Lifestyles After 50 Suncoast Edition, September 2025
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Spectacular September
Photo by James Patterson
I love September. Since fall is my favorite season, September marks the beginning of all the things I love: cool and breezy weather; snuggly warm clothing; rich, satisfying soup and bread; and best of all, the many holidays! (My best friend, sister-in-law, and an uncle all have September birthdays.)
We begin Spectacular September with Labor Day on the first, then immediately head into two days dedicated to volunteering: International Day of Charity (Sept. 5) and 9/11 Day of Service. On September 7 we celebrate Grandma Moses Day, the iconic artist from the 1950s whose happy paintings celebrated iconic American outdoor scenes. Also on the seventh is National Grandparents Day – all mine are in heaven, but I still talk to my grandmas almost daily, especially when I’m cooking their recipes! (On a related note, the best day of the
year in my opinion is September 13: International Chocolate Day.)
The entire month is dedicated to “Healthy Aging,” and mid-month there are several holidays which highlight this: Stand up to Cancer Day (Sept. 12), International Eat an Apple Day (Sept. 20) and World Alzheimer's Day (Sept. 21). Healthy aging also includes mental health; on September 19 we remember our troops with National POW/ MIA Recognition Day.
Toward the end of the month, the days and nights get closer and closer to being equal, and the Oktoberfest celebrations begin (more in the October issue). We also celebrate the first official day of fall – and the Fall Equinox – on Sept. 22. Right around the corner is Ancestor Appreciation Day (Sept. 27).
No matter how you celebrate the start of fall, I wish you fair skies, hot coals, and good friends!
How many of you as you read this are impacted by facing decisions that one would label “procrastination?”
You know the expression: “Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today?”
Or, “One of these days I will…” In our relationship, Bonnie is the one who gets things done. She makes her lists, prioritizes her To Do stuff and loves crossing off completed tasks. Phil, on the other hand, commits to doing something in his own time. One year he got a personalized t-shirt from you-know-who with the following stamped on the front: “It Will Get Done… EVENTUALLY.”
If you are in a relationship where one of you is the “doer” and the other the “delayer,” you can appreciate the frustration that comes with tasks that get done eventually. No matter how often we discuss this or how annoying incomplete projects linger, changing a procrastinator seems to be a losing proposition.
Then there is the individual (which may be you) who intends to do something and, for whatever reason (excuses?), just doesn’t move forward in a timely manner. I will go on that diet, eventually. I will get stuff together for donation, eventually. I will clean out the garage, eventually. I am going to start going to the gym, eventually. For some reason, “eventually” sounds like the task is going to happen. It’s just a wait-and-see commitment!
It’s confession time: in most instances we do our best
to be two or three articles ahead of deadline in writing Personally Speaking. We discuss topics. We decide who will take the lead. Sometimes I (Bonnie) start. Other times, it’s Phil. The challenge happens when it’s Phil’s time to engage in writing and then I have to remind him we are getting close to deadline and he says, “Don’t worry, it will get done.” I guess he’s expecting that I’ll bug him which, if I’m honest, is exactly what happens. That can be so darn exhausting. Truth is, we both love writing together. We enjoy being introspective as we banter back and forth. We willingly engage in both sharing our ideas and editing what we each write. While we love the process, Phil doesn’t love deadlines.
As we closed out this column, we both agreed that it was about time that Phil stepped up to handling tasks without reminders. (At least in theory this was decided.) Who knows? Time will tell (I guess). One thing about writing, it does invite us to face, address, consider and engage in “life as we live it.”
We’re not sure you relate to some of what we share. We, however, love when we receive comments, endorsements and feedback from our readers. So, if you want to share your take on this topic, why not do it now instead of…EVENTUALLY?
You can reach Phil and Bonnie at www.BonnieAndPhil. com.
Social Security Q&A
Information from Social Security Administration
Question: How can I get help with my Medicare and Part B premiums?
Answer: States must help pay some of the Medicare costs for beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Under these programs, states help pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and copayments. Some of these programs also pay additional Medicare expenses for elderly and disabled people.
To find out if you are eligible for state help, contact your local medical assistance office. A representative can tell you the specific requirements and help you apply.
Question: Will my Medicare premiums be higher because of my higher income this year?
Answer: Some people with higher income may pay a larger percentage of their monthly Medicare Part B and prescription drug costs based on their income. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.”
Question: What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse’s benefits?
Answer: Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse’s benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse’s child, the one-year rule does not apply. The same is true if you were entitled (or potentially entitled) to certain benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Act in the month before the month you got married. A divorced spouse must have been married 10 years to get spouse’s benefits.
Question: I got married recently; can that affect my benefits?
Answer: If you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. Here’s how marriage may affect other benefits:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• If you marry, your spouse's income and resources may change your SSI benefit; or
• If you and your spouse both get SSI, your benefit amount will change from an individual rate to a couple’s rate.
Divorced spouse’s benefits
Generally, your benefits end if you remarry.
Robyn Bell Takes the Baton at The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton
In a field still dominated by men, Dr. Robyn Bell is standing tall and also one of the very few leading orchestras in the United States. A conductor, arranger, educator, Bell holds a DMA in conducting and is known for her innovative programming and commitment to accessibility in classical and pops performance.
