Raymond James Pops

‘Tis The Season For Holiday Classics At Tampa Theatre! E

njoy holiday favorites at Tampa Theatre this month with family and friends, and sing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.

Holiday Inn (1942) 3 p.m. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire play song-and-dance men Jim Hardy and Ted Hanover. When dancer Lila Dixon (Virginia Dale) leaves Jim for Ted, Jim leaves Broadway to run a little hotel that only opens on holidays. He hires Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) to perform there and, before long, the old friends begin competing for Linda’s affections.

White Christmas (1954) 3 p.m. Army buddies Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) become a top song-and-dance act after the war. Davis introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters, Betty and Judy (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen), who also have a musical act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow only to find

their former commander, General Waverly (Dean Jagger), is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General. – 21 It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20 and 21 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. When a lost bank deposit threatens George Bailey’s (James Stewart) family’s company on Christmas Eve, George contemplates suicide. But his faith is restored when an angel shows him what life would have been like if he had never existed. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 3 p.m. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is preparing for their family Christmas when obnoxious relative Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) crashes the party. Tickets for the series are $10 for adults and $8 for children and Tampa Theatre Members at the Box Office or online at TampaTheatre.org ($2 convenience fee applies). Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8981.

The beautiful Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library is about two blocks from the Florence Hotel and Florence Little Theater.

The Florida Orchestra and Tony-award winning conductor Stuart Malina take the live concert experience to new levels of comfort, intimacy, and fun. In addition to complimentary coffee and doughnuts, enjoy the Pre-Concert Conversation one hour before curtain time, as well as lively commentary about the music during the concerts.

Home for the Holidays

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holiday season with everyone’s favorite Christmas carols and yuletide tunes…all with the 150 voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Jeff Tyzik conducts.

Fri, Dec 12, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 13, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee Added Sat, Dec 13, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sun, Dec 14, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Raymond James Pops

New Year’s

from Vienna to New York

Welcome the New Year with celebratory sounds from both Vienna and Broadway, including spirited polkas, marches and waltzes and hits from Broadway and the American songbook. Featuring soprano Lauren Snouffer, Damon Gupton conducts.

Fri, Jan 9, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Jan 10, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Jan 11, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

We Play the Bay!

727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286 www.FloridaOrchestr a.org T a m pa , S t. P e t e & C l e a rwa t e r TFO-Lifestyles-December.indd 1

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 12:36:36 • page 11/12/2014 PM 27

TFO: Great Classics, Holiday Pops, a New Holiday CD and More! BY HENRY ADAMS

uring December, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has a wonderful mix of classical favorites at both the Masterworks and the morning Coffee concerts, along with its annual Christmas pops, “Home for the Holidays,” with everyone’s favorite carols and Yuletide tunes. The orchestra also offers some great stocking stuffers, which include tickets to specific concerts, gift certificates to redeem for the concerts of one’s choice and the orchestra’s new CD “Holiday Pops Live!” with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the last of which is only $10. At the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concert, TFO Principal Horn Robert Rearden is the soloist in Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 2. TFO Principal Guest Conductor Stuart Malina leads the orchestra in this program that includes Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” Concerts are Dec. 5, 6 and 7 in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater. Enjoy complimentary coffee and

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doughnuts at the next Coffee Concert with Stuart Malina leading The Florida Orchestra in a program called “Symphony a la Carte.” Vote for works you wish to hear from a selection by Brahms, Dvorak, Pachelbel, Mozart, Grieg and Bizet, among others. The conductor talks to the audience about the music and the composers during the performance, which is Thurs., Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Mahaffey Theater. At the Raymond James Pops annual holiday concert, The Florida Orchestra teams up with 150 voices of The Master Chorale for such festive carols as Winter Wonderland, Carol of the Bells and Deck the Halls, along with a Chanukah Suite, Twas the Night Before Christmas and more. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik leads three evening concerts on Dec. 12, 13 and 14 in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee on Sat. in St. Pete. Concert tickets, holiday gift certificates and the new “Holiday Pops Live!” CD are all available at floridaorchestra.org or by calling 1-800-662-7286.

