Lifestyles After 50 Lake Edition, March 2016

Marion/Lake/Sumter March 2016 • Vol. 27

There’s plenty to love about a Florida spring Lake Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc President Richard Reeves richard@lifestylesafter50.com Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Amanda Smith editor@lifestylesafter50.com Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com Administrative Assistant Allie Shaw allie@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design 813-689-6104 Distribution Nancy Spencer: (941) 244-0500 nancy@lifestylesafter50.com

Advertising Sales Questions/Customer Service

813-653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Dena Bingham: 813-293-1262 dena@lifestylesafter50.com Our other editions: Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Tampa Bay Edition: Hillsborough County Sarasota Edition: Sarasota/Manatee Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier & Charlotte Polk Edition: Polk County To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040

News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50.com

FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for each issue is the 15th of the previous month. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

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

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 2

Dear Readers, If you’ve ever lived in a place with four definitive seasons, you may agree that greeting spring in Florida is a bit of Amanda Smith, Editor an acquired taste.

You get the picture. Major League Baseball’s Grapefruit League is one of the greatest parts about spring in Florida, and in this issue, we’ve got you covered with a guide to the best Spring Training facilities our state has to offer. After reading it, you’ll probably feel so bad for your grandkids stuck up there in New Jersey, you’ll fly them down for a game or two.

There’s something magical about March up north, when the snow starts to let up and the equinox ushers in the first day of spring.

Nature is just beginning to wake from her slumber, sprouts are starting to peek up from the brown, barren ground and stir-crazy humans are vowing never to take warm, sunny days for granted again. Some say part of the magic of spring is kissing a cold, dreary winter goodbye.

While I agree the light of spring is always brighter after a long, dark winter, there’s also something to be said for not having to shovel a driveway full of snow before work, possibly well into the month of April.

So for those of you, like me, who have a little pang of yearning for that natural high of the idyllic spring season, here are a few great reasons why I’ve come to truly love spring, Florida style.

1. Baseball While our friends up north are still dusting off their snowboots, we’re busy dusting off our catcher’s mitt so it can be signed by Brian McCann or Yadier Molina. Let’s be honest, New Englanders and New Yorkers are only dreaming of their fantasy league strategies while we’re sitting right behind the dugout at a Spring Training game, watching line drives and drinking an ice cold...lemonade?

What’s to love about spring in Florida?

Spring Training, sweet Spring Training.

2. Fresh...everything.

A major source of winter produce for most of the eastern U.S., Florida boasts a real diversity of some of the juiciest fruits you can find. As trees are barely showing signs of life in colder climates, we’re already cutting ripe tomatoes and picking out red gems at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City. That’s right, it’s not just citrus we enjoy, but countless other assorted fruits and veggies - and we guide you through much of our seasonal produce in this issue as well. We also debunk the myth that whatever you plant in a Florida spring will just die in the summer, so get ready to join the rest of the world in pining over Home Depot commercials. Don’t let anybody fool you, we may not grow the same things as up north in our tropical/sub-tropical climates, but we can definitely still enjoy a spring garden.

3. Festivals, festivals, festivals.

If you’re a party person in Florida, March is your time of year. We’ve got Bike Week in Orlando on the 7th, the Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa on the 8th, and the start of one of my personal favorites (and a must-see in my book), the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. For 90 days, the park becomes a magical rainbow of spring blossoms, while hosting leading gardening experts from around the nation. Oh, and the food’s pretty amazing too. You may be wondering why there’s so many great things to do in March... which brings us to my favorite part about spring in Florida...

4. It’s not that hot yet.

Let’s be honest. One of the best things about “spring” in Florida is relishing our last remaining days of walking to the mailbox without worrying about a heat stroke. I implore you, please join me as I soak up every day free of blistering heat and torrential downpours. March is when do my yoga on the beach, ride my bicycle and walk to Starbucks without carrying a towel. Basic stuff.

Floridians know - whatever it is you love to do outside midday, now’s your golden opportunity to do it without a fan and a fear of fainting.

They say without the darkness, you wouldn’t praise the light, but here in Florida we know it’s either hot - or hotter. We may not have that freshfaced look only gained by greeting Mother Nature after surviving a long winter, but we still know how to welcome our own kind of spring.

Here’s to a happy March in Florida, however it is you celebrate it.

Sincerely, Amanda Smith

IT’S SPRING TRAINING SEASON

Your guide to Major League Baseball’s Grapefruit League in Florida

By Amanda Smith

F

ew things are as quintessentially American as baseball. And while most Northerners are still enduring snowstorms and icy road conditions, Floridians are catching a relaxing game or two at one of Major League Baseball’s thirteen Spring Training facilities peppered throughout the state. At the beginning of March, professional baseball teams from around the nation can be watched up close in personal on both coasts and in the middle of the Sunshine State as the MLB’s Grapefruit League gets under way. Whether you choose to visit your favorite team from childhood, or the team that just happens to play in your city, Spring Training is a great time for all. One of the best parts of attending a pre-season game is your proximity to the players, thanks to most Spring Training stadiums’ small size. Most are merely a quarter the size of typical MLB parks, and with only one level of seating the Grapefruit League stadiums provide an intimate experience for every fan.

Much like the Major League stadiums, Spring Training facilities work hard to stand out from the crowd, so here are a few of our must-sees this season. Play ball!

The national fan favorite Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte Tampa Bay Rays

The old meets the new JetBlue Stadium, Fort Myers Boston Red Sox

With a white, wavy roof covering the seating along the first and third base lines, the exterior of JetBlue Stadium appears strikingly modern as you approach the gates. While the outer architecture screams “shiny and new,” fans may be slightly shocked to see what’s inside: a playing field that’s a near exact replica of good old Fenway park, from the outfield down to the dugout design. This bold union of stadium design spanning the decades may just inspire countless fathers and grandfathers to wax poetic to their younger generations about the classic Fenway games of yesteryear, all while making new Boston Red Sox memories in the seats of JetBlue Stadium. Serving the same food they do at Fenway, attendees can look forward to a good meal and that classic Boston fanfare - the 10,000 seats are usually full of those die-hard Red Sox fans Boston is known for.

Complete JetBlue Stadium schedule and ticket prices are now available online at Boston.RedSox.mlb.com/.

Home to the Tampa Bay Rays each Spring, Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte has routinely received top honors in the annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards column featured in USA Today. A nation of baseball fans agree after a $27 million renovation in 2009, Port Charlotte’s new and improved stadium offers more perks than any other, including a baseball boardwalk lining the outfield, a brand-new luxury suite hotel, a tiki bar, and even a play area for the kids. Only an hour and a half south of Tropicana Field (the Rays’ regular season stadium in Tampa), Charlotte Sports Park gets extra points from hometown fans for its geographical convenience, while out-of-towners may enjoy the stadium’s close proximity to Charlotte Harbor and the Broad Peace River, offering a multitude of water sports to enjoy before or after gameday.

