Sva tampa jan16 final

JANUARY 2016

TM

SINCE 1980 — VolUME 36 • NUMBER 1

Why Choose a Subspecialty Practice?

SWAP OUT SUGAR FOR BETTER HEALTH

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THE NEW MEANING OF ASSISTED LIVING

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IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER-SPONSORED PLAN

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The Eye Institute of West Florida has been guided by one vision in its 40-year history: to provide expert eye care for any eye disease with the focus always being on the patient. As one of Tampa Bay’s first ophthalmic surgeons, Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, F.A.C.S. founded The Eye Institute of West Florida with this vision in mind. What began as a practice with one cataract surgeon has expanded to a subspecialty ophthalmic practice with nine fellowship-trained specialty ophthalmologists, three general ophthalmologists, five optometrists and a cataract and refractive cataract surgery fellow. The practice has four locations across the Tampa Bay area in Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and South Tampa.

Each time a physician or employee joins The Eye Institute they are first made aware of the vision that began in 1974 and holds true today. But how does that vision set The Eye Institute of West Florida apart from any other eye doctor?

“Our physicians are accomplished ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in all major areas of ophthalmology,” Dr. Weinstock says. The Eye Institute has a specialist for all of the different ocular conditions, including cataracts; refractive treatments, such as LASIK or a Clear Lens Exchange; glaucoma; retinal diseases, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy; and oculoplastic procedures, such as blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. Each specialist is an ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) who has completed additional fellowship training for surgery related to a specific ocular disease or condition, making them an expert in that area of ophthalmology.

“This is different from the general ophthalmologist, who has to try to diagnose and treat every eye disease until it gets to where he or she has to refer patients to a practice like ours,” Dr. Weinstock explains. Rather than seeing a general ophthalmologist and being referred to a specialist at a different practice, The Eye Institute of West Florida offers all services in one place.

“When a new patient comes in, the examining physician will quickly determine why it is he or she can’t see the way they like. If it’s just a simple matter of prescribing glasses [or contacts], we c a n See EYES, Page 13

Know How to

Protect Your Income

By Eric W. Olsen

Picture a poor man burning a barrel of money. Fearfully, he fans the flames that take the last of his savings. While this image may seem unlikely, for many Florida seniors, the metaphor is their reality.

“It is increasingly common for older Americans to carry debts into their retirement years, and consumers living on fixed incomes often struggle to pay off these debts,” said Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray, in a report issued by the CFPB in November 2014. The CFPB also reported debt collection was the top complaint for older Americans, many of whom said they struggled with debt in retirement.

As Cordray indicated, seniors are often ill-equipped to afford debt repayment. A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute found that more than 51 percent of senior Floridians were “economically vulnerable.” The Institute, a Washington D.C. think tank, defined economically vulnerable as living within 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Laws do exist to protect economically vulnerable seniors from wasting desperately needed funds on repayment of old debts. Frequently, however, seniors do not realize their most typical forms of income—social security, pensions, personal retirement, disability, VA benefits and even minimal income from a job (up to 950 dollars per month)—are protected from collection by federal law.

This information is especially important for lower See INCOME, Page 23

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

resolutions

Realistic Expectations

As every New Year comes into view, we make our list of resolutions to enhance and improve our life.

This year it will be different: Finally, we will stop a bad habit, be more active and involved, take up a new hobby, sign up for a class or cross something off our bucket lists. Yet within a month or so, all the good intentions have dissipated into the vapors, and, in reality, not much changes.

Sometimes our goals are just too lofty or unobtainable at this time, for whatever reason. Chances are that a person in the winter of their years, setting a goal of a 30-year-old will limit the outcome. Truth is that most of us are a much younger person “in our head” than our actual years. While we shouldn’t let age be a barrier to our intentions, we need to set realistic goals that consider any limitations we might have. For example, someone that depends on a walker to navigate and signs up for a five-mile run would be setting themselves up for disappointment.

We do however, have the chance and ability every day to find something that brings us fulfillment. On any given day, we can decide to walk around the block, eat sensibly, or cross something off the to-do list. A day at a time will bring success, where as lofty goals quickly fall by the wayside, along with our self-esteem.

Somehow it seems easier to tackle little issues, like not picking up that cigarette or piece of pie just for today. Today is all that really matters. That’s why its called the present. Tomorrow we can start anew with a clean slate, choosing to do the same thing again, a day at a time. In this way we find a sense of accomplishment in small, undefeated ways until it becomes obsolete. It is said that it takes 30 days to break or change a habit, so, if that’s the case, in a month’s time, you’ll be looking for something else to improve on.

The trick is to set a reachable bar within our capabilities that doesn’t limit our ability to keep on keeping on. And it is certainly better than not making any improvements in our life at all.

So, let’s look at it this way: There is the possibility that in the next year, we have the ability to make and keep 12 changes in our life for happiness and wellbeing.

By Carolyn Shockey

Interesting Resolutions Numbers

Most Common Top Five Resolutions: 1 - Lose Weight 2 - Getting Organized 3 - Spend Less, Save More 4 - Staying Fit and Healthy 5 - Quit Smoking

Did You Know?

About 45% of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions.

Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution is 8%.

People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions Age Success Rates Percent of people in their twenties who achieve their resolution each year 39% Percent of people over 50 who achieve their resolution each year 14%

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

Page 3

Health Roundup

How to Keep Fit and Healthy on the Road Even the most disciplined exercisers face fitness hurdles when traveling: from varied schedules to unhealthy foods to the lack of fitness equipment. Nonetheless, experts indicate that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is absolutely possible while traveling.

“The key to successfully traveling and maintaining the familiarities of home is recognizing potholes and working to avoid them. Whether a consistent is upholding a conservative bedtime, writing, reading, fitness or healthy eating, you can actually return from your next trip with more discipline than when you left,” said Tom Seddon, chief marketing officer of Extended Stay America.

No matter where your travel leads, you can stay healthy with these savvy tips: • Plan ahead: Set the foundation for fitness success by packing workout essentials like lightweight sneakers.

Many hotels now provide laundry facilities for guests. Use this to your advantage and cut down on packing active wear. Download or bring favorite workout podcasts or DVDs. Designate ideal workout times and create reminders on your mobile device.

• Pack right: Accept the challenge of weight resistance while skipping the need for dumbbells with feather- light equipment such as jump ropes, resistance bands and ankle weights. These full-body workout additions take up less space in your suitcase than a hairdryer.

• Fill the fridge: If you’re going to be away for a longer period of time, consider staying at an extended stay- style hotel or an accommodation with a kitchen or small fridge. Stop by the grocery store before checking in.

Having your own food can cut down on excess calories. Stock up healthy snacks and non perishables or pick up supermarket shortcuts to prepare nutritious meals in the room.

• Get fresh air: Try booking a hotel near a park or recreational area. A brisk walk or run is great way get pumped for the day’s activities or help unwind from a busy day. Download your favorite running app to keep track of your route and distance.

• Get Zen: Yoga is a quiet and relaxing way to unwind, stay flexible and gain strength. If you don’t have room for a yoga mat in your suitcase, use a towel. Practice your favorite yoga and Pilates poses and moves in the comfort of your room.

• Pack light: When you use your own body weight, no equipment is required to get your heart rate up and work your muscles. Start with a short warm-up of jogging in place, high knees, burpees or jumping jacks. Depending on your fitness level, complete 10 to 50 reps of pushups, alternating lunges, dips, squats and sit-ups or crunches. Repeat the circuit two or three times, trying variations of each exercise and incorporating plyometric movements to keep the circuits fresh.

To learn more about amenities offered in an extended stay-style hotel, which can make maintaining your fitness goals easier, visit www.ExtendedStayAmerica.com.

Reinitiating a lapsed fitness routine is a lot harder than maintaining one all along. The next time you leave town, bring your healthy lifestyle along with you.

Is Your Life in Balance?

Healthy Habits to Try in 2016

Is your life in balance? The new year is a great time to take stock of your routine and make improvements where necessary.

Here are some thoughtful habits to consider incorporating into your day in 2016.

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Find Time to Decompress If you’re a morning person, get out of bed 30 minutes earlier than normal to wake up with your favorite coffee or tea and think about what you need to accomplish for the day.

More of a night owl? Spend at least 30 minutes before going to sleep to unplug from technology and relax with a new book you’ve had on your list to read.

Schedule time for exercise to reduce stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Planning workouts ahead of time will make you more likely to stick to them.

Write Everything Down Handwritten notes and to-do lists will reinforce your memory of the tasks you need to conquer.

They also give you the option to look at what you need to do for the day and prioritize the list. Consider a personal planner, such as those from the popular AT-A-GLANCE collection, which includes a variety of styles that reflect your personality and organizational needs.

• Documenting your day not only keeps you organized, but also provides you with an opportunity to

look back and reflect on your life’s accomplishments, memories and milestones from the year.

Balanced Diet, Balanced Life • Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet will help you feel great, and can increase your

focus, energy levels and productivity.

• Plan out your meals ahead of time before going shopping by marking them in a

calendar. This will give you more time during the week to cook and prepare meals,

without having to make frequent trips to the store or feel tempted to grab take-out.

You’ll be more likely to stick with the habit if you love the calendar you use, so

consider something easy on the eyes, such as an AT-A-GLANCE fashion planner.

• Cooking your own fresh meals can help keep your bank account balanced, and is often much healthier than food from a restaurant. And spending time in the kitchen is also a stress reliever for some people.

Make a fresh start—the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make positive changes to how you schedule and organize your time.

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Time for a New President, Already?

TM TM

Senior Voice America, Inc.

P.O. BOX 1379

Lutz, FL 33548-1379 Phone (813) 444-1011 • Fax (813) 422-7966 www.seniorvoiceamerica.com Staff

Geez it seems like just the other day that President Obama was re-elected. And definitely like yes-

terday when we had our mid-term elections. But here we are. One year from now we will be installing a new president in office. And for the next 10 months we will be inundated with campaign messages, slogans, rhetoric and, unfortunately, the ugliness that goes with it. So what’s a voter to do?

So here is a task for you to “Make America Great Again.” Seems like a catchy slogan, no? Kids today

are completely devoid of research. They live in a world of 10 second soundbites. Talk to your teenaged grandkids and ask them if they want to help you decide who should be the next President. I mean it is

Publisher: Evan Gold

more of their future that this person will really impact. Ask them to assist in, and you can do this via

evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com

long distance, researching each of the major candidates and for them to help you find the guy or gal who

Managing Editor/Broadcast Producer:

could best lead our country for the next four years. Who identifies with both of your desires, goals and

Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Editor: Lauren Potts lauren@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Lourdes M. Sáenz

wishes. Even ask your grandchild what they want from a President. This might give you the time to impart some wisdom on them, when they think the next President should be like Santa and give them everything they want. I think it could be a fun and interesting way to get closer with your grandchildren and maybe even help them see what it takes to lead a country and what is truly important. Should you wish to take this task, please send in your experiences and they just might get published right here.

I hope you enjoy this project and look forward to hearing your experiences.

Evan Gold

lourdes@amgoldman.com ADVERTISING (813) 444-1011

FROM THE EDITOR

Join our sales team. For information about opportunities throughout Florida and North America, email evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com.

