Florida Women November 2023

W omen FLORIDA

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MAGAZINE

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B R 2023

Central lorida di on

Holiday Happenings

Magical Mountain

RESORT

W LKING

tours

Historic Dade City

W omen FLORIDA

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MAGAZINE

VA Services with Military Funeral

Mausoleums • Funeral Homes • Cemetery Gardens EAST PASCO COUNTY’S ONLY ON-SIGHT CREMATORIAM Hodges Family Funeral Home is family owned and operated.

We are dedicated to the goal of treating our families just as we wish to be treated - with dignity, integrity, respect & personal care.

We value friendships and are committed to providing the highest quality care for the most reasonable prices.

Staff members of Hodges Family Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique

FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE (FWM), is published monthly reaching women from all walks of life, from entrepreneurs and established businesses to women who make a difference in our community throughout Hernando, Hillsborough, East and West Pasco, Polk and Pinellas Counties and surrounding areas in Central Florida.

For more information on advertising, or how to be featured in our magazine, contact our office by email or phone.

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PUBLISHER JET BREDEN-HALL jet@floridawomenmagazine.com CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR PATTY CHESSER pchesser@tampabay.rr.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Catala Gary S. Hatrick Hilda Ann Helwig Nitish S. Rele Tina M. Spinks, MPA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Advertising Inquiries Editorial Submissions Production Contact: floridawomenmagazine@gmail.com

and has personal requests and traditions which are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.

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Please stop by for a friendly conversation or just a cup of coffee.

Three Locations to Serve You 36327 State Road 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 (813) 788-6100

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Letter from the Publisher

Welcome To November

Holiday plans are upon us all! Thanksgiving looms ahead, then Christmas. Fun, Fun, Fun things to do and lots of sales to begin your shopping!

Remember ...... shop local.... support your local businesses.

We share with you the Dade City Walking Tours, a great way to spend some time in historic Dade City. There is so much more going on in Dade City beginning with the "Unwrap for the Holidays" with events continuing throughout the month into December. Almost every weekend you can find something to do.

Zephyrhills has a lot going on too! From the Harvest Festival to the annual Tree Lighting with Santa! A great family affair!

On a more serious note, let's not forget Veterans Day on November 11th. A day to honor & commemorate the brave men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime. The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History has events planned such as the Zephyrhills Battle for Veterans which features authentic military vehicles, living history displays, and a large-scale World War II battle re-enactment.

Bring the family to enjoy the annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov 11th in downtown ZHills. More details on page 12!

Our pages are full of activities going on in our county. We hope you and your family find the time and go out and enjoy yourselves!

Thank you for reading us, From all of us at FWMag

Jet Hall

Publisher

Don't miss an issue! Get Florida Women Magazine sent directly to your in-box every month! Register on-line today! www.floridawomenmagazine.com Florida Women Magazine Can Now Be Found On Issuu.com Florida Women MagazineTM is published monthly, Copyright 2023, all rights reserved by BH Media, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. BH Media, Inc. reserves the right to refuse advertising and accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. BH Media, Inc., accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials are subject to editing.

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06

Holiday Happenings And Shopping

November IN THIS ISSUE

In The Spirit 05 This World Is Not Our Friend

Holiday Happenings 06 Events & Holiday Shopping 07 Historic Louis Sherry Chocolates 11 Small Business Saturday Nov. 25th

14

Magical Mountain Resort

Lifestyles 12 Veterans Day: A Day To Honor 14 Magical Mountain Resorts 16 Historic Tour of Zephyrhills 17 Walking Tours: Historic Dade City For Your Health 23 Understanding Diabetes 26 Gulfside Hospice Heroes Breakfast Inaugural Benefit

17

Historic Dade City Walking Tours

For The Foodie 28 Festive Appetizers To Satisfy Guests Local Art & Culture 29 Wen Peetes: Inner Child Healing Money Talk 31 Sometimes Stuff Is The Most Important Part Of Your Estate Plan 33 Maximizing For The Long Haul 35 Retirement: Risky Financial Endeavor

35

Auto Talk 37 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV Is A Remarkable Gas-Sipper

Retirement: Risky Financial Endeavor

Pet Pawsome 38 Holiday Gifts For Four-Legged Family Members

Karaoke Singers Come sing your heart out with Christine and Willie

38

Holiday Gifts For Four-Legged Family Members

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In The Spirit

By Gary S. Hatrick

This World Is Not Our Friend

Christian? What do you think when you read this passage in the Bible?: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me." (John 15:18-21) When people are asked to call out a promise of God, this is not usually one of them. Imagine the service as the leader asks for favorite promises and the voices return followed by loud Amens: "He will never leave me nor forsake me!"; "Lo. I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!"; "Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest!"; then a voice cries: "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you as well!"; and the congregation grows silent.

These are the recorded words of Jesus and they are just as true as all the other assurances in the Bible (All the Scripture is true of course, but you get the point I'm making. He spoke pretty plainly.

The fact is, if you are a Christian, and you are seeking to live for Jesus, life will not always be easy on this earth. If it is, you'd better check your life.

Paul the Apostle also teaches this truth: (II Tim 3:12) "Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Note that it doesn't say "Might be persecuted."

through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (II Cor. 5: 18-20)

This column has been Scripture-heavy, I know, But it is God's word that is certain and true, not mine. God calls us to serve Him and if we do, we will be persecuted. Are you willing? If not, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (II Cor. 13:5) If you are willing, speak out for Christ. He is the world's only hope.

There is no social or political solution. Christ alone is the hope of glory. The world is not our friend, but we must be willing to suffer to bring it the truth as Christ was willing to suffer for us.

"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:16-17) These are hard words, but the time for easy words is long past.

(If you have never put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, this column was not for you, but your questions and comments are still welcome. [highroadzhills@aol.com, Facebook P.M. under my name.] If you don't know about Jesus - please, please contact me.)

You see, if we know Christ, we are no longer citizens of this world, we are part of God's family and citizens of Heaven. Peter the Apostle put it this way: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (I Peter II : 8-10) As citizens of Heaven, we have been made ambassadors for Jesus meaning we represent Heaven on earth. An ambassador is not always well-received by the country to which he or she is assigned. Ask some US ambassadors in Middle Eastern countries right now.

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself

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Holiday Happenings November Launches The Beginning Of The Season!

Beginning on Saturday, Nov 4th, there is the 14th Annual Harvest Festival held on 5th Avenue, in downtown Zephyrhills from 10 AM-3 PM. Games, Music, Food and lots of Fun. On the same day in Dade City the “Unwraps for the Holiday” begins at 9:30 am with a sidewalk reception in front of Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges serving complimentary orange juice and their fabulous freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Merchants and shoppers make their way from shop to shop "unwrapping" the paper from store displays. The Holiday shopping season has begun!

On Friday, Nov. 10th Zephyrhills Battle for Veterans runs from 10-5PM held at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History. Experience a large-scale World War II battle re-enactment.