As the Managing and Artistic Director of The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton, Bell has built a reputation for specializing at the intersection of popular music and symphonic orchestrations, by developing, producing, and conducting scores of pops orchestra shows highlighting the music audiences know and love.
Robyn pushes artistic boundaries, blending traditional pops repertoire with theatrical storytelling. Robyn doesn’t conduct traditional pops repertoire, rather she brings people to the concert halls to enjoy the music they know and love, but in an orchestral setting.
This fall, Bell will launch The Pops’ milestone 50th season, featuring a rich program that includes Bob Christianson’s Emmy nominated, Broadway style setting of “A Christmas Carol, the Concert,” fusing Dickens' timeless tale with a full orchestral experience. With an eye on expanding her reach beyond Florida, Bell is actively pitching her self-developed shows to regional symphonies across the country.
“I’ve built a library of pops shows that combine the best of patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and holiday selections—with themes that speak to real audiences,” says Bell. “Now I’m ready to take these shows on the road and bring inclusive, entertaining orchestral performances to new communities.”
While names like Marin Alsop have helped blaze a trail for women conductors globally, Bell’s peers in the live music-to-film and gaming symphony space – such as Sarah
Hicks and Susie Seiter – have found powerful ways to innovate, but Bell’s sweet spot is creating full-fledged pops programs with featured guest artists, entertaining audience rapport, and community impact.
As she embarks on a busy season, Bell remains committed to two missions: expanding her national presence with regional orchestras and uplifting representation for women in the arts.
“My goal is to ‘unstuff’ the orchestra, allowing everyone in the hall to feel comfortable. At my shows, you know when to clap,” she laughs. “But I do know how to sell out a house, if they’ll give me a shot.” Learn more at RobynBell. net and ThePopsOrchestra.org.
Paragon Festivals Unveils StarStudded 2026 Music Festival Season
Florida’s Favorite Seafood & Music Celebrations Return in 2026 Across Gulf Coast Communities
Inspired by AARP Bulletin’s July/August 2025 article “99 Great Ways to Save,” here are 25 simple, practical tips for seniors looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality. Read the full article at AARP.org.
SARASOTA, FL (August 7, 2025) — Paragon Festivals
revealed its full roster of Seafood & Music Festivals for early 2026—spanning Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond. Known for pairing fresh coastal cuisine with live performances, these festivals showcase Florida’s best food vendors, bands, and artisans in scenic Gulf Coast settings.
“We produce weekends filled with unforgettable music, food, and community—set against Florida’s Gulf Coast backdrops,” said Bill Kinney, Founder of Paragon Festivals. “Whether you're dancing under the sun or sampling fresh seafood, each festival is designed as a celebration of place and flavor.”
Festival Schedule Spotlight:
• Sarasota Winter Seafood & Music Festival –January 2–4, 2026, Sarasota Fairgrounds
• Babcock Ranch Seafood & Music Festival –January 9–11, Babcock Ranch
• Punta Gorda Seafood & Music Festival™ – January 16–18, Laishley Park
• Coquina Beach Party Seafood & Music Festival –January 23–25, Bradenton Beach
• Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival – January 30–February 1, Centennial Park
• Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival – February 6–8, Bonita Springs
• Babcock Ranch Seafood & Music Festival – February 13–15, Punta Gorda
• St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival – February 20–22, Vinoy Park (Admission: $7 per person)
• Englewood Seafood & Music Festival – February 27–March 1
• Manatee County Seafood & Music Festival – March 13–15, Bradenton
• Largo Seafood & Music Festival – March 20–22, Largo Central Park (New in 2026)
• Sarasota Reggae & Food Festival – March 28–30, Sarasota Fairgrounds
• Punta Gorda Spring Seafood & Music Festival – April 17–19, Punta Gorda
• Downtown Naples Spring Seafood & Music Festival –April 24–26, Cambier Park, Naples
What Attendees Can Expect:
Live music across genres—from reggae and beach grooves to classic rock and soul—served up alongside vendor-cooked seafood and refreshing beverages. Each site also features a marketplace with local arts and craft booths for familyfriendly exploration.
All festivals offer free admission, with the exception of St. Petersburg, which charges a $7 entry fee per person. Vendors and sponsors looking to participate should apply online via ParagonFestivals.com.
Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits
These mouthwatering Blueberry Butter
Swim Biscuits are fluffy, yet crispy and filled with plenty of juicy blueberries — not to mention they’re way easier to make than regular biscuits! Recipe courtesy of White Lily. This recipe is very customizable – also try raspberries, strawberry pieces, or dried fruit.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups White Lily Self-Rising Flour* + 1 Tablespoon for berries
• 1-1/2 cups cold buttermilk**
• 1 cup blueberries, washed and dried
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 F.
In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour and buttermilk until smooth. (Do not overmix.)
In a medium bowl, combine blueberries and 1 Tablespoon of flour. Stir to coat.
• 1/2 cup butter melted (1 stick unsalted)
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
Gently fold berries into biscuit batter.
Pour melted butter into an 8” x 8” baking dish and add batter on top. Smooth out batter and score the batter into 9 squares using a knife.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until desired golden color.
Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice to form a thin icing. Ice the hot biscuits.
Serve hot!
*1 cup self-rising flour = 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1.5 teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt
**Buttermilk = 1 cup whole milk +1 Tablespoon white vinegar OR 1 cup whole milk + 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice (allow milk + acid to sit 5-10 minutes; when it starts to curdle it can be substituted for buttermilk).
Gotta Go! Finding Clean, WheelchairAccessible Public Toilets
For many older adults and those using mobility aids, finding a clean, accessible public bathroom can be challenging, especially in popular tourist areas.
According to the latest TENA study, Florida is one of the better states for finding adequate facilities. However, knowing where and how to locate these restrooms can be vital for enjoying outings and feeling confident and comfortable.
LOCATIONS AND THEIR ACCESSIBILITY
Finding an accessible bathroom can make a significant difference in comfort and convenience. Try one of the many phone apps available, including “Flush Toilet Finder” (200k toilets worldwide), “Wheelmate” (with honest reviews from wheelchair users), or iAccess Life (which also assists with accessible restaurants and hotel options).
TIPS FOR FINDING ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS
Hira Nasir, lead analyst on the TENA study, also recommends using map apps with specific searches such as “wheelchair accessible bathroom in [location],” “accessible toilets,” and “ADA compliant bathroom near me” to locate facilities. “We also recommend checking whether the listing has a wheelchair icon,” Nasir suggests.
Check the listing description to understand if it’s a bunch of public bathrooms with an accessible toilet or a facility designed for accessibility in general. Read user reviews and look at photos for additional insight. Use Street View to preview the entrance and assess if it’s truly accessible.
ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE
Remember that a bathroom might be marked as accessible, but it’s worth checking if stairs or awkward pathways are involved. Searching within reviews using terms like “wheelchair” or “accessible” can also reveal valuable information.
Also consider calling the site ahead of time for confirmation. Ask questions about the layout, door widths, ramps, and available space. Getting accurate information from staff can save time and potential discomfort.
THE HEALTHY GEEZER
All About Atrial Fibrillation
Q. Whenever I drink a little too much wine, I find that I wake up at night and my heart seems to race for a while. Can wine do that?
The short answer is yes. But, first, it sounds like you haven’t told a doctor about this. And you should—immediately. What you’re describing could be atrial fibrillation—also called AF or AFib. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age, particularly after age 60.
AF is the most common form of irregular heartbeat. It is an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. The rate of impulses through the atria can range from 300 to 600 beats per minute. Infrequent and brief episodes of atrial fibrillation can be triggered by overindulgence in alcohol, caffeine and food. Doctors sometimes call AF “holiday heart.”
Many people live for years problem-free with atrial fibrillation. However, chronic atrial fibrillation can decrease the heart’s pumping ability by as much as 20 to 25 percent. AF combined with a fast heart rate can cause heart failure. Some of the most common causes of AF are high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, chronic lung disease and pulmonary embolism, a condition that occurs when an artery in your lung becomes blocked.
Because the atria are beating rapidly and irregularly, blood does not flow through them as quickly, making the blood more likely to clot. If a clot is pumped out of the heart, it can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation are 5-7 times more likely to have a stroke than the general population. Besides stroke, there is the danger that clots can travel to other parts of the body (kidneys, heart, intestines), causing damage.
AF symptoms include a racing or fluttering
heart, fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. However, you can have atrial fibrillation without symptoms.
Commonly used tools to diagnose AF are the electrocardiogram (ECG); a Holter monitor, a small external recorder usually worn for one to three days; and a portable event monitor that enables a patient to record an AF.
Initially, medications are used to treat atrial fibrillation. There are also medications to prevent blood clots. In addition to taking medications, there are lifestyle changes you can make: quit smoking, limit alcohol and caffeine, and avoid activities that seem related to your irregular heart rhythm.
When initial remedies don’t correct or control AF, electrical cardioversion (a procedure where an electrical shock is delivered to your chest wall) may restore a normal rhythm. An implantable atrial defibrillator can deliver lowdose therapy to convert AF to a normal heart rhythm.
Patients with chronic AF not relieved by medication or procedures can be helped with minimally invasive (endoscopic or “keyhole”) surgical techniques.
Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com.
KLINE TOURS
DAYTONA 500 BUS TRIP
Exclusive ticket and motorcoach transportation will be offered to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with departures from Palmetto, Largo, and Lakeland areas. Just $299 per person includes a race ticket with a ticket value alone of $285 Our package includes your ticket and bus transportation for just $299. Option to add Fanzone/Pre-Race Access for just $110.
LAS VEGAS
5 Days/ 4 Nights, Monday –Friday, November 10-14, $879 per person (double occupancy). Includes Round-trip non-stop air from Tampa to Las Vegas, Round-trip Airport to Hotel Transfers, 4nights accommodations at the fabulous Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT 2025
Sunday-Wednesday December 14-17 $2099 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, and four shows, including a Christmas Dinner show in the ballroom at Gaylord Opryland with POMP, SNOW, CIRQUEumstance!.Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice.
