Lifestyles After 50 Sarasota Edition, February 2024

SARASOTA EDITION ~ FEBRUARY 2024 Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication Since 1989

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LifestylesAfter50.com Volume 35 Issue 2

The Beach Boys, p. 4 Brief History of the King Cake, p. 8 7 Ways to Say I Love You, p. 21

Articles in each issue: • Local news & events • Humor

• Health • Recipe • Book Review

Save $5.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at

Artists Appearing on the

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

Thu. Feb. 29, 10:30 FREE

out of this world!

Soundstage:

The Oak Ridge Boys

OLIVER ANTHONY

Thu. Feb. 29, 3:30

Thu. Feb. 29, 7:30 $35

American Made Farewell Tour

$35

Jordan Davis

The Beach Boys

Fri. Mar. 1, 7:30 $55

Fri. Mar. 1, 3:30 $45

Out of The Woods

Feb. 29 - Mar. 10, 2024 Plant City, FL

Florida Blue SENIOR DAYS Feb. 29 & Mar. 7 Seniors 60+ get $5 Off At Gate

O’Reilly Auto Parts ™ Ride-A-Thon Days Feb. 29 & Mar. 7 Ride All Day $20 with $5 Off voucher from participating stores

Black Eyed Peas Sat. Mar. 2, 7:30 $65

The Bellamy Brothers

Parker McCollum

ZZ TOP

Mon. Mar. 4, 3:30 $25

Sun. Mar. 3, 7:30 $65

Rotary Club of Plant City Special Smiles Day for Special Needs Mar. 1, 9am - Noon

Mon. Mar. 4, 7:30 $55

See Website for Details

Food & Fun Friday Mar. 1 $5 Off Wristband w/any Publix or GreenWise non-perishable item

Mark Lowry

Tue. Mar. 5, 3:30 $30

Zach Williams Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $40

Craig Morgan

Wed. Mar. 6, 3:30 $35

Riley Green

Wed. Mar. 6, 7:30 $50

Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets Thu. Mar. 7, 10:30 FREE

Gene Watson

Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 $25

MIDFLORIDA CU Free Kids Day Mar. 2

Thu. Mar. 7, 7:30 $45

Fri. Mar. 8, 3:30 $35

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Jo Dee Messina Sat. Mar. 9, 3:30 $30

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!

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Flo Rida

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• T-Mobile • Alessi Bakeries • AMSCOT • Astin Farms • Candyland Warehouse • Global Frequency Technology • TRUFFOIRE • Circle K • Local Ford Dealers • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Grove Equipment Service • Stingray Chevrolet • Uncommon USA • Monticciolo Sedation Dentistry • Netterfield’s Concessions • Verizon • Badcock Home Furniture &more • Good Health Saunas • Krazy Kup • DIRECTV • Images Everywhere! • Master Spas • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Florida Blue • Advantage Restoration & Contracting • Entenmann’s • The Bank of Tampa • Solution Source Construction & Development • Suncoast Credit Union • ICEE • AT&T • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association • General RV Center • SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo • AUSSIE GRILL • Eli Lilly and Company

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 2

Fun and Full February:

Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and Strawberry Fest February! Winter is fast receding, and the weather is getting beautiful again.

This February is an especially Photo by James Patterson busy one: on Sunday, February 11, get ready to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (If you can’t see the game in person in Nevada, see page 7 for some easy and delicious appetizers to spice up any football watch party.)

On Tuesday, February 13 we celebrate Mardi Gras, the last fling of decadence before Ash Wednesday and the 40-day fast leading up to Easter.

February 14 is the celebration of that holiday honoring love, St. Valentine’s Day. Grab some flowers and chocolates for your special someone and be sure to read the great story about the history of Valentine’s symbols on page 19.

29 and continues through March 10.

Besides the great rides, fun games, and great food, be sure to check out the many musical acts gracing the Wish Farms Generations of Sweetness Stage.

The amazing cast of musical headliners during the festival includes Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra (free with gate admission), the Oak Ridge Boys, Oliver Anthony, Jordan Davis, the Black Eyed Peas, Parker McCollum, the Bellamy Brothers, ZZ Top, Mark Lowry, Zach Williams, Craig Morgan, Riley Green, Bill Haley and the Comets (free with gate admission), Gene Watson, Kirk Franklin, Foreigner, Flo Rida, The Commodores, Jo Dee Messina, Cody Johnson, and the Beach Boys (read all about the award winning Beach Boys on p. 4). For tickets to any of these events and concerts, visit www.

FLStrawberryFestival.com.

Until next time, enjoy the many beautiful days ahead in sunny southwest Florida!

This leap year, the 11th Annual Strawberry Festival begins February

Have a great month and we'll see you in March!

Lifestyles After 50 Volume 35, Issue 2 Published by Connected Community Media Group Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Michele Baker Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com Website Editor Allie Shaw Allie.Shaw@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution Distribution@lifestylesafter50.com 813-336-8247 Questions/Customer Service 813-336-8247 Press Releases Editor@lifestylesafter50.com Advertising Sales Sales: (813) 336-8247 Ext. 2 Sales@lifestylesafter50.com Nancy Cotto Nancy.Cotto@lifestylesafter50.com Aspen Hansen: (813) 336-8247 Ext. 2 Aspen.Hansen@lifestylesafter50.com Joe Gess: 813-817-9855 Joe.Gess@lifestylesafter50.com Jim Commiskey: Jim.Commiskey@lifestylesafter50.com

Funfest & Event Sales Events@lifestylesafter50.com

To Learn More, call 813-336-8247 or email info@lifestylesafter50.com Lifestyles After 50 P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583 (Fax) 813-331-2634 www.lifestylesafter50.com

Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims.

Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 10th of each month. All rights reserved.

As a reader of Lifestyles After 50, you are creating an established relationship with our advertisers. You may be contacted by email, telephone or mail as allowed by law.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 3

60+ Years of The Beach Boys

BY MICHELE D. BAKER

The Beach Boys, with tens of millions of albums sold, have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing many artists that followed.

Led by Mike Love, alongside longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer, the band has reshaped the musical landscape with their iconic sound.

Consistently active, The Beach Boys perform around 150 concerts annually, and have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history. Their 2013 release “Sounds of Summer,” witnessed a fresh wave of worldwide Beach Boys fervor. The group’s music encapsulates an eternal youthful spirit, making beaches worldwide a symbol of rejuvenation.

career. Their unparalleled concert presence includes performances at Live Aid and the Super Bowl.

“Kokomo.”

Since 1961 when Mike Love, co-founder, lead singer, and primary songwriter, penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin,’” dozens of the band’s chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and

The band also released a compilation album and box set honoring the 50th anniversary of their timeless albums “Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 19691971.” The expansive 5 CD and digital box set chronicles and explores in depth this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band’s legendary career. It contains 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions.

Despite achieving milestones like the groundbreaking “Pet Sounds” in 1966, the chart-topping “Kokomo” in 1988, an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and surpassing 100 million in album sales, the band’s passion remains undiminished. Their 50th Anniversary in 2012 saw a reunion tour and a #3 Billboard-charting album, “That’s Why God Made the Radio.” In 2016, they celebrated the 50th As The Beach Boys mark 60+ years of making music, the anniversary of the masterpiece, “Good Vibrations,” and Mike group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in Love’s memoir, “GOOD VIBRATIONS: My Life as a Beach Boy,” America’s musical history and have become synonymous achieved New York Times Best Seller status. with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans In 2022, the Beach Boys wrapped the international leg of around the world. Hear The Beach Boys live on March 1 their “Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer” tour, which at Strawberry Fest in Plant City. For a complete list of tour visited major venues across Europe and the UK featuring dates CD sales information please visit mikelove.com or special guests The Temptations and The Four Tops. In 2023, thebeachboys.com, or visit FLStrawberryFestival.com. a star-studded CBS tribute special honored their legendary

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 4

CUTEST PET Do you think you’ve got the cutest pet? Show him or her off in the next issue of Lifestyles! We’re looking for the best dressed, most festive OR JUST THE CUTEST companions that our audience has to offer.

C

E S T PE T T U s

For submissions: Send us a little bit about your pet along with the best photo in their cuteness portfolio and the city you live in to Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Cutest Pet” in the subject line, or through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50.

Submissions must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held for a potential feature in a future publication. Include your name and current Florida city.

Submissions are published based on what space is available.

C

Herman says Happy Valentine’s Day from Tampa!

E S T PE T T U s

Henri the Cat says Happy Valentine’s Day from Land O Lakes Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 5

Movie Preview: “The Taste of Things”

BY RANDAL C. HILL

Can food represent both love and nourishment?

According to the film “The Taste of Things,” the answer is obviously “yes.”

The opening scene of Tran Anh Hung’s quiet little movie runs 38 minutes and involves few words.

Never bored, we are instead transfixed by people busily preparing broths, pastries and meats that steam and sizzle and make us drool in anticipation.

(The scene takes place in a spacious country kitchen in a time before electricity or plug-in appliances.)

Eventually, the appreciative guests each savor every bite, finding no need to talk during the meal.

Dodin (French film star Benoit Magimel) is a highly respected gourmet who has overseen today’s meal preparation with the confidence of one who has basically lived in a kitchen for decades. His busy partner is Eugenie (Academy Award® winner Juliette Binoche), who is not simply an accomplished cook but a highly skilled food artist.

Dodin and Eugenie have lived together for 20 years in Dodin’s manor house and are partners in every sense of the word. He has often proposed marriage but has always been rejected.

One key scene shows them relaxing in their moonlit garden after a tiring day in the kitchen. “We’ve spent more time together than many spouses,” Eugenie remarks.

Dodin responds with, “I ask you once again… marry me.”

Eugenie, who has been down this road many times before, smiles patiently. “How many times will you ask me?” Undoubtedly, she concerns herself with the changes that would possibly take place if the pair made their alwayscomfortable relationship “official.”

The movie will be shown in select theaters February 9 in French with English subtitles, and available on streaming platforms in the future.

CREATIVE CORNER Are you an aspiring writer, poet or artist? Or maybe you want to try your hand at any of the above? We want to share your passion for the arts!

For submissions: Send your short story or poem (150 words or less) or a photo of your artwork to Michele.Baker@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www. facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Please include which Florida city you currently live in and your name. All creative pieces must be submitted before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published based on what space is available.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 6

Pimiento Cheese Rolls This year, the Super Bowl will be held in Las Vegas at the Allegiant Stadium. If you aren’t planning to fly cross-country, you can still watch the game on the big screen in your living room with friends.

Ingredients: • Tube of prepared biscuit dough or puff pastry

• Pimiento cheese (about 12 oz.) – store bought or homemade

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 400F. 2. Roll out the biscuit dough or puff pastry into a large rectangle. (If using crescent roll dough, pinch the seams together to make a single sheet of dough.)

3. In the middle, spread on a layer of pimiento cheese. Leave a margin of about 1/2” around the outside of the dough so when

you roll it, the cheese doesn’t squeeze out.

4. Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll up the dough into a pinwheel. Cut into half-inch slices and bake on parchment paper lined baking sheet for 1820 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

5. Serve warm.

Pepper Jelly Meatballs Another simple – but delicious! – recipe for the upcoming Super Bowl. This recipe relies on the faithful crock pot to do all the work.

Ingredients: • Bag of frozen meatballs (fully cooked, about 28 oz. or 56 meatballs) • 1 cup grape jelly • 1 cup yellow mustard • ½ cup pepper jelly • Dash of hot sauce Method: 1. Combine all the ingredients in a crock pot.

2. Cook for 3-4 hours on low, stirring occasionally.

3. Sprinkle with chopped green onion or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 7

A Brief History of Mardi Gras and the King Cake

By Michele D. Baker The modern American Mardi Gras season (Carnival) officially begins on January 6, the Twelfth Night of Christmas, also known as Epiphany – the day Jesus first showed himself to the three wise men and to the larger world.

The festivities last from Epiphany until Lent, with “Fat Tuesday” (Mardi Gras, in French) being the last day of revelry and decadence before the more sober period of Lent begins.

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday has a moveable date and may occur on any Tuesday from February 3 to March 9, as the date is set according to when Easter falls each year. It’s always the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, which lasts 46 days (about one and a half months) until the celebration of Easter. This year, Mardi Gras is February 13.

BETTY CROCKER’S KING CAKE

One of the most enduring traditions during Carnival is feasting on “king cake,” again named because of the Biblical story of the three wise kings who brought gifts to Baby Jesus. A ring-shaped blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, it is frequently packed with fruit and decadent cream cheese fillings.

This recipe has a lot of steps, but don’t worry… it’s not as hard as it seems, and freshly baked king cake is hard to beat. The brioche style dough is beautiful to work with and offers up a moist, buttery cake.

Most king cakes are traditionally decorated with the royal color purple, which signifies justice; green for growth; and gold, representing prosperity and wealth. These colors resemble a jeweled crown, and in fact, the traditional Spanish version of this cake is called Roscón de Reyes (crown of the king).

• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

In the past, such things as coins, beans, pecans, or peas were also hidden in each cake. Today, a tiny plastic baby is the most used item, though chocolate babies or other edibles are sometimes used instead. At a Mardi Gras party, the king cake is sliced and served fresh. Each reveler looks to see if their piece of king cake contains the baby. If so, that person is declared “king for a day” and bound by historical Mardi Gras custom to host the next party, thus sparking an unending round of food and fun. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

• 1 teaspoon salt

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 8

For the cake:

• 1 package (2-1/4 teaspoons) rapid rise yeast • 1 cup milk • 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 eggs • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, cut into 12 pieces 1. Mix 2-1/2 cups flour and yeast in mixing bowl of stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, on low for about 30 seconds.

2. Heat milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, and milk is between 120°F to 130°F.

A Brief History of Mardi Gras and the King Cake Cont.

3. With mixer on low, pour in liquids and mix until incorporated.

Add eggs one at a time. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Clean off paddle and switch to dough hook. Mix in the remaining 1 cup flour a little at a time, adding more (or less) flour as needed to make a soft dough. Add the softened butter, one piece at a time, kneading until each piece of butter is absorbed.

4. Knead for 8 minutes on low. The dough should completely clear the sides of the bowl. If it is too sticky, add flour 1 Tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding more flour. If the dough seems too dry, spritz with water from a spray bottle, mixing in thoroughly before determining if more water is needed. Every 2 minutes, scrape the dough off the hook and continue kneading.

Icing: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 Tablespoon milk • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1. In a small bowl, mix icing ingredients (add additional milk if mixture is too thick, or powdered sugar if too thin).

2. Spoon icing over top of the cake. Immediately sprinkle on colored sugars, alternating between the three colors: dark green, purple, and yellow or gold.

5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times; form dough into a ball and place into a greased bowl, turning once so greased surface is on top. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Cinnamon Filling: • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) 1. While the dough is chilling, make cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

Combine butter with cinnamon mixture and mix well.

2. Roll the chilled dough into a 10” x 20” rectangle. Spread the filling on half of the long side of the dough. Fold in half to cover the filling and pat firmly so the dough will stick. Shape into a ring and press the edges together.

3. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Cover the ring with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 20-35 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes on baking sheet, then place it on a cooling rack to cool completely before icing. To hide the baby in the cake, make a small slit in the bottom of the cake and push miniature plastic baby into cooled cake.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 9

THE HEALTHY GEEZER Q. I have to have cataract surgery and I’m a little frightened. Should I be?

I don’t know anyone who isn’t a little frightened by surgery of any kind, but cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. It’s also one of the most common operations performed in the United States. About 9 out of 10 people who have the surgery have improved vision.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens, the clear part of the eye that helps focus images like the lens in a camera. Cataracts can blur images and discolor them.

Most cataracts are related to aging. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Other causes of cataracts are diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, eye injury, eye surgery, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

DELIVERED

to your mailbox every month. can be signs of other eye problems.

Florida’s Most ~ Read 50+2021 Publication Since 1989 LAKE EDITION JULY Florida’s Most~Read 50+ Publication LAKE EDITION OCTOBER 2020 Since 1989 Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication Since 1989

The symptoms of early cataracts may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment.

The surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.

What can you do about cataracts? Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help delay cataract.