Saturday, Nov. 11th Zephyrhills will have their annual Veterans Day Parade beginning at 10AM. Followed by Sunday, Nov 12th at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History will be the Allies and German Battle Reenactment, “Drive a Tank”, raffles and more!

Sun, Non 12th from 8 AM-Noon, stop by the American Legion on 8th street for an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast ($10) to show your support for our veterans!

We’re Getting Ready For Our Your guide to local shopping, celebrations, events, dining and entertainment this holiday season!

NOVEMBER Sat. 11/4 • 9.30am-5pm Unwraps for the Holiday Sat. 11/25 • 10am-5pm Small Business Saturday Sat. 11/25 • 10am-5pm Christmas Ornament Giveaway Sat. 11/25 • 3pm-5pm Visit & Photos with Santa & Mrs. DECEMBER Sat. Dec 2 • 9am-4pm Fancy Flea Sat. 12/9 • 5pm-9pm Country Christmas Stroll Thurs.-Sat. 12/21-23 7pm-9pm Gingerbread World At First Baptist Church Tues.-Sat. 12/12-23 Church Street Christmas

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DADE CITY'S

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Join Our

Downtown Merchants For Activites During The Holiday Season In Beautiful, Downtown Dade City!

Look for our Merchants List In The November & December Issues of Florida Women Magazine and on our website.

November 18th at the Zephyrhills Park is the Family Fall Festival from noon til 4 PM! A great time for the family!

Small Business Saturday will be celebrated on November 25th. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be in Dade City for kiddie and family photos, pets too are welcome. They will be on hand from 4 pm – 7:30 pm for free photos.

On Sat., Nov 25th, the shops open at 10 am with an Ornament Giveaway (with a $25 purchase, as long as supplies last)! Horse drawn sleigh rides from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Spend some time sampling holiday sweets, artistic crafted chocolates, apple cider, hot chocolate and gourmet cupcakes. Shops will remain open until 8 pm.

Pay a visit to the Pioneer Florida Museum for their Pioneer Christmas & Vintage Market on Saturday Dec., 2nd from 10-4 PM. Lots of children’s activities and special interactive performances.

See HOLIDAY Page 8

Historic Louis Sherry Chocolates When you are strolling through Dade City, stop into Islands West, located on the corner of 7th and Church Street. Inside this new addition to Dade City, you can enjoy a healthy, delicious smoothie, but there is more to it than that!

This is the only place in town that carries the original and historic Louis Sherry Chocolates. The perfect choice for gift giving.

Whether it is for a hostess gift, wedding favor or better yet placed at your Holiday table setting!

In 1881 Louis Sherry introduced the French chocolate-making tradition to New York establishing a reputation for excellence

that is present today in every truffle crafted. Renowned for their creamy texture and exceptional silkiness, the truffles are packaged in a signature tin gift box perfect for any occasion and in a variety of colors.

The emblematic gift box is composed of a house selection of exquisite rain Louis Sherry truffles while the “jewel box” tins are available in a rainbow of pastels and contain your choice of two Louis Sherry truffles, chocolate covered almonds, or Jordan almonds.

Your guests will be sure to take the tins home as a memento of your special occasion. Island West is open Thursday thru Sunday 9am to 6pm.

For The Holidays Don’t Forget

C H O C O L A T E S • S c e n te d C a n d l e s • T o r tu g a R u m C a k e s • Louis Sherry ( ew ork) Chocolate Tru es • L o u i s S h e r r y C h o c o l a te s A r e A v a i l a b l e I n 2, 12, a n d 24 P i e c e T i n s • & M u c h M o r e !

Breakfast With

Santa

Fundraiser December 2, 2023

Lexington Oaks Community Center

26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd. • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 461-3131 Mobile

Join Us for a quick breakfast, games & Santa!

Select seatings between 9-11 AM

Proceeds sponsor Angel Tree Shopping for local school children in need & the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation Scan the QR code to get your tickets or visit PascoJuniors.com Follow us on Facebook for future fundraisers and activities Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors gfwcpascojwc@gmail.com | http://PascoJuniors.com

Holiday Happenings From Page 6 HOLIDAY December Fun Continues!

Enjoy the Festival of Lights on Dec 2nd from 4-9PM, downtown Zephyrhills with a Holiday Parade beginning at 7PM! 2023 is the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On Sat., Dec 2nd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is recognized at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History.

The Dade City Christmas Parade on Dec 8th begins at 7 PM. On December 9th from 5-9 PM is the 39th Annual Country Christmas Stroll. The entire downtown closes to all vehicular traffic to allow the streets to be filled with shoppers, visitors and families seeking an old fashion holiday celebration. Expect a return visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

From Dec 21-23, between 7-9 PM is the Church Street Christmas. Stroll down historic Church Avenue to enjoy the beautiful historic homes decked out in their holiday splendor. Stop along the way to listen to joyous holiday sounds from musical groups tucked away on porches or on the lawns of these beautiful homes. Church Avenue, so named for the many churches located on this street will open their doors to share their hospitality as well.

Support Our Veterans

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Hours: Tues-Thu 10:30am-3:00pm | Friday 10:30am-4:00pm Closed Saturday/Sunday/Monday Email: mellycelebration@gmail.com

GAME ON VIDEO GAMES FROM ATARI TO CURRENT | ACCESSORIES MOVIES | ANIME | RECORDS | COMPUTERS | COMICS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS | TRADING CARD GAMES SYSTEMS FROM ATARI TO XBOX ONE Follow Us On Facebook For Daily Updates

We strive to keep our prices fair and guarantee the item you receive will be in working order.

4929 Allen Rd. • Zephyrhills, FL 33541

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Tues. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Wed. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Thurs. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat. 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday & Monday Closed

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www.facebook.com/ClassicContagiousGames www.youtube.com/User/Classic Contagious stores.ebay.com/ClassicContagious ClassicContagiousGames@yahoo.com

EVOLVE FOR INNER PEACE...

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• Intuitive Readings (Oracles, Tarot, Medium, Astrology) • Incense • Candles • Herbs • Gems • Essential Oils • Stones • Crystals • Salt Lamps • Smudging Supplies • Jewelry • Books • and So Much More!

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Shopping For T he Holiday s WELCOME BACK SNOWBIRDS!!

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Christine’s Collections Beautiful Photography and Paintings

by Christine Lonis-Pelz Stop By & Visit Her Booth At These Events

November 4th: Walk of Art in Floral City - 11 AM-6 PM - Floral Park 9530 S. Parkside Ave, #9500, Floral City, FL November 11th: St. Timothy Women’s Club Holiday Boutique 9AM-3PM - 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz 33558

Stop & Visit Christine at Dade City’s 2024 Annual

KUMQUAT FESTIVAL • JANUARY 27th • 9am - 5pm

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Shopping For T he Holiday s

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25th The following are some strategies business owners can employ to make the most of this unique event on the holiday season calendar.