NEW ORLEANS PRE-MARDI GRAS 2026
Monday, February 9-Friday,February 13 $2199 per person (double occupancy) Roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, 5 days, 4 nights accommodations in French Quarter 7 Meals New Orleans School of Cooking, comprehensive city tour of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World Museum, National World War II Museum (including 4D film), Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise, Louisiana Swamp Boat tour, and reserved parade bleacher seating for four parades in New Orleans
Follow us on Facebook at Kline Tours Florida Gulf Coast
Blast to the Past: “Rhinestone Cowboy”
BY: RANDAL C. HILL
Kismet. It means fate or destiny. If we’re lucky, kismet – should it enter our lives – will be seen as something positive.
As one of 12 kids, Glen Campbell was born in 1936 on an Arkansas farm. When he was four, an uncle gave him a $5 Sears guitar and taught him how to play it. Young Campbell took to the instrument easily and proved to be a most passionate prodigy.
At 14, he left school to find gigs wherever he could. In 1960, he moved to California and eventually became an ace Hollywood session guitarist and vocalist. (The GQ-ish Campbell also possessed a solid, warm-ashoney singing voice.)
In time, he became a Capitol Records hitmaker and a TV celebrity with “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.”
But as the years rolled on, he gradually lost his luster. His TV show was canceled, and his name slipped off the Top 40 radio playlists.
One day in 1974, while driving in Los Angeles, Glen tuned into a country-music station and first heard the song that would change his
life. “Rhinestone Cowboy” was by a New York singer/ songwriter named Larry Weiss, who was striving for stardom with his original tune. While nothing in Weiss’s song was anything Campbell could relate to — he had never been a struggling Big Apple country hopeful — Glen loved Larry’s creation.
To Campbell, “Rhinestone Cowboy” had the potential to herald a comeback, perhaps even become his signature song, if it ever became a hit cover version under his name.
He bought a cassette of Weiss’s album “Black and White Suite” and carried it with him during a three-week Australian tour. He claimed later that he listened to “Rhinestone Cowboy” so often that, by the time he returned to the States, he could whistle the tune backwards.
Once home, Campbell rushed into the office of Capitol Records executive Al Coury to tell him of the “discovery” he had made. But before he could tell Coury about Weiss’s creation, Al told Glen that he first wanted him to hear a tune that Coury felt had great possibility for the fading superstar.
Movie Preview: “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey”
BY RANDAL C. HILL
“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” is an offbeat romance (with a heavy emphasis on “offbeat”) about two people who are whisked away from everyday reality and embark on an unplanned—and life-changing—trip. The feature stars Margo Robbie, fresh from “Barbie,” the $1.4 billion blockbuster hit from 2022 that earned eight Oscar nominations. Colin Farrell, her costar, appeared recently in “The Penguin,” the smash HBO series in which he transforms into Batman’s notorious nemesis.
“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” was directed by Kogonada, the Seoul-born but America-raised creative guide who was more than ready for this project: “I’m a big fan of comedy and romance, but I wanted it in a kind of original content,” he says. The script was written by Seth Reiss (“The Menu”), and Kogonada was blown away when it landed on his desk for consideration.
As the story unfolds, two strangers, unlike in every way, are drawn together by influences beyond their understanding. Sarah, a free-spirited artist who’s fleeing a torturous past, meets David, a reserved history buff who’s
quietly searching for life’s meaning. The couple eventually find themselves on an extraordinary expedition — one that will challenge their beliefs, test their souls, and unlock secrets buried deep within time itself. As they travel across wondrous landscapes and encounter mysterious forces, the pair must confront their fears as they embrace the unknown. Every choice they make carries weight, and every step they take brings them closer to a truth that neither had expected.
Kogonada says this film is really about reckoning with one’s past in order to find the possibility of love in the present. “I think as you get older, you realize your past has everything to do with how you understand love in the present,” he says. “We’re all longing for connection and understanding. It’s always something that we are searching for.”
Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Lily Rabe fill out the solid supporting cast that guides audiences on this enchanting passage.
Heartfelt, mesmerizing and emotionally lush, “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” is an unforgettable fable of love, destiny, and the taking advantage of second chances. The film opens nationwide September 19.
Armchair Adventures: Diamond of the Sierra Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Just say the words “Lake Tahoe” and friends light up with excitement. This dazzling gem, straddling California and Nevada, shimmers like a diamond at sunrise. For us, the perfect reason for visiting came when my grandson Keenan announced his wedding.
ON THE LAKE
By Evelyn Kelly, PhD
We stayed at Mourletos Lakeside Resort, a charming lodge with windows framing the lake. Initially built in 1942, it was purchased by the Mourletos family in 1978 and rebuilt after a fire in 1994. While remodeled, it still carries quirks—like its old-fashioned pulley elevator, open on the sides and jittering with every floor. Riding it felt like a blend of history and a carnival ride. I braved it once.
Lake Tahoe itself blends crystal-clear waters, mountain peaks, and the warmth of small-town life.
CALIFORNIA—HERE WE COME
Breakfast at Rosie’s Café in Tahoe City started our explorations. A nostalgic diner filled with skis, sleds, and Western gear, Rosie’s has been a community hub for over 40 years. Our server shared how COVID forced her to leave Tahoe after decades, moving to Reno when businesses shuttered in 2020.
