Aging Times Magazine - December 2021

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 10 | DECEMBER 2021

Home for the Holidays Wherever Home May Be page 16

A HOLIDAY TRADITION DISCOVERY

Holiday Celebrations Around the World page 20

SWEET SUBSTITUTES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON A Twist on Classic Staples page 23

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE ENCHANTED

European Christmas Markets page 18

CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER STORY

16 There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

MONTHLY FEATURES 6 Veterans Benefits

Va Grants Improve Transitional Housing, Prevent Veteran Homelessness

7 Legal Matters

Elder Law a Year in Review

8 Shop Local for the Holidays

For a Stress-Free Christmas Shop Local

10 Social Security

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022

12 Just Like Mom Used to Make A Taste of Powerful Memories

13 Healthy Living for the Soul

Family Stories - Shared Memories

14 Medicare Minute

Medicare & COVID-19

18 Vacation Spotlight

'Tis the Season to be Enchanted

20 A Holiday Tradition Discovery

Holiday Celebrations Around the World

22 Favorite Family Recipes

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes Ginger Snap Cookies

RESOURCES 9 Shop Local Spotlight

Shop Local for the Holidays

19 Assisted Living Facility Spotlight New Year, New Home!

25 Volusia Business Services

Aging Times Magazine Businesses and Services for You

28 Senior Resource Rolodex

Resource Directory of Trusted Providers

29 Classifieds

Items for Sale, Industry Jobs, Services, and More

23 We Mustache You A Question ??

How To Advertise Call Janet at 386-717-6267 or email janet.agingtimes@gmail.com

Relax & Play Brain Games

Recipe & Classifieds Submissions Email to marketing.agingtree@gmail.com

Sweet Substitutes for the Holiday Season Sugar Free Sugar Cookies Recipe

24 Crossword Puzzle 26 Sudoku

Follow Us on Facebook Facebook.com//AgingTimesMagazine

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

3

FOUNDERS/OWNERS Priscilla & Bruce Kincaid CO-FOUNDER Janet Dixon MANAGING EDITOR Priscilla Kincaid, RN, BSN, MBA DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Janet Dixon

The time has come where we have reached the last month of the year.

This time of year has always been my favorite! Starting with Thanksgiving, for me, there is a special emotion that takes over and brings additional joy knowing all of the holiday festivities around and so much to do! Like myself, some are excited to be in the hype of the season, while others may be reflecting on memories wishing to turn back the hands of time. One thing that holds true as we embark on hoping for good tidings and cheer is keeping our present family close and family present in spirit.

This month we will take you on an adventure of reflection.

Whether reflection is on memories of the past celebrations you may have had, current ones you are making, or even plans for the future, we hope that this edition brings joy to all. The universal thing about the holiday season is no matter where in the world we are in December, we are celebrating one holiday or another!

Many times what we don’t realize is just how many holidays we celebrate in December! From Kwanzaa and Hanukkah to Boxing Day, and of course, Christmas celebrations are all around us.

This month Vince takes us on an adventure around the world, exploring the festivities and traditions pulling on our heartstrings and connecting us with our traditions both near and far.

As we close out the year, we hope that you take time to enjoy the spirit around, take some time to bake some fresh new deserts and maybe even try a new recipe. So take time and enjoy the holidays from all around the world!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Priscilla & Bruce Kincaid, Founders/Owners

4

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Raymond Allen Jr. Scott Selis Harry Martinez Cheryl Floyd Beth Douglas Adrienne Freeland Amanda Vallone Wayne Carter Vince Philip ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Casey Marshall

CONTACT US Aging Times Magazine 815 S. Volusia Ave., Suite 5 Orange City, FL 32763 Office: 386-626-AGING (2446) Email: marketing.agingtree@gmail.com www.agingtree.com Facebook.com//TheAgingTimesMagazine For advertising inquiries, please contact Janet Dixon at janet.agingtimes@gmail.com or 386-717-6267 ©2021 by Aging Tree, LLC. Aging Times Magazine is the official publication of Aging Tree, LLC. All rights reserved. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced without the permission from Aging Tree, LLC. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding appropriate use of any treatment.

Contact Janet Dixon Director of Advertising

386-717-6267

janet.agingtimes@gmail.com

AdvertiseDemographics with Us. Call| Today!

Map of Distribution | Distribution Points TARGET AUDIENCE

VOLUSIA COUNTY

RESIDENTS 55+

DISTRIBUTED TO ALL

WE ARE REGIONAL

LOCAL SENIOR COMMUNITIES

REACHING OVER

20,000

10,000 Americans retire everyday. 38% of Volusia County residents are 65 or older.

Volusia County has one of the highest concentrations of retirees in the state.

REASONS FOR PRINT ADVERTISING

1 We feature local merchants and vendors, providing 5 Our professional team of graphic designers create value with your sales message alongside other prominent businesses.

2 Our full color magazine is not just for advertising

but an outlet for information and community news.

3 We showcase your busness with ads, editorials, and informative articles.

4 Each editions reaches over 20,000 local

eye catching ads and editorials.

6 When you advertise with us for 6 or more months

your business is listed free in the Senior Resource Rolodex section.

7 Each edition has resourceful and educational

articles for seniors and their families helping them find solutions in every day living.

households and businesses.

Over 450 Distribution Points

Seville

Ormond By The Sea Ormond Beach

Pierson Volusia

Holly Hill

40

Daytona Beach

Barberville DeLeon Springs

Glenwood .J oh n’s

iv

R

17

DeLand

er

Nursing Homes Select Convenience Stores Hospitals Medical Clinics Pharmacies Senior Centers Beauty Salons And Many More

St

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Debbie’s Health DeLand Bakery West Volusia Tourism Village Cafe Grocery Stores Physician Offices Retirement Communities Assisted Living Facilities

Orange City DeBary

South Daytona Daytona Beach Shores Port Orange Ponce Inlet

92 Lake Helen Cassadega Deltona Enterprise

Times Magazine Grow with us! Be a part of our Aging TimesAging Magazine!

Contact Janet Dixon | Phone: (386) 717-6267 | Email: janet.agingtimes@gmail.com

Atlantic Ocean

New Smyrna Beach Edgewater Oak Hill

| December 2021

5

VETERANS BENEFITS

VA GRANTS IMPROVE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, PREVENT VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin awarding $116.4 million in grants September 30 to more than 200 community organizations under VA’s Grant and Per Diem program.

associated with close quarters living. VA will award 60 capital grants totaling approximately $64.2 million to provide 1,439 new beds over the next 18 to 24 months.

GPD provides funding to community organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive services for Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness and aims to help them achieve residential stability, increase skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination.

Case Management Grants will be used to support case managers who provide services to help Veterans maintain self-sufficiency and housing stability. A total of 121 grants to organizations are awarded to support almost 155 case managers, totaling about $28.4 million over two years.

“The Grant and Per Diem program is integral to VA’s evidence-based approach to preventing and ending homelessness among Veterans, which remains one of our highest priorities,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

“These grants give the department continued flexibility to customize our services to the unique circumstances and needs of each Veteran facing a housing crisis and puts them on the pathway to permanent and stable housing.”

Special Need Grants will provide funding for community organizations that help Veterans experiencing homelessness with special needs such as women Veterans, those with chronic mental illnesses and those who care for minor dependents. A total of 26 grants to organizations will be awarded for 217 beds totaling about $23.75 million over three years.

VA will award three different types of grants to address the unique needs of Veterans who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

Capital Grants will provide funding for community organizations to build or renovate facilities that serve Veterans experiencing homelessness and are authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act established in 2020. The improvements must result in less congregate and more individual unit style housing, thereby improving personal safety and reducing risks

GPD has provided Veterans experiencing homelessness with community-based transitional housing and supportive services since 1994. As a result of this program and other VA efforts, the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has declined by 50% since 2010.