Sales and consumer holidays compete for shoppers' attentions every year consumbetween Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Such events save consum ers billions of dollars every year, but small business owners know it's no small feat getting holiday shoppers to part with their hard-earned money.

Competing for holiday shoppers is hard work, but those efforts can provide a big payoff. According to Finder's Black Friday Statistics 2022, 55 percent of men and 52 percent of women planned to shop Black Friday sales in 2022, when men planned to spend $465 and women intended to spend $300. If small business owners are concerned they can't compete on Black Friday, they can always look to Small Business Saturday, which encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Competition can still be steep on Small Business Saturday, but the following are some strategies business owners can employ to make the most of this unique event on the holiday season calendar.

•Update your website. The Small Business Administration recommends that small business owners consider a digital makeover for their websites. Even though Small Business Saturday encourages individuals to shop in person, modern consumers typically peruse online offerings first. Updating an outdated website or simply reviewing all information, including product details, on the website to ensure it's

up-to-date can help small businesses make a strong first impression with holiday shoppers.

•Promote Small Business Saturday. Though it's been around for more than a decade, Small Business Saturday is not yet the household name that Black Friday has become. Small business owners can drum up interest in Small Business Saturday by promoting the day on their social media channels. The SBA recommends business owners encourage shoppers to snap selfies and tag their businesses on their own social medial accounts, which can increase engagement and potentially attract new customers.

•Sell and promote gift cards. Gift cards help national retailers generate substantial revenue each year, and there's no reason why small businesses can't get their piece of the gift card pie. Gift cards remain wildly popular, as a recent survey from the National Retail Federation found that 54 percent of participants identified gift cards as the most-wanted gift of the 2022 holiday season. Small businesses can offer discounted gift cards on Small Business Saturday and promote those efforts on their websites and via social media.

•Open early and close late. Small Business Saturday, which occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a great opportunity for small businesses to start the potentially lucrative holiday season off on the right foot. The SBA urges Satsmall businesses to open early and close late on Small Business Sat urday so they can capitalize as much as possible on this popular retail holiday.

Small business owners can embrace various strategies to make the most of Small Business Saturday.

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DECEMBER 2-3, 2023

Honoring the veterans in our county & around the country Z ep h y rh i lls B attle f o r V eterans F ri , N o v. 1 0 th | 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 5 : 0 0 P M 11:00 AM - Opening Ceremony Come out and join us for The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History Battle for Veterans event, featuring authentic military vehicles, living history displays, and a large-scale World War II battle reenactment. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the war. Parking is free and the event is free to attend.

S at, N o v. 1 1 th | 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 5 : 0 0 P M 10:00 AM - Downtown Veterans Day Parade 11:11 AM - Opening Ceremony 1:00 PM - Japanese Demonstration

A Day To Honor Veterans Day is a day to honor & commemorate the brave men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime.

Each November, millions of people recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans on Veterans Day. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day but renamed Veterans Day in the United States in 1954, the holiday is a federal holiday throughout the country.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of which day of the week that happens to be. In 2023, Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11. Because Veterans Day falls on a Saturday in 2023, the federal observation date is Friday, November 10.

2:00 PM - Allies and German Battle Reenactment

W H Y IS N O V E M B E R 11 S O S IG N IF IC A N T ?

Come out and join us for The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History Battle for Veterans event, featuring authentic military vehicles, living history displays, and a large-scale World War II battle reenactment. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the war. Parking is free and the event is free to attend.

November 11 is a significant day in world history because it marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany at 5:45 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

Though the formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was not signed until 1919 and hostilities between the sides continued for hours after the armistice was signed, the day is still viewed as the end of World War I.

S un, N o v. 1 2 th | 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 5 : 0 0 P M

The VA notes that Veterans Day honors all those individuals who served honorably in the miliary during both wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who lost their lives in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

11:00 AM - Opening Ceremony 1:00 PM - Japanese Demonstration 2:00 PM - Allies and German Battle Reenactment 4:00 PM - "Drive a TANK" Raffle Drawing/ Trophy Presentation Come out and join us for The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History Battle for Veterans event, featuring authentic military vehicles, living history displays, and a large-scale World War II battle reenactment. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the war. Parking is free and the event is free to attend.

W H A T D IS T IN G U IS H E S V E T E R A N S D A Y F R O M M E M O R IA L D A Y ?

W H A T IS T H E S IG N IF IC A N C E O F R E D P O P P IE S ?

Red poppies are ubiquitous on Memorial Day, but they're also visible on Veterans Day. Though it's not taboo to wear red poppies on Veterans Day, it's a tradition that aligns more with Memorial Day. That's because the poppies are typically worn to honor fallen military personnel. A 1915 poem written by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae referred to the fields of poppies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flanders.

'Home Of The 10th Fighter Squadron'

S at, D ec . 2 nd | 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 4 : 0 0 P M 39444 South Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542, USA PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY Join us Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 as we recognize the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. View living history, with WWII vehicles and aircraft on display. Free admission and free parking.

Z ep h y rh i lls M us eum o f M i li tary H i s to ry h ttp s : / / z m m h . o rg 1 2 • NOV EMBER 2 0 2 3

39444 South Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 | (813) 780-0078 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

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Sunset Cruises

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Bachelor/ette Parties Team Building Engagements Island Camping Gift Certificates S

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ENCHANTED FOREST CAMPGROUND

By Hilda Ann Helwig / Angelhil001@live.com, Traveling Reporter for Florida Women Magazine

Every wanted to go on a relaxing family getaway? A magical getaway? A romantic getaway? Well, do I have a place for you! Nestled in the Nantahala’s National Forest (largest in the state of North Carolina) is the ENCHANTED FOREST CAMPGROUND. It is the MAGICAL MOUNTAIN RESORT which is 10 miles outside of Hayesville, North Carolina.

Leave the life of your everyday hustle, bustle and stress behind. Come visit where you can find some of the world’s most beloved fairytales. Snow Whites Red Queens cottage, Alice in Wonderland’s White Bunny Cottage, for Harry Potter Fans there is the double decker Midnight Bus and The Caretakers Cottage. For those of you that like rural camping you have the candy Cabin which smells like peppermint and the Sugar Shack, which smells like fresh cookies! In these two rural cabins there are no bathrooms or kitchen. But they do have comfy beds. The campground has those amenities on property.

Each cabin is meticulously decorated to match the theme of the character. Crafters from all over the world have contributed their handmade items to fit the theme of the cabins.

The campground sits on a beautiful rolling stream. Alongside the stream you have wooden swings, which makes you feel like you are over the water. The campground has a great deal of outdoor games, especially a big chess set. What is so cool is they have boho inspired hammocks where you can lay and listen to the babbling brook. It is so relaxing.

The owners Steve and Mary are so friendly and accommodating. They took their dream from an abandoned campground to a beautiful, wonderful magical retreat. You see DREAMS DO COME TRUE! Those of you with RV’s, there are RV slips on the stream waiting for your arrival.