From there, we followed the California shoreline to Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the Sierra Nevada. Waterfalls tumbled, and Vikingsholm Castle stood proudly on the shore, though closed for winter. A gondola ride at Heavenly Village tempted us, but biting winds sent us back toward Tahoe City.
PENNY BEAR IN TAHOE CITY
In town, we stumbled upon a whimsical treasure: a 12-foot bear sculpture covered in 200,000 pennies, each coin catching the light like fur. Nearby, her cubs gleamed in copper while across the street, another bear—this one wooden—peered into a second-story window. Tahoe loves its playful touches.
THE NEVADA SIDE
Crossing into Nevada, the scenery shifted. Casinos sparkled among the trees, in contrast to the lake’s natural beauty. Kayakers paddled
in icy water, and a few daring swimmers—perhaps Polar Bear Club members—splashed about.
Incline Village drew us next, famous for sky-high real estate prices. We went searching for traces of the beloved TV series “Bonanza.” The Ponderosa Ranch is now closed, but we laughed over a restaurant menu featuring the “Hoss Burger” and “Bonanza Burger.”
TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND: THE WEDDING
The highlight, of course, was Keenan and Holley’s wedding at King’s Beach. We Florida Kellys had packed snow coats, but they weren’t needed. The day was bright, calm, and warm. The lake mirrored the peaks in polished perfection—a breathtaking backdrop for vows of love.
FAREWELL, LAKE TAHOE
Our final morning brought one last gathering. A brunch priced at $89 a plate proved too steep for some, but hugs and laughter were priceless. With hearts full and memories made, we said farewell to this mountain jewel.
SMART TIP
Lake Tahoe is a treasure of the American West—majestic, vibrant, and unforgettable. If it’s not already on your travel list, add it now. You won’t be disappointed.
Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are authors of the award-winning book, “Have a Love Affair with Travel” Available on Amazon
45. Portent
46. Stirs
48. Raised
49. Talk wildly
50. Permanent place
53. Fixed stance
54. Govt. envoy’s title
Fill in the answers and win great prizes! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win.
57. Holds dear
60. Less frequently seen
62. Small islands
63. down; wrecked
64. Strike
Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number and email to: Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583
65. Rope fiber
66. Sight sites
67. Down source
puzzle
SEPTEMBER cROSSWORD
LAST MONTH'S WINNER:
Charles Savio –Sun City
Fall into the Gap
All of us encounter various kinds of gaps in our lives in addition to the clothing store chain of the same name.
There are “generation gaps” like The Gap Band and Cumberland Gap in the Appalachians. I also have gaps in my teeth, fortunately not visible when I smile - Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to eat ice cubes.
In the movie “Dumb and Dumber,” Jim Carrey was gap-toothed, which made him look, well...dumb.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
And yet, in the case of gap-toothed women, some find a certain attractiveness in their appearance. I stand guilty as charged. Case in point: Dakota Johnson. Undeniably beautiful, however the signature gap between her front teeth has closed. She explained that the gap closed on its own after her orthodontist removed a permanent retainer which was glued to the back of her teeth to address neck problems. The removal caused her teeth to shift, thus closing the gap.
In 1987, Tampa film maker Les Blank produced a 31-minute film entitled “Gap-Toothed Women” in which interviews were conducted with over 100 such women, including model Lauren Hutton and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Speaking of Lauren Hutton, she was a supermodel long before Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista. She adamantly refused to have the gap in her two front teeth repaired. Her beauty and her success certainly were not hampered by this “imperfection.”
(As a side note, Hutton lived in Tampa and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1961 and then became one of the first students to attend the University of South Florida. After one year, she dropped out to pursue a modeling career in New York City. Though she was initially dismissed by agents over her signature gap, she signed a contract with Revlon in 1973, which at that time was the biggest contract in the history of the modeling industry.)
By the way, it was in Chamberlain High School’s swimming pool that I was baptized in 1972. I’m sure Lauren would be impressed by this fact. I’m still waiting to hear from here.
As a temporary “child model” Michael once promoted a J.C. Penney White Sale by sitting in front of the store dressed as a penguin. (That’s another story). You can ask him about it at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.
BOOK REVIEW by Kathy A. Megyeri
“The Unexpected Journey, Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path” by Emma Heming Willis
Emma Heming Willis is a model, wife, mother of two, stepmother of three, founder of a vegan skin care company, and the wife of actor Bruce Willis. On September 9, she will release her first book...one caregiver’s look at what she calls an “invisible job.”
In the book, Emma discusses the role of caregivers, some common misconceptions, and her own experience caring for her husband Bruce, who has frontotemporal dementia and is no longer verbal. She includes a support guide, because women, who bear most of the responsibility, often feel guilty when they seek assistance. Many doctors focus on the patients and helping them secure their autonomy without recognizing that caregivers also face challenges. There must be more societal and financial support for caregivers, such as paid family leave and respite care (which is not covered by most private insurance plans, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage is limited). Caregiver “burnout” – physical, emotional and mental exhaustion for dedicating time and energy to manage the health and safety of someone else – requires resources like financial aid, meal assistance, and community support groups. This can reduce caregiver burnout, enhance the quality of care and ensure caregivers are not left isolated or overwhelmed.
