Senior Connection Feb. 2012 Hillsborough edition

• Diabetes Aid For Veterans • Everything Old in London is New Again • Hang Up Your Car Keys • Tips For the Heart

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 2

Hey Seniors!

16th

SENIORS

Join us on

February 23, 2012

FREE

ainment Music & Entert ney

By Denise Loo t DJ with a Twis

who attend have a chance to Win tickets to the IMAX Theater Dome at MOSI

Doors open inside 9 am – 1 pm PARKING ONLY $2 DAY OF THE EVENT

at Presented by:

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa Call (813) 653-1988 for more information.

William “Duece” Hulett

Back Woods Walk starts at 8:00 am

Free Admission to MOSI exhibit galleries

FREE BINGO

FREE COFFE E

back by popular demand.

FREE Health Screenings ~ FREE Admission to MOSI

Registration February 23, 2012 for Back Woods Walk

Method of Payment: MASTERCARD VISA AMEX Card# Signature Make Checks Payable to: MOSI Foundation, Inc.

Exp. Date

Join Us for...

Walk begins at 8 am and will meet at Main Entance at MOSI

Senior Back Woods Walk 4801 E. Fowler Ave. • Tampa, FL 33617

Phone (

)

Address City/State/Zip Affiliation or Club

rizes &t Great P inmen a t r e t n E

INFORMATION • EDUCATION • ENTERTAINMENT

Early registration from needs to be mailed in by Feb.10th, 2012 or register at 7:30 am on Feb. 23. $8 non-members FREE for Senior MOSI members (member # ) 813-987-6000 for MOSI Membership Day of Walk $12 non-members $8 for Senior MOSI members (member# ) Parking fee included for Registered walkers.

Name

Premiere Sponsor

In Consideration of your acceptance of this entry. I for myself, my heirs, devises, executor, administratora and assigns do hereby hold harmless MOSI Foundation, Inc. or their employees, representatives or successors, for any and all damages or injuries I may incur. I hereby grant permission for the free use of my name and picture in broadcast or account of this event.

16th

You Don’t Have to Walk to Enjoy FREE Event Inside Feb. 23, 2012

Starts outside the MOSI Main Entrance at 8 am.

Walk Registration Includes: • Packet Pick-up: 7:30 am • Back Woods Walk T-shirt • Continental breakfast • One IMAX® film voucher for use on event day or in the future* *Vouchers not valid for special engagement films

813-987-6000 presented by Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 3

Meet Me At The Fair Dear Readers,

F

ebruary is my favorite time of the year! Annual festivals, celebrations and fairs will be taking place all over the state.

Kathy Beck, Check your local Publisher calendar for some in your area. Many of these events are free or have a small entrance fee, and they include entertainment, education, fun and food!

One of my favorites is the Florida State Fair, which has been held in Tampa since 1904. It has grown over the years, but it still holds that hometown Florida feel with the daily parade that includes high school marching bands, horses, themed floats and clowns.

Artisans display their crafts, and Cracker Country’s view back into the pioneer days of Florida is a hands-on education for every age.

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

General Manager: Dave Tarantul davet@srmagazine.com

Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com

Editor: Janice Doyle

janice@srmagazine.com

I love to take the grandkids to see the 4-H youth (Ag) show of animals, rabbits, chicken, roosters, llamas and more…and don’t forget the moo-turnity ward and the new born piglets. I’ll never forget the surprised look on my grandson’s face when he tried to help milk a cow! This year the fair will be held from Feb. 9 – 20.

The Lee County Fair takes place from Feb. 24 – March 4 and offers the theme of “Where old friends meet and fun begins!” Of course there are smaller events and local celebrations of all kinds thoughout the state. Folks come from

all over to enjoy the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City, featuring country music stars and, of course, homemade strawberry shortcake. This year the festival will be held from March 1 – 11. Check out our feature story about Brenda Lee, who will perform at the festival on Mar. 6.

While our northern friends fight snow and ice, we have the opportunity to get out there and meet new people and enjoy events happening all over the state of Florida.

I’ll see you at the Fair!

– Kathy J Beck, Publisher

Update from Our Corporate Headquarters T

his publication, which includes Mature Lifestyles magazines in Tennessee, has been a part of News Connection, USA, Inc. since 2005.

The following is an announcement of recent developments. News Connection, USA, LLC is based in Nashville with operations in Tennessee and Florida.

The company will continue providing magazine-type publications and other services to the 50+ community and recently announced that it has acquired the business operations and assets of four related Florida businesses, each of which provides similar services. The companies acquired are SR Media, Inc., D&D Events, Inc., Web Concepts, Inc., and 50+ Concepts, Inc. News Connection publishes and distributes its papers across seven counties in Middle Tennessee under the brand name Mature Lifestyles. In Florida, five editions are published in eleven counties along the west coast. The Florida papers are published under two brand names, Mature Lifestyles and Senior Connection,

Hillsborough Edition

have a 20+ year history and have won numerous awards over the years for content, design and editorial features. In addition to the publications, News Connection conducts events and expos which showcase vendor products and services of interest to the 50+ community.

James K. Patterson, President of News Connection, said: “The addition of these Florida businesses provides us with a tremendous opportunity to expand not only our geographic footprint but also our product and service offerings to the 50+ community. The addition of D&D Events will allow us to exponentially grow the expo segment of the business and the addition of Web Concepts and 50+ Concepts provides a quantum leap into the modern day utility of the internet and social media. Through these proprietary, web-based programs we will now be able to offer our advertising clients a lead-based utility to identify and deliver customers to their doorstep no matter where these customers may reside, domestically or abroad.”

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 4

David Tarantul, a principal in the acquired business said: “We are very pleased with this acquisition. News Connection is a much larger company with more resources and access to new markets that will enable us to expand the combined business more rapidly.”

Tarantul has been employed by News Connection as General Manager of the combined Florida operations. Patterson added: “In most business acquisitions, the most important asset you get is people. We feel like we have struck gold in getting Dave Tarantul and his team to join ours. Kathy Beck, one of the founders of our Florida business, will continue in her role as Publisher but will assume the added duties of Director of Marketing and Events. We now have two veterans and real pros to lead the growth and development of our multiple business segments, freshen our image and consolidate our multiple brands under a new, uniform brand and logo. We expect to roll this out over the next two to three months.”

Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com Advertising Sales: Hillsborough/Pinellas 1-888-670-0040 Tampa Bay Area Dena Bingham: (813) 653-1988 Pinellas/Pasco Judy Young: (727) 430-5502 Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550 Sun City Center Judy Coleman: (813) 653-1988 Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190 Distribution 1-888-670-0040 Corporate Advertising Office: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

(813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.seniorconnectionfl.com

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher of

Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties: Southwest Edition Sarasota/Manatee Counties: Sarasota Edition

Lake/Marion Counties: Lake Edition

888-670-0040

ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the March 2012 issue is February 15, 2012. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2

O

ngoing Round and Square Dance lessons and dances at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City. Flea market Feb. 4. Information: (813) 752 0491.

8

21, 27 “Veggies in the Landscape” classes by Hillsborough County Extension Service.

8 at Upper Tampa Bay Library, 7 p.m. 21 at Temple Terrace Library, 6:30 p.m. 27 at Seminole Heights Library, 6:30 p.m. Call (813) 273-3652 for information.

11

– 18 “The Coffee Shop,” a musical revue by Plant City Entertainment at the Community Theater, 101 N. Thomas St., Plant City. $12/ seniors. Call (813) 758-9476 or online at plantcityentertainment.com.

12

“Romantic Obsessions” Winter Concert by The Tampa Bay Symphony with guest conductor Mark Sforzini, artistic director/conductor of St. Petersburg Opera. At Ferguson Hall, Straz Center in Tampa. 4 p.m. Tickets $20. Online TampaBaySymphony.com or at the door.

12

Flute, Clarinet and Piano trio at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1239 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center. 3 p.m. $9/door. (813) 642-8125.

14

Valentine Party & Entertainment, United Community Church, 1501 La Jolla Ave., Sun City Center. Fun and refreshments.

Admission: $5. (813) 634-7062.

17

Piano Concerto No. 2 presented by The Florida Orchestra at the Straz Center. Tickets $15 to $45. Phone: (727) 892-3337.

18

– 19 Grand Opera At Its Grandest: The Anton Coppola Fond Farewells Concert at the Straz Center, Tampa. 18, 7:30 p.m.; 19, 2 p.m. Call (813) 229- 7827 for tickets.

21

– 26 La Cage Aux Folles, comedy musical revival production at the Straz Center. Starring George Hamilton. Tickets start at $38.50. Info: (813) 229-7827.

23

Senior Fun Fest at MOSI, 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa.

Live entertainment, health screenings, free bingo and more. Senior Friendly lunch available for $5. Admission is free, and guests are free to enjoy the museum from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Parking is $2. Details: (813) 987-6000.

25

Flan Fest at Ybor City Saturday Market, Centennial Park (corner of 8th Ave. and 19th St.). 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fiesta Day celebration in Ybor City. Flan bake-off, entertainment, food, flan sampling. Info at ybormarket@ yahoo.com or (813) 241-2442.

29

Northdale OWLS trip to Gulf Coast Research & Educational Center in Balm, FL. 9:30 a.m. departure. $26 includes trip and box lunch.

Call Don Clark at (813) 985-4859.

Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; please fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

February 10 for March event.)

At Historic Tampa Theatre This Month

12 19

Fiddler on the Roof (original movie version) 3 p.m. $9.

The Black Pirate—silent movie featuring Douglas Fairbanks. With live musical accompaniment. (First opened at Tampa Theatre in 1926.) 3 p.m. $12.

711 Franklin St., Tampa.

Tickets online or at box office.

Info at (813) 274-8981

OPERATAMPA

2011–2012 SEASON PRESENTED BY HOMES BY HELEN

THE ANTON COPPOLA FOND FAREWELLS CONCERT

Feb. 18 • 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 • 2 p.m.

FERGUSON HALL • TICKETS $34.50 - $54.50

An epic musical celebration!

All your favorite operas and their grand finales! Join us as opera stars from around the globe gather to perform and honor Maestro Coppola’s 17 years as Opera Tampa’s founding Artistic Director and Conductor!

The Opera Tampa Gala immediately follows the Fond Farewells Concert, Saturday, Feb. 18. Gala tickets are separate from concert tickets. Call 813.222.1275 for Gala tickets.

OPERA TAMPA SERIES MEDIA SPONSOR

TICKETS: 813.229.STAR (7827) • OPERATAMPA.ORG

OUTSIDE TAMPA BAY: 800.955.1045 GROUP SERVICES: 813.222.1018 or

1016

Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Anywhere Tours of Florida, Inc. If You Have Ten People or More We Can Pick Up at Your Location, Call For Our Pick Up Locations.

Sun City, Pick Up at Parking Lot North of Library On North Pebble Beach and Kings Point.

Feb. 2, 8, 15, 21 and 27, March 1, 5, 12 and 27, 2012 Hardrock Tampa – Pick up 8:45 am, returns 3:30 pm, pay $15.00* get $15.00 free play and a $5.00 meal voucher. Evening pick up is at 3:45 pm, returns 10:30 pm*. Pay $15.00 *get $20.00 free play and get a $5.00 meal voucher.