As you walk through the grounds you will see fairies, gnomes, hanging teapots and magical lights at night.

They have a beautiful specially made Harrah’s Pottery fire pit. At night it glows so beautiful.

It just memorizes and relaxes you. Take your coffee or hot tea out there and roast marshmallows and make s’mores.

We stayed at the Caretakers Cabin. What a Harry Potter vibe. I was waiting for all the pots and pans from the ceiling to start flying around! The bathroom has this huge copper deep soaking tub with a rain shower coming down. Don’t forget to bring bubbles for your bath. The cabin is adorned with the most beautiful items. The beds are upstairs and very comfy.

Every detail is on point. Pets are allowed in this cabin. They even have sticks for your dog to play catch.

The weather is changing and with that comes the beautiful fall colors and then the snow.

Give yourself, your loved one or your family a breathtaking much deserved break and come to THE MAGICAL MOUNTAIN RESORT. You will keep coming back!

For more information contact: MAGICAL MOUNTAIN RESORTS 9594 Tusquitte Road, Hayesville, North Carolina 28904

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or visit: magicalmountainresorts.com Look for us on Instagram/ Facebook/TikTok and UTube About Hilda Ann Hellwig Hilda Ann Hellwig is a freelance writer, mostly writing about her and her husband Steve’s adventures in traveling.

Married 44 years with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. She loves photography, writing, karaoke, people and exploring new and fun places. Her favorite motto is Live Life to the Fullest!

HISTORIC TOUR ephyrhills Zephyrhills began as the town of Abbott on April 18,1888

and consisted of 280.74 acres. A voting district was established in 1893 followed by a post office in 1896. In 1909, Captain Harold B. Jeffries, a Civil War Union veteran from Pennsylvania purchased 35,000 acres and created the Zephyrhills Colony Company. Zephyrhills was officially founded in March of 1910 and incorporated in 1914.

In 1999, the City of Zephyrhills conducted a city-wide historic resources survey, finding over 440 resources. Through information obtained in the survey, a historic district was created. In 2001, the Zephyrhills Historic District was nominated for and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc., is the a local non-profit organization dedicated to preservation, revitalization and the economic vitality of the downtown business district.

Captain H.B. Jeffries House|38537 5th Ave This frame vernacular structure was built in 1911 as the home of Captain Harold B. Jeffries, referred to as the founder of Zephyrhills. Captain Jeffries was a Civil War veteran from the northeast. He came to the area, then known as Abbott, and purchased 35,000 acres from the Stebbins Real Estate Company of Tampa and established the Zephyrhills Colony Company. Abbott officially became Zephyrhills in 1910. Today the structure is owned by the City of Zephyrhills and listed on the National Register of HIstoric places.

Stebbins-Miller House|38544 3rd Ave This Georgian Revival style home is locally known as the Stebbins-Miller House. It was built in 1910 by Jesse Stebbins. Jesse Stebbins was the first Pastor of the church at 5212 8th Street and the son of A.E Stebbins, the real estate promotor who sold 35,000 acres to Captain H.B. Jeffries to establish Zephyrhills. The home later became the Miller Tourist Home.

The home is privately owned and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributor to the Historic District.

Women's Club|38549 5th Ave The Women's Club was built in 1915 as a community building by Walter R. Gall and Mayor B.F. Parsons as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. It is constructed of native rock quarried from the Hillsborough River. The Women's Club first met in the building on April 18, 1941.

Today the building is owned by the City of Zephyrhills and still utilized by the Women's Club.

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Bible Gospel Chapel|5212 8th St Once known as the Bible Gospel Chapel, this c. 1910 Craftsman style structure is the oldest church building in Zephyrhills. Jesse Stebbins, the son of real estate promoter A.E Stebbins, was the first pastor. The building is a contributing structure to the Zephyrhills Historic District.

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall|5340 8th St Built in 1910, the GAR Hall served as the city's first public auditorium, community meeting place, and as a movie house. It was in this building that the vote to incorporate Zephyrhills occurred in 1914. Today the building is utilized by the American Legion Post 118.

Atlantic Coast Line Depot|39110 South Ave Not to be confused with the Seaboard Railroad Depot downtown no longer in existence, the Atlantic Coast Line Depot was built in 1927 as passenger and shipment combination station. Former Mayor B.F. Parsons was the station agent for two decades.

The City of Zephyrhills moved the building 200' west of the ACL (now CSX) railroad tracks to save it from demolition. It was restored and reopened as a museum.

World War II Barracks|39444 South Ave E In the early 1940s, the airport was built as a training ground for Army Fighter Pilots. This building, then located on Airport Road, was the Infirmary for the 10th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Corps from 1942-1943.

When WWII came to a close, the airport was donated to the City of Zephyrhills and the infirmary building was leased to Dr. Harry G. Brownlee. No other barrack buildings where pilots were housed exist today.

The building is owned by the City of Zephyrhills and has been moved from Airport Road to its current location at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport on South Avenue. The building is headquarters for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 65 and its Auxiliary Ladies and a military museum dedicated to veterans.

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Historic Dade City

An Inspiration To Preserve

Why Would You Want To Preserve The History & Culture Of A Community For The Future Generations?

By Madonna Jervis Wise | 813.469.8627 MadonnaJWise@gmail.com MadonnaWiseBooks.com In 2023, our way of life is changing at a more rapid pace than in past years. Family histories are lost because of mobility. Family heirlooms appear in the windows of antique stores as their stories slipped away. Many seek the research sources such as ancestry.com to learn of their ancestors.

Historical myths can take hold quickly.For example, did you know that Benjamin Franklin did not discover electricity when he suspended his kite as electricity was already a known entity. The authentic history comes from primary sources or documented research.

In a world of conspiracy theories, local history is reassuring and provides a stalwart sense of identity for a community. Interviewing the Great Generation (remaining WW II veterans) and others, can provide many clues to times of the past and the examination of secondary sources often offer clarity to the history. Not to mention too, history can teach us about cause and effect, and can be cyclical in nature.

With that foundation, a unique historical tour began to emerge in April of 2022 for a historical Florida town, Dade City. The President of the Merchants Association, Margaret Angell and Mary Katherine Mason Alston contacted local historian/educator/author, Madonna Jervis Wise about writing a comprehensive historical tour of the town with QR codes to be posted on each documented site. The goal of Mary Katherine Mason Alston and Margaret Angell was to provide a model for historic preservation.

Eventually the committee was also composed of Stephanie Black, Director of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and multi-generational historical family member; Melody Floyd, Dade City Chamber of Commerce who developed the Dade City Historic House tour for historic Church Avenue; Wayne Sweat, long-term Pioneer Florida Volunteer and reenactor; Britton Janning, technology specialist; Judge Lynn Tepper, Retired Circuit Judge; Imani Asukile, founder of the African American Heritage Society of Pasco and Eric Baker.