How can others help? Don’t say, “Let me know what I can do.” Offer to run errands, help with household chores, provide emotional support, bring a meal, accompany the patient on an outing, or just ask how the caregiver is doing and listen.
Caregivers themselves have to recognize their own strengths and issues and openly ask for help or hire a part-time aide. They must set aside a few minutes each day for deep breathing exercises, take short breaks or seek help from trusted friends, and ensure that caregiving is a voluntary choice. A shift must be made from viewing caregiving solely as the caregiver’s burden but, instead, a responsibility that involves a larger caring community.
I am the caregiver to a spouse suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. I am taking steps. We moved into a continuing care facility, so I have a much-needed support system. I welcome Emma Willis’s assertion that caregivers need care themselves, and the common misconception that they’ve got it all figured out, they’re all good, and they’ve got it all covered. Willis says, “Having resources and information readily available is imperative. I know between my experience and other care partners that I have spoken to whose stories are unfortunately similar.”
Willis says she’s written the book she wishes she had had, a guide to navigating the experience with the latest research and insights from the world’s top caregiving experts that include getting a specific diagnosis, taking care of yourself, approaching the caregiving journey and reframing it, and coping with conflicting emotions. If Emma Heming Willis is in my corner as an advocate for more care for caregivers, there’s a fighter on my side. She writes, “It’s not an easy path for you or your loved ones, but I’m here to let you know that you are not alone, and in time, you will be okay.”
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.
Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.
Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. 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.
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 much 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, telephone number and email to:
Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583
WINNER: Deborah Ashley –Enon
Trivia Palooza
Lights, Camera, Action Trivia
What late-September day did famous jazz trumpeter Miles Davis die?
On what day did the city of Los Angeles remove the "land" from the Hollywoodland sign?
On Sept 17, 1965, the pilot episode for which spooky domestic sitcom first aired?
In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for this month. Circle each answer you find and list it in the space provided. Answers can be found in all directions–forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. An example is given to get you started.
Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number and email to:
Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583
LAST MONTH'S WINNER:
Fred Watson –Bradenton
In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in
THIS MONTHS' CATEGORY: CAR MODELS - PAST AND PRESENT
WORD
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?
Today's Category: U.
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?
Mail to: Lifestyles After 50, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL, 33583
Janet Clapton, Tampa was our August winner!
August Answers: Hobbs & Shaw, Wonder, Rosebud
Please enjoy playing our Crossword, Sudoku and Word Search Puzzles. The more puzzles you play & submit, the better chance you have to win!
FGCU and Babcock Ranch Celebrate Sustainability and Resiliency in Charlotte County
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Babcock Ranch are proud to announce $21.7 million in phase one funding to create a premier learning, research and outreach facility in Charlotte County.
The funding will support the construction of FGCU’s state-of-the-art, 125,000-square-foot facility that will house a new institute focused on sustainability and resiliency. Located in Babcock Ranch’s MidTown, this dynamic academic center will offer an immersive experience for the study of renewable energy, water management, mobility systems and sustainable building practices.
Among FGCU’s schools and colleges tied to this endeavor are:
• Water and environmental research through The Water School
• Agri-tech advancement through the Lutgert College of Business
• Advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) via Dendritic: A Human Centered AI and Data Sciences Institute
Ingredients:
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
Savory Tomato Cobbler
Adapted from a recipe by Kimberly Holland in Southern Living magazine
• Support for aging populations through the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging
• Expanded teacher training and student engagement through the College of Education and its work with Babcock Schools
“This investment underscores the strong partnership between FGCU and Babcock Ranch and our shared commitment to sustainability, education and meaningful community impact,” said FGCU President Aysegul Timur, Ph.D.
The new facility will also function as a global hub for collaboration by hosting events and conferences focused on sustainability and resilient community planning.
Florida Gulf Coast University encompasses 800 acres and emphasizes a university-wide commitment to sustainability and service-learning, with students having completed more than 5 million hours of service since the university opened in 1997. To learn more about FGCU, visit www.fgcu.edu.
• 1 lb. assorted grape tomatoes
• 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon corn starch
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
Method:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup yellow cornmeal
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• Half a stick of butter, cut into ¼” pieces
• ¾ cup shredded Swiss cheese
• Chopped fresh basil
• ¾ cup buttermilk
vinegar, corn starch, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Place the remaining (raw) grape tomatoes in a 9” x 9” baking dish. Spoon tomato onion mixture over tomatoes and gently stir to coat.
Sauté the onion in the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until tender.
Add chopped tomato, garlic and half of the grape tomatoes. Sauté 10 more minutes until tomatoes are softened. Remove from heat and stir in
Stir together flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles small peas. Stir in cheese, basil and buttermilk, stirring just until moistened. Dollop onto tomato mixture.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before serving.
Seniors getting Together
WOMEN SEEKING MEN
WOMEN SEEKING MEN
4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.
5635 SWF RETIRED, SECURE, 80YY – ISO trustworthy, honest man NS-ND. Enjoy quiet times, pleasant conversation, dining out, social gatherings and listening to music. I share piano music as a pianist. Friendly and fun. Sarasota area.
5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.
5640 82 YEARS OLD – Looking 40, feeling 30. Very active. Dance, exercise and travel. Seeking a younger man 45 to 65. Athletic fit and willing to take care of all my needs. Tampa
5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.