The New Year’s Now and Not Yet

Contributors Abne M. Eisenberg • Garrett Matthews Carolyn Shockey • Erick Olsen Ruth Fanovich • Dr. Anthony Adams Jean Mlincek • Lee Ellen Nato • Alvin Bartz Tim Bryce • Joseph & Ruth Zammit Mary Gynn • Donnald B. Ardell • Alvin Bartz Jeff Lebhar • Edward G. Rizzotto

This article first ran last January, but it’s just as true for me now as it was then. May it touch you as

well.

I never know quite how to feel about January. Some years, I’d say we are amiable companions…and

the month is one of newness, adventure, and opportunity. Other years, I’d like January to, well, stuff her beginnings, and send me backward to the best moments of the year just passed.

But January is unassailable. She is not swayed by my nostalgia or my erstwhile fear of moving for-

ward. She carries with her changes and chances, and if I can figure out how to meet her with decisiveness and courage, she links her arm in mine, and we step into new things like we’re not afraid of failing.

This year, I must work to make January a welcome guest. Perhaps, like me, your 2015 was full to the

brim with wonderful experiences, new friendships, and old dreams accomplished. If that’s the case, I Would you like to write for Senior Voice America?

Please email editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com.

Senior Voice is a Proud Member of Better Living for Seniors

think it takes faith to hold the golden past with open hands and accept January’s relentless momentum.

Faith, patient and hopeful, that she will bring even more and better reasons to wake up smiling. And, I think it’s safe to say, there’s likely to be an extra measure of grace along the way—these beginnings have big shoes to fill, and I know I, despite my best efforts, am going to mess up.

Perhaps 2015 brought you more than your share of obstacles and sorrow. If that’s you, you’re not

The Guardian Association of Pinellas County

alone. I know these Januarys, too. May your 2016 step forward to meet you with the warmth and energy

The Florida Assisted Living Association

of an old friend, heralding a season of renewal, transformation, and time to grow, to live in a different

Senior Voice America is published monthly and is distributed free of charge, courtesy of its advertisers.

Distribution area includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Articles and

and stronger way.

All of that to say, in the end, that our beginnings belong to us. No matter how our Januarys an-

nounce themselves, the truth is that we can begin again anytime we have need. Don’t be afraid if February blows in on a gust of cold wind and demands a change. By March, the beginnings we were most afraid of may have burst into bloom.

advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.

Lauren Potts

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

project sugar

Teaching for Health Series (Vol. 1 No.9)

Diabetes and Self-Regulation

By Mary Gynn, Diabetes Educator, Let’s talk about the relationship of carbohydrates, proteins and fats ingested in the body of RN, BSN, MSN, MPH the person diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. But first, we need to talk about calories and how

many the diabetic is eating each day.

Unfortunately, most of us haven’t a clue how many calories we take in daily, but it’s very important that diabetics keep track and have that knowledge. The millions of individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes need to track and know the relationship between their daily caloric intake and their daily carbohydrate, protein and fat intake.

If each diabetic would keep track and figure out how many calories they eat daily, it is easier to determine approximately how many grams of carbohydrates, proteins and fats should be part of each meal. As a result, that meal plan will be different for each individual because there is no ideal composition to fit the eating patterns of individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

Health providers including diabetes educators need to collaborate with patients and help each diabetic patient with meal planning, considering what each patient is willing to design and changes each is willing to make. This is a very important shared decision-making collaboration.

Self-regulation of appetite is influenced by the “gut-brain” and all the circuitry in between: the habit formations of eating, decision-making, the chemical properties of food, preferences for sweet tastes over sour tastes, genetics, societal inputs such as local food availability and global food sources, to name a few.

With these variables in mind, the conclusion is that our diabetic patients need help with developing skills of behavior change, ongoing education, support and resources. Additionally, food preferences have evolved because of the availability of processed foods. Consequently, obesity and the diabetes epidemic have resulted.

Resources are needed to help patients accomplish their goals and determine what is realistic. Because there are so many aspects of this complicated issue, resources must include a “team” of physicians, diabetes educators, nutritionists, mental health professionals, pharmacists, family members, community education, etc. A recent study of Latina youth diagnosed with obesity and pre-diabetes showed that regular nutrition counseling led to metabolic improvements.

As we work together, the goal for diabetes education and collaborative resources should be to ensure that information is accurate, disseminated and realistic.

Mary Gynn, RN, is a diabetes educator. Contact (727) 842-9300.

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

Health Roundup

Swap Out Sugar for Better Health

Dr. Bonnie Sanchez, ABPM

Dr. Narmo Ortiz, FACFAS, CWS

STOP YOUR FOOT PAIN! FOOT PAIN RELIEF WITH A GENTLE TOUCH BY BOARD CERTIFIED FOOT SPECIALIST! Our expert Podiatrists quickly and effectively help you with your foot pain; FOOT, ANKLE, TOE AND TOENAIL Now Featuring: Prosthetic Nails - making ugly nails beautiful in one treatment.

Offering you and your loved ones: Diabetic Foot Exams, Custom Orthotics, Braces and not so ugly Orthopedic Shoes. If you experience, Joint problems: Ankle Sprains, Bunions, Crooked Bent Toes, Arthritis or Gout, we can help you. If you have skin or nail problems: Athlete’s Foot, Thick, Ugly or Discolored Nails, Dry Cracked Heels or Warts or other ugly spots, we can help you. Achilles’ Tendon, Heel, Arch or Ball of your foot Pain; we can help you. Burning, Numbness or Tingling, we can help minimize your awful symptoms. Walking Problems; Unsteady Gait or Balance, please call us so, we can help you!

With any problem we get you out of pain as soon as possible and then work on the root of your problem!

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You probably realize that eating too many sugary foods and gaining weight go hand in hand. What you may not know is that aside from loading up on calories that help pack on the pounds, consuming too much sugar can also harm your health in other ways.

Consuming more than nine teaspoons of sugar a day for men and six teaspoons for women can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay, obesity and depression. Reducing your sugar intake can help more than your waistline; it can improve your overall health.

First, it’s important to recognize that there are two types of sugar – natural sugar and added sugar.

Natural sugar is found in fruits, milk and some whole grains. Added sugar is sugar that is added to processed foods and drinks, such as cookies, cereals and soda.

Added sugar affects your body in many ways. It can be as addictive as drugs, tobacco or alcohol because it affects the same regions of the brain, triggering the pleasure sensors to release dopamine. Dopamine makes you want to eat more, even when you are not hungry.

When you consume too much added sugar, your liver has to work extra hard to process it. Excess sugar in the liver often turns into fat, which can lead to liver damage or other health concerns, such as high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease.

It can also overload and damage your pancreas, which controls the blood sugar called insulin that powers your muscles and organs. Lack of insulin can cause muscle and nerve damage.

Limit added sugars in your diet with these healthy alternatives: • Skip sugary cereals at breakfast. Instead, opt for a protein-rich meal. Options such as eggs, turkey sausage and whole-wheat toast with peanut butter are healthier ways to fuel your day.

• Bring healthy snacks to work to ward off the temptation of sugary treats. Some smart choices include frozen grapes, trail mix, yogurt, almonds, apple slices and peanut butter with celery sticks.

• Instead of pie, donuts or cake, curb your sweet tooth craving by reaching for fresh fruit, low-fat frozen yogurt or a fruit and yogurt parfait.

• If you can’t substitute a fruit, make your treats small, such as a single fun-size piece of candy.

• Sodas, energy drinks and sports drinks sneak in a lot of sugar calories. In fact, a single can of soda has nine teaspoons of sugar—the maximum an adult male should consume in an entire day. Skip the sugary beverages and try hot or iced tea, fizzy water or lemon water instead.

Choosing simple substitutions make it easy to replace sugary foods with smarter options for better health. Visit guardyourhealth.com for more food and nutrition tips and resources.

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

Page 7

Health Roundup

in the community

Safe Ways to Relieve Dry Eyes

Abilities Guild Present “Fashions of Belleair” to Benefit Abilities, Inc.: Raise Money for our Homeless/Wounded Vets!

Dry eye syndrome -- when your body doesn’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist -- is not just uncomfortable. It can lead to eye damage.

Unfortunately, the problem is common and can worsen with age. In fact, Americans spend about a third of a billion dollars annually on over-the-counter eye drops, or “artificial tears,” a solution which is only temporary. And their prescription counterparts may produce such side effects as allergic reactions, acute and chronic conjunctivitis, stinging and blurred vision, among others. Indeed, the preservatives in eye drops themselves can even be a source of dry eye syndrome.

So before reaching for those drops, consider these alternatives: Change Your Lifestyle Reducing your alcohol intake can have many positive benefits on the body and you can count relief from dry eye syndrome among them.

Additionally, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. If you’re a smoker, relieving dry eye syndrome may be great motivation to quit.

Screen time can also worsen dry eye syndrome. Unfortunately, this is one thing that’s hard to avoid. Screens may be an integral part of your work day, and you likely carry a smartphone or tablet with you when you are on the go. However, you can take frequent breaks from staring at your screens. Be sure to schedule time periodically where you actively look away from your screen—a perfect time to take care of the whole body and stand up and stretch.

Consider Supplements Recent discoveries show that protective plant compounds from the South American maqui berry can reduce light-induced damage to tear glands and enhance tear production. Consider taking maqui berry extract, which can represent an effective approach to restore comfort and composition of one’s tears.

“If you’re accustomed to thinking of eye drops as the sole solution, it can be difficult to imagine an oral treatment having such a profound impact on tear production. However, protective plant compounds can actually restore your eye’s delicate ecosystem from the inside out,” said Michael A. Smith, MD, senior health scientist for Life Extension and host of Healthy Talk on RadioMD.com.

Along with a maqui supplement, consider upping your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost production of the oily layer of your eyes, improving the integrity of the tear film and slowing the evaporation of tears. In addition to flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon and other foods that are chock full of the nutrient, consider omega-3 fatty acid supplements. For more information, visit www.lifeextension.com/Tear or call (866) 280-2851.

Embrace Your Four Eyes Dry eye syndrome can be exacerbated by contacts. It can also be caused by LASIK surgery to correct one’s vision. You can reduce symptoms by sticking with your glasses. If you can’t say no to contacts, consider finding a pair of glasses you truly love and taking a break with them a few times a week.

Don’t live with dry eye discomfort. Consider new ways to relieve your symptoms.

The Abilities Guild invites you to show your support of our veterans by joining their “Fashions of Belleair” luncheon and fashion show. It is on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at the Belleair Country Club, located at 1 Country Club Ln, Belleair, FL, 33756. All proceeds benefit the Abilities Guild Veterans Mall.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and include a fashion show, lunch, a 50/50 drawing, and a Chinese Auction. The work of Julian Hartzog, internationally renowned designer of metal fashion, will be featured, and he will make a guest appearance at the event. Clothing for the show will be provided by 432 Westside, Belleair Pro Shop, Cassi & Co, Enchanted Physique, For the Love of Boutique, Illume eco boutique, Jannas Consignment, Living Pretty, Nicole Boutique, Patchington, Shoes by Beverly, and Suzettes on the Rocks.

Reservations required. Tickets are a minimum donation of $40. Seating is limited. For more information or to make reservations, call Jodi Martino at (727) 244-7971.