The formatting of the digital tour which can be accessed on one’s phone is designed to be chunked out in multiple visits.. The committee worked diligently to tell the complete story with great diversity, human anecdotes, humor and real-life stories of hardship and growth. With 82 stops, Wise, the author of thirteen books, did comprehensive interviews such as the Dade City Police where they met with Chief Walters and a retired Chief and police historian to review the collection of materials..

The group is intensely proud of the endeavor and they tried very hard to be inclusive of the research that had already taken place by historians such as Eddie Herrmann, Scott Black, Bill Dayton, Jeff Miller as well as countless citizens. During the tour development, several extraordinary contributors/citizens: Sylvia Young, Jeff Miller, and Stanley Burnside passed away (Stanley informed Wise about the theater that preceded "The Pasco" which was a silent theatre and more! Longtime Commissioner Sylvia

— Photo by Richard K. Riley Front row: Margaret Angell, president of the Dade City Merchants, Madonna Wise, author/historian/retired educator; Wayne Sweat, Volunteer at Pioneer Florida Museum, Country Musician, Retired from Verizon; Middle Row: Melody Floyd, Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and originator of house tour; Stephanie Bracknell Black from Florida Pioneer Museum; back row: Britton Janning, Technology Director; Mary Katherine Mason Alston, originator of the concept of Lanky Lassies; and Imani Askuile, Founder, African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, Inc.

Young was available to answer questions. Stop one has a video of Sylvia of which we purchased the rights from volunteer donations as her preservation of the Dade City Courthouse was priceless and it was a desire of the committee that Sylvia be on tape in the tour).

The comprehensive narration is done by reenactor, Wayne Sweat.

Several have commented that Wayne has a style similar to Ken Burn’s famous narrator, Peter Coyote. Wayne’s mellow, country voice will transport you back in time to get a feeling of authenticity and cozy local history.

Access the tour at: https://dadecityhistory.org/ Judge Lynn Tepper did editing on a great deal of it. She was marvelous because she lived so much of the governmental history. She lived in a vintage home and did a lot of collecting too. Lynn is retired and living in Michigan and was one of the best editors I've ever worked with as a writer; she is at: 813.312.1008

1920's Highlands Motor Company.

1889 Bank of Pasco County.

Dade City Train Depot.

1898 South Florida Normal Institute.

1908 Dade City Ice, Light and Power Plant.

1907 Roy and Martha Hardy Trail.

1926 Florida Dairy Creamery.

1936 Pasco Packiing Plant.

1912 Atlantic Coastline RR Depot.

1919 Charles Floyd Touchton Drugstore.

A formal launch will occur at the Pioneer Florida Museum at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City in the Lockey Room on November 9th at 6 p.m. The tour will be dedicated to Dennis and Nancy Alfonso and Judge Lynn Tepper and a demonstration and reading will occur. All are invited.

Moore Mickens Education Center.

Historic Dade City walking tours

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YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK Did you know in 1887 DADE CITY QUARANTINED ITSELF AGAINST ALL OUTSIDERS as yellow fever break-outs were huge in Tampa Bay? Guards were posted at entry points. They discovered a few years later, the culprit was the mosquito.

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MARRIAGE LICENSE 1926 Dade City Hall.

Prior to 1887, if you were getting a marriage license, you would have traveled to the county seat in Brooksville! In 1887 Pasco County was created from the southern one-third of Hernando County and Dade City was designated the temporary county seat!

1961 Pioneer Florida Museum and Village.

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SEARS ROEBUCK & COMPANY

1912 James Ambrose, Sears & Roebuck kit house.

1912, James Ambrose “J.A.” Peek ordered a SEARS ROEBUCK & COMPANY HOME kit from the Sears & Roebuck Catalog. Almost like Amazon in 2023, it arrived by freight train and was assembled at the SE corner of 5th Street & Church Avenue. Peek was Mayor of Dade City in 1918. (Sears sold 100,000 house kits from 1908 to 1940) You can see it as the Lighthouse Books ABAA!

1920's Band Stand, dedicated as 1948 WWII Memorial.

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WWII OBSERVATION TOWERS World War II Observation towers in Dade City were manned around the clock by the observation corps, documenting planes in the air!

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A REAL IRONY Site of the WWII Prisoner of War Camp.

A real irony that is unknown! As Dade City Mayor Frank Ashbrook was preparing for the 250 Nazi Prisoners of War who were being sent to Dade City during World War II, it was largely unknown that Ashbrook's own son, Corpora Frank Ashbrook, Jr., initially an MIA was placed by the Germans in Stalag Luft4, a Nazi Prison Camp in Poland.

The Mayor's demeanor kept the community calm while he himself was dealing with real emotion!

1953 Kiefer's Pharmacy.



"WALLS OF ISOLATIONS"

Stanley Burnside checks the time inside the clock tower.

The opening of the National Highway (also known as Road 23) on November 23, 1923 brought 7,000 people to Dade City.

Two invisible curtains dubbed the "Walls of Isolations" (constructed from the netting of the Sunnybrook Tobacco Company) were placed at the Hernando County Line and the Hillsborough County Line for the motorcades to christen. At the city yard on 10th Street, then the main park, Dade City hosted an enormous free barbecue for dignitaries and delegations from every neighboring county!

1905 Griffin Block.

1926 Dade City Woman's Club

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foryourhealth Understanding Diabetes: The Chronic Condition That Can Strike at Any Age. About one out of every ten people have diabetes. However, one out of every five of those people do not realize they have this potentially deadly condition. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

To educate people about the disease, November is designated Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes can strike anyone, at any age.

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes higher than average blood sugar levels. Normally, your body produces insulin from the pancreas to help regulate the blood sugar. Insulin acts like a key to open your cells to allow the blood sugar to enter so you can use it for energy. If you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot effectively use its own insulin.

There are two main forms of diabetes, with very different causes, symptoms and treatments.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, and while there are treatments to manage it, there is no cure. About 5 percent of people who have diabetes have type 1 diabetes — or insulin-dependent diabetes. In the past, type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes, because patients often found out they had it during childhood, but people of all ages can develop type 1 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin. The reason? The body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas.

The islet cells sense glucose in the blood and produce the right amount of insulin to normalize blood sugars. Once the insulin-producing cells are destroyed, a person can no longer produce their own insulin. Without insulin, sugar stays in the blood and builds up.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. About 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also called adult-onset diabetes, since it typically develops after age 35. Type 2 diabetes is typically tied to people who are overweight, with a sedentary lifestyle. People with type 2 diabetes are able to produce some of their own insulin, but often it’s not enough.

SIGNS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Many of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. The difference is the onset of the condition. Type 2 diabetes usually presents more slowly, and the symptoms are not as noticeable as those for type 1 diabetes. For these reasons, many people mistakenly overlook the warning signs. They also might think that the symptoms are the signs of other conditions, like aging, overworking or hot weather. The complications of type 2 diabetes mirror those of type 1.