If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

If you are 60 or older, you should have a Cataracts tend to worsen gradually. The clear comprehensive dilated eye exam at least lens slowly changes to a yellow-brown color, once every two years. In addition to looking adding a tint to vision. If you have advanced for cataracts, your eyecare professional lens discoloration, you may not be able to can check for signs of age-related macular identify blues and purples. degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye The most common symptoms of cataracts diseases may save your sight. are blurred images, faded colors, glare, poor night vision, double vision, and frequent All Rights Reserved © 2024 by Fred Cicetti prescription changes in your eyeglasses Send your general health questions to or contact lenses. If you have any of these Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in symptoms, see your doctor, because they the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 10

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Breast Cancer Awareness

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Dog Days of Summer 6 Easy New Years Armchair Parents’ 6cancer.

Reasons to Articles in each issue: • Humor • Pop Culture History Celebrate the parents in your life Volunteer with Neighborly/Meals on Resolutions, p. 8 Adventures: Take Your Mental • Local news • Music • Health • Health Flashback Wheels this season to brighten up Snowbird Camels, p. ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŐŝŌƐ Žƌ Ă ĐŽŽů ĚĞƐƐĞƌƚ 15 & events s’ Guide Health to Fun Seriously, • Local news & events • Recipe your summer Not sure how to spend 16 Learn Veterans’ Day Travel thisp. winter? about what you • Humor • Book Review can do for fun

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feb. 9 -10, 2023

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 12

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 13

TRIBBY ARTS CENTER

Open to the Public!

FEBRUARY EVENTS

– Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

IN THE GALLERIES Tuesday

CONCERTS

Through March 30

Thursday, February 8 • 7 p.m.

Concern for the environment inspired this exhibition of 270 amazing artworks from professional artists from across the globe, including kinetic, illuminated, and interactive pieces. On the Road Again also includes hubcap artworks created by children participating in art programs at Heights Center in Fort Myer. FREE

THE HUBCAP AS ART

Vienna Boys Choir

With a rich history dating back to the early 15th century, the Vienna Boys Choir is beloved the world over for their arrangements of quintessentially Viennese music, waltzes, and polkas.

The choir’s angelic-voiced musicians will perform as part of Shell Point’s Fine & Performing Arts Series at The Village Church. Tickets $55

ACADEMY OF LIFELONG LEARNING Monday, February 5 • 10 a.m.

SERENDIPITY

The Shop at Tribby Arts Center

You’ll find a wonderful variety of gifts made by both Shell Point and guest artists, including paintings, photography, wooden items, fused glass, pottery, jewelry, shawls and scarves, unique cards, and more! Proceeds help support the Tribby.

Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS & TOURS New Vista Cay 3D Tour

A First for Ford

Damyanti Gupta—the first female with a master’s degree in engineering hired by Ford Motor Company in 1967—will share her story, from being the first woman admitted to the engineering college that she attended in India, to graduating, to moving to Detroit, Michigan, and starting a new life with Ford Motors. Gupta will be interviewed by award-winning producer and director, Arlene Dillon. Tickets $5

Thursday, February 8 • 2 p.m.

Within one of their most sought-after neighborhoods, Shell Point introduces 59 new waterfront independent living residences featuring stunning coastal views of the Caloosahatchee River and Sanibel Island. Rise to a new view with a new animated 3D tour that brings Vista Cay to life.

Schedule a private appointment at MeetVistaCay.org.

Where is AI Going?

Join us for a thought-provoking presentation from journalist Ian Sherr, founder of Time Worthy Media.

He’ll examine the role of AI in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and discuss the emerging opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Discover valuable insights into how AI will continue revolutionizing how we live, work, and interact with the world around us. Tickets $20

February 6, 7, 13, 20, 21, 27 & 28 9:30 a.m.

Discover Shell Point

Award-Winning actress and scholar Leslie Goddard returns to Connie Brown Hall with two not-to-be-missed presentations! Tickets $20

Discover Shell Point’s signature Lifestyle with Lifecare, followed by a narrated bus tour that showcases the community’s resort-style retirement options, model residences, and amenities. Reservations are required.

Call (239) 466-1131 or visit ShellPoint.org/seminars to save your spot! FREE

Tuesdsay, February 20 • 3 p.m.

Leslie Goddard as Lilly Pulitzer

Friday, February 23 • 12 p.m.

The Route 66 Experience

To purchase tickets, contact the Tribby Arts Center Box Office at (239) 415-5667 Mon. – Thu. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. or visit www.tribbyartscenter.com/boxoffice

®

Tribby Arts Center 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.com

Named One Of

©2024 Shell Point.

All rights reserved. SLS-4901-24

On the Road Again: The Hubcap as Art

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Shell Point is located on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, just minutes from the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

SLS-4915-24 Lifestyles After 50 Feb OTP v2.2.indd 1

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 14

1/25/24 9:42 AM

Armchair Adventures: South Africa: Dancing with the Zulus

By Evelyn Kelly, PhD South Africa is one of the most interesting African countries for geology, beautiful land formations, and culture. We are in Durban, a cosmopolitan city on the east coast of Africa. This diverse city has beautiful unspoiled beaches, and we Floridians are at home in the pleasant sub-tropical land caressed by warm ocean currents.

However, we are advised not to walk anywhere at night but to take a taxi for even a short block to the mall.

Like all cities in South Africa, after apartheid was dismantled, men from the bush tribes flocked to town to find work, but little is available.

South Africa is the richest country on the African continent, but dark clouds of unemployment, lack of education, and health issues are threatening. In each city, lines of men gather along the road waiting for buses or vans to take them to construction sites; most will be disappointed. However, we did not see a spirit of despair; people we speak to have pride about the “New South Africa.”

The bus leads us to our next adventure: Zululand. Men dressed in loincloths and with calves covered with shaggy white wool surround us as we step onto the land of the Zulus. Holding tightly to their spears and shields, the men beckon us to meet a charming young woman who speaks flawless English. Her corona-like crimson hat indicates she is married. The men and women sing a haunting melody as they escort us along a rocky path through the village. The plaintive sound is familiar; we have attended many African-American churches in Central Florida.