To purchase tickets and view a complete Charlotte Sports Park Spring Training schedule, visit RaysBaseball.com

The MLB teams you’ll see in Florida’s Grapefruit League Team

Stadium

City

Atlanta Braves Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Detroit Tigers Houston Astros Miami Marlins Minnesota Twins New York Mets New York Yankees Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates St. Louis Cardinals Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Washington Nationals

Champion Stadium Ed Smith Stadium JetBlue Park Joker Marchant Stadium Osceola County Stadium Roger Dean Stadium Hammond Stadium Tradition Field Steinbrenner Field Bright House Field McKechnie Field Roger Dean Stadium Charlotte Sports Park FL Auto Exchange Stadium Space Coast Stadium

Lake Buena Vista Sarasota Fort Myers Lakeland Kissimmee Jupiter Fort Myers Port St. Lucie Tampa Clearwater Bradenton Jupiter Port Charlotte Dunedin Viera

The field that raises the bar Bright House Field, Clearwater Philadelphia Phillies

Bright House Field raised the bar for ballpark standards in the Grapefruit League; most notably, with a concourse that completely wraps around the stadium and is open to the playing field. Make a few new friends at the popular Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion - complete with a full service bar - or check out some of the concession stands to enjoy an homage to the Phillies hometown, classic Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. With a beautiful field and an attractive Spanish Mediterranean exterior, this stadium really has it all. View a complete schedule and buy tickets at Phillies.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 3

Around Town W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G M A R C H 2 0 1 6

3

- 13. Strawberry Festival. Enjoy all day entertainment at this classic Florida event with fun photo contests, great shopping and musical performances from your favorite stars.

Don't forget to enjoy a strawberry or two! 303 Lemon St., Plant City, 33563.

Visit www.FLStrawberryFestival.com.

4

- 6. Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Bike Show featuring literature, memorabilia, and new & used parts for vintage bikes. Lake County Expo Center. 2101 County Rd., Eustis, 32727. Fri., Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. To learn more, call Charles Price at (904) 626-0664.

6

- 13. Sumter County Fair.

Featuring a beauty pageant, rodeo rides, auctions, livestock judging, games & more. 7620 FL-471, Bushnell, 33513. For times, call (352) 793-2750.

12

The Ocklawaha Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution's 100th Anniversary.

Celebrate the centennial with live music, exhibitions, reenactments and much more. Enjoy Colonial High Tea at 3 p.m., with 18th century service, gourmet period food and live chamber music. $25. 12 - 6 p.m. Osprey Lodge, 1761 Nightingale Ln., Tavares, 32778.

Call June Perry at (352) 589-5855.

12

- 13. Third Literary Arts Festival and the 39th Annual Leesburg Art Festival. Hosted by the Leesburg Public Library, these two coinciding events honor the literary arts with guest authors, autographs and book sales. Sat. 10a.m. - 5p.m., & Sun. 12-5 p.m. 100 E. Main St., 34748. Free.

To learn more, call (352) 728-9790.

18

Florida Lake Symphony Orchestra: Somewhere in Time. Join the orchestra for toetapping Irish melodies, gypsy ballads and ancient airs! Tickets are $45. 7:30 9 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 950 7th St., Clermont, 34711. For tickets or more information, please call (352) 589-1500. Learn more online at FloridaLakesSymphonyOrchestra.com Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 4

19

Leesburg Saturday Morning Market. Join local farmers, craftsmen, bakers, artists and others as they gather at the Towne Square. 8 a.m.

- 1 p.m., 501 W. Main St., 34748. To learn more, call (352) 365-0053.

26

Motown in Motion. Dancing in the aisles with songs from Gladys Knight & the Pips, Dionne Warwick, The Platters, James Brown, Martha & the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and of course The Supremes! This awesome highenergy show features all the Motown music you know and love. It all starts at 7 p.m. at the Circle Square Cultural Center. 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala, 34481. For tickets, call (352) 854-3670 or visit www.CSCulturalcenter.com.

-27. 20th Annual Brownwood Paddock Square Arts & Craft Festival. Countless vendors fill the square featuring arts & crafts and their favorite wares. The fun starts at 10 a.m. with local art, jewelry and more for sale until 5 p.m. 2705 West Torch Lake Dr., The Villages, 32162.

26

27

Pack Walk. Join us for a ranger-led walk through Silver Springs State Park with our homeless dogs. If you're an animal lover, make a shelter dog's day with some much-needed affection and a chance to exercise! All shelter dogs will be available for adoption and can be taken home the same day. Feel free to bring your own dog to join the fun.

Kids welcome and encouraged to join. $8 park admission. Pack Walk is free.

SUBMIT AROUND TOWN EVENTS: Please send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax (813)651-1989 or email info@lifestylesafter50.com by the 10th of the month prior to the event (i.e. submit April events by 3/10/16).

ADVERTISING SALES Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication

Learn More About Us At

LifestylesAfter50.com

March Horoscope: Pisces and Aries Pisces: Two Fish (Feb. 23 - Mar. 20) April is all about balance.

Find the link between mind and body - recognize how much your mental attitude impacts your health. A stronger mental attitude may be what you need to work on rather than focusing solely on your body. Obsessing over one element, i.e. fitness or diet or medicating at the expense of others leads to major imbalance. Be more balanced in minding body, mind and soul..

Aries: The Ram (Mar. 21 - Apr. 22) This is a great time to get a grip on your financial affairs. Be more aware of how your money works. It is a good month to invest, but focus more on managing outflows better. Find find better deals for services you pay for in business or at home. If you earnestly evaluate how you manage your time you could be more productive. For more horoscopes visit LifestylesAfter50.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 5

Grow Like a Pro: Your Monthly Guide to Florida Gardening

By Amanda Smith

F

or gardeners in the northeastern U.S., March is a time of earnest preparation.

Still shoveling snow, they anxiously await the equinox, when spring officially begins and the renewal of plant life whispers in the wind. Meanwhile, with lush trees already in bloom, and the heat of the tropics casting off any last chance for frost, garden life for Floridians runs on quite a different calendar.

With a far longer growing season and a much warmer climate, Florida greets its new gardeners with unique growing conditions, while also yeilding unique treasures from its soil. To make things even more complicated, the University of Florida actually divides the state of Florida into three separate gardening climate zones: North Florida, Central Florida and South Florida (for our guide’s purposes, we’ve decided to focus on the zones’ similarities). If you’d really like to maximize

your growing potential specific to your Florida home’s region, your best bet is to keep a record of the temperatures all year and install a rain gauge to measure weekly, monthly and annual rainfall. Over time, the journal will help you become intimately acquainted with your new climate, making you a master at selecting just what to plant - and when.

While many Floridians plant most of their seeds in the fall, there’s really plenty to do in the garden year-round. From planting your figs in January to pruning your tropical fruit trees in July, making the most of a garden in the Sunshine State is quite an art form. To help you perfect your craft, we’ve put together a secret weapon for your green thumb - our 2016 Florida Gardening Guide. Designed in calendar form for new and seasoned gardeners alike, it contains a few solid suggestions of gardening tasks for each month - helping you celebrate all that makes gardening in Florida so special. For an in-depth take on the tips below, visit www.LifestylesAfter50.com

Packing the box itself is such a task that the ScanMyPhotos website provides photos of the right and wrong ways to pack up the pictures.