A combination of risk factors can increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. They include: •Being overweight •Family history •Physically inactive •Age 45 and Older

TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

One of the biggest differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the approach to treatment. The majority of treatment programs for type 2 diabetes focus on diet, exercise and weight loss as well as improving ways to better use the insulin the body already produces to normalize blood sugar levels. If blood

See DIABETES Page 25

COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can cause health complications and internal damage.

Blindness is a common diabetes complication. Diabetes is also a leading cause of kidney failure. Many people with diabetes have impaired sensation in the hands and feet, including neuropathy.

Diabetes can also cause digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues. The conditions also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Diabetes can also lead to amputation of toes and feet. In extreme cases, it can also lead to coma and death.

SIGNS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly. The most common symptoms are: •Increased thirst •Increased urination •Rapid and unexplained weight loss •Bed-wetting may occur in children who have already been toilet trained •Extreme hunger •Extreme weakness or fatigue •Unusual irritability •Blurred vision •Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain •Fruity breath odor

TREATMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes is treated by taking daily insulin injections or using an insulin pump or other device to replace the insulin no longer created naturally.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help control blood sugar levels.

If you take too much insulin, then your blood sugar can drop to a dangerously low level. This is called hypoglycemia, and it can be life-threatening.

If you take too little insulin, your blood sugar can rise to a dangerously high level. Your cells are not getting the sugar, or energy, they need. This is called hyperglycemia.

You will work with your doctor to determine the proper insulin dose and delivery method.

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foryourhealth DIABETES

From Page 23

sugar levels are still high, medications can help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

PREDIABETES

Prediabetes means that your body is showing signs that could lead to type 2 diabetes. In prediabetes, there is too much glucose in the blood, but not as much as in diabetes.

People with prediabetes often have no symptoms at all. Your health care provider may decide to test you for prediabetes because of your age, weight, family history of diabetes, or other health factors.

Not everyone with prediabetes will get diabetes, but the risk increases, especially if they don't make lifestyle changes.

There are four main ways people with prediabetes can manage their condition: Eating well •Getting active •Weight loss •Medications

DIABETES TESTING

Now, with COVID-19 concerns, it is even more important than ever to take control of your health. People with diabetes face a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19. If you’ve been concerned that you might have diabetes but are afraid to go to the doctor for fear of contracting COVID-19, Any Lab Test Now provides a safer alternative and a wide variety of testing options.

Any Lab Test Now offers six specialized lab tests you can take and share the results with your doctor.

Diabetes Maintenance Panel – this provides a complete blood count, Glucose-Serum, Hemoglobin A1c, and a Diabetic Urinalysis. This is an effective panel for diabetics, and also for those who want to see if they have diabetes.

Diabetic Urinalysis (Microalbumin) – this tests for the protein albumin in the urine. It’s something that the kidneys usually filter out, so if it shows up in the results, it can point to potential diabetes complications like kidney disease.

Glucose Blood Test – this is the most common diabetes test. Additionally, diabetics self-conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose levels.

Glucose Tolerance Test – this is a way to check how your body metabolizes sugar. First, a blood sample is collected, then you’ll be given a cup of glucose to drink. After that, your blood will be collected again every 30 to 60 minutes. It usually takes up to three hours to complete the test and can confirm diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c – this test is useful in helping diabetics determine if their disease is under control. It’s a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of several months. The test can also help detect prediabetes and diabetes.

Insulin Lab Test – this test can let you know if your body is producing too much or too little insulin. Too little insulin, also known as insulin resistance, is often associated with type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, this test can be used to monitor whether diet and lifestyle changes are having a great enough impact to reverse or improve your condition.

BE AT EASE

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including testing for diabetes.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ stores are sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com

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Gulfside Hospice Heroes Breakfast Inaugural Benefit The inaugural Hospice Heroes Breakfast Benefit, presented by the Women for Gulfside, proved to be a resounding success, bringing together community members, donors, and hospice supporters for a morning of inspiration and gratitude. Held on Oct. 3 at Plantation Palms Golf Club, the event celebrated the unwavering support for hospice care in our community.

The Hospice Heroes Breakfast Benefit was a heartfelt gathering that highlighted the heroes behind hospice care – from dedicated healthcare professionals to generous donors and volunteers. Attendees were moved by stories of compassion and resilience, underscoring the vital role hospice plays in providing comfort and care to those facing life-limiting illnesses.

Key highlights from the event included: HEARTWARMING TESTIMONIALS: Attendees were touched by a moving testimonial from Gulfside’s CEO, Linda Ward, whose father was taken under Gulfside Hospice’s care years ago.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The event provided a platform for the community to come together in support of hospice services, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

RECOGNITION OF SUPPORTERS: Donors, volunteers, and healthcare professionals who have contributed significantly to hospice care were recognized and honored for their dedication and commitment.

The Hospice Heroes Breakfast Benefit was a heartwarming testament to the power of community support for hospice care and the heroes who strive to provide compassionate care to every patient who comes in through Gulfside’s doors. As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed commitment to championing the cause of compassionate end-of-life care.

Photo, top: Linda Ward, President and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services, and Leigh Massengill, Gulfside’s Chairwoman of Board of Directors, were both in attendance at the event.

Photo, bottom: Carla Armstrong, Gulfside’s Director of Philanthropy, called all named hospice heroes in attendance up to the front of the room to be honored by guests.

K haas B aat is a printed monthly new spaper that highlights e ents and festi ities among the Indian merican community in Florida. In addition to community news haas aat informs readers about topics including health money ma ers immigration mo ies cars boo s astrology fashion and family ma ers along with other features and pro les. haas aat is the only publication in Florida with comprehensi e co erage of community news and e ents eeping you connected to your culture.

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foryourhealth For more information about other Gulfside fundraising events, contact Carla Armstrong, Director of Philanthropy, at 727-845-5707 or carla.armstrong@gulfside.org or go to www.

Gulfside.org/community-events.

About Women for Gulfside: The Women for Gulfside is a group of dedicated women committed to raising awareness and increasing involvement within Pasco County to enrich the lives of patients and families. Through annual gifts and fundraising events, the Women for Gulfside work together to help our patients, our families and our community.

For more information about the Women for Gulfside, visit www.womenforgulfside.org.

About Gulfside Healthcare Services: Gulfside Healthcare Services is a non-profit organization serving the community for more than 32 years. Its three lines of business include Gulfside Hospice, offering care for patients at end of life, Gulfside Palliative Care, providing treatment options for those with chronic illness, and Gulfside Home Health, helping patients stay independent through skilled nursing and rehab at home. For more information about Gulfside Healthcare Services, visit www.Gulfside.org or call 800-561-4883.

MORE CHOICES FOR CARE AT HOME With care options from Gulfside Healthcare Services, you can choose to stay in the comfort of home with the ones who matter most.

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Festive Apps To Satisfy Guests In addition to a platter of fruit slices, figs, aged cheeses and crostini, treat guests to "Mini Cheese Ball Bites," which offer various textures and flavors in bite-sized morsels.