Raymond Allen Jr., U.S. Army SFC (RET.) Volusia County Veterans Services 123 West Indiana Avenue DeLand, Florida 32720 Phone: 386-740-5102 Fax: 386-740-5101

EYE EXAMS

386-734-2931

EYELID SURGERY

1592 South SR-15-A | DeLand, FL 32720

CATARACT SURGERY

www.TheEyeSpecialists.com

CORNEA SURGERY

Other Locations: Lake Mary, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Ormond Beach and Winter Park

Dedicated to Providing Affordable and Safe Housing for Seniors in the Heart of DeLand

www.QwestCareHealth.com

HOME CARE info@qwestcarehealth.com

101 North Amelia Ave., DeLand, FL •

Large carpeted studio & one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors

•

Remodeled kitchens, walk-in closets, & self controlled air/heat

•

Utilities included (telephone & cable extra)

•

Controlled access to the building

•

Amenities include library, fitness center, auditorium and more, as well as a variety of planned social activities

•

62+ community only

For More Information Call 386-734-2299 TTY 1-800-545-1833 ext. 991

6

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

We provide assistance in:

Daily ADLs Transportation ( errands, appointments, ect...)

Walking and ambulation Cognitive impairment or decline Toileting and incontinence care And more...

FREE Comprehensive Assessment on all cases.

386-327-1447

LIC#299995122

Passionate about care Compassionate about people!

ELDER LAW NEW LINE A YEAR IN REVIEW March 2021 | While wills, trusts, and power of attorney are essential, they aren’t the entire estate planning story.

April 2021 | Last year, the government issued stimulus payments to qualified adults in the U.S. Scott reminded us that our stimulus payments are ours and will not be considered income if appropriately used within the year.

May 2021 | The government has allocated funding from the American Jobs Plan to expand the Home Care Medicaid program. It will now be easier for families to care for their loved ones at home.

June 2021 | It’s important for patients diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s to have their Durable Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release in order while they are still thinking clearly.

July 2021 | Long-term care is expensive, and those who don’t qualify for Medicaid are forced to pay out of pocket, sometimes to the tune of $9,500 per month. This month we learned about Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and how they can help protect our resources.

LEGAL MATTERS

August 2021 | This month Scott shared with us some valuable information about gifting money and avoiding a gift tax. If the tax implication of giving has been holding you back, wait no longer!

September 2021 | An estate plan will help your family avoid probate, distribute your assets, and care for you as you age. Think of an estate plan as a gift to your loved ones.

October 2021 | Does your family know what decisions you would like made at the end of your life? From living wills to health care power of attorney, Scott covered all the details.

November 2021 | The VA’s Aid and Attendant Care program pays monthly benefits to wartime veterans or their widow(er) who can pass tests to prove their service, meet the income threshold, and meet the net worth test.

Thank you again to Scott for nine months worth of incredibly valuable legal advice. We at Aging Times wish you all a warm and prosperous new year.

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

7

A recent editorial in the New York Times said, “Forget Amazon. The best gifts are closer than you think.” That’s just one reason to do your shopping closer to home.

Shopping locally has many advantages over shopping online, like a lot more of your money stays here in our community. Also, local businesses are the ones who are constantly hit on throughout the year to give to local causes and organizations. If we don’t support local now, it’s not likely they will be able to help you out much later on. It just works that way. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Amazon or Etsy or the like donating to a local cause.

Shopping local is way better than purchasing online; that’s why MainStreet DeLand has its “Brick Before You Click” promotion. For a stress-free Christmas, shop local. When you make your purchases, you get to take them home with you. There’s no need to worry about how many cargo ships are backed up or how many more truckers are needed.

HOLIDAYS downtown Featuring Wreaths on Woodland

Mistletoe March 11/22 to 12/20

Shop Small Saturday Saturday 11/27

Brick Before You Click 11/29 to 12/20

Light up DeLand Friday 12/3

DeLand Rotary’s Christmas Parade Saturday 12/4

Holiday DeLand Indie Market Sunday 12/5

Stroll Our Streets Saturday 12/11

Visit www.mainstreetdeland.org for more information.

8

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

Shopping local and small is your best bet!

Of course, you could shop locally in a big box store, lots of people do. And if large crowds and self-service check-out appeal to you, there are plenty of big box stores to choose from. But if you’re looking to really support local and find something unique this Holiday season, shopping small is your best stress-free option.

Spread the joy in your community by shopping small. Enjoy this Christmas by supporting your community and your favorite independent retailers. Forget Amazon. The best gifts are closer than you think!

Wayne Carter Executive Director MainStreet DeLand Association www.mainstreetdeland.org Phone: 386-738-0649

SHOP LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, ENJOY LOCAL...FOR THE HOLIDAYS Volusia County’s Computer Repair Store!

DeLand • Orange City • Deltona New Smyrna • Daytona • Port Orange

The

ed t n i o An

WHOLESALE COMPUTER OUTLET, LLC

Great Gift Ideas

Gift Cards Gift Baskets Gift Sets

e Oliv Save 15% with this ad Expires December 24, 2021

118 N Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32720 386-873-8123

203 E Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, FL 32176 386-333-9236

Treat Yourself or Give the Gift of Balance this Holiday Season!

• Relieve Stress

• Reduce Tension

• Massages & Reflexology

By Appointment Tues - Sun 216 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand 386.873.7707 www.kneadsolereflexology.com

Give the Gift They Love Receiving

Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm • Closed Sunday

New Desktops & Laptops • Hardware & Software PC & Mac Repairs • Cellphone Repair • Laptop Repair Data Recovery • iOS Corrupt • Broken LCD Screen • & More!

On-site Service • Free Delivery • Senior Discounts Financing thru Accima Available (Text 47847 to 22462 to apply)

386-738-4880 1computeroutlet.com

106 North Woodland Boulevard • DeLand, FL 32720 • 3rd-Generation Jeweler • Buy & Sell Gold and Diamonds • Layaway • Custom Jeweler • Repairs While You Wait • Watch Battery Replacement • Rolex

386-748-1175

142 E. Indiana Ave., Downtown DeLand Take a Break from Your Holiday Shopping

l For alhings t

Key

me i L

e Pie Dressing • • Key Lim s e i k o o • Salsa C • k c i t S • Pie on a dy • Candy Bo • Bath & s p! i e d a n i r • Ma sh s e e c u a •S w

Outlet Pricing in our DeLand Store Every Day

1842 Patterson Ave., DeLand keylimeshop.com

386-734-4545 • AbbeyBarDeLand.com • 117 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand

Want A Fresh Look At Your Financial Portfolio?

• Do you have multiple retirement accounts that you want to consolidate?

• Are you receiving personalized financial planning?

• Are you receiving personalized financial planning?

• Do you have multiple retirement accounts that you want to consolidate?

Call for a Review Today!

Katy Brown-Thibodeau Financial Advisor

WEALTH SOLUTIONS

WORKING TOGETHER IN ALL SEASONS OF YOUR LIFE

Phone: 386.736.4242 info@kbtwealthsolutions.com | www.KBTWealthSolutions.com Downtown DeLand | 324 E. Church Street, Suite 104, DeLand, Florida 32724

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA and SIPC. Investment Advisory Supervisory Services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and KBT Wealth Solutions are not affiliated.

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

9

SOCIAL SECURITY

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INCREASE IN 2022

Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive, so the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs.

We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees.

But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.

If you prefer to access your COLA notice online and not receive the mailed notice, you can log in to your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to opt out of a mailed COLA notice and any other notices that are available online by updating your Preferences in the Message Center. Did you know you can receive a text or email alert when there is a new message waiting for you? That way, you always know when we have something important for you – like your COLA notice. If you don’t have an account yet, you must create one by November 17, 2021, to receive the 2022 COLA notice online.