PLANT edible, Middle Eastern figs

WATER your lawn an inch weekly

CHANGE your mower’s oil & air filter

ORDER fall garden vegetable seeds

TRIM raspberry canes to ground level after fruiting

FINISH planting potatoes in raised beds w/ well-drained soil

EXPERIMENT w/ quick maturing varieties of cucumbers & zucchini

START seeds of warm season plants like papaya, spinach & okra

SHARPEN pruning tools for summer

PURCHASE hurricanes tracking charts

REPOT cramped plants in large pots

ORDER your fertilizer now for fall

CHECK the lawn for bad patches indicating insect problems

AVOID overheating by hydrating & gardening early in the day

MOVE your birdhouses’ locations to attract new visitors

START planting heat-tolerant veggies like cabbage & carrots

TEST your soil for vital nutrients

PREPARE your beds for rosebushes

SCOUT for pest problems regularly

CHECK frost-protection supplies

PLANT bushes, small perennials & cool-season annual flowers

WATER your soil every 2-3 days for newly planted strawberries

REPLACE warm-season annuals with poppies & carnations

SOW seeds of peas when days cool down to the 70’s

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 6

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 7

Season’s Peak: A simple guide to Florida’s fresh spring produce E

verybody knows Florida is famous for its citrus - and rightly so - but believe it or not, plenty of other delicious produce grows in the Sunshine State. With a tropical climate that stretches the growing season to year-round, Florida is not only a major source of winter produce for much of the eastern U.S., locals find it endlessly ripe for the picking. From tomatoes to watermelons, here are our tips on how to pick what, and when, helping you make the most of Florida’s fresh produce this spring.

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Tomatoes. Nothing beats the first ripe tomato of the year. Besides being juicy and delicious, tomatoes help regulate bllod sugar thanks to high levels of chromium.

Tips when you pick: Select fragrant, firm, blemish-free fruit that feels heavy for its size. To maintain maximum flavor, don’t store your tomatoes below 55º.

Watermelon. They say it’s a fruit and a vegetable, but with powerful levels of the cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene, we love this sweet treat no matter what it is.

Tips when you pick: Select a well-shaped, smooth, neither dull nor shiny-skinned melon with a creamy yellow underbelly - those without a yellow patch may have been picked too early. Keep at room temperature to raise lycopene levels by 20%.

Mango. One of the most internationallyloved fruits, the mango is a great addition to any salad, and works magic as a marinade.

Tips when you pick: To determine ripeness, give it a squeeze - it should give a little. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Blueberries. Powerful heart protectors, blueberries’ potassium, folate and vitamin C and B6 all support heart health, and the fruit’s fiber helps lower cholesterol.

Tips when you pick: Select berries that are completely blue, without any tinge of red and avoid any that are soft, watery or moldy. Store in the fridge, but they taste best when served at room temperature.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 8 R

Carrot. Besides containing more beta-carotene than any other vegetable, carrots are also considered one of the best for healthy minerals.

Tips when you pick: Look for crisp leaves and no mold; avoiding those with cracks, nicks or soft spots. Keep refrigerated.

Grapefruit. You know we had to include a citrus. This tangy Florida favorite is packed with potassium and even a little fiber.

Tips when you pick: A good one is heavy for its size and has a smooth, firm, glossy peel. A thinner rind means sweeter contents.

Find more great tips on 70 varieties of produce in Teri Pizza’s new book Simplicity of Fresh Produce, available at www.Amazon.com. Teri resides in Ocala.

Celebrating the Centennial Series: Honoring the National Parks Service’s 100th Anniversary

O

riginally considered a radical idea - an idea some condemned as a hindrance to social progress - the conception of the “National Parks” and the unified system created to preserve them is now often touted as America’s Best Idea. Fearing the greatest natural wonders of the nation would soon be destroyed by developers or reserved solely for the priveleged, preservationists succeeded in granting all citizens the right to America’s stunning beauty by achieving federal support dedicated to preserving the land for future generations.

While the National Parks’ fascinating history dates back much further, it was in August of 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson signed into law an act creating the National Park Service (NPS), a single federal agency designed to provide uniform procedures and regulations for all sites deemed National Parks.

NPS employees have no small job, managing 58 parks with environments as varied as you can imagine. Still, those who envisioned the NPS issued an even taller order - a dual focus on managing the parks for the enjoyment of the Ameri-

Joshua Tree National Park, CA - The National Park Service helps conserve America’s unique ecosystems

Best Park to Visit in March: Joshua Tree National Park

can people, while at the same time keeping them “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” An inherent contradiction openly acknowledged by the bill’s author Horace Albright, it could be accomplished, he believed, “with rational, careful and loving thought.”

100 years later, the National Park System is still examined, debated and unfolding, its curious evolution far from over - yet through it all, the parks have steadily provided precious memories, lessons from nature and deep shifts in perspective. Those who fought so hard to create this now century-old system would be proud of its success in preserving America’s great outdoors full of natural treasures as diverse as its citizens.

This is the first installment of Lifestyles After 50’s Celebrating the Centennial series, created to highlight the unique features of one National Park per month. Readers are encouraged to share personal National Park adventures - email your story to Editor@ LifestylesAfter50.com for your chance to be published in next month’s issue.

E

stablished as a National Park by President Roosevelt in 1936, California’s Joshua Tree National Park functions almost as a museum for desert plant life. Home to more than 700 species of vascular plants, Joshua Tree powerfully defies stereotypical notions of the desert as a place where nothing can survive.

Nationally renowned for its diversity, this park in southeastern California is most loved for its wildflowers. Visitors in March often gaze at blooms of colorful sand verbena, canterbury bells and brown-eyed primrose, framed beautifully by the cream colored blooms of the Joshua Tree itself.

March’s “Share Your Story” Challenge: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t - either way you’re right.”

-Henry Ford With the well-documented histories of martial arts, meditation and the placebo effect as its proof, the transcendental maxim “mind over matter” surely exists. Most commonly expressing the idea that our brain can control the perception of physical limitations or physical pain we experience, “mind over matter” has since evolved to encompass a more spiritual meaning.

The modern use of “mind over matter” proposes that humans can train themselves to overcome physical, mental and emotional hardships through a peace of mind gained from spiritual balance and/or strenuous mental training.

24 Hour Full Service Plumbing & Gas • ADA Conversion Specialist Full Bath & Kitchen Remodel • Faucets, Toilet & Countertop Replacement Solid Surface Custom Showers, Tub Surrounds, Counters and Furniture Tops

While the “firewalking” parades of motivational speaker Tony Robbins are far from fake, I’m not rushing to tell those who are physically or mentally struggling that it’s all in their mind. Sure, our attitude influences our physical reality, but just how far does it really extend? In that spirit, we’d like to know if you’re a proponent of “mind over matter” and just how far the idea should be taken.

Do you believe in “mind over matter,” and why or why not? How does it affect your life? Do you have a personal story of experiencing “mind over matter,” and was it something you trained for or did it just occur spontaneously?

With “Mind Over Matter” as the subject line, email an essay or response to editor@lifestylesafter50. com for a chance to be published in April’s issue!

31121 Industry Dr. Ste A • Tavares, FL 32778 www.s-splumbing.com

352-343-3763 Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 9

Butterfly gardens welcome spring

By Carlene Cobb

This spring, create a special habitat designed to attract all kinds of butterflies, like the iconically handsome Monarch.