We move along to a large, thatched beehive hut and are not sure if the role we were playing is that of friend or foe. In the meeting hut, a tribal leader presides over the ceremonies. The dances of Zulu men and women require a high level of fitness that involves gyrations, clapping, and stamping. The rigorous performance is not unlike break dancing. Dances of the Zulu tribe transport us into a time when this tribe of strong, fierce warriors conquered surrounding tribes and fought both the Dutch and English.

And then they calm the dance down and bid us to join them.

The unmarried girls are topless. We join them shuffling in a circle but with shirts on, of course.

We are brought back to reality with a large screen television that runs a video of ShakaZulu, the brilliant warrior who brought the nation together into a great military force. Many of us remember a popular television series “Shaka-Zulu,” set at the time of the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879.

Zulus in the village live in traditional grass-thatched huts called beehives. The natives sleep on the floor. However our beehive hut was climate controlled with fine beds, toilets, running water, and all the comforts of home except television. We do hear goats wandering around at night and crowing roosters wake us up.

Zulus are renowned weavers of baskets and mats made from palm fronds and other colored grasses. We buy a set of fertility dolls with charming tiny beads although we really don’t need the dolls for fertility. Our visit to Zululand captured the essence of Africa to us.

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 15

Music Flashback: “The Way We Were” BY: RANDAL C. HILL Marvin Hamlisch, who was responsible for writing the music to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” used to utter an unusual prayer.

Starting in 1964, when he was 20 years of age, he would privately plead, “Please, God, let Barbra Streisand sing one of my songs.”

The first job he landed soon after graduating from New York’s Queens College was as a rehearsal pianist for “Funny Girl” with—of all people—Barbra Streisand.

One day years later, Marvin got a phone call from a friend about possibly writing a song for a film that would star Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand. Thrilled by the possibility of his prayer actually paying off, Hamlisch resolved to capture the movie script in a single song. “I wanted to reflect all of the sorrow and despondency and pain of their relationship, the star-crossed nature of it,” he explained later.

Enter the lyric-writing couple Alan and Marilyn Bergman. As a fitting complement to Marvin’s work, they created poignant word images that succinctly captured the essence of the Redford-Streisand tale:

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 16

Memories light the corners of my mind Misty watercolor memories of the way we were Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were But all of Marvin’s creativity, inspiration and hard work almost didn’t matter, as Streisand’s song was omitted from the original film version of the “The Way We Were.” The determined Hamlisch, however, convinced Columbia’s reluctant studio moguls to hold two test screenings.

The first audience sat unmoved by the final scene (with no song), where Streisand and Redford realize they have no future together.

The next screening included Barbra’s tune. Hamlisch recalled, “I heard a woman start to cry. And then another. And within minutes, there wasn’t a dry eye left. I knew I was right.” One assumes that, from that moment onward, Marvin Hamlisch became a proponent for prayer.

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Last, but not least, is Valentines Day on February 14. Within 63 51 three days afterwards, we and our two best friends would 54 66 55 56 57 travel to Wildwood to visit the Russell Stover Factory Outlet and 69 62 score big on a variety of chocolates very economically. Now it’s 65 simply “Russell Stover Chocolates” which includes the acquired 68 “Whitman’s” brand.

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For the perfect weekend, we’d leave there for nearby Inverness to spend the night at The Crown Hotel, a three-story, British-themed facility, which was transformed into an assisted-living facility in 2001, sadly for us.

Until next time, “Cheers!” (as I dry my eyes).

If February has special meaning for you, please share your thoughts with Mike at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 17

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Matinees with The Florida Orchestra

KLINE TOURS DISNEY ON ICE Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto at 7:00 p.m. Saturday March 23 at Amalie Arena in Tampa $109 per person. Excellent lower level seating in Section 116.

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 4 days/3 nights March 25-28 $469 per person (double occupancy) includes 3 nights at IP Resort Casino and Spa in Biloxi, $50 Slot Play, ($25 from IP Casino, $25 from Hard Rock Casino) $80 in food vouchers.

MEMPHIS ADVENTURE Monday-Thursday April 15-18 $2199 per person (double occupancy) includes round trip air to Memphis three nights lodging at Guest House at Graceland, Elvis Experience Tour to include Graceland, Sun Studio, Rock n Soul Museum, Duck March at the Peabody Hotel, Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sightseeing

Aldo López-Gavilán, piano

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PLANT CITY, FL ©JM Lennon

Thursday March 7 $59 per person (includes admission) CAPE COD 2024 Sunday-Thursday June 9-13-$1569 per person (double occupancy) includes roundtrip air. Airport transportation, 4 nights lodging, 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners including a Lobsterbake Guided tour of the Cape to Provincetown with afternoon Whale Watch Cruise. Cape Cod Canal Cruise, Guided tour of Hyannis, Kennedy Museum, Tour of Sandwich and, round trip ferry to Martha’s Vineyard with tour.

BLACK HILLS, BADLANDS & MOUNT RUSHMORE Sunday-Thursday July 7-11 $2699 per person (double occupancy includes round trip air to Rapid City from Tampa. round trip airport transportation. Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park ‘the Badlands, Wall drug Store, tour of Deadwood, tour of Boot Hill, (Mount Moriah Cemetery), free time in Rapid City and Dogwood, six meals.