TERRY BAILEY

BROKER ASSOCIATE, GRI, CRS

terrybsells.com | 386.801.9300

January 2022 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index.

For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2022 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change in 2022 and you can view that at www.ssa.gov/news/press/ factsheets/colafacts2022.pdf.

Be among the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal my Social Security account today. Choose email or text under “Message Center Preferences” to receive courtesy notifications.

You can find more information about the 2022 COLA at www.ssa.gov/cola.

Harry Martinez, Social Security District Manager www.ssa.gov Phone: 1-866-964-7396

LINDA HANNON

BROKER ASSOCIATE, GRI, ABR

lindahannon.com | 386.848.8904

NR 30211767 Insured | Bonded

The Law Offices of Michael Newman

10

In-Home Health Care Nurse LPN CNA Companion Services

Estate Planning, Real Property, Probate, and Elder Law Serving Central Florida

386-767-5556

P: 407-413-2588 | E: attynewman@outlook.com

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

www.newmanlaworlando.com

Make SunRail part of your There is something magical about trains during the winter holiday season.

SunRail creates the perfect opportunity to make special plans with family and friends for a fun day or evening out.

SunRail is a local train service in Central Florida that operates Monday through Friday. With 16 stations, riders can enjoy a fun and safe way to experience arts and culture, shopping, and dining.

Here are three destinations to explore from DeBary.

Downtown Sanford: A free trolley will connect you from the Sanford Station to the Welcome Center in Downtown Sanford beginning at noon. Downtown Sanford is the walk-able home of antique shops, restaurants, and museums, including the famous Hollerbach’s – German café and the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery.

Total Time on SunRail: Free Sanford Trolley: Total Travel Cost:

6 minutes 10 minutes $2.75 (round trip)*

Lake Mary: The SunRail station in Lake Mary is a short, 5-minute walk to the Lake Mary Museum and several restaurants and shops with direct access from the Lake Mary SunRail platform.

Total Time on SunRail: Walk to destinations: Total Travel Cost:

Enjoy a safe and convenient way to travel in Central Florida.

Trains run Monday - Friday and are ADA accessible.

50% discount for riders who are: Age 65+ Disabled Age 7-17 Kids 6 and under ride free!

13 minutes 5 minutes $2.75 (round trip)*

Winter Park: The SunRail station is located in the heart of Winter Park - home to shops, restaurants, and beautiful Central Park. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home of the Tiffany window collection, are two destinations that SunRailriding seniors have been enjoying in Winter Park.

Total Time on SunRail: Walk to Destinations: Total Travel Cost:

36 minutes 1-5 minutes $3.75 (round trip)*

DeBary SunRail Station is located at 630 South Charles R. Beall Blvd. Enjoy free parking at the station. Visit SunRail.com for more information. *Based on discounted fare rate for seniors.

Your Nearest SunRail Station:

630 South Charles R. Beall Blvd. (U.S. 17-92) FREE parking at the station

Food can trigger some powerful memories. “Food memories are more sensory than other memories in that they involve really all five senses, so when you’re that thoroughly engaged with the stimulus, it has a more powerful effect,” says professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Susan Whitborne.

It is often magical how we can recall experiences that were created while enjoying certain foods. When I was a little girl, the smell of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, and sugar would fill the house when my mother would make her delicious spiced apple cider. She would serve it in oversized ceramic mugs and add a stick of cinnamon to use as a stir stick. To this day, that scent can take me back to our little house in Portland, Maine, where I grew up. It was almost always snowing outside, and we would cuddle under a blanket to watch holiday movies together. Priceless memories. The physical act of enjoying the food itself most likely lasts only minutes, but the memory linked to that food experience can last a lifetime.

The Holidays Are Upon Us!

What foods trigger happy holiday childhood memories for you? Why not recreate those and keep them alive

Put Your Feet In Our Hands Providing Leg, Foot & Ankle Care for Over 25 Years Wound Care • Sports Injuries • Reconstructive Foot Surgery Laser Treatment for Pain Management Call Us Before Spending Thousands at the Emergency Room or Wound Care Center

Ingrown Nails • Arch and Heel Pain • Fractures Bunions • Hammer Toes • Diabetic Foot Disorders Corns & Calluses • Neuromas • Diabetic Ulcerations Skin Cancer of Legs & Feet • Varicose & Spider Veins Fat Pad Replacement • Pillows for Your Feet

ROY ROTHMAN, DPM Diplomat, American Board of Podiatrist Surgery • Board Certified in Foot Surgery & Wound Care • Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons • Fellow, American Professional Wound Care Association Voted Best Podiatrist, West Volusia by Readers of News Journal Voted One of America’s Best Podiatrist, 2006-2013 by Consumers’ Research Council of America

386-753-1918

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm 2836 Enterprise Rd., Ste 2, DeBary, Florida (Adjacent to Orange City Nursing)

Serving Volusia & Seminole Counties • Most Insurance Accepted

www.RothmanDPM.com Connect With Us Search for Roy Rothman, DPM,PA

12

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

as a family tradition during the holidays? It’s a great and meaningful way to share stories with children and grandchildren about what makes that particular dish, beverage, or dessert meaningful to you. Every time I would serve spiced apple cider, my daughter would grin and comment that it was just like her Nana used to make.

“Food memories feel so nostalgic because there’s all this context of when you were preparing or eating this food, so the food becomes almost symbolic of other meaning,” Whitbourne says. “A lot of our memories as children, it’s not so much the apple pie, for example, but the whole experience of being a family, being nourished, and that acquires a lot of symbolism apart from the sensory quality.”

Psychologists who study how the brain works say the hippocampus works closely with parts of the brain responsible for emotion and smell. They say this could be another reason why food memories are so evocative. By combining the psychological need for food and the related emotions and senses, the brain gets active in storing and bringing forth these memories.

Cooking & Baking Can Be Used for Self-Expression

If you are feeling creative, you can take a family recipe and add a dash of originality to it to make it yours. My mother used to add walnuts, raisins, and apples to my grandmother’s traditional cinnamon roll recipe. “It’s hard to go wrong with great ingredients!” she would say. Baking has the benefit of allowing creative expression. There’s a lot of literature about the connection between creative expression and overall wellbeing. Whether it’s painting or it’s making music or baking, there is a stress relief that people get from having some kind of an outlet and a way to express themselves.”

So use food as a way to keep traditions alive, trigger happy memories and even create new traditions with family and friends. It’s a lovely way to connect with others and spread some holiday cheer!

Beth Douglas is a writer and marketing communications professional with a passion for communications in the area of healthcare, senior care, and dementia education. She resides in Bradenton, FL and continues to be an advocate for quality care for the senior community.

HEALTHY LIVING FOR THE SOUL

“With the holidays coming, I was thinking of my childhood, and all of these wonderful memories came flooding back.” I received those precious words in a text message from my daughter recently; of course, the note made me smile.

I was close to her age and very busy with family and career when my mother passed away. We lived a thousand miles from her and didn’t have cell phones with video chats.

Times are changing so quickly; let’s not take for granted the technology we have to stay connected even if we can’t be together in person.

My mama made holidays special with foods she served only once a year: divinity candy, fudge, and pies with pecans from my grandparents’ tree, fruit salad with maraschino cherries, lemon, and chocolate meringue pies. Oh! Also, she made the best banana pudding with vanilla wafers. So what treats do you remember from your holidays?

We celebrated Christmas with all our relatives at my grandparents’ home in southwest Louisiana when I was a child. Santa miraculously arrived on their front porch while we shot fireworks and played in the backyard. Presents covered the living room floor. I have no memory of gifts I received when I was eight, but I will never forget my cousin giving his girlfriend an engagement ring on the nose of a large stuffed, white toy poodle. We all knew the ring was there, but sadly all she could see was the poodle she unwrapped until Mike said, “Look, Marie, doesn’t it have the cutest nose?” We all cheered and clapped as she cried tears of joy after finally spotting the ring.