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Rabies…Don’t Let Your Guard Down BY DR. BOB ENCINOSA

abies is one of those diseases that always lurks just below the radar— out of sight and out of mind most of the time. However, the recent rabies alert in Pinellas County should be a reminder that this disease is always there, and always a threat to our pets, families and friends. Rabies is the reason that local animal control agencies were formed, and strict rabies control laws have made the disease an uncommon occurrence. However uncommon, once the symptoms of rabies become apparent, there is little that can be done to save animal or man. The disease is essentially 100 percent fatal.

Caring For Your Pet As wildlife becomes more tolerant of civilization, and in some cases, even lured by human activities, the threat of a rabies outbreak increases. In Florida, raccoons, foxes, bats and other wild animals are an ever-present threat and serve as a reservoir of the virus. More recently, the rapidly expanding coyote

population in Florida promises to play an increasing role in the spread of rabies. Rabies is also a reason that we have to be very careful when feral cat colonies are established. Even though many (hopefully most) cats released into feral colonies are vaccinated against rabies, these vaccines don’t last forever. Cats released into these colonies should be micro-chipped so they can be permanently identified and recaptured at appropriate intervals to be revaccinated against rabies. Unfortunately, this is rarely done. There is also the commonly held misconception that a cat vaccinated with a three-year rabies vaccination is protected for three years. In reality, these cats must first be vaccinated against rabies, and then revaccinated with a three-year rabies vaccine one year later to provide three years of protection. This is almost never done.

Now, combine that with the fact that feeding cats in these colonies also draws in raccoons, foxes and other cats that could be carrying rabies and you have the makings of a potential nightmare. Rabies vaccines, when done correctly, are virtually 100 percent effective at preventing the spread of rabies. The key is they must be administered correctly. Whenever a person is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, and if the animal can be captured, tested immediately and tests negative for rabies, then the post-exposure series of inoculations for the person bitten can be avoided. If the animal cannot be captured and tested, or tests positive for rabies, the bitten person must receive the inoculations. Fortunately, these inoculations are not as scary as they used to be. Five intramuscular injections (no longer in the abdomen) are virtually 100 percent effective at preventing the development of rabies. So…just be careful and aware of the risk.

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or call 1-800-771-2255 Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 29

In Search of the Alabama Judge BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorney

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• Free, no obligation consultation. • Single will $150 • Husband and wife wills $200 Costs, if any, extra The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about his qualifications and experience.

nderstandably, I am proud that my great-great-great grandfather, Judge John Jackson Harper, founded the town of Auburn, Alabama and also that he played a large role in starting the college which eventually became Auburn University. But what holds special interest for me is the fact that Judge Harper served as the Circuit Judge for Harris County, Georgia and finally for Lee County, Alabama until his death in 1847.

The Law And You So I jumped at the chance recently to visit the town of Auburn and the Auburn University Archives. Among the many details my research revealed was that while Creek Indians had long occupied the wilderness comprising Lee County, Alabama, the town of Auburn itself was founded in the winter of 1836 when Judge Harper set out with this family and other settlers from

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their home state of Georgia to build a colony on the Alabama frontier. I was surprised to learn that a young girl named Lizzie Swepson, the future wife of Judge Harper’s son, my greatgreat uncle, Thomas Harper, gave Auburn its fitting moniker. Inspired by a poem popular at the time titled “The Loveliest Village,” Lizzie suggested naming the settlement Auburn from a line from the poem that reads “Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain.” I was able to verify that Judge Harper was instrumental in establishing Auburn University because he answered the call by donating twelve acres of land upon which the first class rooms were built for students of the fledgling East Alabama Male College that we now know as Auburn University. Although I suppose I should have anticipated this as I was vaguely aware that Judge Harper was a large landowner, it was still shocking to read the details of his probate record. In addition to assets like land and personal items that one would expect to see in a typical probate file, I was saddened to see a

chattel inventory listing the first names of 68 slaves with a monetary value assigned to each name. From today’s perspective, it is difficult to imagine the ethical system that could justify slavery. For historical accuracy this horrible injustice should be acknowledged, but it must also be viewed in historical context. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of my visit to Auburn was learning that my great-great-great grandfather was buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, almost in the shadow of Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare football stadium, and actually being able to visit the grave. In 2009 the Auburn Heritage Association erected a historical marker next to the grave which, among other things, noted that Judge Harper donated the land for the cemetery, which served as Auburn’s first cemetery. Mr. Mumbauer, a 5th generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning and takes special pride in representing the senior community.