Thanksgiving is a food lover's paradise. Even though the turkey and side dishes are the crowning achievements on Thanksgiving, hungry guests will need something to tide them over until the pièce de résistance is ready.

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In such situations, bite-sized appetizers that are tasty yet not too filling can fit the bill.

Charcuterie boards and tasting menus continue to be all the rage. In addition to a platter of fruit slices, figs, aged cheeses and crostini, treat guests to "Mini Cheese Ball Bites," which offer various textures and flavors in bite-sized morsels. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of "Spectacular Spreads: 50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion" (Rock Point) by Meagan Brown.

MINI CHEESE BALL BITES Makes 12

8 ounces light cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons drained, chopped pimentos 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika Pinch kosher salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup crushed pecans 1/4 cup chopped chives 12 pretzel sticks In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Place the crushed pecans and chives in a small bowl. Set aside.

Roll the cheese mixture into twelve 1-inch balls. Evenly coat each ball with the pecan-chive mixture. Press a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball just before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

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Finding Your Way To A New You

By Paul Catala As a survivor of childhood physical and sexual abuse, as an adult, Wen Peetes struggled to scape a seemingly perpetual negative life cycle – feelings of being in a rut, helpless and worse – hopeless.

But when Peetes reached her 20s and began recalling the trauma of her early childhood, she began to focus on turning the negative aspects borne from her younger years into a more positive light and life. Around 2015, she began developing the idea of writing a book that would draw on her own experiences to help others recover from trauma in their lives.

Peetes, who lives in Deerfield Beach, is also a certified life coach who focuses on intuitive healing, mentor and speaker who tours her motivational talks to help change women for the better through tools of transformation, tailored advice, one-to-one coaching, a VIP retreat and group mentorship programs.

Jan. 11, 2024, Peetes’ book “Inner Child Healing” will be released by Rebel for a Spell Press. It encourages readers – particularly women -- to address any past childhood physical and emotional trauma wounds and adverse experiences that may cause a reader to doubt his or her self-worth.

“It focuses on how that childhood development with support, love, encouragement – or lack thereof – forms your character and personality as you move into adulthood,” she says. “I’ve always had this idea to write a book about inner-child healing, but my courage and I hadn’t met each other.”

Each chapter of the book has life lessons and exercises to help readers absorb the information.

“I want them to reflect on their lives and allow themselves to be the incubator of all that comes up for them as they think about what they truly want more of in their lives, what they could clean up from their lives,” she says.

“I really felt this was the moment to help somebody else who may be in need, who may have struggled and needed an example of what healing could look like to them – or just for them to tap into that sense of ‘I deserve more; there’s hope for me.’ That’s what inspired the book,” says Peetes, who’s also a songwriter, singer, classically trained pianist and a music producer. In 2008, she released the album “Woman Empowered” under her moniker, “Wendy St. Kitts,” and singles under “Violins for Milk.”

Other aspects of “Inner Child Healing” Peetes notes about her self-re-

flective book, is her effort to encourage the reader to address past childhood trauma wounds and adverse experiences that may cause one to doubt his or her self-worth. She says readers may recognize the lasting impact of negative experiences on their relationships with others and themselves.

“But you, too, can become the co-creator of the life you never want to run away from, by becoming the fullest expression of yourself: feeling whole, confident, and peacefully free to live a vibrant authentic life,” she says.

The focus for “Inner Child Healing” is primarily women who are trauma survivors and those who have feelings of doubt. Peetes says whether in professional or personal life, everyone needs to seek help when necessary. “ “We’re all seeking help – self-help to better the relationships with ourselves and the people in our lives. We seek inspiration and encouragement. I’m creating a safe haven for all women to feel the power within them, so they make decisions in their lives that brings to them the lives they want, the lives they deserve,” she adds.

Peetes – who lists swimming, comedy shows, cooking and music as her pastimes – says she’s already in the working stages for her second book, which she says will dive deeper into the adult life aspects of healing as the changes of life occur.

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Sometimes Stuff Is the Most Important Part Of Your Estate Plan

By Tina M. Spinks, MPA Most people usually think about who will receive their retirement and bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real estate, and other valuable possessions upon their death. However, a person’s personal property (their stuff) can also be a source of value that needs to be addressed.

Tina Spinks When looking to start or continue your estate planning journey, ask yourself the following questions about your personal property.

DO YOUR ITEMS HAVE MONETARY OR SENTIMENTAL VALUE? Value is in the eye of the beholder. Some items may have significant monetary value, like an antique clock, while others may have sentimental value, like your grandmother’s class ring. Each type of value necessitates its own strategy when planning for its receipt.

IF PERSONAL PROPERTY HAS MONETARY VALUE It is important that you find out the actual value of items that you think may be worth a lot of money. If an item is very valuable, it may need to be insured. A renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy may limit what it covers and how much it will pay if your personal property is damaged or stolen. Also, if the item requires maintenance or upkeep, you must make sure that the person who receives it understands what is required so that the value does not decrease.

IF PERSONAL PROPERTY HAS SENTIMENTAL VALUE Sometimes personal property that has sentimental value can cause the most family conflict. Because your loved ones will already be dealing with your loss, dividing up your mementos without proper guidance can also be emotionally taxing. This may be an even more compelling reason to document your wishes, so that everyone is on the same page. You should think carefully about who will receive sentimental items and ways to mitigate future conflicts if more than one person wants the item.

WILL SOMEONE WANT YOUR STUFF? When crafting your estate plan, it is important to understand what you have and who you want to leave it to. But you may also want to speak with your beneficiaries before creating your plan to find out if the person you plan to give an item to actually wants the item, particularly if the item has storage or maintenance requirements that the person will be responsible for.

IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON WANTS AN ITEM You may have an item that multiple people want. Being aware of this during your estate planning journey is important so you can address what you want to happen to the item to hopefully prevent conflict after you pass away. You should also think about how you want to balance inheritances if only one person will receive a valuable item or how you want to divide a large group of similar items. Talk to your loved ones so that everyone is on the same page and fights can be avoided.

IF NO ONE WANTS AN ITEM While an item may be incredibly important to you, it may not hold the same level of importance to your loved ones. As you take steps to put a plan together, determine what will happen if no one wants an item. You could choose to have it be sold, donated, or offered to an acquaintance with a similar fondness for the item.

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INCLUDE YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN There are a few different ways you can share your wishes for your personal property through the use of an estate plan.

SPECIFIC GIFT IN A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST A specific gift in a last will and testament (will) or revocable living trust (trust) allows you to specifically name who will receive a particular item. In either a will or a trust, you can specifically state, “I leave my blue antique vase with pink roses to my daughter, Susan Jones.” When you die, the executor or successor trustee will then give the vase to Susan. However, if you change your mind, the will or trust will need to be changed, which will require a new document to be executed with the requisite formalities.