Abilities, Inc. dba ServiceSource Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing rehabilitation and employment services for Floridians and military veterans with disabilities. As a support organization for Abilities, Inc., Abilities Guild’s focus, the Veterans Mall, is to assist recently homeless and wounded veterans referred via the James A. Haley and C.W. Bill Young VA Hospitals. The Veterans Mall provides household goods and personal items free of charge. Since its inception in 1979, the Abilities Guild has donated more than $2.3 million in support of disabled citizens of Florida. In the last four years the Abilities Guild Veterans Mall has freely served more than 1,150 recently homeless and wounded veterans.

Thanks to Abilities, thousands of people who were once dependent upon government and families for support are now contributing to the life and economic strength of their communities as productive wage earners and tax paying citizens. Your investment in Abilities ensures that a disability will not stand in the way of a person’s quest for gainful employment and the fulfillment and dignity it engenders.

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

self help

How Good a Listener Are You?

By Professor Abné M. Eisenberg Here are some misconceptions about listening: The better you can hear, the better you can

listen. It takes little or no effort to listen. Speaking is more important in effective communication than listening. People cannot be taught to become better listeners. Listening is simply a matter of being quiet and looking at the speaker. When you learned to read, you also learned to listen. Intelligent people are better listeners. Listening is simply a matter of understanding the language. The older you get, the better you become at listening. Affluent people are better listeners.

Despite what you may think, all of these conceptions are FALSE. Here is an amusing example that illustrates how faulty listening can cause a breakdown in communication. A man was convinced that his wife was losing her hearing. An audiologist told him to go home and say something to her the moment he entered the front door. He did just that by saying, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” No answer.

Moving closer, he again asked, “Honey, what’s for dinner? Still no reply. Finally, standing two feet away from her, he asked, “What’s for dinner?” She replied, “I told you three times, FISH!” It was his hearing that was failing.

Now, imagine yourself at your physician’s office in connection with a health problem. After spending an unpleasant amount of time in the waiting room, the nurse finally ushers you into the doctor’s office. This is when attentive listening by you and your doctor becomes extremely important.

When you describe your symptoms, how do you know if the doctor is hearing or listening? What kind of verbal or nonverbal feedback tells you that he is really listening? Does he make direct eye contact? Is he doing something else (like taking notes) while you are speaking? Are you asked to explain a symptom in greater detail? Is the conversation interrupted several times by phone calls? Has the doctor assumed an attentive physical posture by leaning slightly forward toward you? Does he paraphrase what you said indicating that he really understood what you meant.

From your side of the desk, how does the doctor know whether you are listening to what you are being told? Too often, patients leave a doctor’s office not remembering what they were told unless instructions were written. Patients have a tendency to have selective listening, hearing only what they want to hear.

Lazy listening occurs in all walks of life between parent and child, husband and wife, employer and employee, teacher and student. As Ernest Hemingway put it, “People hear, but they don’t listen.” Listening expert Larry Barker reminds us that there is no meaning in words; meaning comes from inside people. When people say, ”I heard you,” it means nothing until they tell you their interpretation of what it means. Steer clear of the expression, “I heard you.”

Let us change the Turkish proverb, “Speech is silver, silence is golden,” to read, “Speech is silver, listening is golden.” It is also important to know that the opposite of talking is not listening. Just because someone is not talking, it doesn’t mean that they are listening.

The key to becoming a good listener is to temporarily put aside your own attitudes, values, and beliefs and step inside the speaker’s world, the speaker’s shoes. Refrain from being judgmental and, by so doing, gain the speaker’s trust. While listening do not allow yourself to already be thinking of what you are going to say in response to what they have just said. Your attention has to be more on what they are saying than what you are thinking.

Years ago, in California, a “Listening Coffee Shop” was opened. The owner hired good listeners and seated them at various tables. A customer who hungered for a listener sat down at a table, was served a coffee, and invited to start talking. Customers would pay a fee for the amount of time they sat with the listener.

There are people who spend a good part of their life looking for someone who will sit down and patiently listen to their stories. They yearn for the freedom to openly express themselves and know that they count. Ironically, when they do find someone willing to lend them an ear, they often become frightened and somewhat speechless.

Listening is a magnetic and creative force. People are attracted to good listeners and repelled by those who are not. In psychologist Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Need,” he lists our highest need as becoming the best kind of person that you can be. He calls it self-actualization. Becoming a good listener is the best way to fill that need.

Here are some tips to help you become a better listener. Listen for the speaker’s main point, don’t interrupt, hold your opinion in abeyance until the person has finished speaking, ask for clarification when necessary, avoid listening when you are tired, find something of interest in what the speaker is saying, and avoid unnecessary distractions. Remember, your ears will never get you in trouble.

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

self help

Passing the Buck BRYCE ON LIFE: Don’t make your problems mine.

Last month, I suffered through a miserable lunch at a local restaurant, a place where I usually dine and know the owner well. The food and service were fine, but I happened to sit near a young mother and her one-year-old with a healthy set of lungs. The mother was accompanied by a friend to chat with and catch up. While they talked, they paid little attention to the one-year-old in the high stool who was entertaining himself. Every now and then, the toddler would let loose with an ear-piercing shriek, something I think would drive dolphins away for 20 miles near the restaurant. As my back was to them, I was unprepared for the first shriek, which caused me to drop my cutlery. When I turned to look, the mother apologized for the sound, but continued talking with her friend.

The second blast caused me to bolt from the restaurant. Realizing I was irritated, the mother made a snide remark to me, saying, “I suppose you never had kids.” I replied I did, but the big difference, though, was I knew how to parent and she obviously did not. The debate went down hill from there. I promised myself I would not eat there again if they’re present.

The real loser in this situation was the owner of the restaurant, as the rest of the patrons were doubtless offended by the noise, but that wasn’t her concern.

I posted my displeasure on my Facebook page and was surprised how many people came out in my support. I had evidently touched a nerve. One person said, “Kids will be kids.” Maybe, but “parents have to be parents” as well. Back in the day, when my kids were toddlers and fussed in a restaurant, I took them outside and sat in the car with them. The hum of the engine would put them to sleep. So I missed a few meals; so what. I would rather do that then upset the other patrons.

Another person pointed out it was the restaurant’s responsibility to handle the problem, telling the parents to either tend to the child or leave. I have talked with the restaurant owner about this on several occasions over the years. Most of the time, it is an awkward situation for him to handle diplomatically. Then again, there are instances where it has become necessary for him to boot out the offending parents and kid, but this is rare.

The point is, the parent was perfectly content to pass her problem along to the other patrons. Her problem became ours, which is obviously inconsiderate of her. I recognize her need to relax and talk to friends, but her first responsibility was to the child, second to the people around her, and third to herself. Her priorities were just the reverse, though. She claimed since the child was only a year old, there was nothing she could do. Frankly, she didn’t even try. I contended she simply didn’t want to address the problem, or failed to see it as a problem at all. In other words, she was totally oblivious to the situation. Sadly, such people may know how to reproduce, but they certainly do not know how to parent. They will inevitably raise another generation of narcissistic people.

Babies can also be annoying on airplane trips, particularly if parents do not tend to them. Passengers will be patient up to a point, but if the parents drop the ball, they will likely let the parents know of their displeasure.

There are, of course, parents who are sensitive to the needs of both their child and fellow passengers. A friend told me of a recent flight where he had to sit next to a crying baby. The mother was smart though, and placed the following card on the seats around them prior to the trip:

“Hello! My name is Charlotte and I am 8 months old. This is my first flight and I’ll try to be on my best behavior. I think my Mom is more nervous than I am, so she made a goodie bag for you. Have a great flight!”

The passengers were delighted by the card and goodie bag. In return, they gladly helped the mother tend to the baby. Smart, very smart.

Being a parent means you have to assume certain responsibilities. However, we now live in a time where people are more concerned with entitlements than with responsibility. I contend we shouldn’t pass our problems on to others. Most people have enough trouble of their own. Perhaps the biggest thing I learned from this experience, and the comments made by my Facebook friends, is to take the parents to task and voice your displeasure. It’s not the child’s fault, but somebody has to give the parents a wake-up call.

By Tim Bryce

Keep the faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

self help

Chronological Versus Functional Aging

By Donald B. Ardell Introduction While this commentary addresses two kinds of aging for those over age 50 (who will henceforth be called “seniors”), most of it applies as well to juniors and everyone else between obviously young and obviously old. Stages of life are real - everything about our bodies changes over time, but we have much more influence on how fast and what kinds of changes occur than most people realize.

Consider yourself a senior if any of the following apply to you: • You’re retired.

• You’re over 50.

• You’ve been offered discounts at movie

theaters, seats on crowded busses and/or addressed by strangers as “Granny” or “Old-Timer.”

• You don’t text, use an iPhone or do Face Time.

You believe that your appearance gives you the right to be cranky and demanding, a little bizarre and even cantankerous - and most people will be understanding and forgiving.

Seniors get a lot of attention in our society. It’s not unusual to encounter startling data on a near-daily basis about the breed. Just in the past week, I came across the following statistics: • Since the first day of January in 2011, 10,000 people have turned 65 every day—and this will continue for at least the next 20 years.

• The number of folks over 50 is over 100 million.

• The mortality rate for seniors is falling, that is, seniors are living longer.

• The population over 50 has $2.4 trillion in wealth, which amounts to 42 percent of all after-tax income.

• Eighty percent of those over 65 expect to keep working. (This figure leaves out a bit of related and crucial information unad dressed, namely, “for how long,

for god’s sake?”)

(Source of above data only: Steve Dorfman, “Boomer Nation,” Cox Newspapers/Tampa Bay Times, November 25, 2015, pp.6-7.)

Two Kinds of Age I’m 77, a time in life when some people, including college coeds, are beginning to consider me something of a senior. Frankly, senior-hood is a matter of opinion, as far as I’m concerned. Not that I’m in denial or anything, but I believe aging is misunderstood. The data on aging and thus all the statistics that I just presented are based on chronological age, which is related to birthdates and nothing else. This is of limited utility for purposes of understanding the significance of aging data.

What’s going on? People want to know. Is the country filling up with broken-down geezers taking up space, clogging the medical system and otherwise wasting good space, or are seniors having a positive impact on society while enjoying the hell out of life? Knowing the data about their chronological status does not cast much light on the answer to these kinds of questions.

Your birthdate is not the most accurate or meaningful indicator of aging. A more useful, predictive and insightful indicator is functional mental and physical capacity. If there were sound measures of these indicators, we would know the true age variations of our society and could better plan social programs.

The Takeaway: Lower Your Functional Age

While modern medicine and other sectors of society don’t make distinctions, you can exert a great influence on how “old” you are after your chronological age hits 50. Instead of passively observing the age count rise and vitality levels fall, take control of your destiny. Invest daily in slowing the changes in your functional age.

Consider two 50-year-old men, one we’ll call Mr. F (for Fit), the other Mr. NSF (for NotSo-Fit). Mr. F is active and trim, enjoys a whole foods/plant-based diet, has few medical issues (or actively manages those he has), loves his work and family, is well educated and has the benefits of a safe and comfortable environment in a society that enables and supports all manner of freethinking and personal choices. Mr. NSF, on the other hand, has few of these advantages and almost surely does not realize the impact that his lack of initiative plays on his physical and mental state. Imagine the plight of Mr. NSF—he’s overweight, a heavy smoker, often abuses alcohol in search of a little fun, and has limited access to enhancing social supports.