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Rose (Au Yeung) Honor, Acupuncture Physician, (DOM) Doctor of Oriental Medicine, studied Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and obtained a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelors of Professional Health Sciences at East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, Florida. NCCAOM member. She uses Acupuncture, Nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, cupping, E-Stim (Electrical stimulation with Acupuncture), supplements, herbs, homeopathics, Energy medicine, NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) as well as other natural therapies to balance body, mind, and spirit. Specializes in: Hormone balancing, PMS, Menopausal symptoms, stress reduction, pain management, lower back, neck, foot and shoulder pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, digestion, gout, tinnitus, detoxification, weight management, and nutritional guidance.

Join us for this Informative and FREE Seminar on Acupuncture - Successful Treatment of Allergies, Anxiety, Digestive, Hormones, Gout, Body Pain, Sciatica, Stress, Nutritional Deficiencies, etc. At Savannah Court of Brandon Thursday, Dec. 18th at 11:30am – 1:00pm. A FREE light lunch will be served! RSVP with Jan. Assisted Living, Respite, Day Service Savannah Court of Brandon Assisted Living Residence 824 N. Parsons Avenue Brandon, FL 33510

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 30

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Make Your Home Smarter W ith apps that offer comfort, convenience and security, homeowners are getting more out of their smartphones to make their homes better, smarter places to live. These handheld, portable gadgets allow users to do everything from setting the thermostat to ensuring the garage door is closed. The best part is all of these helpful functions can be performed away from home, so homeowners can keep an eye on things even while out of town. Here is a guide to new technologies that exist to make homes smarter than ever before:

Housing Staying Cozy Special apps like those offered by Nest allow you to control the temperature settings on your thermostat from your smartphone or tablet, so your home’s temperature will be just the way you like it when you arrive. This also allows you to regulate the temperature while the home is unoccupied, which can mean savings on energy bills. Nest technology can also send smoke and CO alerts to your rmobile device. nest.com Letting the Sunlight In Hunter Douglas is one company that offers motorized window shades that you can control remotely from compatible Apple devices like iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with their Platinum App. You can even set your blinds to raise or lower automatically on a schedule so you can wake up to natural light every morning. It’s not cheap, but other window treatment companies are starting to catch on. hunterdouglas.com Remote TV Apps Have you ever misplaced your TV’s remote control? Do you forget to record your favorite television shows before leaving the house? Both of these problems can be solved with your phone. By downloading an app to connect to your smart TV, you can instantly turn your phone into a remote control. This allows you to schedule recordings from anywhere. You can find remote apps for Apple TV, Samsung, Panasonic, LG TV, Sony, Philips and Google TV in your iPhone’s app store or on iTunes: apple.com/itunes. Or learn more with this helpful guide from iGeeksBlog: geeksblog.com/turn-iphoneinto-remote-control-for-smart-tv Smart Appliances Smart appliances like the ones produced by GE (geappliances.com/connectedhome-smart-appliances); Samsung