My husband and I celebrated Christmas Eve 2015 at our home with our oldest daughter and grand-girls here in town before heading to Texas the next morning to visit with our younger daughter and extended family. As we exchanged gifts, our daughter shared a very special story of how she would remember us when we are gone. My husband wiped tears from his eyes and told her that story was the best Christmas present she could have given him. We didn’t know that one month later, he would be gone through an accidental death. The story lives on.

Holidays often bring sadness because loved ones are no longer with us or they are too far away for a visit. So why not put together a collection of stories of your holiday memories to share with loved ones, or add an extra line

or two of memories to that greeting card. Do you have holiday food traditions? Want to give a treasured gift?

Write down a recipe with a memory story on a keepsake card. Share them with friends or family this holiday season and ask others to share a memory or two from their family traditions. Our shared stories connect us.

Healthy, happy holidays for your soul, from my home and heart to yours.

Cheryl Floyd, Speaker/Storyteller and Heal your Life® Coach. Cheryl Floyd is a graduate of East Tennessee State University’s Master Storytelling program. Her career includes over thirty years in education, publishing, life coaching, public speaking, and storytelling. www.cherylfloyd.com

Providing Quality Companionship with over Family Owned & Operated

CARE & SERVICES Light Housekeeping • Meal Preperation Assistance with Laundry • Grocery Shopping & Errands

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

386-414-9787

LICENSE #234127

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

13

OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

We Specialize in Medicare Supplement Plans

CARMEN DUFFY Insurance Broker

386-315-4846 FHCP Medicare FHCP Medicare FHCP Medicare FHCP Medicare

MEDICARE COVID-19 Your health and safety are our highest priority in the face of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. Many people with Medicare are at higher risk for serious COVID-19 illness, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep yourself and others safe.

Medicare covers several items and services related to COVID-19. Talk with your doctor or health care provider to see which of these are right for you:

VACCINES

Questions Questions about about your your

Medicare Medicare options? options?

AGENT AGENT PHOTO PHOTO

I’d like to help.

I’d like to help.

Turning 65 and ready for Medicare?

Turning 65 and ready for Medicare?

Call your local agent today.

Call your local agent today.

Your local agency for Your local Your local agency agency for for

LYNN SECK LYNN SECK

(386) 437-5028 (386) 437-5028

OR... Want to switch to FHCP or Florida Blue during Open Enrollment?

OR... Want to switch to FHCP or 15 Florida (Oct. – Dec.Blue 7) during Open Enrollment?

(Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) FHCP Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in FHCP Medicare depends on contract renewal. HMO coverage is offered by Florida Blue Medicare, Inc., DBA Independent Licensee of the Blue CrossMedicare and Blue depends Shield Association.

FHCP is HMO plan aa Medicare contract.

Enrollment in on FHCP Medicare Medicare is an anFHCP HMOMedicare, plan with withan Medicare contract.

Enrollment in FHCP FHCP Medicare depends on contract contract renewal. renewal. HMO HMO coverage coverage is is offered offered by

by Florida Florida Blue Blue Medicare, Inc., FHCP Medicare, Inc., DBA DBA2020_M FHCP Medicare, Medicare, an an Independent Independent Licensee Licensee of of the the Blue Blue Cross Cross and and Blue Blue Shield Shield Association.

Association.

Y0011_FBM0016 Y0011_FBM0016 2020_M Y0011_FBM0016 2020_M

MEDICARE QUESTIONS? We offer educational classes on Medicare call for an appointment.

CALL 386-668-6203 We Have Answers!

• FDA-authorized vaccines help reduce the risk of illness from COVID-19 by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to the virus.

• You pay nothing for the vaccine.

• Be sure to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get the vaccine so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare. You’ll need your Medicare card even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• These FDA-authorized tests check to see if you have COVID-19.

• You pay nothing for this test during the COVID-19 public health emergency when you get it from a laboratory, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital, and when Medicare covers this test in your local area.

ANTIBODY TESTS

• These FDA-authorized tests help see if you’ve developed an immune response and may not be at immediate risk of COVID-19 reinfection.

• You pay nothing for the test during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENTS

• These FDA-authorized treatments can help fight the disease and keep you out of the hospital, if you test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms.

• You pay nothing for this treatment during the COVID-19 public health emergency when you get the treatment from a Medicare provider or supplier. You must meet certain conditions to qualify.

Note: Coverage could change when the public health emergency ends.

14

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

MEDICARE MINUTE

IF YOU PAID TO GET A COVID-19 VACCINE

When you get a COVID-19 vaccine, your provider can’t charge you for an office visit or other fee if the vaccine is the only medical service you get. If you get other medical services at the same time you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you may owe a copayment or deductible for those services.

If you paid a fee or got a bill for a COVID-19 vaccine, check this list to see if your provider should have charged you: • Check the receipts and statements you get from your provider for any mistakes.

• Call your provider’s office to ask about any charges you think are incorrect. The person you speak to may help you better understand the services you got, or realize they made a billing error.

• If you have Original Medicare, review your “Medicare Summary Notice” for errors. Report anything suspicious to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

• If you have other coverage like a Medicare Advantage Plan, review your “Explanation of Benefits.” Report anything suspicious to your insurer.

If you think your provider incorrectly charged you for the COVID-19 vaccine, ask them for a refund. If you think your provider charged you for an office visit or other fee, but the only service you got was a COVID-19 vaccine, report them to the Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or visiting TIPS.HHS.GOV.

GET MORE INFORMATION

• For more information on these Medicare-covered services and to learn how Medicare is handling the COVID-19 emergency, visit Medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.

• For more information on COVID-19, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Source: Medicare & You Handbook 2022

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

15

There's something comforting about coming home for the holidays. We know it's a universal concept based on the dozens of holiday movies made on the subject each year. But the truth is, home is hard to define, and it changes over time. As children, your home is the house where your parents live. The place you go to bed with a heart full of anticipation as you await Christmas morning or the first night of Hannukah. Twenty or thirty years down the line, your parents' house may not feel like home at all. It's hard to put your finger on the feeling of home, but you know it when you feel it. It feels familiar, safe, and warm.

Since families come in different shapes and sizes with different holiday traditions, comparing experiences from person to person isn't easy. Some people have an unpleasant feeling about their childhood home or may not have a "home" to return to at all. Fortunately, home is more than a place.

It's a feeling that you get to define for yourself. If you're lucky, the spirit of home sticks with you for the rest of our life.

No matter what season of life you're in, memories of past holidays surface this time of year. Some are joyful, others are sad, but all remind you of moments in your history that defined who you have become. After all, the core memories that establish your feeling of home come not from a building but the emotions evoked through relationships and traditions.

As the weather gets colder, driving people inside, and the houses in your neighborhood twinkle with lights, you have a sense that something familiar is coming.

The moment you move out of your childhood home and into an adult life of your own, the concept of home shifts, often for the first time. Parents downsize, divorce, and move out of state, but even if you have a home to return to, it's usually a place you're actively outgrowing. Eventually, you plant roots of your own, and the space you share with your partners and friends becomes more home than any place you lived as a child.

For the first time in human history, we have access to opportunities all over the world. In today's culture, it's not uncommon for young people to move states or even countries away from their families, searching for jobs, education, and new adventures. Our worldliness has led to new kinds of holiday celebrations like Friendsgiving.

16

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

Adults who live far away from their families gather together to celebrate as a community—a new form of family.