Feb. 17, 28, March 14, and April 10, 2012 Seminole Casino Immokalee - Pay $25.00 and get $30.00 in free play and a $5.00 meal voucher. Bus boards 8:00 am and returns 6:30 pm.

Feb. 11, March 16, 26, April 11, 2012 - 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Tour Of Tampa and Ybor City - See Tampa’s landmarks and visit sites. Visit Ybor City and Ybor Visitors Center, have lunch on your own at Cuban restaurant, stop at a Cuban bakery for bread and pastries, pay $25.00.

MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 30 PASSENGERS Anywhere Tours of Florida, Inc. For reservations or information – call our office at 813-620-3332 or visit our website – www.tampabus.com Ask about our day trips. ****All prices subject to change****

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 5

America’s Little Miss Dynamite Will Light Up the Strawberry Festival

BY JANICE DOYLE AND TRACIE SCHMIDT

T

Though “I’m Sorry” was not released as a country song, it was among the first big hits to use what was to become the Nashville sound—singing with a string orchestra and smooth harmonized background vocals.

he Beatles’ own John Lennon once described Brenda Lee as “the greatest Rock and Roll voice of all.” How did he know? Simple. The Strawberry Festival Beatles toured with Appearance Brenda Lee in Europe We talked with Brenda as her opening band on Lee by phone about her a UK tour in the early show at the Strawberry 1960s. She was already Festival in Plant City a star, but they were a on Tuesday, March 6. then-little-known beat She said, “You’ll hear of l al H ic us M group from Liverpool. ry just about all of the Count Lee Born in 1944, Brenda Fame star, Brenda oldies. Let’s see; ‘I’m Lee’s career started with Sorry,’ ‘Jambalaya,’ her big voice and a catchy song— ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ”Jambalaya”—in 1955. At 4 feet 9 ‘Break It to Me Gently,’ ‘As Usual,’ inches tall, she received the nickname ‘Sweet Nothing’ and some others.”

Little Miss Dynamite in 1957 after Now 67, Brenda Lee placed 37 recording the song “Dynamite,” and in songs on the American singles charts 1960 she recorded her signature song during the 1960s. In the 1970s, she ‘“I’m Sorry,” which hit No. 1 on the re-invented herself with country Billboard pop chart. It was her first music, saying, “It’s the honesty that gold single—28 more would follow as appeals to me, people relate to the well as five gold and platinum albums. feelings expressed in country songs.”

The little girl from rural Georgia was Later still, Brenda Lee would find one of the earliest pop stars to have a that rock music and its “plain all-out, major contemporary international unadulterated energy” carried her following. along. She found herself with new entertainers who shared “the sheer love of music that we were all inventing at the same time, not knowing what the heck we were $10 adult admission inventing,” she Senior Day: March 1. 60+ years told one writer.

Strawberry Festival Tickets

old/$2 off gate admission. Free Jimmy Sturr Orchestra for listening and dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Brenda Lee concert: 3:30 p.m., March 6. $15 and $20 tickets (in addition to regular gate admission) Phone (813) 754-1996 for tickets.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 6

Brenda Lee’s Successes: • On September 23, 1997, Brenda was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was the first of the baby-boomers and the youngest person to ever be presented this prestigious honor.

• She has sold over 100 million records—more records than any other woman in the history of recorded music.

• Charted in more categories (including Pop/Rock, Rock, Easy Listening and Country) than any other female in the history of recorded music.

• Brenda made a Royal Command Performance before Queen Elizabeth II of England on Nov. 2, 1964. She sang “All the Way.” Married to the same man, Ronnie Shacklett, since 1963, Brenda Lee continues to wow audiences, has appeared on every major TV show ever produced and has traveled the world with her music.

We asked the star what has grounded her to stay vital in the music world and not lose her personal focus on family and values. She said, “I had a good mother who taught me a lot about perseverance and discipline, and those are some really great traits to have. I took those to heart, really tried to adhere to them. When you grow up really poor like I did, it will make you one of two ways – either really bitter or really happy to be alive and grateful, and I was one of the latter.”

Brenda Lee has always understood audiences, and she knows older audiences appreciate her music for the memories the songs carry for them. But, she added, “An audience is the same the world over. Give them a good show, be glad they’re there and appreciative of them, and they’ll respond back to you.”

The Strawberry Festival audience will most likely respond because they’ll know both her and her songs.

She said, “I’m still short, I’ve still got big hair, I still look pretty much the same. I’m older though.”

Young people have often discovered Brenda Lee from listening with parents or grandparents. A new generation first heard her sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in the 1990 movie Home Alone. That original 1958 Christmas song is now the No. 4 all-time Christmas radio hit, and Brenda herself sings it every year wherever her annual live Christmas tours take her.

Brenda said we’d hear ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at the Strawberry Festival. We can also tell you that when she talked about her grandchildren, she said, “My youngest grandson sometimes comes on the road with me and sings ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’ He’ll be in Plant City, so you never know what you’ll see!”

We’ll be welcoming Brenda Lee and she’s looking forward to coming to Plant City and said, “I look forward to being there and putting on a great performance, and seeing and saying hello to folks.”

Brenda Lee truly is one of America’s living legends. Go to the Strawberry Festival and let her touch your memory bank and your emotions with her warm personality and high-spirited voice. You won’t regret it.

Ways to Show Your Love Every Day

H

ere are some tips to keep your love healthy on Valentine’s Day and every day, according to Todd Patkin, author of the new book Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In.

Get your advance tickets today! • www.flstrawberryfestival.com MAR. 1 - MAR. 11, 2012 - PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

®

s e i r o m e M t e e w S g n i Grow

1. Recommit yourself to your marriage every single day.

2. Evaluate where your self-worth comes from.

3. Verbalize to your spouse the things you love and appreciate about him or her all of the time.

4. Acknowledge the little things your spouse does, and return the favor.

5. Learn—and then do—what makes your spouse feel most loved.

6. Don’t let resentment build.

7. Take responsibility and stop trying to fix your partner.

esearch has shown that nostalgia can be a very positive emotion and is even linked to higher self-esteem. Why is that?

Krystine Batcho, Ph.D., a nostalgia expert says that nostalgia can be associated with a number of psychological benefits.

For seniors, nostalgic reminiscence helps maintain a sense of continuity despite the constant flow of change over time. We see how rich our lives have been—how much joy, hard work, success and excitement we have experienced. During difficult times,

HANK WILLIAMS, JR. “TAKING BACK THE COUNTRY TOUR”

VINCE GILL

8. Figure out what your strengths are and play to them.

9. Date your spouse again.

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND

BRENDA LEE

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

The author says, “It’s true: Everything—and especially our own happiness—really is, to a huge extent, about our relationships with other people.

And I think Cupid would agree!”

Nostalgia and Emotional Well-Being

R

REBA

attention to our past can strengthen us by reminding us of how we survived challenges, loss, injury, failure or misfortune in the past. When we are sad or discouraged, it can be uplifting to remember that we are still the person who had been happy, strong and productive at times in our past.

Our sense of who we are is closely related to how we see ourselves in relation to others. Research has shown that nostalgia can strengthen a sense of social connectedness by helping us appreciate what we have meant to others as well as what others have meant to us.

Nostalgia can help a person cope with loneliness by enhancing the sense of social support that comes from knowing that each of us is someone’s daughter or son, mother or father, sister or brother. Nostalgic memories can help someone who is mourning the death of a family member by reminding us that the bonds we share with those we love survive physical separation. (Newswise)

FELIX CAVALIERE’S RASCALS

JOSH TURNER

AIR SUPPLY

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

CRYSTAL GAYLE

LEE GREENWOOD

LOUISE MANDRELL

CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS

BOBBY HENDRICK’S DRIFTERS

THE PLATTERS

LUKE BRYAN

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 7

Staff and Students Feel a Passion for Life Enrichment Center

BY JANICE DOYLE

O

ne of the true gems for active seniors in Hillsborough County is the Life Enrichment Center on North Boulevard in Tampa. Now in its thirty-second year, it is the oldest non-profit senior center in the Tampa Bay area and offers over 40 classes.

Life Enrichment Center’s cultural arts program was recognized nationally last year as a “Best Practice” in providing hands-on engagement with the arts. The honor named this local organization as one of 20 organizations chosen from six major cities by the MetLife Foundation. It is named in their “Partners for Livable Communities Culture Connects All” report.

Ronna Metcalf is executive director of the Center. She says, “The Center focuses on three primary areas of classes. We offer low impact exercises like tai chi and we have a dance company for older adults here. The second area is our large art program, which

includes writing and fine arts classes such as pastels, watercolors, drawing and more. Our third area is academic classes such as computer and languages.”

Metcalf says that students come to the Center “to learn, yes, Students hone their skills with the help of but also to socialize and experienced teachers like Jimmy Van (left). make new friends. We all know it gets harder to make Metcalf attributes the innovative new friends as you age, and so social- classes and student successes at the ization is a big part of our appeal.”

Center in great part to the teachers.

A gerontologist, Metcalf sees how Each teacher is a professional in his or very supportive the students are of her own right and can help the students each other. When we’re younger, she develop their talents and interests. observes, we always wonder what Successes show up when their “Forevpeople are thinking of us. “Here at er Moving – A Life Enrichment Modern the Center, people come and are Dance Project” performs. Or in the Cendoing something for themselves, and ter’s art gallery where many art students they aren’t afraid or embarrassed any see their work for sale for the very more to try new things. Anything first time. “It’s a real thrill for people else they gain is an added benefit.” the first time they know that someone

Great Senior Events!

Mark your calendar for these great FREE events near you, brought to you by Senior Connection magazine! Find great information, entertainment, health screenings, prizes, giveaways and more! Call 888-670-0040 for more info.

Fun Fest!

March 27 28, 2012, (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

2nd Senior Fun Fest, St. Petersburg Coliseum Live Music & Entertainment All Day, Free Bingo, Free Health Screenings, Free Coffee and Goodies, Senior Sports Area, $1,000s in Prizes & Giveaways & more! “Grandkids Are the Greatest” Photo Contest! Free Admission.

Attention! The date for the St. Petersburg Coliseum event was incorrect in our printed edition. The correct date is March 27.

Charlotte County

April 12, 2012, (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

17th Senior Fun Fest, Port Charlotte Charlotte Cultural Center Live 50s & 60s Music, Trivia, Free Bingo Games, Free Health Screenings, Free Coffee & Goodies, Prizes. Antique Car Show.

May 23, 2012, (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Seminole 2nd Senior Fun Fest, Pinellas County Rec. Center Seminole Recreation Center Exhibitors, Free Entertainment, Bingo, Free Health Fun Fest Screenings, Free Coffee & Goodies, Prizes.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 8

liked their work enough to pay for it,” says Metcalf.

A portion of all art sales goes back to the Center. Other financial support comes through grants, private donations and fundraisers rather than in county or state government support.