The men are the same chronological age, but how likely are they to be even close in functional age, mentally or physically? It’s theoretically possible, but unlikely.

Now fast forward 25 years. Both are still alive at age 75, and the varying circumstances of their lives are about the same as when they were 50, as described above. Is it likely their functional age is even remotely similar? I believe the obvious answer is no, that, effectively, Mr. F is much “younger” than Mr. NSF.

While how to assign a functional age to each is something not done when doctors examine patients or firms evaluate job candidates, some “need-to-know” business groups (e.g., life insurance companies) probably do, to some extent. Besides the great differences in lifestyle and circumstances sketched above, other factors will affect functional age, to some extent. These include genetics and fate or random fortune/luck.

Mr. F and Mr. NSF are not even remotely the same age, functionally. The differences in lifestyle are presented at extreme ends of a quality of life continuum in the example provided.

This is done in order to show the likelihood that our rate of aging and our functional capacity at any age varies, from one person to another of the same age. Differences can be subtle or obvious, but they exist for all persons of a given age, and are most consequential when we are (chronologically) seniors.

See AGING Page 23

JANUARY 2016

s ’ t Le

Talk

Senior Voice America

Page 11

The New Meaning of Assisted Living

By Nurse Ruth Fanovich

I received a call from a former client asking me to help her find a new place to live. I was somewhat surprised because I knew she was in an assisted living facility, and she told me she had been managing well. I couldn’t imagine what went wrong and why she would need to leave.

Well, a lot went wrong. First, let me backtrack.

This client had been living in the ALF and her longterm care-insurance was paying. It came time for an insurance recertification and the facility needed to fill out the required paperwork. No one at the facility discussed this with the client or interviewed/assessed her. Paperwork was done sight unseen. The end result? The paperwork showed her to be independent. Therefore, the insurance would not pay.

That, in turn, made assisted living unaffordable and was the reason behind the 91-year-old client having to move. Because it was unaffordable. Think about it. First you qualify, then you don’t? How did she go from needing assistance enough to be in an assisted living facility to being independent? And, let’s not forget, she’s 91 years old!

The issue, I believe, is (and so does the client) that the facility wanted her out because, aside from multiple medical issues, she is a hoarder. And, yes, her apartment was quite cluttered; she could have used more housekeeping services. She also required more personal care than they could or really wanted to provide.

Whatever happened to working with patients/ clients? Assisting them with their care and everyday

needs? Assisting with insurance issues or paperwork and helping them understand the importance of recognizing when they are mentally impaired and unable to make sound decisions? Many clients are afraid to ask or don’t want to admit they need help, and think if they say, “I can do it myself,” it will be in their favor. That’s why they need help to understand.

It seems as though more and more medical facilities and healthcare employees do less and less to assist their clients/patients, meet their needs and eliminate the stress of being dependent on others. “Less is more” is not always good.

Many corporations staff their facilities below what is required, so the staff only does the bare necessities. “You say you don’t need help? That’s okay with me.” Caring and kindness cannot be found because there’s no time.

This may seem harsh, but, unfortunately, it is true.

Assisted living facilities paint great expectations, only for the client to realize they need far more help than they are receiving…and to get more help, it will cost additional dollars. This sometimes causes true neglect.

What can be done? Make sure you have in writing what services you will receive, and keep a copy of your contract. Keep a close watch on family mem-

bers, so everyone knows they are being watched.

Complain to a supervisor or manager when you see something wrong or if the person is not getting the help promised. If you are using long-term care insurance and get denied, file a grievance and don’t accept a denial. And, if truly neglected, call the state or local ombudsmen. As I always say, be proactive and Let’s Talk!

Ruth Fanovich, RN, LHRM, is the owner of Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. and RMF Care Management, Inc. www.CarePlacementHH. com.

in the community

250,000 Hours and Counting

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recently were presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their lifetime volunteer hours in excess of 4,000. The 32 members who earned this prestigious award contributed more than a quarter of a million hours to the missions of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award originated with President Bush who was instrumental in forming the Points of Light Foundation. In 2012 Points of Light mobilized four million volunteers in 30 million hours of service worth about $635 million.

As of this summer, Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 11 became a Points of Light organization. There are four levels of awards: bronze (100 to 249 hours in a year); Silver (250-499 hours in a year); Gold (500+ hours in a year) and Lifetime Achievement (4,000+ hours in a lifetime).

They started this award by rewarding Division 11 shipmates for their 2014 mission hours (patrols, teaching, vessel exams, program visits, cooking for the CG, radio watchstanding, etc.). As a result, at the last two division meetings Division 11 leadership had the honor of presenting their Bronze and Silver awardees with their ribbons and medallions and letter from the president. There are 42 recipients in Division of the bronze and silver representing over 8,000 mission hours of volunteerism in 2014 for the USCG Auxiliary.

At the recent Division 11 Change of Watch ceremony, there were 32 members who have earned gold or lifetime for a total of over 250,000 hours - that’s a quartermillion mission hours! Twenty of those members were present at the ceremony and got their ribbon/medallion, certificate, and letter from the president.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 11 extends from Madeira Beach to Hudson, including Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey. Their missions mirror those of the Active Duty Coast Guard with the exception of law enforcement and related activities. Being stewards of the environment and assisting boaters in distress are just two of the many missions completed by the members of Division 11.

Photo by Joan Jennings: Division 11 Gold and Lifetime Award Winners: Below: Recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards— Gold and Lifetime Achievement. Front Row: Joe Blevins, Karen Miller, JoRenee Kindilien, John Balazs, Commodore Weskerna, Teresa Kasper, Ed Kasper, Ann Bennett, Jim Quaile, Larry O’Brien. Second row: Peter Lore, Jesse Scott, John Nicholls, Bill Kelly, Bill Clark, Dudley Davis, Tom Loughlin, Don Hoge, Louis Miosi, Walter Murray, and Jim Ryder

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

MEDICAL UPDA E

No Place Like Knoblach’s My name is Jeff Lebhar. I am the sales manager of the Senior Voice. Rarely do I write articles, but I felt compelled to write after my personal experience with an amazing company.

For the past few years, I’ve noticed hearing loss in one of my ears. I also developed a ringing sensation in my ears. I began having difficult times talking with people and being on the phone, and hearing was especially difficult in noisy environments.

Because my hearing is so important to my career and my busy social life, I wanted to go to a well-established company with a longstanding reputation. For many reasons, Knoblach Hearing Care clearly stood out as the place to go for me. It is a private company showing more expertise and personalized care than any other practice I researched.

And I must say my experience was marvelous. After an extensive two-hour hearing examination with detailed explanations, I was confident I was in the right place.

Once I was fit with my hearing instruments, the results were incredible. The instruments are comfortable to wear, the sound is clear and my tinnitus (the ringing in my ears) goes away as soon I put them on!

What I learned is that there’s not just a button someone presses to make the hearing aids go to “normal hearing mode.” There’s a lot of technical artwork that goes into making the hearing instruments sound just right to each individual person who puts them on.

Dean Knoblach’s personal expertise was able to find the perfect fit for my needs, and, after I spent years dealing with hearing loss and asking people to repeat themselves, Dean was able to restore my natural hearing.

Beyond that, I am astonished by the extra energy I have. I now have that awful ringing gone, and my hearing is almost effortless. Before, I had no idea how hard I was working just to simply hear. Now that I don’t need to strain to hear every sentence that’s being said, or constantly try to lip read, I have more energy throughout the day to do the things that I enjoy.

The reason I am writing this article is to encourage people with hearing loss/hearing difficulties to have it corrected. I endured the frustration of my hearing loss for years and years. I struggled to hear around my family and struggled to hear around my friends.

There are many jokes and happy memories I should have had, but instead I had to guess at what people were talking about. I missed those experiences. I can’t get those years back, but at least I won’t have to endure missing them in the future.

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone experiencing hearing difficulties to call Knoblach Hearing Care. Their consultations are free; their number is (727) 530-3533. I expect you’ll be as happy as I am.

By Jeff Lebhar

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

Page 13

MEDICAL UPDA E

Healthy Legs Start with Healthy Veins

BEFORE

AFTER

Do you suffer from: Leg Pain • Leg/ Foot Cramps • Swollen Legs/ Feet Leg Discoloration • Varicose/Spider Veins Restless Leg Symptoms • Heavy/Tired Legs • Neuropathy?

Many people notice the appearance of their veins but they may not necessarily correlate the symptoms listed above to problems with their veins. Swelling, itching, aching and cramps can all be caused from problems with your leg veins. Nighttime tends to be the worst. Nights after standing for long periods of time during the day can be associated with an inability to sleep due to restless legs, itching in the calves, painful swelling and night cramps when you have vein problems.

Varicose veins can range from smaller bluish-green veins to large earthworm sized veins that seem to snake down the leg. Though larger veins tend to suggest significant disease, oftentimes the smaller veins can represent the “tip of the iceberg” of a deeper underlying problem.

The key to determining whether or not you should seek medical attention for your veins depends on whether you are having any symptoms. Changes in the look and/or feel of your legs should prompt you to see a vein specialist.

Normally venous blood flows up the leg, working against gravity toward the heart. Blood is prevented from flowing backward by tiny, one-way valves in the veins. Venous insufficiency is an abnormality that is caused when blood flows backward down the leg through valves that become weak.

This phenomenon causes superficial veins to become overloaded leading to bulging visible varicose and spider veins. The additional blood flow weighs down the leg and creates heaviness and fatigue when standing for long periods of time.

The end stage of venous insufficiency is the development of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) and venous stasis leg ulcers. Unfortunately, sometimes these ulcers can develop spontaneously or after trauma and can take months to years to heal.

Venous insufficiency should be treated by a vascular surgeon.

New minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized the treatment of venous insufficiency. Vein stripping is a thing of the past! All care is See VEINS Page 18

The Real Cost of Dental Care

What is the real cost of dental care? It’s an interesting question when you consider the consequences to the rest of the body when you do not have oral health.

Oral health includes the fascia, muscles of the head and neck, the bones, the cartilage, the gums, and the teeth (inside and outside). It includes the glands that produce saliva, carrying enzymes for various functions.

Not the least is the beginning of the digestive process.

Without proper digestion, all kinds of bad things happen. The immune system is severely compromised. The body ultimately becomes the battle ground for inflammatory processes. The inflammatory processes may manifest in more than 200 different chronic degenerative disease such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and so on.

So what is the real cost of dental care? It may not seem so obvious. We know you cannot have oral disease alone. Oral disease and total body diseases are intimate buddies. Neither is your buddy! In my practice, Healthy Body Dental, we often see people have their oral diseases treated and then realize total body health. There is a definite connection.

With the new year here, it is time to take control of your overall health.

Pick a healthcare provider that takes the time to listen to you, whom you can trust and with whom you can communicate. It is you that should be served, not the other way around. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Make sure your healthcare provider has your overall health in mind. Live as healthy as you can and enjoy the pleasures of life at any age.

Healthy Body Dental is located at 25877 US Highway 19 N in Clearwater, Fla., in the Cypress Point Center. Next to Fresh Mart and Jason’s Deli. Whether you are seeking a new dentist, second opinion or a new smile, Dr. Anthony Adams and his team at Healthy Body Dental have the education, experience and skills to make your dental experience pleasant, comfortable and safe, assuring you the most advanced treatment in natural and cosmetic dentistry. Call today at (727) 799-3123 or visit us online www.