180 species of butterflies, their natural habitats are vanishing due to rapid urhen welcoming spring, there’s ban development and climate change. nothing like a party of flora, fau- The iconically handsome Monarch sufna and fluttering butterflies that evolve fers from population decline due to the from planting a butterfly garden. As loss of its Milkweed habitat, so planting small as a container garden or as big as a Milkweed is the best known plan for prelarge plot of land, a butterfly garden can serving Monarchs as they pass through be any size, is low maintenance, and full Florida while migrating between Michiof plants native to your area. Providing gan and Mexico. The elegant Longwing a sensory feast with showy, fragrant, Zebra is also attracted to Milkweed as nectar-rich blossoms enticing butterflies well as Pentas, Blue Porterweed, Lanto dance among blooms, watching these tana, Salvia and other easy-care plants.

If you’re happy to just attract visiting plant pollinators may nurture your soul butterflies, planting nectar flowers will while they nurture the environment.

The key to a successful butterfly suffice. The butterfly’s proboscis funcgarden is to keep it simple with a little tions as a straw for sipping liquid necpreliminary planning. Discover which tar from flowers. If your goal is a habibutterfly species live in your area, which tat for butterflies to make their home, ones you wish to attract, and which you’ll need to plant host plants to give plants those species prefer. Some plants, shelter for courtship, mating and laying like the passionflower vine attract but- eggs. Host plants also provide leaves for terflies and have a calming effect on hu- hungry little caterpillars to munch while mans. Its blooms are magnificent, and its training for metamorphosis. Host plants name is irresistible. Many butterfly gar- must be free of chemical pesticides and den plants are native, ensuring they will placed with nectar flowers and some distance from your vegetable garden. grow well in Florida’s sun-baked soil.

While Florida’s blazing summer may Butterflies also need a water source, seem like it’s right around the corner, which can be as simple as a little wet experts say it’s not too late to begin ex- sand - or as fancy as a garden fountain.

Once you decide your garden’s diperimenting with butterfly gardening.

“March is a good month for planting. mensions - and the right plants to attract Frost danger is over and the days are the butterflies you desire - plant the gargetting longer,” says Robert Mertens, den where you can maintain it easily horticulture program specialist with the and see it clearly from a garden bench or University of Florida and the Institute of window. Breathe in the sweet fragrance, Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) feel the spring breeze, observe the butjoint program. Mertens works specifi- terfly dance - and enjoy. cally with the IFAS Extension in Saraso- The UF/IFAS website can help you find ta County, but says all Florida counties’ an Extension near you, where its helpful IFAS Extension offices are a great re- staff can aid you in choosing the right source for all things green and growing. butterfly plants, specific to your region.

While Florida is home to more than Visit them online at: www.ifas.ufl.edu.

W

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 10

Have you heard the news circulating about circulation?

T

he vascular system performs one of the body’s most important functions: carrying blood, oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body. So it should be of no surprise that circulatory system disease and dysfunction can cause serious health problems.

In the U.S. alone, vascular disease causes 715,000 hearts attacks each year. Even more alarming, as many as 20% of adults over 55 have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory disease in which arterial plaque restricts blood flow to the extremities, usually the legs and feet. The most common symptom of PAD is called intermittent claudication, a medical term for painful cramping in the legs or hips during activi-

ties like walking or climbing stairs that typically disappears when the legs are at rest. PAD symptoms can also include numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower legs, burning, aching and/or coldness in the feet or toes, and a leg or foot wound that won’t heal.

Because PAD is most common in people over 50, many folks disregard symptoms as a normal part of aging, but it’s usually a sign of widespread atherosclerosis, meaning blood flow to the heart and brain is also restricted. The good news is, once diagnosed, treatments can arrest and correct PAD. The Board Certified Interventional Radiologists of RAO’s Center for Vascular Health (CVH) have effective, quick and painless tests to diagnose PAD, as well as a full spectrum of quality vascular testing and treatments for a variety of conditions. CVH’s medical

team utilizes the latest technology and procedures to diagnose and treat vascular disease, including arterial angiograms, uterine artery embolization, tumor ablation, catheter placement, CTA heart vessel evaluation, even permanent treatment for varicose veins. CVH also offers non-vascular treatments to address spinal pain syndromes, including steroid injections, nerve root blocks and more.

If you have a vascular or spinal pain condition and would like answers, the friendly staff of CVH is happy to assist you. When warranted, we will work closely with your doctor to help get you back on the road to optimal health.

CVH - Vascular care from doctors dedicated to keeping you in circulation.

To learn more about RAO’s Center for Vascular Health call (352) 671-4252 or visit RAOcala.com.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 11

Congress and the Vatican Agree:

Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Curing Diseases

By Maren Auxier Staff Writer

S

tem cell therapy is gaining worldwide support from international policymakers, including the U.S. Congress and the Roman Catholic Church.

Congress passed the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act on Dec. 16, 2015, securing stem cell industry funding for at least five more years. The Vatican followed suit, showing their support for stem cell therapy by announcing The Third International Conference on the Progress of Regenerative Medicine and its Cultural Impact, scheduled to be held within the Vatican on Apr. 28-30, 2016.

“It remains one of the best kept secrets in America that umbilical cord blood stem cells and adult stem cells in general are curing a myriad of terrible conditions and diseases in adults as well as children,” said U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-Hamilton, NJ).1 The Vatican released a similar statement on the benefits of regenerative medicine.

“The new field of regenerative medicine holds great promise to alleviate the pain and suffering for hundreds of millions of people around the world.

We must unite to discover and advance such new

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 12

therapies, and find ways to bring them to all those in need,” said Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture.2 Regenerative medicine offers patients alternatives to traditional invasive or chemical treatments, helping people with multiple sclerosis, blindness, rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease.

Lung disease is the third-leading cause of death in America, yet traditional treatment options have not changed in 30 years. The advent of stem cell therapy represents the greatest advancement in decades for those suffering from degenerative lung disease.

The Lung Institute helps treat lung disease by harvesting stem cells from a patient’s own body in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. While current stem cell treatments are not considered a cure for lung disease, they have been shown to improve quality of life. A white paper recently released by the Lung Institute reports 84% 3 of COPD patients who received stem cell therapy saw an improvement in quality of life, and many saw improved pulmonary function.

While the field of regenerative medicine is relatively new, it has made great strides in a short period of time and shows great potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry.

International policymakers like the Vatican & U.S. Congress are calling for advancements in regenerative medicine after seeing positive outcomes.

The Lung Institute is an innovative leader of regenerative medicine dedicated to providing stem cell therapies and other regenerative treatments for lung diseases. To learn more about this state-of-the-art facility and its internationally recognized physicians, call (855) 313-1150 or visit the Lung Institute online at www.LungInstitute.com/lifestyles.

1

http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle. aspx?DocumentID=398635 2 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/vatican-announcesthird-regenerative-medicine-conference/ 3 https:/lunginstitute.com/resources

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 13

At Leesburg’s beloved 55+ community, residents find friendship, fishing and the feeling of “home”

L

o cated on the outskirts of Leesburg, Florida, Lake Griffin Harbor (LGH) has long been the go-to choice for a laidback 55+ community. Small in size but big in personality, the thread of friendship runs deeply through this tight-knit community.

Beautifully situated on the expansive Lake Griffin - known for its trophy bass fishing and the Bass Master Tournament - LGH residents enjoy breathtaking lake views from the large observation deck and have direct boating access with the 55-slip marina and boat ramp.

Whether hanging out poolside, fishing from the pier, playing horseshoes and shuffleboard, or enjoying community dinners and dances in the clubhouse, LGH is always a good time. Our residents say as a result of all the activities offered, they find themselves needing to keep a calendar so they don’t miss out on any of the fun!