Fundraisers include a show at the TECO gallery. and “Art under the Trees” where students and vendors can bring artwork to sell to the Center.

Metcalf has led the Center into several collaborations with other organizations such as MOSI and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County. She says, “Our partnerships are reciprocal.

We make it a win-win situation.”

If you’d like to be a part of the Life Enrichment Center, look at website’s list of classes, register, pay and start enjoying. There’s an annual $30 Membership Fee, plus fees for classes.

For more info, call (813) 932-0241 or visit lifeenrichmenttampa.org.

Take a Walk at MOSI and Enjoy the Senior Fun Fest!

M OSI’s 16th annual Back Woods Walk teams up with Senior Connection’s Senior Fun Fest once again on Feb. 23, 2012. The Back Woods Walk begins at 8 a.m. Participants may pick up their walk packets at 7:30 a.m.

The one-mile trail gives walkers the feeling of being in a natural Florida setting. All registered walkers will receive a continental breakfast, T-shirt and voucher for the IMAX® Dome Theatre that may be used on event day or in the future. The cost to enter the Walk is $12 for non-members and $8 for MOSI members. The donation will go to help MOSI’s educational programs.

Seniors enjoy free admission to MOSI Doors open at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Visitors will be able to view more than 450 exhibits in the main building.

They may also go to visit “Target America,” an interactive exhibit

on the negative impact drugs have on our communities, located inside the “Kids in Charge” building.

Free health screenings—including glucose checks, bone density, blood pressure, hearing checks and other important screenings—will be available. Tampa General Hospital will sponsor the Health Area. Enjoy free Bingo games for prizes, live entertainment and senior-friendly exhibitors with great information and services.

MOSI will offer FREE coffee all day. A Senior Friendly Lunch will be available for $5. Bring a friend, join the fun and we will see you there! For more information, call (813) 653-1988 or (813) 987-6000.

Please note: The IMAX Dome Theatre is additional for those not registered for the Back Woods Walk; however, drawings for tickets to the IMAX Theatre will be given away that day.

Smokers 51-70 yrs old needed for research study If you are a smoker, you may be eligible for a study on smoking and attention This is NOT a treatment study.

You can earn about $200 for attending 3 sessions!

For more information call 813-745-7863 (9am-5pm; M-F) This research is being conducted by the Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida.

The Florida Orchestra: Rachmaninoff to Rockin’ with Dennis DeYoung

BY HENRY ADAMS

E

njoy complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the next morning Coffee Concert with guest conductor Teddy Abrams leading The Florida Orchestra in a program of favorite movements from such “Best-Loved Symphonies” as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, Surprise, among other works. This concert is Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

At the next Raymond James Pops concert, it’s a night with trumpeter extraordinaire Charles Lazarus showcasing sambas, boleros, mambos and sizzling hot trumpet solos from Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Hawaii and other exotic locales.

Guest conductor Sarah Hicks also offers some favorites by Gershwin, Ellington

and others at these concerts on Feb. 10 and 11 in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Ukrainian-born pianist Valentina Lisitsa performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 at the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts on a program with Nielsen’s Helios Overture and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. Stefan Sanderling conducts these concerts on Feb.17, 18 and 19 in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater.

The Florida Orchestra will be joined by lead singer and founding member of Styx, Dennis DeYoung, in a symphonic rock tribute of such classic hits as Lady, Babe, Come Sail Away, Best of Times and more. Sponsored

by The Eagle 107.3 FM, ticket prices are $45, $65 and $85 for this special concert on Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Tickets and info: floridaorchestra.org or 1-800-662-7286.

What seems to be the ultimate fantasy bachelor life, with intricately scheduled gorgeous flight attendants, turns out to be a dizzyingly hilarious and over-the-top romp for one man, who finds out that one woman is all he can handle.

OPENS FEB. 24 Tickets & info: 813.229.STAR (7827)

STRAZCENTER.ORG

Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045 Group Services: 813.222.1018 or 1016

Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 9

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eople chose Betty White as the notable personality over the age of 60 that they most want to be like in retirement— because she knows how to laugh.

Betty beats out Jimmy Carter, Martha Stewart, Helen Mirren, Steven Tyler, Jack Welch and George Foreman, according to those who responded to a new survey gauging attitudes, opinions, reflections and projections of people who are within 10 years of retiring versus those who have retired within the last 10 years.

Here are some of the survey results: • The retirement experience may be better than expected.

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• If they could change one aspect of retirement, retirees say they would have saved more money or been better prepared financially.

• When asked how long they would like to live, most said “as long as I am healthy.”

• When asked what song they’d use to describe the retirement they have, or the one they hope to have, the song most often chosen was (I Did It) “My Way.”

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For adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a cord can be felt, a nonsurgical alternative is at hand.

Your hand is an important tool.

If you have Dupuytren’s contracture, prescription XIAFLEX® may be able to help.

Co-pay Program

For more information,

call1-877- XIAFLEX or visit XIAFLEX.com To sign up for additional information and updates, register online at XIAFLEX.com XIAFLEX® (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a “cord” can be felt.

Over time, the thickening of this cord in your hand can cause one or more fingers to bend toward your palm, so that you cannot straighten them. XIAFLEX® helps to break down the cord that is causing the finger to be bent.

XIAFLEX® should be injected into the cord by a healthcare provider who is experienced in injection procedures of the hand and treating people with Dupuytren’s contracture.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION XIAFLEX® can cause serious side effects, including: • Tendon or ligament damage. Receiving an injection of XIAFLEX® may cause damage to a tendon or ligament in your hand and cause it to break or weaken. This could require surgery to fix the damaged tendon or ligament.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger (towards the wrist) after the swelling goes down or you have problems using your treated hand after your follow-up visit.

• Nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand.

Call your healthcare provider if you get numbness, tingling, or increased pain in your treated finger or hand after your injection or after your follow-up visit.

• Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen in people who have received an injection of XIAFLEX® because it contains foreign proteins. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction after an injection of XIAFLEX®: hives; swollen face; breathing trouble; or chest pain.

Before receiving XIAFLEX®, tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous XIAFLEX® injection, or have a bleeding problem or any other medical conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be sure to tell them if you use blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix®), prasugrel hydrochloride (Effient®), or warfarin sodium (Coumadin®).

Common side effects with XIAFLEX® include: swelling of the injection site or the hand, bleeding or bruising at the injection site; and pain or tenderness of the injection site or the hand, swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the elbow or underarm, itching, breaks in the skin, redness or warmth of the skin, and pain in the underarm.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Brief Summary of the Full Prescribing Information on adjacent page.

XIAFLEX® is a registered trademark of Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Plavix® is a registered trademark of Sanofi Aventis/Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Effient® is a registered trademark of Daiichi-Sankyo/Eli Lilly and Company.

Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb. © 2011 Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. 0112-064.a

Within reach

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 11

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Important Product Information XIAFLEX® (Zï a flex) (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) What is the most important information I should know about XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX can cause serious side effects, including: • Tendon or ligament damage. Receiving an injection of XIAFLEX may cause damage to a tendon or ligament in your hand and cause it to break or weaken. This could require surgery to fix the damaged tendon or ligament. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger (towards the wrist) after the swelling goes down or you have problems using your treated hand after your follow-up visit.

• Nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand. Call your healthcare provider if you get numbness, tingling, or increased pain in your treated finger or hand after your injection or after your follow-up visit.

• Allergic Reactions. Allergic reactions can happen in people who take XIAFLEX because it contains foreign proteins.

• hives • swollen face • breathing trouble • chest pain What is XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a “cord” can be felt.

In people with Dupuytren’s contracture, there is thickening of the skin and tissue in the palm of your hand that is not normal. Overtime, this thickened tissue can form a cord in your palm. This causes one or more of your fingers to bend toward the palm, so you cannot straighten them.

XIAFLEX should be injected into a cord by a healthcare provider who is skilled in injection procedures of the hand and treating people with Dupuytren’s contracture. The proteins in XIAFLEX help to “break” the cord of tissue that is causing the finger to be bent.

It is not known if XIAFLEX is safe and effective in children under the age of 18.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting treatment with XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX may not be right for you. Before receiving XIAFLEX, tell your healthcare provider if you:

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 12

What are the possible side effects of XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX can cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about XIAFLEX?”.

Common side effects with XIAFLEX include: • swelling of the injection site or the hand • bleeding or bruising at the injection site • pain or tenderness of the injection site or the hand • swelling of the lymphnodes (glands) in the elbow or underarm • itching • breaks in the skin • redness or warmth of the skin • pain in the underarm These are not all of the possible side effects with XIAFLEX. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about XIAFLEX Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed here. This is a summary of the most important information about XIAFLEX. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider for information about XIAFLEX that is written for health professionals.

T:9.8125 in

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction after an injection of XIAFLEX:

• have had an allergic reaction to a previous XIAFLEX injection.

• have a bleeding problem.

• have any other medical conditions.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XIAFLEX will harm your unborn baby.

• are breastfeeding. It is not known if XIAFLEX passes into your breast-milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive XIAFLEX. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you use: a blood thinner medicine such as aspirin, clopidogrel (PLAVIX®), prasugrel hydrochloride (EFFIENT®), or warfarin sodium (COUMADIN®). If you are told to stop taking a blood thinner before your XIAFLEX injection, your healthcare provider should tell you when to restart the blood thinner.

How will I receive XIAFLEX? Your healthcare provider will inject XIAFLEX into the cord that is causing your finger to bend.

After an injection of XIAFLEX, your affected hand will be wrapped with a bandage. You should limit moving and using the treated finger after the injection.

Do not bend or straighten the fingers of the injected hand until your healthcare provider says it is okay.

This will help prevent the medicine from leaking out of the cord.

Do not try to straighten the treated finger yourself.

Keep the injected hand elevated until bedtime.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have: • signs of infection after your injection, such as fever, chills, increased redness, or swelling • numbness or tingling in the treated finger • trouble bending the injected finger after the swelling goes down Return to your healthcare provider’s office as directed on the day after your injection. During this first follow-up visit, if you still have the cord, your healthcare provider may try to extend the treated finger to “break” the cord and try to straighten your finger.

Your healthcare provider will provide you with a splint to wear on the treated finger. Wear the splint as instructed by your healthcare provider at bedtime to keep your finger straight.

Do finger exercises each day, as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about when you can start doing your normal activities with the injected hand.

For more information visit www.XIAFLEX.com or call 1-877-663-0412. © 2011 Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For US residents only.

40 Valley Stream Parkway Malvern, PA 19355 www.auxilium.com 0112-064.a

1/25/12 8:18 PM

‘Tis the Month for Thoughts of Love I claim there ain’t Another Saint As great as Valentine. ~Ogden Nash

Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever. ~Author Unknown

F

ebruary and time to think about love—maybe serious, maybe funny. Enjoy!

I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Author Unknown

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author Unknown Without love, what are we worth?

Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely. ~M*A*S*H, Hawkeye

We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love. ~Robert Fulghum, True Love

We loved with a love that was more than love. ~Edgar Allan Poe Love is the magician that pulls man out of his own hat. ~Ben Hecht

Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975 Love me and the world is mine. ~David Reed

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. ~Robert Frost Love is the poetry of the senses. ~Honoré de Balzac

Come live in my heart and pay no rent. ~Samuel Lover

True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked. ~Erich Segal

Take a Trip with the OWLS J oin the Northdale OWLS (Older Wiser Lively Seniors) Tuesday Feb.14 – 17 on a bus trip to points south.

The trip includes a boat ride on Biscayne Bay along Millionaire’s Row, then stroll Bayside Marketplace and enjoy dining before heading toward Key West for sightseeing, browsing and great restaurants. On the

way back to Tampa, you’ll visit the Coral Castle Structures and Museum.

Evening entertainment can include gambling at the Miccosukee Resort & Casino. You do not have to belong to the OWLS to join the trip. Please call Sylvia Katz at (813) 961-5649 for more information.

Save your energy

and focus on the important things in life.

Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

When you participate in our free Home Energy Audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

You’ll also learn about our other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more.

Visit tampaelectric.com/save to schedule your free Home Energy Audit today or call 813-275-3909.

Stop at our table on February 23atatthe theFlorida Museum and January 19 State Fairgrounds.

Bring this adBring and this receive a free energyScience Center (MOSI). ad and receive a saving kit, made available through our Neighborhood free energy-saving kit, made available through our Weatherization program.

Neighborhood Weatherization program.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 13

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Have Healthy Feet

S

everal things can cause foot pain.

Wearing slippers with little or not enough foot support is one. Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces without proper support can lead to pain. Heel spurs or planter’s fasciitis can cause days to seem long as well.

Podiatrist Phil Vasyli of Orthaheel (orthaheelusa.com) advises that we pay as much attention to our indoor shoes as our outdoor ones, and offers these tips and recommended slippers from his Orthaheel collection to improve your foot health: • Get out of bed slowly and easily.

H E L P I N G P E O P L E S TAY AT H O M E & H E A LT H I E R LO N G E R SeniorConnection_ad.indd 1

• If you put on slippers, be sure they also have hard soles and adequate arch support.

• Look for slippers with a deep heel cup to stabilize, support and realign the feet, which helps to improve posture and balance.

• Should you stand for long periods of time, take time to do recommended toe, heel, calf and achilles stretches.

• Roll feet in both directions to warm up your ankles.

• Flex and point toes.

• Stretch achilles by flexing foot against a wall and lean forward.

• Stand facing a wall with your feet two feet apart and heels firmly planted on the ground to stretch your calves.

For more information, visit their website at orthaheeluse.com.

12/15/11 10:31 PM

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• Call for A FREE Hearing Test • Credit and debit cards accepted • We clean and service most makes and models of hearing aids.

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$109.00 plus $20.00 xray

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The Healthy Geezer Savannah Court

The donor’s body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in about 24 hours. The red blood cells that . I’m a geezer planning to have surgery in a few months. are lost are generally replaced in a few weeks. Whole blood can be I was wondering if I can I donate donated once every eight weeks. blood to myself in advance?

What is the most common blood type?

A: Yes you can. This is called The approximate distribution of “autologous” blood donation. It’s done blood types in the U.S. population in the weeks before non-emergency is as follows. Distribution may be surgery. The blood is stored until different for specific racial and the operation. Autologous donation ethnic groups: is most often employed in surgery O Rh-positive – 38 percent on bones, blood vessels, the urinary tract and the heart, when the likeliO Rh-negative – 7 percent hood of transfusion is high.

A Rh-positive – 34 percent This form of blood donation A Rh-negative – 6 percent is good for the patient, but it’s B Rh-positive – 9 percent beneficial to society, too.

People over the age of 69 require B Rh-negative – 2 percent half of all whole blood and red blood AB Rh-positive – 3 percent cells transfused, according to the National Blood Data Resource Center AB Rh-negative – 1 percent In an emergency, anyone can (NBDRC). Giving blood to yourself receive type O red blood cells, and cuts down on the demand for blood.

Typically, each donated unit of blood, type AB individuals can receive referred to as whole blood, is separated red blood cells of any ABO type.

Therefore, people with type O blood into multiple components, such as are known as “universal donors,” red blood cells, plasma, platelets and and those with type AB blood are antihemophilic factor, for transfusion known as “universal recipients.” to individuals with different needs.

With an aging population and If you would like to read more advances in medical treatments columns, you can order a copy of requiring blood transfusions, the “How to be a Healthy Geezer” demand for blood is increasing. On at healthygeezer.com. All Rights any given day, an average of 38,000 Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti. units of red blood cells are needed.

Volunteers donate almost all the blood transfused in the United States. Using current screening and donation procedures, a growing number of blood banks have found blood donation by seniors to be safe and practical; if you’re a geezer, you probably can help the cause.

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health.

In general, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. Donors are screened for AIDS, hepatitis, other diseases and other possible problems.

Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their circulation and adult females have about nine pints.

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

Savannah Court is an elegant yet comfortable community offering 24-hour access to a well- trained and friendly staff. The private or semi-private spacious suites offer sun-filled windows, kitchenettes and full private baths.

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“ASK THE EXPERT” Dr. Robert Betzu will speak on New procedures for an Ailing Heart.

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Artificial Sweeteners vs. Sugar I s switching from sugar to artificial sweeteners a good trade? Most people consume artificial sweeteners to help them lose weight, but research raises concerns that artificial sweeteners actually promote weight gain. These sugar substitutes are extremely sweet, according to Harvard Health Letter.

They may desensitize people to sweetness. As a result, nutritious, filling foods

that aren’t as sweet—such as fruits and vegetables—may lose their appeal. Calories that were subtracted from the diet in the sweetener-for-sugar swap may sneak back in, in the form of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

New studies are also looking at whether artificial sweeteners could cause weight gain by directly stimulating the development of new fat cells.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 15

Top 10 Movies Guaranteed to Inspire You to Better Heart Health

T

here comes a point in everybody’s life where a gentle push is all that’s needed to help get us back on track. Movies are one of the most powerful art forms that frequently inspire us to be better and to do better. If you’re needing a swift kick in the posterior and are looking for that inspiration on the silver screen, look no further than the following cinematic works of art: 1. Rocky Balboa. At a spry 60, Sylvester Stallone was no spring chicken when he decided to revive the main character of his Rocky movies for one last go. This inspiring tour de force that shows us that heart and determination can overcome the limitations of age.

2. Pumping Iron. Bodybuilding was a fringe sport when this documentary came out in 1977, but afterwards, the sport exploded in popularity. If you’re looking motivation to pick up those dumbbells and pack on a few pounds of muscle, this is the movie to watch.

Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner.

5. The Natural. Robert Redford’s touching and inspiring performance as an aging baseball player shows that sometimes, physical ability can outlast the expectations of even the most optimistic.

3. Harold and Maude. This classic, often overlooked gem is evidence that you don’t have to work your muscles to the bone to lead a rich, fulfilling life as a senior. Ruth Gordon’s performance as the octogenarian Maude shows that finding adventure at a ripe old age is simply a matter of having the nerve to look for it.

4. Space Cowboys. There’s nothing quite like a troupe of “old timers” showing the younger generation how it’s done to emphasize the virtues of experience over physical ability. Starring the fit-as-a-fiddle Clint Eastwood,

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 16

6. The Rookie. With a tag line like “It’s never too late to believe in your dreams,” you know going into this movie that you’re in for something special. Dennis Quaid plays an aging baseball coach who decides to give his dream of being a pro baseball player a shot.

7. Never Say Never Again. At 53, Sean Connery returned to the role he made famous as James Bond, showing that age is no encumbrance to attractiveness, mobility and general on-screen heroics. He’s also an inspiration to those who feel that their best years may be behind them.

8. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. If there’s any sixtysomething actor in Hollywood that can make growing old look good, it’s Harrison Ford. His superior physical shape in the last of the Indiana Jones movies may not inspire you to take on the world with a bullwhip in hand, but it’ll certainly show you that being over 60 doesn’t have to be an invitation to the old folks’ home.

9. Red. Helen Mirren delivers a rocking, rolling performance as a gun-toting, sexy sixty-something that proves just because a woman is verging on her seventh decade doesn’t mean she can’t take care of herself and look fabulous in the process. Ladies, take note.

10. Machete. This movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that seeing 66-year-old Danny Trejo lay waste to his mortal enemies with a physique that would shame most twentysomethings could inspire anyone to better physical health, regardless of age.

Article provided by spot55.com.

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 17

10 Tell-Tale Signs Your Aging Parents Can’t Live Alone

BY CAROLYN BRENT

W

ith an estimated 13 million baby boomers throughout the U.S. caring for elderly parents, throngs of adult caregivers struggle with determining if their parent is fit to remain living alone.

Here are 10 tell-tale signs that can give you peace of mind making this all-important decision: 1. Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to: Ask your parent if help is needed with the clutter, but do it in a nonchalant way that could prompt a conversation indicating assistance is needed here.

2. The bills and other mail are piling up: Basic tasks that were often dealt

with quickly and easily when younger, but that are now falling by the wayside, are signs that your older parent could be getting overwhelmed and not able to manage daily affairs.

3. The checking account balance is wrong and bills are going unpaid: You may also discover amongst mail issues that your parent’s checking account ledger balance is wrong or in arrears. These are also signs that your parent is having memory issues or difficulty with simple math cognition.

4. Your parent is losing a lot of weight: A parent who may have lost their partner or who is generally depressed often loses interest in eating due to a reduced appetite.

5. They have forgotten the basics of hygiene: If you notice that your parents are wearing the same clothing day in and day out or that their hair or skin appears dirty on a fairly regular basis, they may have lost the motivation, ability and/or forethought to look after themselves.

6. They appear in inappropriate clothing: There is cause for concern if your parent dons summer clothing in the dead of winter or leaves the house in a nightgown and slippers.

7. There are signs of forgetfulness in the home: All too often there are stories of older people who accidentally burned their houses down or have flooded the home due to forgetting.

8. Your parent regularly misses appointments and other important items: Forgetfulness, absentmindedness and memory issues may also show up when it comes to keeping certain appointments, recognizing key dates or taking meds.

9. They are just acting plain weird: If you see signs of paranoia, fear, strange phone calls and conversations and nervousness, these should not be overlooked.

10. They exhibit signs of depression: A loss of interest in caring for oneself as well as a lack of participation in socialization and in once-loved hobbies can mean that your parent needs treatment or should reside in an environment where they can be around other people.

Carolyn A. Brent is the author of Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parents’ Death. She may be reached at CareGiverStory.com.

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 18

Dr. Bonnie Sanchez

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Participants will receive up to $120 time and travel.

Call to see the Doctor (727) 824-5100 or (813) 645-1993 Medicare, United healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Other Insurance

Veterans Corner

Vietnam Veterans and the Diabetes Mellitis Connection

V

eterans who develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation and health care benefits.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells ignore the insulin.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes type 2 (untreated) are: blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, hunger, frequent urination and weight loss.

Some questions and answers: 1. What veterans will be affected when this condition is added as a presumptive condition for those exposed to herbicides/dioxins?