5643 SWCF. VERY LONELY. – ISO N/S man who can slow dance. I go to Elks, Moose and Eagles. I have a condo near Bay Pines. I’m 85 years old 5’6” tall and enjoys day trips. Leave a message. St Pete.
5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.
and cuddling on the sofa. Romantic. Friends first, maybe LTR. Send a photo and phone.
5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.
5664 THE QUEST – A woman seeking adventure & savoring the moments. SF. Creative, foodie, staying fit, nearing 60yy. If not now, when? SOH. Conversationalist, beach, museums. Dare I suggest dancing? Yes!
MEN SEEKING WOMEN
4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.
MEN SEEKING WOMEN
5655 RETIRED SWM NS ND – 5’7” 140 pounds. No pets seeking fun gal to share my home and life. Preferably retired. Pleasant, playful, passionate, practically perfect. Pretty, peaceful, quiet area. All answered with photo, phone number and description, please
5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!
5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.
seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.
Would luv to meet single lady, (race unimportant) to have a great time with. “Old skool” kind of guy. Riverview.
5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.
5661 – am a gentle soul with a medical background. Live in Tampa and own my own home. Very active. 6 feet tall 180 pounds. No beard. Non-smoker, social drinker. Educated in literature. Would like to hear from you. Cheers!
5665 – Wanted men and ladies who love to sing. No previous knowledge required. It’s fun for all ages. If you’re too busy to sing, you’re to busy. Venice Gondoliers Singers.
To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.
To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583
CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS:
5644 PLANT CITY WIDOW – A Plant City widow who misses her longtime husband and best friend. Searching for a white easy-going male in his 70s to meet and start a friendship with and perhaps lead to a longtime companion to share my life with. Plant City
5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.
5653 VENICE, JERSEY, TRUMP, UNVAXED – I value kindness, honest, smart. I like dogs, cars, and fish. 420 friendly – looking for a match for the last chapter. Let’s meet on 41. Healthy. Phone number and picture, please. Sarasota.
5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.
5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.
5654 PURPLE HEART WIDOW – Seeks a companion, not a new husband. Pretty and fun. Love, scuba, boating, real crime and travel, 420 friendly. Kind, smart, single. You could be happy. Picture and Phone, please. Venice.
5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.
5662 SWF – retired P looking for FF. Secure. Seeking SWM. Snowbird OK. I’m in Port Charlotte full-time. Hoping for a partner physically fit, dancing, restaurants, travel, cards, church, lover of holding hands. Sociable NS &ND. Enjoys holidays. Please send phone number and picture.
5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.
5663 SHF 64 – Looking for active male 60 to 73 NS. Likes to drive, beach, walk in parks. Watching TV
5622 HI – A VERY MATURE – W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA. Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.
5630 LOOKING FOR FEMALE
5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.
COMPANION – I’m 80, YY, SD, SM, LTR, FF, TLC. I like fishing, golf, going to the beach, spending time with family, watching TV, watching movies cuddling on sofa. Romantic. She should like the same, plus some of her own. Lehigh Acres
5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.
5638 HELLO. SWM SEEKING – petite relocatable gal to be my companion, best friend, life partner and lover. I’m secure, easy going, loving and romantic. NS, ND. 5’7” 150lbs. Share my life and home. Save that rent. Send photo and phone number please. No pets.
5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.
5624 SEARCHING FOR LTR – N/S. I enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Looking for someone to share it all with. Age and looks are not important. Will answer all. Palmetto
5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.
5642 SWM – Y 71 SOH, open-minded. ISO fun HWP F for ST LT. 33701, W, NS, ND. I'm fun, enjoy dancing, cuddling, affection. Outdoors, walking , holding hands, karaoke, romantic movies, much more. Not into sports.
5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.
5666 –Do you like the Elks, American Legion, movies, TV, shopping, kissing and holding hands? Great! Also, restaurants and HAPPY HOUR? I am a SWM, 5’6”, 175lb, 79yy, NS, ND, SOH with a black tabby cat and a nice condo. In search of a SWF or Asian fun loving, easy going, smiles, NS, Pinellas Park. Please be local. Thank you
Email: 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.
5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM
5648 SBM, 73 – Happy holidays! Enjoy Florida and all it has to offer.
Squash Fritters
Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, these zucchini fritters come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
AROUND TOWN
Ingredients:
• 3 medium or 2 large zucchinis, grated on the coarse side of a box grater (about 4 cups)
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
Directions:
Place grated zucchini in center of a clean dish towel and wring out any excess water.
In a large bowl, combine zucchini, onion, garlic, flour, egg, parsley, and salt.
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup oil for frying
In a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat, warm the oil. When the oil is shimmering, drop heaping scoops (about 1 Tablespoon each) of the fritter mixture into the skillet. Slightly flatten each fritter with the back of a spoon. The fritters will spread, so leave about 2” of space.
Cook until the first side is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove to paper towels on a wire cooling rack.
Serve immediately, refrigerating any leftovers.
Consider swapping yellow crook neck squash for the zucchini, adding your favorite herbs, or adding grated cheese.