With so many ways to stay engaged in the community, resident Jayne Currie says many friendships have flourished with her neighbors at LGH, a place made all the more perfect by its surroundings.

“The location here is just key,” she says.

Originally from Ohio - and with extended family in Fort Myers - Jayne and her husband spent a number of winter seasons

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 14

visiting various locations throughout the state on the hunt to discover their ideal lifestyle; a place that felt like home.

“It seems like no matter where you go, you’re always fighting traffic...but not here,” Jayne says.

She says she loves enjoying the peace of the lake while only being a short drive from downtown Leesburg’s weekend farmers’ markets and food truck nights - as well as quite close to the renowned beaches and entertainment of central Florida. Jayne even coined a saying about LGH’s ideal locale: “it’s in the center of everything and away from the crowds.”

Lake Griffin Harbor residents, including Jayne Currie, are so satisfied with their decision to live at LGH they have given testimonials on the LGH website. Go online to meet Jayne and her husband and listen to the couple’s testimonial - as well as countless testimonials from other LGH residents - at www.LakeGriffinHarborFla.com.

Get Tech Savvy: 2016 Guide to Technology March: Can You Train Your Brain?

Y

ou spend hours in the gym, maintaining your physique and warding off illness, doing your part to strengthen your muscles and prevent physical decline. As research reveals that the brain acts like a muscle - in that it gets stronger with practice - scientists have been able to show just how the brain grows and gets stronger with educational activity. Much like physical activity, when we engage in intellectually challenging exercises, our brains really do change and grow - and the research shows our brains are capable of forming new neural pathways well into our 80s.

For this month’s technology feature, we searched for products with sound scientific research confirming any product claims of cognitive benefit. What we found was certainly intriguing - and begs the question - can we really outsmart aging with a little technology? Here’s to finding out...

Improve the visual processing skills needed for safe driving with DriveSharp software.

Think faster on the road DriveSharp, by Posit Science Backed by the AAA foundation, DriveSharp is a software program that claims to be clinically proven in helping drivers see more, react faster, and cut crash risk by improving visual processing speed and accuracy through simple games. After completing a “current crash risk” assessment, you are prescribed a pair of visual memory games and assessment tests that evolve just as you begin to master them, evidently making you a safer and better driver on the real road. (DriveSharp; $139; $99 for AAA Members).

Let new hearing aid restore brain function by lowering cognitive load BrainHearing Technology, Oticon Ironically, the point of BrainHearing is to circumvent training your brain. When a regular hearing aid passes input to your brain, it’s not recognized as human speech, requiring you to exert significant cognitive resources to essentially relearn how to hear. New BrainHearing technology maintains the known quality of human speech by modifying only the parts of the signal you don’t hear well, so it is recognized as normal auditory input. The result is better hearing with less effort, freeing up cognitive resources to be used for other tasks. Reputable studies report better memory recall and faster speech processing after three weeks of BrainHearing use. (www.OticonUSA.com).

Navigate the brain fitness market SharpBrains.com The emerging cognitive fitness market can be a bit overwhelming. It can be extremely difficult for an everyday consumer to make sense of phrases like “scientifically proven to increase memory recall” and when Lumosity, one of the biggest names in the business gets hit with a $2 million lawsuit for making false claims about its benefits, it’s easy to want to nix the industry entirely. Insert SharpBrains, an independent market research firm tracking all of the brain fitness industry. With product reviews and consumer guides explaining the latest in brain fitness research, SharpBrains will help you find a product you can actually believe in. As a bonus, they actually have awesome free puzzles on their site too! .

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 15 R

Florida’s Most Read 50+ Publication

Get all the latest news on our events, play Trivia Palooza for great prizes and get connected with your friends at Lifestyles After 50!

2016 TAX SEASON:

Four Tips to Get Your Biggest Refund Yet

I

t’s that time again...time to start filing your taxes. One of life’s few unavoidable events, taxes are notorious for not being much fun, often prompting a cringe and a small headache at the mere mention of them. With all the rules and regulations, deductions and credits, its easy to let tax-filing get you down, but since we all have to file, there’s nothing sweeter than getting a big fat refund check from the government. If you’re wondering how to max out that refund - within the limits of the law of course here are our tips for collecting your biggest tax return yet.

LIGHTNING HOME GAMES Mar. 5 Mar. 8 Mar. 11 Mar. 22 Mar. 25 Mar. 26 Mar. 28 Mar. 31

Carolina Hurricanes Boston Bruins Philadelphia Flyers Detroit Red Wings NY Islanders Florida Panthers Toronto Maple Leafs Montreal Canadiens

1

File early. As soon as you’ve received all your tax forms in the mail, make it a priority to file online right away. The sooner you e-file with direct deposit the sooner you receive your refund check, allowing you to put it to good use. For instance, if you racked some hefty holiday debt buying too many Christmas gifts, use your refund to pay off your balance and halt the accruing of interest charges. Filing early is also a great way to protect yourself against identity theft, because once you file, it’s far more difficult for someone to try to steal your identity with a false return. If you file late and your identity is compromised, even if you sort it out with the IRS it could take months to resolve the issue, leaving you out in the cold with no refund check for far longer than you ever expected.

2

Don’t be afraid to claim a dependent. In these stressful economic times, it’s becoming more and more common for children (and their children) to return to the nest - often depending on Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 16

you for a large part of their livelihood.

Your best chance of receiving a dependent exemption of $4,000, which is deducted from your income, is if you’ve been supporting a relative, especially since they don’t even need to live with you to qualify. If it’s a non-relative, you can still get a deduction if he/she lived with you for an entire year, provides less than half his/her own support and doesn’t earn over $4,000 in income.

3

Explore the potential benefit of itemizing your deductions. Tax season pressure may tempt you to opt for the standard deduction set by the IRS ($6,300 for singles and $12,600 for married couples - with thousands more set for those over 65, blind or widowed) without a second thought, there are many instances where itemizing makes far more sense. With countless deductions like home ownership, charitable donations, unreimbursed business expenses, and medical expenses may push you far beyond the standard set deduction, entitling you to a larger refund.

4

Maximize your IRA contributions.

Many people think by the time January 1 rolls around, it’s too late to influence last year’s tax situation. In most cases this is true, but not with an IRA - you have until April 15th to open a traditional IRA for the previous tax year. Since traditional IRA contributions reduce your taxable income, take advantage of the maximum contribution. Also, if you contributed to a Roth IRA, you may be able to claim the retirement savings contribution credit, further lowering your taxable income...which could result in your largest refund check to date.

To stay looking young, keep having good sex Exhaustive research reveals good, frequent sex as second greatest lifestyle determinant for appearing younger than your biological age

By Amanda Smith

I

t appears science has found yet another way to help preserve our looks from the declining effects of aging - and it has nothing to do with cosmetic surgery, expensive beauty creams or too much makeup. It’s much more fun than any of that.

New research conducted in Scotland reveals that a healthy sex life may be the real secret to keeping a more youthful appearance; an exhaustive study found that those who continue to be sexually active appear younger than their actual age.

Conducting this research for more than a decade, Dr. David Weeks, a psychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, surveyed thousands of middle-age and older adults on a variety of lifestyle topics. In addition to answering questions about their habits, interviewees were watched through a soundproof one-way mirror by a six-judge panel asked to guess their ages.