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(samsung.com/us/showcase/smart-homeappliance-washer-dryer-and-refrigerators); LG (lg.com/us/appliances) and Whirlpool (whirlpool.com) link up to your mobile devices for remote control. Cooks can now save time with apps that allow them to preheat, monitor food as it cooks and turn off the oven all from their phone. Refrigerators can help you make grocery lists or find recipes based on what your fridge has in stock. Other apps allow homeowners to check laundry cycles and receive alerts when their clothes are clean and dry. Home Security Are you afraid you left the garage door open as you left for work this morning? The handy MQ Garage app sends automatic notifications to your smartphone when the door opens or closes, so you won’t have to go back home to check. It works with most garage door openers and uses your home’s existing wi-fi, allowing you to open your garage door from anywhere. chamberlain.com There are also a wide range of video monitoring services that you can set up at home with a smart device and a few webcams. Check out (cloudcam. com); (dropcam.com/product); (homemonitor.me/apps); (presencepro.com) it’s free; or (icamspy.com) for ideas. Lights Lighting systems like the Philips EnvisionTouch (lighting.philips.com) or Hue (www2.meethue.com/en-US) give you the ability to access your home’s lights via mobile device, set schedules and turn them on and off remotely. Miscellaneous The DLink Wi-Fi Smart Plug gets honorable mention for being versatile and affordable. This device lets you connect a single outlet to a mobile device, allowing you to remotely turn on or off whatever you plug into it. It also includes ways to set up schedules and monitor energy use, as well as a thermal sensor that automatically turns the outlet off should it overheat. us.dlink.com/products/ connected-home/wi-fi-smart-plug (Family Features)

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Tech Talk: Sparkup Magical Reader Giveaway!

elcome to this month’s Tech Talk column, where we cover the latest apps, gadgets and websites that make life a little easier. This month, we’re featuring a giveaway for the Sparkup Magical Book Reader. The Reader enables grandparents to create personalized audio recordings of any illustrated children’s book, so that their grandchildren can listen, read along and feel connected even when apart. The Reader can store up to 50 books at a time. Designed for children ages three through eight, the Reader attaches to the top of a book and records the user’s voice while tracking each page via its built-in camera. Afterwards, anytime the device is re-attached to that book, the camera recognizes its images and plays the appropriate recording for each page. Available on amazon.com or sparkupreader.com for $59.99.

We are offering the product FREE to one lucky winner in this month’s giveaway! Just email editor@ lifestylesafter50.com or snail mail us at:

Attn: Sparkup Reader News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

Send us your name, address and phone number by Dec 19. The drawing will be held on Dec. 20, and the winner will be contacted and announced in the January issue of Lifestyles After 50. Look for more giveaways in upcoming editions. Good luck!

Congratulations! To last month’s winner: Doreen Alfano of Thonotosassa, FL Who won a MedCenter System!

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 31

Active for Life BY AJÈE WELLS-EILAND, BS, NCCT/MMCI, NSCA-CPT

5 Things To Consider When Purchasing a Smartphone for Aging Adults BY SETH BAILEY, iTOK CEO

iven their shrinking availability, it’s almost impossible to purchase a non-smartphone these days. Finding the right one, however, can be overwhelming to a newcomer. Aging adults, especially, are likely to ask a family member for help. To make the decision easier, here are five things to consider when helping an older relative upgrade to a smartphone. 1. The Size and Shape of the Phone: Is it comfortable for the user to hold? Head to the store together to test different models. Try out accessories as well—a protective, no-slip case or lanyard will prevent damage to the phone.

2. Initial Costs and Monthly Budget: Determine how much can be spent on the phone and what an appropriate monthly bill might look like. Then research different carriers—some might offer a free smartphone with a new contract. You can also try adding a user to an existing family plan. Some carriers offer plans designed for seniors.

3. Ease of Personalization: Users have a better experience if it’s easy to customize what’s most important to them: adjusting font sizes, brightness and volume, changing ringtones, checking email and organizing apps, for example. Make sure the interface is user-friendly.

4. Long-Term Reliability/Continuity: Smartphones are expensive, so consider purchasing insurance that covers screen cracks, damage and loss. Try out and select an operating system (iPhone or Android, for example) that you are comfortable with. Make the choice carefully: it’s easier to stick with the same operating system for future upgrades.