HealthyBodyDental.com .

By Dr. Anthony J. Adams

From EYES Page 1

do that. But if there is a disease process, we have a specialist who can address and appropriately manage or treat the problem,” Dr. Weinstock continues.

We rely on our eyesight for so many aspects of life, and eye diseases threatening that dependency can be frightening. It is essential to ensure that your eye care needs are in the hands of an expert because many conditions if caught early enough are treatable.

In our ever evolving technological world, you must also consider how advanced the practice you’re visiting is. Is the technology current enough to detect and properly treat each specific disease? To determine this, it is best to research where you are going and ask questions at your visit.

The Eye Institute of West Florida was one of the first facilities in the world to offer their patients a femtosecond laser procedure to perform cataract surgery, a revolution at its time. “We have really led the way in technology, between LASIK for refractive correction and retinal procedures for macular degeneration, and now with advanced cataract surgery,” Robert Weinstock, M.D., son of Dr. Stephen Weinstock and a board-certified, fellowship-trained cataract, refractive and LASIK surgeon explains. Dr. Robert Weinstock is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Surgery at The Eye Institute of West Florida and a world renowned surgeon, recognized as the pioneer of micro-incisional cataract surgery.

“We are one of the few practices in the country that has all of the state-ofthe-art equipment for cataract surgery,” Dr. Robert continues, including the “femtosecond laser, which enables patients to eliminate glasses for most situations after cataract procedures.” In addition to the femtosecond laser, The Eye Institute of West Florida is the only center with two more lasers allowing the surgeon to customize each patient’s procedure to their specific needs and goals.

The experience and technology offered at The Eye Institute of West Florida is proof that the vision of “providing expert eye care for any eye disease with the focus always being on the patient” is still the driving force.

The Eye Institute of West Florida hosts educational seminars throughout the year. Call (727) 456-8804 or visit to find out more and register for one of our seminars today!

January 15, 2016: Dry Eye with Dr. Neel Desai and Tina Crevello, PA January 18, 2016: LIVE Laser Cataract with Dr. Robert Weinstock and Dr. Neel Desai January 26, 2016: Glaucoma with Dr. Jeffery Schwartz January 27, 2016: Eyelids with Dr. Jasmine Mohadjer

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Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

Senior Happenings Smoking Cessation Class

ma, Japan to Florida landscapes. Held in the Willis Smith Gallery. Remains on display through Feb. 20.

St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Medical Arts Bldg.

4:30 p.m. Free.

January 13 Ringling College is located at 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, This two-hour class provides valuable tools to help Sarasota, FL. eliminate tobacco consumption. It covers a quit plan, coping with craving and physical and emotional sympTampa Bay Black Heritage Festival 5K toms associated with quitting. Participants will be asked Curtis Hixon Park to quit on or before the third week after the class. It also January 16 includes four weeks of patches, gum or lozenges. Free This run/walk emphasizes healthy living while eduquitting aids are available while supplies last and if medcating the community about health disparities among ically appropriate. 6:00 p.m. Free.

St. Joseph’s is located at 3001 W. Dr. Martin Luther African-Americans. Bring a towel or mat for a post event Annual Jewish Food Festival King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) yoga cool down. 7:00 a.m. Free.

Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Drive, 443-2046.

Temple Sinai Tampa, FL. January 10 Manatee County Fair The 7th Annual Jewish Food Festival features health Suncoast Arts Fest Manatee County Fairgrounds vendors, arts and crafts, plant and used book sales as The Shops at Wiregrass January 14 - 24 well as children’s activities and food! Free admission.

January 16 It’s not peanuts and crackerjack, but cotton candy, el9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

More than 125 juried artists present their creations at Temple Sinai is located at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge ephant ears, lots of food, games, prizes and rides galore!

As every year, the fair features exciting exhibits and ven- this annual festival with live music, sidewalk chalk art, Road, Sarasota, FL. dors, livestock shows and auctions, competitions, a an interactive youth art area and a maker space. 10:00 Balcony-to-Backstage Tours thrill-packed midway, a variety of great entertainment a.m. Free.

The Shops at Wiregrass is located at 28211 Paseo and, of course, fair food — all packed into ten days and Tampa Theatre Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL. nights. General admission: $7 for ages 13 and older, $6 January 12 This guided tour of Tampa Theatre, built in 1926, in- for seniors 55 and older, $5 for kids 6-12, free for ages 5 Plant City Martin Luther King Jr. Carnival and Parade cludes demonstration of Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Or- and under.

Manatee County Fairgrounds are located at 1303 Martin Luther King Jr. Rec. Center (Plant City) gan and the old movie house’s secrets, stories, art and January 16 architecture. Benefits Tampa Theatre’s restoration and 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL. Plant City celebrates the holiday early with a street operations. 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $10, $8 ages 2-12, Tampa German American Club Inaugural Ball festival including arts and crafts vendors, live music, a Theatre members/one and younger free.

Hernando County Shrine Club drum line show down, car show and a “Celebrating 30 Tampa Theatre is located at 711 Franklin St., Tampa, Years: Faith, Culture, Community and Unity” themed January 15 FL. The installation of the 2016 board of directors will be parade through historic downtown (1:00 p.m.). 10:30 Florida RV SuperShow held. Dress is elegant to semi-formal. Music provided by a.m. Free.

Event location is 1601 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Florida State Fairgrounds Manni Daum. Doors open at 4 p.m., hors d’oeuvres at Blvd., Plant City, FL. 4:30 p.m., dancing from 6 to 10 p.m.

Bring your own January 13 - 15 The 31st annual outdoor recreation event includes beverage. 4:00 p.m. Tickets: Advance tickets are $11 for St. Pete Beach Classic representation from every major RV manufacturer as members, $14 for guests.

Sirata Beach Resort Hern. Cty Shrine Club is located at 13400 Montour well as hundreds of accessory booths exhibitors, outdoor January 16 & 17 kitchens, seminars and free shuttle service. A favorite of St., Brooksville, FL. With a 5K, 10K, half marathon, Kids Classic and 3.8all visitors is the free entertainment, from clowns and Amer Kobaslija - A 10 Year Survey mile beach fun run, this weekend of races includes beach unicycle riders, to barbershop quartets and bagpipe Ringling College of Art and Design parties, food and a bonfire on Saturday night. 7:00 a.m. bands. From 9:00 a.m. all days Tickets: $10; 15 and January 15 Tickets: $20-$115; Kids Classic free for ages 4-8. younger free.

Sirata Beach Resort is located at 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. The FL St. Fairgrounds are located at 4802 U.S. 301 The opening for the selection of more than two dozen N, Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 741-0488 or of the artist’s large and small-scale paintings, ranging a Pete Beach, FL. www.frvta.org. variety of subjects from the tsunami-devasted Kesennu-

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

Page 15

Senior Happenings Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival

Downtown Sarasota January 16 & 17 Local, regional and national artists showcase their creations of painting, jewelry, ceramics, photography, fiber arts, mixed media and more at this outdoor festival.

10:00 a.m. Free.

Event location is at Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street, Sarasota, FL. Lakeland Gun Show

The Lakeland Center January 16 & 17 Labeled as the biggest gun show in the South, this show has vendors with over 500 display tables of modern, antique and military weapons, guns, blades and so much more. Convenient opportunities to buy, sell, or trade at the largest arms show in the Southeast. Concealed weapons classes available both days at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Food and beverage vendors. Buy, sell, trade. Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission: $12.00 (ages 17 & up). Children 16 and under are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

The Lakeland Center is located at 701 West Lime St., Lakeland, FL. For more information (863) 834-8100.

Plant City Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast

Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College at the John Trinkle Building January 17 Hillsborough Community College President Ken Atwater serves as guest speaker for this “Celebrating 30 Years: Faith, Culture, Community and Unity” themed breakfast recognizing our youth and their future. 7:15 a.m. Tickets: $30.

John Trinkly Bldg. is located at 1206 N. Park Road, Plant City, FL. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

N. Greenwood Recreation Complex and Pool January 18 Eat a hearty breakfast before joining a peaceful memory march from the recreation center to a rally in Coachman Park. 7:30 a.m. Tickets: $5, $3 ages 10 and younger.

North Greenwood Complex is located at 900 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater, FL. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Tampa

Cuscaden Park January 18 The 27th annual community parade includes floats, cars, trucks, walking units and bands from as far away as Jamaica. Begins at the park and ends at Middleton High School. 12:00 p.m. Free.

Parade location is 2900 N. 15th St., Tampa, FL. Tampa Bay Black Heritage Golf Classic

Rogers Park Golf January 18 In part of the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, this 10th annual tournament is meant to provide networking opportunities to people of all cultures while providing a four person scramble with food and prizes. Benefits The First Tee of Tampa Bay. 12:00 p.m. Tickets: $95.

Rogers Park is located at 7911 N Willie Black Drive, Tampa, FL.

family and have some thrills on the midway, visit lots of

Scams the Latest Out

fair food too! Today, the Florida State Fair attracts up to

Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center January 19

500,000 people in twelve days. Each year Florida resi-

Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection will give you the information on the latest scams and tips on preventing yourself from falling victim to them. 10:00 a.m. Free.

Hale Sr. Activity Ctr. is located at 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL.

Woodcarving, Needlework and more. Over ninety years

ADULT & SENIOR POKER GAMES AT THE JCC

chills they’ve come to expect. As the first State Fair of

Tampa JCC & Federation January 19

the year, we get all the latest and greatest in Fair foods

Please join us at the Tampa JCC & Federation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m to learn how to play poker. Lessons will be taught by Simon Agamiyev and we will meet every other Sunday. The cost is $20 per member/$25 non-members. To register and for more information, please contact Marissa Rosenthal at 813-769-4724 or Marissa.rosenthal@jewishtampa.com .

Nobody does it better than the Florida State Fair! Senior

exhibits, enjoy entertainment daily and off course the

dents create exhibits for Aquaculture, Horticulture, later and bragging rights are still won for the prized bull, best pie and the most beautiful quilt. Being an Independent Midway, all rides are selected by the Fair Authority to provide our visitors with all the thrills and

such as the Pizza Cone, Redneck Burger, Bacon Ice Cream, and more! It’s affordable family fun at its best! day discounts Feb. 8 - 12. Senior (55+) Admission $9 Advance Purchase $7. Senior tickets are good only on Senior Days.

The FL St. Fairgrounds are located at 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa, FL. For all fair information www.floridastatefair.com.

Knee Replacement Options

Aging Well Center January 20 Orthopedic Surgeon Mitchell Herrema, DO, will explain the newest kind of knee replacement that preserves ligaments and results in quicker recovery and less pain.

12:00 p.m. Free.

The Aging Well Center is located at 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL. Palm Harbor Citrus Festival

Historic Downtown Palm Harbor January 22 - 24 This year’s festival brings back all the favorites including, carnival rides, games, a Festival Queen Pageant, demonstrations, kids crafts and live music. Fri. 4:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. Price: Free admission (carnival games/rides additional).