PERSONAL PROPERTY MEMORANDUM Another option that can be used in Florida is a document called a personal property memorandum. This document lists your specific personal property and names who will receive each item. As opposed to a will or trust, generally, you just need to sign and date the personal property memorandum to make it valid—no witnesses are necessary. The document is then referenced in your will or trust as containing your wishes regarding your personal property. This approach allows you to specifically designate who will receive an item, but if you change your mind, you can simply create a new personal property memorandum instead of having to change your will or trust.

THE RESIDUARY CLAUSE Most, if not all, wills and trusts contain a clause that addresses any items that have not been specifically mentioned and distributed in the will or trust. This is referred to as a residuary clause. A will or trust may provide that anything left be “divided equally among my then living children” or “all to my spouse.” However, you can also decide to direct distribution to other individuals or entities. This ensures that your personal property is distributed. However, if the items are to be divided among a group of people and you do not provide instructions for how the items are to be divided, someone will need to decide how to do so, which could cause turmoil.

WE CAN HELP Once you know what you have, how much it is worth, and who you want to leave it to, you need to make sure that your wishes are reflected in an estate plan that is complete and legally enforceable. By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, we can craft a plan that is unique to you and your situation. Give us a call to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Give us a call today 813-651-1233 to set up your complimentary consultation.

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Maximizing For The Long Haul Older adults hoping to retire this year may have a new factor to consider. Aspiring retirees may have to play it very smart to ensure they can maximize their savings for the long haul. It's a one-two punch caused by continuously rising costs of everyday items and a bearish market for bonds - one of the most common hedges retirement plans use to offset stock declines. Bonds have been suffering historic losses, according to data from Barclays Aggregate Bond Index. The typical rule of thumb used to be to spend no more than 4 percent of a portfolio's original value each year to plan for retirement. With no gains or losses, that money would last around 25 years.

However, experts at The American College of Financial Services say that, in today's economy, 4 percent and even 3 percent may be too aggressive. According to Nora Dowd Eisenhower, executive director at the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on Aging, higher food prices, longer

life expectancies and higher rents/housing costs often lead to financial challenges for people in retirement. Data from the U.S. Current Population Survey shows a trend in the number of people no longer in retirement.

In September 2022, the unretirement rate was 2.6 percent, up from 2.4 percent in August. Wealth advisors indicate retirees need to look long and hard at their spending habits, even spending less than their wealth could support. This can help them ride out the ups and downs of the market that affect prices on goods and services. Working with a good financial advisor also can help retirees manage their savings to maximize their money for the years to come.

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Retirement : Risky Financial Endeavor When individuals retire, they not only walk away from work, but also relinquish thier steady paychecks. For many, retirement can be a potentially risky financial endeavor. Saving for retirement is a great way to mitigate such risk, but unforeseen expenses, such as medical bills, can quickly derail a retirement plan.

Many people have a greater need for medical care as they get older. The Fidelity Investments Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate indicates health care can be one of the biggest expenses a person will take on in retirement. The average 65-year-old couple who retired in 2021 in the United States can expect to spend $300,000 on health care and medical expenses during retirement. The financial resource The Street says other studies suggest it's wise for retirees to plan to spend between $3,000 and $7,700 per year on health care.

Financial advisors warn that relying exclusively on Medicare to cover health care costs isn't going to cut it. Benefits under the Medicare program often aren't enough to pay for all of a retiree's needs. There may be gaps for chronic treatment of illnesses and specialty treatment for certain conditions. Long-term care services also typically are not covered. It's important to note that Medicare will cover general doctor's visits, but it does not cover the cost of deductibles or copays.

Individuals need to be proactive and plan for medical expenses in retirement. After housing, healthcare is the most significant expense for retirees. Health spending accounts and long-term health insurance are

two options for people looking for ways to cover their health care costs in retirement.

As of 2022, people can contribute up to $3,650 for an individual or $7,300 for a family per year into a health savings account. After age 55, an additional $1,000 per year is allowed. Money in an HSA grows tax-free and it can be spent tax-free on qualified medical expenses. Once a person has Medicare, he or she no longer is eligible to contribute to the HSA, but can use money already in the account to pay for qualified medical expenses that are not covered by Medicare.

Long-term care insurance is another option, and many people invest in such an account during their 50s or 60s. The earlier an individual enrolls in a program, the lower the premium. According to Personal Capital, most policies will not start until a patient has needed assistance for 90 days and other qualifying guidelines are met. Generally speaking, long-term care insurance also is use-or-lose. If there's never a need to use the insurance, it will not be refunded. This is a risk that certain people are willing to take.

In addition to these options, people may consider gap insurance programs. When putting together a retirement plan, it can be wise to speak with financial advisors who can customize products based on their expected needs.

Unforeseen expenses, such as medical bills, can quickly derail a retirement plan.

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2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HEV IS A REMARKABLE GAS-SIPPER

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Tires: P225/45R17 Wheelbase: 107.1 inches Length: 184.1 inches Width: 71.9 inches Height: 55.7 inches Weight: 3,069 pounds Fuel Capacity: 11 gallons City: 49 mpg Highway: 52 mpg Combined: 50 mpg Web site: www.hyundausa.com

By Nitish S. Rele motoringtampabay@gmail.com Yes, you can cut those trips to the gas station short, real short, as fuel prices hover around $4 a gallon! All you have to do is go get a 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). Believe us, you are assured of at least over 50 mpg in this fine compact sedan.

A 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine puts out a total of 139 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque while coupled to an electric motor operating a 32kW lithium-ion polymer battery. Power reaches the front wheels via a crisp-shifting 6-speed auto gearbox. By no means is this a speedster but the car takes off real quick and comes to a stop at a moment’s notice.

Switch to sport mode (normal and smart are other options) and you will end up with a sprightly drive whether on the highway or dodging peakhour traffic. Suspension is handled via the reliable MacPherson strut front and multilink rear. The motor-driven power rack-and-pinion steering returns a weighted and response to the driver’s input.

The small car portrays a low and wide stance with a dark chrome mesh grille flanked by slim, horizontal LED headlights and daytime running lights.

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Several safety features come at no extra cost. There are dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, front/rear crumple zones, electronic stability and traction control, forward-, blind spot- and rear cross traffic collision- avoidance assists, lane keep and forward assists, rearview camera, remote keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring system.

Base-priced at just $29,150, the Elantra HEV makes perfect sense as we see no end in sight for rising fuel prices at the pump. Apart from its gas-sipping capabilities, the car is agile, delightful and fun to drive. There also is Hyundai’s five-year, 60,000-mile basic, and 10-year, 100,000mile power train and hybrid battery warranties to convince you to sign on the dotted line.

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pawsomepets

Holiday Gifts For Four-Legged Family Members Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open.

Holiday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don't overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year.

A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover.com, the nation's largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services. The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

NATURAL PET PRODUCTS Just as people are interested in protecting the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals. Natural pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.

SPECIALTY PET SERVICES The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end

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pawsomepets pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions: • tests to detect pets' DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

Pet owners who get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services.

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