It turns out that those research participants who reported having frequent and fulfilling sex had something in common. Respondents who reported 50 per-

Just how much is enough? Research interviewees appearing five to seven years younger than their biological age engaged in sexual activity approximately three times per week.

cent more sex than the average for their age group were estimated by the judges to be five to seven years younger than their actual age. Interview topics ranged from how they deal with stress within relationships, how they get along with their parents and high and low points of their lives, to prior sexual experiences, how often they had sex and whether they enjoyed it.

According to Weeks, sex is quite a factor in how young people look - a vigorous sex life, he says, was

the second-most important determinant of a more youthful appearance, second only to traditional physical activity. Weeks called the results as biologically reasonable; explaining the blissfully healing chemical outpouring we experience during sexual activity.

The endorphins released during intercourse can act as a natural painkiller, improving sleep habits and easing anxiety, both of which are crucial factors in preserving youth. Even our skin reaps the rewards: sex stimulates the release of human growth hormone, which makes skin look more elastic and youthful.

He also points out that being sexually active burns fat and boosts circulation, promoting healthier cardiovascular and circulatory systems.

While frequency of sexual activity is important, Weeks is quick to note that casual sex just won’t do.

“The quality of sexual expression maintained in older adults is just as much a predictor of good general health and well-being,” Weeks said.

“And the notion of seniors abandoning their sex life upon retirement, condemning themselves to a celibate lifestyle, it’s just not true and it’s just not healthy.”

Weeks says if his study imparts one message, he hopes it is a healthier perspective on athevery human, but often misunderstood topic of sex after midlife.

“Sexual satisfaction is a major contributor to quality of life, ranking at least as high as spiritual or religious commitment,” he explains, “So more positive attitudes toward mature sex should be vigorously promoted.”

www.ShowcaseFurniture.net 4580 N. Hwy. 19A • Mt. Dora, FL

ASHLEY FURNITURE Many Models!

UP TO 60% OFF! through April 2016

We sell 33 brands of furniture!

24 YEARS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

352-357-0080 Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 17

AGING: THE BIGGER PICTURE

International photography challenge asks us to view aging through a different lens

W

hen conceptualizing aging, a complex process influenced by countless factors and dimensions, it’s all too easy to revert to clichés. Yet those with seven or eight decades behind them will tell you, getting older happens to the best of us - and it’s never quite how we imagined it.

With the complexities of growing older in mind, the British Society of Gerontology recently sponsored a photography contest challenging photographers from all over the world to create provocative images designed to evolve our concept of aging. Participants were asked to take a contemplative approach to the subject by revealing the nuances of aging and presenting portraits that were far more than skin deep.

With thousands of British pounds in prizes, over 1,200 images of aging were submitted to the global online photography community Photocrowd, and two sets of winners were chosen - one by Photocrowd members

themselves and the other by an expert panel including the Photocrowd co-founder Liam Bailey and Julia Twigg, a professor of social policy in the UK. The stunning images honored by both the online community and the experts carry energies guaranteed to make you ponder everything from inner beauty to mortality, while one winning photo epitomizes the courage required to face the aging process with grace.

Agnes, the subject of Karoline Hjorth and Riita Ikonen’s winning image, certainly has no shortage of courage - she made her first parachute jump at 85, jumping a second time to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Awarded first place from the expert panel, judges commended the image’s ability to convey playfulness and understated intelligence, while feeling soulful and conveying Anges’s inner joy and inner strength.

While the expert panel awarded Agnes for her strength, Photocrowd members opted for

Capturing a great grandfather embracing a new generation, Guarav’s image was the crowd favorite. tenderness. A precious family moment captured by a stranger, Hardik Gaurav’s image titled Circle of Life was shot in a small village of Udaipur, India.

Judges said Agnes’s fearlessness had unanimous appeal, earning Hjorth & Riitta’s image top honors.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 18

Gaurav says he was completing his anthropological fieldwork when he happened upon the warm embrace of an old man and his great-grandson, the great grandfather rejoicing in the beauty of new life and the birth of a new generation. Crowd members praised the image as touching and full of emotion, as well as noting its great compositional contrast between old and young.

Perhaps the genius of Gaurav’s shot is its ability to show that the beauty of a great grandfather is just as profound as that of an infant - yet so entirely different. While the untouched beauty of a baby is born of innocence, the deep, layered beauty of aging is revealed with time.

As the decades pile up, there’s no avoiding the physical manifestations of a lifetime of decisions. When observing Agnes and Gaurav’s anonymous man from Udaipar, we see how every face of the aging tells a story. A warmth radiates from Agnes’s eyes as

the great grandfather’s expression tells of unconditional love.

What could be more beautiful than that? Perhaps someday the view of aging will emphasize that a brave and loving approach to life carves an indisputable beauty that transcends superficiality.

To view more winning images from the British Society of Gerontology and Photocrowd’s online photography contest, visit www.LifestylesAfter50.com.

How do you envision aging?

Do you have a photograph capturing aging in a new light? Submit your image, address & phone to editor@ lifestylesafter50.com or mail to Lifestyles After 50, PO Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583 by April 1st for a chance to be published in an upcoming issue maybe even on the cover!

A garden of healing Why (and which) herbs deserve your gardening time and space

S

ince the dawn of our species, humans have looked to plants for healing. Belief in the medicinal properties of foods have surfaced in many early writings of man, and Hippocrates is frequently quoted as having said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

With inarguable assets to the cooking process, herbs have long been revered for culinary reasons, sought after by chefs looking to enhance and enliven the flavor of an intricate dish.

Plants offering both culinary enrichment and quantifiable health benefits belong in any garden, says Certified Nutritionist Specialist Alisha Chasey.

“Herbs are so good for your health because they are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals,” she explains.

“These properties help with everything from fighting wrinkles to preventing chronic diseases, and you can use them in countless ways; from creating natural skin creams to medicinal teas. Upon a deeper investigation of herbs, you’ll

find they aren’t an obselete health treatment either - over 100 of them are used in modern pharmaceuticals. When it comes to herbs, the nutritional benefits really are huge.”

Obviously, thinking of “herbs” in general terms is not as helpful as knowing which herb heals which ailment, and which herbs will flourish in Florida’s unique climate. Here are a few picks for herbs that are easy to grow in Florida and heavy on the healing properties.

Coriander: helps regulate blood sugar This healing herb stimulates the endocrine glands, naturally increasing insulin secretion at a slow, steady pace. This helps decrease blood sugar levels safely by prompting better assimilation and absorption of sugar. For those with diabetes, coriander is very beneficial because it helps stave off the dangerous spikes and drops in blood sugar levels diabetes is known for, while helping ensure other normal metabolic functions as well.

Ginger: the ultimate digestive aid With unrivaled digestive healing properties, ginger can not only knock out nausea, prevent bloating and decrease gas, it also combats both morning sickness and motion sickness. The secret of this pungent herb is ginger’s ability to calm the intestinal tract, thereby actually stimulating digestion. By relaxing the muscles of your digestive system, ginger effectively allows them to return to work.

Mint: eases respiratory problems With its unmistakable aroma, mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, giving great relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation responsible for chronic coughing and discomfort. Word of caution: One of the easiest herbs to grow, be sure to plant it in a confined space to avoid letting it take over your whole garden.