Event location along Florida Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL. Florida State Fair

State Fairgrounds February 4 - 14 It is fair time once again, so gather the entire

Email Your Senior Happening to: Lourdes@Seniorvoiceamerica.com

The Deadline for the February Issue is January 15th

Page 16

Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

RETIREMENT FINANCES

Retirement Questions

By Edward G. Rizzotto

For many people, retirement is viewed as a time of rest and reflection. They have worked hard and planned diligently to ensure retirement is not “the end” but instead a new beginning. Offices and work schedules are to be replaced with road trips and clear calendars.

Others, however, are seeing retirement in a different light. Multiple recessions, an uncertain Social Security future and a daily fluctuating market have created doubt about retirement readiness: “Will I have enough money to retire comfortably?”

“Is there a chance I can outlive my assets?”

“How can I have growth potential on my assets without riding the ups and downs of the market?”

Do any of these questions look familiar? Many consumers are searching for the same thing – growth potential with downside protection. While they may give up achieving the highest growth potential, they also assure themselves some level of guarantees for stability. Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group builds solutions around one purpose – helping clients re-imagine their retirement with confidence and optimism.

To arrange a one-hour complimentary consultation with me, give me a call at (727) 683-9119.

Edward G. Rizzotto Owner – President Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group www.rizzottotax.com Offices: Largo & Trinity, Florida

Important Facts About Your Employer-Sponsored Plan

By Edward G. Rizzotto

“Qualified” or employer-sponsored plans include 401(k)’s, 403(b)’s, 457’s, and TSP’s (Thrift Savings Plans). Many employees today have the opportunity to partake in one of these plans if they are employed by a small business, major corporation, or a local or federal government. The advantages of these plans are that they are pre-tax contributions, grow-tax deferred, and, in some instances, employers will implement “matching” in your account. If you are able to contribute the maximum amount it can certainly aid in building a substantial nest egg for retirement. If you are over 59 ½ years of age, nearing or currently in retirement, and still in your employer-sponsored plan, you could be facing significant risks or disadvantages. In 2001 and 2002, the collapse of Enron and WorldCom resulted in all of the employees who were affected not only losing their jobs, but also their pensions and 401(k)’s.

Many employer-sponsored plans, particularly 401(k)’s, are sometimes heavily weighted in that company’s stock. This can be a big disadvantage to the employee if that stock starts dropping in value, which is what happened to many employees when the markets collapsed in 2001 and 2008. The biggest complaints that we receive from clients is that they get no assistance or guidance from their plan providers, have no idea what they are paying in fees, and have no “safe haven” to turn to when the market starts taking a downturn. Lastly, there is concern that with pensions diminishing or basically non-existent in the workplace, employees have no guarantees for lifetime income.

In 2006, President Bush signed into law one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation regarding pension reform since ERISA was enacted in 1974. It is a 400-page document that led many companies to change the way their plans are designed, administered, and disclosed to plan participants.

With all of that being said, Congress essentially said to every American that, when it comes to retirement plans, “you are on your own!” If you are over 59 ½ years of age, currently working and participating in an employersponsored plan, retired and have held on to your plan, or if you hold an individual IRA, you have options available that you may not be aware of.

These are options that allow you to take full control of your plan while protecting it and setting up guaranteed lifetime income (pension) that you can never outlive.

To arrange a complimentary consultation with Edward G. Rizzotto, Owner – President of Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group contact: Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group • (727) 683-9119 • www.rizzottotax.com Offices: Largo & Trinity, Fla. Securities offered through Foresters Equity Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC 6640 Lusk Blvd., Suite A-202 San Diego, CA 92121 P: (800) 350-9885 * F: (858) 244-4490 www.forestersequity.com Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group & Foresters Equity Services, Inc. are not affiliated

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

The God Within

By Alvin Bartz

I thank you, God in me, For all the beauty I can hear and touch, Smell and taste and see.

I am grateful for bright summer skies, Reflected in your hazel eyes, I feel the Gulf ’s wind softly blow, And deep inside I seem to know, That joy is the proper attitude, For a soul that is filled with so much gratitude.

I hear the joyful songs of birds, The sound of heavy rain upon the shed, The sound of gentle, loving words, From your sweet lips, so often said.

I hear the soothing sounds of sea, A symphony flows over me, And all the sounds that ebb and flow Enrich my life and help me to grow.

The faint smell of your floral perfume, When you first come into the room, And the somehow salty smell of sea As you hold my hand and walk with me.

The fragrance of cut grass and flowers, The smell of cooking in the air, Like gentle springtime showers, Delighting me, almost everywhere.

So for the God which in me dwells, I bask in sights and sounds, and smells, And all these senses, tried and true, Cannot compare to touching you.

I love the softness of your smooth skin, It’s where I end and you begin.

And when you kiss me, soft and sure I know I could not love you more.

9 August 2014

Page 17

poetry corner

Another Vista

By Lee Ellen Nato

Folks bang on God’s cabeza

Say, “Hey! Where were you?!!!

Surely not watching unspeakable filth,

Leaving mostly unrequited memory:

Armenian, Jew, Cambodian, Rwandan…

Less than Eliot’s scuttling sea crab.”

“Hey, man,” yells all them Marxist misinterpreters,

“You gone.”

“Just a construct, ya know, Buster!” declares Derridians.

“Whaddaya want?” somebody answers. “Puppetry?

Linear driving directions

in the voice of automaton ‘Francesca’?:

not just Nietzsche, Marcuse, Sartre Barthes

forgot some interstices, those labyrinths in individual consciousness.”

“And what about that sideways puerta preferred by Him and

all those holy spirit blabbers also let loose

on certain Gypsies, Druids, and Navaho mamas? …Rossetti, Klee, Joyce, and Faulkner,

Leonardo and all his Renaissance compatriots,

Delacroix, Dante, and ‘Homer,’

Continents of cave-saved petroglyphs and sand-cradled ceramics

Sing only one stanza.”

So maybe there’s no need to bathwater the hope of church-daddies

(minus the terra-cotta bigotries of particular evangelicals,

smudged polities of certain cramped and lascivious Catholics) …each new year is a time for cheering!

Lee Ellen Nato taught high school and community college in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

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Senior Voice America

Sports

Fa r m e r J Dear moms and dads,

The little boy or little girl who lives at your house has expressed an interest in playing sports.

Is going out for the team worth it? You wonder.

The games and practices represent a major time investment. Schoolwork will occasionally receive second billing. The coach could be an idiot. Other parents may get overly involved, and the result could be one big unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Still, signing up to play is all your child can talk about. You’re starting to buy into this team thing, but

By Garret Mathews

JANUARY 2016

e

you need more evidence.

I’m prejudiced. I coached baseball for 10 years when my boys were younger and loved every minute. In high school, I was far from being the best athlete, but I wrestled and played baseball and football.

There’s a special feeling that comes from being part of a team. You share in the victory, console each other in defeat and get up the next morning to do it again.

Let me tell a story.

Joe was two years ahead of me in school. His father had a large farm, and he was always driving the tractor or pitching hay.

Farmer Joe, we called him.

He was only a marginal player. He could catch the ball in center field and he could run, but hitting was pretty much out of the question. At a larger high school, Farmer Joe would have been cut or relegated to the bench.

Senior year, he cracked the starting lineup.

“I can do it all,” he said. “Steal bases, throw guys out at home, drag the field with my tractor.”

We laughed. Farmer Joe was fun to be around.

The game was Saturday afternoon. Most of the guys on the team spent the morning drinking shakes at the drug store and flirting with girls.

Not Farmer Joe. This was a workday. He did some baling before breakfast, and then cranked the push mower to level the tall grass beside the barn.

Joe was pushing the mower up the slope when the machine got away from him. He reached up to grab the handle. The blade sheared off three fingers.

The kid was back at school the next week with bandages covering his mangled hand. He was in a lot of pain.

“I let you guys down,” he told us at practice. “The

team needed me and I had to go and get hurt.”

He watched from the bleachers.

And plotted.

Farmer Joe circled the date of our last home game on his calendar. He talked to the doctor. He talked to the coach.

A team meeting was called.

“I can’t hit any more,” Farmer Joe said, his voice cracking.

“You never could,” some wise guy interrupted.

Nervous laughter.

“But there’s nothing wrong with my legs,” he went on. “One of you rum-dums get on base and you’ll see.”

Tie score. Single to lead off the inning. Farmer Joe comes in to pinch-run. He steals second before the catcher gets the ball out of his glove. He steals third.

The throw is wild. He slides in home. Pumping his bandaged hand in the air, he is carried to the dugout by screaming teammates.

Players cry. Coaches cry. Fans cry.

We win in a breeze.

One of our own had come back.

Other teams were better. None was closer.

It’s a reason to go out for sports.

But I’m prejudiced.

Garret Mathews is an SVA reader.

From VEINS, Page 13

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JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

humor

Let’s Pass Up Passwords Already

When I was a kid, I actually loved secret codes and passwords.

That’s because, back then, they didn’t have to be 16 characters long with at least two numbers, one punctuation mark, four uppercase letters, three lowercase letters, and the initials of my baby brother.

If I had my way, I would use just one password for all 139 of my accounts that require one. It would be: IH8*@!pASSwordz! (I hate blankety-blank passwords!)

I do. I h-a-t-e them. They have ruined the wonderful anticipation I used to experience at the sound of “Open Sesame!” They have given me a distaste for my long-cherished Captain Midnight decoder ring. Frankly, I don‘t care if they are the gateway, the key, the ticket to my information; they are an absolute nuisance.

I mean, I need a password for Amazon.com. I need a password for my bank, my doctor, my electric bill, PayPal, Yahoo, the U.S. Post Office, Coupons.com, CheapTickets, Craig’s and Angie’s lists, Road Runner, Match.com, my mechanic, my dentist, and, if I am not mistaken, I need a password to look up alumni from my kindergarten days back in 1912.

If that weren’t enough, all these sites “suggest” that you change your password “frequently.” Are you kidding me? It took me 4.6 hours to come up with my very first password. I have a life, places to go, worlds to conquer, toilet bowls to clean.

Plus there are too many commandments about creating passwords: Thou shalt not use sequential numbers. Thou shalt not use double words.

Thou shalt not use your birth year. Thou shalt not use the word “password.” (Oh, oh--my “ideal” one-for-all cyptic just got vetoed.) And, the most frightening of all, thou shalt not use any of the million-plus passwords that have been breached. Say what?!

In truth, I have always felt that I might exhaust my capacity to create passwords, but a friend of mine read somewhere that “assuming (there are) 94 ‘type-able’ characters, there’s six gazillion different 8-character passwords.” Ahh, I won’t need Lunesta tonight.

Problem is, even if I have a good password, I need to be able to REMEMBER it! Ha! How am I supposed to memorize 139 passwords? They say not to write them down, but, hey, I not only can’t remember the password, I can’t remember where I wrote it down in case I can’t remember it!

Fortunately, someone thought of that, and came up with the idea of security questions. Uh, huh. Doesn’t always work. The other day, I was asked who my favorite teacher was. I was informed my answer was not correct. Not correct? Listen, I know who my favorite teacher is, dang it! I know my mother’s maiden name, thank you. I know the name of the city where I was born. So knock it off and grant me access to my information already!

I try to stay calm even when answering the security question is a wipe out. Let’s see. Maybe I answered the name of my favorite teacher in all caps. Maybe I used Robert instead of Bob. Maybe I was lied to regarding my mother’s REAL maiden name and I’m adopted. Maybe that’s why the name of the city where I was born isn’t registering. Maybe I’m a figment of my own imagination!