When those young adults start families, the concept of the family home shifts once more; after all, one of the best part about the holidays is experiencing everything through the eyes of a child. So, naturally, the traditions land in the laps of the young parents. Their households become the hub of the family wheel and allow grandparents to sit back and relax. The child becomes the parent, the parent becomes the grandparent, roles shuffle, and the definition of home transforms once again.

It's incredible to think about how much one family's holiday traditions evolve and change over time. Family evolution is natural, necessary, and has little to do with any house and everything to do with its people. How strangely beautiful it must be to look down at a living room full of grandchildren or great-grandchildren tearing open packages and remember all the versions of the holidays that have existed in your life. From birth to old age, many different places have felt like home. People have come in and out of your life, and others have always been there.

My advice to the younger generation is simple. Take it all in, every moment, every holiday, every emotion. It all changes so fast. Many of you will celebrate fewer than twenty holiday seasons with your children living under your roof, and then they spread their wings and move off to establish their own lives just like you did. Likewise, the traditions you share with your parents and grandparents won't last forever. When you're young, it's hard to imagine a world different from the one that exists right in front of you. But as you age, you realize that everything is changing all the time. If this advice sounds ominous, it's not meant to be. But hopefully, it puts things into perspective.

The world around you is selling a highly decorated and perfected version of the holidays. Each year we're sold the most stylish and up-to-date decorations and encouraged to fight to the death for the last TV on sale at Walmart on Black Friday. But we all know that none of those things hold the magic of the holidays. To truly feel the spirit of the holidays, you have to combat that message focusing on what you know is most important. The memories you carry around from the winters you spent baking with your grandmother or decorating a tree with your children had nothing to do with the appearance of your home.

Our memories come from the connections we forge with people we love. When you look back at old holiday

memories, the warmth you feel is from togetherness and the yearly break from the hustle and bustle of life— gathering with old familiar faces to retell old stories and make new memories.

Eventually, if we're so lucky, we all become that older generation. Many of you will pass the torch of family traditions to people who come after you to mold and shape into their own. Your children become parents and grandparents, and you'll understand more deeply than ever the true importance of home during the holidays. It's not in the exchanging of gifts or the making of pies. The home we create during the holidays and all year long is a legacy of connection and dependability. It's a landing pad for each generation, a space where they are always welcome no matter the location. Home for the holidays is a commitment to always leaving the porch light on and providing a safe place for the people you love.

Whether you will remain in the home you raised your children in for the rest of your life, plan to downsize, or eventually move into an assisted living facility, you can take pride in the fact that, for some, home for the holidays is wherever you are. The legacy you created will live on for generations.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

17

VACATION SPOTLIGHT

Imagine this: there’s a chill in the air, and you’re holding a mug of hot mulled wine or cider to keep you warm. The architecture around you is hundreds upon hundreds of years old, and you’re in the middle of this gorgeous holiday event that’s so modern and yet so nostalgic. The toys and gifts you can purchase aren’t shipped in.

Rather, they’re handmade, woodcut, blown glass, or expertly crafted from the individual selling it to you.

The smells of raquelette (melted cheese) on brioche and the slightly sweetened apple strudel surround you. Everything around you flows with joy, history, and beauty. You’re in a European Christmas Market.

Hearing the cathedral’s story during Christmas time really sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

After discovering the cathedral’s beauty, right outside its main doors was a massive Christmas Market—The Grand Cathedral Market, the largest and arguably the most spectacular of the markets. There were nearly 150 wooden pavilions selling crafts and handmade wares of every kind. The center of the market holds Rhineland’s largest tree, estimated at 50 feet tall. Under the 70,000 lights of this sparkling tree, a band played beautiful music for everyone to enjoy. This memory sticks in my brain as one of the best and most beautiful Christmas Markets of my life.

But wait—it was only the first market of the night.

That evening we visited two others, starting with the Market of Angels at Neumarkt—the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne. It was decorated with white lights and beautiful angels dressed in white all around. The booths in this market were also all festively decorated with lights and holly. Santa himself even made a visit on horseback for all to see Papa Noel.

In 2019, I had the pleasure of leading a group of travelers on a Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise (Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland). During the day, we enjoyed learning about the history, architecture, and beliefs of each destination we visited. But at night, we enjoyed walking around the Christmas Markets, drinking our mulled wine, snacking on the local delicacies, and shopping.

Later, the Fabled Old Market gave us a holiday-themed glimpse into the folklore of Cologne. Once upon a time, house gnomes were to have secretly done all the daily work for the people of Cologne. But one day, a curious wife tried to see the gnomes. It scared them away to never come back, but in an attempt to have them return, an annual Christmas Market is held in their honor.

Gnomes lurk in every nook, cranny, and sign, including the mugs for your glühwein and the rides for children.

One of my favorite stops was Cologne, Germany (Koln), where we toured A UNESCO World Heritage site and the most recognizable landmark in much of Germany— The Cologne Cathedral. Many take pilgrimages of sorts to this cathedral because it’s known to have been built to house the relics of the three kings, The Three Magi.

We often have people ask for trips to take a multigenerational family getaway, and the Christmas Markets are our favorite holiday recommendation. Of course, anyone can go to a cabin or a resort, but there’s something magical about spending the holidays in Europe visiting Christmas markets with your friends and

Your Dream Vacation is Our Priority.

140 East Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724 386-734-7245 • www.roseboroughtravel.com • info@roseboroughtravel.com 18

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME! ASSISTED LIVING SPOTLIGHT Introducing a New Way to Navigate The Golden Years

Experience Assisted Living on Your Terms • Comfortable residences with private bath • All utilities and internet (phone not included) • 3 meals per day served at your convenience • Weekly housekeeping services • Recreational and social activities

As we enter our Golden Years we are provided new chapters, journeys, obstacles, and many lifestyle changes.

Aging Tree is here to provide guidance and support through all of your needs.

Let Aging Tree help navigate you with your needs for all things senior!

Reach Out for Your Free Consultation!

386-626-AGING (2446) | www.agingtree.com by appointment only

• Transportation to shopping, local events, and medical appointments • Assistance with grooming, hygiene, and medication admistration and managment • Residents are guaranteed access to Alliance Community’s health and rehabilitation center

Visit our Welcome Center today or CALL 386-734-3481

to schedule your personal tour of The Groves.

644 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720 www.alliancecommunity.org/assisted-living/

family. Everyone can go out and adventure in the way that best suits them during the day—from bicycle tours and hikes to gentle walking tours to wine tasting and pretzel making. Then everyone meets back up for dinner and to visit the Christmas Markets in the evening. It’s the perfect magical getaway.

We have a group visiting the Canadian Markets this holiday season, and I’ll be bringing another group down the Danube River in 2022 to see more of these spectacular European markets. So if you’d like to join us and make some magical Christmas memories of your own, give me a call.

Amanda Vallone is the co-owner of Roseborough Travel Agency in DeLand.

She is passionate about helping people experience the world around them. She was awarded and or recognized for the 40 under 40, President’s Excellence in Business, Future Leaders in Travel, Best Travel Advisor, and Best of the Best awards over the last 10 years.

Band under 70,000 twinkling lights of Koln Christmas Market

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

19

Once again, the Holiday Season is upon us. The store displays, twinkling lights and decorations, majestic Christmas trees, delicious foods and treats, festive music, and the never-ending stream of holiday movies are making their annual appearances. Family and friends from near and far are sharing yule-tide cheer and good wishes with everyone they meet. To borrow a line from a famous Christmas Carol, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”

But, have we ever stopped to think about some of the lesser-known traditions that make this time of year so special for people all over the world? So, I decided to take a page from Santa’s playbook and visit countries from all over the globe on a voyage of Holiday Tradition Discovery.