5. Security and Privacy: Smart security measures can ensure identity protection and privacy. Virtually all smartphones require a password to unlock, and some phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6) include a fingerprint scanner for extra protection! The decision to switch to a smartphone is an exciting one, though it can feel a little intimidating. For more helpful information, visit www.iTOK.net.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 32

e are a nation that lives by clichés: “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched”; “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”; “age is nothing but a number”; and “you are only as old as you feel!” The truth is, growing old is a fact of life and old age has its pleasures. But if age equals feelings then embracing this change of maturity positively is a transition of personal empowerment. According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the greatest threat to your health is not the aging process, but inactivity. Becoming more physically active after midlife was shown to lower the risk of mental deterioration for such diseases as dementia. Although many seniors have a legitimate fear of losing their cognitive abilities, empowering them is challenging them to keep their mind sharp. We now know that the older mind is like the mind of a younger person. It responds to challenges and overload, it can change and grow, and it adapts throughout our entire life. Exercise enhances blood flow to the brain. Regular exercise decreases the risk of many disabilities, but when you don’t engage in physical activity you bear the consequences. Exercise is a critical factor when it comes to the aging process and mortality. You can’t live forever, but you can live well. Chronological age has less importance than your health and vigor, which keeps you young—it’s all up to you. You don’t have to be physically old when quality of life starts to deteriorate. The best way to ward off the rapid effects of aging is to exercise. It is always important to consult your physician before you start any workout regimen.

Take the Mental Health Fitness Challenge!

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. Learning does not stop with age; we must continue to expand, broaden and sharpen our minds. Actions speak louder than words.

1. For 30 minutes minimum, at least three times per week, engage in a Yoga class or dancing class such as Zumba or Swing. Option: Take an aquatic aerobics class or swim for 30 minutes two or three times a week for a positive effect on both the mind and body. 2. Outdoor exercise will improve your mood. For 30 minutes, ride, bike or jog by a body of water. 3. Eliminate bad stress: have fun with friends, go bowling or play board games.

4. Meditate: visualize mental images of daily activities you want to engage in, then practice focus breathing. For 10 to 15 seconds per breath, breathe slowly. Next, focus on a specific body part as you inhale and another body part when exhale. Repeat this process several times. 5. To keep the mind sharp, read one book per week, play a memory game, do some math or work a crossword puzzle. 6. Learn about other cultures.

Think young, act young, live young!

For information on Healthy Exercise Training, call 813-468-1096.

Reindeer Runs 13

Hillsborough River Half and Quarter Marathon. Both marathons will start and finish in Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. Highway 301 N., Thonotosassa. The course will feature a mix of pavement, canopied forest roads, riverbank single track, and fast, flat woods running. Includes T-shirt, awards, raffles and post-race buffet and drinks. Entry: $47 – $70. Starts 8:30 a.m. Register/info at 813-987-6771 and endeavorracing.com.

Let It Snow 5K. The non-competitive 5K run on the campus of Hillsborough Community College, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, will begin at 9 a.m. Bib and T-shirt pick-up will start at 7:30 a.m. Price: $25. All proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. Register/info at 813-832-2826 or http://active.com.

Pinellas 2015 Auditions: January 14, 2015 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Japanese Garden Mobile Estates 19709 US Highway 19 North Clearwater, FL 33764-1006 Info call: 727-329-2618 Pinellas Show: February 18, 2015 – 7:00 pm Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Drive Largo, FL 33779 Tickets: $8 individual/$7.50 groups of 10 or more Info call: 727-587-6751

Hillsborough 2015 Auditions: January 14, 2015 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Brandon Community Center 502 E Sadie St. Brandon, FL 33510 Info call: 813-684-6400, ext. 32114

Pasco 2015 Auditions: January 23, 2015 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm CARES Elfers Center 4136 Barker Drive New Port Richey, FL 34652 Info call: 727-326-1255

Hillsborough Show: February 21, 2015 – 3:00 pm Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578 Tickets: $6.00 Info call: 813-635-8179

Pasco Show: February 21, 2015 – 2:00 pm Center for the Arts, River Ridge High School 11646 Town Center Road New Port Richey, FL 34654 Tickets: $6

Participants must be at least 55 years young. Only solo & duet acts, no groups please. Please bring your own instruments and your own tape/cd or accompanist to the audition. A piano will be available. Audition on first-come first-serve basis. No Entry Fee to audition. Ten Acts will be chosen from the auditions to perform at the show!