Honorably discharged veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975 and have “adult onset diabetes mellitus” will be affected. This does not include veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam before January 9, 1962.

2. What does “presumptive condition” mean?

Normally, the claimant must show proof of relationship between service and the condition being claimed. Under presumption of service connection, VA presumes the service-connected relationship exists based on the other qualifying criteria, such as dates and location of service and that the condition being claimed, in this case, is associated with exposure to Agent Orange.

3. Must I have served “in-country” Vietnam to be eligible?

To have presumptive service connection granted for diabetes mellitus-based on Vietnam service, the claimant must have served in-country.

4. What does “in-country” mean?

What if I served in support of operations in Vietnam, for example, on board a ship in the Gulf of Tonkin?

During the period 1/9/62 through 5/7/75, you must have physically served or visited in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), including service in the waters offshore if the conditions of service involved duty or visitation in Vietnam. This means the ship must have come to port in the RVN and you disembarked.

5. I applied for service-connection for my diabetes and was denied. The condition was, however, rated as non-service connected. Will I need to reapply for service connection?

Vietnam veterans who were previously denied service connection for diabetes should reapply by contacting his or her local VA office at 1-800-827-1000 or by email through the VA webpage.

6. If I am already service connected for diabetes, will I be eligible for medical treatment?

Even if you decide not to file a claim based on exposure to herbicide, you can still get a free physical examination at the nearest VA Medial Center. You may also be entitled to free ongoing medical treatment at a VA medical facility. You should contact the nearest VA medical facility or you can obtain information and an application for health benefits at the Veterans Health Administration website at va.gov/vbs/health/index. htm or by calling 1-877-222-8387.

Info from the Department of Veterans Affairs website: publichealth.va.gov.

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Imagine the convenience of no utility bills, taxes or ongoing home repairs. More importantly, all you pay is an affordable monthly rent.

For your safety, each elegant apartment is equipped with an emergency call system, smoke alarms, a complete sprinkler system, and a daily check-in system. Your spacious bathroom also includes many special safety features.

At the Estates you will meet old friends and make new ones. We encourage participation in our recreational, social, and educational events to give our tenants the opportunity to enrich their lives, while respecting their desire for privacy.

As the Estates Manager, I welcome you to come in for a tour of our lovely building. A variety of apartment styles are available on rental basis with no endowment fees. Let us help you simplify your lifestyle! We look forward to showing you all that we have to offer you here at Hawthorne Village.

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Don’t Worry—Be Happy W

orrying is one behavior shared by just about everybody. Yet we all know that worrying never landed a job, got a project done or solved a personal problem.

The following is timeless, practical advice on handling problems in a high pressure world.

Rely on a productive problem solving approach by asking these four simple questions:

a. What is the problem? b. What is the cause of the problem? c. What are all possible solutions to the problem? d. What is the best solution?

Information from dalecarnegie.com.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 19

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813-924-4800 Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 20

SNPs provide Medicare-covered health care and services that are designed to meet the special needs of people in the groups they Dear Wind, serve. In your case, you Yes, there are Medicare Advantage would choose a SNP (MA) plans called Special Needs that is designed for individuals with Plans (SNPs). A SNP is a Medicare COPD. Be sure to call the plan and Advantage plan (private health ask about the additional services plan) that exclusively serves at they will provide to help you manage least one of the following groups: your condition. You should also • People who live in a nursing home or compare the costs of the SNP plan Intermediate Care Facility for the Men- to your Original Medicare costs to see what works best for you. tally Retarded (either specific nursing SNPs must include drug coverage homes or those in a certain area) and people who live in the community but (Medicare Part D) as part of their benefits packages. —Marci require an institutional level of care. ear Marci, I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Are there any plans that can help with my specific needs? —Wind

• People who have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles).

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To learn more Medicare services, see medicareinteractive.org.

What Happens When You Hang Up Your Car Keys?

D

riving off into the sunset—many older drivers have no plan in place after they hang up their car keys.

Florida is home to one of the highest percentages of residents ages 65 and older in the United States, but very few of them have thought ahead to a time when they will no longer be able to drive a vehicle safely or considered how they will get around without a car, according to a new survey developed

by Florida State University and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Retirement Living In fact, 13 percent of survey respondents indicated they would not stop driving at all, with three percent expressing the opinion that they would die before they would stop driving.

The findings reflect a serious issue in Florida—and across the nation—that older drivers are at

a disproportionate risk for being involved in a fatal vehicular crash, according to John Reynolds, director of the university’s Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy.

To address the problem, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) awarded the Pepper Institute grants totaling $475,000 to assist it in establishing and implementing a statewide coalition to create a statewide Aging Road User Strategic Safety Plan.

Recent findings: Most older drivers don’t plan for a future day when they may be unable to drive safely. Eighty-three percent of survey respondents ages 65 and older, and 92 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds, reported that they have no “transportation retirement plan.” When asked to describe how they might transition from driving in the future, many indicated they would rely on family, friends or neighbors, but many more replied that they did not know or

had not ever thought about it. Very few stated that they planned to use a community driver program or paratransit service such as Dial-A-Ride.

Many aging road users see no alternatives to driving in their communities. When asked about ways they get around besides driving a car, riding with family or friends or walking were options, and 15 percent said there was no other way to get around other than driving.

Responses revealed that overall, older drivers consider roads in the state to be fairly safe. “Though many aging drivers in Florida view

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our roads as very or somewhat safe, we found a lot of concern about the other drivers who are on them,” Reynolds said. “People responding to the survey voiced frustration, and sometimes anger, at other drivers who are talking on their phones, texting or are otherwise being careless while they drive. This concern is being heard all around the country.”

Residents ages 65 and older make up almost 18 percent of the Sunshine State’s population. In 2008, 447 older adults were killed in automobile crashes on Florida roads, making up about 15 percent of all crash fatalities in the state.

“There are so many groups and agencies throughout the state that are committed to making our roads and communities safer for older adults,” Reynolds said. “The coalition brings these groups together to work as a team on the objectives and goals identified in the strategic safety plan.” (Newswise)

We’re Looking for a Few Good Men…and Women…Over 60!

The West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging is accepting nominations for their annual

SALT & PEPPER AWARDS

Recognizing Outstanding Work by Local Senior Citizens in the areas of:

• Health & Wellness • Business & Entrepreneurship • Education & Mentoring • Community Service & Philanthropy • Arts & Entertainment We want YOU to tell us about those deserving citizens from your community.

Winners are recognized at the WCFAAA Gala and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 14th at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. If your nominee wins, you will get a free ticket to join them at the luncheon!

Nomination forms and details available at www.

AgingFlorida.com or by calling 813-676-5583.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 21

Don’t Sit for More Than an Hour

H

ere’s the “nitty gritty” about exercise: Conventional exercise does little to improve health problems caused by sitting; author Joan Vernikos, author of Sitting Kills, Moving Heals, recommends all-day low-intensity movement instead.

A new medical study by the American Cancer Society linked prolonged sitting with an increased chance of cancer death, even in people who exercise regularly, prompting the American Institute of Cancer Research to recommend frequent standing breaks. And NASA Life Sciences Director Dr. Joan Vernikos offers a practical plan for avoiding the health risks of sitting.

Time spent sitting, not overall activity level, was identified as a critical factor affecting cancer mortality rates

as well as increased risk of heart disease, obesity and premature death. Even Americans who exercise regularly still spend most of their time sitting.

Vernikos presents an action plan for improving health through all-day low-intensity movement that challenges the force of gravity.

It isn’t about getting more exercise, but about a different kind of exertion—natural, habitual, low-intensity movements made throughout the day in the course of active living, like walking briskly, climbing stairs, stretching and pacing.

Sitting Kills, Moving Heals presents a step-by-step plan for incorporating low-intensity movement into everyday life, with easy activities that can be done many times throughout the day at home or in the office.

Tips for Saving Money on Health Care Anger Management: Road Rage

A

ngel Garcia, M.D. offers these simple ways patients can save money and ensure their money is well spent:

• For minor illnesses, try over-the-counter medications: Some illnesses might be resolved with non-prescription drugs. Caution: If symptoms aren’t resolved in three to five days, or if they go away but keep returning, you must see a doctor.

• Talk to your doctor—if you can’t, change doctors: It doesn’t matter whether your physician is nationally renowned or a Harvard graduate; if he or she doesn’t have time to listen to you, or doesn’t seem interested, find a new doctor. Ask friends for references but be sure to ask whether they’re happy with their doctor’s bedside manner. “Arrogant but good” is not what you want.

• Be prepared so you get the most out of your visit: The doctor will want to know your chief complaint: when the problem began, how it progressed, what makes it better or worse and any associated symptoms, such as fever. He or she will also need to know what medications you are taking by drug name, dosage, how it’s administered, and frequency. Make a list and keep this information in your wallet.

• Don’t skip the follow-up visit: When a patient sees a doctor for a medical complaint, a follow-up visit usually is scheduled. The follow-up is worth the money to ensure the problem is resolved and no abnormalities remain.

Angel M. Garcia (DoNoHarmDrs. com) is author of “Do No Harm: Saving Our Health-Care System.”

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 22

D

ave Melton, Transportation Safety Specialist, offers steps for avoiding a road rage situation or for getting away from it safely.

A: Signal your intentions

A: Put on your turn signal, pull over in a safe place and let them pass. Do it quickly, before the other driver has time to become even more upset. Give a courteous “I’m sorry” wave—even if you feel you’re not at fault.

early. When you merge, make sure you have plenty of room. Don’t cut people off. Use the left lane for passing, then pull back into the right lane. Driving slowly in the left lane on the freeway is a sure way to anger other drivers and compromise your safety. Stay focused, which means not making phone calls or texting. And never pull out into traffic expecting that other drivers will slow down or swerve to avoid you.

A: Stay calm. Don’t make any rude hand gestures. Avoid eye contact. And don’t speed up to get away. Quickly find a place with people around to help. Above all, don’t go home and don’t get out of your car until it’s safe.

A: Don’t take it personally. If someone cuts you off, let it go.

Driving is not a contest. Turn down the loud music. And avoid raising your heart rate by giving yourself more time to get to your destination.

Q: There’s someone tailgating you, waving their fist and honking their horn. What do you do?

Q: What should you do if the other driver continues to follow?

Q: How do you avoid enraging other drivers?

Q: How do you avoid becoming a road rager yourself?

From Liberty Lines, a publication of Liberty Mutual.

Learn The Risk And How To Guard Against Medicare Fraud

O

ver $60 billion dollars of our nation’s healthcare spending is lost to Medicare fraud. Local Florida Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteers and staff travel throughout the state of Florida educating seniors on how to protect themselves.

Volunteers teach seniors to never give out their personal Medicare number and information to anyone outside of their medical provider.

For example, if anyone asks you for your number in exchange for “free” services or gifts, that is considered fraud. More importantly, seniors should read their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to make sure they aren’t being charged for services not rendered and double billing.

SMP recruits and trains senior volunteers to educate beneficiaries and caregivers on how to PROTECT their information; how to DETECT fraud, and once detected, how and where to REPORT it.