SEPTEMBER 5: LARGO ART ASSOCIATION
Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Rd., Largo
SEPTEMBER 5-12: WIZARD OF OZ
Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 12: 2ND ANNUAL ART WALK
Grand Central District Association, 3135 1st Ave. N, Unit 15788, St. Petersburg
SEPTEMBER 13: ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT
Largo Community Center, 400 Alt. Keene Rd., Largo
SEPTEMBER 13: 3RD ANNUAL CRYOEEZEE 22 GALA
Kontos Event Center, 9426 Little Rd., New Port Richey
West Pasco Art Guild Inc., 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 19: BW 6TH ANNUAL NIGHT IN VEGAS
Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 19: GUTEN TAG!
Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 20: 5TH ANNUAL WALK FOR WHISKERS
John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Dunedin
SEPTEMBER 20: FREEBIRD – A LYNYRD SKYNYRD TRIBUTE
Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 25: CELEBRATE PINELLAS
Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo
SEPTEMBER 26: DRUNKEN SHRUBBERY
Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin
SEPTEMBER 26: OFFSHORE NATIONALS
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
SEPTEMBER 26: SANGRIA FESTIVAL
DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo
SEPTEMBER 27: THE FANCY FLEA GARDEN MARKET
Downtown, Main St., New Port Richey
SEPTEMBER 27: COREY SMITH
The Stockyard, 1916 US-19, Holiday
SEPTEMBER 30: 12TH ANNUAL WPBA BOWLING 4 BOOBS
Lane Glo Bowl South, 8631 Old County Rd. 54, New Port Richey
Bathroom Upgrade: A Functional Facelift
Bathrooms are among the most common spaces for home renovations, whether you’re updating outdated fixtures and decor or reimagining features to better suit your lifestyle. In a world where every dollar matters, transforming your bathroom into a personal haven that blends your style with functional purpose makes it a smart investment you’ll appreciate long after the renovation is complete.
For a renovation that not only represents a worthwhile investment for today and tomorrow but also delivers emotional ROI, consider these ideas from the experts at Bath Fitter, a leader in stress-free custom bath and shower remodels.
QUALITY
Courtesy of Family Features
Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom may be where quality materials and workmanship matter most. Because it’s a confined space that sees a great deal of moisture and humidity, it’s essential that you use quality materials that stand up to the task and enlist professionals who know how to incorporate effective measures to prevent mold, mildew and other waterrelated damage.
DURABILITY
Especially if you’re planning to be in your home well into the future, it’s a good idea to plan for durable features that can stand the test of time. Be sure to select premium materials and consider their durability and maintenance requirements. Some of the latest design options offered by Bath Fitter deliver the perfect blend of beauty and functionality, ensuring long-lasting durability. For example, the Lucca wall, a sophisticated textured and seamless Chevron tile pattern, offers the ideal combination of modern design and classic charm.
Another design-forward selection is the Sorrento wall, a large-scale 12-by-24 grout-free tile pattern featuring a textured design and a durable, easy-toclean surface. Unlike tiles and grout, these walls combine on-trend beauty and innovative materials so homeowners can enjoy their bathrooms rather than stress about maintenance. Perfect for minimalist designs and traditional bathrooms alike, Ovation is a sleek and stylish skirted tub. The full line of brushed gold accessories, from trim kits and shower rods to doors and grab bars, can add a sense of warmth to your space.
AGING IN PLACE
The wet and slippery surfaces in bathrooms can lead to injuries. While the risk can affect anyone at any age, bathroom safety is especially important for older adults with reduced mobility.
Planning ahead for your retirement years, or considering the needs of a future buyer, can help create a safe environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries. Some potential problems can be fixed with simple adjustments like rearranging the shelving, installing grab bars, adding seating or increasing lighting levels. In addition, a bathtub’s edge can be hard to navigate, but walk-in showers have a narrower edge, or can even be edge-less, making it easy for wheelchairs to roll in and out the shower.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
Another important consideration is how the installation process will be carried out in your home. Installing a beautiful tub or shower doesn’t have to be complicated. A custom solution designed to fit your space and requirements may be more attainable than you expect. For example, with an option like Bath Fitter, you can have a premium-quality tub installed right over your existing one so there’s no demolition or mess involved in the remodel whatsoever. It’s the perfect blend of beauty and functionality without the stress and disruption of a traditional bath or shower remodel.
Because a local expert is with you every step of the way – from dreaming up the concept and selecting finishes to measuring, manufacturing and installation – there are no surprises. The result is a tub or shower with a seamless, grout-free watertight wall system that’s easy to keep looking great for years to come. All backed by a transferable lifetime warranty to provide peace of mind.
SAFETY
A well-placed grab bar can mean the difference between a confident step and a dangerous slip in the bathroom for those aging in place, young children and everyone in between. Knowing where to place grab bars in the shower and around the tub creates a safer, more accessible space for everyone. Proper placement reduces the risk of falls and can bring added peace of mind and confidence to you and your family.
Professionals can guide you through selecting the best grab bars for your bathroom by considering the layout, your needs and design preferences, as well as ensuring your grab bars are installed at the correct height and securely anchored for maximum safety and convenience.
Discover more inspiration and design ideas to boost the long-term value and enjoyment of your bathroom renovation at bathfitter.com.