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring, Pasco: 727-326-1255, Vicki Chansler, Hillsborough: 813-436-2296/813-436-2114 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton

A F T E R 50

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 33

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4119 – SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy & exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. 4416 COULD WE BE SOULMATES? R, NS, SD, W, C, F, NDrg, ISO W, C, M, 70’s, NS, SD, NDrg. Enjoy dance, travel, parks, Busch Gardens, church and the beach. Largo area. 4400 SLENDER, HEALTHY, ATTRACTIVE, ACTIVE lady seeks gentleman for friendship, dating, possible romance. Enjoy dining out, flea markets, concerts, togetherness, various activities. Age open. 4388 LITTLE BLONDE, GREEN EYES F, W, SOH, would like companion. Love animals. I am very fair with people and fun loving. Please write and have a great day. Holiday area. 4415 SLENDER, PETITE REDHEAD, HWP, Army brat, NE PA and KW native. Enjoy cooking, swimming, country music, classic rock, yard sales. FF. ISO M, 58 – 68 YY. Seminole/St. Pete. 4406 ANSWER TO YOUR LONELINESS Youthful Italian SWF, 67YY, SOH, NDrg, 5’2”, eye-catching blue eyes, HWP, size 10, NS, considerate, respectful, likes outdoors, walking, exercise, animals, music (50’s, classic country), sports, dancing, cuddling, togetherness, TLC. ISO healthy, youthful, truthful, country-ish SWM. Zephyrhills area.

4396 MEN SEEKING WOMEN SWM 6’2”, 190 lbs., 60 YO professional RN, active, athletic build, exercise daily, enjoy day trips, concerts, museums, flea markets, fine dining, etc. New to Tampa Bay, described as good looking and classic nice guy. ISO very slender same values/interests. 4411 ELLAN 69 OF PORT RICHEY, you answered my ad but forgot to leave contact number in letter. Please write to Ad # 4389 again and leave a number to call. 4412 LOOKING FOR COMPANION I am a white, single gentleman. I live in Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida. 84 YY, 5’8”, SOH, NS, SD. Like dancing, singing, playing cards and golf. Age open. 4413 MEN SEEKING WOMEN Christian Man Seeking Christian Lady. W/NS/ND/NDrg/R/FF/ SOH/WW seeking W/LTR. Lives in New Port Richey. 4391 RWM 73YY Enjoys some traveling, fishing, seashell collecting and relaxing by the pool. ISO WF, close in age, similar interests, cheerful and easygoing for FF. Brandon.

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

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Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

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Mark The Edition(s) You Would Like To Run Your Ad In: Hillsborough & Suncoast (Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion Counties Southwest/Charlotte (Fort Myers/Port Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

4421 ATTRACTIVE, IN SHAPE, 57YO Athletic build, good values, good listener, financially secure, conscientious and considerate. I enjoy travel, adventure, sports, movies, music and fun. ISO lady with similar interests. 4422 RWM 5’10’ YOUTHFUL 73 ISO slender lady, any age up to 70, to share enjoyment of art, music and adventure. Background unimportant, but kindness, warmth and sincerity are. Tampa area.

LOOKING FOR PEOPLE 4414 C, F, S, SEEKING FRIEND for senior adventure. Enjoy short bike trips, exploration, overnight or day trips, short hikes, state parks, outdoors, nature, lunch or whatever. Have Condo Kings Point. Female/Male OK.

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

TO PLACE AN AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the address listed below. Make any checks out to News Connection USA, Inc. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge. TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638,Seffner, FL 33584

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If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is conﬁdential.

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MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583 Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 34

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Why We Still Need Newspapers

t seems like everything’s going digital these days, but we wanted to share with you a quick laugh and a story about a man with a creative approach to social media: Borrow a paper? I was visiting my daughter last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper. “This is the 21st century,” she said. “We don’t waste money on newspapers. Here… use my iPad.” I can tell you this; that freaking fly never knew what hit him.