Grow your own medicine with an herb garden.

Alisha Chasey earned her Masters in Nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist and owner of Innocent Indulgence in Naples. Her passion is coaching you to experience radiant living through optimal wellness by making “healthy” daily, delicious & doable - and by revealing that true health encompasses the spirit, mind and body. Learn more at Innocentindulgence.net.

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 19 R

Last Month’s Answers

Enter To Win!

G R A D

R O B E

A L E F

C R A G S

A U R A L

D E E R E

ANSWER TO #5084 M S T A G E A E H A D E S L T A P O R T I E N D S M E R G R O E B A R O N E T F U N S E D J A R S E D D E T E C T S R E T A D S T E T D U E M I D E L E S P O P A R E T S E A S C E A S E S T T R I A N T E S S L O T S R

Enter to Win!

D O V E

A V E R

M E S S

N A S A L

S T O L E

E E L E R

This month’s Last Month’s Winner Is Maryanne Bratchell winner is Congratulations!

1

2

3

4

C E L L

A L O E

5

6

14

7

8

9

10

15

11

O R E O

12

N O N O

S Y S T

13

16

Myron L. Guisewite

17

18

20

21

22

24 27

B E S T

28

19

23

Congratulations !!!

25

29

26

30

34

31

35

32

33

36

ACROSS 40 1. Musical instruments 6. Sissy 41 42 10. Smell 43 14. 200 milligrams 44 45 46 47 15. Covers the cake 16. Silent performer 17. Crown 48 49 18. Law enforcers 20. David’s son:54abbr.55 50 51 52 53 56 21. Secluded valley 23. Word with travel or press 57 58 59 60 61 24. Flying insects 25. Family member 62 63 64 27. Period of time 30. Stack 31. Stein 65 66 67 or Stiller 34. French pronoun 35. Naval detection apparatus 36. Flightless bird 37. Tried a serviceman 41. Primate ones Send your answers for a drawing. 42.

FirstLittlest correct answers 43. Away from the wind selected from the drawing on the 20th of the month will 44. Directed 45. Miquelon et Réunion receive $20 cash! Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., 46. Most popular tubers P.O. Box 638, Seffner, 48.

FL 33583 __ so; extremely 49. White-tailed bird Insurance I want information on: Personalfreedom Health 50. One lacking 53. Apartment Elder Law / Financial Travel / Cruises & Fitness 54. Item on a death certificate Housing Options 57. LunchHome Recreation / Leisure spot Improvements Reverse Mortgages60. Veranda Entertainment / Events Automobiles 62. “__ For All Seasons” 63. Spacious Name 64. Singer/pianist John 65. Ernie’s buddy 66. Suffix for kitchen or novel Address 67. Complains violently 37

38

39

Last Month’s Answers

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

City Age

State

DOWN 1. Parts of Fall: abbr.

Phone

E-mail Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 20

Zip

ACROSS 1. Musical instruments 6. Sissy 10. Smell 14. 200 milligrams 15. Covers the cake 16. Silent performer 17. Crown 18. Law enforcers 20. David’s son: abbr.

21. Secluded valley 23. Word with travel or press 24. Flying insects 25. Family member 27. Period of time 30. Stack 31. Stein or Stiller 34. French pronoun 35. Naval detection apparatus 36. Flightless bird 37. Tried a serviceman 41. Primate 42. Littlest ones 43. Away from the wind 44. Directed 45. Miquelon et Réunion 46. Most popular tubers 48. __ so; extremely 49. White-tailed bird 50. One lacking freedom 53. Apartment 54. Item on a death certificate 57. Lunch spot 60. Veranda 62. “__ For All Seasons” 63. Spacious 64. Singer/pianist John 65. Ernie’s buddy 66. Suffix for kitchen or novel 67. Complains violently DOWN 1. Parts of Fall: abbr.

2. Scott of “Happy Days” 3. __ surgeon 4. Cob 5. Presented to an audience 6. Dries 7. Piece of Greek Orthodox artwork 8. Allen or Gibson 9. Fraternity letter 10. Alphabet ending 11. U. S. coin 12. Foreboding sign 13. Split 19. Tourist’s item 22. Majors, for one 24. Boxers Max or Buddy 25. Candies 26. Asia’s__ Mountains 27. Sticker 28. Sneak away to be united 29. __ in; gave info to 30. Boston and New Orleans 31. Ball attendee 32. Mideast title: var.

33. Certain paintings 35. Less loony 38. Table top protector 39. Beast of burden 40. Past due 46. Refrain syllable 47. Caribou’s feature 48. Happening 49. Bring joy to 50. Strikebreaker 51. Like a poor excuse 52. In the distance 53. Puncher’s hand 54. Against: pref.

55. Spot for a Coventry con 56. One in Cologne 58. Leading lady?

59. Plague carrier 61. Montgomery’s place: abbr.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

19.

22.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

35.

38.

39.

40.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

58.

59.

61.

Scott of “Happy Days” __ surgeon Cob Presented to an audience Dries Piece of Greek Orthodox artwork Allen or Gibson Fraternity letter Alphabet ending U. S. coin Foreboding sign Split Tourist’s item Majors, for one Boxers Max or Buddy Candies Asia’s__ Mountains Sticker Sneak away to be united __ in; gave info to Boston and New Orleans Ball attendee Mideast title: var.

Certain paintings Less loony Table top protector Beast of burden Past due Refrain syllable Caribou’s feature Happening Bring joy to Strikebreaker Like a poor excuse In the distance Puncher’s hand Against: pref.

Spot for a Coventry con One in Cologne Leading lady?

Plague carrier Montgomery’s place: abbr.

LIGHTNING HOME GAMES Mar. 5 Mar. 8 Mar. 11 Mar. 22

Carolina Hurricanes Boston Bruins Philadelphia Flyers Detroit Red Wings

Mar. 25 Mar. 26 Mar. 28 Mar. 31

NY Islanders Florida Panthers Toronto Maple Leafs Montreal Canadiens

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 21

Sudoku #260 Solution #259

SUDOKU

Last Month’s Answers

2 8 Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.

4 The object of the game is to fill all the 9 Howard Granert blank squares with the correct numbers.6 is last month’s winner!

Each row of 9 numbers must include all5 Congratulations!

3 digits 1 through 9 in any order.

Good Each column of 9 numbers must include1 Win Great Prizes!9 in anyLuck! all digits 1 through order.

New Each winner3selected each month by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 7

3 1 5 7 2 8 4 9 6

Feb. Sudoku

square must include all digits 1 through 9.

9

4 4 2 3

6 5 7

6

9

7 3 1 4

9 8 2 6 4 9

5 2 8 1 7 4

1

6 7 9 4 3 1 2 8 5

8 5 7 2 9 3 1 6 4

9 6 2 1 7 4 8 5 3

4 3 1 8 5 6 9 7 2

5 9 6 3 8 2 7 4 1

1 2 8 5 4 7 6 3 9

7 4 3 6 1 9 5 2 8

March Sudoku 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 the 20th will win.