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue Celebrating 100 years of an American masterpiece

Sun, Feb 18, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE TOUR

Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey

Monday-Friday September 30-October4 $1649 per person (double occupancy),roundtrip air, 4 nights lodging in Tilton, NH, 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners including a Lobster Bake with entertainment, one boxed lunch Ride on the Cog Railroad to the Summit of Mt Washington and back Cruise on the MS Mt Washington from Weirs to Wolfeboro, Visit to Kennebunkport, Stonewall Kitchen and Nubble Lighthouse, Wine Tasting at Seven Birches Winery.

Rick Steves narrates his travels live onstage, paired with selections by composers such as Beethoven, Elgar, Verdi and more.

Sat, Mar 16, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

BRANSON SHOW TOUR

Dvorak’s New World Symphony Featuring Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante

Sat, Apr 14, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Waltz into Spring Featuring Strauss’ Blue Danube, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and more. Chelsea Gallo conducts.

Wed, May 1, 11 am, Ruth Eckerd Hall Thur, May 2, 11 am, Mahaffey Theater

Support your Florida Orchestra today

FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

Rick Steves

5 days/4nights Sunday October 13- Thursday October 17 $1879 per person (double occupancy, Round trip air from Sarasota or Tampa to St. Louis, motorcoach from St. Louis to Branson, , four nights lodging at Hotel Grand Victorian in Branson, nine meals, seven shows including Yakov Smirnoff. Neil Diamond Tribute, Clay Cooper, Pierce Arrow presents Decades, The Haygoods, Six, Showboat Branson Belle, Dogwood Canyon, Branson KLINE TOURS (727)-439-5520 | www.klinetours. net/florida-departures Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No ST43118 Serving the Florida Gulf Coast

Making Waves in Tampa Bay FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 | Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 18

Follow us on Facebook at Kline Tours Florida Gulf Coast

BOOK REVIEW

Symbols of Valentine’s Day - by Kathy A. Megyeri

“Hearts, Cupids, and Red Roses, the Story of Valentine Symbols,” by Edna Barth and illustrated by Ursula Arndt Cupids, heart shapes, turtle doves or love birds, clusters of rosebuds, hearts of paper lace—all are symbols of Valentine’s Day, a time when people express friendship, affection and love, especially for someone special. Edna Barth’s study of legends and symbols traced to their early beginnings in various countries is a treasure for all who celebrate love. Barth (1900-1981) was a librarian, teacher and editor of books for young people before becoming a children’s book author.

Legends of St. Valentine abound. The most prevalent is the legend of a Valentine who was seized for helping Christians being persecuted by Claudius II. During Valentine’s time in prison, the jailer and his family were so impressed with his sincerity that they became Christians themselves.

After Valentine miraculously restored the sight of the blind jailer’s daughter, he sent her a farewell message on February 14, the date of his execution, and signed it “From your Valentine.” From his burial site, a pink almond tree burst into bloom.

The oldest known valentine in letter form was written in 1477

by Margery Brews and sent to John Paston, Margery’s “right worshipful and well-beloved Valentine.” For the next hundred years, some of England’s finest writers – including Robert Herrick and Samuel Pepys – wrote valentine poems.

Lacy valentines reached their peak during the Victorian era (1840-1860) and were enhanced with silk, satin, chiffon, and real

lace. In 1845, the machine age brought new printing methods and the sending of valentines became very popular. In 1848, Esther Howland of Massachusetts imported lace colored paper and flowers and became the premier maker of lacy valentines which today are collectors’ items.

During the Civil War, valentines often included a lock of hair.

During WWI, valentines had patriotic themes. Card companies like Norcross and Hallmark promoted the true-love knot in addition to hearts, birds, flowers, and hands. Germans who settled in Pennsylvania created love tokens of single and double hearts.

Sailors at sea created designs on scrimshaw.

Kate Greenaway sold her first design of charming children dressed in quaint costumes for $15 and sales spiked to 25,000. In 1925, Lady Jeanetta Tuck suggested to her husband who owned a greeting card business that the firm’s Diamond Jubilee should be celebrated by sending valentines.

Today, in addition to cards, candy, flowers, jewelry or perfume are the preferred gifts.

This exhaustive history, beautifully presented with drawings, continues with a discussion of love birds, hearts, classroom Valentine boxes, the growth of the heart motif, Cupid, the rose, paper lace and the colors of red, pink and white. All suggest that despite wars and world problems, romance lives on and expresses something vital. The book concludes: ”….. human beings will continue to fall in love and marry. To be alive and a part of all this is truly delightful.”

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 19

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7 Ways to Say I Love You Based on the work of Elizabeth Rider, www.elizabethrider.com Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to reach out and celebrate love in all its forms and guises. Here are seven wonderful ways to say, “I Love You!” EROS – ROMANTIC, PASSIONATE LOVE

and wish them a “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

On Valentine’s Day, this is the most well-known type of love: erotic and full of passion. It’s love of the body, and though it can be fleeting, it burns like the sun while it lasts. Look deeply into your partner eyes and say, “I want you!” (Use your sexy voice for extra impact.)

LUDUS – PLAYFUL, FLIRTATIOUS LOVE

PHILIA – AFFECTIONATE, FRIENDLY LOVE Philia is characterized by loyalty and trust. It is encouraging, kind, affectionate, and everything that makes up a true friendship. It is entirely platonic, yet both meaningful and sweet. You simply want the best for another person. Call up your best friend and tell her, “I miss you!”

STORGE – UNCONDITIONAL, FAMILIAL LOVE Storge refers to the unconditional love that parents have for their children. It is a protective, kinship-based love that embodies approval, sacrifice, and acceptance. Think of it as the love a parent has for a child – a strong bond and fondness that is built out of familiarity and need. Have coffee with your (grown up) child and say, “I am so proud to be your mother!”