It’s all crazy if you ask me. You can’t even send an E-card without first deciphering a secret code!

Pass the word: This lady is done with alakazam and algorithms. At least until I get back on my computer in the morning.

By Jean Mlincek

Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Page 19

Page 20

Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

Entertainment Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus

Palladium Chamber Players

Air Supply

Amalie Arena January 6 - 10

Palladium Theater January 13

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall January 16

Legends, an all-new show will feature circus artists from around the globe performing awe-inspiring feats of dare, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder.

Audiences will experience lions, leopards and tigers, acrobats attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze and more. Tickets: $16-$70.

Florida Orchestra Concertmaster Jeff Multer, violist Danielle Farina, cellist Edward Arron and pianist Jeewon Park bring vibrant interpretations of the classic chamber repertoire. 7:30 p.m.Tickets: $25-$38; $140 for 4, $105 for 3.

Florida Orchestra Masterworks: New Year’s Waltz

Jim Witter - The Piano Men II

Straz Center for the Perf. Arts - Ferguson Hall January 8 - 10

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall January 13

Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL.

Music director Michael Francis leads the orchestra in a Viennese and waltz-themed program. Pieces include Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Wiener Blut

by J. Strauss and H.K. Gruber’s outrageous Charivari with its raucous and humorous treatment of both the polka and waltz. The concert also features cellist Maximillian Hornung in his orchestra debut. Arrive early for inside stories about the music and the composers.

Pre-concert conversations begin one hour before curtain time in the concert hall. Fri. and Sat. shows 8:00 p.m. Sun. show 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$45.

Jim Witter’s Piano Men II continues the fun of Piano Men, taking the music of Elton John and Billy Joel on into the 80’s. Featuring stories, headlines, multimedia, and audience participation. Juno/Dove nominee Jim Witter and his band will transport you to the time when big hair was cool and when the Chevy Camaro was hot! This is a “Must See” musical journey and should be at the top of any Baby Boomer’s bucket list! 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15 - $50.

Blue Suede Shoes: The Premier Elvis Birthday Bash

Story by Neil Simon / Music: Marvin Hamlisch / Lyrics: Carole Bayer Sager – Based on the real life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, this intimate musical tells the story of the crazy courtship of Vernon & Sonia, a kooky songwriting team who are not a match made in heaven. Through hilarious scenes and songs (and advice from their singing alter-egos) love triumphs in this one of a kind musical comedy!

Starrs Taryn Holzhauer as Sonia and Nathan Daugherty as Vernon. Also, featuring Melissa Labiak, Shianne Grubbs, Alanna Reynolds, Ryan Caddigan, Brian Yarbrough, and Austin Helms. 8:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets: $26, Students $15.

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 10

Scot Bruce as young Elvis and Mike Alpert as the Las Vegas Elvis are backed by the Big “E” Band to bring a rocking birthday party celebration of America’s first rock ‘n’ roll icon. 1:00 p.m. Tickets: $18-$35.

Winter Concert Series: Amahl and the Night Visitors

St. Mary Our Lady of Grace January 10

The church presents a variety of performers for the sixth annual series. Amahl and the Night Visitors: Saint Mary’s cantor, Victoria Lanning and Saint Petersburg Opera’s Melissa Misener, perform Menotti’s operetta about a poor shepherd boy and the Magi.

3:00 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

St. Mary is located at 515 Fourth St. S, St. Petersburg, FL. Shen Yun

Mahaffey Theater January 12 & 13

Continue the extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of civilization. Feel the energy of classical Chinese dance, be inspired by the music, and be transported to another world with new legends, costumes, and animated backdrops. Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired. Classically trained dancers and a full orchestra weave ancient legends and modern heroic tales to take audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $62.50$202.50.

TFO Coffee Concert Series: A Tchaikovsky Celebration

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 13

There’s complimentary coffee and doughnuts served before these morning performances, with a pre-concert conversation one hour before each show.

11:00 a.m. Tickets: $24-$42.

THEY ARE PLAYING OUR SONG

Francis Wilson Playhouse January 14 - 24

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Jaeb Theater - Straz Center January 15

In this up-close-and-personal evening in the intimate theater, the season six winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent brings his personal touch to the songs of Frank Sinatra. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25.

Jaeb Theater is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL. Florida Orchestra Pops: The Fabulous Forties

Straz Center for the Perf. Arts - Ferguson Hall January 15

With award-winning swing dancers, it’s a swinging salute to one of the greatest eras of American popular music with such favorites as In the Mood and One O’Clock Jump, along with music from films, Broadway and more. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-$45.

Sunshine Music Festival

Vinoy Park January 16

This year’s diverse lineup includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, Indigo Girls, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, the Revivalists, the Jerry Douglas Band, Jorma Kaukonen, Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio and Joanne Shaw Taylor and the Hard Working Americans, a Southern soul supergroup consisting of Todd Snider, Duane Trucks, Dave Schools, Neil Casal, Chad Staehly and Jesse Aycock. 11:30 a.m.

Tickets: $49.99-$189.99.

Vinoy Park is located at 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL. For more information www.sunshinemusicfestival.com.

Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock celebrate 40 years of hitmaking as Air Supply! Known for their hit songs “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” this is one of pop music’s most enduring powerhouse touring bands. Their most recent release, the CD, DVD and Blu-Ray Live in Hong Kong, captures one of their classic performances, vibrantly illuminating a true musical phenomenon. 8:00 p.m.

Tickets: $45 - $85.

Paul Anka

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 16 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall January 17

Paul Anka, one of the biggest teen idols of the late ’50s, with songs that shaped a generation such as Diana, Lonely Boy and Put Your Head on My Shoulder, returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for one night only. He’s written well-known music including the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and one of Tom Jones’ biggest hits, She’s A Lady. Paul also wrote the lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s signature song My Way. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $55 - *$150. *$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Valet service begins 15 minutes before pre-show dinner doors open. Artist does not appear at Dinner. Van Wezel, 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $75 $100.

Simon and Son

Largo Cultural Center January 17

Concert pianist Peter Simon and his son, Saling Simon, present the acrobatic keyboard showcase “One Piano, 4 Hands.” 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $14.50-$29.50 advance, $19.50-$34.50 day of.

Largo Cultural Ctr. is located at 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL. Gala of the Royal Horses

The Lakeland Center January 16 Robarts Arena January 19

Gala of the Royal Horses is a “Must See” for horse lovers and families alike! The Gala of the Royal Horses gives audiences the chance to experience the excitement, splendor, and majesty of the most beautiful horses in the world like never before. This spectacular show combines stunning horses from around the world with live performers creating a breathtaking event for the entire family. Lakeland, 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $25 - $55. Sarasota, 7:00 p.m. Tickets $25 - $45.

Jackson Browne Solo

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 19

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne announces solo acoustic tour dates, which includes a stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall in January. Playing guitar and piano, Jackson will perform songs from his entire body of work, with varying set lists each night. Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. Beyond his music, Browne is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. He’s a co-founder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) and Nukefree.org. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49 - *$160. *$160

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

Page 21

Entertainment Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Valet service begins 15 minutes before pre-show dinner doors open. Artist does not appear at Dinner. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase.

The Lion King

The Straz Center January 20 - February 14

More than 80 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King, and now you can, too. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor bring to life Disney’s popular story of hope and adventure through the use of an amazing backdrop of visuals, puppets and music

by Elton John and Tim Rice. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35-$188.50. VIP Premium Package Seating - includes the best seats in the theater, a commemorative souvenir program and a complimentary VIP show merchandise item!

Temptations & Four Tops

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 20

For more than fifty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. Thanks to their fine-tuned choreography, and even finer harmonies, The Temptations became the first act on Motown to win a GRAMMY® Award and are one of the most successful acts to record for the label. The Four Tops have been thrilling audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954. The Four Tops became one of Motown’s most consistent hit makers with songs like Baby, I Need Your Loving, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), Reach Out (I’ll Be There), Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got) and many more well-known hits. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45 *$150. *$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Valet service begins 15 minutes before pre-show dinner doors open. Artist does not appear at Dinner.Directed by L. Peter Callendere Jitney

American Stage January 20 - February 21

The American Stage tradition continues with this winner of the New York Drama Critics Award for BEST NEW PLAY. Set in 1970 in the Hill District of Pittsburgh that is served by a makeshift taxi company, JITNEY is a beautiful addition to the author’s decade by decade cycle of plays about the black American

experience in the twentieth century. For show times www.americanstage.org.

Tickets: $29.

Billy Joel

Amalie Arena January 22

Legendary musician Billy Joel brings a hit packed performance to Amalie Arena. Billy Joel is one of the highest grossing touring artists in the world.

Having sold over 150 million albums globally, his music has remained among the most popular in the world. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist.

Joel has received six Grammy awards and has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as receiving numerous industry awards. 8:00 p.m.

Tickets: $39.50 - $119.50.

WWE Smackdown

Amalie Arena January 26

WWE brings SmackDown to Tampa Bay for the first time in three years.

Amalie Arena will host the greatest Superstars and Divas in sports entertainment just two days after Royal Rumble.

WWE Superstars scheduled to appear include Roman Reigns®, Dean Ambrose®, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus®, Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens®, Alberto del Rio®, Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family®, Kane®, Big Show®, Ryback®, Rusev®, Dolph Ziggler®, Neville®, The Dudley Boyz®, The New Day®, Primetime Players®, the WWE Divas® and many more. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $20 $115 (ringside.)

Dancing With The Stars: LIVE!

Ruth Eckerd Hall January 30

Dancing with the Stars: Live! is taking its all new production on the road giving fans the opportunity to see their favorite stars dance live in their hometowns. The ‘Dance All Night Tour’ is bringing a one-of-a-kind touring production to 43 cities across America.

Dancing with the Stars: Live!- Dance All Night Tour will feature a bigger cast than ever before with special guests to be announced. In this all new production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring you a 90-minute action-packed live show. Audiences will watch exciting and romantic performances, from choreography never before seen on the show, to some of the most memorable numbers from Dancing with the Stars. 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $38.75 - *$135. *$135 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Valet service begins 15 minutes before pre-show dinner doors open. Artist does not appear at Dinner.

The Tenors

The Lakeland Center

February 1 This is the amazing opportunity to hear THE TENORS like you’ve never heard them before. Since their formation in 2007, THE TENORS have performed more than 500 concerts on five continents, made 150 television appearances and were featured at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic opening ceremonies. Among the artists with whom they have performed are Paul McCartney, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah McLachlan. THE TENORS have sold almost 1 million albums around the world and are back with their newest hit album Under One Sky. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $44.50 - $251.50 (VIP). Enjoy Delicious and Convenient Pre-Show Dining with The Lakeland Center’s Center Stage Buffet for $17.50 per person.

Barry Manilow

Amalie Arena February 4 Barry Manilow recently announced that he is going to “hit the road” and perform concerts across North America ONE LAST TIME! The music legend will re-launch his multiple-city ONE LAST TIME! Tour with his band of 13 musicians and singers.

After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The ONE LAST TIME! Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, “is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!” The GRAMMY®, TONY®, and EMMY® Award-winning musician’s career skyrocketed to superstardom when his mega hit song, “Mandy,” topped the charts in 1975. In the spirit of that special year, tickets will be priced to tie into that year and will start at $19.75 (fees included). Manilow insisted that the average ticket price remain low and that a greater range of ticket prices be available.