The first stop on this whirlwind tour is a short visit with our Friends from Downunder, Australia, for their Annual Carols by Candlelight services. On Christmas Eve, famous and unknown Australian performers participate in nationwide Christmas pageants held in each state capital and broadcast across the country. Since it is the middle of their hot summer, the words to the carols about snow and cold are changed to summer activities such as swimming and surfing.

From Australia, we will be heading north to the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines. Every year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, the festival is held in San Fernando, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

Participants from eleven villages compete to build the most elaborate lantern. Originally the lanterns were made from Japanese origami paper and lit by candles but now are illuminated by electric lights.

Next, let’s take a short hop across the Pacific to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. Other than the usual gift exchange, Christmas is not a big holiday in Japan. That is, until recently. Thank a new, quirky Christmas Day

Giant Lantern Festival

20

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

tradition has emerged in which people feast on Kentucky Fried Chicken. The menu ranges from festive buckets of extra crispy to a full bird feast!

In India, families decorate banana or mango trees with lights, handmade ornaments, and cotton wool that looks like snow instead of traditional pine trees. Spicy sweets called kuswar are baked and given to friends and family.

Our next stop is Africa. Out of the 54 countries and territories, 38 celebrate the holiday season. Going to church and spending time with family are the most common activities. But there are a few traditions that stand out. For example, Egyptians and Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, so they don’t celebrate Christmas until January 7th. In Gambia, the people march in massive parades carrying large boat-shaped lanterns called fanal. The people of Senegal, a predominantly Muslim country, celebrate Christmas by decorating mosques with Christmas trees.

As we leave Africa, we head north to Europe. From the jolly and traditional to the dark and supernatural, European customs showcase the rich and diverse cultures that make the Holidays in Europe unique and memorable.

One of the more recent traditions is Pepperkakebyen, the construction of the largest gingerbread village in the world. Started by school children in 1991, this annual event takes place in Bergen, Norway, from mid-November to the end of December. Mummers’ Holiday Plays can be

KFC Feast

Pepperkakebyen

Night of Lights in St. Augustine

seen all over the United Kingdom. Ordinary people perform these dramatizations of folk tales as a fun way to break away from the stress of the holidays. Perhaps one of the darkest traditions takes place on the night of December 5th in many of the Alpine Countries. On this night, St. Nicholas leaves candy in the homes of the good children and a birch switch in the homes of the naughty. His evil assistant, Krampus, a half-goat–half-demon monster, punishes naughty children with the birch switch.

Similarly, in Iceland, the Yule Lads are giant trolls that live on a desolate mountain. During the 13 days before Christmas, the lads leave candy and toys in the shoes of well-behaved children. But watch out if you’re naughty – you’ll get a rotten potato instead. In Italy with La Befana, a broom-riding old woman in a black shawl delivers gifts to good children and lumps of coal to the bad. Fortunately for them, the coal is lumps of sugar candy coated in black food coloring.

Our voyage of discovery takes a turn back to North America and the annual Cavalcade of Lights in Toronto, Canada. This event, which first took place in 1967, marks the start of the Holiday Season as nearly 300,000 lights illuminate City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square from the end of November to New Year’s Eve. Not to be outdone by our neighbors to the north, there are many unique holiday celebrations in the United States. For example, the Lighting of the National Hanukkah Menorah has taken place annually since 1979 on the grounds of the White House in Washington DC. But, I feel it is especially significant to share one that is in our own backyard, the 28th Annual Night of Lights in St. Augustine. Based upon the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the holiday season, spectators can view a wonderland of millions of twinkling white lights adorning the buildings of America’s oldest city.

The Holiday Season is a time for thankful reflection, celebration, and growth. I hope you enjoyed the mini-tour of the world and the ways in which people of all cultures and countries celebrate this most wonderful time of the year.

Happy Holidays!

Vince Philip moved from Staten Island, New York to DeLand, Florida over 20 years ago. When he is not working as a marketing and graphic design professional, Vince enjoys traveling, writing and boardgaming.

Hearing Healthcare Centers offers a personalized program of "Total Hearing Care" by a Caring Specialist, with over 28 years of experience.

Lisa Jones, BC-HIS Helping People Hear Better for 20 Years

• Ear Cleaning & Wax Removal • Hearing Aid Sales, Fittings & Programming Services • Hearing Screenings & Comprehensive Tests • All Brand Repairs

Royal Oaks Professional Center 190 Treemonte Dr., Orange City (behind Big Lots Plaza)

www.hhcfla.com

We Provide Better Hearing, Not Just Hearing Aids.

Call for Your Appointment

386-837-4849

Coren J. Meeks Elder Law Attorney

Guiding your legal needs with experience and compassion through your next stage of life.

• Elder Law in Florida • Estate Planning • Probate • Guardianship • Medicaid Planning • Wills & Trusts Call to Schedule a Consultation

386-734-0199 w w w. m e e k s a n d c e e l y. c o m

311 East Rich Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32720 Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

21

FAMILY RECIPE FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients

Directions

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting 8

ounces vegan cream cheese (Kite Hill or GoVeggie)

8

tablespoons vegan butter softened (Miyoko’s)

5

cups powdered sugar

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon lemon juice and/or apple cider vinegar (better mimics the tang of real cream cheese)

Cupcake Mix 1

cup almond milk or other plant-based milk

1

teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1

cup white sugar

2

tablespoons cocoa powder

½

teaspoon baking powder

½

teaspoon baking soda

½

teaspoon salt

1/3 cup neutral oil (avocado or vegetable) 2

tablespoons vegetarian red food coloring

2

teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line muffin pans with cupcake liners.

2. Whisk together milk and apple cider vinegar and set aside to curdle, about 5–10 minutes. If it doesn’t curdle, that’s OK! 3. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into large bowl and mix.

4. Add oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the curdled milk-vinegar mixture. Whisk well to combine.

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry, mixing until large lumps disappear.

5. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes then transfer cupcakes to cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Make the cream cheese frosting: Combine cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Pour in vanilla extract, then add in the powdered sugar, about 1–2 cups at a time. Beat on medium speed until completely incorporated after each addition. Refrigerate until ready to use.

7. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Ginger Snap Cookies Ingredients 3/4 cup butter room temp

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsulphured molasses

1 egg

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons extra sugar for rolling dough

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour baking soda, salt, ginger, and ciminnamon.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together till creamy. Add in egg and molasses mix.

3. Add flour mixture to the wet mixture a little at a time, mix until all is just combined.

4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

6. Roll dough into balls (size of a quarter or a bit larger) and then roll the balls in the sugar.

7. Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cookies are crinkly in appearance.

Does your family have a "go-to" family recipe and a story to share?

Aging Times is looking to share a family heirloom within our magazine each month and we need your families story to make it perfect! If you have a recipe to share and a story please submit via email to marketing.agingtree@gmail.com.

We want to share your story and recipe with our readers!

22

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

WE MUSTACHE YOU A QUESTION ??

Candy canes, cookies, and gumdrops. Oh my! The holidays are when families gather, friends exchange gifts, and the average daily sugar intake increases substantially. We’re not here to curb your Christmas spirit but to offer some alternatives to the traditional sugary treats you’re accustomed to enjoying this time of year.

Pick the Fruit

Not all sugars are the same. There are many fruits, for example, that taste sweet and delicious without raising your blood sugar. Berries, peaches, apples, and oranges are some of the sweet treats you could reach for instead of dessert this season. We know what you’re thinking.

Those berries aren’t nearly as sweet and delicious as a piece of pie. But, you’ll find that as you eliminate processed sugars, the naturally occurring sugars in fruit taste sweeter. And if you’re still looking for a special dessert, add a little whipped cream on top!

Every Drink Counts

to sweeten foods and as sugar alternatives in baking.

As you prepare your favorite holiday desserts, you may enjoy experimenting with something new.