If you or your organization is interested in learning more about Medicare fraud or if you suspect fraud, please call the FLORIDA FRAUD LINE at 1-866-357-6677.

Join the Senior Medicare Patrol. Help stop Medicare fraud in its tracks.

VOLUNTEER! Our volunteers educate consumers to protect themselves against fraudulent, wasteful and abusive health care practices.

PROTECT! DETECT! REPORT! We educate seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries on how to protect their health information, detect fraud by reading their Medicare Summary Notice, and report health care fraud by calling 1-866-357-6677.

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HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST MEDICARE FRAUD? WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED? Billions of Federal Dollars Are Lost Annually Due to Health Care Fraud, Error and Abuse!

Call 1.866.357.6677 visit our website, www.agingcarefl.org/Medicare/SMP VOLUNTEER!

Funded in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 23

50, 60, 70 or Over: Jump Start to General Fitness and Good Health

BY WALTER URBAN

R

NEED SERVICE, SALES OR MAINTENANCE? WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS

emember no one is born strong, fit, a fitness expert or a Guinness World Record holder. Everyone starts at the same base and develops from there. Some begin at an early age in organized sports, some through mid-life hobbies or health-related scares, some in their senior years and many because they just enjoy the activity and realize it helps reduce stress, increase energy and improve general health.

The key point is, they started.

Taking the first step is intimidating, time consuming and downright hard, but that’s why they call it exercise. On the bright side, exercise provides for more energy, improved or good health and improved performance in physically based hobbies. It can be a social boost and, over time, can become out and out fun!

If you are going to a health club, hire a professional for at least one or two lessons. Avoid going with friends or relatives because they may try to help but be overly aggressive. They may show you the wrong techniques or be intimidating, and will often be the first step in your not returning to the gym.

If you are venturing into new activities outside of the gym, I highly recommend you find experts in those areas and ask them for help.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit your doctor for a check up or physical to ensure there are no health risks.

2. Find something you like—make it your passion.

3. Ask professionals for help— avoid friends or relatives unless they are professionals.

4. Start small and build slowly.

5. Try to make it fun.

6. Walk, run, bike, swim, enroll in fitness classes, lift weights, do something and anything.

7. Do not be intimidated by others— we all started in the same place.

In closing, remember it’s exercise; you decide when, where, how long and what.

And to coin the phrase, “just DO IT!” Get up, get started and don’t give up!

For more information, please visit walterurban.com.

After 15 years of powerlifting, 53-year-old Walter Urban (above) broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest amount of weight lifted squatting in one hour—drug free and live on Live with Regis and Kelly. The past record was 125,065 lbs. set in 2009 by 32-year-old Six Pack Lapadat. Walter’s record weight was 127,245 lbs. which was accomplished by completing 904 squats in one hour or 15 squats per minute at an average weight of 140 lbs. for 60 minutes.

Hot! Hot! Just off the Press

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 24

• Local and World News

• Great Stories & Information

• All Your Favorite Events

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Senior Fun Fest Was a Blast!

Join The Florida Orchestra for

Music in the Mornings Anthony Georgeson, Principal Bassoon © Thomas Bruce Studio

T

Coffee Concerts

Best-Loved Symphonies

Teddy Abrams conducts this morning Coffee Concert featuring select movements from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 (Surprise). Enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts as well as a pre-concert conversation one hour before the concert.

Last Month’s Answers

Jan. Sudoku

Thu, Feb 9, 11am

Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater

Sidney Bobb is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Viennese Delights

Stuart Malina conducts this matinee concert that features Strauss Jr’s TritschTratsch Polka, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro Overture, Lehar’s The Merry Widow Overture. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.

Win Great Prizes!

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Progress Energy Morning Masterworks

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 26 TFO-Senior Connection-Feb.indd 1

Good Luck!

Feb. Sudoku

Thur, Mar 8, 11 am

COMING SOON

he Senior Fest held last month at the Florida State Fairgrounds was a huge hit.

Over 120 walkers came out early to enjoy a one-mile fun walk and poker run before the event opened. A 15 minute warm-up by the Silver Sneakers program along with a continental breakfast got everyone started.

The doors opened at 10 a.m.

This year’s winners are: Men (L to R)—1st for the Senior Fun Fest where Place: Willie Davis; 2nd Place: Jack Grim; exhibitors and entertainers did 3rd Place: Bob Perrault. Women (L to R)— their best to make everyone 1st Place: Catherine Thornton; 2nd Place: feel welcomed. Over 3,500 Joan Grim; 3rd Place: Pauline Cormier. seniors attended.

Thank you to all of the vendors and “It’s like a party with information, education and entertainment,” sponsors for making the day possible.

Our next Senior Fun Fest will be held on said Kathy Beck, Event Director.

Feb. 23 at MOSI. Look for the ad on page Brenda Smith said she 3. The walk starts at 8 a.m. You don’t enjoyed playing Bingo and have to be in the walk to enjoy the free the bean bag toss. “It was like day from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. inside MOSI. Woodstock for Seniors!”

Call (813) 653-1988 for information or The listing of the winners of the “Grandkids are the Greatest” for directions, call (813) 987-6000.

See ya there! photo contest is on page 34.

1/9/2012 11:36:18 AM

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Feb. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEB. 21, 2012

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

L

ast month, we were trying to avoid finesses in favor of better alternatives. But this week, we are actually going to take a finesse. Eventually.

N-S take the express lane to 6♥ and West leads the ♣Q. You will win that and draw trumps in two rounds, but then what? You have 11 tricks, can you find the 12th?

This hand appears to depend on a successful Spade finesse and, if the

No Safe Exit ♠K is with West, then 6♥ makes. But that King is with East on the actual lie of the cards. Does that mean it’s down one? Not at all! Having drawn trumps, Declarer cashes those minor suit winners, and leads a Spade to the Ace. Then he crosses back to hand with a trump and leads a Spade towards the Queen. East wins the King but has no safe exit. With nothing left but minor suit cards, whatever he plays will give Declarer a ruff and sluff. Declarer will pitch the Spade loser from his hand and ruff on the board. Making 12 tricks.

Taking the delayed finesse gave Declarer a second way to win. He would still make his slam whenever West had the ♠K, and he would also succeed when the King was doubleton with East. But only if Declarer cashes his minor suit winners first, forcing East to concede that ruff and sluff after winning the doubleton King.

Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org.

To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm.

Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club: stpetebridge.org.

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When you complete this form and mail it back, your name will be entered to win a $25 gift certficate to Home Depot.

(Drawing held the 20th of each month.) SC/HILLS Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 27

Senior Talent Show

February 11, 2012 - 2:00 p.m.

Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Drive Largo, FL 33779

Senior Talent Show

February 18, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.

Spoto High School 8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578

Senior Idol Show

April 4, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.

Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring Hillsborough: 813-436-2296 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 28

Cats are Not Small Dogs

BY SARAH STALNAKER, DVM

T

his was a common saying learned in veterinary school. In essence, it means cats are in a class of their own, and should be treated that way. I find cats fascinating and have always been a “cat” person. Therefore, I am alarmed that pet lovers take their cats to the veterinarian significantly less than their dogs, even though there are more pet cats than dogs. This puts our cats at risk for serious disease because cats are designed to hide illness until it is almost too late.

Caring For Your Pet One reason cats are not taken to the veterinarian is because cats hate leaving their kingdom. Even the slightest creak on a cat carrier door will send flashes of fur to the darkest corners of closets and beds. A few simple measures can

Word Search

greatly reduce your cat’s fear of the carrier and car ride to the clinic.

Leave your carrier out with the door open so your kitty doesn’t associate it with vet visits only.

Make it a place of comfort with soft bedding and treats. Sprinkle cat nip in the carrier or encourage play with cat toys in and around it. Once your cat becomes more relaxed in their carrier, they will be easier to transport the day of a vet visit.

Anytime your kitty has to leave home, spray synthetic feline phero-

mones on the carrier blankets. You can purchase them at vet clinics and pet stores, and they may help your cat feel more relaxed and calm. Don’t forget your cat will pick up on your stress levels. Stay calm even if your cat is meowing pitifully the whole car trip, as mine are prone to do.

At the veterinary clinic, place a light towel over the carrier so your kitty is shielded from the surroundings.

Enter on the cat side of the reception area if available, and stay away from other animals. If you purchase a cat carrier with an easily removable top, much of the physical exam can be performed without removing your kitty from his or her safe haven.

Even though most cats will never be excited about going to the vet, following some of these simple tips may give your cat less anxiety over the situation. Keeping up with basic preventative care will go a long way to extend the length and improve the quality of your cat’s life!

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671-3400

A Complete Medical, Dental and Surgical Facility

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Office Hours By Appointment Mon. – Thurs. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fri. 7 – 6:30 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Word Search Feb. 2012

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

Answers From

January 2012

Hilda Santiago is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

&

Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

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

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on February 21 will win.

MYSTERY WIN! WIN! WIN! MYSTERY SENIOR CONNECTION or PRIZE! PRIZE! MATURE LIFESTYLES GREAT PRIZES! 1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584 (Puzzles must be received by Feb. 21, 2012.)

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 29

BY CHUCK AND DENA BINGHAM Jubilee (joo´ be-le´) n.: 1. A special anniversary e.g. a 60th anniversary.

2. A season or occasion of joyful celebration.

Olympics (o-lim´piks) pl.n.: In ancient Greece, a Pan-Hellenic festival of athletic games and contests.

I

f ever you considered traveling to Merry Olde England, or if it has been some while since you’ve been, pack your bags and head to the British Isles this summer. To kick off the summer season, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, her 60th anniversary as Reigning Monarch.

The festivities will extend from June 2 to June 5. With a queen-sized array of special events and functions, this promises to be a truly royal experience.

Travel But, if that’s not enough to get you to cross “the pond,” consider this: London will host the XXX Olympiad—the 30th modern-day Olympics from July 27 to August 12.

Athletes from every corner of the world will compete in 26 sports.

In London, everywhere you look you see signs of preparation activities for these two monumental occasions. Buildings are being cleaned and pressure-washed, revealing beautiful architecture hidden by

Buckingham Palace – Each room is more resplendent than the last. Make sure you see the Changing of the Guard. Go online for timing, which varies throughout the year. Remember it’s Jubilee; prepare for long lines. royalcollection.org.uk

time and circumstance. Multilingual signs and icons are in place to guide visitors to their destinations. If you should need assistance, however, you can count on an affable Brit to help you find your way. And here was an unexpected treat—the cabbies were friendly, knowledgeable, and… they spoke English!

My California brother and wife met my Florida wife and me in London. We started our tour of London from our hotel—Marriott’s Grosvenor House on Park Lane in historic Mayfair. This iconic hotel, built in 1929, is directly across from the 350-acre Hyde Park.

A two-day Hop On / Hop Off bus pass from Golden Tours allowed us unlimited off and on opportunities at any of their 44 different stops.

For our first outing, we stayed on board, hopping off only to enjoy a hearty lunch near Trafalgar Square.