Ludus is easy-breezy love. Playful, flirtatious, and non-committal, Ludus is a crush. It’s a fling, a nostrings-attached sort of conquest and butterflies in your stomach. It’s all about having fun, so think of whatever that means for you — flirting, dancing, teasing. Invite a friend to go out dancing, to a movie, or for coffee.

PRAGMA – COMMITTED, LONGLASTING LOVE In the simplest of terms, it’s long-term love. Pragma is a love that is seen in many long-term marriages and friendships. It is built on commitment, endurance, companionship, and sharing similar hopes for the future. A lot of people (married folks, especially) will understand pragma as “making it work.” Tell your friend, partner, or spouse: “I accept you just as you are, and I look forward to spending the next 50 years together.”

PHILAUTIA – SELF LOVE

Of all the different kinds of love, this is often the most challenging. However, it’s foundational to the other types.

AGAPE – SELFLESS, UNIVERSAL LOVE Philautia is self-love, which makes it possible to give and receive love from other people. (Haven’t we all heard about not being Agape is an empathetic, selfless love for others that includes a able to pour from an empty cup?) Philautia goes hand in hand love for God, nature, strangers, and the less fortunate. It has links with self-worth, confidence, and the boost of self-esteem that to an unselfish, genuine concern for the welfare of others. Agape is necessary for a sense of one’s purpose. Look in the mirror, is spiritual love expressed through meditation, nature, intuition, smile widely at your reflection, and say, “I love you, you gorgeous and spirituality. Agape expects absolutely nothing in return and creature!” just makes you feel good. Surprise a neighbor with a good deed

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 21

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LoveNS, singing, biking, cooking, cars && vintage men.music, Must pleasantvintage personality looks. Love have a little class & a lot of character. theatre, restaurants, fishing, pets & board games.

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5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, 5604 – LOOKING FOR SOULMATE. NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel.

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Send photo dancing, Elks, beach, state parks, reading, & phone. short trips, museums, picniks in the park, movies.

SWCF.VETERAN Write OK. NEEDS Largo &COMSeminole 5436 - TAMPA PANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for 5611 – SUPER SENIOR, active, C, W, WW, healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer HWP, NS, SD, NDrg, HWP,expert well-adjusted, operations, applications and handy homemaker.

Quiet music, parks, swimenergetic, uncomplicated.

Enjoys music, ming, local touring.

Veteran literary a plus. nature, short trips, animals, dancing, Tampa. camping, fishing. ISO straight-forward, honest communicator.

FF HONEST 5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like 5610 RETIRED LOOKING to meet– SWM with ASIAN same interest for LTR. COMPANION ISO lifeLike partner between Laid back, no drama. animals.

Hillsborough & Pasco.

70-85 yrs old. NS, ND, honest, kind gentleman. I am 5 foot tall, avg build.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN Loves to travelwho & am physically fit. Send desires C-man really loves God and is active, a healthy life, helps his neighphotolives & phone please. bor, enjoys nature (including picnics), ca5613 –and NEW TO THE Fun female, noeing a friend to AREA. all animals.

I’m all ofpetite, the above.

I’m NS, a WFF, ,etite ladyHappy with long S, C, 70’s, enjoy hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Hours, short trips, dancing, theatre.

Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough LookingPlease for companion, Send with County. write me, tell meletter about yourself. phone # and photo.

5617 – SWF LOOKING FOR COMPANIONSHIP. I’m 70, 5’3”, 120 lbs, brown/ 5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, auburn hair, blue eyes. Retired paralegal. Enjoy slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, dancing, restaurants, cooking, love walks,karaoke, parks, outdoors, healthy food.beach, Am happy, loving,theatre kind. LTR, intimacy? flea markets, and traveling.Have photo.

Tampa.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING 4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman.

ForTOGETHER. Wanna sing?

Men and ladies mer airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104the welcome to sing four-part harmony with lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare.

Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. previous Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and No exercises. musical experience required.

Just having fun.

Likes sports and animals.

WW. Loves the Lord.

Florida.

941-953-3752.

MEN SEEKING SEEKING WOMEN MEN WOMEN 5603-–BM NEVER LESS. That was 5411 seeksSETTLED LTR withFOR 50-65 yr old woman of character.

I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60you a mistake.

Nobody’s perfect.

Neither are year old.

NS. Children are adults.

Free to travel.

OR ME. Searching for white caring woman, I am a one woman man. Race is not an issue under fiveis!foot seven, any age. Risk takers only character please. Reachable from anywhere!

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to 5606go – TRIED THISmovies, BEFORE. worked great. read, out to eat, laidItback, enjoys 9 years but passed 78 forward yr old guy wants laughter & isshe drama free.on.

Look to hearing from you.

I am spunkiness a WM, 5’11”,left.

155NS, lbs,ND, NS and younger gal with loves drama free. all neighbors even enemies. Adventurist.

COMPANION in the Tampa Bay area. I am 5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thin86 YY,DAV, WM,honest, WW, C,sincere, NS, 5’9”,relocated 165 lbs., SOH. ning, Hudson.

Retired Leo. ISO WHF, Excellent health, verywidow active.preferred, Southern atcountry tractive, sm. butt, homemaker, gentleman.

This isNS, myND, firsthandy experience with intimacy yes, no baggage, drama. this. Homeowner with pool, semi-retired, own

5618––LONELY VENICEWWF, SENIORS SINGING 5431 looking for love & companion. should beMen 70 toand 80 ladies yrs TOGETHER.Man Wanna sing? old.

I am fito nancially secure, have a carwith & welcome sing four-part harmony condo. I live in N. St. Pete. the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No

truck-dealership. your number.