VENUE ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION FL Studio Theatre 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-9000 www.floridastudiotheatre.org Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre 4802 N. US Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33610 Telephone: (813) 740-2446. www.midflorida.com/amphitheatre The Historic Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com The Lakeland Center — 701 W. Lime St. Lakeland, FL 33815.

Telephone: (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com The Mahaffey Theater — 400 1st. St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Telephone: (727) 892-5798. www.themahaffey.com Ruth Eckerd Hall — 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759.

Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com The Straz Center — 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602.

Telephone: (813) 229-7827. www.strazcenter.org Amelie Arena 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602.

Telephone: (813) 301-6500. www.ameliearena.com American Stage Theatre 163 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Telephone: (727)823-7529 www.americanstage.org Van Wezel Perf. Arts Hall 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-3368 www.vanwezel.org

When It Comes to Entertaining

Get out from behind your mask and list your Event for Free right here on the SVA ENTERTAINMENT PAGES! Email your event information no later than the 15th of the month for the following month listings to: entertainment@seniorvoiceamerica.com

Page 22

Senior Voice America

JANUARY 2016

Senior to Senior Woman Seeking Man S W F NS ND looking for M NS 58-65, likes to walk, flea markets, dining, relaxing at home. Only sincere reply, I’m 55+, 5’3”, 125 lbs., LTR. Has no voicemail machine, but has caller ID and will answer and return calls. Pasco County (813) 395-6129.

Retired lady, widow, late 70s, I like dancing, tennis, dining out, theater & movies, have a dog. I seek someone with same interests who is honest and nice. New Port Richey (727) 848-7948.

D J F NS 62 youthful, educated, health-conscious.

ISO intelligent, ethical male, w/ SOH for LTR. Enjoy walking, photography, music, films, billiards. Every snowflake may be unique, but some intertwine magically. St. Pete (516) 563-0545.

Do you want to share a part of your 24 hours with a 70 year J W F talking, laughing, dining, dancing? Likeminded male is welcome to respond. A good friend is hard to find. St. Pete (727) 504-1134.

D W F NS SD 62, ISO LTR, must have SOH, loyal, honest, enjoy dining out, bingo, flea markets, movies, romantic walks on beach or staying home. Must love animals. Tampa (813) 270-2932.

I am a W S F, 60 yrs. old, ISO W M between 60-65.

Looking for fun, honest, good SOH. Like camping, fishing, cooking and bingo. St. Pete (727) 254-9264.

S W F SD NS 60s, kind, loyal, good attitude, thoughtful, frugal. ISO youthful, honest, healthy, country M 58-73. Likes dancing, music, walks, exercise, nature, togetherness and quiet times. Wesley Chapel Area (813) 312-7647.

D W J F princess ISO LTR with prince charming who is tall, 55-60 yrs., good SOH, honest, no drugs, friends first. Leave VM, Pasco County (727) 364-9304.

Spanish lady, positive, caring, honest. Seeks for a nice person, sweet, sincere, independent. I’m D H ISO H. Largo (727) 614-1729.

Independent S W F ISO S W M NS, 72+ for quiet evenings, movies, travel, dining out or whatever is decided.

Open for suggestions. Everyone needs someone to share.

Clearwater (727) 599-2289.

S W F ISO companion, friend, passion, love, romance. I am 64, some of my interests are: talking, laughing, music, dining, dancing, cooking, reading, beach, movies. ISO someone to enjoy these things with. Clearwater (803) 603-8833.

S W W F 70s, 5’5”, 130 lbs., ISO W M 70s for LTR, no player. Like beach, dancing, NS, ND or SD, average weight. Religious, church some Sundays, travel, flea market, cruise, picnics. Largo (727) 247-9253.

man Seeking WOMan WD W M 63, 5’9”, looking for W F C 55-69, who is honest, kind, fun loving for LTR. I have a small pug.

Clearwater (386) 457-6237 W M 73, 5’10”, naturist, nice looking, educated, prosperous, fun. ISO endowed, shapely F, any ethnicity, to share kind times, dancing, theatre, weekend getaways.

Senior to Senior Abbreviations M: Male F: Female S: Single D: Divorced WD: Widowed W: White B: Black H: Hispanic J: Jewish

Meet that Someone Special with a FREE listing in Senior to Senior

C: Christian ISO: In Search Of LTR: Long Term Relationship NS: Non-Smoker ND: Non-Drinker SD: Social Drinker SOH: Sense of Humor

cently retired prof. musician, all ships, vegas. ISO H/ oriental/B/W F, must be degreed and attractive. South Pasadena (727) 360-8823.

D W M 69 NS ND looking for NS lady. Wants committed relationship, can relocate. Likes kisses, hugs, romance, no baggage or hang ups. St. Petersburg 1 (203) 214-4711.

Fun loving, retired, D W M, seeking lady no taller than 5’7” and 65+. Likes outdoors, dancing, travel. So enjoy life with me, we only have one. Largo (727) 409-0316.

66 years young looking for slim lady that is NS, 60-70s fine, west coast, Pinellas/pasco border. No druggies or alcoholics wanted, just a nice person. Holiday (727) 9386990.

friend Seeking friend Land O Lakes (813) 428-0028.

D B M 68, financially secure, seeking small female Healthy W F would like to form a real social club friend, 55-65 with laidback, attitude. ISO LTR for enjoy- for road trips, travel, daytrips, and other good things to ing sunrises/sunsets and scenic day trips. Oldsmar (813) do. Largo (727) 530-7116.

304-3975.

D C F SD ISO M NS for getting together, hanging out D W M young looking 62, 6 ft. 175 lbs., ISO S W C. for walks, coffee, lunch. Whatever happens will happen.

Companion that god is very important to. Like the beach, Tampa (813) 260-6467. walking, motorcycle, riding, play guitar, nice talks, spend- Helper, small jobs, handy. Clearwater (727) 282-8811. ing time together that could lead to more. Ruskin (517) Questing free spirit, 70s English W M, 5’8”, 136 673-6160. lbs., into natural living, enjoys good home cooking, exM W NS LTR, 80 C. Very serious, ready to move to cellent dvds, classical music, videos, trying new things, condominium. I am mobile. Tampa (813) 215-1366. beaches, parks, animals. Seeks friend to explore and enJ W M ISO J F for LTR, NS ND SOH. PO Box 2514, joy. St. Pete (727) 384-4908.

Dade City, FL 33526.

Senior, retired in search of a person who would like W D M 50, USF area, likes walking dead, day to make a new friend. Please after 7 pm for conversation. dreaming, and simple activities. ISO F 40-48, NS and Dunedin (603) 332-9317. working, not sure where life’s taking you, but willing to try another door? Tampa (813) 541-4930. to™ I am 80 year old in Mail to: Senior Voice America search of LTR. Thonotosassa (813) 986-5991.

P.O. BOX 1379, Lutz, FL 33548-1379 Are we compatible?

Email: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com Skelt virile, grandpa, NS Fax: (813) 422-7966 ND, non-religious, dependable democrat, enjoys various mutual entertainment.

Call me 24/7 to talk about fun and happy activities, LTR. St. Petersburg (727) 235-0166.

I am W WD M, vet, re-

EMAIL: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com

JANUARY 2016

Senior Voice America

From INCOME Page 1

income seniors. Limited incomes need not be used to pay old debt. Instead,this income can be used for its intended purposes – meeting seniors’ basic needs such as food, housing and medication.

Debt collectors are not unaware of the law.

Many agencies only amplify their debt collecting efforts against a senior with protected income.

Because federal law prevents the collection of a senior’s protected funds through judicial avenues, a collection agent will continue to harass a senior through the only avenues left to him— intimidating phone calls and threatening letters.

Seniors are not without options. They can simply ignore the calls and letters. For some seniors, however, the stress caused by constant contact makes this impossible. Seniors can also consider bankruptcy, but it may be an expensive and unnecessary option for a senior who has an income protected by federal law. The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 increased the attorney’s fees associated with a bankruptcy filing. Seniors also may not have any need or means to rebuild credit after bankruptcy.

Additionally, seniors may take advantage of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under this federal law, a consumer may request, in writing, for a third party collection agency to cease and desist from further contact regarding an alleged debt.

This request is commonly referred to as a “cease and desist” letter. These letters cannot be used on an original creditor, but it is typically the collection agencies employed by creditors that become aggressive. Cease and desist letters can be found on the internet. HELPS, a nonprofit law firm, has a cease and desist letter available for free download on its website, at http://www.helpsishere.org/ cease.html

When seniors are armed with information and given the means to stop collector harassment, they may elect to use protected incomes as they see fit. No more anxiously burning through limited funds due to intimidating phone calls or letters. Whether choosing to use protected funds for food, medication or air conditioning, an informed senior will not have to skip basic necessities because of old debt.

Page 23

A Recommended Course of Action From AGING Page 10 Wellness tips for closing and/or starting the year off are pretty much the same as tips for New Year resolutions, for Lent, Ramadan and other holy days and not-so-holy days of our lives—make wise choices. Choose active lifestyles and become expert at good thinking, finding meaning and purpose, experiencing happiness and joy, being athletic and eating wisely. Safeguard your personal freedoms to live the kind of life you desire. Spend your days as much as possible showcasing your talents, supporting your interests and connecting with nature and loved ones.

You can’t be a kid for more than a couple decades, if that long, but you can be younger longer by aging less rapidly and enjoying yourself while doing so.

Try to be the very model of a modern major general of wellness living.

Donald B. Ardell is the publisher of the Ardell Wellness Report, author of 15 books on the themes of reason/exuberance/athleticism and liberty and is a national and world champion triathlete. His website is SeekWellness.com/wellness.

great food in tampa bay

Eric Olsen is the executive director of HELPS nonprofit law firm, which protects and educates seniors in all 50 states regarding their financial rights.

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Page 24

Senior Voice America

Sail roundtrip aboard the amazing Brilliance of the Seas to Cozumel!

November 10, 2016 (4 nights)

Invites you for the

2016 Senior Cruise

JANUARY 2016

Limite first tripd availability Bri ou reserve t of Tampa. Boolliance’s at gr k no $50 onb eat rate plus ge w to t oard cre dit

on Brilliance of the Seas from Tampa Special amenities: b COCKTAIL PARTY WITH PUBLISHERS EVAN & DEB ry 15 a u r b e yF b JAZZ FITNESS CLASSES Book b receive two d o t n a tickets b MEET UPS AND LOTS OF FUN FREE da Orchestra ori Appreciate everything this ship has to offer including the relaxing The Fl

adult only Solarium & Vitality Spa. Try your luck at the Vegas style Casino Royale, enjoy a cocktail by the resort style pool or at one of the many lounges aboard. Take in a Broadway style show or enjoy many other wonderful activities aboard this exciting ship!

In Mexico, take an excursion to the Mayan ruins, relax on the beach, or do some shopping. It’s your choice!

Rates starting from mid $300.00 per person, double occupancy Taxes and fees: $69.35 per person Deposits are $100.00 per person at booking - final payment due 8/27/16.

Reserve your stateroom by contacting: Nancy M. Clark, A.C.C. - Cruise Planners/American Express (813) 527-6574 • Toll Free (855) 222-SAIL nclark@cruiseplanners.com • www.ACruiseForMe.com