Buses run continuously throughout the day, so it was only a few minutes’ wait until we hopped on the next bus and continued our journey. We traversed the city in about five hours, making notes on our bus schedule of the major points of interest for future reference. Each bus has a tour guide on board who points out rich historical events along the way.

Next day, we emerged from our hotel and hailed a taxi (unless you have a death wish, you’ll want to take taxis everywhere—remember there are 7 million people driving on the “wrong”

Lancaster London Hotel – With state-ofthe-art meeting facilities and superior room accommodations, the Lancaster London caters to the well-heeled business traveler and has all you need to make your stay a memorable one. lancasterlondon.com

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 30

London Eye & River Cruise – Whether you are on the open water of the Thames River or soaring 440 feet above the ground, the River Cruise and The Eye are not to be missed. Day or night, the views are spectacular. londoneye.com

Warwick Castle – Just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, is Warwick Castle. The castle has year-round activities for all ages.

Plan to spend the entire day. For more info, visit warwick-castle.com.

side of the road, sitting in the “wrong” side of the front seat!). We took a taxi to the Tower of London—really a castle. There are over a dozen “towers” within the two concentric walls of the fortress. Started in 1066, it has been an armed fortress, a royal residence and a prison. It currently houses the Crown Jewels and serves as a working museum of almost 1,000 years of English history. Spend the day, it’s worth it.

That evening we made our way to the West End theater district, which is like New York’s Broadway but with a posh British flair. All the world-class stage shows are here, as well as eateries and pubs for every palate and pocketbook.

We started our third morning with a hotel change to the Lancaster London, which offered a panoramic view of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Oxford Street from our 18th floor room.

After breakfast we headed to Buckingham Palace, where we were treated like—you guessed

it—royalty. It is difficult to illustrate the opulence that surrounds you.

You can take a guided tour or rent a headset that explains the origin of the contents of each room. This is a must-see venue while you are here.

Then it was back to our hotel where the ladies enjoyed afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. That evening we had reservations for the London Eye River Cruise at dusk and the London Eye at night—think huge Ferris wheel which tops out at 440 feet. The enclosed gondolas give you a spectacular view of London by night. Awesome.

Our fourth day in the city allowed us time to explore the shops from Hyde Park to Knightsbridge, including Harrod’s. A trip to London is not complete without a visit to this must-see shopping mecca. That evening, we found a delightful backstreet neighborhood pub for dinner. We raised our glasses and toasted family reunions. It was a perfect ending to a perfect visit.

Grosvenor House – This quintessentially British hotel caters to the discerning worldwide traveler. Service is impeccable, as are the accommodations. The award-winning menus are a must to be experienced. londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk

Tower of London – The famous landmark is rich in history; you’ll want spend an entire day here. This double–walled castle fortress actually has over a dozen “towers” and is steeped in the folklore of “Olde England.” hrp.org.uk

Travel Tips For The Heart Smart Among Us F

ar too many people see taking vacations as a free pass to eat whatever they want and worry about the consequences afterwards. How many times have you yourself promised to go on a diet as soon as you returned from that luxury cruise or holiday visit to see the family? We’re all guilty of that.

But for those of us who are at elevated risk for heart disease, there’s no such thing as taking a vacation from a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the most helpful heart healthy travel tips to help keep you on track while you vacation.

Plan heart healthy travel activities.

Wherever you go, there will be plenty of opportunities to get your exercise, even if you’re on vacation mode. Hopping aboard a cruise ship? There’s plenty of room to walk around each day to keep your heart and muscles pumping.

Cloistering up in a romantic hotel for a few days? Seek out nearby health clubs where you can get a day pass, or find out if the hotel you’ll be staying at offers gym services.

Create a daily agenda and stick to it.

There’s nothing easier to do than to fall into relaxation mode because you’ve got nothing special planned and are in no rush to do it. But if you make sure to plan out your activities in advance, you won’t have the opportunity to let last night’s dinner go to work on your waistline—you’ll be too busy being on the move, which is one of the best possible heart healthy travel tips.

Eat smart.

Heart healthy travel is only an impossibility if you’ve convinced yourself that there’s no way in the world to eat healthy when you’re on vacation. Fortunately, as long as you recognize that’s just an excuse to enable you to ignore your heart health, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to eat smart wherever you are. Opt for heart healthy or vegetarian dishes when you’re dining in restaurants and choose fruit desserts instead of cardiovascular no-no’s.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Vacation destinations that experience extreme climates (whether hot or cold) can be unhealthy for those with existing heart issues. Plan ahead by researching the climate of your destination and by finding out what the expected forecast will be when you’re there. Pack vacation attire that matches up well with the expected climate. Over-exerting yourself in hot or humid weather is bad for you, but so is overdoing it in cold weather. Altitude is another important consideration, because the higher the altitude, the less oxygen your body gets—making your heart work harder even when resting. You don’t have to avoid vacation destinations with high altitudes, but it’s a smart idea to hold off on any high energy activities until you’ve had a couple of days to acclimate.

There are many ways to achieve heart healthy travel that won’t cause you any major health setbacks, but in the end it’s entirely up to you to ensure you make those smart choices.

Article provided by spot55.com.

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For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 www.biria.com Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 31

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

T

oday’s financial world can be confusing. A new government bulletin gives the following advice about what to consider when thinking about a reverse mortgage.

Understand the pros, cons and costs before borrowing money with a reverse mortgage.

Finance What it is: This is a type of home equity loan—a way to get cash by borrowing money using your home as collateral. But there are some important differences between a reverse mortgage and the traditional home equity loan.

have promoted reverse mortgages that were not in the consumers’ best interest or that involved extra payments for unnecessary services.

For example, there have been reports of companies attempting to sell questionable home repairs or investments in connection with a reverse mortgage, or they charged a fee for information about reverse mortgages that is available for free from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other sources. One problem with using any loan product to fund an investment is that you could lose money on the investment and still owe on the loan.

The Pros: First, a reverse mortgage is available to homeowners age 62 or older.

Second, you don’t need an income to obtain a reverse mortgage. And third, you don’t need to pay back what you owe until you move out of the house, sell the property or die.

Reverse mortgages are ways to get cash by borrowing money using your home as collateral.

While there are potential benefits to reverse mortgages, they don’t make sense for everyone.

The Cons: While there are potential benefits to reverse mortgages, they don’t make sense for everyone.

They generally are not advisable if you plan to stay in your home for less than five years or need extra monthly income for relatively small expenses. Among the reasons: The fees associated with reverse mortgage loans can be high. You still will be responsible for maintaining the house and paying property taxes. And, your beneficiaries won’t inherit the full value of the house. They will have to pay off the loan either by refinancing or selling the house.

Also be aware that some unscrupulous individuals or companies Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 32

How to protect yourself? As with any loan you’re considering, do some research using information from neutral, unbiased sources, such as HUD. If you later decide that a reverse mortgage is right for you, contact several reputable lenders and read and understand all documents and contracts, perhaps with the help of an attorney you trust, before you agree to anything.

A constant reminder: Be cautious when borrowing against the “equity” in your home.

For help or guidance regarding reverse mortgages, go online at hud.gov/buying/rvrsmort.cfm or contact a HUD-approved housing counselor by calling toll-free 1-800-569-4287.

Also, to receive a reverse mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you must first speak with a HUD-approved counselor, who can help you determine if the program meets your needs.

Trust Administration is Rarely Required

BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorney

www.flwillstrustsprobate.com

A

• Single will $150

reader asks: My uncle, who recently died, named me as successor trustee in his “living” trust.

Although the language in the trust appears to be fairly straightforward to me, I was told by the attorney who prepared my uncle’s trust that a trust administration would be required and that the attorney fees would be two and one-half percent of the value of the trust estate. Something doesn’t smell right.

Am I being taken advantage of?

• Husband and wife wills $200

The Law And You

Costs, if any, extra

Response: My immediate advice to you is don’t just run, but run quickly from this attorney.

Except in very rare circumstances, such as the trust being contested or when a trust is so poorly drafted that

Don’t put off estate planning any longer. Call

31

YRS

William R. Mumbauer, P.A.

205 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon

• Free, no obligation consultation.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about his qualifications and experience.

Health Information

Moffitt Cancer Center 18 “Integrative Medicine: A Day of Health, Healing and Wellness,” information for survivors, patients, caregivers and providers.

Stabile Research Bldg., 12902 Magnolia Dr. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register

by Feb. 10. No fee. Info at moffit. org; contact Janet at (813) 745-4988.

Tampa General Hospital Community Education Feb. Classes

17 “When to See a Cardiologist” 22 “Living Healthy”

(Six-week program)

23 “Crohn’s Disease: Causes, Diagnosis and Therapy” Classes in Community Health Education Center, 740 S. Village Circle, Tampa. Call (813) 844-7000.

Info and registration at tgh.org.

an interpretation of the trust by a judge becomes necessary, a trust administration should never be required after the death of the maker of the trust. After all, isn’t the avoidance of probate—and what is a “trust administration” but just a probate of a trust estate—the primary reason your uncle chose to do a living trust in the first place?

Of course, as the successor trustee in your late uncle’s trust, you are a fiduciary and, as such, you now owe a legal duty to the trust beneficiaries to properly and efficiently carry out the terms of the trust. In this regard it is likely you will require some degree of legal guidance (and probably guidance from an accountant as well) but in most cases the need for help from an attorney is very limited and any attorney fees for such case by case legal advice would never be a percentage of the value of the trust estate.

Mr. Mumbauer, a fifth generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning.

He takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving.

He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a participating attorney in the AARP Legal Services Network.

He is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High.

His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

Automobile Accidents • Pre-Planning Available • Cremation • Local Burial • Out-of-State Burial/Transfer • Anatomical Donation • Grief Counseling/Grief Support • Spacious Chapel and Family Rooms • Children’s Play Room • Conveniently Located in Sun City Center • Hearing Impaired Service Available • Golf Cart and Wheelchair Accessible • Sponsor of Toys for Tots Program • Member of Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce • We Accept all Insurance Funded Pre-Arrangement

We provide prompt, aggressive representation for victims of automobile accidents.

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(813) 634-9900 or 1 (877) 346-5600 Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 33

Florida Strawberry Mania Time!

“Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.” —Dr. William Butler, 17th Century English Writer

Combine and add poppy seed dressing just before serving.

From cookingnook.com.

part from tasting simply delicious, strawberries have beneficial effects on your health. They are low in fat and calories, naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants.

2 cups strawberries 2 tbsp. mint (ground) 1 cup whipping cream 2 egg whites 1 1/2 cups yogurt 2 tbsp. powdered sugar

Strawberry Mint Cream

A

Recipe Compared to fruits like apples, oranges or bananas, they score highest in most of the nutrients. So, enjoy the season’s bounty of berries.

Strawberry Vegetable Salad 8 oz. lettuce 8 oz. fresh spinach 1 avocado, peeled and chopped 1/2 pint strawberries, halved 1/2 cantaloupe, scooped into balls 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 4 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

The strawberry mint cream should be eaten immediately. It is not recommended to keep leftovers. Serves: 4.