Let’s talk.

5428 M, WW, NS,Send SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s.

Likes sharing many activities together, quiet Marvin evenings; be adventurous.

5608 – TENNESSEE SOUTHERN 5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, GENTLEMAN. Venice.

Accomplished, 73, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen W, D, R, P, NS, NDrg, SD, HWP, well dressed, for friendship, to get together and enjoy each spoken, C, gospel,Will 70’s, musicalll. dancer. other’s company. answer

previous musical experience required.

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only Just having fun. 941-953-3752. with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I 5619 – INDIAN SINGLE ISLAND am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent.

Please respond with phone/email.

Be or safe WOMAN seeking single W, M, Asian & well.

Hispanic. ND, NS, Long partner 60 plus.

ISO active lifestyle, mature passionate F, 5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New desiring princess treatment. Send a letter York Attorney, former New York Police Officer, and photo.

Guaranteed returnwith response.

No looking for loving relationship kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow predisappointments. ferred. Clearwater area.

5612 – YOU + ME = TOGETHER. SWM, SD, NS,

Tall &- fit.

Tampa only. NoFRIEND FB or email.

5413 WW ISO BUDDY, to pal around mypartner. age, 80’s, gal Phone with only.who’s Pleaseabout serious or guy with SOH. Good health, financially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

5412 LOOKING WOMSOH, -ND, 5’6”, 180FOR lbs. ADVENTEROUS CONDO – New carpeting AN. SWM, NS, healthy, enjoys country + king bedroom.

Likes retired, happy hour, restaurants, music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attracthe Elks, movies, shopping, tions, sunTV, rises, sunsets, movies, kissing, walks inholding the hands.

ISO SWF or Asian.

Fun. SOH, going, park. For more info, write me. Pinellaseasy County. smiles, enjoys life. Pinellas Park. Please be local.

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 22

5616 – LOOKING – LOOKING – LOOKING. ISO SWF or Asian, SOH, NS, ND, SD, fun and easy going, 55-75yy, 4’10”-5’3”, plump ok, for SWM, 70’s, 180lb, NS, ND, SD, SOH, condo w/ new carpeting & king bedroom. Likes most everything including spending money on you. St. Petersburg – Tyrone Mall area. Please be local or willing to relocate.

5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.

5415 WW,SIX NS,FOOT SD, HWP, P, EYES FF, likes 5607-–M, SEXY TWO OFcards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

BLUE. 200 pound athletic boy who looks a lot younger than 62 wants fun,, 160 youthful 5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM,a5’8” lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, fit, active companion to exploreNS, the world with. and Come adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early with me! PG, PC, NFM, NP. seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and life.

5609 – LOOKING FORcelebrate A FEMALE

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 8 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below.

Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

5614 – FIRST AD – RETIRED, SECURE. seeking fit, attractive, female. Very handSWM, spry, easy going, NS, ND, some, very fit senior. 5’11”, 175, No bluepets. eyes, silver hair.

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SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activi5615 – MANdominoes, LOOKINGpinochle for man. and Single, ties, bridge, swimming at Mainlands.

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To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

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

MArk The ediTiOn(S) YOu WOuLd Like TO run YOur Ad in: ❍ Tampa Bay & Suncoast (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco) ❍ Lake/Marion/Sumter ❍ Southwest & Sarasota (Lee, Charlotte/Manatee)

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FEBRUARY 16: COUNTRY JAM FEST The Charlotte County Fair Grounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte

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FEBRUARY 16: 40TH ANNUAL ST. BARBARA GREEK GLENDI FESTIVAL St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota FEBRUARY 16-18: 26TH ANNUAL THUNDER BY THE BAY MUSIC & MOTORCYCLE FEST Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FEBRUARY 17: REGGAE RELIEF 2024

FEBRUARY 9: SUNCOAST SCOTS HIGHLAND GAMES & CELTIC FESTIVAL

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FEBRUARY 18: LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART

FEBRUARY 10: SUNCOAST HIGHLAND GAMES

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FEBRUARY 10: VENICE MUSICALE MONTHLY CONCERT: HEARTFELT HARMONIES

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FEBRUARY 24: VENICE ITALIAN FEST & CARNIVAL

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Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 23

The Power of Kindness for Better Health In a world often marked by chaos and division, it’s essential to celebrate and encourage kindness whenever we can. One simple act of kindness can make a world of difference.

Kindness is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It’s the simple act of showing empathy, compassion, and consideration toward others. These seemingly small acts can have a profound impact on our well-being and the well-being of those around us.

Be Kind for Better Mental and Physical Health Kindness is a natural mood booster. Engaging in acts of kindness, such as complimenting someone, can enhance your overall mood and sense of well-being.

One of the biggest health benefits of being kind is that it helps reduce inflammation. The positive emotions associated with kindness trigger the release of anti-inflammatory substances in the body.

The Ripple Effect of Being Kind Kindness is contagious. When you are kind to someone, they are more likely to be kind to others in turn.

This ripple effect can create a more compassionate and empathetic society.

Ways to Show Kindness Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise a colleague with a coffee, hold the door open for someone, or offer a kind word to a friend in need. These small gestures can have a bigger impact than you might think.

Volunteer: Spend your time helping others through volunteering. Whether it’s at a local food bank or animal shelter, giving back is a powerful way to spread kindness.

Practice Self-Kindness: Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Self-compassion is just as important as compassion for others.

Let’s embrace the spirit of kindness, making the world a better place for ourselves, others, and future generations.

Call today to schedule a FREE consultation with a primary care doctor at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic! 941-421-5603

Lifestyles After 50 • February 2024 • 24