Blood sugar maintenance is critical as we age. Elevated glucose leads to diabetes which can increase your risk of other life-threatening diseases. Thankfully, with some attention to detail and a little creativity, you can enjoy all of your favorite sweet treats of the holidays with a new healthy twist.

It’s not only desserts that are raising blood sugar levels this time of year. Around Christmas time, families bring out the hot chocolate, upgrade from regular to peppermint or pumpkin spice lattes, and consume much higher quantities of alcohol. All of these drinks are bound to increase blood sugar, and in combination, they can affect your health long-term. If you’re not willing to eliminate any of these special drinks, consider making some adjustments to your 2¾ all-purpose flour

standard order. For example, 1 teaspoon baking sod a when you order your favorite ½ teaspoon baking powder latte, you can request a smaller 1 cup but ter portion of the sugary flavoring.

1¼ cup Splenda And, when you’re enjoying a 1 egg (beaten) glass of wine or cocktail at your 1 teaspoon vanilla ext rac t next holiday party, moderate 1 teaspoon milk your sugar intake by following it up with a glass of water.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.

Sugar Free Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Experiment with Alternatives

Directions

1. Sift together baking soda, baking powder an d flour in a bowl. Set this bowl asid e.

2. In a mixing bowl, cre me together the but ter and sugar alternative.

3. Once the but ter and sugar alternative is cre amed together, add the egg , vanilla extrac t, and mil k and mix for about 10 seconds unt il somewhat mixed in.

4. Slowly pour in half of the contents from the first bowl (flour etc), mix for a few seconds and then add the remaining contents fro m the first bowl.

5. Cover the dough and refrigerate the dough.

When you are ready to bake the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prep a pan for nonstick.

6. Bake for 12 minutes or until they begin to bro wn.

Finally, there are many natural alternatives to processed sugar. Honey, maple syrup, applesauce, stevia, and agave nectar are just a few options that you can use Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

23

RELAX & PLAY BRAIN GAMES

1

2

3

4

ACROSS

5

6

14 18

20

21 23 28

9

10

11

30

31

36

48

45 50 54 57

58

59

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

DOWN

1. Big name in pineapples 2. Certain birthstone 3. Comes in first 4. Make desirable 5. Hawaiian souvenir 6. Augustan attire 7. Floor coverings 8. Dined wearing pajamas 9. Brings to a stop 10. "To is human..."

11. Marriott, for one 12. Open-eyed 13. Group of six 18. "There's here but us..."

22. Cubic meter 24. Pass on to another 26. Splash, as grease 27. Scottish guys 28. Common lotion ingredient 29. Wild West coach support 30. Turn over, as land 31. Wear away 35. Peeved mood 37. Piece of farmland 38. Just one of those things?

40. Eco-friendly fertilizer

60

www.freedailycrosswords.com

56

46

49 53

55

62

42

44

52

61

32

41

47

38

26

35

43

37

22 25

40

13

19

34

39

12

16

24

29

33

51

8

15

17

27

7

45. Joyfulness 48. Assets, collectively 50. Poker player who takes risks 51. Gathers, as crops 52. Capital of Ghana 53. Positioned, as artillery 57. Ski lift 58. Classy wheels 60. Arid 61. Important street 62. "Don't expunge that!"

64. Salary limit 65. Cotillion star, informally

1. Wooden carpentry pin 6. Easy way to draw 11. "Gotcha!"

14. Editorialize verbally 15. Not inner 16. Be light, in a poker game 17. Airplane's undercarriage 19. April payment 20. "May I get you anything?"

21. Desert delight 22. "Buona_" (Italian greeting) 23. Bother, in a title of the Bard 25. Like a cozy infant 27. "Arabia" man 32. Architect's detail 33. Chicken-king tie 34. Changes course suddenly 36. One who's attained nirvana 39. Concealed, informally 41. Drysdale or Johnson 42. Instruct 43. Capital of South Korea 44. Fiat 46. Thing for savers 47. Basilica area 49. Computer cable 51. Uncooked condition 54. Important time in history 55. Sound bounce-back 56. Best-seller list entry 59. Beliefs, for short 63. Expert fighter pilot 64. Advantageous situation 66. "Before," when before 67. Varsity starters 68. Chill-inducing 69. The Erie mule 70. Director Almodovar 71. Sports commentator Mus burger LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

CYCLE THROUGH

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Life Plan  Independent Living  Assisted Living  Rehab Care  Skilled Nursing

386-734-3481 24

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021



www.alliancecommunity.org

AGING TIMES MAGAZINE BUSINESSES AND SERVICES FOR YOU! Buying or Selling? Consult a Realtor®

John MacFarlane

Peter Kurkjian

Broker/Owner

Broker/Owner

When You’re Ready to Make a Move...

Call the PROS!

386-668-2626 301 N. Pine Meadow Dr., DeBary, FL 32713

www.CFLHomePros.com

NMLS #9392

John Reardon

NMLS# 555210 Reverse Mortgage and HECM for Purchase Professional

TOLL FREE 888.988.6939 ext.8395 FAX 886.908.0273 DIRECT PHONE 904.982.2210 EMAIL jreardon@aag.com

Serving: NE & Central Florida; Southeast Georgia

Regional Office 1452 North US Hwy 1, Suite 107 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 www.AAG.expert/JohnReardon

CNBrown Insurance

Medicare • Health • Life Insurance

Sue Monti President/Owner 306 E. Church Street | DeLand, FL 32724 Cell: (407) 832-8801 | Office: (386) 469-9890 Sue@mci-ars.com

Carol N. Brown Licensed Agent

386-848-0543

email: carolnbrown@aol.com

15+ Years of Experience

www.carolnbrown.com

We bring healing HOME. At Apex Home Healthcare, it’s all about helping people. Call us today to learn about personalized care in the home to help you improve quality of life and retain independence.

386.775.0164

YOUR AD HERE

Call Today for Summer Savings!

Contact Janet Dixon Director of Advertising

386-717-6267 | janet.agingtimes@gmail.com Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

25

RELAX & PLAY BRAIN GAMES

9

4 7

3

HOW TO PLAY SUDOKU

1

9

4

1 1

4

7

6

2

2

5

8

9 6

8

1 3

5

7

9 2

9

The goal of Sudoku is to fill in a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3x3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9. At the beginning of the game, the 9x9 grid will have some of the squares filled in. Your job is to use logic to fill in the missing digits and complete the grid. Don’t forget, a move is incorrect if: • Any row contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9 • Any column contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9 • Any 3x3 grid contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

8

SUDOKU

"Jingle Bells" may be one of the most well-known Christmas songs, but it was originally composed as a Thanksgiving tune.

Written by Unitarian church organist James Lord Pierpont in the 1850s, in Savannah, Georgia, the song was "first performed during a Thanksgiving concert at (his) church," Time explains.

Source: https://bestlifeonline.com/christmas-facts/

26

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

Join us at Conviva Ormond Beach for a Meet & Greet welcoming

Dr. Mina Zahedi.

Friday, December 3RD 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

With more than 20 years’ experience providing quality healthcare to patients in Ormond Beach, we are proud to welcome Dr. Zahedi to our Conviva family.

Meet our staff, learn about the Conviva experience and enjoy refreshments and giveaways.

SO

Call to reserve your spot (386) 888–1394*

ld gs .

Rd

Rd

ova

Kin

SN

*Guests must RSVP .Tours will be carried out in small groups to allow for social distancing and masks must be worn.

.

Fernway Dr.

Conviva Ormond Beach 420 S. Nova Road, Suite 5 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.** **We accept a variety of Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Original Medicare.