Going back to print People can love technology but still appreciate the tradition of printed material. To reach out to his tech-shy grandmother, a man in the UK developed Familygram, a service that allows users to submit stories and photos online and have a personal newspaper created and mailed to loved ones. It can be used monthly, or for special occasions, to commit the highlights of your life to paper for your family, friends and future generations to enjoy. To learn more, visit familigram.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 35

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 36

Word Search

Word Search December In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Answers From November

Gino Pulido is last month’s winner! Congratulations! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

Last Month’s Answers

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The first correct answers selected from the drawing on December 19 will win. Mystery Prize!

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December Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 19 will win. Good luck!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to:

M. A. Tucker is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 37

Free InFormatIon ServIce Lifestyles After 50

for information please return completed form to:

News Connection USA, Inc. • P.O. Box 638 • Seffner, FL 33584

Walgreens now offers the Zostavax vaccine for shingles at all of its locations!

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Entries will be collected by News Connection U.S.A. for future promotions, special offers, and marketing.

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P Joseph Howley— Congratulations! P Lifestyles After 50 • December 2014 • page 38

Nuts About Nutcrackers

Nutcracker Tea at Glazer Children’s Museum, Downtown Tampa. Enjoy tea service and finger foods. Dancers from the production teach children basic movements from the classic ballet. 11 a.m. $20. 813-443-3861. Glazermuseum.org.

and 14 “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Straz Center, Tampa. 175 dancers, gymnasts and guest artists perform in whimiscal costumes. $20.50 – $65.50. Info: 813-229-7827; strazcenter.org.

Holiday Humor

Three Stages here are three stages of man: He believes in Santa Claus; he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.

Denominations A woman goes to the post office and asks for 50 Hanukkah stamps. “What denomination?” asks the clerk. The woman says, “Six Orthodox, 12 Conservative, and 32 Reform.”

Santa Knows As we were putting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, I accidentally dropped one. “No problem,” I said, picking it up and dusting it off before placing it back on the plate. “You can’t do that,” argued my four-year-old. “Don’t worry. Santa will never know.” He shot me a look. “So he knows if I’ve been bad or good, but he doesn’t know the cookie fell on the floor?” The Shopping Criminal It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner, “What are you charged with?” “Doing my Christmas shopping

early,” replied the defendant. “That’s no offense,” said the judge. “How early were you doing this shopping?” “Before the store opened.”

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Resolutions A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Letter To Santa Dear Santa: This year, I’m requesting a fat bank account and a small body. P.S. Please don’t mix them up, like you did last year! Puns and More Q: What motorcycle does Santa ride? A: A Holly Davidson. Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? A: Fleece Navidad!

Q: What nationality is Santa Claus? A: North Polish.

Q: If Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus had a child, what would he be called? A: A subordinate claus.

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s can be seen, 6♣ (played from the North side) is down one in a hurry after East’s opening Spade lead. So South sensibly bid 6NT to “right-side” the contract, putting West on lead and protecting the ♠K. Against 6NT, West leads the ♥J. Can you make 12 tricks? Declarer can count only 11 top tricks and can be sure (from the bidding) that the ♦K and ♠A are both with West. Does that mean that 6NT is destined to fail? Actually, no, because Declarer can organize an end-play. Declarer wins the

opening Heart lead, cashes the other Heart winners and rattles off 7 Clubs. West’s last three cards will presumably be ♠A and ♦K5, and Declarer will come down to ♠K and ♦AQ. Now, West is thrown in with a Spade and must lead a Diamond, giving Declarer her 12th trick. That pretty ending is known as a Strip Squeeze. Post Script: West might have thwarted the squeeze by coming down to ♠AQ and ♦K, but an astute Declarer will suspect that West has the ♠Q for his opening bid and will play to drop the ♦K instead of trying the Spade throw-in. A more thoughtful West will bare the ♦K early in his discards, and will also pitch away the ♠Q and ♠J, coming down to the fiendishly devious ♠A6 and ♦K! Nobody would fault Declarer for now assuming that West started life with 5=3=5=0 distribution, and for misguessing the end-game as a result. Wicked defense, Mr West!

remember ou

pearl ha dec. 7 2014

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org /D9Clubsmap.htm. Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club: stpetebridge.org.

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