Recipe from strawberry-recipes.com.

Directions: Whip cream and egg whites. Carefully mix in the yogurt. Add sugar till you like it. Cut strawberries in quarters and add gently to the mixture.

Pour into glass bowls and decorate with the ground mint.

The Senior Fun Fest, Florida State Fairgrounds

Winners!

Lots of great photos were sent to Senior Connection magazine for the annual Grandkids Are The Greatest Photo Contest. Check out the winners, selected at the Senior Fun Fest on January 19.

The judges had a lot of fun looking through all of the photos, and it was tough to pick the winners.

Thanks to everyone who shared their memories with us!

Grand Prize “Don’t Do Today What You Can Put Off ‘Till Tomorrow” Submitted by Irv & Bunny Dunsmore They won two tickets to Busch Gardens!

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 34

First Prize: “Babe In A Basket” Submitted by Nancy Zacher She won $75!

Second Prize: “Tigers” Submitted by Dale Kersch They won $50!

Third Prize: “Making Cookies With Grandma” Submitted by Kenneth Graham He won $25!

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 35

Seniors Getting Together WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4080 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN Hispanic, kind and loving, white, Christian female, never smoke, wine with my dinner (a glass). Honest, healthy, music, exercises, travel, etc. Please send a recent photo.

4089 HONEST, KIND, PRETTY, FUN young 75 WWF looking for kind, intelligent, healthy, gentleman open to love and true togetherness, friendship and more. Good music, conversation, reading, going out, all pleasantries.

4091 ATTRACTIVE DBF, 71, 5’5” full figure, healthy, BS degree, good values and morals, NS, SD, sincere.

Enjoys God-given pleasures of life. Seeks same qualities in tall SBM, 70-plus for friendship. Will exchange photographs.

4093 CHRISTIAN WWBF, 63, ATTRACTIVE, honest, sincere, who loves the Lord. ISO a true Christian black gentleman who believes in the same.

Love good home cooking, sports, fishing.

A good SOH. 55 – 72. FF, write. Tampa.

4103 TALL GERMAN WOMAN Heart of gold, loyal, fun, likes travel, nature, arts and museums. Looking for same

cultured men. Military or Fed. retiree.

Picture please. NS, NDrg, TLC. Tampa.

4105 ISO LIVELY GENT TO SHARE events, swims and beach, etc. R, WW, NS, ND, W, C, F, 70s.

4106 SEEKING CUTE 59 – 65 YO HONEST, one-woman man. IQ, “Patriotic,” conservative with SOH. Love travel? Rent RV? Love Ford Mustangs (rear-drive), beaches, sm dogs!

NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5-5”, HWP, pretty w/blonde hair. Let’s dance—make bucket list! Bay area.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4086 W, WW, 71 YRS, 5’7”, 160 lbs., smoker, likes dining out, walks, flea market, etc. Seeks lady 60 – 75 yrs. for LTR. Tarpon Springs.

4090 ISO PHYSICALLY FIT CHRISTIAN LADY, willing to relocate to my new home on SE side of Plant City, FL. I’m retired and tired of being alone. Plant City.

4094 SEEKING A LOVING LADY, 70+ YY, enjoys movies, dining out, travel, dancing and more. I’m W, M, WW, 5’8”, 175 lbs., NS, SD, Zephyrhills.

4096 SEEKS LADY 60 – 75 YRS WM, 71 yrs, 5 ft. 7 in, original from New York.

Enjoy flea markets, walks, dining out, etc. ISO someone for companionship.

RUN YOUR AD FOR ONLY $6 A MONTH

SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER Personal Ad Placement

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

Only $6 to place an ad!

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

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit Title (First 4 Words):

City (No Charge):

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 36

4100 VET WANTS TO FLY WW, W, 68, 6’, 180 lbs., NS with the occasional cigar with good scotch. I spend my summers in Colorado and winters in Florida.

I’ve been told, “If you don’t look, you won’t be found.” Brandon.

4102 W, WW, 5’9”, 185 LB., 74+ OLD ISO lady who likes to dine out, cuddle, visit thrift stores and anything that will make her happy? NS, SD. New Port Richey.

4104 HEALTHY, YOUTHFUL MILITARY VETERAN 56, BM, 5’8”, non-smoking, nondrinking. North Tampa resident, college degrees. Easy-going, sense of humor. Newly separated, divorce pending. Seeks senior lady for romance (older lady, welcome).

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, SOHSense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584 TO PLACE AN AD

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

AlarmForce—Always On Call

A

t AlarmForce, we’re always getting great feedback from our customers about the AlarmCare system.

Our customers enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that if there were ever a problem, they can get an immediate response at just the push of a button. They also enjoy our affordability, since the system is installed for free and comes with a lifetime warranty—there is only $28 (plus applicable taxes) per month to pay! Here’s some recent feedback from the Central Monitoring Station (CMS) at AlarmForce:

AlarmForce CMS Representative Susan received a call from Dawn in New Westminster, who wanted to thank the AlarmForce staff for dispatching an ambulance. She had fallen and was able to press the pendant and was taken to hospital. She thought that the CMS dispatcher and emergency personnel did a great job.

Alan from CMS received a call from Birgit in Kamloops, who wanted to thank sales rep Damian for the fast service he provided in setting up her father for AlarmCare.

She said that they can all rest a bit easier for now because of it.

CMS Rep Ahmed heard from Geoffrey in Dundas, who wanted to thank AlarmForce for the quick response to his alarm on Dec. 28. Geoffrey is now out of hospital and at home resting.

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Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 37

BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST n Diagnosis & Treatment of Skin Cancer n Treatment for Spider Veins n Treatment for Rosacea n Treatment for Acne and Scarring n Glytone Peels & Facial Products n Botox and Restylane n Special line of Glycolic Products for the following: n Heel & Elbow Treatments n Fine Lines n Dry Skin

Specialist in Aging Skin Same Day Appointments Free skin screenings Call for an appointment

All appointments made through our Tampa office

Dr. Robert A. Norman Se Habla Español

Healthcare Physicians Hero Award 2008 Psoriasis Treatment

Tampa

813.880.7546

8002 Gunn Hwy.

800.488.7336

6322 U.S. Hwy. 301

www.drrobertnorman.com ACCEPTING MEDICARE & MEDICAID. Other Insurances accepted: Unitedhealthcare, Cigna, BC/BS, Humana, Tricare, Citruscare, Aetna, Cigna, Medipass, HCH, Pinellas Care and Amerigroup.

Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 38

Riverview Zephyrhills 38034 Medical Ctr. Ave.

Sumterville 1425 South U.S. 301

February 2012 Fishing Forecast

F

spots and grass flats of ebruary is usually a transithe Manatee and Little tion month. In the early Manatee Rivers. Try part of the month, winter fishfishing trout with soft ing rules apply but as we get plastic artificial baits. into the later part of the month January and February spring tactics are more inline. are the months that Follow a few key rules sheephead make a big and you can improve your showing. Find structure catch ratio. Slowing down your presentation both with (L) Capt. Danny Guarino in deeper water and most likely you’ll find a number of artificial and natural baits is one of the sheephead hanging around. Shrimp most important factors. Picking your day to fish is another key factor. I like to combined with a little weight—a # 2 or fish two days after the passage of a cold # 4 hook—will do the trick. Sheephead have a very light bite, so be ready. front and fish right up to the passage of the next cold front. As we get later into —Capt. Danny Guarino; D.R. February I begin to use more live pilGuarino Charters; (813) 956-2010; chards as bait. I have found that as fish Email shpoint@aol.com or visit transition into spring they crave more fishingguidetampabay.com. and more food, and are more inclined to Sign up for the SouthShore Professionchase the more active baits we present. al Fishing Tournament, hosted by The Snook seek out warmer water such as Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 springs, rivers and power plants with Destiny Drive, Ruskin, to benefit Out of warm water runoff in the winter months School Time programs. May 10, 2012 – and begin to transition towards the Children’s Tournament, 3 – 5 p.m, banpasses that dot the Tampa Bay area. quet at 6 p.m. Professional tournament: Trout have been very active this past May 12. Info: southshoreprofish.com. month. Look for them in the deeper

restaurants…one location uGreatTwofood.

Great service. Great night.u THE PRESERVE

A stress-free white tablecloth fine dining atmosphere offering a fresh, never frozen menu paired with the South Shore’s finest wine list.

THE CREEK

Casual fare offering flat screen TVs, daily drink specials and the best wings in town. Call to hear about our nightly all-you-can-eats!

Cypress Creek Golf Club 1011 Cypress Village Blvd., Ruskin 813-634-8888, ext. 2

OZZIE’S BUFFET BAR & GRILL “Great American Home Cooking”

American Legion Hall

BINGO

Open for:

Lunch ~ Dinner LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET Breakfast ~American • Caribbean NOW SERVING Italian • Oriental Welcome Back Friends! Crab Legs & Whole Evening Entertainment!

6pm – 9pm, Wednesday & Thursday

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Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available Ruskin, FL off 674

PH. (813) 641-1300

Seniors!

Public Welcome

(813) 752-8608

Townhouse, Carrollwood area in Tampa. Close to shopping, small patio w/fence, screened porch, 2 reserved parking spaces, 2 bedroom/1 1/2 bath, tile floors,1 bedroom w/carpet, $850.00 per month.

Call Bill 813-245-7718

February Events at Southshore Library

CAR AND PASSENGER TRANSPORT TO AND FROM FLORIDA, WEEKLY, FROM LAKELAND, MELBOURNE AND DAYTONA TO WILKES-BARRE, PA, FISHKILL, NY AND WESTBOROUGH, MA.

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We

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Located at Sun Port Plaza

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15501 Boyette Rd. Riverview

Baker & Woodrow Wilson

Healthy Choices Available SENIOR DISCOUNT

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Best Fried Chicken in town Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Lobster or Crab Dinner

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Post 26

For Rent

Monday – Friday • 10 am – 5 pm or visit www.auto-bus.com

Family Owned & Operated since 1974

(Please mention this ad when you call for information)

u 212

7

Stargazing Party. Astronomy enthusiast Craig MacDougal will lead a brief discussion on the cosmos, followed by an outdoor viewing of the night sky through a powerful telescope.

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free.

13

Adult Writing Workshop.

Connect with local writers to discuss all aspects of the writing process. Inspire, encourage and exchange ideas. All levels of writers are welcome. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

15

Elder Law Seminar. Information regarding legal issues for seniors including planning for incapacities and long term care with emphasis on public benefits. Medicaid, Medicare and VA programs will be discussed. Free. 2 – 4 p.m. Register in advance at (913) 273-3652.

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin.

$2 OFF for

seniors

Come meet “Winter” the dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap, now swims freely.

Senior $2offAdmission

(55+)

Good forGood up to Not Not valid with other for6uppeople. to 6 people. valid with otheroffers. offers.

Expires December 2011. Code Code XSCA Expires Feb. 29,31,2012.

XSCA

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage • Clearwater, FL 33767

(727) 441-1790

www.SeeWinter.com Senior Connection • February 2012 • page 39

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