To learn more about Conviva, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com CCC-21-Ad_DAY-M&G_v3.indd 1

@ConvivaCareCenters

@ConvivaCare 11/15/21 4:26 PM

Our business partners have committed to providing premium products and excellent service. When contacting a trusted provider be sure to ask for Aging Tree premium services.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Alliance Community 386-734-3481 www.alliancecommunity.org Summerhaven Assisted Living 386-668-3674 www.summerhavenassistedliving.com The Groves at Alliance Community 386-734-3481 www.alliancecommunity.org/assisted-living The Springs of Parc Hill 386-968-6222 ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT & CARE MANAGEMENT Aging Tree LLC 386-626-2446 www.agingtree.com COMPANION SERVICES No Place Like Home Maker Companion Services, LLC 386-414-9787

www.homemakercompanionservices.com

ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

Selis Elder Law of Florida Scott A. Selis 866-735-3377 www.elderlawfirmfla.com The Law Offices of Michael Newman 407-413-2588 www.newmanlaworlando.com EYE HEALTH Central Florida Eye Specialists 386-734-2931 www.theeyespecialists.com HEARING AIDS, SCREENINGS/ TEST, & ACCESSORIES Hearing Healthcare Centers LLC Lisa Jones, BC-HIS 386-837-4849 www.hhcfla.com HOME IMPROVEMENT Allen’s Appliance Service 386-668-5441 www.allensapplianceservice.com Ed Senez Aluminum Specialist, Inc 386-775-4915 www.edsenezaluminum.com

HOME HEALTH Apex Home Healthcare Services 386-775-0164 www.lhcgroup.com QwestCare Home Health 386-327-1447 www.qwestcarehealth.com HOSPITALITY Holiday Inn Express & Suites Deland South 386-507-2500 www.hiexpress.com/delandfl INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING College Arms Towers 386-734-2299 John Knox Village 386-775-0788 www.johnknox.com Villa Grande on Saxon 386-774-1234 www.villagrandeonsaxon.com INSURANCE

Akin Law 386-738-5599 www.akin-law.com

Install Don’t Fall 407-496-6066 www.installdontfall.com

American Advisors Group John Reardon 904-982-2210 www.aag.expert/JohnReardon

Meeks & Ceely, PL Coren J. Meeks 386-734-0199 www.meeksandceely.com

Senez Roofing Specialist, LLC 386-774-4950 www.senesroofing.com

CMD Insurance Agency Carmen Duffy 386-315-4846

Contact Janet Dixon Director of Advertising

Call Today!

28

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

386-717-6267

janet.agingtimes@gmail.com

CNBrown Insurance 383-848-0543 www.carolnbrown.com Independent Insurance Pros Carl Thompson 386-668-6203 www.independentinsurancepro.com Murray Insurance Agency, Inc. Lynn Seck 386-437-5028 www.murrayins.net Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Todd M. Myers 407-805-0441 ext. 243 www.toddmmyers.com WellCare Health Plans 407-212-1476 (TTY 711) www.wellcarenow.com MEDICAL CLAIMS RESOLUTION A/R Solutions 386-469-9890 www.mci-ars.com NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Athens Theatre 386-736-1500 www.athensdeland.com Barberville Pioneer Settlement 386-749-2959 www.pioneersettlement.org Elder Source 904-391-6699 www.myeldersource.org Habitat for Humanity DeLand 386-734-7268 www.wvhabitat.org MainStreet DeLand Association www.mainstreetdeland.org West Volusia Tourism 386-734-0162 www.visitwestvolusia.com

ORTHOPAEDIC Florida Orthopaedic Associates 386-774-2500 www.fl-ortho.net PHONES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. 888-504-7317 www.ftri.org/free PODIATRIST Roy Rothman, DPM 386-753-1918 www.rothmandpm.com PRIMARY CARE PARTNERS Absolute Health Professionals 386-767-5556 www.absolutehealthpro.com Conviva Care Center 844-910-0332 www.meetconviva.com REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS Central Florida Home Pros LLC 386-668-2626 www.cflhomepros.com Charles Rutenberg Realty Terry Bailey 386-801-9300 www.terrybsells.com Charles Rutenberg Realty Linda Hannon 386-848-8904 www.lindahannon.com TRAVEL AGENCY Roseborough Travel Agency 386-734-7245 www.roseboroughtravel.com

CLASSIFIEDS List Your Classified • 35 words $25 a month To submit ad email janet.agingtimes@gmail.com with your ad typed out, including phone number. Distributed to more than 450 locations throughout Volusia County.

INDUSTRY JOBS Caregivers Needed: No Place Like Home-Maker Companion is growing and seeking Caregivers for immediate placement! Do you have a passion or drive to want to help seniors in their home? Responsibilities may include light housekeeping, supervision, laundry, and of course companionship to name a few. Experience with references and a valid driver's license is a must. Call 386-414-9787.

Sales Representative Wanted: Aging Times Magazine is looking for a responsible sales rep that knows how to knock on doors, get past the gatekeeper? Are you tenacious, but polite, builds relationships, knows how to network, and be a go-getter? Build your clientele in the Daytona - East Volusia market. If this sounds like you, contact Janet at 386-717-6267.

Post your positions today! Employers and referral partners do you need staff?

Why not reach out to prospect candidates for the senior care industry through the go-to senior magazine? $25 per month up to 35 words. To submit ad email to marketing.agingtree@gmail.com.

FOR HIRE HandyMan for Hire: Need Home Repairs? Do you have Rotting Wood?

Drywall work, Replace Windows and Doors, rotting wood. Pressure washing sidewalks, driveway,s and tin roofs. Call Little Dave the Handyman 386-320-1790.

ITEMS FOR SALES Used Books: The Book Nest used book store in Deltona Library is open every day. Something for everyone: kids, teens, large print, paperback and hardbacks. Also DVDs and CDS. All proceeds support library programs.

Deltona Library, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, 386-624-8767.

List your unwanted items. Do you have unwanted medical equipment or senior related items within your home that you need to sell? $25 per month up to 35 words. To submit ad email to marketing.agingtree@gmail.com.

Aging Times Magazine | December 2021

29

Take Charge in 2021

.

. .

Probate Elder Law Business Estate Planning Real Estate

WHERE

AWARD WINNING HOSPITALITY

GREETS YOU AT THE DOOR

2020

Visiting a loved one in a senior community and need a place to stay, or preparing for your holiday gatherings and need accomodations for your guests?

Spirit of True Hospitallity Award

WE HAVE SPECIAL RATES JUST FOR YOU! Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet IHG Connect Free WiFi Mini-fridge, Keurig, & Microwave in Every Room 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers Indoor Pool

NOW OPEN - BOOK TODAY P. 386-507-2500 hiexpress.com/delandfl

180 Fenway Drive, DeLand, Florida 32724

Akin Law P.A. 386-738-5599 | Akin-Law.com Here to assist with your Elder Law needs!

Do What You Love.

We’re More Than Just a Retirement Community.

Designed for a happy retirement and a lifestyle of whole-person wellness, John Knox Village of Central Florida is a beautiful, neighborhood-style independent living community offering room to enjoy retirement your way.

As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)/Life Plan Community, with the lifelong protection of Life Care, John Knox Village has all the care you might ever need, from Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Home Health, Rehabilitation, and Memory Care - all on one campus.

When you’re part of this independent living community, you can continue your active lifestyle, knowing your future is secure. Plus, our Oak Park Senior Center is your state-of-the-art resource for wellness, pharmacy and more!

Enjoy the comforts of home with the peace of mind of knowing John Knox Village is there for you when you need us. Our spacious, well-appointed apartments, cottages and villas provide: • Maintenance free living • 24/7 campus security • Bi-weekly housekeeping • 24/7 on call resident nurse • Paid utilities • Conveniently located close to planned • On-site salon and barbershop social, cultural and spiritual activities

JohnKnox.com

Call (386) 775-0788 to schedule a tour or to find out more about our new construction, Valencia Landing!

101516

Love Where You Live.

A FULL- SERV ICE CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y.