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

7

Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

2

# 261

WORD SEARCHMarch Word Search

Solution #260

I

C U P S A B P O O D

E K C G D B G S L P N D R P

I

F

I

T

D P G A S L

N O O D R T

A E

A N G G A O S U S S

P D S L A F

V

D S S

E S E S O W E G E F R T

W M

I

G R T

N G F

F

S

D E E H O A

D S G R N D B R L

S E V O T R E T

D S V C G F

S E V

S A O T

I

N K G

D G X S Y

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: LIFESTYLES AFTER 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 22

Name Address City

State

Email

Phone

Betty Vandemark from North Port is last month’s winner!

The answer was: Mars (and/or Venus) Click on the Trivia Palooza button and answer a Trivia question each week for a chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

Beetle

Word Search

Solution: 11. Locust

____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on March 20 will win.

MYSTERY PRIZE!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

MYSTERY PRIZE!

(Puzzles must be received by the 20th of the month)

Y S C M U A S T C B E E C E V S E T E K C

I

R C

12. Louse

I

13. Mosquito

C O F L

M W D D P L

A R M I

O D A P D O E C

Answers

17.

18.

19.

20.

Zip

Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583

9 1.3____________________ 2 5 6 13. 7 4 8 Pots 14. Moth 8 2.3.1____________________ 5 9 7 44. Cicada 2 3 6 ____________________ 15. Roach 6 4.4____________________ 7 8 2 35. Cricket 1 5 9 5. ____________________ 16. Scorpion From Feb. 3 6.5____________________ 6 7 1 96. Earwig 8 2 4 7. ____________________ 17. Termite 7 8.8____________________ 4 3 5 27. Flea 6 9 1 9. ____________________ 2 10.9____________________ 1 4 8 68. Fly 5 7 3 Word Search 18.Solution: Wasp 11. ____________________ Ant 11. Locust 1.

5 12.6____________________ 3 2 9 89. Grasshopper 4 1 7 19. Weevil 12. Louse 2. Bee ____________________ 4 13.

8 1 3 10.

7 Hornet 9 6 5 20.

Yellow jacket 14.2____________________ 13. Mosquito 3. Beetle 15. ____________________ 1 16.7____________________ 9 6 4 5 3 8 2 4. Cicada 14. Moth

Today's Category: Things in a Kitchen

P

Send in the correct answer to be entered in a drawing to win a prize each month!

Deadline for entries: Mar. 16, 2016. Drawing held Mar. 20, 2016.

# 260

Word In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for Search In thetoday. grid below, twenty found t the for today.

Circleateach Circle each answers answer can thatbe you find that andfilist it category in the space provided 1. Ant answer youoffithe nd and it in the space provided of the grid.

Answers can thethat right grid.listAnswers can be foundatinthe allright directions -- forwards, be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally,Anvertically andis diagonally. backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. example given to An 2. Bee example is started. given to get started.

Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle? get you Canyou you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

N U O C C P B R

Your Answer:

Play more trivia online and win more prizes at www.lifestylesafter50.com

WIN GREAT PRIZES! SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 20TH OF THE MONTH.

M R E T

Question: Which two states do not observe Daylight Saving Time?

H L

L

G R E L

T E E B

D N T O S W O S F U E O A E D D T H J

D P S V R

S T F F S H S A S E

I

P

D D B S D T

L

I

# 260 S U C O

R O H ASS FT CL Y SA C CM U C EOV TS EI G R I

B YE K E

S O

T UE Q K CS I OR M C

E N

H L L G R E L T E E B

G E A R W I

G C G A N T

C O F L M W D D P L W S A R M I

O D A P D O E C

D N T O S W O S F U E O Fern Riley is last month’s A E D D T H J D P S V R winner!

S T F F S H S A S E I P Congratulations!

D D B S D T S U C O L I

5. Cricket

15. Roach

6. Earwig

16. Scorpion

7. Flea

17. Termite

8. Fly

18. Wasp

R O A C H S F L Y K S O

9. Grasshopper

19. Weevil

G R O T

20. Yellow jacket

G E A R W I

10. Hornet

W S

I

U Q S O M E N G C G A N T

Seniors Getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4119 SEEKING CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., widow, slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. Loves the Lord. Florida.

4344 SWF LOOKING FOR SWM 7084 YY, SWF looking for SWM who has an easygoing personality, between the ages of 70 – 84 and at least 5’9” or taller.

I like movies, cooking, dining out, long walks, day trips and country music. ISO a man to laugh with me and enjoy the simple things. Ocala, Wildwood area.

4448 IF YOU RESPONDED to my ad I did not receive it. Please re-contact me. SWF, 65YY Into garage sales and flea markets. Quiet country girl ISO handyman, must have common sense, NO B.S. or liars. I have psoriasis, 5’2”, 110 lbs., blonde hair, not ugly, send picture please and phone number. Will call all.

4482 SBF LOOKING FOR A SWM. Enjoy traveling and people and having God first in your life.

4522 – SWM, 80YY, WW, honest, very active. ISO SWF for companionship.

SOH, likes walks in park, short trips, other choices. Dinner or coffee?

4523 – MATE: 5’7”, 190 lbs, Age 80, white. Looking for fun and romance.

Lady between the ages of 60 and 75.

Send letter and photo please.

4526 - W, M, WW, C, NS, SD, NDrg, SOH, 73 young, 5’11”, 190 lbs, good condition, daily workout, brown hair, blue eyes, easy going. ISO lady, enjoys travels, movies, sports, dining, reading, talks, walks, 60 – 70 LTR. Letter/Photo.Cape Coral area.

4535 – SJM, 70, BLUE EYES, 5’6”, 195.

Trimmed full beard. Like old time rockn-roll, slow dancing, quiet life. ISO W or H lady, 60 – 75 for walks, flea markets, A & C shows. NS, ND, NDgs. An arm dandy not arm candy. HWP. Letter w/ photo gets reply.

4534 – SWM, HEALTHY, EDUCATED, 73YY but looks and feels 65. 5’9”, 170 lbs.

ISO SWF, 60 – 70 YY, HWP. I like SOH, beac walks, parks, card games, day trips, festivals, dining out and travel. Leesburg area.

TO PLACE AN AD

Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, DDivorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, BBlack, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, NDNon Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTRLong Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, PProfessional, FF-Friendship First, TLCTender Loving Care.

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: Polk Tampa Bay & Suncoast (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco) Lake/Marion/Sumter Southwest (Lee, Collier, Charlotte)

Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

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 below. 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.

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: Lifestyles After 50, Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33584

I’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT... o o o o o

New & Used Cars, RVs, Motorcycles Travel Insurance, Health/Medicare Healthcare Cell phones/Computers

o o o o o o

Housing Options Home Improvement Leisure Time Finance/Law Funeral Planning Other:

Check box(s) above to let us know what you’d like to read about in Lifestyles After 50.

Title (First 4 Words):

Please contact me by: o Mail o Phone o E-mail Entries will be collected by Lifestyles After 50 for future promotions, special offers and marketing.

Name: Address: 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:

City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

MAIL TO: ATTN. / SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. • P.O. BOX 638., SEFFNER, FL 33583

Age:

Phone:

Zip: Date:

E-mail: I am: o Single

Address:

Phone:

State:

City:

o Married

o A Group Leader

LK

Complete this form and mail it to Lifestyles After 50 • P.O. Box 638 • Seffner, FL 33584

CONGRATULATIONS! to the winner of last month’s prize drawing: Zandra Clemens Lifestyles After 50 • March 2016 • page 23